| None | None | Performance of the ALICE VZERO system | Abbas E., Abelev B., Adam J., Adamová D., Adare A.M., Aggarwal M.M., Aglieri Rinella G., Agnello M., Agocs A.G., Agostinelli A., Ahammed Z., Ahmad N., Ahmad Masoodi A., Ahmed I., Ahn S.A., Ahn S.U., Aimo I., Ajaz M., Akindinov A., Aleksandrov D., Alessand | 2013 | Journal of Instrumentation | 8 | 10 | 10.1088/1748-0221/8/10/P10016 | Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), Cairo, Egypt; A. I. Alikhanyan National Science Laboratory (Yerevan Physics Institute) Foundation, Yerevan, Armenia; Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico; Bogolyubov Institute for Theoretical Physics, Kiev, Ukraine; Bose Institute, Department of Physics, Centre for Astroparticle Physics and Space Science (CAPSS), Kolkata, India; Budker Institute for Nuclear Physics, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States; Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China; Centre de Calcul de lIN2P3, Villeurbanne, France; Centro de Aplicaciones Tecnológicas y Desarrollo Nuclear (CEADEN), Havana, Cuba; Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV), Mexico City and Mérida, Mexico; Centro Fermi - Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche Enrico Fermi, Rome, Italy; Chicago State University, Chicago, United States; Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, IRFU, Saclay, France; COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Islamabad, Pakistan; Departamento de Fisica de Particulas, IGFAE, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India; Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Physics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Physics, Sejong University, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Trieste, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Cagliari, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica, Università La Sapienza and Sezione INFN, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Catania, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica E.R. Caianiello, Università and Gruppo Collegato INFN, Salerno, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Gruppo Collegato INFN, Alessandria, Italy; Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Division of Experimental High Energy Physics, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden; European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Fachhochschule Köln, Köln, Germany; Faculty of Engineering, Bergen University College, Bergen, Norway; Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovakia; Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, South Korea; Gauhati University, Department of Physics, Guwahati, India; Helsinki Institute of Physics (HIP), University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland; Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT), Mumbai, India; Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, (IITI), India; Institut de Physique Nucléaire d'Orsay (IPNO), Université Paris-Sud, CNRS-IN2P3, Orsay, France; Institute for High Energy Physics, Protvino, Russian Federation; Institute for Nuclear Research, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation; Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Institute for Subatomic Physics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics, Moscow, Russian Federation; Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, KoŠice, Slovakia; Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, India; Institute of Physics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic; Institute of Space Sciences (ISS), Bucharest, Romania; Institut für Informatik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Institut für Kernphysik, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany; Institut für Kernphysik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany; Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Instituto de Fisica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien (IPHC), Université de Strasbourg, CNRS-IN2P3, Strasbourg, France; Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR), Dubna, Russian Federation; Kirchhoff-Institut für Physik, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, Daejeon, South Korea; KTO Karatay University, Konya, Turkey; Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire (LPC), Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie (LPSC), Université Joseph Fourier, Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble, Grenoble, France; Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, INFN, Frascati, Italy; Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro, INFN, Legnaro, Italy; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States; Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States; Moscow Engineering Physics Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation; National Centre for Nuclear Studies, Warsaw, Poland; National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Bucharest, Romania; National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, India; Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Nuclear Physics Institute, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Řež u Prahy, Czech Republic; Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States; Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute, Gatchina, Russian Federation; Physics Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States; Physics Department, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India; Physics Department, University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Physics Department, University of Cape Town, National Research Foundation, Somerset West, South Africa; Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India; Physics Department, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India; Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy; Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States; Pusan National University, Pusan, South Korea; Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Rudjer BoŠković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia; Russian Federal Nuclear Center (VNIIEF), Sarov, Russian Federation; Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation; Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India; School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Sección Fisica, Departamento de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perü, Lima, Peru; Sezione INFN, Catania, Italy; Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy; Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Sezione INFN, Cagliari, Italy; Sezione INFN, Trieste, Italy; Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Sezione INFN, Rome, Italy; Nuclear Physics Group, STFC Daresbury Laboratory, Daresbury, United Kingdom; SUBATECH, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand; Technical University of Split FESB, Split, Croatia; Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany; Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland; University of Texas at Austin, Physics Department, Austin, TX, United States; Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Mexico; Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil; Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil; Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, IPN-Lyon, Villeurbanne, France; University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States; University of Technology, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria; University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States; University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, India; Vestfold University College, Tonsberg, Norway; V. Fock Institute for Physics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation; Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland; Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States; Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey; Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea; Zentrum für Technologietransfer und Telekommunikation (ZTT), Fachhochschule Worms, Worms, Germany; M.V.Lomonosov Moscow State University, D.V.Skobeltsyn Institute of Nuclear Physics, Moscow, Russian Federation; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Physics, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Belgrade, Serbia; Institute of Theoretical Physics, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland | Abbas, E., Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), Cairo, Egypt; Abelev, B., Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States; Adam, J., Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Adamová, D., Nuclear Physics Institute, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Řež u Prahy, Czech Republic; Adare, A.M., Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Aggarwal, M.M., Physics Department, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India; Aglieri Rinella, G., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland, Fachhochschule Köln, Köln, Germany; Agnello, M., Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy, Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Agocs, A.G., Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Agostinelli, A., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Ahammed, Z., Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, India; Ahmad, N., Department of Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India; Ahmad Masoodi, A., Department of Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India; Ahmed, I., COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Islamabad, Pakistan; Ahn, S.A., Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, Daejeon, South Korea; Ahn, S.U., Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, Daejeon, South Korea; Aimo, I., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy, Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Ajaz, M., COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Islamabad, Pakistan; Akindinov, A., Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics, Moscow, Russian Federation; Aleksandrov, D., Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation; Alessandro, B., Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Alexandre, D., School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Alfaro Molina, R., Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Alici, A., Centro Fermi - Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche Enrico Fermi, Rome, Italy, Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Alkin, A., Bogolyubov Institute for Theoretical Physics, Kiev, Ukraine; Almaráz Aviña, E., Instituto de Fisica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Alme, J., Faculty of Engineering, Bergen University College, Bergen, Norway; Alt, T., Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Altini, V., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Altinpinar, S., Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Altsybeev, I., V. Fock Institute for Physics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation; Andrei, C., National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Bucharest, Romania; Andronic, A., Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Anguelov, V., Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Anielski, J., Institut für Kernphysik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany; Anson, C., Department of Physics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Antičic, T., Rudjer BoŠković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia; Antinori, F., Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy; Antonioli, P., Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Aphecetche, L., SUBATECH, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Appelshauser, H., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Arbor, N., Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie (LPSC), Université Joseph Fourier, Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble, Grenoble, France; Arcelli, S., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Arend, A., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Armesto, N., Departamento de Fisica de Particulas, IGFAE, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Arnaldi, R., Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Aronsson, T., Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Arsene, I.C., Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Arslandok, M., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Asryan, A., V. Fock Institute for Physics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation; Augustinus, A., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Averbeck, R., Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Awes, T.C., Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States; Äystö, J., Helsinki Institute of Physics (HIP), University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland; Azmi, M.D., Department of Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India, Physics Department, University of Cape Town, National Research Foundation, Somerset West, South Africa; Bach, M., Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Badalà, A., Sezione INFN, Catania, Italy; Baek, Y.W., Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, South Korea, Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire (LPC), Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Bailhache, R., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Bala, R., Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India, Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Baldisseri, A., Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, IRFU, Saclay, France; Baltasar Dos Santos Pedrosa, F., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Bán, J., Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, KoŠice, Slovakia; Baral, R.C., Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, India; Barbera, R., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Catania, Italy; Barile, F., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Barnaföldi, G.G., Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Barnby, L.S., School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Barret, V., Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire (LPC), Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Bartke, J., Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland; Basile, M., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Bastid, N., Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire (LPC), Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Basu, S., Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, India; Bathen, B., Institut für Kernphysik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany; Batigne, G., SUBATECH, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Batyunya, B., Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR), Dubna, Russian Federation; Batzing, P.C., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Baumann, C., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Bearden, I.G., Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Beck, H., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Behera, N.K., Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT), Mumbai, India; Belikov, I., Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien (IPHC), Université de Strasbourg, CNRS-IN2P3, Strasbourg, France; Bellini, F., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Bellwied, R., University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States; Belmont-Moreno, E., Instituto de Fisica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Bencedi, G., Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Beole, S., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Berceanu, I., National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Bucharest, Romania; Bercuci, A., National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Bucharest, Romania; Berdnikov, Y., Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute, Gatchina, Russian Federation; Berenyi, D., Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Bergognon, A.A.E., SUBATECH, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Bertens, R.A., Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Institute for Subatomic Physics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Berzano, D., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy, Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Betev, L., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Bhasin, A., Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India; Bhati, A.K., Physics Department, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India; Bhom, J., University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Bianchi, L., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Bianchi, N., Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, INFN, Frascati, Italy; Bianchin, C., Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Institute for Subatomic Physics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Bielčík, J., Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Bielčíková, J., Nuclear Physics Institute, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Řež u Prahy, Czech Republic; Bilandzic, A., Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Bjelogrlic, S., Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Institute for Subatomic Physics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Blanco, F., Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain; Blanco, F., University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States; Blau, D., Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation; Blume, C., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Boccioli, M., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Böttger, S., Institut für Informatik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Bogdanov, A., Moscow Engineering Physics Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation; Bøggild, H., Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Bogolyubsky, M., Institute for High Energy Physics, Protvino, Russian Federation; Boldizsár, L., Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Bombara, M., Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovakia; Book, J., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Borel, H., Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, IRFU, Saclay, France; Borissov, A., Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States; Bossu, F., Physics Department, University of Cape Town, National Research Foundation, Somerset West, South Africa; Botje, M., Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Botta, E., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Braidot, E., Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States; Braun-Munzinger, P., Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Bregant, M., SUBATECH, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Breitner, T., Institut für Informatik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Broker, T.A., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Browning, T.A., Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States; Broz, M., Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia; Brun, R., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Bruna, E., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy, Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Bruno, G.E., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Budnikov, D., Russian Federal Nuclear Center (VNIIEF), Sarov, Russian Federation; Buesching, H., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Bufalino, S., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy, Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Buncic, P., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Busch, O., Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Buthelezi, Z., Physics Department, University of Cape Town, National Research Foundation, Somerset West, South Africa; Caffarri, D., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy, Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy; Cai, X., Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China; Caines, H., Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Calvo Villar, E., Sección Fisica, Departamento de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perü, Lima, Peru; Camerini, P., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Trieste, Italy; Canoa Roman, V., Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV), Mexico City and Mérida, Mexico; Cara Romeo, G., Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Carena, W., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Carena, F., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Carlin Filho, N., Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil; Carminati, F., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Casanova Díaz, A., Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, INFN, Frascati, Italy; Castillo Castellanos, J., Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, IRFU, Saclay, France; Castillo Hernandez, J.F., Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Casula, E.A.R., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Cagliari, Italy; Catanescu, V., National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Bucharest, Romania; Cavicchioli, C., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Ceballos Sanchez, C., Centro de Aplicaciones Tecnológicas y Desarrollo Nuclear (CEADEN), Havana, Cuba; Cepila, J., Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Cerello, P., Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Chang, B., Helsinki Institute of Physics (HIP), University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland, Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Chapeland, S., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Charvet, J.L., Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, IRFU, Saclay, France; Chattopadhyay, S., Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, India; Chattopadhyay, S., Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India; Cherney, M., Physics Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States; Cheshkov, C., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, IPN-Lyon, Villeurbanne, France; Cheynis, B., Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, IPN-Lyon, Villeurbanne, France; Chibante Barroso, V., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Chinellato, D.D., University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States; Chochula, P., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Chojnacki, M., Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Choudhury, S., Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, India; Christakoglou, P., Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Christensen, C.H., Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Christiansen, P., Division of Experimental High Energy Physics, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden; Chujo, T., University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Chung, S.U., Pusan National University, Pusan, South Korea; Cicalo, C., Sezione INFN, Cagliari, Italy; Cifarelli, L., Centro Fermi - Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche Enrico Fermi, Rome, Italy, Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Cindolo, F., Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Cleymans, J., Physics Department, University of Cape Town, National Research Foundation, Somerset West, South Africa; Colamaria, F., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Colella, D., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Collu, A., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Cagliari, Italy; Conesa Balbastre, G., Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie (LPSC), Université Joseph Fourier, Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble, Grenoble, France; Conesa Del Valle, Z., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland, Institut de Physique Nucléaire d'Orsay (IPNO), Université Paris-Sud, CNRS-IN2P3, Orsay, France; Connors, M.E., Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Contin, G., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Trieste, Italy; Contreras, J.G., Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV), Mexico City and Mérida, Mexico; Cormier, T.M., Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States; Corrales Morales, Y., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Cortese, P., Dipartimento di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Gruppo Collegato INFN, Alessandria, Italy; Cortés Maldonado, I., Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico; Cosentino, M.R., Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States; Costa, F., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Cotallo, M.E., Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain; Crescio, E., Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV), Mexico City and Mérida, Mexico; Crochet, P., Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire (LPC), Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Cruz Alaniz, E., Instituto de Fisica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Cruz Albino, R., Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV), Mexico City and Mérida, Mexico; Cuautle, E., Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Cunqueiro, L., Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, INFN, Frascati, Italy; Dainese, A., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy, Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy; Dang, R., Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China; Danu, A., Institute of Space Sciences (ISS), Bucharest, Romania; Das, K., Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India; Das, I., Institut de Physique Nucléaire d'Orsay (IPNO), Université Paris-Sud, CNRS-IN2P3, Orsay, France; Das, S., Bose Institute, Department of Physics, Centre for Astroparticle Physics and Space Science (CAPSS), Kolkata, India; Das, D., Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India; Dash, S., Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT), Mumbai, India; Dash, A., Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil; De, S., Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, India; De Barros, G.O.V., Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil; De Caro, A., Centro Fermi - Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche Enrico Fermi, Rome, Italy, Dipartimento di Fisica E.R. Caianiello, Università and Gruppo Collegato INFN, Salerno, Italy; De Cataldo, G., Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; De Cuveland, J., Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; De Falco, A., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Cagliari, Italy; De Gruttola, D., Centro Fermi - Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche Enrico Fermi, Rome, Italy, Dipartimento di Fisica E.R. Caianiello, Università and Gruppo Collegato INFN, Salerno, Italy; Delagrange, H., SUBATECH, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Deloff, A., National Centre for Nuclear Studies, Warsaw, Poland; De Marco, N., Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Dénes, E., Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; De Pasquale, S., Dipartimento di Fisica E.R. Caianiello, Università and Gruppo Collegato INFN, Salerno, Italy; Deppman, A., Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil; D Erasmo, G., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; De Rooij, R., Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Institute for Subatomic Physics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Diaz Corchero, M.A., Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain; Di Bari, D., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Dietel, T., Institut für Kernphysik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany; Di Giglio, C., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Di Liberto, S., Sezione INFN, Rome, Italy; Di Mauro, A., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Di Nezza, P., Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, INFN, Frascati, Italy; Divià, R., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Djuvsland, Ø., Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Dobrin, A., Division of Experimental High Energy Physics, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden, Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Institute for Subatomic Physics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States; Dobrowolski, T., National Centre for Nuclear Studies, Warsaw, Poland; Dönigus, B., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany, Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Dordic, O., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Dubey, A.K., Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, India; Dubla, A., Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Institute for Subatomic Physics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Ducroux, L., Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, IPN-Lyon, Villeurbanne, France; Dupieux, P., Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire (LPC), Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Dutta Majumdar, A.K., Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India; Elia, D., Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Emschermann, D., Institut für Kernphysik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany; Engel, H., Institut für Informatik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Erazmus, B., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland, SUBATECH, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Erdal, H.A., Faculty of Engineering, Bergen University College, Bergen, Norway; Eschweiler, D., Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Espagnon, B., Institut de Physique Nucléaire d'Orsay (IPNO), Université Paris-Sud, CNRS-IN2P3, Orsay, France; Estienne, M., SUBATECH, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Esumi, S., University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Evans, D., School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Evdokimov, S., Institute for High Energy Physics, Protvino, Russian Federation; Eyyubova, G., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Fabris, D., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy, Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy; Faivre, J., Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie (LPSC), Université Joseph Fourier, Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble, Grenoble, France; Falchieri, D., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Fantoni, A., Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, INFN, Frascati, Italy; Fasel, M., Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Fehlker, D., Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Feldkamp, L., Institut für Kernphysik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany; Felea, D., Institute of Space Sciences (ISS), Bucharest, Romania; Feliciello, A., Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Fenton-Olsen, B., Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States; Feofilov, G., V. Fock Institute for Physics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation; Fernández Téllez, A., Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico; Ferretti, A., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Festanti, A., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy; Figiel, J., Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland; Figueredo, M.A.S., Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil; Filchagin, S., Russian Federal Nuclear Center (VNIIEF), Sarov, Russian Federation; Finogeev, D., Institute for Nuclear Research, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation; Fionda, F.M., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Fiore, E.M., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Floratos, E., Physics Department, University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Floris, M., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Foertsch, S., Physics Department, University of Cape Town, National Research Foundation, Somerset West, South Africa; Foka, P., Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Fokin, S., Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation; Fragiacomo, E., Sezione INFN, Trieste, Italy; Francescon, A., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy, European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Frankenfeld, U., Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Fuchs, U., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Furget, C., Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie (LPSC), Université Joseph Fourier, Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble, Grenoble, France; Fusco Girard, M., Dipartimento di Fisica E.R. Caianiello, Università and Gruppo Collegato INFN, Salerno, Italy; Gaardhøje, J.J., Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Gagliardi, M., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Gago, A., Sección Fisica, Departamento de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perü, Lima, Peru; Gallio, M., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Gangadharan, D.R., Department of Physics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Ganoti, P., Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States; Garabatos, C., Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Garcia-Solis, E., Chicago State University, Chicago, United States; Gargiulo, C., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Garishvili, I., Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States; Gerhard, J., Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Germain, M., SUBATECH, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Geuna, C., Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, IRFU, Saclay, France; Gheata, M., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland, Institute of Space Sciences (ISS), Bucharest, Romania; Gheata, A., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Ghidini, B., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Ghosh, P., Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, India; Gianotti, P., Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, INFN, Frascati, Italy; Giubellino, P., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Gladysz-Dziadus, E., Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland; Glassel, P., Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Gomez, R., Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV), Mexico City and Mérida, Mexico, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Mexico; Ferreiro, E.G., Departamento de Fisica de Particulas, IGFAE, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; González-Trueba, L.H., Instituto de Fisica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; González-Zamora, P., Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain; Gorbunov, S., Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Goswami, A., Physics Department, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India; Gotovac, S., Technical University of Split FESB, Split, Croatia; Grabski, V., Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Graczykowski, L.K., Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland; Grajcarek, R., Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Grelli, A., Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Institute for Subatomic Physics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Grigoras, C., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Grigoras, A., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Grigoriev, V., Moscow Engineering Physics Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation; Grigoryan, A., A. I. Alikhanyan National Science Laboratory (Yerevan Physics Institute) Foundation, Yerevan, Armenia; Grigoryan, S., Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR), Dubna, Russian Federation; Grinyov, B., Bogolyubov Institute for Theoretical Physics, Kiev, Ukraine; Grion, N., Sezione INFN, Trieste, Italy; Gros, P., Division of Experimental High Energy Physics, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden; Grosse-Oetringhaus, J.F., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Grossiord, J.-Y., Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, IPN-Lyon, Villeurbanne, France; Grosso, R., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Guber, F., Institute for Nuclear Research, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation; Guernane, R., Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie (LPSC), Université Joseph Fourier, Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble, Grenoble, France; Guerzoni, B., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Guilbaud, M., Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, IPN-Lyon, Villeurbanne, France; Gulbrandsen, K., Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Gulkanyan, H., A. I. Alikhanyan National Science Laboratory (Yerevan Physics Institute) Foundation, Yerevan, Armenia; Gunji, T., University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Gupta, A., Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India; Gupta, R., Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India; Haake, R., Institut für Kernphysik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany; Haaland, Ø., Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Hadjidakis, C., Institut de Physique Nucléaire d'Orsay (IPNO), Université Paris-Sud, CNRS-IN2P3, Orsay, France; Haiduc, M., Institute of Space Sciences (ISS), Bucharest, Romania; Hamagaki, H., University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Hamar, G., Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Han, B.H., Department of Physics, Sejong University, Seoul, South Korea; Hanratty, L.D., School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Hansen, A., Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Harmanová-Tothová, Z., Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik | None | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000271954100013 | A Critical Analysis of the Social and Economic Impact of Asian Diaspora in Kenya | Afolabi, N,Akala, Winston Jumba,Falola, T,Kiruthu, Felix,Ogino, Francis | 2007 | TRANS-ATLANTIC MIGRATION: THE PARADOXES OF EXILE | None | None | None | Catholic University of Eastern Africa, University of Nairobi | "Akala, Winston Jumba: Catholic University of Eastern Africa","Kiruthu, Felix: University of Nairobi","Ogino, Francis: University of Nairobi" | None | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000303591700010 | Capitalizing on the Characteristics of mHealth to Evaluate Its Impact | Burbach, Ryan,Cole-Lewis, Heather,Cosmaciuc, Roxana,Dusabe, Schadrack,Kanter, Andrew S.,Kaonga, Nadi Nina,Mechael, Patricia,Namakula, Patricia,Nemser, Bennett,Ohemeng-Dapaah, Seth,Shemsanga, Muhadili | 2012 | JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION | 18 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1080/10810730.2012.679848 | Columbia University, Millennium Dev Goal Ctr W Africa, Millennium Villages Project | "Burbach, Ryan: Columbia University","Cole-Lewis, Heather: Columbia University","Cosmaciuc, Roxana: Columbia University","Kanter, Andrew S.: Columbia University","Kaonga, Nadi Nina: Columbia University","Mechael, Patricia: Columbia University","Nemser, Bennett: Columbia University", | None | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000309891600011 | Evaluation of scaling-up should take into account financial access Comment on: Evaluating the scale-up for maternal and child survival: a common framework | Assefa, Yibeltal,Bermejo, Raoul,Hercot, David,Van Damme, Wim | 2012 | INTERNATIONAL HEALTH | 4 | 1 | 10.1016/j.inhe.2011.11.002 | Fed HIV AIDS Prevent & Control Off, Inst Trop Med | None | None | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000304090900002 | The Jamaican Historical Experience of the Impact of Educational Interventions on Sickle Cell Disease Child Mortality | Amendah, Djesika,Atrash, Hani K.,Grosse, Scott D.,Odame, Isaac,Piel, Frederic B.,Williams, Thomas N. | 2012 | AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE | 42 | 6 | 10.1016/j.amepre.2012.03.005 | Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), University College London, University of London, University of Oxford, University of Toronto, African Populat & Hlth Res Ctr, CDC, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, INDEPTH Network Demog Surveillance Sites, KEMRI Ctr Geog Med Res Coast | "Odame, Isaac: Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust","Odame, Isaac: Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)","Odame, Isaac: University College London","Odame, Isaac: University of London","Odame, Isaac: University of Toronto","Piel, Frederic B.: University of Oxford", | None | ,COHORT,LESSONS,SURVIVAL | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000303523600010 | Gender Impacts of Agricultural Liberalization: Evidence from Ghana | Ackah, Charles,BUSSOLO, M,DeHoyos, RE,Lay, Jann | 2009 | GENDER ASPECTS OF THE TRADE AND POVERTY NEXUS: A MACRO-MICRO APPROACH | None | None | None | University of Ghana, Kiel Inst World Econ | "Ackah, Charles: University of Ghana", | None | ,EXPENDITURE,"MENS CROPS",PATTERNS,TRANSITION,"WOMENS CROPS" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000288998900005 | Community resource centres in Mtwara, Lindi and Ruvuma regions in Tanzania: an evaluation of their development needs, usefulness, and the way forward | Charbonneau, DH,Mcharazo, Alli A. S. | 2008 | GLOBAL INFORMATION INEQUALITIES: BRIDGING THE INFORMATION GAP | None | None | None | Muhimbili Univ Hlth & Allied Sci | None | None | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000331390500014 | Monitoring and Evaluation of African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD): An Exemplar of Managing for Impact in Development Evaluation | Brandon, Paul R.,Noordeloos, Marco,Ofir, Zenda,Smith, Nick L. | 2014 | AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EVALUATION | 35 | 1 | 10.1177/1098214013509876 | Stellenbosch University, Syracuse University, University of Hawaii Manoa, University of Hawaii System, African Women Agr Res & Dev | "Brandon, Paul R.: University of Hawaii Manoa","Brandon, Paul R.: University of Hawaii System","Ofir, Zenda: Stellenbosch University","Smith, Nick L.: Syracuse University", | None | Africa,"development evaluation","monitoring and evaluation","theory of change","WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000300690500019 | The World Bank's poverty and social impact analysis | Beddies, Sabine,Dani, Anis,Esteves, AM,Vanclay, F | 2011 | NEW DIRECTIONS IN SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT: CONCEPTUAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ADVANCES | None | None | None | The World Bank, EU, UN | "Dani, Anis: The World Bank", | None | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000301791400094 | The impact of microcredit programmes on survivalist women entrepreneurs in The Gambia and Senegal | Casier, Bart,Chant, S | 2010 | INTERNATIONAL HANDBOOK OF GENDER AND POVERTY: CONCEPTS, RESEARCH, POLICY | None | None | None | TRIAS Reg Off | None | None | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000302027500004 | Climate Change Impacts in the Developing World: Implications for Sustainable Development | Brainard, L,Jones, A,Nyong, Anthony,Purvis, N | 2009 | CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL POVERTY: A BILLION LIVES IN THE BALANCE | None | None | None | University of Jos, Int Dev Res Ctr | None | None | ,AFRICA,"HEALTH SECTOR",MODEL,RISK,VARIABILITY | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000289962900028 | A new approach to large-scale effectiveness evaluation | Curtis, Sian,Kunyanga, Edward,Pill, Charles,Spencer, John | 2011 | LANCET | 377 | 9774 | None | University of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, APHIA II Evaluat, MEASURE Evaluat | "Curtis, Sian: University of North Carolina","Curtis, Sian: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill","Spencer, John: University of North Carolina","Spencer, John: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill", | None | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000300690500004 | Looking beyond impact assessment to social sustainability | Aucamp, Ilse,Aucamp, San-Marie,Bron, Anita,Esteves, AM,Perold, Jan,Vanclay, F,Woodborne, Stephan | 2011 | NEW DIRECTIONS IN SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT: CONCEPTUAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ADVANCES | None | None | None | University of Pretoria, University of Witwatersrand, Environm Div Aurecon, Equispect Res & Consulting Serv, Ptersa Environm Management Consultants, SIA Working Grp | None | None | ,"ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000300690500018 | Conflict-sensitive impact assessment | Esteves, AM,Kapelus, Paul,Richards, Emily,Sherwin, Hope,Vanclay, F | 2011 | NEW DIRECTIONS IN SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT: CONCEPTUAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ADVANCES | None | None | None | University of Witwatersrand, African Inst Corp Citizenship, AICC, Buyani Trust, ClimateCare Trust, Natl Human Rights Commiss, Oxfam, Synergy Global Consulting, World Econ Forum | None | None | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845335195 | Effect of β-xylanase supplementation of boiled castor seed meal-based diets on the performance, nutrient absorbability and some blood constituents of pullet chicks | Babalola T.O.O., Apata D.F., Atteh J.O. | 2006 | Tropical Science | 46 | 4 | 10.1002/ts.181 | Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Babalola, T.O.O., Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Apata, D.F., Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Atteh, J.O., Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | β-xylanase addition improved apparent nitrogen and fibre absorption as well as feed transit time. Up to 150 g kg-1 boiled castor seed meal could be incorporated into pullet chick diets without any adverse effect on growth performance or blood constituents. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | β-xylanase; Blood constituents; Castor seed meal; Growth; Nutrient absorbability; Pullet chicks | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879869114 | β-lactam-synthon-interceded synthesis of isatin-imidazolidine-2-thione conjugates with structural validation using molecular dynamic simulations and cytotoxic evaluation | Nisha, Singh P., Hendricks D., Bisetty K., Kumar V. | 2013 | Synlett | 24 | 14 | 10.1055/s-0033-1339315 | Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India; Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, South Africa | Nisha, Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India; Singh, P., Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; Hendricks, D., Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Bisetty, K., Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; Kumar, V., Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India | β-Lactam-synthon-interceded synthesis of isatin-imidazolidine-2-thione conjugates was carried out via base-assisted intermolecular amidolysis of 3-isothiocyanato-2-azetidinones with C-5 substituted isatins. The observed enolization in the assigned structure of the conjugates was validated using molecular dynamic (MD) simulations performed under explicit solvent conditions. The synthesized scaffolds were also evaluated for their cytotoxic profiles against the oesophageal cancer cell line WHCO1. © Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York. | β-lactam synthon; cytotoxicity; imidazolidine-2-thione; intermolecular amidolysis; molecular dynamic simulations | 2 azetidinone derivative; 3 isothiocyanato 2 azetidinone derivative; beta lactam derivative; beta lapachone; cytotoxic agent; imidazolidine derivative; isatin derivative; isatin imidazolidine 2 thione conjugate; lapachol; solvent; unclassified drug; amidolysis; article; cancer cell; chemical reaction; conjugation; controlled study; drug cytotoxicity; drug structure; drug synthesis; enolization; IC 50; molecular dynamics | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874911480 | Synthesis, characterisation, docking analysis and biological evaluation of α,α′-bis(p-dimethylaminobenzylidene)-γ- methylcyclohexanone | Shalini S., Girija C.R., Karunakar P., Jotani M.M., Venugopala K.N., Venkatesha T.V. | 2013 | Indian Journal of Chemistry - Section B Organic and Medicinal Chemistry | 52 | 2 | None | Chemistry Research Centre, SSMRV Degree College, 4th 'T' Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore 560 041, India; Department of Biotechnology, PES Institute of Technology, BSK III Stage, Bangalore 560 085, India; Department of Physics, Bhavan's Sheth R. A. College of Science, Khanpur, Ahmedabad 380 001, India; Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4001, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, Jnana Sahyadri, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta 577 451, India | Shalini, S., Chemistry Research Centre, SSMRV Degree College, 4th 'T' Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore 560 041, India; Girija, C.R., Chemistry Research Centre, SSMRV Degree College, 4th 'T' Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore 560 041, India; Karunakar, P., Department of Biotechnology, PES Institute of Technology, BSK III Stage, Bangalore 560 085, India; Jotani, M.M., Department of Physics, Bhavan's Sheth R. A. College of Science, Khanpur, Ahmedabad 380 001, India; Venugopala, K.N., Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4001, South Africa; Venkatesha, T.V., Department of Chemistry, Jnana Sahyadri, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta 577 451, India | α,α′-bis(p-Dimethylaminobenzylidene)-γ- methylcyclohexanone (BMABMC) C25H30ON2, has been synthesised and characterised by elemental analysis, 1H and 13C NMR, mass spectroscopic techniques and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The single crystal XRD studies of the title compound reveals the presence of C-H⋯O intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions linking inversion-related molecules into a dimer forming a ring of graph set R2 2(22). The antibacterial activitiy of the compound has been screened in vitro against the organisms. To evaluate the inhibition of HIV-1 integrase activity, molecular docking was performed and the study reveals a hydrophobic interaction with the catalytic core residues showing moderate inhibitory activity on HIV-1 integrase. The semi-empirical quantum chemical calculations were also performed using MOPAC2009 (PM3) for optimization of the geometry and the chemical activity of molecule. HOMO-LUMO transition implied an electron density transfer from C-N and C-C bonds at the edge of the molecule towards C-O and C-C bonds linked to central distorted cyclohexanone ring. The HOMO-LUMO energy gap of 7.778 eV reflects the chemical activity of the molecule thereby resulting charge transfer interaction. | Antimicrobial activity; Crystal structure; Cyclohexanone derivatives; Molecular docking analysis; MOPAC calculations | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876371789 | Evaluation of oxine-type ligand coordination to zirconium (IV) | Steyn M., Visser H.G., Roodt A. | 2013 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 113 | 2 | None | Department of Chemistry, University of Free State, South Africa | Steyn, M., Department of Chemistry, University of Free State, South Africa; Visser, H.G., Department of Chemistry, University of Free State, South Africa; Roodt, A., Department of Chemistry, University of Free State, South Africa | [Zr(C9H6NO)4]·(HCON(CH 3)2)·(H2O), where (C9H 6NO) = 8-hydroxy quinoline (oxH), was synthesized and characterized. This tetrakiscoordinated zirconium complex crystallized in the triclinic crystal system (Pi, Z=2) along with water and N,N'-dimethylformamide (DMF) solvate in the asymmetric unit. The metal atom is surrounded by four N,O-donating bidentate ox-ligands that are arranged around the metal centre to give a square antiprismatic coordination polyhedron with a small distortion towards a dodecahedral geometry. Crystal packing is stabilized by intermolecular interactions of adjacent oxine ring systems in neighbouring molecules, as well as hydrogen bonding of the aqua and DMF solvate molecules, linking the molecular entities into a supramolecular three-dimensional network. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2013. | Quinolinato; Tetrakis coordination; Zirconium | Coordination polyhedra; Intermolecular interactions; Ligand coordination; Molecular entities; Quinolinato; Tetrakis; Three-dimensional networks; Zirconium complexes; Complex networks; Hydrogen bonds; Ligands; Molecules; Organic solvents; Zirconium; Zirconium compounds | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865455099 | Nutrient content and sensory evaluation of hawked and home-made Roselle (Zobo) drink | Davidson G.I. | 2011 | Journal of Home Economics Research | 15 | None | None | Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Davidson, G.I., Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Zobo (Roselle) drinks prepared by boiling and soaking methods were flavoured with pineapple juice and granulated sugar respectively. Hawked zobo drink was also purchased as consumed. All these samples were subjected to both chemical and sensory evaluation. The different zobo drinks contained appreciable amount of carbohydrate, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. Hawked zobo drink had lower nutrient content and organoleptic attributes than the home-made drinks. Among the home-made zobo drinks, pineapple flavoured was of more nutritional value than the sugar flavoured. Also, soaking method of preparation produced drinks of higher nutritional value than the boiling method. | Content; Nutrient; Sensory evaluation; Zobo | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920414663 | Enhanced performance and stability of high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell by incorporating zirconium hydrogen phosphate in catalyst layer | Barron O., Su H., Linkov V., Pollet B.G., Pasupathi S. | 2015 | Journal of Power Sources | 278 | None | 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2014.12.139 | HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, South Africa | Barron, O., HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, South Africa; Su, H., HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, South Africa; Linkov, V., HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, South Africa; Pollet, B.G., HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, South Africa; Pasupathi, S., HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, South Africa | Zirconium hydrogen phosphate (ZHP) together with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) polymer binder is incorporated into the catalyst layers (CLs) of ABPBI (poly(2,5-benzimidazole))-based high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFCs) to improve its performance and durability. The influence of ZHP content (normalised with respect to dry PTFE) on the CL properties are structurally characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry. Electrochemical analyses of the resultant membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) are performed by recording polarisation curves and impedance spectra at 160 °C, ambient pressure and humidity. The result show that a 30 wt.% ZHP/PTFE content in the CL is optimum for improving fuel cell performance, the resultant MEA delivers a peak power of 592 mW cm-2 at a cell voltage of 380 mV. Electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) indicate that 30% ZHP in the CL can increase the proton conductivity compared to the pristine PTFE-gas diffusion electrode (GDE). A short term stability test (∼500 h) on the 30 wt.% ZHP/PTFE-GDE shows a remarkable high durability with a degradation rate as low as ∼19 μV h-1 at 0.2 A cm-2, while 195 μV h-1 was obtained for the pristine GDE. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Catalyst layer; Gas diffusion electrode; High temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell; Membrane electrode assembly; Poly(2 5-benzimidazole); Zirconium hydrogen phosphate | Catalysts; Degradation; Diffusion in gases; Durability; Electrochemical electrodes; Electrodes; Fuel cells; Hydrogen; Membranes; Polyelectrolytes; Polymers; Polytetrafluoroethylenes; Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC); Scanning electron microscopy; Solid solutions; Zirconium; Catalyst layers; Gas diffusion electrodes; High temperature polymer electrolyte membranes; Membrane electrode assemblies; Poly(2 5-benzimidazole); Zirconium hydrogen phosphate; Solid electrolytes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052100135 | The impact of blood and seminal plasma zinc and copper concentrations on spermogram and hormonal changes in infertile Nigerian men | Akinloye O., Abbiyesuku F.M., Oguntibeju O.O., Arowojolu A.O., Truter E.J. | 2011 | Reproductive Biology | 11 | 2 | None | Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Oxidative Stress Research Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa; Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Akinloye, O., Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville 7535, South Africa, Oxidative Stress Research Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa; Abbiyesuku, F.M., Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Oguntibeju, O.O., Oxidative Stress Research Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa; Arowojolu, A.O., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Truter, E.J., Oxidative Stress Research Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa | Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations in sera and seminal plasma of 60 infertile males (40 oligozoospermic and 20 azoospermic) and 40 males with evidence of fertility (normozoospermic; controls) were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results were correlated with the subject's spermogram and hormonal levels in order to determine their relationship and significance in male infertility. The mean serum concentration of zinc was significantly (p<0.01) higher in oligozoospermic males when compared to azoospermic subjects and controls. The ratios of serum Zn to seminal plasma Zn were 1:1, 1:3 or 1:4 in oligozoospermic, normozoospermic or azoospermic subjects, respectively. While the mean Cu concentration was significantly higher in serum than seminal plasma in all groups, the Zn concentration was significantly (p<0.05) higher in seminal plasma than serum. The Cu/Zn ratio in seminal plasma was significantly (p<0.01) higher in controls compared with other groups. A significant (p<0.01) inverse correlation was observed between serum Zn and sperm counts. Similarly, seminal plasma Zn negatively correlated with spermatozoa viability. In conclusion, the measurement of serum Zn level, apart from being a good index of the assessment of prostatic secretion and function, may be considered a useful tool in addition to other parameters in assessing male infertility. Also, a lower Cu/Zn ratio in seminal plasma may serve as a supportive tools in assessing male infertility. | Copper; Hormones; Male infertility; Seminal plasma; Serum; Spermogram; Zinc | copper; zinc; adult; article; blood; chemistry; drug effect; human; male; male infertility; metabolism; middle aged; Nigeria; sperm; spermatogenesis; spermatozoon; spermatozoon count; Adult; Copper; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Semen; Sperm Count; Spermatogenesis; Spermatozoa; Young Adult; Zinc | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-48549089388 | Evaluating the impact of land redistribution: A CGE microsimulation application to Zimbabwe | Chitiga M., Mabugu R. | 2008 | Journal of African Economies | 17 | 4 | 10.1093/jae/ejm039 | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Financial and Fiscal Commission, Midrand, South Africa | Chitiga, M., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Mabugu, R., Financial and Fiscal Commission, Midrand, South Africa | Zimbabwe has recently gone through a widely criticised land reform process. The country has suffered immensely as a result of this badly orchestrated reform process. Yet land reform can potentially increase average incomes, improve income distribution and as a consequence reduce poverty. This paper presents a counterfactual picture of what could have happened had land reform been handled differently. The paper uses a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model coupled with a microsimulation model in order to quantify the impact of land redistribution in terms of poverty, inequality and production. This is to our knowledge the first attempt to apply such an approach to the study of the impact of land reform on poverty and distribution in the context of an African country. The results for the land reform simulations show that the reform could have had the potential of generating substantial reductions in poverty and inequality in the rural areas. The well-off households, however, would have seen a slight reduction in their welfare. What underpins these positive outcomes are the complementary adjustments in the fiscal deficit and external balance, elements that were generally lacking from the way Zimbabwe's land reform was actually executed. These results tend to suggest that well planned and executed land reforms can still play an important role in reducing poverty and inequality. © The author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Centre for the Study of African Economies. All rights reserved. | None | computable general equilibrium analysis; computer simulation; economic impact; fiscal reform; income distribution; land reform; land use planning; poverty; rural area; rural economy; Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883464939 | Modelling the impact of the 'fast track' land reform policy on Zimbabwe's maize sector | Kapuya T., Meyer F.H., Kirsten J.F. | 2013 | Development Southern Africa | 30 | 3 | 10.1080/0376835X.2013.797232 | Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Kapuya, T., Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Meyer, F.H., Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Kirsten, J.F., Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Zimbabwe has recently gone through a widely criticised land reform process that is argued to be the cause of subdued agricultural production. This paper attempts to present a counterfactual picture of the maize market in Zimbabwe had land reform been managed appropriately. The counterfactual is developed through a partial equilibrium framework in order to quantify the impact of the land reform programme. This, to our knowledge, is the first attempt at applying a partial equilibrium framework to an analysis of the impact of land reform. The results of the post-2000 land reform policy simulation showed that actual total maize output was lower than what could have been produced if it was under a pre-2000 land reform system. The study validates the assertion that land reforms contributed to the contraction of output. These results suggest the need for a well planned and executed land reform process, which can still play an important role in output growth and food security. © 2013 Copyright Development Bank of Southern Africa. | land reform policy; maize; partial equilibrium model; Zimbabwe | agricultural production; land reform; maize; modeling; policy approach; reform process; Zimbabwe; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748902768 | Zimbabwean mine dumps and their impacts on river water quality - a reconnaissance study | Meck M., Love D., Mapani B. | 2006 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 31 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2006.08.029 | Department of Geology, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe; WaterNet, P.O. Box MP600, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe; Geology Department, University of Namibia, P. Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia | Meck, M., Department of Geology, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe; Love, D., Department of Geology, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe, WaterNet, P.O. Box MP600, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe; Mapani, B., Geology Department, University of Namibia, P. Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia | Zimbabwe has a substantial number of mines and 67 minerals have been mined in the country since 1900 but at present only 30 different minerals are being mined. Exploitation of a variety of ores, in rocks of diverse composition, provides the potential for a range of pollution problems. The severity and extent of contamination differs with the type of minerals mined. This paper presents part of the results of a broad study, carried out across Zimbabwe, which assessed the potential of different mine tailings dumps to cause environmental problems. The dumps considered in the study were divided into six dump types, namely: gold-mine dumps, base-metal mine dumps (dumps associated with the mining of nickel, zinc, copper and lead), minor-metals mine dumps (dumps associated with mining of antimony, arsenic, and selenium), platinum-group metal mine dumps, chromite and asbestos mine dumps, and sulphur (pyrite) mine dumps. The elemental chemistry of the dumps and physical characteristics (pH, total dissolved solids) of the dumps, tailings' leachates, and stream waters around the dumps were used to assess the potential of the dumps to pollute water bodies. Samples were collected in both the dry and wet seasons. The dispersion and pollution patterns were derived from Eh-pH conditions around the dumps after considering the mobility of the elements present in these dumps under different Eh-pH conditions. In this paper potential to pollute is considered as the likelihood of the elements to disperse under the prevailing conditions at the dump. The concentrations of elements, type of elements and the potential dispersion and pollution patterns from each dump were used to characterise potential risk of water pollution associated with the different dump types. The results showed a slight increase in concentrations of most elements studied in downstream waters compared to upstream waters. The dump conditions varied from acidic to alkaline, and so the elements studied have different mobilities in different dumps. The elements that pose environmental risks differed from one dump type to another thus different dumps have different potentials to pollute the water bodies. From the study it emerged that the minor metals dumps show the worst pollution risk, followed by base metal dumps, gold-mine dumps, platinum group metals mine dumps, chromite asbestos mine dumps and sulphur mine dumps. The pH values of 79% of the waters sampled in streams both before and after the dumps were neutral, though the pH values of the leachates themselves was frequently very acidic (pH < 4). The low pH levels in leachate are associated with elevated metal and metalloid concentrations in the leachate and in adjacent streams. From this study, a decrease in stream water pH is only expected when there is severe contamination. However, most streams were sampled near the dumps, and results from such samples would not represent entire stream profiles. The general trend from the results is that pH increases downstream as the leachate and run-off from a dump are diluted. Although concentrations of elements are affected the pH for streams did not show significant changes as near the dumps the overall pH of the stream water was not affected. The dumps rarely dry up, and leachate continues to seep from dumps throughout the year, suggesting that AMD is a continuous process. © 2006. | Environmental geochemistry; Mine drainage; Mine dumps; Waste management; Water pollution; Water quality | Contamination; Environmental impact; Mining; Precious metals; Rivers; Waste management; Water pollution; Water quality; Environmental geochemistry; Gold-mine dumps; Platinum group metals mine dumps; River water quality; Water analysis; environmental impact; environmental impact assessment; mine drainage; mine waste; pollution effect; river water; tailings dam; waste management; water pollution; water quality; Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875240382 | The impact of ICT in learning through distance education programmes at Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU): Roles of ict in learning through distance education programmes | Mpofu J., Chimhenga S., Mafa O. | 2013 | Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education | 14 | 1 | None | Department of Languages and Media Studies, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe; Centre for Student Management, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe; Department of Education, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe | Mpofu, J., Department of Languages and Media Studies, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe; Chimhenga, S., Centre for Student Management, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe; Mafa, O., Department of Education, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe | Zimbabwe Distance Open University is enrols students from both urban and rural settings. The majority of students living and working in rural areas have limited or no access to computers and electricity as a result the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the learning process is very limited. Though government has realized the importance of developing ICT for learning purposes, in practice very little has materialized in the provision of the ICT technology especially in rural areas. The majority of Zimbabwe Open University students have expressed difficulties in coping with their studies partly due to lack of supplementary reading materials from internet. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-51449110309 | Influence of culm age, particle size and board density on the performance of particleboard made from Ethiopian highland bamboo (Yushania alpina) | Kelemwork S., Md. Tahir P., Wong E.D., Sudin R. | 2007 | Journal of Bamboo and Rattan | 6 | 42433 | None | Forest Products Utilization Research Centre, 2322 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Faculty of Forestry, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang Selangor, Malaysia; Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 52109 Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Kelemwork, S., Forest Products Utilization Research Centre, 2322 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Md. Tahir, P., Faculty of Forestry, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang Selangor, Malaysia; Wong, E.D., Faculty of Forestry, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang Selangor, Malaysia; Sudin, R., Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 52109 Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Yushania alpina, one of the most widespread bamboo species in Ethiopia, was investigated for its suitability as a raw material for particleboard production. A total of 105 culms from three different age groups (1-, 2- and 3-year-old) were harvested from farmers' bamboo plantation in Ethiopia. Fine (0.5-1 mm) and coarse (1-2 mm) particle sizes from each age group were used for making single-layer particleboards at 600 and 750 kg/m3 board target density levels. Urea formaldehyde resin was used as a binder at the rate of 10 per cent of the oven dry weight of the particles. The particleboards produced were tested for mechanical properties and dimensional stability. Performance characteristics including bending strength (MOR), stiffness (MOE), internal bond (IB) strength, thickness swelling (TS) and water absorption (WA) were assessed. The results showed that culm age, particle size and board density significantly affected the internal bond strength, thickness swelling and water absorption properties, whereas culm age did not show significant effect on bending and stiffness properties. The results obtained in this study showed that 2-year-old culms can be successfully used as an alternative lignocellulosic raw material for the manufacture of general purpose particleboard, using relatively low resin content. © KFRI 2007. | Board density; Culm age; Dimensional stability; Particle size; Particleboard; Strength properties; Yushania alpina | Yushania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84914665086 | Exploitation of beneficial alleles from maize (Zea mays L.) landraces to enhance performance of an elite variety in water stress environments | Meseka S., Menkir A., Obeng-Antwi K. | 2015 | Euphytica | 201 | 1 | 10.1007/s10681-014-1214-1 | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, PMB 5320 Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria; Crops Research Institute, 3785, Kumasi, Ghana | Meseka, S., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, PMB 5320 Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria; Menkir, A., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, PMB 5320 Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria; Obeng-Antwi, K., Crops Research Institute, 3785, Kumasi, Ghana | Yield losses of maize due to drought stress (DS) in environments with limited rains can reach 100 %. Introgression of favorable alleles from diverse landraces into adapted elite varieties will improve performance, hence reducing losses. The objective of this study was to assess the performance of BC populations under DS and multiple locations (ML) after introgression of alleles from diverse maize landraces into an elite variety. Twelve backcross (BC1F2) populations together with their recurrent parent (TZLCOMP4C1) and a commercial hybrid (Oba Super1) were evaluated under DS, well watered (WW) conditions during the dry season, and in seven ML trials in Nigeria. Significant differences were observed among genotypes for all traits except for ear aspect score under DS conditions. Grain yield and most agronomic traits measured were highly significant (p < 0.001) under WW conditions and across ML trials. In DS, eight of the 12 BC1F2 populations had similar mean grain yield compared to their recurrent parent. Four of these populations produced 3–7 % more grains than the recurrent parent. Yield improvement was accompanied by reduced barrenness, days to flowering, plant height and ear placement, and good plant and ear aspect scores. The eight BC1F2 populations should be subjected to recurrent selection under controlled DS, while four other BC1F2 populations with low grain yields could be subjected to additional backcross to increase frequency of favorable alleles for improved performance in stress environments. The resulting improved populations can be invaluable source materials for developing drought tolerant varieties and parental lines of hybrids. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Backcross; Beneficial alleles; Drought stress; Introgression; Maize landrace | Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899657448 | Evaluation of fungicide application rates, spray schedules and alternative management options for rust and angular leaf spot of snap beans in Uganda | Paparu P., Katafiire M., Mcharo M., Ugen M. | 2014 | International Journal of Pest Management | 60 | 1 | 10.1080/09670874.2014.903445 | National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), P.O. Box 7084, Kampala, Uganda; Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern Central Africa (ASARECA), P.O. Box 765, Entebbe, Uganda | Paparu, P., National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), P.O. Box 7084, Kampala, Uganda; Katafiire, M., Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern Central Africa (ASARECA), P.O. Box 765, Entebbe, Uganda; Mcharo, M., Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern Central Africa (ASARECA), P.O. Box 765, Entebbe, Uganda; Ugen, M., National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), P.O. Box 7084, Kampala, Uganda | Yield losses due to rust and angular leaf spot (ALS) of snap beans may reach 100% in Eastern Africa. Where susceptible varieties are grown, farmers control these diseases with routine fungicide applications. To determine an optimum application rate and spray schedule for Orius® (tebuconazole 250 g/L), we sprayed 10 mL and 20 mL Orius® per 15 L spray water twice at two trifoliate leaf stage and 50% flowering, and three times at the same stages, with an additional application at pod initiation. In farmers' fields, we tested the effect of fungicide sprays, use of resistant variety, intercropping, increased plant spacing and farmyard manure on rust and ALS diseases. Application three times of 20 mL Orius® per 15 L spray water reduced rust severity scores by 5.7 and 2.4 in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Lowest rust and ALS severities were observed when a resistant variety, fungicide or farmyard manure was used. Pod yield increments due to disease management ranged between 13% and 242%. Prophylactic fungicide application, use of resistant varieties and farmyard manure can be used to reduce disease severity and improve snap bean quality on smallholder farms. © 2014 © 2014 Taylor & Francis. | common bean; disease management; green bean; Phaseolus vulgaris; Pseudocercospora griseola; snap bean | disease control; fungicide; leaf; manure; smallholder; spray; yield response; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78049454307 | Evaluation of yields of seven upland rice (Oryzae sativa) cultivars sown by three methods in Anyigba, Kogi state, Nigeria | Oyewole C.I., Ajayi O., Ojuekaiye R.O. | 2010 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 5 | 16 | None | Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Kogi State University, P. M. B. 1008, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria | Oyewole, C.I., Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Kogi State University, P. M. B. 1008, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria; Ajayi, O., Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Kogi State University, P. M. B. 1008, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria; Ojuekaiye, R.O., Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Kogi State University, P. M. B. 1008, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria | Yield is the characteristic by which a cultivar is commonly judge. A cultivar may be considered satisfactory only if it is able to produce a good yield in comparison to others at various times and in various situations. Trials were conducted in the rainy seasons of 2007 and 2008 at the Kogi State University Teaching and Research Farm (Longitude 07°061 N; 43°E), Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria to investigate the response of seven cultivars of upland (NERICA 1-7) rice sown by three sowing methods: broadcasting, dibbling and drilling. Treatments consisted of three sowing methods (drilling at 20 cm apart, dibbling at 20 × 20 cm and even broadcasting of seeds) of seven NERICA varieties. Results of statistical analysis revealed that crop establishment responded significantly to sowing method and cultivar. Significant influence of cultivar was also observed on final plant height and paddy yield. Significant interactions (sowing method × cultivar) were observed on establishment count and paddy yield/ha. The combined results of both seasons show that NERICA 5 gave the highest paddy yield. However, considering the individual years, the most consistent cultivar was NERICA 6. Thus, it is recommended for the experimental area. © 2010 Academic Journals. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896859112 | Evaluation of White yam (Dioscorea rotundata) genotypes for arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization, leaf nutrient concentrations and tuber yield under NPK fertilizer application | Dare M.O., Fagbola O., Abaidoo R.C., Asiedu R. | 2014 | Journal of Plant Nutrition | 37 | 5 | 10.1080/01904167.2013.867988 | Department of Soil Science and Land Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Dare, M.O., Department of Soil Science and Land Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria; Fagbola, O., Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Abaidoo, R.C., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria; Asiedu, R., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria | Yield decline in yam may not only be due to soil nutrient depletion but also to the activity of soil microflora. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis helps in plant nutrition but may be affected by the application of fertilizer. The effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizer rates on the AM colonization, leaf nutrient concentrations, and tuber yields of eleven genotypes of Dioscorea rotundata were investigated at Ibadan, Nigeria. The soil was ferric luvisol. Eleven genotypes were selected from the previously conducted screening of 75 genotypes of D. rotundata for fertilizer response. Four application rates: 0, 200, 400, and 600 kg ha-1 of NPK 15-15-15 were applied in a split plot design with four replications. Fertilizer rate was the main plot and variety was the sub plot. Percentage AM colonization was significantly reduced at 600 kg ha-1 but not at lower rates when compared to zero rate and it was negatively correlated with leaf N, P, and zinc (Zn) concentrations. Leaf N concentrations were significantly increased at 200 kg ha-1 in five genotypes and at 600 kg ha-1 in two genotypes compared to zero application. Leaf P and K concentrations were decreased with the application of fertilizer in most of the genotypes. The NPK fertilizer of 15-15-15 at the rate of 200-400 kg ha-1 gave yield response in eight genotypes of D. rotundata, with minimal or no effect on their AM colonization when compared to zero application. Long term study on the effect of fertilizer application on AM symbiosis in yam is recommended.© Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | arbuscular mycorrhiza; fertilizer; leaf nutrient concentrations; tuber yield; yam | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-48949090293 | Health impact optimization model for the Nigerian National Onchocerciasis Control Program (NOCP) | Inyama S.C., Ogbugh C.C. | 2007 | Modelling, Measurement and Control C | 68 | 02-Jan | None | Dept. of Mathematics and Computer Science, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Dept. of Mathematics and Statistics, Federal Polytechnics, Nekede, Owerri, Nigeria | Inyama, S.C., Dept. of Mathematics and Computer Science, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Ogbugh, C.C., Dept. of Mathematics and Statistics, Federal Polytechnics, Nekede, Owerri, Nigeria | Yearly, the National Onchocerciasis Control Programme (NOCP) commits its resources to the control/ eradication of Onchocerciasis, otherwise known as River blindness. This paper therefore aims at finding the optimal way of allocating this meager resources to achieve an optimum health impact. To achieve this, data was collected from Global 2000 River Blindness Programme, National Onchoocerciasis Control Programme and National Population Commission on the eight hyper-endemic Local Government areas of Imo State. A regression model of the health impact (Y) on the five facilities provided by NOCP (xi, i=1,2,3,4,5) was obtained as: Y=-39.6898932+0.0001377x1+0. 004225x2-0.635122x3+0.072234x4+1.94289x 5. The health impact (Y) is standardized and an optimization model constructed in linear programming form. This was solved using the simplex method which determines the resource combination that gives the maximum health impact. This yields a maximum health impact of 88.88% a year. | Global 2000; Health impact; Hyper-endemic; Onchocerciasis; Simplex method | Eye protection; Food processing; Population statistics; Regression analysis; River control; Control programs; Global 2000; Health impact; Health impacts; Hyper-endemic; Local Government Areas; Nigerian; Onchocerciasis; Optimization modeling; Regression modelling; Simplex method; Concurrency control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922341709 | Impact of Xpert MTB/RIF for TB Diagnosis in a Primary Care Clinic with High TB and HIV Prevalence in South Africa: A Pragmatic Randomised Trial | Cox H.S., Mbhele S., Mohess N., Whitelaw A., Muller O., Zemanay W., Little F., Azevedo V., Simpson J., Boehme C.C., Nicol M.P. | 2014 | PLoS Medicine | 11 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001760 | Division of Medical Microbiology and Institute for Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Médecins Sans Frontières, Khayelitsha, South Africa; Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Statistical Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Khayelitsha Health, City of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland | Cox, H.S., Division of Medical Microbiology and Institute for Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Médecins Sans Frontières, Khayelitsha, South Africa; Mbhele, S., Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Mohess, N., Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Whitelaw, A., Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Muller, O., Médecins Sans Frontières, Khayelitsha, South Africa; Zemanay, W., Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Little, F., Department of Statistical Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Azevedo, V., Khayelitsha Health, City of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Simpson, J., National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Boehme, C.C., Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland; Nicol, M.P., Division of Medical Microbiology and Institute for Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Xpert MTB/RIF is approved for use in tuberculosis (TB) and rifampicin-resistance diagnosis. However, data are limited on the impact of Xpert under routine conditions in settings with high TB burden. A pragmatic prospective cluster-randomised trial of Xpert for all individuals with presumptive (symptomatic) TB compared to the routine diagnostic algorithm of sputum microscopy and limited use of culture was conducted in a large TB/HIV primary care clinic. The primary outcome was the proportion of bacteriologically confirmed TB cases not initiating TB treatment by 3 mo after presentation. Secondary outcomes included time to TB treatment and mortality. Unblinded randomisation occurred on a weekly basis. Xpert and smear microscopy were performed on site. Analysis was both by intention to treat (ITT) and per protocol. Between 7 September 2010 and 28 October 2011, 1,985 participants were assigned to the Xpert (n = 982) and routine (n = 1,003) diagnostic algorithms (ITT analysis); 882 received Xpert and 1,063 routine (per protocol analysis). 13% (32/257) of individuals with bacteriologically confirmed TB (smear, culture, or Xpert) did not initiate treatment by 3 mo after presentation in the Xpert arm, compared to 25% (41/167) in the routine arm (ITT analysis, risk ratio 0.51, 95% CI 0.33–0.77, p = 0.0052). The yield of bacteriologically confirmed TB cases among patients with presumptive TB was 17% (167/1,003) with routine diagnosis and 26% (257/982) with Xpert diagnosis (ITT analysis, risk ratio 1.57, 95% CI 1.32–1.87, p<0.001). This difference in diagnosis rates resulted in a higher rate of treatment initiation in the Xpert arm: 23% (229/1,003) and 28% (277/982) in the routine and Xpert arms, respectively (ITT analysis, risk ratio 1.24, 95% CI 1.06–1.44, p = 0.013). Time to treatment initiation was improved overall (ITT analysis, hazard ratio 0.76, 95% CI 0.63–0.92, p = 0.005) and among HIV-infected participants (ITT analysis, hazard ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.53–0.85, p = 0.001). There was no difference in 6-mo mortality with Xpert versus routine diagnosis. Study limitations included incorrect intervention allocation for a high proportion of participants and that the study was conducted in a single clinic.These data suggest that in this routine primary care setting, use of Xpert to diagnose TB increased the number of individuals with bacteriologically confirmed TB who were treated by 3 mo and reduced time to treatment initiation, particularly among HIV-infected participants. © 2014 Cox et al. | None | rifampicin; tuberculostatic agent; adult; Article; controlled study; diagnostic test; female; follow up; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; intention to treat analysis; major clinical study; male; mortality; outcome assessment; prevalence; primary health care; prospective study; randomized controlled trial; South Africa; sputum cytodiagnosis; time to treatment; tuberculosis; Xpert MTB RIF test; adolescent; aged; antibiotic resistance; complication; genetics; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; microbiology; middle aged; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; outpatient department; primary health care; procedures; real time polymerase chain reaction; time to treatment; tuberculosis; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Antibiotics, Antitubercular; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Prevalence; Primary Health Care; Prospective Studies; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rifampin; South Africa; Time-to-Treatment; Tuberculosis; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant; Young Adult | CG2007_40200_009, EDCTP, European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership |
| None | None | Development of a lateral flow device for in-field detection and evaluation of PCR-based diagnostic methods for Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum, the causal agent of banana xanthomonas wilt | Hodgetts J., Karamura G., Johnson G., Hall J., Perkins K., Beed F., Nakato V., Grant M., Studholme D.J., Boonham N., Smith J. | 2015 | Plant Pathology | 64 | 3 | 10.1111/ppa.12289 | The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom; Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom; National Agricultural Research Laboratories, PO Box 7064, Kampala, Uganda; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture - Tanzania, PO Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture - Uganda, PO Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda | Hodgetts, J., The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom; Karamura, G., The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom, Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom, National Agricultural Research Laboratories, PO Box 7064, Kampala, Uganda; Johnson, G., The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom; Hall, J., The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom; Perkins, K., The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom; Beed, F., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture - Tanzania, PO Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Nakato, V., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture - Uganda, PO Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda; Grant, M., Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom; Studholme, D.J., Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom; Boonham, N., The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom; Smith, J., The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom | Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm) is the causal agent of banana xanthomonas wilt, a major threat to banana production in eastern and central Africa. The pathogen is present in very high levels within infected plants and can be transmitted by a broad range of mechanisms; therefore early specific detection is vital for effective disease management. In this study, a polyclonal antibody (pAb) was developed and deployed in a lateral flow device (LFD) format to allow rapid in-field detection of Xcm. Published Xcm PCR assays were also independently assessed: only two assays gave specific amplification of Xcm, whilst others cross-reacted with non-target Xanthomonas species. Pure cultures of Xcm were used to immunize a rabbit, the IgG antibodies purified from the serum and the resulting polyclonal antibodies tested using ELISA and LFD. Testing against a wide range of bacterial species showed the pAb detected all strains of Xcm, representing isolates from seven countries and the known genetic diversity of Xcm. The pAb also detected the closely related Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vasculorum (Xav), primarily a sugarcane pathogen. Detection was successful in both naturally and experimentally infected banana plants, and the LFD limit of detection was 105 cells mL-1. Whilst the pAb is not fully specific for Xcm, Xav has never been found in banana. Therefore the LFD can be used as a first-line screening tool to detect Xcm in the field. Testing by LFD requires no equipment, can be performed by non-scientists and is cost-effective. Therefore this LFD provides a vital tool to aid in the management and control of Xcm. © 2014 British Society for Plant Pathology. | Diagnostics; ELISA; LFD; Polyclonal antibody | antibody; bacterial disease; developmental biology; disease control; disease transmission; genetic differentiation; herb; host-pathogen interaction; polymerase chain reaction; Africa; Bacteria (microorganisms); Oryctolagus cuniculus; Xanthomonas; Xanthomonas axonopodis; Xanthomonas campestris | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949126110 | Comparative evaluation of wound healing effects of ocimum gratissimum, vernonia amygdaline and zingiber officinalis extracts on incision wound model in rats | Eyo J.E., Uzoibiam B.O., Ogbanya K.C., Nnaji T.O. | 2014 | Pharmacologyonline | 3 | None | None | Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria | Eyo, J.E., Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria; Uzoibiam, B.O., Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria; Ogbanya, K.C., Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria; Nnaji, T.O., Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria | Wound healing effects of Ocimum gratissimum, Vernonia amygdaline and Zingiber officinalis extracts were investigated using incisional wound model in rats. Twenty five (25) male Wistar albino rats, weighing between 100-150 grams were used for the study. They were divided into five groups of five rats each. Group A received the extract of Zingiber officinalis whereas groups B and C received the extracts of Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina, respectively. Group D served as positive control and received hydrogen peroxide and group E served as negative control and received normal saline. Wound healing indices such as wound contraction, re-epithelialization and whooping (fluid exudation) were subjectively and grossly studied. Area of wound contraction was observed to be time dependent regardless of the extract in both groups. In all extracts, wound contraction improved with duration of exposure to extract, being least at day 2 and highest at day 18. Similar results were obtained for both the positive and negative control using hydrogen peroxide and normal saline. The extracts enhanced wound contraction with more percentage area of wound contraction occurring for the group of animals treated with V. amygdalina than for the other extracts. Ranging of extracts wound healing effect were noted to be thus V. amygdalina > O. gratissimum > Z. officinalis. Although, animals treated with V. amygdalina showed greater healing than other animals of the positive and negative control but it showed no significant difference (p<0.05) when analyzed statistically. Wound epithelialization occurred on the average of two weeks independent of the groups or the extract used. The data from the experiment showed that there was no significant difference (p<0.05) in the mean days of epithelialization for all the five groups. Animals treated with Vernonia amygdalina had lesser day of wound epithelialization in comparison to animals treated with other extracts but yet showed no significant difference (p<0.05) when analyzed statistically. Exudation was mostly observed in the untreated wounds. The observation in the course of the experiment shows that whooping occurred in early stage of the wound for some extracts. Animals treated with plant extracts of Z. officinalis, O. Gratissimum, V. amygdalina and even hydrogen peroxide showed significant difference (p<0.05) in exudation when compared to animals treated with normal saline. However, Vernonia amygdaline proved more efficacious than any other extract for the treatment of all the phases of wound healing because it has the highest percentage area of wound contraction in almost all the days post-wounding. © 2015, SILAE (Italo-Latin American Society of Ethnomedicine). All rights reserved. | Incisional wound; Plant extracts; Rats; Wound healing | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000271954100006 | "The Uprooted Emigrant": The Impact of Brain Drain, Brain Gain, and Brain Circulation on Africa's Development | Afolabi, N,Falola, T,Okeke, Godwin S. M. | 2007 | TRANS-ATLANTIC MIGRATION: THE PARADOXES OF EXILE | None | None | None | University of Lagos | None | Worsening economic conditions in many African countries have uprooted many of its people from their home countries, voluntarily and involuntarily, in search of the "golden fleece" abroad. This has led to brain drain, brain gain and brain circulation. Brain drain is synonymous with knowledge loss or drain. Brain gain is the reverse side of brain drain, in which Africans in the diaspora return to their various countries with high skills to contribute to their countries' development. Brain circulation entails a continuous and counter-balancing in-flow of highly skilled personnel. The nature of most economies in Africa today has warranted this jigsaw puzzle. The outcome of bad management of the economy and the generalized violent conflict on the continent has not helped matters. Some survivors in war-torn countries, both skilled and unskilled, look outside of their countries for a better life. In some African countries people run away from economic hardship to improve their lives abroad where things are expectedly better. This phenomenon cuts across all manners of people, including professionals and other skilled labor.
This situation is true of many countries in Africa, including Nigeria, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Niger, Senegal, Togo, Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, to mention just a few. Some of those who are not well educated travel and get educated and develop and acquire better skills and make positive contributions to those societies. These movements do not take place only outside Africa, but also within Africa.
The consequences of these developments are many and varied. Aside from the image problem it creates for Africa, it portrays Africans as people who are not serious and their governments as irresponsible and corrupt, especially Africa south of the Sahara. There are also those who have made Africa proud in various fields of human endeavor. But the problem remains that the recipe which made them succeed abroad never works at home. Against this background, this chapter investigates the impact of this type of crisscrossing migration on Africa's development, and how far the benefits or otherwise can go to assist in the sustainable development of Africa. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857975408 | Land degradation impact on soil carbon losses through water erosion and CO 2 emissions | Mchunu C., Chaplot V. | 2012 | Geoderma | None | None | 10.1016/j.geoderma.2012.01.038 | Soil Fertility and Analytical Services, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs, Private Bag X 9059, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, South Africa; IRD - BIOEMCO c/o School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, Rabie Saunders Building, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Box X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa | Mchunu, C., Soil Fertility and Analytical Services, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs, Private Bag X 9059, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, South Africa; Chaplot, V., IRD - BIOEMCO c/o School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, Rabie Saunders Building, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Box X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa | Worldwide concerns with global change and its effects on our future environment require an improved understanding of the impact of land cover changes on the global C cycle. Overgrazing causes a reduction in plant cover with accepted consequences on soil infiltration and soil erosion, yet the impact on the loss of soil organic carbon (SOC) and its associated processes remain unaccounted for. In this study performed in South Africa, our main objective was to evaluate the impact of plant cover reduction on (i) SOC erosion by water in both particulate (POC) and dissolved (DOC) forms, and (ii) soil CO 2 emissions to the atmosphere. The study performed under sandy-loam Acrisols investigated three proportions of soil surface coverage by plants (Cov), from 100% (Cov100) for the "non-degraded" treatment to 25-50% (Cov50) and 0-5% (Cov5). POC and DOC losses were evaluated using an artificial rainfall of 30mmh -1 applied for a period of 30min on bounded 1×1m 2 microplots (n=3 per treatment). CO 2 emissions from undisturbed soil samples (n=9) were evaluated continuously at the laboratory over a 6-month period. At the "non-degraded" treatment of Cov100, plant-C inputs to the soil profile were 1950±180gCm -2y -1 and SOC stocks in the 0-0.02m layer were 300.6±16.2gCm -2. While soil-C inputs by plants significantly (P<0.05 level) decreased by 38.5±3.5% at Cov50 and by 75.4±6.9% at Cov5, SOC, the losses by water erosion of 0.75gCm -2 at Cov100 increased from 66% at Cov50 (i.e. 3.76±1.8gCm -2) to a staggering 213% at Cov5 (i.e. 7.08±2.9gCm -2). These losses were for the most part in particulate form (from 88.0% for Cov100 to 98.7% for Cov5). Plant cover reduction significantly decreased both the cumulative C-CO 2 emissions (by 68% at Cov50 and 69% at Cov5) and the mineralization rate of the soil organic matter (from 0.039 gC-CO 2gC -1 at Cov100 to 0.031gC-CO 2gC -1 at Cov5). These results are expected to increase our understanding of the impact of land degradation on the global C cycle. Further in-situ research studies, however, need to investigate whether or not grassland degradation induces net C-emissions to the atmosphere. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.. | Global c Cycle; Land use change; Particulate and dissolved SOC forms; South africa; Water erosion | Global c Cycle; Land use change; Particulate and dissolved SOC forms; South Africa; Water erosion; Air pollution; Erosion; Forestry; Rating; Soils; Vegetation; Carbon dioxide; Acrisol; air-soil interaction; carbon cycle; carbon dioxide; carbon emission; infiltration; land degradation; land use change; mineralization; overgrazing; rainfall; sandy loam; soil carbon; soil emission; soil erosion; soil organic matter; soil profile; soil surface; vegetation cover; water erosion; South Africa | None |
| WoS | WOS:000294754600003 | Potential sociological impacts of unfair treatment of seafarers | Manuel, Michael Ekow | 2011 | MARITIME POLICY & MANAGEMENT | 38 | 1 | 10.1080/03088839.2010.533714 | Reg Maritime Univ | None | World trade is dependent on shipping. The ships which facilitate this trade are crewed by thousands of men and women from many different nations. In light of recent incidents/accidents which have drawn adverse media attention to the industry, there has been increased focus on international shipping via various legislative and administrative measures. One consequence of the adverse attention seems to be the way that individuals who crew the ships are being treated in various jurisdictions. This paper discusses some potential sociological impacts of what is often perceived to be the unfair treatment of seafarers and how such sociological impacts may have more technical consequences (impacts) related to risk. It generates some hypothetical positions for the purposes of discussion and is not based on empirical findings. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951133657 | Discrimination practices during workplace learning: Their extent and impact on student learning and lives | Ramrathan L., Ramrathan S. | 2009 | International Journal of Learning | 16 | 10 | None | University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Durban University of Technology, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Ramrathan, L., University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Ramrathan, S., Durban University of Technology, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Workplace learning is currently a crucial component of most programmes leading to professional and technical careers. Universities of Technologies expect their students to spend up to a year of their training programme at the site of envisaged work, while professional programmes in, e.g. teaching, are requiring a longer period of time to be spent in schools. The new framework for teacher education in South Africa gazetted in 2007 requires a student teacher to be in schools for up to a year. In fact, the length of school-based placement within teacher development programmes is central to the conceptualizations of theoretical models (e.g. master-apprentice model, applied science model and professional model fo teacher development) that frame teacher development across the centuries. This signals that workplace learning, either through internships or bouts of school placements spread across the programme, is now being conceptualized as a crucial component of learning. Currently, the major focus on workplace learning is on curriculum, policy and process issues. Little research has focused on discriminatory practices that impact on students learning and lives when students go on these workplace learning activities. This paper draws on empirical evidence from two different occupational specific training programme (Hospitality training and teaching), using surveys and narrative enquiry with students and staff of industries and schools, to identify the major forms of discriminatory practices that students are exposed to during their workplace learning and its resultant impact on their learning and lives. The paper finally alludes to curriculum intervention in the learning programme to help address theses gaps in training programmes. © Common Ground, Labby Ramrathan, Sathishah Ramrathan. | Discriminatory practices; Workplace learning | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901928798 | The effect of workforce diversity on organizational performance of selected firms in Nigeria | Ogbo A.I., Anthony K.A., Ukpere W.I. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 10 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n10p231 | Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Department of Industrial Psychology and people Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa | Ogbo, A.I., Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Anthony, K.A., Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Ukpere, W.I., Department of Industrial Psychology and people Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa | Workforce diversity includes the differences and similarities of the employees. Organizational performance is the extent to which the organizational objectives and goals are being achieved. Most business organizations fail in Nigeria because galvanizing diverse workforce to work as a team has been ineffective in terms of policy, training, exposure and approach to specific and overall goals. This has made profitability index difficult to measure in Nigeria. The objectives of the paper are: To determine whether workforce diversity has a positive influence on customer related issues; and to ascertain the effect of education as a tool, on the management of workforce diversity to enhance high profitability index. Findings revealed that workforce diversity has a positive effect on customer related issues in an organisation. In addition, it is found that education as a tool could be effectively utilized in managing workforce diversity to enhance high profitability. Workforce Diversity has been identified as a tool to improved organizational performance and has been as old as the first organization in Nigeria right from the barter system era of the early 1750 and at the industrial revolution and scientific management periods of 1911 to the modern epoch. A combination of the use of secondary data, oral interview, and content analysis was adopted. A spearman's rank correlation coefficient of 0.95 was obtained. Findings in line with the objectives revealed positive influence of workforce diversity on organizational performance of the selected organisations in Nigeria. Conclusion and recommendation was drawn along that regard. | Diversity; Managing; Organizational performance; Workforce | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881290608 | Will woody plant encroachment impact the visitor experience and economy of conservation areas? | Gray E.F., Bond W.J. | 2013 | Koedoe | 55 | 1 | 10.4102/koedoe.v55i1.1106 | South African Environmental Observation Network Fynbos Node, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Botany, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Gray, E.F., South African Environmental Observation Network Fynbos Node, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Botany, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Bond, W.J., Department of Botany, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Woody plant encroachment into savannas is a globally prevalent phenomenon and impacts ecosystem goods and services such as biodiversity, carbon storage, nutrient cycling, grazing and hydrology. The direct ecological and economic consequences for rangelands have been fairly well studied, but, to our knowledge, the economic impact on conservation efforts has not been investigated. African savannas are important as conservation areas because they support large numbers of the world's remaining megafauna. This study used visitor surveys and long-term mammal distribution data to investigate how an increase in tree density might affect the visibility of animals in a conservation area, which could reduce the satisfaction of visitors to the area. We found that apparent herd sizes and density of animals were much reduced in woody areas, suggesting that visibility is negatively impacted. Visitor surveys determined that a large fraction (almost half) of potential future visitors to the park may be lost if animals became more difficult to see and that the majority of these would be the higherspending visitors. Responses differed depending on the origin of visitors, with international visitors being more interested in seeing animals, whilst local visitors were more content with just being away from the city. The results suggest that woody plant encroachment may have significant impacts on visitor numbers to savanna conservation areas, whilst animal numbers and densities may also be significantly impacted. Conservation implications: The results pointed to potentially significant economic consequences for conservation efforts as visitors become less satisfied with their experience. Perceptions of visitors are important for management decisions as park fees contribute significantly to conservation efforts. This could ultimately result in a reduced capacity for African conservation areas to conserve their biodiversity effectively. The results suggest that management may need to re-evaluate their approach to controlling woody plant encroachment. © 2013. The Authors. | None | biodiversity; economic impact; ecosystem service; fauna; nature conservation; rangeland; savanna; woody plant; Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-64549099309 | Nitrogen dynamics in land cleared of alien vegetation (Acacia Saligna) and impacts on groundwater at Riverlands nature reserve (Western Cape, South Africa) | Jovanovic N.Z., Israel S., Tredoux G., Soltau L., Le Maitre D., Rusinga F., Rozanov A., van der Merwe N. | 2009 | Water SA | 35 | 1 | None | CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 32, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Department of Soil Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Ninham Shand Consulting Service, PO Box 1347, Cape Town 8000, South Africa | Jovanovic, N.Z., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 32, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Israel, S., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 32, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Tredoux, G., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 32, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Soltau, L., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 32, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Le Maitre, D., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 32, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Rusinga, F., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 32, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa, Ninham Shand Consulting Service, PO Box 1347, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; Rozanov, A., Department of Soil Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; van der Merwe, N., Department of Soil Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Woody invading alien plants, many of which are nitrogen-fixing legumes (Fabaceae family), are currently cleared in South African catchments to reduce water loss and preserve streamflow, and for the restoration of the ecosystem. This study tested the hypothesis that clearing invasive alien vegetation may disturb the vegetation-micro-organism-soil N cycling system by producing a large once-off input of fresh tree litterfall rich in N and by eliminating a large N sink. Three experimental plots were established at the Riverlands Nature Reserve (Western Cape, South Africa): a site invaded by Acacia saligna to be used as control; a site cleared of Acacia saligna; and a site with natural vegetation to be used as background. Nitrogen concentrations in soil and groundwater, volumetric soil water contents, root density and weather conditions were measured during 2007. Oxidised forms of nitrogen, in particular NO3-, were dominant in the system. Recharge and leachate were simulated with the HYDRUS-2D model and used as inputs into Visual MODFLOW to predict the spatial distribution of nitrate plus nitrite (NOx) in groundwater. NOx levels in soil and groundwater were higher in alien-invaded areas compared to fynbos-covered land. A quick release of NOx into groundwater was observed due to high residual N reserves in the rooting zone, decreased evapotranspiration and increased recharge in the treatment cleared of alien vegetation. In the long run, high NOx concentrations in groundwater underlying cleared land will last only until all the excess nitrogen has been leached from the soil. A decrease in NOx concentration in groundwater can be expected thereafter. Clearing land of alien invasive legumes may therefore have a beneficial effect by reducing groundwater contamination from NOx and reducing water losses in catchments. | Acacia saligna; Forest clearing; Groundwater contamination; Nitrate leaching; Riverlands nature reserve | Acacia saligna; Forest clearing; Groundwater contamination; Nitrate leaching; Riverlands nature reserve; Catchments; Contamination; Evapotranspiration; Forestry; Groundwater; Groundwater pollution; Hydrogeology; Leaching; Nitrogen; Nitrogen fixation; Runoff; Size distribution; Soil moisture; Underground reservoirs; Underwater soils; Vegetation; Water supply; Water treatment; catchment; concentration (composition); evapotranspiration; forest clearance; groundwater flow; groundwater pollution; hydrogeochemistry; hydrological modeling; hypothesis testing; introduced species; leachate; leaching; legume; nitrogen cycle; nitrogen fixation; nitrogen oxides; pollution control; recharge; restoration ecology; soil nitrogen; soil water; streamflow; Forestry; Geology; Ground Water; Land; Leaching; Natural Resources; Nitrate Groups; Nitrogen; Pollution; Reserves; Rivers; Soil Analysis; Transpiration; Water Quality; Water Treatment; Africa; Riverlands Provincial Nature Reserve; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Western Cape; Acacia; Acacia saligna; Fabaceae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874060648 | Performance of a rapid self-test for detection of Trichomonas vaginalis in South Africa and Brazil | Jones H.E., Lippman S.A., Caiaffa-Filho H.H., Young T., Van De Wijgert J.H.H.M. | 2013 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 51 | 3 | 10.1128/JCM.01547-12 | CUNY School of Public Health at Hunter College, New York, NY, United States; University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil; Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Acad. Med. Ctr. of the Univ. of Amsterdam and Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom | Jones, H.E., CUNY School of Public Health at Hunter College, New York, NY, United States; Lippman, S.A., University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Caiaffa-Filho, H.H., University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil; Young, T., Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Van De Wijgert, J.H.H.M., Acad. Med. Ctr. of the Univ. of Amsterdam and Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom | Women participating in studies in Brazil (n∇695) and South Africa (n∇230) performed rapid point-of-care tests for Trichomonas vaginalis on self-collected vaginal swabs. Using PCR as the gold standard, rapid self-testing achieved high specificity (99.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 98.2 to 99.6%) and moderate sensitivity (76.7%; 95% CI, 61.4 to 88.2%). These tests may be considered an alternative to syndromic management in resource-poor settings. | None | adolescent; adult; article; Brazil; controlled study; diagnostic test accuracy study; dysuria; female; human; lower abdominal pain; major clinical study; nonhuman; parasite identification; point of care testing; polymerase chain reaction; predictive value; priority journal; rapid test; resource allocation; sensitivity and specificity; South Africa; test strip; Trichomonas vaginalis; vagina discharge; vagina smear; vaginal pruritus; Adolescent; Adult; Brazil; Female; Humans; Parasitology; Point-of-Care Systems; Self-Examination; Sensitivity and Specificity; South Africa; Trichomonas vaginalis; Trichomonas Vaginitis; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33644867347 | Ruling out pregnancy among family planning clients: The impact of a checklist in three countries | Stanback J., Diabate F., Dieng T., de Morales T.D., Cummings S., Traoré M. | 2005 | Studies in Family Planning | 36 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1728-4465.2005.00073.x | Family Health International, Post Office Box 13950, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States; AWARE Project, Accra, Ghana; Centre de Formation et de Recherche en Sante de la Reproduction, 22340 Dakar, Senegal; Asociacion Pro-Bienestar del la Familia de Guatemala, 9a. Calle 0-57, Guatemala City, Guatemala; Institut National de Recherche en Santé Publique, Bamako, Mali | Stanback, J., Family Health International, Post Office Box 13950, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States; Diabate, F., AWARE Project, Accra, Ghana; Dieng, T., Centre de Formation et de Recherche en Sante de la Reproduction, 22340 Dakar, Senegal; de Morales, T.D., Asociacion Pro-Bienestar del la Familia de Guatemala, 9a. Calle 0-57, Guatemala City, Guatemala; Cummings, S., Family Health International, Post Office Box 13950, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States; Traoré, M., Institut National de Recherche en Santé Publique, Bamako, Mali | Women in many countries are often denied vital family planning services if they are not menstruating when they present at clinics, for fear that they might be pregnant. A simple checklist based on criteria approved by the World Health Organization has been developed to help providers rule out pregnancy among such clients, but its use is not yet widespread. Researchers in Guatemala, Mali, and Senegal conducted operations research to determine whether a simple, replicable introduction of this checklist improved access to contraceptive services by reducing the proportion of clients denied services. From 2001 to 2003, sociodemographic and service data were collected from 4,823 women from 16 clinics in three countries. In each clinic, data were collected prior to introduction of the checklist and again three to six weeks after the intervention. Among new family planning clients, denial of the desired method due to menstrual status decreased significantly from 16 percent to 2 percent in Guatemala and from 11 percent to 6 percent in Senegal. Multivariate analyses and bivariate analyses of changes within subgroups of nonmenstruating clients confirmed and reinforced these statistically significant findings. In Mali, denial rates were essentially unchanged, but they were low from the start. Where denial of services to nonmenstruating family planning clients was a problem, introduction of the pregnancy checklist significantly reduced denial rates. This simple, inexpensive job aid improves women's access to essential family planning services. © 2005 The Population Council, Inc. | None | adult; anamnesis; article; clinical trial; contraception; family planning; female; health care delivery; human; menstruation; methodology; multicenter study; patient abandonment; prediction and forecasting; world health organization; Adult; Contraception; Family Planning Services; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Medical History Taking; Menstruation; Predictive Value of Tests; Refusal to Treat; World Health Organization; Access; Family Planning; Guatemala; Mali; Pregnancy; Senegal; contraceptive use; family planning; multivariate analysis; pregnancy; Africa; Central America; Guatemala [Central America]; Mali; Senegal; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-51249087895 | Effects of gender on the performance of micro and small enterprises in Malawi | Chirwa E.W. | 2008 | Development Southern Africa | 25 | 3 | 10.1080/03768350802212139 | Department of Economics, Chancellor College, University of Malawi, Zomba, South Africa | Chirwa, E.W., Department of Economics, Chancellor College, University of Malawi, Zomba, South Africa | Women are increasingly venturing into ownership of micro and small enterprises, either on their own or in partnership with male entrepreneurs. Using national survey data from Malawi, this study compares the performance of enterprises owned by females with those owned by males. The results show that the relationship between gender and business performance is complex. While there are no significant differences in profit margins, female-owned enterprises tend to grow more rapidly in terms of employment than male-owned ones. Gender-based regression results also show that while there are common factors that affect the performance of both kinds of enterprise, there are also differential effects in which education is a critical factor for the success of female-owned enterprises. | None | entrepreneur; firm ownership; gender role; microenterprise; small and medium-sized enterprise; Africa; East Africa; Malawi; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880287523 | 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-s2.0-33748085679 | Statistical monitoring of a grinding circuit: An industrial case study | Groenewald J.W.d.V., Coetzer L.P., Aldrich C. | 2006 | Minerals Engineering | 19 | 11 | 10.1016/j.mineng.2006.05.009 | Process Control and Instrumentation Department, Anglo Platinum Management Services, P.O. Box 62179, Marshalltown, 2107 Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa | Groenewald, J.W.d.V., Process Control and Instrumentation Department, Anglo Platinum Management Services, P.O. Box 62179, Marshalltown, 2107 Johannesburg, South Africa; Coetzer, L.P., Process Control and Instrumentation Department, Anglo Platinum Management Services, P.O. Box 62179, Marshalltown, 2107 Johannesburg, South Africa; Aldrich, C., Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa | With the increasing availability of large amounts of real-time process data and a better fundamental understanding of the operation of mineral processing units, statistical monitoring of mineral processing plants is becoming increasingly widespread. Process plants are typically too complex to model from first principles and therefore models based on historical process data are used instead. Multivariate methods such as principal component analysis are indispensable in these analyses and in this paper, it is shown how the statistical analysis of process data from a grinding circuit and a sound fundamental knowledge of the operation of mineral processing plants complement one another. For this purpose a philosophy for the statistical monitoring and cause and effect analysis of a process was outlined. It was shown how a well defined process hierarchy with complementing performance measures can effectively be used to detect a shift in the operation of a mineral processing plant and find the root cause of the shift. Visualisation of the results was found fundamental in communicating the findings of the statistical analysis to the processing plant. This resulted in the requirement for multidimensional visualisation of the process for which principal component analysis plots and process performance graphs in the form of two-dimensional histogram plots and parallel plots were found to be the most effective. Data availability, process variable selection, process hierarchy definition and performance measure selection were also found to be critical factors directly impacting on the success of statistically monitoring a process. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Comminution; Flotation; Mineral processing; Process control | Comminution; Data reduction; Flotation; Graph theory; Hierarchical systems; Industrial plants; Process control; Real time systems; Statistical methods; Grinding circuits; Mineral processing; Mineral processing plants; Real-time process data; Minerals | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-52749095519 | Operational impact of DDT reintroduction for malaria control on Anopheles arabiensis in Mozambique | Coleman M., Casimiro S., Hemingway J., Sharp B. | 2008 | Journal of Medical Entomology | 45 | 5 | 10.1603/0022-2585(2008)45[885:OIODRF]2.0.CO;2 | Malaria Research Programme, Medical Research Council, Ridge Rd., Durban, South Africa; Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom; National Institute of Health, Av. Eduardo Mondlane/Salvador Allende, Maputo, Mozambique | Coleman, M., Malaria Research Programme, Medical Research Council, Ridge Rd., Durban, South Africa, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Casimiro, S., National Institute of Health, Av. Eduardo Mondlane/Salvador Allende, Maputo, Mozambique; Hemingway, J., Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Sharp, B., Malaria Research Programme, Medical Research Council, Ridge Rd., Durban, South Africa | With the increase in indoor residual spraying in many internationally and nationally funded malaria control programs, and affirmation by World Health Organization (WHO) that DDT is appropriate for use in the absence of longer lasting insecticide formulations in some malaria endemic settings, DDT has been reintroduced as a major malaria control intervention in Africa. Indoor residual spraying with DDT was reintroduced into Mozambique for malaria control in 2005, and it is increasingly becoming the main insecticide used for malaria vector control in Mozambique. The selection of DDT in Mozambique is evidence-based, taking account of the susceptibility of Anopheles arabiensis (Patton) and Anopheles gambiae (Giles) s.s. to all the available insecticide choices, as well as relative costs of the insecticide and the logistical costs of spraying. Before this time in Mozambique, DDT was replaced by λ-cyhalothrin in 1993. Resistance occurred quickly to this insecticide, and in 2000 the pyrethroid was phased out and the carbamate bendiocarb was introduced. Low-level resistance was detected by biochemical assay to bendiocarb in 1999 in both Anopheles funestus (Giles) and An. arabiensis, although this was not evident in WHO bioassays of the same population. In the 2000-2006 surveys the levels of bendiocarb resistance had been selected to a higher level in An. arabiensis, with resistance detectable by both biochemical and WHO bioassay. The insecticide resistance monitoring program includes assessment of field populations by standard WHO insecticide susceptibility assays and biochemical assays. Monitoring was established in 1999, and it was maintained as part of an operational monitoring and evaluation program thereafter. © 2008 Entomological Society of America. | Anopheles; Insecticide resistance; Management; Mozambique | chlorphenotane; insecticide; animal; Anopheles; article; disease carrier; drug effect; female; housing; infection control; insecticide resistance; malaria; methodology; mosquito; Mozambique; Animals; Anopheles; DDT; Female; Fumigation; Housing; Insect Vectors; Insecticide Resistance; Insecticides; Malaria; Mosquito Control; Mozambique; Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles funestus; Anopheles gambiae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953252394 | Monitoring solar home systems with pulse width modulation charge control | Williams N.J., Van Dyk E.E., Vorster F.J. | 2011 | Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, Transactions of the ASME | 133 | 2 | 10.1115/1.4003586 | Centre for Energy Research, Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Williams, N.J., Centre for Energy Research, Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; Van Dyk, E.E., Centre for Energy Research, Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; Vorster, F.J., Centre for Energy Research, Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | With the high cost of grid extension and approximately 1.6 billion people still living without electrical services, the solar home system is an important technology in the alleviation of rural energy poverty across the developing world. The performance monitoring and analysis of these systems provide insights leading to improvements in system design and implementation in order to ensure high quality and robust energy supply in remote locations. Most small solar home systems now use charge controllers using pulse width modulation (PWM) to regulate the charge current to the battery. A rapid variation in current and voltage resulting from PWM creates monitoring challenges, which, if not carefully considered in the design of the monitoring system, can result in the erroneous measurement of photovoltaic (PV) power. In order to characterize and clarify the measurement process during PWM, a mathematical model was developed to reproduce and simulate measured data. The effects of matched scan and PWM frequency were studied with the model, and an algorithm was devised to select appropriate scan rates to ensure that a representative sample of measurements is acquired. Furthermore, estimation methods were developed to correct for measurement errors due to factors such as nonzero "short circuit" voltage and current/voltage peak mismatches. A more sophisticated algorithm is then discussed to more accurately measure PV power using highly programmable data loggers. The results produced by the various methods are compared and reveal a significant error in the measurement of PV power without corrective action. Estimation methods prove to be effective in certain cases but are susceptible to error during conditions of variable irradiance. The effect of the measurement error has been found to depend strongly on the duty cycle of PWM as well as the relationship between scan rate and PWM frequency. The energy measurement error over 1 day depends on insolation and system conditions as well as on system design. On a sunny day, under a daily load of about 20 A h, the net error in PV energy is found to be 1%, whereas a system with a high initial battery state of charge under similar conditions and no load produced an error of 47.6%. This study shows the importance of data logger selection and programming in monitoring accurately the energy provided by solar home systems. When appropriately considered, measurement errors can be avoided or reduced without investment in more expensive measurement equipment. © 2011 American Society of Mechanical Engineers. | measuring errors; monitoring; pulse width modulation; solar home system | Battery state of charge; Charge control; Charge controllers; Charge current; Corrective actions; Data logger; Developing world; Duty cycles; Electrical services; Energy measurements; Estimation methods; Grid extension; High costs; High quality; Measured data; Measurement equipment; Measurement process; Measuring errors; Monitoring system; No load; Performance monitoring and analysis; Pulse width; PV energy; Rapid variation; Remote location; Representative sample; Robust energy; Rural energy; Scan rates; Short circuit; solar home system; System conditions; System design; Algorithms; Design; Developing countries; Energy utilization; Estimation; Instruments; Investments; Lead acid batteries; Mathematical models; Measurement errors; Modulation; Potential flow; Pulse width modulation; Solar buildings; Solar energy; Systems analysis; Monitoring | None |
| WoS | WOS:000279623000003 | The impact of a food security program on household food consumption in Northwestern Ethiopia: A matching estimator approach | Abebaw, Degnet,Fentie, Yibeltal,Kassa, Belay | 2010 | FOOD POLICY | 35 | 4 | 10.1016/j.foodpol.2010.01.002 | Haramaya University, Ethiopian Econ Policy Res Inst, United Nations World Food Program | "Kassa, Belay: Haramaya University", | With the financial support from various development partners, Ethiopia has designed and implemented several programs to improve household food security. Yet, food insecurity is still a major challenge to several millions of people in the country and it is questionable whether the different food security programs implemented over the past years have been successful. Using a propensity score matching method to control for pre-intervention differences, this study examined the impact on household food calorie intake of an integrated food security program (IFSP), which had been implemented in Northwestern Ethiopia by two non-governmental organizations as a case study. The estimated results provide evidence that IFSP has a positive and statistically significant effect on food calorie intake. In particular, IFSP has raised physical food calorie intake by 30% among the beneficiary households. However, we also found that IFSP has differential impact depending on family size, landownership and gender of head of household. Overall, the paper provides evidence that supporting integrated food security programs is important to improve food security in rural areas. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | ETHIOPIA,"FOOD SECURITY","PROGRAM EVALUATION","propensity score matching",CAUSAL,DIARRHEA,"ECONOMETRIC EVALUATION ESTIMATOR",INDIA,PROPENSITY-SCORE | None | None |
| None | None | The impact of antenatal HIV diagnosis on postpartum childbearing desires in northern Tanzania: A mixed methods study | Keogh S.C., Urassa M., Roura M., Kumogola Y., Kalongoji S., Kimaro D., Changalucha J., Zaba B. | 2012 | Reproductive Health Matters | 20 | None | 10.1016/S0968-8080(12)39634-1 | Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Barcelona Centre for International Health Research, Barcelona, Spain; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Population Studies Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Keogh, S.C., Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Urassa, M., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Roura, M., Barcelona Centre for International Health Research, Barcelona, Spain, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Kumogola, Y., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Kalongoji, S.; Kimaro, D.; Changalucha, J., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Zaba, B., Population Studies Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | With the expansion of routine antenatal HIV testing, women are increasingly discovering they are HIV-positive during pregnancy. While several studies have examined the impact of HIV on childbearing in Africa, few have focused on the antenatal/postpartum period. Addressing this research gap will help tailor contraceptive counseling to HIV-positive women's needs. Our study measures how antenatal HIV diagnosis affects postpartum childbearing desires, adjusting for effects of HIV before diagnosis. A baseline survey on reproductive behavior was administered to 5,284 antenatal clients before they underwent routine HIV testing. Fifteen months later, a follow-up survey collected information on postpartum reproductive behavior from 2,162 women, and in-depth interviews with 25 women investigated attitudes toward HIV and childbearing. HIV diagnosis was associated with a long-term downward adjustment in childbearing desires, but not with changes in short-term postpartum desires. The qualitative interviews identified health concerns and nurses' dissuasion as major factors discouraging childbearing post-diagnosis. At the same time, pronatalist social norms appeared to pressure women to continue childbearing. Given the potential for fertility desires to change following antenatal HIV diagnosis, contraceptive counseling should be provided on a continuum from antenatal through postpartum care, taking into account the conflicting pressures faced by HIV-positive women in relation to childbearing. | Antenatal care; Fertility desires; HIV and pregnancy; Post-partum period; Reproductive health services; Tanzania | antiretrovirus agent; age distribution; article; attitude to pregnancy; educational status; family decision making; family size; female; follow up; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection risk; maternal attitude; parity; paternal attitude; prenatal diagnosis; prevalence; priority journal; puerperium; qualitative analysis; reproductive rights; risk reduction; rural population; sexual behavior; Tanzania; virus transmission; women's health; women's rights; Adolescent; Adult; Contraception; Family Planning Services; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Intention; Middle Aged; Motivation; Pregnancy; Prenatal Diagnosis; Prevalence; Qualitative Research; Reproductive History; Tanzania; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906684265 | Evaluation of the synergistic activities of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry proteins against Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) | Li H., Bouwer G. | 2014 | Journal of Invertebrate Pathology | 121 | None | 10.1016/j.jip.2014.06.005 | School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa | Li, H., School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Bouwer, G., School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa | With the aim of identifying Cry proteins that would be useful in the management of the economically important lepidopteran pest Helicoverpa armigera, the larvicidal activities of binary combinations (1:1 ratios) of six Cry proteins (Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1Ca, Cry2Aa and Cry9Aa) were evaluated against H. armigera neonate larvae using droplet feeding bioassays. Determination of the LD50 values of individual Cry proteins and mixtures of Cry proteins enabled assessment of the nature of the interactions between Cry proteins in H. armigera. There was a more than 6000-fold difference between the LD50 values of the Cry protein mixture with the lowest larvicidal activity and the mixture with the highest larvicidal activity. Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa mixtures and Cry1Ac and Cry1Ca mixtures had the highest larvicidal activity against H. armigera, with Cry1Ac and Cry1Ca interacting synergistically. Differences in the magnitudes of the antagonistic interactions observed for different binary mixtures of Cry1A-class proteins are consistent with a model of more than one binding site for some Cry1A-class proteins in H. armigera. Binary combinations of Cry1A-class and Cry9Aa proteins showed additive interactions in neonate larvae of H. armigera, whereas combinations of Cry1Ca and Cry9Aa were statistically synergistic. The results suggest that products containing mixtures of Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa or Cry1Ac and Cry1Ca may be useful components of H. armigera pest management programs. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. | Bacillus thuringiensis; Cry proteins; Helicoverpa armigera; Interaction; Larvicidal activity; Synergism | bacterial protein; crystal protein, Bacillus subtilis; animal; biological pest control; chemistry; drug effects; drug potentiation; larva; LD50; moth; Animals; Bacterial Proteins; Drug Synergism; Larva; Lethal Dose 50; Moths; Pest Control, Biological | None |
| WoS | WOS:000277529200009 | Monitoring environmental management at primary schools in South Africa | Craenhals, Eric,Hens, Luc,Raath, Schalk,Renders, Paul,Richter, Barry,Stone, Riana,Wiedemann, Torsten | 2010 | JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION | 18 | 7 | 10.1016/j.jclepro.2009.11.001 | Free University of Brussels, Siemens AG, Tshwane University of Technology, Flemish Govt, Museum Pk Enviro Ctr | "Craenhals, Eric: Siemens AG","Hens, Luc: Free University of Brussels","Renders, Paul: Siemens AG","Stone, Riana: Tshwane University of Technology","Wiedemann, Torsten: Free University of Brussels", | With the aid of universities Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) were developed and implemented in 39 primary schools in Northern Gauteng and Southern Limpopo Provinces, South Africa in 2005. Between 2006 and 2008, the assisting universities monitored the implementation process to evaluate the progress the schools made in environmental management and performance. The monitoring results exposed the main parameters, which lead to an improvement of the environmental performance of the schools. These results can be used to improve the process of EMS implementation in the future.
This paper presents the monitoring results and discusses the correlations between the different managerial aspects on the one hand and the environmental performances on the other hand. The major observations were:
a) The elaboration of the managerial aspects seems to evolve in a similar way at the different schools, independent from the social-economic type of the schools (urban, rural or township).
b) Successful implementation of the EMS starts with the implementation of managerial instruments: The integration of environmental aspects in the management of the school is positively correlated with the environmental performance of the schools (water, waste and greening), but not with energy-related environmental performances.
c) The implementation of managerial instruments starts with good planning, followed by communication and co-operation, where the whole school team has to be involved.
d) Universities have important opportunities to take the lead in this hardly explored area of research.
The results open interesting opportunities for further research on how to optimize the functioning of the EMS in primary schools in the Northern part of South Africa. A model that relates the determinants of a successful EMS might be a first step. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | "capacity building",eco-schools,"ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT",MONITORING,"Primary schools in South Africa","sustainable living" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880723820 | Roadmap for the international collaborative epidemiologic monitoring of safety and effectiveness of new high priority vaccines | Izurieta H.S., Zuber P., Bonhoeffer J., Chen R.T., Sankohg O., Laserson K.F., Sturkenboom M., Loucq C., Weibel D., Dodd C., Black S. | 2013 | Vaccine | 31 | 35 | 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.05.027 | Food and Drug Administration (FDA), MD, United States; World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Brighton Collaboration Foundation, Basel, Switzerland; University Children's Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, United States; INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Hanoi Medical School, Hanoi, Viet Nam; KEMRI/CDC Research and Public Health Collaboration, Kisumu, Kenya; Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands; International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea; University of Children's hospital, University of Cincinnati, OH, United States | Izurieta, H.S., Food and Drug Administration (FDA), MD, United States; Zuber, P., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Bonhoeffer, J., Brighton Collaboration Foundation, Basel, Switzerland, University Children's Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Chen, R.T., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, United States; Sankohg, O., INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Hanoi Medical School, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Laserson, K.F., International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea; Sturkenboom, M., University of Children's hospital, University of Cincinnati, OH, United States; Loucq, C., KEMRI/CDC Research and Public Health Collaboration, Kisumu, Kenya; Weibel, D., University of Children's hospital, University of Cincinnati, OH, United States; Dodd, C., Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Black, S., Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands | With the advent of new vaccines targeted to highly endemic diseases in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and with the expansion of vaccine manufacturing globally, there is an urgent need to establish an infrastructure to evaluate the benefit-risk profiles of vaccines in LMIC. Fortunately the usual decade(s)-long time gap between introduction of new vaccines in high and low income countries is being significantly reduced or eliminated due to initiatives such as the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI) and the Decade of Vaccines for the implementation of the Global Vaccine Action Plan. While hoping for more rapid disease control, this time shift may potentially add risk, unless appropriate capacity for reliable and timely evaluation of vaccine benefit-risk profiles in some LMIC's are developed with external assistance from regional or global level. An ideal vaccine safety and effectiveness monitoring system should be flexible and sustainable, able to quickly detect possible vaccine-associated events, distinguish them from programmatic errors, reliably and quickly evaluate the suspected event and its association with vaccination and, if associated, determine the benefit-risk of vaccines to inform appropriate action. Based upon the demonstrated feasibility of active surveillance in LMIC as shown by the Burkina Faso assessment of meningococcal A conjugate vaccine or that of rotavirus vaccine in Mexico and Brazil, and upon the proof of concept international GBS study, we suggest a sustainable, flexible, affordable and timely international collaborative vaccine safety monitoring approach for vaccines being newly introduced. While this paper discusses only the vaccine component, the same system could also be eventually used for monitoring drug effectiveness (including the use of substandard drugs) and drug safety. © 2013. | Adverse events; Benefit-risk; Effectiveness; Safety; Vaccine | Rotavirus vaccine; vaccine; article; Brazil; clinical evaluation; communicable disease; demography; disease control; drug efficacy; drug monitoring; drug safety; drug surveillance program; endemic disease; epidemiological monitoring; health care personnel; hospitalization; human; international cooperation; lowest income group; mass immunization; Mexico; priority journal; risk benefit analysis; therapy effect; vaccination; vaccine failure; Adverse events; Benefit-risk; Effectiveness; Safety; Vaccine; Communicable Disease Control; Communicable Diseases; Epidemiological Monitoring; Humans; Risk Assessment; Vaccination; Vaccines | Wellcome Trust |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44449119917 | Improving daily production capacity and energy efficiency in sugar refineries and sugar mills with CarboUA high performance process aids | Bushong J.H., Bogari A., González C.A.D., Odipo W., Marroquin J.M.P., Massucato A.L., Sarir E.M. | 2008 | International Sugar Journal | 110 | 1313 | None | CarboUA, Philadelphia, United States; United Sugar Company, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; CarboUA, CaIi, Colombia; CarboUA, Nairobi, Kenya; CarboUA, Guatemala City, Guatemala; CarboUA, São Paulo, Brazil; CarboUA, Beverly Hills, United States | Bushong, J.H., CarboUA, Philadelphia, United States; Bogari, A., United Sugar Company, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; González, C.A.D., CarboUA, CaIi, Colombia; Odipo, W., CarboUA, Nairobi, Kenya; Marroquin, J.M.P., CarboUA, Guatemala City, Guatemala; Massucato, A.L., CarboUA, São Paulo, Brazil; Sarir, E.M., CarboUA, Beverly Hills, United States | With reference to case studies, this paper describes and discusses the use of CarboUA high performance process aids for increasing sugar refinery and sugar mill process efficiency via improvements in daily sugar process throughput (from increased operating Brix and/or higher average process flow rates), an increase in conversion rate of feed sugar to raw sugar (mill) or refined sugar (refinery), an associated reduction in energy, and improvements in final product quality. | Efficiency; Energy; Mill; Production; Refinery; Sugar | Conversion rates; Daily production; Energy; Mill; Process efficiency; Process throughput; Refined sugars; Refinery; Efficiency; Production; Refining; Sugar factories; Sugars; Energy efficiency; Polygala incarnata | None |
| None | None | Diagnostic X-ray facilities as per quality control performances in Tanzania | Sungita Y.Y., Mdoe S.S.L., Msaki P. | 2006 | Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics | 7 | 4 | None | Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box 743, Arusha, Tanzania; Physics Department, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 35063, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | Sungita, Y.Y., Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box 743, Arusha, Tanzania; Mdoe, S.S.L., Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box 743, Arusha, Tanzania; Msaki, P., Physics Department, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 35063, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | Without appropriate quality control (QC) and preventative maintenance (PM) measures for X-ray machines in place, the benefits of reduced dose to the patient and early diagnosis will not be realized. Quality control and PM also make it possible to unify X-ray-imaging practices in the country using international image quality guidelines. The impetus for the present work resulted from the concern that with the recent increase in the numbers of X-ray machines in Tanzania, but with limited technical support to maintain and operate them, can increase radiation risk to patients and lower diagnostic accuracy. The aim of this work is to report on the current status of diagnostic X-ray machines in Tanzania in order to produce the data needed to formulate QC and PM policies and strategies. These policies and strategies are needed to ensure that patients receive the lowest possible radiation risk and maximum health benefits from X-ray examinations. Four QC tests were performed on a total of 196 X-ray units. Accurate beam alignment and collimation were tested on 80 (41%) units, the timer accuracy was tested on 120 (61%) units, and a radiation leakage test was performed on 47(24%) units. Preventative maintenance tests were performed on all 196 X-ray units. The results showed that of the units tested for QC, 59% failed the kilovoltage (kVp) test, 57% failed the timer accuracy test, 60% failed the beam alignment test, and 20% failed the radiation leakage test. Only 13% of the units passed the PM test: 53% of the units were defective, and 34% were out of order. As a result of the PM findings, the government has introduced a rehabilitation project to service X-ray units and replace nonoperational X-ray units. The new units have full support service contracts signed by their suppliers. As a result of the QC findings, X-ray maintenance retraining programs have been introduced. © 2006 Am. Coll. Med. Phys. | Preventative maintenance; Quality control; Repair | article; equipment; evaluation; human; instrumentation; quality control; radiography; social control; standard; Tanzania; total quality management; validation study; Equipment Failure; Facility Regulation and Control; Humans; Quality Control; Radiography; Tanzania; Total Quality Management | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907281063 | Unannounced quizzes: A teaching and learning initiative that enhances academic performance and lecture attendance in large undergraduate classes | Derera E., Naude M. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 20 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p1193 | School of Management, IT and Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Derera, E., School of Management, IT and Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Naude, M., School of Management, IT and Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Without a doubt, lecture non-attendance is a growing trend at tertiary institutions. Many academics confront this challenge by implementing different teaching initiatives that encourage lecture attendance. However, lecture attendance does not necessarily mean that learning is taking place. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish whether the use of unannounced quizzes improves class attendance, the module pass rate and academic performance in a large undergraduate class at a university in South Africa. This is an exploratory study which adopted a mixed method research approach to collect data over a period of two semesters during the 2012 academic year. The three data sources used include observations, a questionnaire survey and the university student data base. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyse data. The findings reveal that the use of unannounced quizzes has merit; significant positive effects were seen in all three areas-class attendance, module pass rate and students’ academic performance. The study contributes to the field of teaching and learning in three ways, by: (1) exploring a teaching and learning initiative that encourages class attendance; (2) responding to a call for new thinking about how universities could increase their throughput ratio; and (3) possibly reviving future debate about how to effectively impact knowledge creation in a large class situation. © MCSER-Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. | Higher education practices; Large classes; Teaching and learning; Unannounced quizzes | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864947140 | Comparative performance of irrigated and rainfed agriculture in Ethiopia | Tilahun H., Teklu E., Michael M., Fitsum H., Awulachew S.B. | 2011 | World Applied Sciences Journal | 14 | 2 | None | Melkasa Agricultural Research Centre, P.O. Box: 436, Nazareth, Ethiopia; International Water Management Institute, P.O. Box: 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Freie University of Berlin, Malteserstr, 74-100, Haus H, Raum H-152, 12249, Berlin, Germany | Tilahun, H., Melkasa Agricultural Research Centre, P.O. Box: 436, Nazareth, Ethiopia; Teklu, E., International Water Management Institute, P.O. Box: 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Michael, M., Freie University of Berlin, Malteserstr, 74-100, Haus H, Raum H-152, 12249, Berlin, Germany; Fitsum, H., International Water Management Institute, P.O. Box: 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Awulachew, S.B., International Water Management Institute, P.O. Box: 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | With its an estimated human population of 85 million which increases annually at about 2.7 per cent, Ethiopia is the second most populous country in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) only after Nigeria. Agriculture contributes about 45% and 85% to the GDP and the export earnings, respectively. However, agriculture largely depends on the highly variable rainfall. Accentuated with the rampant land degradation, the seasonal and annual variation in rainfall severely impedes agricultural productivity. In the face of soaring global food prices, importing agricultural products is becoming more challenging. This entails a substantial increase in water and land productivity through investment in both rainfed and irrigated agriculture. Irrigation projects often require huge financial and capital investment. As a result, rain fed agriculture may continue to play a major role in the near future, especially in areas with sufficient rainfall. Therefore, prioritization and resources allocation to the rainfed and irrigated agriculture should ensure the efficient use of the limited resources. This study compared the efficiency of the small-scale irrigation (SSI) and the large-scale irrigated agricultural schemes in different river basins against the rain fed system. The study indicated that irrigated agriculture is more efficient both in terms of water use and economics regardless of the typology or the basins considered. The large-scale schemes are more efficient than the small-scale ones. This may be attributed to the use of other complementary crop management technologies such as fertilizers and the use of improved crop varieties. Although rainfed agriculture remains important for a long period to come, gradual transformation to irrigation particularly to large-scale schemes may lead to efficient use of resources for economic development. © IDOSI Publications, 2011. | Large-scale irrigation; River basins; Small-scale irrigation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38649129788 | Land area eligible for afforestation and reforestation within the clean development mechanism: A global analysis of the impact of forest definition | Zomer R.J., Trabucco A., Verchot L.V., Muys B. | 2008 | Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change | 13 | 3 | 10.1007/s11027-007-9087-4 | International Water Management Institute (IWMI), P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka; World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Division Forest, Nature and Landscape, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; c/o IWMI, P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka | Zomer, R.J., International Water Management Institute (IWMI), P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka, c/o IWMI, P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Trabucco, A., International Water Management Institute (IWMI), P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Verchot, L.V., World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Muys, B., Division Forest, Nature and Landscape, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E, 3001 Leuven, Belgium | Within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Kyoto Protocol, countries have significant latitude to define a forest. The most important parameter affecting area designated as forest is the minimum crown cover which can be set between 10 and 30%. The choice will have implications for the amount of land available in a country for afforestation and reforestation activities within the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM-AR). In this paper, we present an analysis of the regional differences in land availability for CDM-AR projects. We then examine how the choice of a high or low threshold value for crown cover will affect the area available for CDM activities and how the limitations imposed by this element of the definition compares to other factors that are likely to limit CDM activities. Results represent a global analysis that included all countries not included in Annex I of the Kyoto Protocol, and examined the effect on land availability of a range of crown cover thresholds ranging from 10-30%. Of the 140 Non-Annex One countries, 107 countries were found to have a potential for CDM-AR projects. Asia had the largest amount of combined area suitable for CDM-AR at the 10% crown cover threshold level. However, at 30%, South America had the greatest amount of land available, and a large change in available land area, which increased by almost five times compared to what was available at the 10% threshold. The area available in Africa increased by a factor of 5.5. Central America showed the largest increase, to almost 10 times more at the 30% threshold. By contrast, within Asia, the area increase was comparatively less, but still the area nearly doubled. Globally, a low threshold of 10% crown cover excluded almost 2/3 of the land identified that was eligible at 30%, over 5 million km2. The spatial analyses showed not only the effects of the choice of the crown cover criterion, but also where the land was available for CDM activities within each country at different thresholds. Protected areas account for 10-20% of the CDM-AR eligible area in most countries. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, B.V. | Afforestation/Reforestation; Carbon sequestration; CDM-AR; Clean development mechanism; Climate change mitigation; Forest definition; Global spatial analysis; Land suitability modeling; Land use land cover and forestry (LULUCF) | afforestation; clean development mechanism; comparative study; environmental impact assessment; forest cover; reforestation; spatial analysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34347324108 | Coalescence methods reveal the impact of vicariance on the spatial genetic structure of Elephantulus edwardii (Afrotheria, Macroscelidea) | Smit H.A., Robinson T.J., Van Vuuren B.J. | 2007 | Molecular Ecology | 16 | 13 | 10.1111/j.1365-294X.2007.03334.x | Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private BagX1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private BagX1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Smit, H.A., Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private BagX1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Robinson, T.J., Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private BagX1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Van Vuuren, B.J., Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private BagX1, Matieland 7602, South Africa, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private BagX1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Within the Macroscelidea 15 species of elephant-shrews are recognized, of which nine occur in the southern African subregion. The Cape rock elephant-shrew (Elephantulus edwardii) is the only strictly endemic South African elephant-shrew species. Recent distribution data suggest that E. edwardii is continuously distributed from Namaqualand in the Western Cape Province to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape Province. Molecular sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and variable control region indicate significant substructure within the Cape rock elephant-shrew across its distribution. Our data unequivocally showed the presence of a northern Namaqua and central Fynbos clade with four evolutionary lineages identified within the latter. The geographical delimitation of the northern and central clades corresponds closely with patterns reported for other rock-dwelling vertebrate species, indicating a shared biogeographical history for these taxa in South Africa. A coalescent method revealed the effects of ancestral polymorphism in shaping the Namaqua and Fynbos populations since their divergence ∼1.7 million years ago. Furthermore, our analyses uncovered a distinct Karoo lineage(s) that does not correspond to any of the previously described and/or currently recognized species, and we therefore argue for the possible recognition of a new sister taxon to E. edwardii. The taxonomic affinities of this clade were examined by sequencing corresponding regions from the type specimens of species described in the past, but which presently are synonimized within E. edwardii. Our results reveal the morphological misidentification of one of these types, accentuating the problems of field identification. © 2007 The Authors. | Cape Fold Mountains; Elephant-shrew; Knersvlakte; Phylogeography; Sengi; South Africa | cytochrome b; mitochondrial DNA; animal; article; classification; ecosystem; genetic variability; genetics; geography; shrew; South Africa; Animals; Cytochromes b; DNA, Mitochondrial; Ecosystem; Geography; Shrews; South Africa; Variation (Genetics); Afrotheria; Elephantulus edwardii; Loxodonta; Macroscelidea; Soricidae; Vertebrata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870425835 | The social-emotional impact of instrumental music performance on economically disadvantaged South African students | Devroop K. | 2012 | Music Education Research | 14 | 4 | 10.1080/14613808.2012.685456 | School of Music, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa | Devroop, K., School of Music, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa | Within the literature there exists a large volume of research studies attesting to the positive relationships between studying music and various psychological and sociological variables. A close examination of these studies reveals that only a handful were conducted on disadvantaged populations. Accordingly, it remains unclear to what extent these findings hold true for disadvantaged students. The purpose of this study was to investigate the social-emotional impact of instrumental music instruction on disadvantaged South African students. The two specific questions addressed in this study were (1) what impact did instrumental music instruction have on student's self-esteem, optimism, sense of happiness and perseverance and (2) do any relationships exist between instrumental music instruction and the variables under investigation? The results indicated that there were generally increased levels of self-esteem, optimism, happiness and perseverance after participation in an instrumental music programme. There was also an increase in subject's optimism and sense of happiness. There were moderate to moderately strong positive relationships between participation in instrumental music and self-esteem, optimism, happiness and perseverance. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | disadvantaged students; instrumental music performance; social-emotional impact | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923096068 | Testing the performance of state-of-the-art dust emission schemes using DO4Models field data | Haustein K., Washington R., King J., Wiggs G., Thomas D.S.G., Eckardt F.D., Bryant R.G., Menut L. | 2015 | Geoscientific Model Development | 8 | 2 | 10.5194/gmd-8-341-2015 | School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; University of Cape Town, Environmental and Geographical Science, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Geography, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique, Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France | Haustein, K., School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Washington, R., School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; King, J., School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Wiggs, G., School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Thomas, D.S.G., School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Eckardt, F.D., University of Cape Town, Environmental and Geographical Science, Cape Town, South Africa; Bryant, R.G., Department of Geography, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Menut, L., Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique, Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France | Within the framework of the Dust Observations for Models (DO4Models) project, the performance of three commonly used dust emission schemes is investigated in this paper using a box model environment. We constrain the model with field data (surface and dust particle properties as well as meteorological parameters) obtained from a dry lake bed with a crusted surface in Botswana during a 3 month period in 2011. Our box model results suggest that all schemes fail to reproduce the observed horizontal dust flux. They overestimate the magnitude of the flux by several orders of magnitude. The discrepancy is much smaller for the vertical dust emission flux, albeit still overestimated by up to an order of magnitude. The key parameter for this mismatch is the surface crusting which limits the availability of erosive material, even at higher wind speeds. The second-most important parameter is the soil size distribution. Direct dust entrainment was inferred to be important for several dust events, which explains the smaller gap between modelled and measured vertical dust fluxes. We conclude that both features, crusted surfaces and direct entrainment, need to be incorporated into dust emission schemes in order to represent the entire spectra of source processes. We also conclude that soil moisture exerts a key control on the threshold shear velocity and hence the emission threshold of dust in the model. In the field, the state of the crust is the controlling mechanism for dust emission. Although the crust is related to the soil moisture content to some extent, we are not as yet able to deduce a robust correlation between state of crust and soil moisture. © Author(s) 2015. | None | atmospheric pollution; data set; dust; emission; magnitude; meteorology; numerical model; parameterization; performance assessment; pollutant source; size distribution; soil moisture; Botswana | NE/H021841/1, NERC, Natural Environment Research Council |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84955251161 | Employee turnover rate and organizational performance in South Africa | Rijamampianina R. | 2015 | Problems and Perspectives in Management | 13 | 4 | None | Management Advancement Programmes, Wits Business School, University of Witwatersrand (WITS), South Africa | Rijamampianina, R., Management Advancement Programmes, Wits Business School, University of Witwatersrand (WITS), South Africa | Within the business community, employee turnover is widely assumed to affect organizational performance. Different variations of this relationship have been proposed over the years. This study seeks to confirm if a curvilinear relationship exists between employee turnover rates and organizational performance that could inform an optimal employee turnover rate for organizations in South Africa. To this purpose, a cross-sectional study that collected quantitative data through the use of a self-administered questionnaire was employed. Through multiple linear and nonlinear regression, the results indicate that voluntary employee turnover rate significantly predicted financial and organizational performance through a cubic function. The optimal functional voluntary employee turnover rate for organizations in South Africa was calculated to be between 14 and 19%. © Rasoava Rijamampianina, 2015. | Curvilinear; Employee turnover rate; Optimal; Organizational performance; Voluntary turnover | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904088064 | Job motivation, job performance and gender relations in the broadcast sector in Nigeria | Ufuophu-Biri E., Iwu C.G. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 16 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n16p191 | Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria; Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | Ufuophu-Biri, E., Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria; Iwu, C.G., Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | Within management scholarship, a common link has been established between motivation and job performance. This is based on the argument that high job motivation will likely lead to high job performance. Also, studies have argued that gender seems to play a significant role in employees' job motivation and job performance in some professions, especially in developing countries. Therefore determining if gender has any association to job motivation and performance in the broadcast sector in Delta State of Nigeria could lead to improvements in the workplace that will help broadcast staff to remain satisfied with their jobs. This was based on previous research that has linked job motivation and job performance to organisational commitment, turnover intentions and absenteeism. Data for this study was collected with the help of a questionnaire, which contained closed-ended, open-ended and Likert scaled questions. The sample of 600 respondents was selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure.The study found no significant correlation between gender and job motivation and job performance respectively. | Delta State; Digital broadcasting tools; Job motivation; Job performance; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84882996014 | Use of volcanic ash and its impact on algae proliferation in drinking water filtration | Mpagi K.H., Rose K., Elzbieta P. | 2013 | Journal of Water Sanitation and Hygiene for Development | 3 | 2 | 10.2166/washdev.2013.080 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; External Services, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, P.O. Box 7053, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Land and Water Resources Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Brinellvägen 32, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden | Mpagi, K.H., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Rose, K., External Services, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, P.O. Box 7053, Kampala, Uganda; Elzbieta, P., Department of Land and Water Resources Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Brinellvägen 32, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden | With increasing pollution of the available water resources, development of safe drinking water supplies is increasingly becoming a challenge, both for developing and developed countries. To alleviate the prevailing difficulties, approaches should focus on sustainable water supply and treatment systems that require minimal maintenance and operator skills. In this study, a pre-treatment of water containing algae using a combination of volcanic ash (VA) and sand in a filtration system was assessed. The results indicated that a combination of VA and sand performed better in the removal of algae than sand alone. However, it was noted that different algae genera were removed at different rates within the two types of media arrangement. In addition, there was an increase in the filtration run length of the ash-sand columns with VA on top of sand of about two and half times compared with the sand columns. It is therefore anticipated that pre-treatment of raw water laden with algae using ash-sand would probably improve on the performance of the subsequent conventional processes in removing intact cells of algae and thus reduce the threat of releasing toxins into the water that may not be removed by the subsequent conventional treatment processes. © IWA Publishing 2013. | Algae; Drinking water; Filtration; Intact cells; Pre-treatment; Volcanic ash | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000232495400004 | Methodological issues in measuring the impact of interventions against female genital cutting | ASKEW, I | 2005 | CULTURE HEALTH & SEXUALITY | 7 | 5 | 10.1080/13691050410001701939 | None | None | With increasing efforts being made to introduce systematic interventions for encouraging abandonment of female genital cutting (FGC) comes the need to better understand how such interventions work and what effects they have. Many interventions are based on theoretical models of behaviour change and so studies to evaluate them should develop indicators appropriate to the type of behaviour change anticipated. Systematic evaluations need also to use some form of quasiexperimental design to be able to attribute change to the intervention and not to any 'natural' change in FGC behaviour or other activities that may be concurrent. A sustained change in the prevalence of FGC is the ultimate indicator and there are several ways this can be measured, although with many limitations given the intimate nature of the practice. Moreover, appropriate sample sizes must be calculated and used to be able to draw valid conclusions. Many of those implementing FGC interventions are not familiar with such basic research principles and so there is an urgent need to ensure that projects are well designed so that valid conclusions concerning their effectiveness can be drawn. | ,CIRCUMCISION,CONSEQUENCES,DECLINE | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877265674 | On farm evaluation of Kenyan Top bar hive (KTBH) for honey production in Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia | Gebremedhn H., Estifanos A. | 2013 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 25 | 5 | None | Mekelle Agricultural Research Center, P. O. Box 258, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Tigray Agricultural Research Institute, P. O. Box 492, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia | Gebremedhn, H., Mekelle Agricultural Research Center, P. O. Box 258, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Estifanos, A., Tigray Agricultural Research Institute, P. O. Box 492, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia | With high adoption of the modern beehive in the Tigray region of Northern Ethiopia, there is shortage of beeswax for preparation of the foundation sheet. Thus there is high demand of beeswax by the beekeepers and its cost has been increasing dramatically from time to time. Hence a study was designed to familiarize alternative new technology, Kenyan top bar hive (KTBH) and to evaluate its honey productivity under farmers' condition. A total of 15 honeybee colonies which had similar strength were selected for comparison of KTBH with Modern beehive (MH) under farmers' condition. Honey yield data from each hive per harvesting season was recorded immediately after harvest. The collected data were analyzed using GLM analysis of variance procedure. There was significant difference between modern and Kenyan top bar hive for honey yield. The potential productivity of the modern hive (22.8 kg/hive) was higher than the KTBH (17.8 kg/hive). In Begasheka honey yield from the modern hive (25.7 kg/harvest) was significantly higher than the Kenyan top bar hive (17.8 Kg/harvest). While, in Debrekidan there was no significant difference between both hives. It is therefore recommended to use the KTBH as an alternative technology in areas like Debrekidan watershed for farmers with little skill in modern hive management and to minimize the shortage of beeswax. | Honey yield; Kenyan top bar hive; Modern bee hive | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954920925 | Evaluation of the efficiency of patient flow at three HIV clinics in Uganda | Wanyenze R.K., Wagner G., Alamo S., Amanyire G., Ouma J., Kwarisima D., Sunday P., Wabwire-Mangen F., Kamya M. | 2010 | AIDS Patient Care and STDs | 24 | 7 | 10.1089/apc.2009.0328 | Makerere University, School of Public Health, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, United States; Reachout Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative, Kampala, Uganda; Mulago-Mbarara Teaching Hospitals' Joint AIDS Program, Kampala, Uganda; Makerere University, School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda | Wanyenze, R.K., Makerere University, School of Public Health, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; Wagner, G., RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, United States; Alamo, S., Reachout Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative, Kampala, Uganda; Amanyire, G., Mulago-Mbarara Teaching Hospitals' Joint AIDS Program, Kampala, Uganda; Ouma, J., Mulago-Mbarara Teaching Hospitals' Joint AIDS Program, Kampala, Uganda; Kwarisima, D., Mulago-Mbarara Teaching Hospitals' Joint AIDS Program, Kampala, Uganda; Sunday, P., Reachout Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative, Kampala, Uganda; Wabwire-Mangen, F., Makerere University, School of Public Health, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; Kamya, M., Mulago-Mbarara Teaching Hospitals' Joint AIDS Program, Kampala, Uganda, Makerere University, School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda | With dramatic increases in antiretroviral therapy (ART) provision, many clinics in sub-Saharan Africa are congested, but little attention has focused on the efficiency of clinics. Between April and June 2008, we conducted a time-and-motion study to assess patient flow at three HIV clinics in Uganda. Mulago HIV Clinic had 6,700 active patients, compared with 2,700 at Mbarara Municipal Council Clinic (MMC) and 2,800 at Reachout Mbuya (ROM). Mulago had six doctors and eight nurses; MMC had two doctors and two nurses, and ROM had two doctors and 12 nurses. Mulago and MMC used a doctor-led model, whereas ROM used a nurse-led model. Randomly selected patients were tracked, with data collected on time waiting and time spent with providers. Patients were categorized as new, preparing for ART, early ART, stable ART, or non-ART. Doctors indicated whether the patients they saw warranted their consultation. Data were collected on 689 patients (230 at Mulago, 229 at MMC, and 230 at ROM). Overall waiting time was longest at ROM (274 min; 209-346) and Mulago ISS (270 min; 230-336) compared with MMC (183 min; 148-233). Nurse-clinicians at ROM spent twice the time with patients compared with the doctors at Mulago. At Mulago, doctors indicated that 27% of the patients they reviewed did not need to see a doctor, compared with 45% at MMC. Task-shifting may not be efficient in terms of time. More-effective triage and longer visit intervals could improve patient flow and capacity for cost-effective scale-up. © 2010, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2010. | None | Africa; article; clinical effectiveness; consultation; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; emergency health service; female; health care personnel; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; information processing; major clinical study; male; nurse; outpatient department; patient care; patient selection; physician; Uganda; virotherapy; ambulatory care; clinical practice; economics; evaluation study; health care quality; health care survey; HIV Infections; hospital management; organization and management; outpatient department; statistics and numerical data; task performance; time management; Uganda; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Anti-HIV Agents; Appointments and Schedules; Efficiency, Organizational; Health Care Surveys; HIV Infections; Humans; Office Visits; Physician's Practice Patterns; Quality of Health Care; Time and Motion Studies; Time Management; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943010703 | Ownership, structure, and performance of architectural firms | Oluwatayo A.A., Amole D. | 2013 | Frontiers of Architectural Research | 2 | 1 | 10.1016/j.foar.2012.12.001 | Department of Architecture, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Oluwatayo, A.A., Department of Architecture, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Amole, D., Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | With architectural firms, owners are often managers whose characteristics may influence the firm structure. This study investigated the relationships between ownership characteristics, organizational structure, and performance of architectural firms. Utilizing a sample of architectural firms from Nigeria, a questionnaire survey of 92 architectural firms was carried out. Data were analyzed using multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) and regression analyses. A generally low level of specialization of duties was observed even though professional service firms were defined as highly specialized firms. For most of the firms, level of formalization was moderate or high, while level of centralization was mostly low. Results revealed a direct significant relationship between legal ownership form and formalization dimension of structure. In addition, the centralization dimension of structure influenced firm performance. However, no direct relationship between ownership characteristics and performance was noted, although different fits of ownership characteristics and structural variables were observed. The results suggest that principals of architectural firms should match their characteristics with the firm structure to enhance performance in relation to profit. © 2013 Higher Education Press Limited Company. | Architectural firm; Organizational structure; Ownership; Performance; Professional service firm | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746301127 | Feasibility of structural monitoring with vibration powered sensors | Elvin N.G., Lajnef N., Elvin A.A. | 2006 | Smart Materials and Structures | 15 | 4 | 10.1088/0964-1726/15/4/011 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, Engineering Building 3573, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Elvin, N.G., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, Engineering Building 3573, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States; Lajnef, N., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, Engineering Building 3573, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States; Elvin, A.A., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Wireless sensors and sensor networks are beginning to be used to monitor structures. In general, the longevity, and hence the efficacy, of these sensors are severely limited by their stored power. The ability to convert abundant ambient energy into electric power would eliminate the problem of drained electrical supply, and would allow indefinite monitoring. This paper focuses on vibration in civil engineering structures as a source of ambient energy; the key question is can sufficient energy be produced from vibrations? Earthquake, wind and traffic loads are used as realistic sources of vibration. The theoretical maximum energy levels that can be extracted from these dynamic loads are computed. The same dynamic loads are applied to a piezoelectric generator; the energy is measured experimentally and computed using a mathematical model. The collected energy levels are compared to the energy requirements of various electronic subsystems in a wireless sensor. For a 5cm3 sensor node (the volume of a typical concrete stone), it is found that only extreme events such as earthquakes can provide sufficient energy to power wireless sensors consisting of modern electronic chips. The results show that the optimal generated electrical power increases approximately linearly with increasing sensor mass. With current technology, it would be possible to self-power a sensor node with a mass between 100 and 1000g for a bridge under traffic load. Lowering the energy consumption of electronic components is an ongoing research effort. It is likely that, as electronics becomes more efficient in the future, it will be possible to power a wireless sensor node by harvesting vibrations from a volume generator smaller than 5cm3. © 2006 IOP Publishing Ltd. | None | Earthquakes; Electric power systems; Electronic equipment; Energy efficiency; Problem solving; Vibration control; Structural monitoring; Vibration powered sensors; Volume generators; Sensors | 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-s2.0-84945940863 | 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-s2.0-84897383318 | Toxicological evaluation of Melocia corchorifolia leaves (L.) fed to albino rat | Umar K.J., Hassan L.G., Dangoggo S.M., Maigandi S.A., Sani N.A., Dogonyaro A.I. | 2014 | International Journal of Biological Chemistry | 8 | 1 | 10.3923/ijbc.2014.48.57 | Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; College of Science and Technology, Department of Science, Sokoto St | Umar, K.J., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Hassan, L.G., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Dangoggo, S.M., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Maigandi, S.A., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Sani, N.A., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Dogonyaro, A.I., College of Science and Technology, Department of Science, Sokoto State Polytechnic, Sokoto, Nigeria | Wild leafy vegetables are widely eaten in developing countries and serves as nutrient supplements. The present study examined the effect of feeding albino rats with 75% Melocia corchorifolia leaves with respect to their body weight, liver and kidney biochemical, haematological and histological response. Results showed that the rats fed with M. corchorifolia leaves experience decrease in body weight compared to the control group. The Packed Cell Volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and Red Blood Cells (RBC), White Blood Cells (WBC), platelets, Mean Carpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Carpuseular Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean Carpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) and leukocyte (lymphocyte, neutophils, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils) differential counts were not significantly (p>0.05) different between control and treatment. Similarly, serum total protein, globulin and bilirubin were not significantly different, but that of albumin was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the treatment than control group. The serum enzyme activities, i.e., aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly (p<0.05) elevated in sample treatment than the control; which is an indication of organ toxicity by cellular destruction induced by the phyto-toxin present in the fed. Renal function indices-serum creatinine, urea, uric acid and electrolytes were not significantly different (p>0.05) between control and treatment. The results of this study showed that Melocia corchorifolia leaves have a relatively low or no toxicity profile. © 2014 Academic Journals Inc. | Albino rat; Haematology; Histology; Melocia corchorifolia; Serum biochemistry; Toxicity; Vegetables | None | None |
| None | None | Long-term impacts of poaching on relatedness, stress physiology, and reproductive output of adult female African elephants | Gobush K.S., Mutayoba B.M., Wasser S.K. | 2008 | Conservation Biology | 22 | 6 | 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2008.01035.x | Department of Biology, University of Washington, Box 351800, Seattle, WA 98195-1800, United States; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3015, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania | Gobush, K.S., Department of Biology, University of Washington, Box 351800, Seattle, WA 98195-1800, United States; Mutayoba, B.M., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3015, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Wasser, S.K., Department of Biology, University of Washington, Box 351800, Seattle, WA 98195-1800, United States | Widespread poaching prior to the 1989 ivory ban greatly altered the demographic structure of matrilineal African elephant (Loxodonta africana) family groups in many populations by decreasing the number of old, adult females. We assessed the long-term impacts of poaching by investigating genetic, physiological, and reproductive correlates of a disturbed social structure resulting from heavy poaching of an African elephant population in Mikumi National Park, Tanzania, prior to 1989. We examined fecal glucocorticoid levels and reproductive output among 218 adult female elephants from 109 groups differing in size, age structure, and average genetic relatedness over 25 months from 2003 to 2005. The distribution in group size has changed little since 1989, but the number of families with tusked old matriarchs has increased by 14.2%. Females from groups that lacked an old matriarch, first-order adult relatives, and strong social bonds had significantly higher fecal glucocorticoid values than those from groups with these features (all females R2 = 0.31; females in multiadult groups R2 = 0.46). Females that frequented isolated areas with historically high poaching risk had higher fecal glucocorticoid values than those in low poaching risk areas. Females with weak bonds and low group relatedness had significantly lower reproductive output (R2[U] = 0.21). Females from disrupted groups, defined as having observed average group relatedness 1 SD below the expected mean for a simulated unpoached family, had significantly lower reproductive output than females from intact groups, despite many being in their reproductive prime. These results suggest that long-term negative impacts from poaching of old, related matriarchs have persisted among adult female elephants 1.5 decades after the 1989 ivory ban was implemented. © 2008 Society for Conservation Biology. | Gene-drop analysis; Glucocorticoids; Loxodonta africana; Microsatellite DNA; Poaching; Relatedness | glucocorticoid; microsatellite DNA; DNA; elephant; group size; hormone; physiology; poaching; population distribution; relatedness; reproductive health; animal; article; chemistry; comparative study; demography; elephant; feces; female; fertility; genetics; pedigree; physiological stress; physiology; season; Tanzania; Animals; Demography; Elephants; Feces; Female; Fertility; Glucocorticoids; Microsatellite Repeats; Pedigree; Seasons; Stress, Physiological; Tanzania; Africa; East Africa; Mikumi National Park; Morogoro [Tanzania]; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania; Elephantidae; Loxodonta; Loxodonta africana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052397989 | Impact of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis on the health of breast-fed, HIV-exposed, HIV-negative infants in a resource-limited setting | Coutsoudis A., Kindra G., Esterhuizen T. | 2011 | AIDS | 25 | 14 | 10.1097/QAD.0b013e32834ad699 | Department Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Programme of Biostatistics Research Ethics and Medical Law, School of Family and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Coutsoudis, A., Department Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Kindra, G., Department Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Esterhuizen, T., Programme of Biostatistics Research Ethics and Medical Law, School of Family and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | WHO guidelines recommend cotrimoxazole prophylaxis (CTXP) in all HIV-exposed negative infants who are still breastfeeding. This is based on the evidence of efficacy in HIV-infected infants, but there is no evidence of benefit in HIV-negative, breast-fed infants. We assessed the impact of CTXP on diarrhoeal and respiratory morbidity in breast-fed, HIV-exposed negative infants in a community programme. CTXP for more than 60 days showed no consistent evidence of benefit for incidence of lower respiratory tract infection [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-1.26; P=0.241] but an increased incidence of diarrhoea (IRR=1.38, 95% CI 0.98-1.94; P=0.065). The guidelines should be reconsidered by conducting a randomized control trial. © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | None | cotrimoxazole; article; breast feeding; diarrhea; drug efficacy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; lower respiratory tract infection; major clinical study; morbidity; priority journal; prophylaxis; socioeconomics; vertical transmission; Breast Feeding; Female; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Infant; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Male; Odds Ratio; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; Rural Population; South Africa; Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Combination | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904105334 | Modelling the effects of market orientation enablers on business performance among SMEs in a developing country | Dubihlela J., Dhurup M. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 16 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n16p33 | Vaal University of Technology, 11 Dick King Street, SE 6, Vanderbijlpark, 1911, South Africa; Vaal University of Technology, Andries Portgieter Blvd, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | Dubihlela, J., Vaal University of Technology, 11 Dick King Street, SE 6, Vanderbijlpark, 1911, South Africa; Dhurup, M., Vaal University of Technology, Andries Portgieter Blvd, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | Whilst studies have contributed to the notion that market orientation and its elements drive business performance, very few research efforts has specifically focussed on the relationship between the enablers of market orientation and business performance. The current study provides a succinct relationship between the enablers of market orientation and the relationship with business performance in small and medium enterprises within a South African context. The study was approached from a quantitative paradigm through a structured questionnaire to examine the relationships. Through confirmatory factor analysis and structural equations path modelling, the results established that enablers of market orientation (market-based rewards, interdepartmental cohesion, owners/managers influence and management risk exposure) influence the business performance of SMEs in the region. A significant positive relationship was noted between market orientation enablers and business performance. These variables need to be further unpacked in order to provide synergy and strength for SMEs to survive in competitive environments. | Business performance; Enablers; Managers; Market orientaion; Owners; SMEs | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942134689 | The impact of customer demographic variables on the adoption and use of internet banking in developing economies | Ameme B.K. | 2015 | Journal of Internet Banking and Commerce | 20 | 2 | 10.4172/1204-5357.1000114 | Information Communication and Technology Management, Ghana Technology University College, Accra, Ghana | Ameme, B.K., Information Communication and Technology Management, Ghana Technology University College, Accra, Ghana | Whilst most banks introduced internet banking services for the benefit of their customers, the adoption and use of the service had been very low. Strategies to increase the adoption and use of internet banking services eventually lead to the banks’ goal of maximizing profit. It is therefore essential for banks to understand the factors that affect the adoption of internet banking services. The purpose of this paper is to determine demographic factors that influence the adoption of internet banking services in a bid to improving the situation. Due to the limitations in accessing the population of developing economies, a sample of one bank was selected from a developing nation, Ghana. Ghana was strategically chosen due to the high internet penetration rate. Out of 506,203 customers of the chosen bank, only 32,337 customers who subscribed to the internet banking services were used for data analysis. 31, 886 representing 98.61% of internet banking customers were resident in Ghana whilst the remaining 451 representing 1.39% were non-residents, suggesting that the data for analysis represented the behavior of Ghanaians as citizens of developing economies, though the restriction to just one bank may limit the generalization of the findings. Chi-square techniques were employed in the study, using historical data of over eight years. The findings of the study revealed that demographic factors such as gender do not have significant effect on customers in adopting and using internet banking services. The study further concluded that there is a strong correlation between employment status, educational level and customer adoption and usage of internet banking services in Ghana. These findings will help banks to develop appropriate strategies in attracting and retaining their customers, through the design of specific marketing campaigns geared towards certain category of internet banking customers who are likely to adopt and use internet banking services. © 2015 Ameme BK. | Adoption; Demographic; Internet banking; Security | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953757154 | Wildlife damage and its impact on public attitudes towards conservation: A comparative study of Kenya and Botswana, with particular reference to Kenya's Laikipia Region and Botswana's Okavango Delta Region | Sifuna N. | 2010 | Journal of Asian and African Studies | 45 | 3 | 10.1177/0021909610364776 | Moi University School of Law, PO Box 3900-30100, Eldoret, Kenya | Sifuna, N., Moi University School of Law, PO Box 3900-30100, Eldoret, Kenya | While wildlife is a valuable natural resource with several beneficial values to the people of Kenya and Botswana, wild animals in both countries usually cause damage to society in terms of attacks on people and livestock, damage to crops and other property such as infrastructure, and disruption of peaceful existence in local communities living in close proximity to wildlife areas. Wildlife damage would ordinarily result in people having negative attitudes towards conservation. Interestingly, however, people's perceptions of wildlife in these countries seem to be diametrically different in that whereas public attitudes in Kenya are generally negative, in Botswana they are remarkably positive. This study set out to establish the reasons for this variance in conservation attitudes. It established that the major cause for this variance in perception is that while in Kenya wildlife conservation is more often thought of in terms of wildlife welfare and hardly in terms of human welfare, in Botswana human welfare concerns have been mainstreamed in conservation efforts. People have, for instance, been allowed to derive direct benefits from wildlife through consumptive utilization, unlike in Kenya where only indirect benefits through non-consumptive uses are permitted. These direct benefits seem to mitigate the effects of wildlife damage, especially the resultant negative attitudes of people towards wildlife. The present and future survival of wildlife in many parts of the world, and especially in African countries such as Kenya and Botswana, depends to a large measure on the goodwill of the people, particularly local communities, in their everyday contact with it. © The Author(s) 2010. | Human-wildlife conflicts; Laikipia; Livelihoods; Local communities; Okavango; Public attitudes; Wildlife damage | comparative study; natural resource; nature conservation; nature-society relations; perception; public attitude; survival; Kenya; Laikipia; Namibia; Okavango; Rift Valley; Animalia | None |
| None | None | Impact of tissue culture banana technology on farm household income and food security in Kenya | Kabunga N.S., Dubois T., Qaim M. | 2014 | Food Policy | 45 | None | 10.1016/j.foodpol.2013.12.009 | International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), P.O. Box 28565, Kampala, Uganda; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Kampala, Uganda; Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Georg-August University of Goettingen, 37073 Goettingen, Germany; The World Vegetable Center (AVRDC), P.O. Box 10, Diluti, Arusha, Tanzania | Kabunga, N.S., International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), P.O. Box 28565, Kampala, Uganda; Dubois, T., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Kampala, Uganda, The World Vegetable Center (AVRDC), P.O. Box 10, Diluti, Arusha, Tanzania; Qaim, M., Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Georg-August University of Goettingen, 37073 Goettingen, Germany | While tissue culture (TC) technology for vegetative plant propagation is gradually gaining in importance in Africa, rigorous assessment of broader welfare effects for adopting smallholder farm households is lacking. Using survey data and accounting for selection bias in technology adoption, we analyze the impact of TC banana technology on household income and food security in Kenya. To assess food security outcomes, we employ the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) - a tool that has not been used for impact assessment before. Estimates of treatment-effects models show that TC banana adoption, combined with improved crop management, causes considerable increases in farm and household income. Technology adoption also reduces relative food insecurity in a significant way. These results indicate that TC technology can be welfare enhancing for adopting farm households. Adoption should be further promoted through upscaling appropriate technology delivery systems. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Food security; Household income; Impact assessment; Technology adoption; Tissue culture | crop plant; food policy; food security; fruit; household income; smallholder; technology adoption; welfare economics; welfare impact; Kenya | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-53549093601 | The linkages between FDI and domestic investment: Unravelling the developmental impact of foreign investment in sub-Saharan Africa | Ndikumana L., Verick S. | 2008 | Development Policy Review | 26 | 6 | 10.1111/j.1467-7679.2008.00430.x | African Development Bank, Tunis, Tunisia; UN Economic Commission for Africa and IZA, P.O. Box 3005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Ndikumana, L., African Development Bank, Tunis, Tunisia; Verick, S., UN Economic Commission for Africa and IZA, P.O. Box 3005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | While the recent increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) to African countries is a welcome development, the impact of these resource inflows on economic development remains in doubt. This article argues that a key channel is its effects on domestic factor markets, especially domestic investment, and analyses the two-way linkages between FDI and domestic investment in sub-Saharan Africa. The results suggest, first, that FDI crowds in domestic investment and, secondly, that private investment is a driver of FDI, implying that African countries will gain much from improving the domestic climate. Moreover, there are alternatives to resource endowments as a means of attracting foreign investment to non-resource-rich countries. © 2008 Overseas Development Institute. | FDI; Privatein vestment; Public investment; Sub-Saharan Africa | capital flow; economic development; economic impact; foreign direct investment; private sector; Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953534671 | Impact of off-farm income on food security and nutrition in Nigeria | Babatunde R.O., Qaim M. | 2010 | Food Policy | 35 | 4 | 10.1016/j.foodpol.2010.01.006 | University of Ilorin, Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, PMB, 1515 Ilorin, Nigeria; Georg-August-University of Goettingen, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, 37073 Goettingen, Germany | Babatunde, R.O., University of Ilorin, Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, PMB, 1515 Ilorin, Nigeria; Qaim, M., Georg-August-University of Goettingen, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, 37073 Goettingen, Germany | While the poverty implications of off-farm income have been analyzed in different developing countries, much less is known about the impact of off-farm income on household food security and nutrition. Here, this research gap is addressed by using farm survey data from Nigeria. Econometric analyses are employed to examine the mechanisms through which off-farm income affects household calorie and micronutrient supply, dietary quality, and child anthropometry. We find that off-farm income has a positive net effect on food security and nutrition. The prevalence of child stunting, underweight, and wasting is lower in households with off-farm income than in households without. Using a structural model, we also show that off-farm income contributes to higher food production and farm income by easing capital constraints, thus improving household welfare in multiple ways. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Child anthropometry; Farm households; Food security; Micronutrients; Off-farm income | developing world; diet; econometrics; food security; household income; numerical model; nutritional status; nutritive value; off-farm employment; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-73449106812 | Patterns of income diversification in rural Nigeria: Determinants and impacts | Babatunde R.O., Qaim M. | 2009 | Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture | 48 | 4 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Germany | Babatunde, R.O., Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Qaim, M., Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Germany | While the determinants of rural income diversification have been analyzed in various developing countries, the results remain somewhat ambiguous. Likewise, many previous studies failed to consider the impacts of diversification. Hence, more research is needed to understand what conditions lead to what outcomes and to identify appropriate policy responses. Here, we analyze the situation in rural Nigeria based on recent survey data. The majority of households is fairly diversified; 50% of total income is from off-farm sources. Strikingly, richer households tend to be more diversified, suggesting that diversification is not only considered a risk management strategy but also a means to increase overall income. Econometric analysis confirms that the marginal income effect is positive. Yet, due to market imperfections, resource- poor households are constrained in diversifying their income sources. Reducing market failures through infrastructure improvements could enhance their situation, while, at the same time, promoting specialization among the relatively better off. | Farm households; Income diversification; Nigeria; Off-farm activities | developing world; development strategy; econometrics; income distribution; off-farm employment; policy approach; rural area; rural economy; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-56049105154 | Contextual determinants and performance implications of information systems strategy planning within South African firms | Cohen J.F. | 2008 | Information and Management | 45 | 8 | 10.1016/j.im.2008.09.001 | School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg, WITS 2050, South Africa | Cohen, J.F., School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg, WITS 2050, South Africa | While studies have shown the effect of context on IS planning as important, the incorporation of contextual factors has not been systematic and the categorization of factors has not been made explicit and some factors have only been superficially examined. My study examined the interrelationships amongst four domains of context and considered their influence on IS planning. The corresponding impact of planning on performance was also assessed. Data was collected from 116 South African companies and results revealed that the internal IS context mediated the effects of environmental and organisational level variables on IS planning practice. Results further showed that IS planning intensity and degree of integration with business planning was strongly influenced by managerial planning expertise, and had positive effects on business management's commitment to IS as well as on IS contribution to business performance. Results have important implications in organisational IS planning and performance. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Commitment; Context; Environment; IS performance; Planning expertise; Strategic IS planning; Strategy | Information retrieval systems; Regional planning; Strategic planning; Commitment; Context; Environment; IS performance; Strategic IS planning; Strategy; Planning | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871258311 | Genetic diversity of indigenous Bradyrhizobium nodulating promiscuous soybean [Glycine max (L) Merr.] varieties in Kenya: Impact of phosphorus and lime fertilization in two contrasting sites | Wasike V.W., Lesueur D., Wachira F.N., Mungai N.W., Mumera L.M., Sanginga N., Mburu H.N., Mugadi D., Wango P., Vanlauwe B. | 2009 | Plant and Soil | 322 | 1 | 10.1007/s11104-009-9902-7 | Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), P.O. Box 57811-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Inst. of the Inter. Cent. for Tropical Agri. (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Crops Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton, Kenya; CIRAD, PERSYST Department, UPR Ecosystems of Plantations, Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Inst. of the Inter. Cen. for Tropical Agri. (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya | Wasike, V.W., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), P.O. Box 57811-00200, Nairobi, Kenya, Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Inst. of the Inter. Cent. for Tropical Agri. (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya, Department of Crops Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya; Lesueur, D., CIRAD, PERSYST Department, UPR Ecosystems of Plantations, Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Inst. of the Inter. Cen. for Tropical Agri. (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Wachira, F.N., Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton, Kenya; Mungai, N.W., Department of Crops Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya; Mumera, L.M., Department of Crops Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya; Sanginga, N., Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Inst. of the Inter. Cent. for Tropical Agri. (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Mburu, H.N., Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Inst. of the Inter. Cent. for Tropical Agri. (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Mugadi, D., Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Inst. of the Inter. Cent. for Tropical Agri. (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Wango, P., Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Inst. of the Inter. Cent. for Tropical Agri. (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Vanlauwe, B., Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Inst. of the Inter. Cent. for Tropical Agri. (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya | While soybean is an exotic crop introduced in Kenya early last century, promiscuous (TGx) varieties which nodulate with indigenous rhizobia have only recently been introduced. Since farmers in Kenya generally cannot afford or access fertilizer or inoculants, the identification of effective indigenous Bradyrhizobium strains which nodulate promiscuous soybean could be useful in the development of inoculant strains. Genetic diversity and phylogeny of indigenous Bradyrhizobium strains nodulating seven introduced promiscuous soybean varieties grown in two different sites in Kenya was assayed using the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of the 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer region and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. PCR-RFLP analysis directly applied on 289 nodules using Msp I distinguished 18 intergenic spacer groups (IGS) I-XVIII. Predominant IGS groups were I, III, II, IV and VI which constituted 43.9%, 24.6%, 8.3% 7.6% and 6.9% respectively of all the analyzed nodules from the two sites while IGS group VII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIV, XVI, XVII, XVIII each constituted 1% or less. The IGS groups were specific to sites and treatments but not varieties. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that all indigenous strains belong to the genus Bradyrhizobium. Bradyrhizobium elkanii, Bradyrhizobium spp and Bradyrhizobium japonicum related strains were the most predominant and accounted for 37.9%, 34.5%, and 20.7% respectively while B. yuanmigense related accounted for 6.9% of all strains identified in the two combined sites. The diversity identified in Bradyrhizobium populations in the two sites represent a valuable genetic resource that has potential utility for the selection of more competitive and effective strains to improve biological nitrogen fixation and thus increase soybean yields at low cost. © Springer Science + Business Media B.V. 2009. | Agro-ecological zones; Genetic diversity; Polymerase chain reactionrestriction fragment length polymorphism; Promiscuous soybean | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908374644 | The issue of personal safety on dolomite: A probability-based evaluation with respect to two- and three-storey residential units | Kirsten H.A.D., Heath G.J., Venter I.S., Oosthuizen A.C. | 2014 | Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering | 56 | 2 | None | PO Box 17, Fontainebleau, Johannesburg, South Africa; Private Bag X5, Westonaria, South Africa; PO Box 36114, Menlo Park, Pretoria, South Africa; Private Bag X112, Pretoria, South Africa | Kirsten, H.A.D., PO Box 17, Fontainebleau, Johannesburg, South Africa; Heath, G.J., Private Bag X5, Westonaria, South Africa; Venter, I.S., PO Box 36114, Menlo Park, Pretoria, South Africa; Oosthuizen, A.C., Private Bag X112, Pretoria, South Africa | While single-storey (single-house) residential developments were considered in a previous paper, two- and three-storey (multiple house) residential developments, which result in significantly higher densities of land occupation, are considered in this paper. The overall probability of injury for the occupants of two- and three-storey dwelling units is defined as co-dependent probabilities of sinkhole occurrence, coincidence of the sinkhole with a dwelling unit, structural collapse of the dwelling unit, occupancy of the dwelling unit, occupants in residence when the sinkhole occurs and fatal injury as a result of the event. The probability of sinkhole occurrence is determined by the associated infiltration regime for residential development, and the geological ground profile. The probability of coincidence between a sinkhole and a dwelling unit is treated in terms of overlapping geometric shapes. The probabilities for the remaining events are subjectively assigned by engineering judgement. The resulting overall probability of injury enables the number of dwelling units and the associated population densities for each of the Inherent Hazard Classes to be determined. It is found that the allowable population densities for two- and three-storey residential units amount to 890, 425, 170, 125, 40, 0, 0 and 0 people per hectare respectively for the eight Inherent Hazard Classes of dolomite land. This corresponds in principle with the allowable population densities for single-storey dwelling houses of 800, 400, 150, 100, 30, 0, 0 and 0 people per hectare respectively for the eight Inherent Hazard Classes. © 2014, South African Institute of Civil Engineers. All rights reserved. | Coincidence; Dolomite; Hazard; Multiple housing; Probability; Risk; Sinkhole | Probability; Risks; Coincidence; Dolomite; Personal safety; Sinkhole; Hazards | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887140836 | Business owner's expertise, employee skills training and business performance: A small business perspective | Chinomona R. | 2013 | Journal of Applied Business Research | 29 | 6 | None | Department of Logistics, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | Chinomona, R., Department of Logistics, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | While researches on small businesses have grown substantially, there seem to be a paucity of researches that specifically investigate the effects of small business owner's expertise on employees' skills training and small business performance. In order to fill this void the current study examined the direct effects of small business owner expertise on small business performance and the mediating influence of employee skills training in this relationship. To empirically test the three (3) posited hypotheses, a sample data of 221 was collected from small business employees in Zimbabwe. The results indicate that small business owner's expertise positively influence employees' skills training and small business performance in a significant way. Managerial implications of the findings are discussed and limitations and future research directions are indicated. © author(s) Creative Commons License CC-BY. | Business performance; Employee training; Expert power; Small and medium enterprises | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887132647 | Market Orientation and Firm Performance: An Empirical Analysis of Ghanaian Microenterprises | Spillan J.E., Kara A., King D.O., McGinnis M.A. | 2013 | Journal of Global Marketing | 26 | 5 | 10.1080/08911762.2013.825040 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Pembroke, NC, United States; The Pennsylvania State University-York Campus, York, PA, United States; NUISTODOK Consultants, Kumasi, Ghana; The Pennsylvania State University-New Kensington Campus, New Kensington, PA, United States | Spillan, J.E., University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Pembroke, NC, United States; Kara, A., The Pennsylvania State University-York Campus, York, PA, United States; King, D.O., NUISTODOK Consultants, Kumasi, Ghana; McGinnis, M.A., The Pennsylvania State University-New Kensington Campus, New Kensington, PA, United States | While previous researchers have explored the relationship between market orientation and firm performance in larger organizations, such studies in microenterprises are scarce. This empirical study uses a structural equation model to examine the role of market orientation on firm performance of microenterprises operating in Ghana. To measure market orientation, we used a well-known scale (MARKOR), and the data (N = 347) for this study were collected from Ghanaian microenterprises using personal interviews. Study results indicated that the MARKOR scale provided a good measure of market orientation in Ghanaian microenterprises. The conceptualized model provided a good fit to the relationship between market orientation and the performance of Ghanaian microenterprises, indicating that market orientation as measured by MARKOR had a statistically significant positive impact on performance. However, the explanatory power of the model was relatively low, indicating the potential impact of other factors that were not incorporated in the model. Study implications are discussed. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | Ghana; Market orientation; MARKOR scale; microenterprises (MEs) | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84911991008 | Gender differences in South African men and women's access to and evaluation of informal sources of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information | Stern E., Cooper D., Gibbs A. | 2015 | Sex Education | 15 | 1 | 10.1080/14681811.2014.947363 | Women'Health Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; HEARD (Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Stern, E., Women'Health Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Cooper, D., Women'Health Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Gibbs, A., HEARD (Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | While much research has documented unsatisfactory sexual and reproductive health (SRH) awareness among young people in South Africa, understanding of gender differences in access to and evaluation of SRH information is limited. This paper concerned itself with men and women's informal sources and content of SRH, and gendered divergences around accessibility, evaluation, and impact of such information. Fifty sexual history narrative interviews and twenty-five narrative interviews with women were conducted with participants purposively sampled from a range of ages, cultural and racial backgrounds, and in urban and rural sites across five provinces in South Africa. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. While young women were more likely to learn about SRH information from family members, they also reported greater regulation concerning their sexuality. This could enhance stigma surrounding women's sexuality and hinder open communication. Men predominantly learned about sex through pornography and peers, which was reported to encourage sexual prowess to the neglect of practising safer sex. Lack of adequate SRH instruction for young people as revealed through the narratives had significant and often negative implications for men and women's early safer sex behaviours. In response to these insights, recommendations are offered to strengthen informal sources of SRH awareness. © 2014, © 2014 Taylor & Francis. | gender; informal sources; sexual and reproductive health; South Africa; young people | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000295735200015 | Evaluation of a Peer Network-Based Sexual Risk Reduction Intervention for Men in Beer Halls in Zimbabwe: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial | Chasakara, Charles,Chirowodza, Admire,Fritz, Katherine,Kellogg, Timothy,Makumbe, Knox,Mashoko, Chamunorwa,McFarland, Willi,Woelk, Godfrey,Wyrod, Robert | 2011 | AIDS AND BEHAVIOR | 15 | 8 | 10.1007/s10461-011-9922-1 | Research Triangle Institute, University of California San Francisco, University of California System, University of Michigan, University of Michigan System, University of Zimbabwe, Harare Beer Hall Intervent, Int Ctr Res Women, RTI Int, San Francisco Dept Publ Hlth | "Wyrod, Robert: University of Michigan","Wyrod, Robert: University of Michigan System", | While much emphasis has been placed on involving men in AIDS prevention in sub-Saharan Africa, there remain few rigorously evaluated interventions in this area. A particularly appealing point of intervention is the sexual risk behavior associated with men's alcohol consumption. This article reports the outcomes of The Sahwira HIV Prevention Program, a male-focused, peer-based intervention promoting the idea that men can assist their friends in avoiding high-risk sexual encounters associated with alcohol drinking. The intervention was evaluated in a randomized, controlled trial (RCT) implemented in 24 beer halls in Harare, Zimbabwe. A cadre of 413 male beer hall patrons (similar to 20% of the patronage) was trained to assist their male peers within their friendship networks. Activities included one-on-one interactions, small group discussions, and educational events centering on the theme of men helping their male friends avoid risk. Venues were randomized into 12 control versus 12 intervention beer halls with little cross-contamination between study arms. The penetration and impact of the intervention were assessed by pre- and post-intervention cross-sectional surveys of the beer hall patronage. The intervention was implemented with a high degree of fidelity to the protocol, with exposure to the intervention activities significantly higher among intervention patrons compared to control. While we found generally declining levels of risk behavior in both study arms from baseline to post-intervention, we found no evidence of an impact of the intervention on our primary outcome measure: episodes of unprotected sex with non-wife partners in the preceding 6 months (median 5.4 episodes for men at intervention beer halls vs. 5.1 among controls, P = 0.98). There was also no evidence that the intervention reduced other risks for HIV. It remains an imperative to find ways to productively engage men in AIDS prevention, especially in those venues where male bonding, alcohol consumption, and sexual risk behavior are intertwined. | ALCOHOL,"Beer halls",HIV,MEN,ZIMBABWE,AIDS,BEHAVIOR,"DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS","GAY MEN",HIV/AIDS,"HIV-PREVENTION INTERVENTION","OPINION LEADERS","PARTNER VIOLENCE","SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA",WOMEN | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907680981 | Is consumer confidence an indicator of JSE performance? | Solanki K., Seetharam Y. | 2014 | Contemporary Economics | 8 | 3 | 10.5709/ce.1897-9254.144 | University of the Witwatersrand, School of Economic and Business Sciences, South Africa | Solanki, K., University of the Witwatersrand, School of Economic and Business Sciences, South Africa; Seetharam, Y., University of the Witwatersrand, School of Economic and Business Sciences, South Africa | While most studies examine the impact of business confidence on market performance, we instead focus on the consumer because consumer spending habits are a natural extension of trading activity on the equity market. This particular study examines investor sentiment as measured by the Consumer Confidence Index in South Africa and its effect on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). We employ Granger causality tests to investigate the relationship across time between the Consumer Confidence Index and market performance. The results show weak evidence of a contemporaneous relationship; however, significant evidence of a Granger caused relationship is apparent. Further, changes in investor sentiment Granger-cause changes in the two indices used, generally with a lag of 9 and 12 months, but not vice versa. Thus, we find that Consumer Confidence leads JSE performance during our sample period. Our research provides evidence contradicting the common perception of consumer confidence lagging market performance, particularly in the South African context. © 2007 University of Finance and Management in Warsaw & Vizja Press&IT. | Behavioral finance; Consumer confidence; Financial markets; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548515505 | Magnetic imaging of the Vredefort impact crater, South Africa | Muundjua M., Hart R.J., Gilder S.A., Carporzen L., Galdeano A. | 2007 | Earth and Planetary Science Letters | 261 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.epsl.2007.07.044 | iThemba Labs, P. Bag 11, Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; University of the Witwatersrand, School of Geosciences, P.O. Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Equipe de Paléomagnétisme, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France | Muundjua, M., iThemba Labs, P. Bag 11, Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa, University of the Witwatersrand, School of Geosciences, P.O. Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Hart, R.J., iThemba Labs, P. Bag 11, Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Gilder, S.A., Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Equipe de Paléomagnétisme, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France; Carporzen, L., Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Equipe de Paléomagnétisme, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France; Galdeano, A., Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Equipe de Paléomagnétisme, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France | While most impact craters are characterised by negative magnetic anomalies over their central regions, aeromagnetic surveys over the Vredefort meteorite impact crater reveal multiple concentric magnetic patterns with no significant anomaly at its centre. We performed ground magnetic surveys across a portion of a prominent negative magnetic anomaly that extends in a broad semicircular belt about half way into the basement floor of the crater. Magnetic anomalies defined by our data are most often negative and occur over a wide range of wavelengths. The longest wavelength negative anomaly coincides well with aeromagnetic data. We find that this feature is centred over the amphibolite to granulite metamorphic facies transition exposed in the basement floor. The transition zone is analogous to the Conrad discontinuity, observed at depths of about 20 km elsewhere in the Kaapvaal craton. Petrographic studies show a marked increase in the intensity of the impact-related thermal and shock metamorphism at this transition, which we explain by the focusing and defocusing of shock waves at a rheologic interface during impact. We therefore suggest that the magnetic signature at this boundary is caused by a combination of both thermal and shock effects related to the impact event. A numerical model of the long wavelength anomaly suggests that it is underlain by a body of coherently magnetised rock whose direction and intensity are similar to those found in pseudotachylites and impact melts that formed during impact. On the other hand, negative anomalies occurring over smaller (100 to 20 m) wavelengths often do not coincide with the surface geology. These features cannot be modeled using the same criteria as that for the long wavelength anomaly. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | magnetic survey; magnetism; meteorite impact; plasma; Vredefort crater | Magnetic imaging; Magnetic survey; Metamorphism; Geomagnetism; Mathematical models; Metamorphic rocks; Meteorites; Petrography; Rheology; Tectonics; aeromagnetic survey; crater; granulite; impact structure; magnetic anomaly; magnetic field; metamorphic facies; petrography; shock metamorphism; wavelength; Africa; Free State; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Vredefort Dome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-37649003663 | Virtual international experiences in veterinary medicine: an evaluation of students' attitudes toward computer-based learning | French B.C., Hird D.W., Romano P.S., Hayes R.H., Nijhof A.M., Jongejan F., Mellor D.J., Singer R.S., Fine A.E., Gaye J.M., Davis R.G., Conrad P.A. | 2007 | Journal of Veterinary Medical Education | 34 | 4 | None | US Air Force; Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of General Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis Medical Center, PSSB 2400, 4150 V Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, United States; Computer Assisted Learning Facility, Office of the Dean, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Department of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, NL 3508 Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University; Department of Tropical Veterinary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Institute of Comparative Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom; Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 1971 Commonwealth Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, United States; Population Medicine Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1314, United States; Field Disease Investigation Unit, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, P.O. Box 647010, Pullman, WA 99164-7010, United States; Center for Food Security and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50013, United States; Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States | French, B.C., US Air Force; Hird, D.W., Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Romano, P.S., Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of General Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis Medical Center, PSSB 2400, 4150 V Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, United States; Hayes, R.H., Computer Assisted Learning Facility, Office of the Dean, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Nijhof, A.M., Department of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, NL 3508 Utrecht, Netherlands; Jongejan, F., Department of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Department of Tropical Veterinary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Mellor, D.J., Institute of Comparative Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom; Singer, R.S., Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 1971 Commonwealth Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, United States; Fine, A.E., Population Medicine Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1314, United States; Gaye, J.M., Field Disease Investigation Unit, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, P.O. Box 647010, Pullman, WA 99164-7010, United States; Davis, R.G., Center for Food Security and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50013, United States; Conrad, P.A., Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States | While many studies have evaluated whether or not factual information can be effectively communicated using computer-aided tools, none has focused on establishing and changing students' attitudes toward international animal-health issues. The study reported here was designed to assess whether educational modules on an interactive computer CD elicited a change in veterinary students' interest in and attitudes toward international animal-health issues. Volunteer veterinary students at seven universities (first-year students at three universities, second-year at one, third-year at one, and fourth-year at two) were given by random assignment either an International Animal Health (IAH) CD or a control CD, ParasitoLog (PL). Participants completed a pre-CD survey to establish baseline information on interest and attitudes toward both computers and international animal-health issues. Four weeks later, a post-CD questionnaire was distributed. On the initial survey, most students expressed an interest in working in the field of veterinary medicine in another country. Responses to the three pre-CD questions relating to attitudes toward the globalization of veterinary medicine, interest in foreign animal disease, and inclusion of a core course on international health issues in the veterinary curriculum were all positive, with average values above 3 (on a five-point scale where 5 represented strong agreement or interest). Almost all students considered it beneficial to learn about animal-health issues in other countries. After students reviewed the IAH CD, we found a decrease at four universities, an increase at one university, and no change at the remaining two universities in students' interest in working in some area of international veterinary medicine. However, none of the differences was statistically significant. © 2007 AAVMC. | Computer-based; Education; International; Veterinary medicine | adolescent; adult; article; attitude; attitude to computers; education; female; human; international cooperation; Internet; male; methodology; psychological aspect; questionnaire; student; teaching; Adolescent; Adult; Attitude; Attitude to Computers; Computer-Assisted Instruction; Education, Distance; Education, Veterinary; Female; Humans; International Cooperation; Internet; Male; Questionnaires; Students; Animalia | None |
| WoS | WOS:000333512700004 | The impact of physical and psychosocial risks on employee well-being and quality of life: The case of the mining industry in Ghana | Amponsah-Tawiah, Kwesi,Cox, Tom,Hollis, David,Jain, Aditya,Leka, Stavroula | 2014 | SAFETY SCIENCE | 65 | None | 10.1016/j.ssci.2013.12.002 | University of Nottingham, Univ Ghana Business Sch | "Cox, Tom: University of Nottingham","Hollis, David: University of Nottingham","Jain, Aditya: University of Nottingham","Leka, Stavroula: University of Nottingham", | While in recent years there has been a growing awareness among mining companies of the need to address physical injuries and environmental issues, there remains a lack of knowledge about how psychosocial risks independently and in conjunction with physical risks affect the health, general well-being and quality of life of mine workers. A cross sectional survey was administered to 330 employees of five large scale mining companies producing three different mineral products (gold, manganese and bauxite) to examine physical and psychosocial hazards in the Ghanaian mining industry and their potential impact on the quality of life and general well-being of employees. Responses from 307 participants showed mining equipment, ambient conditions, and work demands and control as being significant predictors of quality of life and general well-being after controlling for demographics. Age as a demographic variable also had important implications, with older workers experiencing better well-being and quality of life. Implications of findings for the mining sector in Ghana and other developing countries are discussed as a starting point towards developing further initiatives in this area. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | "DEVELOPING COUNTRY",MINING,"Physical and psychosocial risks","QUALITY OF LIFE",WELL-BEING,HEALTH,"INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS",INJURIES,INTERVENTION,JOB-STRESS,MINERS,NOISE,"OCCUPATIONAL STRESS",WORKERS | None | None |
| None | None | Modelling the impact of vaccination and screening on the dynamics of human papillomavirus infection | Shaban N., Mofi H. | 2014 | International Journal of Mathematical Analysis | 8 | 42625 | 10.12988/ijma.2014.312302 | Department of Mathematics, University of Dar es Salaam, Box 35062, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Box 8944, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Shaban, N., Department of Mathematics, University of Dar es Salaam, Box 35062, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Box 8944, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mofi, H., Box 8944, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | While human papillomavirus has been a recognized disease for a long time, the control of outbreaks remains a challenge. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of screening and vaccination as control strategies in curtailing the spread of the disease. Using the next generation matrix, the disease free equilibrium has be shown to be asymptotically stable. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis is then per-formed on the key parameters driving HPV dynamics in order to detrmine their relative importance and potential impact in HPV dynamics and to dertmine the impacts of vaccination and screening in the spread of HPV. Numerical results in-dicate that HPV infection can be reduced hwn both interventions, that is screenig and vaccination, are implemented in order to reduce the burden of the disease.Copyright. © 2014 Nyimvua Shaban and Hawa Mofi. | HPV infection; Reproduction number; Screening; Treatment; Vaccination | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857854110 | Heterospecific egg destruction by Wattled Starlings and the impact on Pied Babbler reproductive success | Ridley A.R., Thompson A.M. | 2011 | Ostrich | 82 | 3 | 10.2989/00306525.2011.618247 | Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, 209 Culloden Road, Marsfield, Sydney, NSW 2122, Australia; DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, The Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Ridley, A.R., Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, 209 Culloden Road, Marsfield, Sydney, NSW 2122, Australia, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, The Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Thompson, A.M., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, The Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | While egg destruction by brood parasites is a relatively well-known phenomenon, such destruction by non-brood-parasitic heterospecifics is less common. Here, we provide the first evidence of egg destruction by Wattled Starlings Creatophora cinerea on Pied Babblers Turdoides bicolor. We find that the incubation success of Pied Babblers decreases significantly following the arrival of Wattled Starlings at the study site, and we provide video evidence of Wattled Starlings destroying Pied Babbler eggs. This behaviour is costly to Pied Babblers, whose current reproductive attempt is abandoned, with subsequent reproductive attempts delayed by several weeks. We found no evidence that egg destruction occurred for nutritional benefit: Wattled Starlings never consumed the eggs they destroyed. Rather, this behaviour appears to represent a form of resource competition, since Wattled Starlings only predate babbler nests in habitats where the starlings also build their nests. © 2011 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | None | Creatophora cinerea; Sturnidae; Timaliidae; Turdoides bicolor | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951882580 | Impacts of land certification on tenure security, investment, and land market participation: Evidence from Ethiopia | Deininger K., Ali D.A., Alemu T. | 2011 | Land Economics | 87 | 2 | None | Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Deininger, K., Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ali, D.A., Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Alemu, T., Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | While early attempts at land titling in Africa were often unsuccessful, factors such as new legislation, low-cost methods, and increasing demand for land have generated renewed interest. A four-period panel allows use of a pipeline and difference-indifferences approach to assess impacts of land registration in Ethiopia. We find that the program increased tenure security, land-related investment, and rental market participation and yielded benefits significantly above the cost of implementation. © 2011 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. | None | certification; implementation process; land market; land registration; land tenure; rental sector; tenure system; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845650264 | Does the location of arts festivals matter for the economic impact? | Saayman M., Saayman A. | 2006 | Papers in Regional Science | 85 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1435-5957.2006.00094.x | Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; School of Economics, Risk Management and International Trade, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | Saayman, M., Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Saayman, A., School of Economics, Risk Management and International Trade, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | While cultural events are primarily hosted to enhance, expand and celebrate a certain culture, the economic role that these events play in the host towns are often overlooked. The economic importance stems from the expenditure by attendants that filters through the local economy, stimulating output in the economy. This note makes use of primary data obtained from visitor (demand side) and business (supply side) surveys to determine the local economic impact of the three leading arts festivals in South Africa. The results indicate that the location and size of the town is an important factor in the impact of the event on the town and the region. © 2006 the author(s). Journal compilation © 2006 RSAI. | Economics of the arts; Impact analysis; South Africa; Tourism | art; economic impact; festival; local economy; tourism economics; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| WoS | WOS:000302270600009 | Meaningful involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda through linkages between network groups and health facilities: An evaluation study | Kalibala, Samuel,Kim, Young Mi,Lukwago, John,Neema, Stella,Weiss, Deborah C. | 2012 | PSYCHOLOGY HEALTH & MEDICINE | 17 | 2 | 10.1080/13548506.2011.592844 | Johns Hopkins University, Hlth Consult Ltd, Makerere Inst Social Res | "Kim, Young Mi: Johns Hopkins University", | While community-based groups are able to provide vital support to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), their organizational and technical capacities are limited, and they frequently operate in isolation from PLHIV groups. We evaluated a three-year project implemented by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Uganda to increase the involvement of PLHIV in the HIV/AIDS response and to improve access to and utilization of prevention, treatment, care, and support services for households affected by HIV/AIDS. Information sources included project monitoring data, interviews with 113 key informants, and 17 focus group discussions in 11 districts. The evaluation found that PLHIV groups reached large numbers of people with education and awareness activities and made a growing number of referrals to health facilities and community-based services. The project trained individuals living openly with HIV as service providers in the community and at designated health facilities. Their presence helped to reduce the stigma that previously deterred PLHIV from seeking care and encouraged individuals to disclose their HIV status to spouses and family members. The project has put into practice the widely endorsed principles of greater and meaningful involvement of PLHIV in a systematic manner and on a large scale. A wide audience-ranging from grassroots PLHIV networks and AIDS service organizations to national-level non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and international organizations-can benefit from the lessons learned. | Africa,HIV/AIDS,"meaningful involvement of people living with HIV",UGANDA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960312308 | The impact of mega-sport events on tourist arrivals | Fourie J., Santana-Gallego M. | 2011 | Tourism Management | 32 | 6 | 10.1016/j.tourman.2011.01.011 | Department of Economics, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Applied Economics Department, Instituto Universitario de Desarrollo Regional, University of La Laguna, Spain | Fourie, J., Department of Economics, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Santana-Gallego, M., Applied Economics Department, Instituto Universitario de Desarrollo Regional, University of La Laguna, Spain | While a mega-sport event is scheduled at least once every year somewhere in the world, these events are rare occurrences for the host cities and countries. The benefits of such events seem lucrative; the very fact that many countries bid to host these events suggests that the benefits - be they tangible or intangible - more often than not outweigh the costs. Using a standard gravity model of bilateral tourism flows between 200 countries from 1995 to 2006, this paper measures a very direct benefit of such mega-events: the increase in tourist arrivals to the host country. In general, the results suggest that mega-sport events promote tourism but the gain varies depending on the type of mega-event, the participating countries and whether the event is held during the peak season or off-season. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Displacement; Gravity equation; Mega-sport events; Olympics; Tourism; World Cup | numerical model; Olympic Games; tourism development | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892578494 | Competitive forces influencing business performance of bicycle Taxis in Kisumu City, Kenya | Kokwaro P.L., Ajowi J.O., Kokwaro E.A. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 2 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n2p719 | Box 30-40100, Kisumu, Kenya; School of Education, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, University of Science and Technology, Kenya; Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, University of Science and Technology, Box 210 - 40601, Bondo, Kenya | Kokwaro, P.L., Box 30-40100, Kisumu, Kenya; Ajowi, J.O., School of Education, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, University of Science and Technology, Kenya; Kokwaro, E.A., Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, University of Science and Technology, Box 210 - 40601, Bondo, Kenya | Whether domestically or globally, transport is the movement of people, goods and services from one place to another. It enables trade between people and organizations. Globally, transport is the key necessity for specialization. Domestically, not only is Kenya connected by various categories of transport infrastructure but even by different modes, each competing with the other to get the better of the market. In Kisumu City, for example, there is fierce business competition among minivans, locally known as matatus, rick - shaws, referred to in Kenya as tuk-tuks, motor cycles and bicycle taxis. Started in 1960s in Busia County along the Kenya/Uganda border, the bicycle taxis are significantly affected by the current business competition. Before this study commenced, a preliminary survey in April, 2011 indicated that the number of bicycle taxis in Kisumu City had dropped by 61%. Whereas the decline had been variously attributed to the threat of substitutes, new entrants, consumer bargaining power, supplier bargaining power and rivalry among the current competitors, it was not clear which factors influenced the decline and to what extent. Neither had there been any study done to establish the cause of the decline. This study intended to determine competitive forces influencing the business performance of bicycle taxis in Kisumu City. The study used Porter's Five Forces Framework, which analyses industry competition. Also, this study used cross sectional survey design to analyze and discover occurrences, since the researcher's intention was to describe events without manipulating variables. The study population was 632 bicycle taxi riders, 28 of whom came from the lake Market cluster, 90 in the stage market, 26 in Varsity plaza area and 77 in the Oile/Coca Cola square cluster. There were 99 in A-Z Anvi Emporium Cluster, 188 from Kibuye market cluster and 124 from Kondele cluster. A sample of 90 was obtained for analyzing bicycle taxi-riders in Kisumu City. Primary data was obtained through the administration of structured and semi structured questionnaires of the sample of 90 taxi-riders. Secondary data was obtained from journals, publications and from records of the Municipal Council of Kisumu. Quantitative data was analyzed using Chi square and Percentage techniques. The key findings of this study was that 60.97% of bicycle taxi riders in Kisumu City considered substitutes as the main competitive threat. The next most important competitive forces influencing business performance were new entrants at 57.31%, customer bargaining power at 52.43% and rivalry among current competitors at 42.68% respectively. The significance of this study is that it adds towards knowledge about the relevance of Porter's Five Forces Framework to small-scale business industries in developing countries like Kenya. Stakeholders in public transport, like the Government and researchers with an interest to improve public transport would also find this study useful. This study concludes that substitute public transport services are the major competitive threat to bicycle taxis in Kisumu City. | Business performance; Kisumu City; Public transport | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-40349096731 | Using radar charts with qualitative evaluation: Techniques to assess change in blended learning | Kaczynski D., Wood L., Harding A. | 2008 | Active Learning in Higher Education | 9 | 1 | 10.1177/1469787407086743 | University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway, Pensecola, FL 32514-5750, United States; Division of Economic and Financial Studies, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; University of Pretoria, Department of Maths and Applied Maths, 0002 Pretori, South Africa | Kaczynski, D., University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway, Pensecola, FL 32514-5750, United States; Wood, L., Division of Economic and Financial Studies, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; Harding, A., University of Pretoria, Department of Maths and Applied Maths, 0002 Pretori, South Africa | When university academics implement changes in learning, such as introducing blended learning, it is conventional practice to examine and evaluate the impact of the resulting curriculum reform. Judging the worth and impact of an educational development is a complex task involving subtle differences in learning. Qualitative methods to explore these deep processes in learning include using interviews, observations and open-ended questionnaires targeting all stakeholders in the process, such as students, teachers, administration and technical staff. These evaluation tasks generate a mass of raw data that many faculty members in higher education are unaccustomed to analyzing. This article provides a framework using radar charts adapted from the field of organizational development. A modified six-zone radar chart was used to assess the extent of blended learning in order to compare changes in the learning environment. Data collection included interviews, classroom observations and electronic records generated during educational delivery over a 1-year period of time. A purposeful sample of online course data was collected by three participating universities in South Africa, Australia, and the United States. © 2008 SAGE Publications. | Blended learning; Curriculum development; Evaluation; Instructional assessment; International education; Qualitative research; Radar chart | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956741731 | Measuring quality performance of cadastral survey and deeds registration work processes | Chimhamhiwa D., Mutanga O., van der Molen P. | 2011 | Land Use Policy | 28 | 1 | 10.1016/j.landusepol.2010.04.007 | University of KwaZulu Natal, Land Information Management Programme, Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Development (CEAD), Private Bag X 01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; University of Twente, Faculty of Geo Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), P.O. Box 6, 7500AA Enschede, Netherlands | Chimhamhiwa, D., University of KwaZulu Natal, Land Information Management Programme, Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Development (CEAD), Private Bag X 01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Mutanga, O., University of KwaZulu Natal, Land Information Management Programme, Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Development (CEAD), Private Bag X 01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; van der Molen, P., University of Twente, Faculty of Geo Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), P.O. Box 6, 7500AA Enschede, Netherlands | When land parcel boundaries are surveyed for purposes of registration in most southern African countries, the cadastral survey records and diagrams prepared have to be examined and approved by the Surveyor General first before they can be registered in the Deeds Registries. For such records to be approved, their quality must conform to requirements stipulated in relevant acts and regulations. Where regulatory requirements are not met, the records are rejected and returned for corrections and resubmission. From a cross-organizational context, poor quality documents lodged upstream have the effect of congesting examination processes downstream as records are rejected and returned backwards due to quality failure. The paper proposes a quality performance measurement model to analyze quality performance in land administration work processes. The developed model is tested on 2 survey examination and approval sites and 3 deeds registration sites in Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Based on below expected quality results obtained at one of the sites, a root cause analysis was conducted to establish recurring and underlying causal factors upon which quality improvement strategies can be built on. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Cadastral survey examination; Deeds examination; Process yield; Quality performance; Root causes | administration; cadastre; land registration; quality control; surveying; Namibia; South Africa; Zimbabwe | None |
| WoS | WOS:000297213800001 | When does rigorous impact evaluation make a difference? The case of the Millennium Villages | Clemens, Michael A.,Demombynes, Gabriel | 2011 | JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT EFFECTIVENESS | 3 | 3 | 10.1080/19439342.2011.587017 | The World Bank, Ctr Global Dev | "Demombynes, Gabriel: The World Bank", | When is the rigorous impact evaluation of development projects a luxury, and when a necessity? The authors study one high-profile case: the Millennium Villages Project (MVP), an experimental and intensive package intervention to spark sustained local economic development in rural Africa. They illustrate the benefits of rigorous impact evaluation in this setting by showing that estimates of the project's effects depend heavily on the evaluation method. Comparing trends at the MVP intervention sites in Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria with trends in the surrounding areas yields much more modest estimates of the project's effects than the before-versus-after comparisons published thus far by the MVP. Neither approach constitutes a rigorous impact evaluation of the MVP, which is impossible to perform due to weaknesses in the evaluation design of the project's initial phase. These weaknesses include the subjective choice of intervention sites, the subjective choice of comparison sites, the lack of baseline data on comparison sites, the small sample size, and the short time horizon. The authors describe one of many ways that the next wave of the intervention could be designed to allow proper evaluation of the MVP's impact at little additional cost. | evaluation,"millennium development goals",PACKAGE,VILLAGE,ECONOMICS,KENYA,RANDOMIZATION | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952564124 | Signal level Simulator for netted text radar waveforms evaluation | Paichard Y., Brooker M., Inggs M. | 2010 | IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine | 25 | 3 | 10.1109/MAES.2010.5463953 | Radar AndRemoe Sensing Group, University of CapeTown, South Africa | Paichard, Y., Radar AndRemoe Sensing Group, University of CapeTown, South Africa; Brooker, M., Radar AndRemoe Sensing Group, University of CapeTown, South Africa; Inggs, M., Radar AndRemoe Sensing Group, University of CapeTown, South Africa | When evaluating the performances of radar waveforms, it is crucial to understand how the signal is affected by multiple interactions with the environment and the system hardware. Analysis of complex radar systems, such as multistatic and netted designs (see Figure 1) is often intractable without the application of a dedicated radar simulation system. Recent research into radar simulation has focused primarily on synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems [1] and is not entirely applicable to traditional radar systems concerned with the location and tracking of remote targets. A complete simulator has been designed for the accurate simulation of raw returns in complex, multistatic, and netted radars, and is applicable to pulsed and continuous wave (CW) systems, and both active and passive radar systems. The Flexible Simulator for Multistatic Radars (FERS) can be used to simulate radar systems with arbitrary waveforms and arbitrary numbers of receivers, transmitters, and scatterers. Herein, algorithms for the simulation of raw radar return signals are presented, based on interpolation and modification of the transmitted signal and modeling of the radar hardware and environment. The algorithms are expected to be especially valuable for the simulation of emerging radar technologies, such as Passive Coherent Location (PCL) [2], netted radar and phased array radar. Preliminary results, presented herein, suggest that these algorithms can simulate physical systems with excellent accuracy. © 2006 IEEE. | None | Arbitrary number; Arbitrary waveform; Continuous waves; Flexible simulators; Multi-static; Multiple interactions; Netted radar; Passive coherent locations; Passive radars; Phased array radars; Physical systems; Radar returns; Radar simulation; Radar technology; Radar waveforms; Signal level; System hardware; Transmitted signal; Algorithms; Continuous wave radar; Imaging systems; Multistatic radars; Radar; Radar simulators; Simulators; Synthetic aperture radar; Radar systems | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863038121 | Investigation of factors influencing the determination of discount rate in the economic evaluation of mineral development projects | Park S.-J., Matunhire I.I. | 2011 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 111 | 11 | None | University of Pretoria, South Africa | Park, S.-J., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Matunhire, I.I., University of Pretoria, South Africa | When evaluating mining investment opportunities, one should consider the risks associated with mineral exploration and development. These are commonly classified as technical, economic, and political risks, and are accounted for in the investment decision by changing the discount rate. Thus, a company may use different discount rates associated with varying risks in order to compensate for the variability of success. The discount rate has a tremendous effect on the economic evaluation of mineral projects. Even when all other factors used as inputs for calculating the NPV (net present value) are equal, the project under consideration may be accepted or rejected depending upon the discount rate. Determining a realistic discount rate for a given project is therefore the most difficult and important aspect of cash flow analysis. It should be determined with the consideration of proper technical, economic, and political conditions surrounding the specific project undergoing economic evaluation. One key problem for determining the appropriate discount rate is that it typically depends more on subjective perception of the degree of risk or other experience factors than on a systematic approach. Thus, this study aims to identify, analyse, and document the type, role, and impact of risk factors influencing the determination of discount rates, and then to determine discount rate by using the aforementioned factors. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2011. | Discount rate; Economic evaluation; Mine development; Risk factors | Cash flow analysis; Degree of risks; Discount rates; Economic evaluation; Economic evaluations; Investment decisions; Mine development; Mineral development; Mineral projects; Mining investment; Net present value; Political conditions; Political risks; Risk factors; Investments; Mineral exploration; Mineral resources; Risk perception | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907330626 | A framework for monitoring social process and outcomes in environmental programs | Chapman S. | 2014 | Evaluation and Program Planning | 47 | None | 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2014.07.004 | Institute for Monitoring and Evaluation, Section of Organisational Psychology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa | Chapman, S., Institute for Monitoring and Evaluation, Section of Organisational Psychology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa | When environmental programs frame their activities as being in the service of human wellbeing, social variables need to be integrated into monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks. This article draws upon ecosystem services theory to develop a framework to guide the M&E of collaborative environmental programs with anticipated social benefits. The framework has six components: program need, program activities, pathway process variables, moderating process variables, outcomes, and program value. Needs are defined in terms of ecosystem services, as well as other human needs that must be addressed to achieve outcomes. The pathway variable relates to the development of natural resource governance capacity in the target community. Moderating processes can be externalities such as the inherent capacity of the natural system to service ecosystem needs, local demand for natural resources, policy or socio-economic drivers. Internal program-specific processes relate to program service delivery, targeting and participant responsiveness. Ecological outcomes are expressed in terms of changes in landscape structure and function, which in turn influence ecosystem service provision. Social benefits derived from the program are expressed in terms of the value of the eco-social service to user-specified goals. The article provides suggestions from the literature for identifying indicators and measures for components and component variables, and concludes with an example of how the framework was used to inform the M&E of an adaptive co-management program in western Kenya. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Adaptive co-management; Collaborative adaptive management; Community based natural resource management; Conceptual framework; Conservation; Ecosystems services theory; Environmental programs; Indicators; Monitoring and evaluation; Theory-based evaluation | adaptive management; comanagement; community resource management; conceptual framework; conservation; ecosystem service; environmental planning; monitoring; social impact; environmental management; Kenya; cooperation; environmental health; environmental protection; human; Kenya; methodology; organization and management; policy; procedures; program evaluation; socioeconomics; sociology; Conservation of Natural Resources; Cooperative Behavior; Environmental Health; Humans; Kenya; Policy; Program Evaluation; Research Design; Social Sciences; Socioeconomic Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-71949099485 | Indicator patches: Exploiting spatial heterogeneity to improve monitoring systems | Stokes C.J., Yeaton R.I., Bayer M.B., Bestelmeyer B.T. | 2009 | Rangeland Journal | 31 | 4 | 10.1071/RJ08021 | Department of Botany, Research Unit for Plant Growth and Development, University of Natal, P/Bag X01, Scotsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; BElsenberg Agricultural Development Institute, Department of Agricultural Development, Private Bag, Elsenberg 7607, South Africa; CUSDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, Box 30003 MSC3JER, Las Cruces, NM 88003, United States; CSIRO Davies Laboratory, PMB PO Aitkenvale, QLD 4814, Australia; Instituto de Investigación de Zonas Desérticas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Altair # 200, Fracc. Del Llano, San Luis Potosí 78377, Mexico; 29 Weltevrede St, Paarl 7646, South Africa | Stokes, C.J., Department of Botany, Research Unit for Plant Growth and Development, University of Natal, P/Bag X01, Scotsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa, CSIRO Davies Laboratory, PMB PO Aitkenvale, QLD 4814, Australia; Yeaton, R.I., Department of Botany, Research Unit for Plant Growth and Development, University of Natal, P/Bag X01, Scotsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa, Instituto de Investigación de Zonas Desérticas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Altair # 200, Fracc. Del Llano, San Luis Potosí 78377, Mexico; Bayer, M.B., BElsenberg Agricultural Development Institute, Department of Agricultural Development, Private Bag, Elsenberg 7607, South Africa, 29 Weltevrede St, Paarl 7646, South Africa; Bestelmeyer, B.T., CUSDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, Box 30003 MSC3JER, Las Cruces, NM 88003, United States | When choosing which environmental attributes to monitor in assessing disturbance, it is important to consider not only which metric will provide the most sensitive indicator of disturbance, but also the spatial considerations of where in the landscape that metric will be most responsive to change. Degradation in landscapes is often unevenly expressed because: (i) disturbance is spatially localised, (ii) landscape elements differ in their sensitivity to disturbance, and (iii) degradation following localised disturbance is spatially contagious. The spatial heterogeneity of degradation has proven to be a key obstacle to rangeland monitoring (e.g. where the initiating processes of broad-scale degradation are concentrated in landscape locations that are not detected by surveys) but can also provide opportunities to focus monitoring efforts. We propose that the effectiveness of monitoring could be enhanced by identifying and selectively monitoring 'indicator patches', i.e. specific landscape locations that provide the most management-relevant and timely information about the consequences of a monitored disturbance. We tested and demonstrated the utility of the 'indicator patch' concept in the rangelands of the Succulent Karoo in southern Africa. We contrasted the grazing response of dominant 'representative' vegetation, with responses of interspersed patches of distinct vegetation associated with zoogenic mounds. Since mound vegetation is more palatable and preferentially grazed by sheep, we tested whether mounds could serve as 'indicator patches' in providing a sensitive measure of grazing disturbance. Percentage canopy cover measurements in dominant off-mound vegetation provided a poor indicator of grazing disturbance (although more intensive plant size measurements did reveal grazing impacts on plant population dynamics). In contrast, vegetation on mounds displayed patterns of changes in species abundances that were easier to detect and useful for interpreting and quantifying the effects of grazing. Mound vegetation could, therefore, be used as 'indicator patches' and targeted for exclusive sampling as a sensitive method for monitoring rangeland condition and detecting early warnings of vegetation change. This approach could be widely employed to better harness the extensive knowledge base regarding the patchy, spatially localised nature of degradation-initiating processes in numerous other landscapes. Routinely incorporating this understanding into the design of monitoring programs could improve the effectiveness of sampling effort, allow detection of more subtle trends (changes), and provide earlier warning of impending degradation so remedial action can be taken before degradation becomes severe and widespread. © 2009 Australian Rangeland Society. | Karoo; Plant demographics; Rangeland | Harness; Ovis aries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649773344 | Estimating expenditure impacts without expenditure data using asset proxies | Wittenberg M. | 2011 | Economics Letters | 110 | 2 | 10.1016/j.econlet.2010.11.009 | School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Wittenberg, M., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa | When asset indices are used in regressions the coefficients obtained are typically difficult to interpret. We show how lower bounds on expenditure effects can be extracted, if the relationship between the assets and expenditure can be calibrated on an auxiliary data set. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. | Asset index; Attenuation; Obesity; Proxy variables | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84958102539 | Monitoring of Extraction Efficiency by a Sample Process Control Virus Added Immediately Upon Sample Receipt | Ruhanya V., Diez-Valcarce M., D’Agostino M., Cook N., Hernández M., Rodríguez-Lázaro D. | 2015 | Food and Environmental Virology | 7 | 4 | 10.1007/s12560-015-9214-4 | Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Food Technology Section, Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, University of Burgos, Burgos, Spain; Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA), Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom; Instituto Tecnológico Agrario de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain; Microbiology Section, Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, University of Burgos, Plaza Misael Bauñuelos s/n, Burgos, Spain | Ruhanya, V., Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Diez-Valcarce, M., Food Technology Section, Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, University of Burgos, Burgos, Spain; D’Agostino, M., Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA), Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom; Cook, N., Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA), Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom; Hernández, M., Instituto Tecnológico Agrario de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain; Rodríguez-Lázaro, D., Instituto Tecnológico Agrario de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain, Microbiology Section, Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, University of Burgos, Plaza Misael Bauñuelos s/n, Burgos, Spain | When analysing food samples for enteric viruses, a sample process control virus (SPCV) must be added at the commencement of the analytical procedure, to verify that the analysis has been performed correctly. Samples can on occasion arrive at the laboratory late in the working day or week. The analyst may consequently have insufficient time to commence and complete the complex procedure, and the samples must consequently be stored. To maintain the validity of the analytical result, it will be necessary to consider storage as part of the process, and the analytical procedure as commencing on sample receipt. The aim of this study was to verify that an SPCV can be recovered after sample storage, and thus indicate the effective recovery of enteric viruses. Two types of samples (fresh and frozen raspberries) and two types of storage (refrigerated and frozen) were studied using Mengovirus vMC0 as SPCV. SPCV recovery was not significantly different (P > 0.5) regardless of sample type or duration of storage (up to 14 days at −20 °C). Accordingly, samples can be stored without a significant effect on the performance of the analysis. The results of this study should assist the analyst by demonstrating that they can verify that viruses can be extracted from food samples even if samples have been stored. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media New York. | Enteric viruses; Molecular detection; Quality control; Real-time PCR; Sample process control; Storage | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883459818 | Performance measures for dynamic multi-objective optimisation algorithms | Helbig M., Engelbrecht A.P. | 2013 | Information Sciences | 250 | None | 10.1016/j.ins.2013.06.051 | Meraka Institute, CSIR, Scientia, Meiring Naudé Road, 0184, Brummeria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Helbig, M., Meraka Institute, CSIR, Scientia, Meiring Naudé Road, 0184, Brummeria, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Engelbrecht, A.P., Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | When algorithms solve dynamic multi-objective optimisation problems (DMOOPs), performance measures are required to quantify the performance of the algorithm and to compare one algorithm's performance against that of other algorithms. However, for dynamic multi-objective optimisation (DMOO) there are no standard performance measures. This article provides an overview of the performance measures that have been used so far. In addition, issues with performance measures that are currently being used in the DMOO literature are highlighted. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Dynamic multi-objective optimization; erformance measure | Algorithm's performance; Dynamic multiobjective optimization; erformance measure; Performance measure; Standard performance; Multiobjective optimization; Algorithms | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-29144485903 | Evaluation and application of the ROMS 1-way embedding procedure to the central california upwelling system | Penven P., Debreu L., Marchesiello P., McWilliams J.C. | 2006 | Ocean Modelling | 12 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.ocemod.2005.05.002 | Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, UCLA, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1567, United States; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, 213 rue Lafayette, Paris, France; Institut d'Informatique et Mathématiques Appliquées de Grenoble, Laboratoire de Modélisation et Calcul, BP 53, 38041 Grenoble Cedex 9, France; Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Unité Mixte de Recherche LEGOS, Centre IRD de Bretagne, BP 70, 29280 Plouzané, France | Penven, P., Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, UCLA, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1567, United States, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, 213 rue Lafayette, Paris, France, Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Debreu, L., Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, UCLA, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1567, United States, Institut d'Informatique et Mathématiques Appliquées de Grenoble, Laboratoire de Modélisation et Calcul, BP 53, 38041 Grenoble Cedex 9, France; Marchesiello, P., Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, UCLA, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1567, United States, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, 213 rue Lafayette, Paris, France, Unité Mixte de Recherche LEGOS, Centre IRD de Bretagne, BP 70, 29280 Plouzané, France; McWilliams, J.C., Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, UCLA, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1567, United States | What most clearly distinguishes near-shore and off-shore currents is their dominant spatial scale, O (1-30) km near-shore and O (30-1000) km off-shore. In practice, these phenomena are usually both measured and modeled with separate methods. In particular, it is infeasible for any regular computational grid to be large enough to simultaneously resolve well both types of currents. In order to obtain local solutions at high resolution while preserving the regional-scale circulation at an affordable computational cost, a 1-way grid embedding capability has been integrated into the Regional Oceanic Modeling System (ROMS). It takes advantage of the AGRIF (Adaptive Grid Refinement in Fortran) Fortran 90 package based on the use of pointers. After a first evaluation in a baroclinic vortex test case, the embedding procedure has been applied to a domain that covers the central upwelling region off California, around Monterey Bay, embedded in a domain that spans the continental U.S. Pacific Coast. Long-term simulations (10 years) have been conducted to obtain mean-seasonal statistical equilibria. The final solution shows few discontinuities at the parent-child domain boundary and a valid representation of the local upwelling structure, at a CPU costs only lightly greater than for the inner region alone. The solution is assessed by comparison with solutions for the whole US Pacific Coast at both low and high resolutions and to solutions for only the inner region at high resolution with mean-seasonal boundary conditions. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Boundary conditions; Coastal upwelling; Eddy kinetic energy; Embedding; Mesoscale eddies; Ocean models | Algorithms; Approximation theory; Boundary conditions; Kinetic energy; Mathematical models; Numerical methods; Ocean currents; Polynomials; Statistical methods; Coastal upwelling; Eddy kinetic energy; Mesoscale eddies; Ocean models; Oceanography; boundary condition; kinetic energy; mesoscale eddy; upwelling; California Shelf; Pacific Ocean | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84918586205 | Use of the myocardial performance index as a prognostic indicator of adverse fetal outcome in poorly controlled gestational diabetic pregnancies | Bhorat I.E., Bagratee J.S., Pillay M., Reddy T. | 2014 | Prenatal Diagnosis | 34 | 13 | 10.1002/pd.4471 | Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa | Bhorat, I.E., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Bagratee, J.S., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Pillay, M., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Reddy, T., Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa | What is known about the topic?Fetal complications in gestational diabetes without microvascular complications are related to fetal hyperinsulinism. Our present prenatal surveillance techniques in diabetic pregnancies are neither appropriate nor sufficient as a monitoring tool. Impaired cardiac function in fetuses of diabetic pregnancies has been documented, but no link to adverse outcome has been demonstrated. What this study adds to the topic?This study has established an association between fetal cardiac dysfunction and abnormal fetal outcomes in poorly controlled gestational diabetic pregnancies. There seems to be an association between severity of the myocardial performance index elevation and rates of abnormal outcomes. Myocardial performance index may be an attractive monitoring tool of the fetus in poorly controlled diabetic pregnancy. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether there are any changes in cardiac function in fetuses of poorly controlled gestational diabetics and whether these changes influence perinatal outcome. Methods: Twenty-nine pregnant women with severe gestational diabetes on insulin therapy in the third trimester of pregnancy were recruited and matched with 29 women with normal pregnancies (control group). Using Doppler echocardiography, the modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) and E wave/A wave peak velocities (E/A) ratios were determined. Placental resistance Doppler markers were also determined in both groups. Adverse perinatal outcome was defined as perinatal death, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, cord pH <7.15, 5-min Apgar score <7 and presence of cardiomyopathy. Results: The median Mod-MPI was increased (0.59 vs 0.38; p<0.0001) and the E/A ratio was decreased (0.65 vs 0.76; p<0.0001) in fetuses of diabetic mothers compared with controls. An MPI >0.52 had a sensitivity of 100% [95% confidence interval (CI) 85-100%] and specificity of 92% (95% CI 70-92%) for prediction of adverse perinatal outcome, including one stillbirth and one neonatal death. No abnormal outcomes occurred in the control group. Conclusions: There is significant impairment of cardiac function in fetuses of poorly controlled gestational diabetics. Mod-MPI and E/A ratio have the potential to improve fetal surveillance in diabetic pregnancies. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | None | adult; clinical trial; cross-sectional study; female; fetus heart; heart function test; human; pathophysiology; pregnancy; pregnancy diabetes mellitus; pregnancy outcome; prospective study; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Fetal Heart; Heart Function Tests; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Prospective Studies | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905019402 | Using clickers to facilitate interactive engagement activities in a lecture room for improved performance by students | Tlhoaele M., Hofman A., Naidoo A., Winnips K. | 2014 | Innovations in Education and Teaching International | 51 | 5 | 10.1080/14703297.2013.796725 | Teaching and Learning with Technology, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Teacher Education, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Curriculum Development and Support, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Tlhoaele, M., Teaching and Learning with Technology, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Hofman, A., Teacher Education, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Naidoo, A., Curriculum Development and Support, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Winnips, K., Teacher Education, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands | What impact can interactive engagement (IE) activities using clickers have on students' motivation and academic performance during lectures as compared to attending traditional types of lectures? This article positions the research on IE within the comprehensive model of educational effectiveness and Gagné's instructional events model. For the study on which this article is based, an IE model was designed and explored within a pilot group. This model identified situations that make the model effective in terms of improving students' motivation and academic performance. Personal response systems (PRS, also referred to as 'clickers') were used to promote interaction. A pre-test/post-test control group design was used. Data were collected through a questionnaire and class tests. The results indicated the significance of IE activities amongst students in this research. © 2013 Taylor & Francis. | class discussion; group discussion; individual effort; interactive engagement; personal response system | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861831370 | Evidence on the impact of minimum wage laws in an informal sector: Domestic workers in South Africa | Dinkelman T., Ranchhod V. | 2012 | Journal of Development Economics | 99 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2011.12.006 | Dartmouth College, United States; University of Cape Town, South Africa | Dinkelman, T., Dartmouth College, United States; Ranchhod, V., University of Cape Town, South Africa | What happens when a previously uncovered labor market is regulated? We exploit the introduction of a minimum wage in South Africa and variation in the intensity of this law to identify increases in wages for domestic workers and no statistically significant effects on employment on the intensive or extensive margins. These large, partial responses to the law are somewhat surprising, given the lack of monitoring and enforcement in this informal sector. We interpret these changes as evidence that strong external sanctions are not necessary for new labor legislation to have a significant impact on informal sectors of developing countries, at least in the short-run. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Africa; Domestic workers; Informal sector; Minimum wage | developing world; domestic work; informal sector; law enforcement; legislation; minimum wage; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34249281963 | From pastoralism to tourism: The historical impact of changing land use practices in Namaqualand | Hoffman M.T., Rohde R.F. | 2007 | Journal of Arid Environments | 70 | 4 | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2006.05.014 | Botany Department, Leslie Hill Institute for Plant Conservation, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Centre for African Studies, University of Edinburgh, 4 Carlton Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1NJ Scotland, United Kingdom | Hoffman, M.T., Botany Department, Leslie Hill Institute for Plant Conservation, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Rohde, R.F., Centre for African Studies, University of Edinburgh, 4 Carlton Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1NJ Scotland, United Kingdom | We use the concept of ecological revolutions to explain the environmental history of Namaqualand, from the advent of pastoralism 2000 years BP, to colonial settlement in the 18th century and finally to the recent trend of de-agrarianization from the middle of the 20th century. Early traveller's records and census data are used to assess changes in the human population of the region and how this affected wildlife and agricultural practices. Pre-colonial indigenous hunter-gatherer (Bushmen) and pastoralist (Khoekhoen) populations in Namaqualand consisted of probably no more than a few thousand individuals. Over the next three centuries, the general population rose steadily to more than 65,000 people but has fallen in recent years. Wildlife appears not to have been abundant in Namaqualand's pre-colonial landscapes and large springbok 'treks' were probably a rare event. The number of domestic livestock in Namaqualand peaked in 1957 largely as a result of an increase in the number of sheep which have fallen steadily since this time. Crop production was absent from Namaqualand's pre-colonial landscapes but increased to cover nearly 30,000 ha in the early 1970s. The area under cultivation has declined by nearly two thirds since this time largely as a result of the large-scale abandonment of wheat farming in marginal environments. We touch on differences between the communal areas and private farms, particularly in terms of their human populations and agricultural impact on the land. Repeat landscape photographs support our main findings which suggest that both rocky, upland habitats and rivers have not been transformed substantially by land use practices in Namaqualand. Instead, sandy pediments have borne the brunt of human impacts in the region. Finally, we highlight the beginning of a new ecological revolution in Namaqualand due to changes in the global and national political economy. © 2006. | Degradation; Environmental history; Human impact; Population; Repeat photography | anthropogenic effect; environmental history; historical geography; human settlement; land use change; pastoralism; tourism; twentieth century; Africa; Namaqualand; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Antidorcas marsupialis; Ovis aries; Triticum aestivum | None |
| None | None | The Impact of Trade Credit on Customer Switching Behaviour: Evidence from the Tanzanian Rice Market | Hermes N., Kihanga E., Lensink R., Lutz C. | 2012 | Journal of Development Studies | 48 | 3 | 10.1080/00220388.2011.615921 | Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen, Netherlands; Faculty of Commerce, Mzumbe University, Tanzania; Development Economics Group, Wageningen University, Netherlands | Hermes, N., Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen, Netherlands; Kihanga, E., Faculty of Commerce, Mzumbe University, Tanzania; Lensink, R., Development Economics Group, Wageningen University, Netherlands; Lutz, C., Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen, Netherlands | We use primary survey data to analyse the relationship between trade credit and customer switching in the context of trade transactions between wholesalers and retailers in the Tanzanian rice market. Results reveal a negative relation of trade credit and customer switching, that is, trade credit acts as a switching barrier; retailers are reluctant to move to another supplier if they depend on trade credit as a source of external finance. This interpretation fits with the underdeveloped financial markets in Tanzania, in which access to external finance is poor among rice retailers. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | None | credit provision; financial market; market system; retailing; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857544257 | Geostatistical inversion for 3D confidence evaluation of facies prediction: A Gulf of Guinea example | Araman A., Cadoret T., Pernia L., Minken D., Moyen R. | 2011 | SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts | 30 | 1 | 10.1190/1.3627539 | Total E and P, France; Total Upstream Nigeria Limited, Nigeria; CGG Veritas, France | Araman, A., Total E and P, France; Cadoret, T., Total E and P, France; Pernia, L., Total E and P, France; Minken, D., Total Upstream Nigeria Limited, Nigeria; Moyen, R., CGG Veritas, France | We use lithoseismic classification on geostatistical inverted seismic data to access multiple realizations of lithofacies attribute cubes. We study the variability of predicted lithofacies values to compute in 3D a confidence attribute cube. This confidence cube helps the interpreter to evaluate the robustness of a predicted lithofacies value at any point for further reservoir model building. As a result, a case study on a Gulf of Guinea dataset led to a probabilistic characterization of the connectivity between producing intervals. © 2011 Society of Exploration Geophysicists. | Africa; Inversion; Lithology; Reservoir characterization; Statistical | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904544191 | The Impact of Common Property Right Forestry: Evidence from Ethiopian Villages | Gelo D., Koch S.F. | 2014 | World Development | 64 | None | 10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.06.020 | University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa | Gelo, D., University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa; Koch, S.F., University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa | We use inverse probability weighting to examine the effects of a unique two-pronged common-property forestry program in the Gimbo district of Ethiopia, which includes Joint Forestry Management and improved non-timber forest product marketing efforts. The program was found to have affected household access to agricultural land, and, thus, reduced livestock holdings, due to program strictures. Furthermore, despite those reductions, there is evidence that the program had economically significant effects on other activities. Households were able to increase their earnings from non-timber forest products, partly due to an increased labor allocation toward non-timber forest product collection. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Community forestry; Matching and Ethiopia; Treatment effects | agricultural land; common property resource; community resource management; forest management; labor supply; nontimber forest product; probability; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548625221 | Assessment of the impacts of land use changes on the hydrological regime of a small rural catchment in South Africa | Troy B., Sarron C., Fritsch J.M., Rollin D. | 2007 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 32 | 15-18 | 10.1016/j.pce.2007.07.049 | IRD, UMR G-eau, P.O. Box 542, Newtown 2113, Johannesburg, South Africa; Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Agronomie de Rennes, 65 rue de Saint-Brieuc, 35042 Rennes cedex, France; International Water Management Institute, Private Bag X 813, Silverton 0127 Pretoria, South Africa | Troy, B., IRD, UMR G-eau, P.O. Box 542, Newtown 2113, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sarron, C., Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Agronomie de Rennes, 65 rue de Saint-Brieuc, 35042 Rennes cedex, France; Fritsch, J.M., IRD, UMR G-eau, P.O. Box 542, Newtown 2113, Johannesburg, South Africa; Rollin, D., International Water Management Institute, Private Bag X 813, Silverton 0127 Pretoria, South Africa | Wetlands provide various environmental services and support livelihoods of poor populations in many parts of the world. Nevertheless knowledge about the quantification of the hydrological functions provided by wetlands is still limited. The current study was carried out on a small rural catchment in South Africa (263 km2), where according to the locals, a change in hydrological regime has occurred during the past decade. A small wetland area occupies the bottom of the catchment, and this wetland has been drastically reduced by small scale farming activities. The purpose of the study was twofold; on the one hand to determine if any hydrological change occurred, and on the other hand to relate it to the land use change, which is considered the cause of the change by conservationist groups. A comparative analysis of the land use of the catchment during the past decade was carried out using satellite images. The hydrological behavior of the basin during the last two decades was then studied using the conceptual rainfall-runoff model GR4J. Indeed the available climate and hydrological data was very poor and only a scarce-parameters lumped model could be used. According to Nash coefficient of efficiency, the model was able to simulate the observed runoff of the catchment with acceptable accuracy. The method showed that under similar rainfall conditions, the basin was generating more runoff in recent years than in the early 1990s. This observation matched an observed reduction in the wetland area. To check if this change in land use could be the cause of the hydrological change, rapid estimations were made of the water transfer processes in the different land use units. It appears that, in particular in the wetlands area, the processes related to land use change only account for a small proportion of the observed increase in runoff at the catchment scale. Under conditions of inaccurate hydrometeorological information, the approach used is appropriate to study the changes in the water balance at the catchment scale. We suggest that future applications of this method should in addition include an uncertainty assessment. Moreover it may be relevant to analyse if this method performs better than other parsimonious empirical models. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | GR4J; Land use changes; Olifants River; Rainfall-runoff modeling; Wetlands | Catchments; Climatology; Hydrology; Mathematical models; Rain; Rivers; Runoff; Weather forecasting; Wetlands; Hydrometeorological information; Land use changes; Rainfall-runoff modeling; Rural catchment; Land use; accuracy assessment; agriculture; catchment; comparative study; efficiency measurement; environmental assessment; environmental impact; hydrological cycle; hydrological regime; land use change; rainfall-runoff modeling; rural area; wetland management; Africa; Olifants River; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746454751 | Impact of land use on vegetation composition, diversity, and selected soil properties of wetlands in the southern Drakensberg mountains, South Africa | Walters D.J.J., Kotze D.C., O'Connor T.G. | 2006 | Wetlands Ecology and Management | 14 | 4 | 10.1007/s11273-005-4990-5 | Mondi Wetlands Project, Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, WWF-South Africa, P.O. Box 493, Merrivale 3291, South Africa; Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Development, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa; Centre for African Ecology, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, P.O. Wits, 2050, South Africa | Walters, D.J.J., Mondi Wetlands Project, Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, WWF-South Africa, P.O. Box 493, Merrivale 3291, South Africa; Kotze, D.C., Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Development, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa; O'Connor, T.G., Centre for African Ecology, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, P.O. Wits, 2050, South Africa | Wetlands provide the ecosystem services of enhancing water quality, attenuating floods, sequestrating carbon and supporting biodiversity. In southern Africa, the pattern and intensity of land use is influenced by whether land tenure is public (state), private (individual ownership), or communal (shared agricultural and grazing resources). The influence of land tenure and its associated use on service provision was compared for communal tenure (grazing, maize production), wildlife conservation, and commercial agriculture (grazing, planted pastures) in the southern Drakensberg. Ordination analyses revealed that oxbow marshes, hill slope seepages and hygrophilous grasslands, the main hydro-geomorphic units, supported distinct plant communities that differed in their response to land use because of wetness or slope. Oxbows, uncultivated because of wetness, were inherently species poor with few exotics. Composition of hill slope seepages, uncultivated because of saturated slopes, varied among tenure types most likely in relation to grazing pressure. Seepages were threatened by the exotic invasive Rubus cuneifolius. Eighty-five percent of hygrophilous grassland had been cultivated by 1953, most of which was subsequently abandoned to secondary grassland. Primary hygrophilous grassland and hill slope seepages were the main repository for indigenous plant diversity, while communal maize fields supported a diverse mixture of mainly exotic species. Soil carbon concentrations decreased from oxbows to pastures, seepages, primary hygrophilous grassland, secondary grassland, and maize on former grassland (7.0, 4.1, 4.0, 3.5, 2.4, and 1.7%, respectively). The pattern for total soil nitrogen and sulphur were the same. Cultivation of hygrophilous grassland was estimated to have reduced soil carbon stocks to 69% of pre-settlement levels by 1953 (∼150 years BP). Stocks then increased by 8% to 2001 following crop abandonment. Cultivation has impaired water quality enhancement and flood attenuation because of greater amounts of bare ground and shorter vegetation. Further improvement of ecosystem services will depend on the influence of socio-economic factors on communal cropping. © Springer 2006. | Carbon; Communal; Cultivation; DCA; Invasives; Oxbows; Plant diversity; South Africa | community composition; grazing pressure; land use; ordination; plant community; soil carbon; soil nitrogen; soil property; vegetation; wetland; Africa; Drakensberg; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Rubus cuneifolius; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872616856 | Floods and livelihoods: The impact of changing water resources on wetland agro-ecological production systems in the Tana River Delta, Kenya | Leauthaud C., Duvail S., Hamerlynck O., Paul J.-L., Cochet H., Nyunja J., Albergel J., Grünberger O. | 2013 | Global Environmental Change | 23 | 1 | 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2012.09.003 | IRD, UMR LISAH, 2 Place Viala, 34060 Montpellier, France; Kenya Wetland Biodiversity Research Team (KENWEB), Kenya; IRD, UMR 208 Patrimoines Locaux (PALOC), France; Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, United Kingdom; AgroParisTech, Comparative Agriculture and Agricultural Development Research Unit, Paris, France; KWS, Nairobi, Kenya | Leauthaud, C., IRD, UMR LISAH, 2 Place Viala, 34060 Montpellier, France, Kenya Wetland Biodiversity Research Team (KENWEB), Kenya; Duvail, S., Kenya Wetland Biodiversity Research Team (KENWEB), Kenya, IRD, UMR 208 Patrimoines Locaux (PALOC), France; Hamerlynck, O., Kenya Wetland Biodiversity Research Team (KENWEB), Kenya, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, United Kingdom; Paul, J.-L., IRD, UMR 208 Patrimoines Locaux (PALOC), France; Cochet, H., AgroParisTech, Comparative Agriculture and Agricultural Development Research Unit, Paris, France; Nyunja, J., Kenya Wetland Biodiversity Research Team (KENWEB), Kenya, KWS, Nairobi, Kenya; Albergel, J., IRD, UMR LISAH, 2 Place Viala, 34060 Montpellier, France; Grünberger, O., IRD, UMR LISAH, 2 Place Viala, 34060 Montpellier, France | Wetlands are highly dynamic and productive systems that have been under increased pressure from changes in land use and water management strategies. In Eastern Africa, wetlands provide resources at multiple spatial and temporal levels through farming, fishing, livestock ownership and a host of other ecosystem services that sustain the local economy and individual livelihoods. As part of a broader effort to describe future development scenarios for East African coastal wetlands, this qualitative study focuses on understanding the processes by which river water depletion has affected local food production systems in Kenya's Tana River Delta over the past 50 years, and how this situation has impacted residents' livelihoods and well-being. Interviews performed in six villages among various ethnic groups, geographical locations and resource profiles indicated that the agro-ecological production systems formerly in place were adapted to the river's dynamic flooding patterns. As these flooding patterns changed, the local population diversified and abandoned or adopted various farming, fishing and livestock-rearing techniques. Despite these efforts, the decrease in water availability affected each subcomponent of the production systems under study, which led to their collapse in the 1990s. Water depletion negatively impacted local human well-being through the loss of food security. The current study provides a detailed account of the dynamics of agro-ecological production systems facing the effects of river water depletion in a wetland-associated environment in Sub-Saharan Africa. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Food production; Human well-being; River water depletion; Sub-Saharan Africa; Sustainability; Wetland | agroecology; delta; ecosystem service; ethnic group; flood; food production; food security; land use; qualitative analysis; river water; sustainability; water availability; water management; water resource; wetland; Kenya; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tana River [Kenya] | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84936744886 | Herd Size-Dependent Effects of Restricted Foraging Time Allowance on Cattle Behavior, Nutrition, and Performance | Odadi W.O., Rubenstein D.I. | 2015 | Rangeland Ecology and Management | 68 | 4 | 10.1016/j.rama.2015.05.009 | Department of Natural Resources, Egerton University, PO Box 536-20115, Egerton, Kenya; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States | Odadi, W.O., Department of Natural Resources, Egerton University, PO Box 536-20115, Egerton, Kenya; Rubenstein, D.I., Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States | We tested the influence of herd size on the effects of restricted foraging time on cattle (Bos indicus) foraging behavior, nutrition, and performance in a Kenyan savanna rangeland. Using a randomized block design, we compared weight gain, forage intake, diet selection, dietary crude protein (CP) and digestible organic matter (DOM), bite and step rates, distance travelled, and activity time budgets between steers allowed unlimited foraging time (DNG) in predator-free areas with those herded diurnally in predator-accessible areas in large (200 steers; LDG), medium (150 steers; MDG), or small (100 steers; SDG) herds and corralled at night. Daily weight gain was greater (P < 0.01) in DNG (0.61 kg) or SDG (0.56 kg) than in LDG (0.19 kg) or MDG (0.29 kg) but did not differ (P = 0.591 ) between DNG and SDG. Likewise, daily organic matter intake was greater (P < 0.05) in DNG (6.2 kg) or SDG (5.4 kg) than in LDG (3.7 kg) or MDG (3.7 kg) but did not differ (P = 0.288) between DNG and SDG. Grazing time was lower (P < 0.01) in DNG (42.2%) than in LDG (71.3%), MDG (72.2%), or SDG (69.5%), while the reverse was the case for ruminating and/or resting time (47.1%, 12.1%, 11.9%, and 10.3% in DNG, LDG, MDG, and SDG, respectively). Bite rate was lower in DNG (13.1 bites · min-1) than LDG (21.0 bites · min-1; P = 0.068), MDG (27.7 bites · min-1; P = 0.13) or SDG (26.2 bites · min-1; P = 0.007). However, diet selection, CP, DOM, step rate, and distance travelled did not differ among treatments. Our findings demonstrate subdued negative effects of restricted foraging time when cattle are herded diurnally in small-sized herds. Application of this strategy could reduce the need for eliminating wild carnivores to facilitate unrestricted foraging time for cattle. © 2015 Society for Range Management. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | corralling; human-wildlife conflict; livestock predation; predatory wild carnivores; savanna rangelands; unrestricted foraging time allowance | carnivore; cattle; food intake; foraging behavior; livestock farming; predation risk; rangeland; savanna; travel behavior; wild population; Kenya; Bos; Bos indicus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876378203 | Optimization of pollution control performance of wet detention ponds in tropical urban catchments using particle swarm optimization | Dan'Azumi S., Shamsudin S., Aris A. | 2013 | Journal of Hydroinformatics | 15 | 2 | 10.2166/hydro.2012.206 | Department of Civil Engineering, Bayero University Kano, PMB 3011, Kano, Nigeria; Razak School of Engineering and Advanced Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 54100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysi | Dan'Azumi, S., Department of Civil Engineering, Bayero University Kano, PMB 3011, Kano, Nigeria, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia; Shamsudin, S., Razak School of Engineering and Advanced Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 54100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Aris, A., Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia | Wet detention ponds are the best management systems for the control of urban stormwater. The objective of this study is to develop optimum pollution control performance of wet detention ponds using an analytical probabilistic model (APM) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). An urban catchment, in a tropical region, was selected as a case study and APM parameters were developed using long-term rainfall data. Firstly, the active storage was kept constant while the permanent pool was varied and PSO simulations conducted. Secondly, PSO simulations were conducted, keeping the permanent pool constant and varying the active storage. The pollution control increased with increasing detention time, reached a peak value and thereafter declined. However, the pollution control was more sensitive to permanent pool than active storage as higher pollution control is attained at a shorter time using the former. The PSO captures the optimum detention time and the corresponding peak pollution control performance by five iterations and the computational time required for the PSO is much shorter than the APM which has to be exhaustively enumerated. The optimum detention time in tropical climates is found to be shorter than temperate regions and recommendations given in existing literature cannot be applied to tropical regions. © IWA Publishing 2013. | Active storage; Detention pond; Particle swarm optimization; Permanent pool; Pollution control; Wet pond | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894245776 | Strengthening impact assessment: A call for integration and focus | Morrison-Saunders A., Pope J., Gunn J.A.E., Bond A., Retief F. | 2014 | Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal | 32 | 1 | 10.1080/14615517.2013.872841 | School of Environmental Science, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, WA6150, Australia; School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa; Integral Sustainability, P.O. Box 79, South Fremantle, WA6162, Australia; Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA6102, Australia; Department of Geography and Planning, University of Saskatchewan, Kirk Hall, 117 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7T0A9, Canada; School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NorfolkNR4 7TJ, United Kingdom | Morrison-Saunders, A., School of Environmental Science, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, WA6150, Australia; Pope, J., School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa, Integral Sustainability, P.O. Box 79, South Fremantle, WA6162, Australia, Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA6102, Australia; Gunn, J.A.E., Department of Geography and Planning, University of Saskatchewan, Kirk Hall, 117 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7T0A9, Canada; Bond, A., School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NorfolkNR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; Retief, F., School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa | We suggest that the impact assessment community has lost its way based on our observation that impact assessment is under attack because of a perceived lack of efficiency. Specifically, we contend that the proliferation of different impact assessment types creates separate silos of expertise and feeds arguments for not only a lack of efficiency but also a lack of effectiveness of the process through excessive specialisation and a lack of interdisciplinary practice. We propose that the solution is a return to the basics of impact assessment with a call for increased integration around the goal of sustainable development and focus through better scoping. We rehearse and rebut counter arguments covering silo-based expertise, advocacy, democracy, sustainability understanding and communication. We call on the impact assessment community to rise to the challenge of increasing integration and focus, and to engage in the debate about the means of strengthening impact assessment. © 2014 © 2014 IAIA. | focus; integration; inter-disciplinarity; proliferation; scoping; silo-based expertise | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646249415 | Performance of hardcoded finite automata | Ngassam E.K., Kourie D.G., Watson B.W. | 2006 | Software - Practice and Experience | 36 | 5 | 10.1002/spe.708 | School of Computing, University of South Africa, Pretoria 0003, South Africa; Fastar Research Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; School of Computing, University of South Africa, UNISA, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria 0003, South Africa | Ngassam, E.K., School of Computing, University of South Africa, Pretoria 0003, South Africa, School of Computing, University of South Africa, UNISA, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria 0003, South Africa; Kourie, D.G., Fastar Research Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Watson, B.W., Fastar Research Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | We study the performance of a hardcoded algorithm for recognizing strings of a finite automaton's language and compare it with the use of the more conventional table-driven algorithm. In both cases, performance depends on the finite automaton's dimensions such as alphabet size and the number of states. However, the respective processing mechanisms that influence the performance, in particular cache memory usage, depend on the details of the processor's underlying architecture. In the hardcoded case, the automaton's dimensions determine the size of the code which is, in turn, the primary determinant of the way in which cache memory is used. In the table-driven case, cache memory usage is primarily determined by the way in which portions of the transition table are stored in it. Using statistical regression analysis, we provide multivariate equations to model the observed time efficiency of both methods. The equations obtained are cross-compared and conclusions are drawn. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Cache memory; Finite automata; Hardcoding; Performance; Regression analysis | Algorithms; Cache memory; Codes (symbols); Computer architecture; Information technology; Regression analysis; Statistical methods; Hardcoding; Multivariate equations; Processing mechanisms; Table-driven algorithms; Finite automata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946474311 | The impact of ENSO on Southern African rainfall in CMIP5 ocean atmosphere coupled climate models | Dieppois B., Rouault M., New M. | 2015 | Climate Dynamics | 45 | 42623 | 10.1007/s00382-015-2480-x | African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Oceanography, MARE Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Nansen-Tutu Center for Marine Environmental Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Dieppois, B., African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Oceanography, MARE Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Rouault, M., Department of Oceanography, MARE Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Nansen-Tutu Center for Marine Environmental Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; New, M., African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | We study the ability of 24 ocean atmosphere global coupled models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 (CMIP5) to reproduce the teleconnections between El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Southern African rainfall in austral summer using historical forced simulations, with a focus on the atmospheric dynamic associated with El Niño. Overestimations of summer rainfall occur over Southern Africa in all CMIP5 models. Abnormal westward extensions of ENSO patterns are a common feature of all CMIP5 models, while the warming of the Indian Ocean that happens during El Niño is not correctly reproduced. This could impact the teleconnection between ENSO and Southern African rainfall which is represented with mixed success in CMIP5 models. Large-scale anomalies of suppressed deep-convection over the tropical maritime continent and enhanced convection from the central to eastern Pacific are correctly simulated. However, regional biases occur above Africa and the Indian Ocean, particularly in the position of the deep convection anomalies associated with El Niño, which can lead to the wrong sign in rainfall anomalies in the northwest part of South Africa. From the near-surface to mid-troposphere, CMIP5 models underestimate the observed anomalous pattern of pressure occurring over Southern Africa that leads to dry conditions during El Niño years. © 2015, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | CMIP5; Coupled model; El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO); Rainfall; Southern Africa; Teleconnection | atmosphere-ocean coupling; atmospheric convection; atmospheric dynamics; climate modeling; El Nino-Southern Oscillation; rainfall; teleconnection; Southern Africa | NRF, Water Research Commission; WRC, Water Research Commission |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955761735 | Development and evaluation of a new epitope-blocking ELISA for universal detection of antibodies to West Nile virus | Sotelo E., Llorente F., Rebollo B., Camuñas A., Venteo A., Gallardo C., Lubisi A., Rodríguez M.J., Sanz A.J., Figuerola J., Jiménez-Clavero M.Á. | 2011 | Journal of Virological Methods | 174 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.jviromet.2011.03.015 | Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), INIA, Ctra Algete-El Casar, S/n, 28130 Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain; INGENASA, C/Hermanos García Noblejas 39, 28037 Madrid, Spain; ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, C/Americo Vespucio, s/n, 41092 Seville, Spain | Sotelo, E., Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), INIA, Ctra Algete-El Casar, S/n, 28130 Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain; Llorente, F., Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), INIA, Ctra Algete-El Casar, S/n, 28130 Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain; Rebollo, B., INGENASA, C/Hermanos García Noblejas 39, 28037 Madrid, Spain; Camuñas, A., INGENASA, C/Hermanos García Noblejas 39, 28037 Madrid, Spain; Venteo, A., INGENASA, C/Hermanos García Noblejas 39, 28037 Madrid, Spain; Gallardo, C., Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), INIA, Ctra Algete-El Casar, S/n, 28130 Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain; Lubisi, A., ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Rodríguez, M.J., INGENASA, C/Hermanos García Noblejas 39, 28037 Madrid, Spain; Sanz, A.J., INGENASA, C/Hermanos García Noblejas 39, 28037 Madrid, Spain; Figuerola, J., Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, C/Americo Vespucio, s/n, 41092 Seville, Spain; Jiménez-Clavero, M.Á., Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), INIA, Ctra Algete-El Casar, S/n, 28130 Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain | West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen with a wide range of hosts, including birds, horses and humans. The development and evaluation of the performance of a new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are described for rapid detection of WNV-specific antibodies in samples originating from an extensive range of vertebrates susceptible to WNV infection. The assay uses a monoclonal antibody (MAb) which binds whole virus particles and neutralizes infection in vitro by recognizing a neutralizing epitope within the envelope (E) glycoprotein of the virus. This MAb, labelled with horseradish peroxidase, was used to compete with WNV-specific serum antibodies for virus-binding in vitro. The epitope-blocking ELISA was optimized in a manner that enabled its validation with a number of experimental and field sera, from a wide range of wild bird species, and susceptible mammals. The new ELISA exhibited high specificity (79.5-96.5%) and sensitivity (100%), using the virus-neutralization test as reference standard. It also required a much lower volume of sample (10 μl per analysis) compared to other ELISAs available commercially. This new method may be helpful for diagnosis and disease surveillance, particularly when testing samples from small birds, which are available in limited amounts. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. | Antibody detection; Epitope-blocking ELISA; Flavivirus; Monoclonal antibody; West nile virus; Wild birds | epitope; horseradish peroxidase; monoclonal antibody; virus antibody; virus glycoprotein; animal cell; antibody detection; antigen binding; article; bird; controlled study; diagnostic value; disease surveillance; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; in vitro study; infection sensitivity; intermethod comparison; mammal; mouse; nonhuman; priority journal; rabbit; sensitivity and specificity; Vero cell; vertebrate; virus attachment; virus neutralization; virus particle; West Nile fever; West Nile flavivirus; wild species; Animals; Antibodies, Viral; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Epitopes; Humans; Neutralization Tests; Sensitivity and Specificity; Vertebrates; Viral Envelope Proteins; Virology; West Nile Fever; West Nile virus; Armoracia rusticana; Aves; Equidae; Flavivirus; Mammalia; Vertebrata; West Nile virus | None |
| WoS | WOS:000332072800013 | School-based intervention: evaluating the role of water, latrines and hygiene education on trachoma and intestinal parasitic infections in Ethiopia | Aboset, Nigusu,Berhane, Yemane,Gelaye, Bizu,Kumie, Abera,Williams, Michelle A. | 2014 | JOURNAL OF WATER SANITATION AND HYGIENE FOR DEVELOPMENT | 4 | 1 | 10.2166/washdev.2013.060 | Addis Ababa University, Harvard University, University of Washington, University of Washington Seattle, Addis Continental Inst Publ Hlth, Family Hlth Int | "Williams, Michelle A.: Harvard University", | We sought to evaluate the impact of a hygiene and sanitation intervention program among school-children to control active trachoma and intestinal parasitic infections. This longitudinal epidemiologic study was conducted among 630 students in rural Ethiopia. Baseline and follow-up surveys were conducted to evaluate the impact of a three-pronged intervention program: (i) construction of ventilated improved pit latrines; (ii) provision of clean drinking water; and (iii) hygiene education. Socio-demographic information was collected using a structured questionnaire. Presence of trachoma and intestinal parasitic infections were evaluated using standard procedures. At baseline, 15% of students had active trachoma, while 6.7% of them were found to have active trachoma post-intervention (p < 0.001). Similar improvements were noted for parasitic infections. At baseline, 7% of students were reported to have helminthic infections and 30.2% protozoa infections. However, only 4% of students had any helminthic infection and 13.4% (p < 0.001) of them were found to have any protozoa infection during follow-up surveys. Improvements were also noted in students' knowledge and attitudes towards hygiene and sanitation. In summary, the results of our study demonstrated that provision of a comprehensive and targeted sanitation intervention program was successful in reducing the burden of trachoma and intestinal parasitic infection among schoolchildren. | ETHIOPIA,INTERVENTION,"PARASITIC INFECTION",SANITATION,SCHOOL,TRACHOMA,"ACTIVE TRACHOMA",ALBENDAZOLE,CHILDREN,DISTRICT,EFFICACY,PREVALENCE,PROMOTION,RISK-FACTORS,"SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTHS",TANZANIA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866483016 | Regional climate change scenarios and their impacts on water requirements for wheat production in Iran | Roshan G.R., Grab S.W. | 2012 | International Journal of Plant Production | 6 | 2 | None | Department of Geography, Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran; School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa | Roshan, G.R., Department of Geography, Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran; Grab, S.W., School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa | We simulate the effect of climate change on water requirements of cold season wheat in various climatic zones of Iran. The research considers both observed climate (temperature and precipitation) changes during recent decades (1960-2009) based on instrumental records and projected future changes to 2100 based on the MAGICC/SCENGEN 5.3 compound model. 20 General Circulation models are used based on a single scenario known as P50, which is the average of SRES or emission scenarios. Results indicate that whilst winter precipitation has marginally increased across the country as a whole, a significant decline in mean spring precipitation is recorded between 1960 and 2009. However, considerable variability in trends is measured across various climatic regions of Iran. Mean annual temperature / rainfall ° changes in the various climate zones of Iran for the period 1960-2009 follow: +0.1 C / decade / +0.43 mm / decade in arid regions, -0.1 °C / decade / -1.7 mm / decade in ° semi-arid regions, +0.1 C / decade / -1.33 mm / decade in Mediterranean / semihumid regions and -0.01 C / decade / -0.04 mm / decade in humid / hyper humid regions. Temperature projections to 2100 indicate an overall temperature rise of ca. 4.25 °C relative to that for 1961-1990, with increases projected for all climatic regions of Iran. Despite an overall projected mean precipitation increase of 36% for the year 2100, relative to that for 1961-1990, these are insufficient to compensate for temperature increases. Consequently, calculated water deficits during the growing season (autumn to spring) in Iran' s wheat producing areas are expected to increase from 5.2% in 1980 to over 23% by 2050 and 38% by 2100. | Autumn; GCM; Iran; Simulation; Water requirement; Wheat | Triticum aestivum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054720467 | Global assessment of the fishing impacts on the Southern Benguela ecosystem using an EcoTroph modelling approach | Gasche L., Gascuel D., Shannon L., Shin Y.-J. | 2012 | Journal of Marine Systems | 90 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jmarsys.2011.07.012 | Université Européenne de Bretagne, UMR Agrocampus Ouest/INRA Ecologie et Santé des Ecosystèmes, 65 rue de Saint-Brieuc, CS 84215, 35042 Rennes cedex, France; Marine Research Institute, University of Cape Town, Zoology Department, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa; IRD, UMR 212 Ecosystèmes Marins Exploités, University of Cape Town, Zoology Department, Private Bag X3, Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Gasche, L., Université Européenne de Bretagne, UMR Agrocampus Ouest/INRA Ecologie et Santé des Ecosystèmes, 65 rue de Saint-Brieuc, CS 84215, 35042 Rennes cedex, France; Gascuel, D., Université Européenne de Bretagne, UMR Agrocampus Ouest/INRA Ecologie et Santé des Ecosystèmes, 65 rue de Saint-Brieuc, CS 84215, 35042 Rennes cedex, France; Shannon, L., Marine Research Institute, University of Cape Town, Zoology Department, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa; Shin, Y.-J., IRD, UMR 212 Ecosystèmes Marins Exploités, University of Cape Town, Zoology Department, Private Bag X3, Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | 'We show that the EcoTroph model based on trophic spectra is an efficient tool to build ecosystem diagnoses of the impact of fishing. Using the Southern Benguela case study as a pretext, we present the first thorough application of the model to a real ecosystem. We thus review the structure and functioning of EcoTroph and we introduce the user to the steps that should be followed, showing the various possibilities of the model while underlining the most critical points of the modelling process. We show that EcoTroph provides an overview of the current exploitation level and target factors at the ecosystem scale, using two distinct trophic spectra to quantify the fishing targets and the fishing impact per trophic level. Then, we simulate changes in the fishing mortality, facilitating differential responses of two groups of species within the Southern Benguela ecosystem to be distinguished. More generally, we highlight various trends in a number of indicators of the ecosystem's state when increasing fishing mortality and we show that this ecosystem is moderately exploited, although predatory species are at their MSY. Finally, trophic spectra of the fishing effort multipliers EMSY and E0.1 are proposed as tools for monitoring the ecosystem effects of fishing. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. | Ecosystem indicators; EcoTroph; Fishing impact; Overfishing; Southern Benguela; Trophic modelling | Ecosystem indicators; EcoTroph; Fishing impact; Overfishing; Southern Benguela; Trophic modelling; Fisheries; Ecosystems; assessment method; environmental monitoring; exploitation; fishing effort; fishing mortality; numerical model; predator; spectral analysis; trophic level; Atlantic Ocean; Benguela Current | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-41949083807 | Outcome of emergency caesarean sections in Calabar, Nigeria: Impact of the seniority of the medical team | Ekanem A.D., Udoma E.J., Etuk S.J., Eshiet A.I. | 2008 | Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology | 28 | 2 | 10.1080/01443610801912329 | Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Department of Anaethesia, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Departmen | Ekanem, A.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P. M. Box 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Udoma, E.J., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Etuk, S.J., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Eshiet, A.I., Department of Anaethesia, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria | We set out to assess the maternal outcome of emergency caesarean sections in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) in relationship to the seniority and experience of medical personnel involved in the operation. This was a review of 349 cases of emergency caesarean sections in UCTH over a 2-year period (January 2000-December 2001). The sociodemographic data, antenatal booking status and clinical condition of the patients as well as the seniority of the medical staff who participated in the operations were extracted from the case notes of the patients. A total of 280 (80.0%) booked patients and 69 (20.0%) unbooked mothers were delivered by emergency caesarean sections. The consultants performed only 16.4% of the emergency caesarean sections, while the residents performed 83.6%. Similarly consultant anaesthetists administered anaesthesia in 12.9% of the cases. A total of 12 maternal deaths occurred from emergency caesarean sections in which six (1.7%) were due to sepsis, three (0.8%) due to severe haemorrhage and three (0.8%) due to anaesthetic complications. None of the deaths occurred in operations in which consultant obstetricians and anaesthetists were involved. The intraoperative blood loss was more in operations performed by the residents than in those performed by the consultants. Similarly, morbidity was higher in patients operated upon by residents. The maternal morbidity and mortality associated with emergency caesarean sections in UCTH would be reduced significantly if consultant obstetricians and anaesthetists were more involved in these operative procedures. © 2008 Informa UK Ltd. | Emergency caesarean section; Medial team; Outcome | anesthesia; article; bleeding; cesarean section; controlled study; emergency care; female; health care personnel; human; major clinical study; maternal morbidity; maternal mortality; medical practice; Nigeria; outcome assessment; priority journal; resident; sepsis; Age Factors; Cesarean Section; Clinical Competence; Emergencies; Female; Humans; Maternal Mortality; Medical Staff, Hospital; Nigeria; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925396731 | Impacts of Large-scale Land Investments on Income, Prices, and Employment: Empirical Analyses in Ethiopia | Baumgartner P., von Braun J., Abebaw D., Müller M. | 2015 | World Development | 72 | None | 10.1016/j.worlddev.2015.02.017 | University of Bonn (ZEF), Germany c-Ethiopian Economics Association, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Rome; Ethiopian Economic Policy Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Baumgartner, P., University of Bonn (ZEF), Germany c-Ethiopian Economics Association, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Rome; von Braun, J., University of Bonn (ZEF), Germany c-Ethiopian Economics Association, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Abebaw, D., Ethiopian Economic Policy Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Müller, M., University of Bonn (ZEF), Germany c-Ethiopian Economics Association, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | We review the trend and types of large-scale land transaction in Ethiopia since 1992 and assess the impacts of one such investment using four scenarios: (i) a baseline scenario; (ii) the forest loss resulting from the land transfer; (iii) the operation of the investment at full scale and (iv) an alternative scenario of a smaller investment paired with a more inclusive rural development policy. Results showed that forest resources are important for the rural poor, but that losses can be offset by gains from employment generation and business opportunities. The alternative scenario indicated opportunities for better social and environmental sustainability. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Africa; Agricultural labor markets; Ethiopia; Land markets; Land rights; Rural development | agricultural labor; agricultural land; business; employment generation; forest resource; income; investment; labor market; land rights; rural development; rural policy; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938745237 | Evaluation of screening and treatment of cryptococcal antigenaemia among HIV-infected persons in Soweto, South Africa | Govender N.P., Roy M., Mendes J.F., Zulu T.G., Chiller T.M., Karstaedt A.S. | 2015 | HIV Medicine | 16 | 8 | 10.1111/hiv.12245 | National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Community Health, Gauteng Department of Health, Johannesburg, South Africa; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Soweto, South Africa | Govender, N.P., National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Roy, M., Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Mendes, J.F., Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Department of Community Health, Gauteng Department of Health, Johannesburg, South Africa; Zulu, T.G., National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Chiller, T.M., Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Karstaedt, A.S., Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Soweto, South Africa | We retrospectively evaluated clinic-based screening to determine the prevalence of cryptococcal antigenaemia and management and outcome of patients with antigenaemia. Methods: Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening of HIV-infected adults who attended the HIV clinic at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital was conducted over 19 months. Data collected from CrAg-positive patients included CD4 T-lymphocyte count at screening, prior or subsequent cryptococcal meningitis (CM), antifungal and antiretroviral treatment and outcome after at least 8 months. Results: Of 1460 patients with no prior CM, 30 (2.1%) had a positive CrAg test. The prevalence of antigenaemia among patients with a CD4 count <100 cells/μl and no prior CM was 2.8% (20 of 708). Of 29 evaluable CrAg-positive patients with no prior CM, 14 (48%) did not return for post-screening follow-up. Of these 14, five developed CM and one (7%) was known to be alive at follow-up. Of 15 patients who returned for follow-up, two already had evidence of nonmeningeal cryptococcosis. Overall, 11 received fluconazole, one did not and fluconazole treatment was unknown for three. Among these 15, one developed CM and 10 (67%) were known to be alive at follow-up. Overall, 18 (62%) of 29 CrAg-positive patients died or were lost to follow-up. Seven (0.5%) of 1430 CrAg-negative patients developed CM a median of 83 days post-screening (range 34 to 219 days). Conclusions: Loss to follow-up is the major operational issue relevant to scale-up of screen-and-treat. Patient outcomes may be improved by rapid access to CrAg results and focus on linkage to and retention in HIV care. © 2015 British HIV Association. | Cryptococcal antigen; Cryptococcal meningitis; Evaluation; Screen-and-treat; South Africa | fluconazole; adult; Article; CD4 lymphocyte count; controlled study; cryptococcal antigenaemia; cryptococcal antigenaemia; cryptococcal meningitis; cryptococcosis; disease course; evaluation study; follow up; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; prevalence; priority journal; retrospective study; screening | 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-s2.0-84933565123 | Hybrid nanostructured thin-films by PLD for enhanced field emission performance for radiation micro-nano dosimetry applications | Manikandan E., Kennedy J., Kavitha G., Kaviyarasu K., Maaza M., Panigrahi B.K., Mudali U.K. | 2015 | Journal of Alloys and Compounds | 647 | None | 10.1016/j.jallcom.2015.06.102 | UNESCO-UNISA AFNET in Nanosciences/Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, PO Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa; Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), Materials Research Department, IThemba LABS-National Research Foundation (NRF), 1 Old Faure Road, Western-Cape, South Africa; MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, New Zealand; PGand Research Dept of Physics, AM Jain College Affiliated to University of Madras, Chennai, India; Materials Science Group (MSG), Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, India; Corrosion Science and Technology Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, India; Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital (SBMCH), Bharath University, Chrompet Chennai, India | Manikandan, E., UNESCO-UNISA AFNET in Nanosciences/Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, PO Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa, Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), Materials Research Department, IThemba LABS-National Research Foundation (NRF), 1 Old Faure Road, Western-Cape, South Africa, Materials Science Group (MSG), Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, India, Corrosion Science and Technology Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, India, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital (SBMCH), Bharath University, Chrompet Chennai, India; Kennedy, J., UNESCO-UNISA AFNET in Nanosciences/Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, PO Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa, Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), Materials Research Department, IThemba LABS-National Research Foundation (NRF), 1 Old Faure Road, Western-Cape, South Africa, MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, New Zealand; Kavitha, G., UNESCO-UNISA AFNET in Nanosciences/Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, PO Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa, Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), Materials Research Department, IThemba LABS-National Research Foundation (NRF), 1 Old Faure Road, Western-Cape, South Africa, PGand Research Dept of Physics, AM Jain College Affiliated to University of Madras, Chennai, India; Kaviyarasu, K., UNESCO-UNISA AFNET in Nanosciences/Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, PO Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa, Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), Materials Research Department, IThemba LABS-National Research Foundation (NRF), 1 Old Faure Road, Western-Cape, South Africa; Maaza, M., UNESCO-UNISA AFNET in Nanosciences/Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, PO Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa, Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), Materials Research Department, IThemba LABS-National Research Foundation (NRF), 1 Old Faure Road, Western-Cape, South Africa; Panigrahi, B.K., Materials Science Group (MSG), Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, India, Corrosion Science and Technology Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, India; Mudali, U.K., Materials Science Group (MSG), Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, India, Corrosion Science and Technology Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, India | We report the observation of hybrid nanostructured thin-films such as diamond-like carbon (DLC) signature on the ZnO epitaxial thin-films grown onto the device silicon/quartz substrate by reactive pulsed laser deposition (r-PLD) under the argon-oxygen (Ar|O<inf>2</inf>) ambient at 573 K. Undoped and Carbon (C) doped epitaxial ZnO thin-film layer formation is revealed by the accelerator based ion-beam analysis (IBA) technique of resonant Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RRBS), glancing-incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) pattern, micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-RS) and field-emission (F-E) studies. The RRBS and GIXRD results show the deposition of epitaxial thin-films containing C into ZnO. The μ-RS technique is a standard nondestructive tool (NDT) for the characterization of crystalline, nano-crystalline, and amorphous carbons (a-C). As grown ZnO and C-doped ZnO thin-films μ-RS result reveal the doping effect of C-impurities that appear in the form of DLC evident from Raman peaks at 1357 and 1575 cm-1 along with a wurtzite structure peak at 438 cm-1 with E<inf>2</inf>(h) phonon of ZnO. The electron transport F-E result shows the hybrid thin-films has high conductivity than the un-doped film. Fabricated hybrid nanostructured thin-films materials could be very useful for the emerging applications of micro-nano dosimetry. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Diamond-like carbon; Field-emission; Laser processing; Nanocrystalline materials; Raman spectroscopy; ZnO thin-films | Amorphous carbon; Argon lasers; Carbon; Carbon films; Characterization; Crystalline materials; Deposition; Diamond like carbon films; Dosimetry; Electron transport properties; Field emission; Films; Hybrid materials; Ion beams; Laser materials processing; Metallic films; Nanocrystalline materials; Nondestructive examination; Optical films; Pulsed laser deposition; Pulsed lasers; Raman spectroscopy; Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy; Semiconductor doping; Thin films; X ray diffraction; Zinc oxide; Zinc sulfide; Diamond like carbon; Glancing incidence x-ray diffractions; Laser process; Micro Raman Spectroscopy; Nanostructured thin film; Reactive pulsed laser deposition; Rutherford back-scattering spectrometry; ZnO thin film; Epitaxial growth | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-26944448208 | Use of stored serum from Uganda for development and evaluation of a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 testing algorithm involving multiple rapid immunoassays | Singer D.E., Kiwanuka N., Serwadda D., Nalugoda F., Hird L., Bulken-Hoover J., Kigozi G., Malia J.A., Calero E.K., Sateren W., Robb M.L., Wabwire-Mangen F., Wawer M., Gray R.H., Sewankambo N., Birx D.L., Michael N.L. | 2005 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 43 | 10 | 10.1128/JCM.43.10.5312-5315.2005 | Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Rakai Health Sciences Project, Kalisizo, Uganda; Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States; Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, NY 10032, United States; Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21215, United States; College of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Pathogenesis, Division of Retrovirology, Walter-Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 E. Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States | Singer, D.E., Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States, U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Kiwanuka, N., Rakai Health Sciences Project, Kalisizo, Uganda; Serwadda, D., Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Nalugoda, F., Rakai Health Sciences Project, Kalisizo, Uganda; Hird, L., Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States; Bulken-Hoover, J., Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States; Kigozi, G., Rakai Health Sciences Project, Kalisizo, Uganda; Malia, J.A., Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States, U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Calero, E.K., Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States, U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Sateren, W., Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States, U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Robb, M.L., U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Wabwire-Mangen, F., Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Wawer, M., Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, NY 10032, United States; Gray, R.H., Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21215, United States; Sewankambo, N., College of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Birx, D.L., Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States, U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Michael, N.L., Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States, U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States, Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Pathogenesis, Division of Retrovirology, Walter-Reed Army Institute of Research, 1600 E. Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, United States | We report the development and evaluation of a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 testing algorithm consisting of three rapid antibody detection tests. Stored serum samples from Uganda were utilized with a final algorithm sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 98.9% (95% confidence interval, 98.6% to 99.3%). Copyright © 2005, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | algorithm; antibody detection; article; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; immunoassay; mass screening; nonhuman; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; serum; Uganda; virus identification; AIDS Serodiagnosis; Algorithms; Confidence Intervals; HIV Antibodies; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Immunoassay; Sensitivity and Specificity; Serum; Specimen Handling; Time Factors; Uganda; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899056568 | Testing the performance of registered herbicides on the control of Campuloclinium macrocephalum (Asteraceae) in South African grasslands | Goodall J.M., Witkowski E.T.F. | 2014 | Weed Research | 54 | 3 | 10.1111/wre.12071 | Restoration and Conservation Biology, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Plant Protection Research Institute (PPRI), Hilton, South Africa | Goodall, J.M., Restoration and Conservation Biology, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Plant Protection Research Institute (PPRI), Hilton, South Africa; Witkowski, E.T.F., Restoration and Conservation Biology, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | We report on the performance of the registered herbicides picloram and metsulfuron-methyl on the control of Campuloclinium macrocephalum (pompom weed) in grasslands. Herbicide trials in hydric and xeric grasslands were treated for three consecutive years in either summer (February) or autumn (April) and monitored for an additional 3 years after spraying ceased. Uncontrolled factors such as a host-specific rust, fire and drought were observed from the second year of the study. Metsulfuron-methyl and picloram did not differ in efficacy according to the timing of applications, but average mortality of marked plants was <80% expected of registered herbicides. Populations of C. macrocephalum in plots were reduced proportionately to the percentage mortality of marked plants. Picloram and metsulfuron-methyl applied at 252 g a.i. ha-1 and 45 g a.i. ha-1, respectively, were not detectable by gas chromatography in the upper 25 cm of the soil profile during any of the sampling intervals from 0 to 56 days after treatment. Three annual applications of registered herbicide did not reduce C. macrocephalum successfully, and it is estimated that between five (summer) to seven (autumn) annual treatments are required to reduce weed density to <1 plant per plot (25 m2). Future research should focus on rust-herbicide interactions, the role of fire in seedbank management and fire as a treatment that could be integrated with chemical control. © 2014 European Weed Research Society. | Disease; Drought; Environmental factors; Fire; Mortality; Pompom weed; Recruitment; Regrowth; Seedlings | chemical control; dicotyledon; disease treatment; drought; environmental factor; fire; gas chromatography; grassland; mortality; performance assessment; regrowth; research work; rust disease; seed bank; soil profile; weed control; South Africa; Asteraceae; Campuloclinium macrocephalum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-66949141795 | The global gas and dust budget of the Large Magellanic Cloud: AGB stars and supernovae, and the impact on the ISM evolution | Matsuura M., Barlow M.J., Zijlstra A.A., Whitelock P.A., Cioni M.-R.L., Groenewegen M.A.T., Volk K., Kemper F., Kodama T., Lagadec E., Meixner M., Sloan G.C., Srinivasan S. | 2009 | Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society | 396 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1365-2966.2009.14743.x | National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Osawa 2-21-1, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8588, Japan; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Oxford Street, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom; South African Astronomical Observatory, PO Box 9, 7935 Observatory, South Africa; NASSP, Astronomy Department, University of Cape Town, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa; Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa; Centre for Astrophysics Research, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, United Kingdom; Royal Observatory of Belgium, Ringlaan 3, B-1180 Brussels, Belgium; Gemini Observatory, Hilo, HI 96720, United States; Space Telescope Science Institute, 3700 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States; Astronomy Department, Cornell University, 610 Space Sciences Building, Ithaca, NY 14853-6801, United States; Department of Physics and Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University, Homewood Campus, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States | Matsuura, M., National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Osawa 2-21-1, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8588, Japan, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Barlow, M.J., Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Zijlstra, A.A., Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Oxford Street, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom; Whitelock, P.A., South African Astronomical Observatory, PO Box 9, 7935 Observatory, South Africa, NASSP, Astronomy Department, University of Cape Town, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa; Cioni, M.-R.L., Centre for Astrophysics Research, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, United Kingdom; Groenewegen, M.A.T., Royal Observatory of Belgium, Ringlaan 3, B-1180 Brussels, Belgium; Volk, K., Gemini Observatory, Hilo, HI 96720, United States; Kemper, F., Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Oxford Street, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom; Kodama, T., National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Osawa 2-21-1, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8588, Japan; Lagadec, E., Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Oxford Street, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom; Meixner, M., Space Telescope Science Institute, 3700 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States; Sloan, G.C., Astronomy Department, Cornell University, 610 Space Sciences Building, Ithaca, NY 14853-6801, United States; Srinivasan, S., Department of Physics and Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University, Homewood Campus, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States | We report on an analysis of the gas and dust budget in the interstellar medium (ISM) of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). Recent observations from the Spitzer Space Telescope enable us to study the mid-infrared dust excess of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars in the LMC. This is the first time we can quantitatively assess the gas and dust input from AGB stars over a complete galaxy, fully based on observations. The integrated mass-loss rate over all intermediate and high mass-loss rate carbon-rich AGB candidates in the LMC is 8.5 × 10 -3 M ⊙ yr -1, up to 2.1 × 10 -2 M ⊙ yr -1. This number could be increased up to 2.7 × 10 -2 M ⊙ yr -1 if oxygen-rich stars are included. This is overall consistent with theoretical expectations, considering the star formation rate (SFR) when these low- and intermediate-mass stars where formed, and the initial mass functions. AGB stars are one of the most important gas sources in the LMC, with supernovae (SNe), which produces about 2-4 × 10 -2 M ⊙ yr -1. At the moment, the SFR exceeds the gas feedback from AGB stars and SNe in the LMC, and the current star formation depends on gas already present in the ISM. This suggests that as the gas in the ISM is exhausted, the SFR will eventually decline in the LMC, unless gas is supplied externally. Our estimates suggest 'a missing dust-mass problem' in the LMC, which is similarly found in high-z galaxies: the accumulated dust mass from AGB stars and possibly SNe over the dust lifetime (400-800 Myr) is significant less than the dust mass in the ISM. Another dust source is required, possibly related to star-forming regions. © 2009 RAS. | Dust, extinction; Galaxies: evolution; Galaxies: individual: the Magellanic Clouds; Stars: AGB and post-AGB; Stars: mass-loss; Supernovae: general | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897556744 | In situ generation of a high-performance Pd-polypyrrole composite with multi-functional catalytic properties | Choudhary M., Islam R.U., Witcomb M.J., Mallick K. | 2014 | Dalton Transactions | 43 | 17 | 10.1039/c3dt53567c | Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland-Park 2006, South Africa; DST, NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa | Choudhary, M., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland-Park 2006, South Africa; Islam, R.U., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland-Park 2006, South Africa; Witcomb, M.J., DST, NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa; Mallick, K., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland-Park 2006, South Africa | We report on a bottom up approach for the synthesis of a Pd-polypyrrole nanocomposite material. The composite material was characterized by means of different techniques, such as UV-vis, IR, and Raman spectroscopy, which offered information about the chemical structure of the polymer, whereas electron microscopy images provided information regarding the morphology of the composite material and the distribution of the metal particles in the polymer matrix. During the synthesis of the nanocomposite, the Pd nanoparticles act as a catalyst for a model proton-coupled electron transfer reaction. The Pd-polypyrrole nanocomposite material was also used as a catalyst for the electro-catalytic detection of tryptophan, a precursor for some neurotransmitters. This journal is © the Partner Organisations 2014. | None | Amino acids; Catalysts; Nanocomposites; Polypyrroles; Bottom up approach; Catalytic properties; Electron microscopy images; Multi-functional; PD nano particle; Proton-coupled electron transfer reactions; Situ generation; Structure of the polymers; Composite materials | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940424532 | Synthesis of CdS flower-like hierarchical microspheres as electrode material for electrochemical performance | Kaviyarasu K., Manikandan E., Maaza M. | 2015 | Journal of Alloys and Compounds | 648 | None | 10.1016/j.jallcom.2015.06.010 | UNESCO-UNISA, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA), Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, South Africa; Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), Materials Research Department (MSD), IThemba LABS-National Research Foundation (NRF), 1 Old Faure Road, 7129, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Central Research Laboratory, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Bharath University, Chrompet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India | Kaviyarasu, K., UNESCO-UNISA, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA), Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, South Africa, Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), Materials Research Department (MSD), IThemba LABS-National Research Foundation (NRF), 1 Old Faure Road, 7129, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Manikandan, E., Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), Materials Research Department (MSD), IThemba LABS-National Research Foundation (NRF), 1 Old Faure Road, 7129, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa, Central Research Laboratory, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Bharath University, Chrompet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; Maaza, M., UNESCO-UNISA, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA), Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, South Africa, Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), Materials Research Department (MSD), IThemba LABS-National Research Foundation (NRF), 1 Old Faure Road, 7129, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa | We report in this paper, a facile hydrothermal route for the preparation of CdS nanocrystals at room temperature (RT). Composition, structure and morphology of the products were analyzed and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms that the hydrothermal treatment at 180 °C for periods ranging from 0 to 1440 min caused no significant modification of the long range order structure subjected to hydrothermal treatment. From the XRD analysis the diffraction peaks pertaining to 26.75°, 43.89° and 52.34° are attributed to the (111), (220) and (311) planes of cubic zinc blende structure. The Photoluminescence (PL) spectra are dominated by a strong narrow band edge emission tunable in the blue region of the visible spectra indicating the narrow size distribution of CdS nanocrystals. TEM observation shows that the CdS nanocrystals synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis are well dispersed and the average crystallite size was found to be ∼10 nm. The confocal microscopic studies reveal that each flower like spheres is due to Ostwald's ripening with numerous nanoparticles aggregating a surface. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | CdS; Confocal microscopy; Current-voltage studies; Nanocrystals; PL; TEM | Cadmium sulfide; Confocal microscopy; Crystallite size; Nanocrystals; Transmission electron microscopy; X ray diffraction; Zinc sulfide; CdS; Current voltage; Electrochemical performance; Hierarchical microspheres; Narrow size distributions; Photoluminescence spectrum; PL; Structure and morphology; Hydrothermal synthesis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649263223 | Pyridine-derived N-heterocyclic carbenes: An experimental and theoretical evaluation of the bonding in and reactivity of selected normal and abnormal complexes of nickel(II) and palladium(II) | Stander-Grobler E., Schuster O., Heydenrych G., Cronje S., Tosh E., Albrecht M., Frenking G., Raubenheimer H.G. | 2010 | Organometallics | 29 | 22 | 10.1021/om100431u | Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Fachbereich Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse, D-35043 Marburg, Germany; Inorganic Chemistry Department, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, D-85747 Garching, Germany; Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland | Stander-Grobler, E., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Schuster, O., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; Heydenrych, G., Fachbereich Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse, D-35043 Marburg, Germany; Cronje, S., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Tosh, E., Inorganic Chemistry Department, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, D-85747 Garching, Germany; Albrecht, M., Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; Frenking, G., Fachbereich Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse, D-35043 Marburg, Germany; Raubenheimer, H.G., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa | We report a thorough investigation of a series of isomeric complexes with the general formula trans-(pyridylidene)M(PPh3)2Cl (M = Pd, Ni). For the first time, a systematic comparison of normal, abnormal, and remote bonding modes is presented. X-ray structural and 13C NMR data indicate the importance of carbenoid mesomeric contributions in their compound class. The catalytic performance of the palladium complexes trans-(pyridylidene) Pd(PPh3)2Cl as precursors in Suzuki-Miyaura-type cross-coupling suggests a correlation of remote bonding with catalyst robustness and effectivity. When metal precursors M(PPh3)4 are reacted with 2,4-dichloropyridinium salts, preferential formation of remote carbene complexes occurs and indications are that electronic parameters rather than steric influences are responsible for the observed selectivity. Calculations at the BP86/TZ2P level of theory support interpretation of the results. © 2010 American Chemical Society. | None | Bonding modes; Carbene complexes; Carbenoids; Catalytic performance; Cross-couplings; Electronic parameters; Isomeric complex; Metal precursor; N-heterocyclic carbenes; NMR data; Palladium complexes; Steric influence; Suzuki-Miyaura; Theoretical evaluation; Carbon inorganic compounds; Nickel compounds; Organic compounds; Palladium; Palladium compounds | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858766258 | Early impacts of orphaning: Health, nutrition, and food insecurity in a cohort of school-going adolescents in South Africa | DeSilva M.B., Skalicky A., Beard J., Cakwe M., Zhuwau T., Quinlan T., Simon J. | 2012 | Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies | 7 | 1 | 10.1080/17450128.2011.648968 | Center for Global Health and Development (CGHD), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Health Economics and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | DeSilva, M.B., Center for Global Health and Development (CGHD), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Skalicky, A., Center for Global Health and Development (CGHD), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Beard, J., Center for Global Health and Development (CGHD), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Cakwe, M., Health Economics and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Zhuwau, T., Health Economics and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Quinlan, T., Health Economics and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Simon, J., Center for Global Health and Development (CGHD), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States | We recruited a cohort of 157 recent orphans and 480 non-orphans aged 9-15 in a region of high HIV/AIDS mortality in South Africa using stratified cluster sampling to determine the impact of recent parental death on health and food insecurity of school-going orphans compared to non-orphans over time. Between September 2004 and June 2007, household heads, caregivers, and children were interviewed at three annual intervals. Bivariate associations and multivariate models were assessed using generalized estimating equations (GEE). In the health domain, compared to non-orphans, double orphans were more likely to report worse health status and being very ill in the previous 12 months. For those who reported being very ill, maternal or paternal orphans were more than twice as likely not to seek care than non-orphans; no differences were found for double orphans. For nutrition and food insecurity, maternal or paternal orphans were more likely not to have eaten dinner and to have gone to bed hungry the previous night compared to non-orphans; no differences were found for double orphans. Overall, recent school-aged orphans were disadvantaged in health and food insecurity within two years after the death of a parent, compared to their non-orphaned counterparts, but the disparities were smaller than expected. No changes in health, nutritional status, or food insecurity were apparent over the three study rounds. Longer term effects into adulthood may well be more pronounced and warrant careful longitudinal investigation. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | food insecurity; health; nutrition; orphans; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873456353 | The impact of the global food crisis on self-assessed food security | Headey D.D. | 2013 | World Bank Economic Review | 27 | 1 | 10.1093/wber/lhs033 | International Food Policy Research Institute, PO Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Headey, D.D., International Food Policy Research Institute, PO Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | We provide the first large-scale survey-based evidence on the impact of the global food crisis of 2007-08 using an indicator of self-assessed food security from the Gallup World Poll. For the sampled countries as a whole, this subjective indicator of food security remained the same or even improved, seemingly owing to a combination of strong economic growth and limited food inflation in some of the most populous countries, particularly India. However, these favorable global trends mask divergent trends at the national and regional levels, with a number of countries reporting substantial deterioration in food security. The impacts of the global crisis therefore appear to be highly context specific. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank. All rights reserved. | None | crisis management; economic growth; food security; trend analysis; India | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870864167 | Changing sediment yield and sediment dynamics in the karoo uplands, south africa; post-european impacts | Foster I.D.L., Rowntree K.M., Boardman J., Mighall T.M. | 2012 | Land Degradation and Development | 23 | 6 | 10.1002/ldr.2180 | School of Science and Technology, University of Northampton, Newton Building, Northampton NN2 6JD, United Kingdom; Department of Geography, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Environmental Change Institute, Oxford University Centre for the Environment, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom; Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa; Department of Geography and the Environment, University of Aberdeen, AB24 3UF, United Kingdom | Foster, I.D.L., School of Science and Technology, University of Northampton, Newton Building, Northampton NN2 6JD, United Kingdom, Department of Geography, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Rowntree, K.M., Department of Geography, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Boardman, J., Environmental Change Institute, Oxford University Centre for the Environment, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa; Mighall, T.M., Department of Geography and the Environment, University of Aberdeen, AB24 3UF, United Kingdom | We provide an overview of published results and a significant body of new data from an ongoing research programme designed to reconstruct sediment yields and sources in small (<60km2) catchments in the Eastern Cape, South Africa over the last 150years. Our analysis of four catchments has determined that sediment yield increased significantly in the latter half of the 20th century but that the exact timing of these increases was different in each of the four catchments. In two high altitude locations, sediment yield increases were not associated with a significant change in sediment source although, in one case, areas of former cultivation appear to have made a slightly greater contribution since the 1960s. In a third catchment, increases in sediment yield appear to have been driven by the development of badlands and by an increase in connectivity between the badlands and the main channel network in the 1960s. In the fourth catchment, increased connectivity between the main catchment and dam occurred as a result of the construction of a causeway to carry a main road and by the construction of culverts beneath the road. Occasional changes in sediment source have also been identified in the sedimentary record, but these were not linked directly to road construction. Research to date shows the complexity of sediment delivery in these semi-arid catchment systems and emphasises the need to combine sediment yield with source ascription to better understand the dynamics of these systems. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Catchment connectivity; Karoo; Land use change; Sediment sources; Sediment yield; Weather and climate | Karoo; Land-use change; Sediment sources; Sediment yields; Weather and climate; Digital storage; Dynamics; Landforms; Roads and streets; Runoff; Sedimentology; Sediments; Catchments; badlands; catchment; cultivation; land use change; road; sediment yield; upland region; Eastern Cape; Karoo; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-64549108514 | Impact of style of processing on retention and bioaccessibility of β-carotene in cassava (manihot esculanta, crantz) | Thakkar S.K., Huo T., Maziya-Dixon B., Failla M.L. | 2009 | Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 57 | 4 | 10.1021/jf803053d | Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program in Nutrition, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Department of Human Nutrition, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), PMB, 5 | Thakkar, S.K., Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program in Nutrition, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Huo, T., Department of Human Nutrition, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Maziya-Dixon, B., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), PMB, 5320 Ibadan, Nigeria; Failla, M.L., Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program in Nutrition, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States, Department of Human Nutrition, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States, Department of Human Nutrition, Ohio State University, 325 Campbell Hall, 1787 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, United States | We previously demonstrated that the quantity of β-carotene (BC) partitioning in mixed micelles during simulated small intestinal digestion, i.e., the bioaccessibility, of boiled cassava is highly correlated with the BC content of different cultivars. However, cassava is also traditionally prepared by fermentation and roasting. These different methods of preparation have the potential to affect both the retention and bioaccessibility of BC. Here, we first compared retention of BC in boiled cassava, gari (fermentation followed by roasting), and fufu (fermentation followed by sieving and cooking into a paste) prepared from roots of three cultivars. BC content in unprocessed cultivars ranged from 6-8 μg/g wet weight, with cis isomers accounting for approximately one-third of total BC. Apparent retention of BC was approximately 90% for boiled cassava and fufu. In contrast, roasting fermented cassava at 195 °C for 20 min to prepare gari decreased BC content by 90%. Retention was increased to 63% when temperature was decreased to 165 °C and roasting was limited to 10 min. Processing was also associated with a decline in all-trans-BC and concomitant increase in 13-cis-BC. The efficiency of micellarization of all-trans and cis isomers of BC during simulated digestion was 25-30% for boiled cassava and gari and independent of cultivar. However, micellarization of BC isomers during digestion of fufu was only 12-15% (P < 0.05). These differences in retention and bioaccessibility of BC from cassava products prepared according to traditional processing methods suggest that gari and fufu may provide less retinol activity equivalents than isocaloric intake of boiled cassava. © 2009 American Chemical Society. | Bioaccessibility; Biofortification; Cassava; Fufu; Gari; In vitro digestion; Processing; Provitamin a carotenoids; Retention | beta carotene; article; bioavailability; cassava; chemistry; comparative study; digestion; fermentation; food handling; heat; methodology; micelle; plant root; beta Carotene; Biological Availability; Digestion; Fermentation; Food Handling; Hot Temperature; Manihot; Micelles; Plant Roots; Gari; Manihot; Manihot esculenta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957874200 | Interpretation of a cross-cultural usability evaluation: A case study based on a hypermedia system for rare species management in Namibia | Paterson B., Winschiers-Theophilus H., Dunne T.T., Schinzel B., Underhill L.G. | 2011 | Interacting with Computers | 23 | 3 | 10.1016/j.intcom.2011.03.002 | Animal Demography Unit, Zoology Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; School of IT, Polytechnic of Namibia, Private Bag 13388, Windhoek, Namibia; Department of Statistical Science, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Abteilung Modellbildung und Soziale Folgen, Institut für Informatik und Gesellschaft, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Friedrichstr. 50, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany; Marine Research (Ma-Re) Institute and Zoology Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3 Rondebosch, 7701 Cape Town, South Africa | Paterson, B., Animal Demography Unit, Zoology Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Marine Research (Ma-Re) Institute and Zoology Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3 Rondebosch, 7701 Cape Town, South Africa; Winschiers-Theophilus, H., School of IT, Polytechnic of Namibia, Private Bag 13388, Windhoek, Namibia; Dunne, T.T., Department of Statistical Science, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Schinzel, B., Abteilung Modellbildung und Soziale Folgen, Institut für Informatik und Gesellschaft, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Friedrichstr. 50, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany; Underhill, L.G., Animal Demography Unit, Zoology Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | We present the results of a usability evaluation of a locally developed hypermedia information system aiming at conservation biologists and wildlife managers in Namibia. Developer and end user come from different ethnic backgrounds, as is common to software development in Namibia and many developing countries. To overcome both the cultural and the authoritarian gap between usability evaluator and user, the evaluation was held as a workshop with usability evaluators who shared the target users' ethnic and social backgrounds. Different data collection methods were used and results as well as specific incidences recorded. Results suggest that it is difficult for Namibian computer users to evaluate functionality independently from content. Users displayed evidence of a passive search strategy and an expectation that structure is provided rather than self generated. The comparison of data collection methods suggests that questionnaires are inappropriate in Namibia because they do not elicit a truthful response from participants who tend to provide answers they think are "expected". The paper concludes that usability goals and methods have to be determined and defined within the target users' cultural context. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Cross-cultural usability evaluation; Dialogical usability methods; International usability evaluation; Participation; Usability methods | Dialogical usability methods; International usability evaluation; Participation; Usability evaluation; Usability methods; Conservation; Data acquisition; Developing countries; Hypermedia systems; Information management; Software design; Surveys; Usability engineering | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940845174 | Notes on Russellian cosmogony. II. A procedure for theoretical evaluation of relative atomic mass and internal energy | Obande O.P. | 2015 | Physics Essays | 28 | 1 | 10.4006/0836-1398-28.1.78 | Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria | Obande, O.P., Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria | We present results of an investigation of factors that set values of relative atomic mass mr and the atom's internal energy E<inf>int</inf>. The results do suggest the possibility for a consistent formalism for accurate evaluation of m<inf>r.</inf> It is shown that: (i) Avogradro constant (Loschmidt number) can be evaluated from fundamental principles to yield N<inf>A</inf>=6.623×1043 u/mol; (ii) A clear distinction exists between the transverse e-m radiation, c=2.99792458×108 m/s, normally associated with speed of light in "vacuum" and the same radiation of tangible matter described here as "molar" radiation c∗=co=c′=3.715352291×10-14 m/s; for a given v, c determines values of absolute atomic mass, i.e., m=hv/c2 and co sets values of relative atomic mass, e.g., mo<inf>r</inf> = hvo<inf>r</inf>=co2; (iii) co is identifiable with the cosmic microwave background revealing that the latter is actually intrinsic e-m radiation of tangible matter; (iv) complete description of the atom's internal energy requires not one but combinations of the parameters v, m, and c as each relates to the atom's wave or particulate form and its domain; (v) with v<inf>e</inf>=1.0 Hz Planck constant turns out to be a measure of the electron's internal energy and indeed nature's fundamental energy unit; (vi) macrocosmic matter and energy constitute only 0.02% and 0.01% of total cosmic values, respectively, the bulk of 99.98% and 99.99% belongs, respectively, to invisible microcosmic (dark) matter and energy; and (vii) conversion of the particle (mass) to the wave (energy) does not destroy the atom's absolute mass. Copyright © 2015 Physics Essays Publication. | Atomic; Cosmogony; Evaluation; Mass; Relative; Russell | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650715330 | Effects of spectral variation on the device performance of copper indium diselenide and multi-crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules | Okullo W., Munji M.K., Vorster F.J., Van Dyk E.E. | 2011 | Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells | 95 | 2 | 10.1016/j.solmat.2010.10.018 | Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Okullo, W., Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Munji, M.K., Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Vorster, F.J., Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Van Dyk, E.E., Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | We present results of an experimental investigation of the effects of the daily spectral variation on the device performance of copper indium diselenide and multi-crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules. Such investigations are of importance in characterization of photovoltaic devices. The investigation centres on the analysis of outdoor solar spectral measurements carried out at 10 min intervals on clear-sky days. We have shown that the shift in the solar spectrum towards infrared has a negative impact on the device performance of both modules. The spectral bands in the visible region contribute more to the short circuit current than the bands in the infrared region while the ultraviolet region contributes least. The quantitative effects of the spectral variation on the performance of the two photovoltaic modules are reflected on their respective device performance parameters. The decrease in the visible and the increase in infrared of the late afternoon spectra in each case account for the decreased current collection and hence power and efficiency of both modules. © 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V. | CuInSe2; Multi-crystalline silicon; Performance; Photovoltaic modules; Spectral variation | CuInSe2; Multi-crystalline silicon; Performance; Photovoltaic modules; Spectral variation; Crystalline materials; Indium; Selenium compounds; Photovoltaic effects | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-29244476876 | Geochemical and petrographic characteristics of impactites and Cretaceous target rocks from the Yaxcopoil-1 borehole, Chicxulub impact structure, Mexico: Implications for target composition | Tuchscherer M.G., Reimold W.U., Koeberl C., Gibson R.L. | 2005 | Meteoritics and Planetary Science | 40 | 42623 | None | Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, P.O. Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Geological Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria | Tuchscherer, M.G., Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, P.O. Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Reimold, W.U., Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, P.O. Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Koeberl, C., Department of Geological Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Gibson, R.L., Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, P.O. Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa | We present major and trace element data as well as petrographic observations for impactites (suevitic groundmass, bulk suevite, and melt rock particles) and target lithologies, including Cretaceous anhydrite, dolomite, argillaceous limestone, and oil shale, from the Yaxcopoil-1 borehole, Chixculub impact structure. The suevitic groundmass and bulk suevite have similar compositions, largely representing mixtures of carbonate and silicate components. The latter are dominated by melt rock particles. Trace element data indicate that dolomitic rocks represented a significant target component that became incorporated into the suevites; in contrast, major elements indicate a strong calcitic component in the impactites. The siliceous end-member requires a mafic component in order to explain the low SiO2 content. Multicomponent mixing of various target rocks, the high alteration state, and dilution by carbonate complicate the determination of primary melt particle compositions. However, two overlapping compositional groups can be discerned - a high-Ba, low-Ta group and a high-Fe, high-Zn, and high-Hf group. Cretaceous dolomitic rocks, argillaceous limestone, and shale are typically enriched in U, As, Br, and Sb, whereas anhydrite contains high Sr contents. The oil shale samples have abundances that are similar to the North American Shale Composite (NASC), but with a comparatively high U content. Clastic sedimentary rocks are characterized by relatively high Th, Hf, Zr, As, and Sb abundances. Petrographic observations indicate that the Cretaceous rocks in the Yaxcopoil-1 drill core likely register a multistage deformation history that spans the period from pre- to post-impact. Contrary to previous studies that claimed evidence for the presence of impact melt breccia injection veins, we have found no evidence in our samples from a depth of 1347-1348 m for the presence of melt breccia. We favor that clastic veinlets occur in a sheared and altered zone that underwent intense diagenetic overprint prior to the impact event. © The Meteoritical Society, 2005. | None | Cretaceous; geochemistry; impact structure; impactite; petrography; Atlantic Ocean; Bay of Campeche; Chicxulub Crater; Gulf of Mexico; Yucatan Peninsula | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-73849141686 | Geoelectric evidence for centripetal resurge of impact melt and breccias over central uplift of Araguainha impact structure | Tong C.H., Lana C., Marangoni Y.R., Elis V.R. | 2010 | Geology | 38 | 1 | 10.1130/G30459.1 | Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, United Kingdom; Department of Geology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7620, South Africa; Instituto de Astronomia Geofisica e Ciencias Atmosfericas, USP, Rua do Matao 1226, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil | Tong, C.H., Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, United Kingdom; Lana, C., Department of Geology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7620, South Africa; Marangoni, Y.R., Instituto de Astronomia Geofisica e Ciencias Atmosfericas, USP, Rua do Matao 1226, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil; Elis, V.R., Instituto de Astronomia Geofisica e Ciencias Atmosfericas, USP, Rua do Matao 1226, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil | We present five profiles from electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), with surface constraints and gravity data, in the central uplift of the Araguainha impact structure in central Brazil. The central uplift, the overlying polymict breccias, and decameter-scale impact melt rocks are characterized by contrasting ranges of electrical resistivity. Our resistivity model provides empirical evidence that supports the existing model in which impact melt and breccias resurged toward the crater center in the final stages of the cratering process. On the basis of our results from the first use of ERT in impact cratering studies, we conclude that the deposition and flow of impact melt and breccias over the central uplift were influenced by the geometry of the lithologic boundaries in the central uplift. © 2010 Geological Society of America. | None | Electrical resistivity; Electrical resistivity tomography; Empirical evidence; Geoelectric; Gravity data; Impact cratering; Impact melt; Impact structures; Surface constraints; Electric conductivity; Geomorphology; Radiative transfer; Tomography; Rocks; breccia; crater; deposition; electrical resistivity; geoelectric field; impact structure; lithology; melt; tomography; uplift; Araguainha Dome; Brazil | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79956159784 | Comparative evaluation of ectoparasiticide efficacy: Non-inferiority and superiority assessment | Schall R., Luus H.G. | 2011 | Veterinary Parasitology | 178 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.12.028 | Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science (IB75), University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; ClinVet International (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 11186, Bloemfontein 9321, South Africa | Schall, R., Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science (IB75), University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Luus, H.G., ClinVet International (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 11186, Bloemfontein 9321, South Africa | We present a statistical framework for the comparative evaluation of ectoparasiticide efficacy in controlled animal studies. Such a comparative evaluation can have one of two objectives: an assessment of non-inferiority of a test parasiticide to a reference parasiticide, or an assessment of superiority of one treatment over another. We show that the observed efficacy of an ectoparasiticide can be viewed as a point estimate of its conditional " kill" probability. Thus concepts used in the comparative evaluation of human antibiotics, which involve the comparison of cure probabilities, can be applied to the situation of comparing parasiticide efficacy. In particular, we define non-inferiority of a test parasiticide to a reference parasiticide in terms of the " test - reference" difference of their efficacies. We outline the hypothesis testing framework and associated statistical decision rules for declaring either non-inferiority or superiority. Both non-inferiority and superiority can be evaluated statistically using confidence intervals. SAS and R code for data analysis is presented, and the methodology is applied to a data set from a controlled animal study. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. | Abbott's formula; Ectoparasiticides; Efficacy; Generalized linear model; Non-inferiority trial; Over-dispersion; Superiority trial | antiparasitic agent; article; controlled study; intermethod comparison; mathematical analysis; nonhuman; outcome assessment; probability; statistical analysis; treatment indication; treatment response; Animals; Clinical Trials as Topic; Insecticides; Models, Biological; Models, Statistical; Research Design; Animalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955776318 | Effect of output coupling ratio on the performance of ring-cavity Brillouin fiber laser | Hambali N.A.M.A., Mahdi M.A., Al-Mansoori M.H., Saripan M.I., Abas A.F., Ajiya M. | 2010 | Laser Physics | 20 | 7 | 10.1134/S1054660X10130049 | Wireless and Photonics Networks Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia; Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, College of Engineering, University Tenaga Nasional, Selango | Hambali, N.A.M.A., Wireless and Photonics Networks Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia; Mahdi, M.A., Wireless and Photonics Networks Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia, Department of Computer and Communication Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia; Al-Mansoori, M.H., Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, College of Engineering, University Tenaga Nasional, Selangor 43009, Malaysia; Saripan, M.I., Department of Computer and Communication Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia; Abas, A.F., Wireless and Photonics Networks Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia, Department of Computer and Communication Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia; Ajiya, M., Wireless and Photonics Networks Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Bayero University, Kano PMB 3011, Nigeria | We present a single-wavelength Brillouin fiber laser utilizing a ring-cavity configuration. Performances and characteristics of the laser system have been investigated at different output coupling ratios. The optimum output power of the system stood at 7.3 mW, which was obtained at 90% output coupling ratio. A low Brillouin threshold power of 0.9 mW was obtained at 10% output coupling ratio when the Brillouin pump was set at its maximum power of 24 mW. © 2010 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd. | None | Brillouin fiber laser; Brillouin pump; Brillouin threshold; Laser systems; Maximum power; Output coupling; Output power; Ring cavities; Ring cavity configuration; Single wavelength; Fiber lasers | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907364089 | Wild flower harvesting on the Agulhas Plain, South Africa: Impact of harvesting intensity under a simulated commercial harvesting regime for two re-seeding and two re-sprouting fynbos species | Privett S.D.J., Krug R.M., Forbes G., Gaertner M. | 2014 | South African Journal of Botany | 94 | None | 10.1016/j.sajb.2014.06.015 | Fynbos Ecoscapes, Witkrans, Gansbaai 7220, South Africa; CapeNature, Walker Bay Nature Reserve, 16 17th Avenue, Hermanus, 7200, South Africa; Laboratoire de l'Ecology, Systématique et Evolution, Université Paris Sud XI, Orsay, France; Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag x1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Environmental Resource Management Department (ERMD), Westlake Conservation Office, City of Cape Town, Ou Kaapse Weg, Tokai 7966, Cape Town, South Africa | Privett, S.D.J., Fynbos Ecoscapes, Witkrans, Gansbaai 7220, South Africa; Krug, R.M., Laboratoire de l'Ecology, Systématique et Evolution, Université Paris Sud XI, Orsay, France, Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag x1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Forbes, G., CapeNature, Walker Bay Nature Reserve, 16 17th Avenue, Hermanus, 7200, South Africa; Gaertner, M., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag x1, Matieland 7602, South Africa, Environmental Resource Management Department (ERMD), Westlake Conservation Office, City of Cape Town, Ou Kaapse Weg, Tokai 7966, Cape Town, South Africa | We present a simple method for assessing the medium-term sustainability of different flower harvesting intensities (i.e. percentage of number of stems harvested per individual) for two re-seeders and re-sprouters of fynbos plants on the Agulhas Plain in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. We interpret our results from an ecological point of view, looking at impacts of harvesting on vegetative re-growth and survival of frequently harvested fynbos species, and an economic point of view, determining the cumulative number of stems harvested per year.We analysed the impact of different harvesting intensities on two obligate re-seeding (Erica corifolia (L.) and Erica imbricata (L.)) and two strongly re-sprouting species (Brunia laevis (Thunb.) and Staavia radiata (L. Dahl)) on different flower farms. Seventy-five randomly selected plants of each species were experimentally harvested in the same way as is done by flower harvesters. Fifteen plants of each species were left as controls (un-harvested) and 15 each were harvested (cut 15-20. cm below the inflorescence) such that 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the inflorescences were removed. Harvested stems were labelled and the number of new shoots counted. Additionally we recorded plant height and mortality.100% harvesting resulted in high mortality rates for both re-seeders (for both species 100% of the individuals were dead at the end of the experiment) and resprouters (for one species all 15 individuals were dead at the end of the experiment and for the other species 4 of 15). Re-seeders in particular were highly susceptible to harvesting below the first branching node, which generally also resulted in plant death. Both guilds can survive up to 75% harvesting (resprouters experienced no mortality for one species, while in the other 4 out of 15 died; of the re-seeders, 9 out of 15 died in the one species, while only 1 out of 15 in the other) and are still able to grow in height. For both seeders and resprouters we recommend that flower harvesters do not harvest in young veld. To ensure sufficient seed set and to avoid seed bank depletion we recommend to preferably only harvest between 25 and 50% of stems per individual. © 2014 South African Association of Botanists. | Cape Floristic Region; Conservation; Flower farming; Fynbos; Threshold | flower; growth response; mortality; seed bank; species diversity; wild population; Agulhas Plain; South Africa; Western Cape | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34249733716 | Single-walled carbon nanotube-induced crystallinity on the electropolymeric film of tetraaminophthalocyaninatonickel(II) complex: Impact on the rate of heterogeneous electron transfer | Pillay J., Ozoemena K.I. | 2007 | Chemical Physics Letters | 441 | 42372 | 10.1016/j.cplett.2007.04.095 | Chemistry Department, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | Pillay, J., Chemistry Department, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Ozoemena, K.I., Chemistry Department, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | We present a fundamental investigation on the impact of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) on the film structure and redox behaviour of tetraaminophthalocyaninatonickel(II) complex (NiTAPc) electropolymer immobilized on a basal plane pyrolytic graphite electrode (BPPGE). SWCNT induces crystallinity on the NiTAPc electropolymeric film structure and increases its apparent electron transfer rate constant (kapp). We proved that there is potential advantage of using electrode based on the SWCNT-poly-NiTAPc hybrid for catalytic and sensing applications as it enhances the catalytic current for the detection of nitric oxide more than twice compared to bare BPPGE, BPPGE-SWCNT and other electrodes without SWCNTs. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | None | Electron transitions; Electropolymerization; Graphite electrodes; Nickel compounds; Rate constants; Thin films; Electron transfer; Electropolymeric film structure; Electropolymeric films; Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCN) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857837922 | The world café in South Africa: A case study on improving performance and commitment | Eriaan O., Cady S.H. | 2012 | Organization Development Journal | 30 | 1 | None | ChangeWright Consulting, Johannesburg, South Africa | Eriaan, O., ChangeWright Consulting, Johannesburg, South Africa; Cady, S.H., ChangeWright Consulting, Johannesburg, South Africa | We present a case study based on a body of methodologies within a field referred to as whole system collaboration and change, large-group methods or interventions, and large-scale change. The World Café conversational process was utilized as part of an intervention designed to improve employee commitment and ensure continued effort in a service improvement program at an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) company. We describe the process for evaluating the impact of interventions; and, we report that the intervention appeared to improve an objective measure of performance and positively impact attitudes within the organization. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903997164 | Modelling the long-term impacts on affected children of adult HIV: Benefits, challenges and a possible approach | Desmond C., Bruce F., Tomlinson M., Marlow M.B., Aber J.L., Ouifki R., Welte A. | 2014 | AIDS | 28 | SUPPL. 3 | 10.1097/QAD.0000000000000329 | Human and Social Development Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, 750 Francois Road, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal 4001, South Africa; South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, South Africa; Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York University, NY, United States | Desmond, C., Human and Social Development Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, 750 Francois Road, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal 4001, South Africa; Bruce, F., South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, South Africa; Tomlinson, M., Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Marlow, M.B., Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Aber, J.L., Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York University, NY, United States; Ouifki, R., South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, South Africa; Welte, A., South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, South Africa | We outline the benefits, challenges and possible approaches to developing mathematical models that could be used to estimate the magnitude of negative consequences of adult HIV infection for children. Adult HIV infection can lead to numerous negative consequences for dependent children, including depression, anxiety, withdrawal from school and early sexual debut, among others. For advocacy and planning purposes, it is important to highlight and consider as many of these as possible. A focus solely on orphan numbers, which is the typical summary measure for children affected by HIV and AIDS, can be misleading. The complexity of child development that is characterized by the interaction of a multitude of proximal and distal factors, coupled with a significant lack of data on child development in the context of adult HIV infection make the development of models a challenging task. Although it may not be possible in the first attempt to develop a population-based model capable of examining family dynamics, the negative consequences together with the impact of interventions, steps in that direction can be taken. We propose approaches and assumptions that we believe will allow the development of a useful first set of models. We conclude with a brief discussion of the type of data that, if collected, would facilitate refinement and development of these models. © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | affected children; child development; modelling; orphans | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult disease; anxiety; article; child development; child health; childhood disease; depression; disease course; environmental factor; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; maternal welfare; priority journal; risk factor; adult; child; child parent relation; family health; female; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; mental disease; preschool child; psychology; theoretical model; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Family Health; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Mental Disorders; Models, Theoretical; Parent-Child Relations | USAID, National Research Foundation; National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84960798554 | Evaluation of cortisol concentrations in saliva as a measure of stress in patients having routine dental extractions | Umeanuka O.T., Saheeb B.D., Uguru C.C., Chukwuneke F.N. | 2015 | British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | 53 | 6 | 10.1016/j.bjoms.2015.03.011 | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria; University of Benin, Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria | Umeanuka, O.T., Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria; Saheeb, B.D., University of Benin, Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria; Uguru, C.C., Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria; Chukwuneke, F.N., Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria | We measured changes in the salivary concentrations of cortisol as an index of stress, and to find out if patients were stressed during routine intra-alveolar dental extractions. A total of 126 patients (63 experimental and 63 controls) matched for age and sex with a mean (SD) age of 26 (5) years (range 18-40) were recruited. Samples of saliva from patients whose glands had not been stimulated were collected twice from the study group (30 minutes before, and 10 minutes after, the procedure) and once from the control subjects. All samples were collected between 10.00 and 14.00 hours to standardise the method and control for the diurnal variation of cortisol. There was a slight but not significant increase in the mean salivary concentration of cortisol between the preoperative samples (mean (SD) 12.3 (1.5) ng/ml and the postoperative samples 12.8 (2.3) ng/ml in the study group) and the control 8.7 (1.0) ng/ml. However, there was no difference between the sexes. The study highlights a simple but effective way of evaluating stress in patients having intra-alveolar dental extraction, and emphasises the invaluable role of salivary cortisol in the evaluation of stress (particularly in our environment). © 2015 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. | Extraction; Salivary cortisol; Stress | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886610054 | Hydrochemical characterization and quality evaluation of groundwater in parts of the basement complex area of Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria | Ojo T.A., Niyi T.M. | 2013 | Pakistan Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research Series A: Physical Sciences | 56 | 2 | None | Department of Geology, Ekiti State Umversny, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Department of Geology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Ojo, T.A., Department of Geology, Ekiti State Umversny, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Niyi, T.M., Department of Geology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Well water (88 samples) were collected across various bedrock units in the basement terrain of Ekiti area, Southwestern Nigeria. They were subjected to in-situ physico-chemical measurement and hydrochemical analyses using ICP-OES and ion-chromatography methods for cations and anions, respectively. To understand the water quality and utilisation aspects of groundwater, chemical indices like sodium %, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Wilcox diagram and salinity diagram were constructed based on the analytical results. The results show pH values ranging between 6.0-7.8 and total hardness (TH) 3.2-508.7 mg/L. Major cations concentrations were in the order of Ca2+ >K+ >Na+ >Mg2+ with average values of 28.5, 26.8, 24.2 and 7.9 mg/L, respectively whtie that of the anions were HCO3 - >CI >S04 2->N03-with average values of 118.7, 54.2, 23.8 and 0.92 mg/L. The mam hydrochemical facies being Ca-HC03 waters. The ionic orders of abundance varied in different rocks of the study area. These concentration trends show a low total dissolved solids (130-1544 μS/cm) indicating a low water-rock interaction due to low residence time which is an indication of CO2 dominated infiltration recharge with limited migratory history typical of the shallow basement terrain in the study area. Quality assessment revealed a potable groundwater system with chemical parameters within the acceptable limits of the WHO and SON drinking water standards with exception of Fe, Mn and Pb in a couple of locations. Also, the estimated SAR alongside TDS revealed a shallow groundwater system suitable for irrigation purposes. | Basement; Irrigation; Salinity; Sodium adsorption ratio; Water-rock interaction | absorption; basement rock; bedrock; concentration (composition); dissolved load; drinking water; groundwater resource; hydrogeochemistry; infiltration; irrigation; physicochemical property; recharge; salinity; sodium; water quality; water-rock interaction; well water; Ekiti; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60849127570 | Correlating multiple Neoarchean-Paleoproterozoic impact spherule layers between South Africa and Western Australia | Simonson B.M., Sumner D.Y., Beukes N.J., Johnson S., Gutzmer J. | 2009 | Precambrian Research | 169 | 42373 | 10.1016/j.precamres.2008.10.016 | Department of Geology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074-1052, United States; Geology Department, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa; Department of Mineralogy, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Brennhausgasse 14, 09596 Freiberg, Germany; Paleoproterozoic Mineralization Research Group, Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa | Simonson, B.M., Department of Geology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074-1052, United States; Sumner, D.Y., Geology Department, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Beukes, N.J., Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa; Johnson, S., Department of Geology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074-1052, United States; Gutzmer, J., Department of Mineralogy, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Brennhausgasse 14, 09596 Freiberg, Germany, Paleoproterozoic Mineralization Research Group, Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa | Well-studied successions in the Griqualand West Basin (South Africa) and the Hamersley Basin (Western Australia) that both straddle the Archean-Proterozoic boundary have been correlated on the basis of numerous lithostratigraphic similarities. Each succession hosts a minimum of three impact spherule layers, implying a minimum of three large impacts by extraterrestrial objects over a time span of about 140 million years. The occurrences of the youngest spherule layers in both basins in comparable stratigraphic positions in banded iron formations that have already been correlated suggest the youngest pair of layers were formed by a single impact. Close similarities in stratigraphic setting, age, and petrographic characteristics of the spherules, as well as the restriction of distinctive irregular melt particles to only these layers, suggest the oldest layers in the two basins were likewise formed by a single impact. In contrast, the middle layers on the two continents differ significantly in both their stratigraphic positions and the textures of the spherules, suggesting they are products of different impact events. These results suggest that using impact spherule layers to establish a global network of high-resolution stratigraphic markers for early Precambrian successions may be an achievable goal, but careful comparisons between potentially correlative layers will be necessary to achieve it. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Hamersley; Impact ejecta; Impact spherules; Neoarchean; Paleoproterozoic; Transvaal | Archean; lithostratigraphy; Proterozoic; spherule; Africa; Australasia; Australia; Griqualand West Basin; Hamersley Basin; Northern Cape; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Western Australia; Spherules | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349634072 | Corporate governance and firm performance: Evidence from Ghanaian listed companies | Kyereboah-Coleman A., Adjasi C.K.D., Abor J. | 2006 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 4 | 8.33333333333333E-02 | None | Finance Department, University of Ghana Business School, Ghana | Kyereboah-Coleman, A., Finance Department, University of Ghana Business School, Ghana; Adjasi, C.K.D., Finance Department, University of Ghana Business School, Ghana; Abor, J., Finance Department, University of Ghana Business School, Ghana | Well governed firms have been noted to have higher firm performance. The main characteristic of corporate governance identified include board size, board composition, and whether the CEO is also the board chairman. This study examines the role corporate governance structures play in firm performance amongst listed firms on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Results reveal a likely optimal board size range where mean ROA levels associated with board size 8 to 11 are higher than overall mean ROA for the sample. Significantly, firm performance is found to be better in firms with the twotier board structure. Results show further that having more outside board members is positively related to firm performance. It is clear that corporate governance structures influence firm performance in Ghana, indeed within the governance structures the two-tier board structure in Ghana is seen to be more effective in view of the higher firm level mean values obtained compared to the one-tier system. | Board composition; CEO; Corporate governance; Ghana; Performance; ROA | None | None |
| None | None | Teaching and educational scholarship in Tanzania: Faculty initiative to improve performance of health professions' students | Mkony C.A., O'Sullivan P.S., Owibingire S.S., Fyfe M.V., Omer S., Freeman P., Makubi A., Mloka D.A., Portillo C.J., Leyna G.H., Tarimo E., Kaaya E.E., MacFarlane S.B. | 2012 | Journal of Public Health Policy | 33 | None | 10.1057/jphp.2012.45 | School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), P.O. Box 650013, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States; School of Dentistry, MUHAS, Tanzania; Global Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Center for Social Policy, John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts, Boston, United States; School of Pharmacy, MUHAS, Tanzania; School of Public Health and Social Sciences, MUHAS, Tanzania; School of Nursing, MUHAS, Tanzania; School of Medicine, and Global Health Sciences, UCSF, United States | Mkony, C.A., School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), P.O. Box 650013, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; O'Sullivan, P.S., School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States; Owibingire, S.S., School of Dentistry, MUHAS, Tanzania; Fyfe, M.V., Global Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Omer, S., Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Freeman, P., Center for Social Policy, John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts, Boston, United States; Makubi, A., School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), P.O. Box 650013, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mloka, D.A., School of Pharmacy, MUHAS, Tanzania; Portillo, C.J., School of Public Health and Social Sciences, MUHAS, Tanzania; Leyna, G.H., School of Public Health and Social Sciences, MUHAS, Tanzania; Tarimo, E., School of Nursing, MUHAS, Tanzania; Kaaya, E.E., School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), P.O. Box 650013, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; MacFarlane, S.B., School of Medicine, and Global Health Sciences, UCSF, United States | Well-educated and competent health professionals influence the health system in which they work to improve health outcomes, through clinical care and community interventions, and by raising standards of practice and supervision. To prepare these individuals, training institutions must ensure that their faculty members, who design and deliver education, are effective teachers. We describe the experience of the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in encouraging improvements in the teaching capacity of its faculty and postgraduate students triggered by a major institutional transition to competency-based education. We employed a multi-stage process that started by identifying the teaching and learning needs and challenges of MUHAS students and faculty. Collaborating with the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), MUHAS responded to these needs by introducing faculty to competency-based curricula and later to strategies for long term continuing improvement. We demonstrate that teaching faculty members are keen for local institutional support to enable them to enhance their skills as educators, and that they have been able to sustain a program of faculty development for their peers. © 2012 Macmillan Publishers Ltd. | assessment; competencies; faculty development; health professions education; Tanzania; teaching | article; curriculum; education; health service; human; medical education; medical profession; medical school; methodology; organization and management; standard; Tanzania; teaching; university hospital; Academic Medical Centers; Competency-Based Education; Education, Medical; Faculty, Medical; Health Occupations; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Tanzania; Teaching | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929257117 | Structural and photoelectrochemical properties of p-Cu<inf>2</inf>O nano-surfaces prepared by oxidizing copper sheets with a slow heating rate exhibiting the highest photocurrent and H<inf>2</inf> evaluation rate | Liyanaarachchi U.S., Fernando C.A.N., Foo K.L., Hashim U., Maza M. | 2015 | Chinese Journal of Physics | 53 | 2 | 10.6122/CJP.20141222B | Nano-Technology Research Lab, Department of Electronics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka; Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering (INEE), University of Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP), Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia; UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chairin Nano sciences/Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria, South Africa; Nano sciences African Network iThemba LABS, National Research Foundation, Old Faure Road, Western Cape Province, South Africa | Liyanaarachchi, U.S., Nano-Technology Research Lab, Department of Electronics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka; Fernando, C.A.N., Nano-Technology Research Lab, Department of Electronics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka; Foo, K.L., Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering (INEE), University of Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP), Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia; Hashim, U., Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering (INEE), University of Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP), Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia; Maza, M., UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chairin Nano sciences/Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria, South Africa, Nano sciences African Network iThemba LABS, National Research Foundation, Old Faure Road, Western Cape Province, South Africa | Well cleaned commercially available copper sheets were heated maintaining different temperature profile heating rates for fabricating p-Cu<inf>2</inf>O nano-surfaces. Initially a heating rate of 10 °C min-1 was provided inside the furnace with copper sheets starting from room temperature until the temperature reached, respectively, 300 °C, 400 °C, 450 °C, and 700 °C, then the temperature was kept constant for 30 min, and then cooled down to room temperature. A single phase nano-p-Cu<inf>2</inf>O was found for the 300 °C, 400 °C, and 450 °C temperature profiles, this may be due to maintaining a slow heating rate avoiding the formation of CuO. Samples prepared from 700 °C temperature profile contained both the p-Cu<inf>2</inf>O and CuO phases. Different surface morphology changes were observed from the AFM micrographs for the samples prepared with the different temperature profiles. A photo-current enhancement was found for the photoelectrochemical cell (PEC) with p-Cu<inf>2</inf>O nano-surfaces produced from the 450 °C temperature profile in comparison to that of the samples prepared from the other temperature profiles. Material characterization from XRD, AFM, FTIR spectra, diffuse reflectance spectra, VI characteristics, time development of the photo-current, Mott-Schottky plots, and estimated band positions were presented for discussing the mechanism of the photo-current enhancement and the highest H<inf>2</inf> generation for the 450 °C temperature profile produced p-Cu<inf>2</inf>O PEC. The highest photocurrent (≈ 10 mAcm-2) and H<inf>2</inf> evolution rate (≈ 130×10-4 Moles l-1min-1) was observed in the presence of a 1 M Na<inf>2</inf>SO<inf>4</inf> electrolyte buffered at a pH of 4.9 with a biased voltage -0:4 V vs Ag/AgCl for the nano-surfaces produced from the 450 °C temperature profile, with comparison to the recently reported highest H<inf>2</inf> evolution rate and highest photocurrent studied by Gratzel and co-workers [A. Parachino, V. Laporte, K. Sivula, M. Gratzel, and E. Thimsen, Nature. Mat. 10, 456 (2011)] providing the same experimental conditions that they have maintained in their experimental work. © 2015 THE PHYSICAL SOCIETY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-48849098160 | Performance of turbo interference cancellation receivers in space-time block coded DS-CDMA Systems | Mashwama D.B., Bejide E.O. | 2008 | Eurasip Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking | 2008 | None | 10.1155/2008/473796 | Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Mashwama, D.B., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Bejide, E.O., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | We investigate the performance of turbo interference cancellation receivers in the space time block coded (STBC) direct-sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) system. Depending on the concatenation scheme used, we divide these receivers into the partitioned approach (PA) and the iterative approach (IA) receivers. The performance of both the PA and IA receivers is evaluated in Rayleigh fading channels for the uplink scenario. Numerical results show that the MMSE front-end turbo space-time iterative approach receiver (IA) effectively combats the mixture of MAI and intersymbol interference (ISI). To further investigate the possible achievable data rates in the turbo interference cancellation receivers, we introduce the puncturing of the turbo code through the use of rate compatible punctured turbo codes (RCPTCs). Simulation results suggest that combining interference cancellation, turbo decoding, STBC, and RCPTC can significantly improve the achievable data rates for a synchronous DS-CDMA system for the uplink in Rayleigh flat fading channels. Copyright © 2008 D. B. Mashwama and E. O. Bejide. | None | Code division multiple access; Codes (standards); Codes (symbols); Decoding; Dielectric relaxation; Error analysis; Fading (radio); Fading channels; Information theory; Intersymbol interference; Multiple access interference; Power amplifiers; Radio interference; Space division multiple access; Space time adaptive processing; Turbo codes; Data rates; Direct-sequence code-division multiple-access; Interference cancellation; Iterative approaches; Numerica l results; Rate compatible punctured turbo codes; Rayleigh flat-fading channels; Rayleigh-fading channels; Simulation results; Space-time block coded; Space-Time Block coding; Synchronous DS-CDMA; Turbo decoding; Rayleigh fading | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886582405 | Highly charged ion impact induced nanodefects in diamond | Makgato T.N., Sideras-Haddad E., Shrivastava S., Schenkel T., Ritter R., Kowarik G., Aumayr F., Crespo López-Urrutia J., Bernitt S., Beilmann C., Ginzel R. | 2013 | Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms | 314 | None | 10.1016/j.nimb.2013.04.062 | School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Microscopy and Microanalysis Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States; Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien-Vienna University of Technology, 1040 Vienna, Austria; Max-Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, Saupfercheckweg 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, Physics Building, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa | Makgato, T.N., School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, Microscopy and Microanalysis Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Sideras-Haddad, E., School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, Physics Building, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Shrivastava, S., School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Schenkel, T., E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States; Ritter, R., Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien-Vienna University of Technology, 1040 Vienna, Austria; Kowarik, G., Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien-Vienna University of Technology, 1040 Vienna, Austria; Aumayr, F., Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien-Vienna University of Technology, 1040 Vienna, Austria; Crespo López-Urrutia, J., Max-Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, Saupfercheckweg 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Bernitt, S., Max-Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, Saupfercheckweg 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Beilmann, C., Max-Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, Saupfercheckweg 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Ginzel, R., Max-Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, Saupfercheckweg 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany | We investigate the interaction of slow highly charged ion (SHCI) beams with insulating type Ib diamond (1 1 1) surfaces. Bismuth and Xenon SHCI beams produced using an Electron Beam Ion Trap (EBIT) and an Electron Cyclotron Resonance source (ECR) respectively, are accelerated onto type Ib diamond (1 1 1) surfaces with impact velocities up to ≈0.4 υBohr. SHCIs with charge states corresponding to potential energies between 4.5 keV and 110 keV are produced for this purpose. Atomic Force Microscopy analysis (AFM) of the diamond surfaces following SHCI impact reveals surface morphological modifications characterized as nanoscale craters (nano-craters). To interpret the results from Tapping Mode AFM analysis of the irradiated diamond surfaces we discuss the interplay between kinetic and potential energy in nano-crater formation using empirical data together with Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM) Monte Carlo Simulations. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Diamond; Electron beam ion trap; Highy charged ions; Nano-craters; Nanostructuring | Charged ions; Electron beam ion traps; Highly charged ions; Impact velocities; Morphological modification; Nano-craters; Nano-structuring; Stopping and range of ions in matters; Atomic force microscopy; Charged particles; Ion bombardment; Ion sources; Monte Carlo methods; Particle beam injection; Potential energy; Diamonds | None |
| None | None | Wildlife Conservation in Zambia: Impacts on Rural Household Welfare | Richardson R.B., Fernandez A., Tschirley D., Tembo G. | 2012 | World Development | 40 | 5 | 10.1016/j.worlddev.2011.09.019 | Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States; United Nations World Food Programme, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States; University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia | Richardson, R.B., Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States; Fernandez, A., United Nations World Food Programme, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Tschirley, D., Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States; Tembo, G., University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia | We investigate the impact of wildlife conservation policies in Zambia on household welfare in game management areas (GMAs), which are buffer zones around national parks. Analysis of data from a nationwide survey of rural households shows that GMAs are positively associated with household income and crop damage from wildlife conflicts. Gains and damages were greatest among households in GMAs with greater wildlife diversity, with net gains relatively greater for wealthier households. Households in prime (well stocked) GMAs were more likely to participate in off-farm wage and self-employment compared to other rural households, but they were also more likely to suffer crop losses related to wildlife conflicts. The findings suggest that wildlife conservation and tourism development can contribute to pro-poor development, but may be sustainable only if human-wildlife conflicts are minimized or compensated. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Africa; National parks; Rural development; Wildlife conservation; Zambia | buffer zone; conservation management; household survey; national park; nature conservation; rural development; self employment; sustainability; tourism development; wage; welfare impact; wildlife management; Zambia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904977852 | Impact of quantum entanglement on spectrum of cosmological fluctuations | Kanno S. | 2014 | Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics | 2014 | 7 | 10.1088/1475-7516/2014/07/029 | Cosmology and Gravity Center, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Kanno, S., Cosmology and Gravity Center, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | We investigate the effect of entanglement between two causally separated open charts in de Sitter space on the spectrum of vacuum fluctuations. We consider a free massive scalar field, and construct the reduced density matrix by tracing out the vacuum state for one of the open charts, as recently derived by Maldacena and Pimentel. We formulate the mean-square vacuum fluctuations by using the reduced density matrix and show that the scale invariant spectrum of massless scalar field is realized on small scales. On the other hand, we find that the quantum entanglement affects the shape of the spectrum on large scales comparable to or greater than the curvature radius. | ination; quantum cosmology; quantum field theory on curved space | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956361360 | Temperament and character correlates of neuropsychological performance | Cassimjee N., Murphy R. | 2010 | South African Journal of Psychology | 40 | 2 | None | Department of Psychology, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Applied Psychology, University College, Cork, Ireland | Cassimjee, N., Department of Psychology, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Murphy, R., Department of Applied Psychology, University College, Cork, Ireland | We Investigate the association between temperament and character dimensions, on the one hand, and computerised neuropsychological test performance, on the other hand. Temperament and character dimensions were operationalised as scores on the subscales of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), a 240-item measure that Is based on the psychobiologlcal theory of personality. Neuropsychological outcomes were measured on six computerised tests of executive functioning and abstract reasoning from the University of Pennsylvania Computerised Neuropsychological Test Battery (PennCNP). The executive and abstract reasoning tasks included a test of Motor Praxis (MPRAXIS), the Penn Abstraction, Inhibition and Working Memory Task (AIM), the Letter-N-Back (LNB2), the Penn Conditional Exclusion Task (PCET), the Penn Short Logical Reasoning Task (SPVRT) and the Short Raven's Progressive Matrices (SRAVEN). Results from this exploratory study yielded significant associations between neuropsychological performance and temperament and character traits. The temperament traits of Harm Avoidance and Reward Dependence were positively correlated with reaction time on the AIM and the SPVRT. The character dimension of Self-Transcendence was significantly associated with performance accuracy on the AIM and the temperament dimension of Novelty Seeking was inversely related to performance accuracy on the LNB2. These results confirm the importance of addressing the temperament and character correlates of neuropsychological performance in both clinical and non-clinical studies. © Psychological Society of South Africa. All rights reserved. | Character; Executive functioning; Neuropsychology; Personality; Psychobiological theory; Temperament | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-74949119586 | Geochemistry of impactites and crystalline basement-derived lithologies from the ICDP-USGS Eyreville A and B drill cores, Chesapeake Bay impact structure, Virginia, USA | Schmitt R.T., Bartosova K., Reimold W.U., Mader D., Wittmann A., Koeberl C., Gibson R.L. | 2009 | Special Paper of the Geological Society of America | 458 | None | 10.1130/2009.2458(22) | Museum für Naturkunde-Leibniz Institute, Humboldt University Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Department of Lithospheric Research, Center for Earth Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, PO Wits, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa; Lunar and Planetary Institute, 3600 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, TX 77058, United States | Schmitt, R.T., Museum für Naturkunde-Leibniz Institute, Humboldt University Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Bartosova, K., Department of Lithospheric Research, Center for Earth Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Reimold, W.U., Museum für Naturkunde-Leibniz Institute, Humboldt University Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany, Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, PO Wits, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa; Mader, D., Department of Lithospheric Research, Center for Earth Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Wittmann, A., Museum für Naturkunde-Leibniz Institute, Humboldt University Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany, Lunar and Planetary Institute, 3600 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, TX 77058, United States; Koeberl, C., Department of Lithospheric Research, Center for Earth Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Gibson, R.L., Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, PO Wits, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa | We investigated whole-rock chemical compositions of 318 samples of Exmore breccia (diamicton), impactite (suevite, impact melt rock, polymict lithic impact breccia), and crystalline basement-derived rocks from 444 to 1766 m depth in the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP)-U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Eyreville A and B drill cores (Chesapeake Bay impact structure, Virginia, USA). Here, we compare the average chemical compositions for the Exmore breccia (diamicton), the impactites and their subunits, sandstone, granite, granitic gneiss, and amphibolite of the lithic block section (1095.7-1397.2 m depth), cataclastic gneiss of the impact breccia section, and schist and pegmatite/granite of the basal crystalline section (1551.2-1766.3 m depth). The granite of the megablock (1097.7-1371.1 m depth) is of I-type and is seemingly related to a syncollisional setting. The amphibolite (1377.4-1387.5 m depth) of the lithic block section is of igneous origin and has a tholeiitic character. Based on chemical composition, the Exmore breccia (diamicton) can be subdivided into five units (444.9-450.7, 450.7-468, 468-518, 518-528, and 528-̃865 m depth). The units in the depth intervals of 450.7-468 and 518-528 m are enriched in TiO2, MgO, Sc, V, Cr, and Zn contents compared to the other Exmore breccia units. In some samples, especially at ̃451-455 m depth, the Exmore breccia contains significant amounts of P2O 5. The Exmore breccia is recognized as a mixture of all sedimentary and crystalline target components, and, when compared to the impactites, it contains a significant amount of a SiO2-rich target component of sedimentary origin. The chemical composition of the impactites overlaps the compositional range for the Exmore breccia. The impactites generally display a negative correlation of SiO2 and CaO, and a positive correlation of TiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, and MgO with depth. This is the result of an increasing basement schist component, and a decreasing sedimentary and/or granitic component with depth. Suevite units S2 and S3 display distinct enrichment of Na2O by a factor of ̃2 compared to all other impactite units, which is interpreted to reflect a higher granitic component in these units. © 2009 The Geological Society of America. | None | amphibolite; basement rock; breccia; chemical composition; coastal sediment; crystalline rock; enrichment; gneiss; I-type rock; impact structure; impactite; lithology; research program; sandstone; schist; sediment chemistry; Chesapeake Bay; United States; Virginia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890125981 | Influence of acute and chronic physical activity on cognitive performance and saliva testosterone in preadolescent school children | Niemann C., Wegner M., Voelcker-Rehage C., Holzweg M., Arafat A.M., Budde H. | 2013 | Mental Health and Physical Activity | 6 | 3 | 10.1016/j.mhpa.2013.08.002 | Jacobs Center on Lifelong Learning and Institutional Development, Jacobs University Bremen GGmbH, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany; Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Fabrikstrasse 8, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Centre for Human Performance Science, Stellenbosch University, 1011 Jannie Maraishuis, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany; Department of Sport Science, School of Science and Engineering, Reykjavik University, Menntavegur 1, IS-101 Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Human Sciences, Medical School Hamburg (MSH), Am Kaiserkai 1, 20457 Hamburg, Germany | Niemann, C., Jacobs Center on Lifelong Learning and Institutional Development, Jacobs University Bremen GGmbH, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany; Wegner, M., Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Fabrikstrasse 8, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Voelcker-Rehage, C., Jacobs Center on Lifelong Learning and Institutional Development, Jacobs University Bremen GGmbH, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany; Holzweg, M., Centre for Human Performance Science, Stellenbosch University, 1011 Jannie Maraishuis, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; Arafat, A.M., Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany; Budde, H., Department of Sport Science, School of Science and Engineering, Reykjavik University, Menntavegur 1, IS-101 Reykjavik, Iceland, Faculty of Human Sciences, Medical School Hamburg (MSH), Am Kaiserkai 1, 20457 Hamburg, Germany | We investigated whether the chronic physical activity participation had an impact on the acute effects of a short bout of 12 min of intensive physical activity on cognitive performance and testosterone concentration in primary school students (n = 42, mean age = 9.69, SD =.44; experimental group (EG), n = 27; control group (CG), n = 15). Furthermore, we looked for associations between testosterone concentration and cognitive performance. After the intervention, participants of the EG showed better cognitive performances as compared to the CG. We further observed a significant group (EG, CG) × test (pre, post) × activity level (high, low) interaction. Post hoc pairwise comparisons revealed that after acute physical activity the testosterone concentration was diminished only in habitually low active children. The results indicate that intensive physical activity only attenuates the reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in habitually low active preadolescents, but had a beneficial effect on cognitive performance for all participants independent of their physical activity level and testosterone. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Children; Cognition; Physical activity (acute chronic); School; Testosterone | testosterone; academic achievement; arithmetic; article; body mass; child; clinical article; cognition; controlled study; female; human; hypothalamus hypophysis gonad system; male; mental performance; metabolic equivalent; physical activity; physical education; primary school; priority journal; reading; saliva analysis; saliva level; school child; selective attention; writing | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856119401 | Towards an Understanding, Through Action Research, of the Socio-Organizational Issues Impacting on Mobile Technology Adoption and Diffusion Within a Small-to-Medium South African Construction Company | Abrahamse J., Lotriet H. | 2012 | Systemic Practice and Action Research | 25 | 1 | 10.1007/s11213-011-9202-z | Department of Informatics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; School of Computing, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA, Pretoria 0003, South Africa | Abrahamse, J., Department of Informatics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Lotriet, H., School of Computing, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA, Pretoria 0003, South Africa | We investigated, through an action research approach, social issues that impact on mobile technology adoption and diffusion in a professional construction management team of a small-to-medium sized South African construction company. The outcome of the study resulted in a framework of thinking that integrates social factors at individual and organisational levels that impacted on the adoption of mobile technologies in the organisation. At the methodological level the study is part of a limited collection of papers that used AR in the study of technology adoption and diffusion and it presents an example of the capability of AR as a method to allow for the integration of the social contexts of users into adoption frameworks. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | Action research; Adoption; Construction; Mobile technology; Socio-organisational issues; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885866082 | Halogenated pollutants in terrestrial and aquatic bird eggs: Converging patterns of pollutant profiles, and impacts and risks from high levels | Bouwman H., Viljoen I.M., Quinn L.P., Polder A. | 2013 | Environmental Research | 126 | None | 10.1016/j.envres.2013.06.003 | Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; National Metrology Institute of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; The Norwegian School of Veterinary Sciences, Oslo, Norway | Bouwman, H., Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Viljoen, I.M., Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Quinn, L.P., Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa, National Metrology Institute of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Polder, A., The Norwegian School of Veterinary Sciences, Oslo, Norway | We investigated the presence, levels, relationships, and risks of HCHs, DDTs, chlordanes, mirex, PCBs, and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in terrestrial and aquatic bird eggs from an area in South Africa where DDT is used for malaria control. We found one of the highest σDDT levels reported this century; 13. 000. ng/g. wm (wet mass) in Grey Heron eggs which exceeds critical levels for reproductive success (3000. ng/g. wm) calculated for Brown Pelicans, with a no-effect level estimated at 500. ng/g. wm. Even higher σDDT levels at 16. 000. ng/g. wm were found in House Sparrow eggs (possibly the highest ever recorded for sparrows), with a maximum of 24. 400. ng/g. wm. Significant eggshell thinning in Cattle Egrets (33% between thickest and thinnest) was associated with increased levels of p,. p'-DDT and p,. p'-DDE. There were indications of unknown use of DDT and lindane. Relative to DDT, PCBs and BFRs levels were quite low. Ordinated data showed that different terrestrial pollutant profiles converged to a homogenised aquatic profile. Converging profiles, high levels of DDT in heron and sparrow eggs, and thinning eggs shells, indicate risk and impacts at release, in the aquatic environment, and in between. If characteristic life-strategies of birds in warm areas (e.g. longer-lived and fewer eggs per clutch) increases the risk compared with similar birds living in colder regions when both experience the same environmental pollutant levels, then malaria control using DDT probably has more significant impacts on biota than previously realised. Therefore, risk assessment and modelling without hard data may miss crucial impacts and risks, as the chemical use patterns and ecologies in Africa and elsewhere may differ from the conditions and assumptions of existing risk assessment and modelling parameters. Consideration of other findings associated with DDT from the same area (intersex in fish and urogental birth defects in baby boys), together with the findings of this study (high levels of DDT in bird eggs, eggshell thinning in the Cattle Egrets, and the apparent absence of breeding piscivore birds in the sprayed area) are strongly suggestive of negative impacts from DDT spraying for Malaria control. Our data presents strong arguments for an expedited process of replacing DDT with sustainable methods. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. | Bird eggs; DDT; Eggshell thinning; Indoor residual spraying; Malaria control; South Africa | bromine derivative; chlorphenotane; flame retardant; lindane; mirex; polychlorinated biphenyl derivative; aquatic environment; biota; bird; breeding; data set; DDT; eggshell; HCH; malaria; piscivore; pollutant; reproductive success; risk assessment; air pollutant; aquatic environment; aquatic species; article; birth defect; breeding; egg; egg shell; halogenation; malaria control; nonhuman; Passer domesticus; priority journal; reproductive success; risk assessment; soil pollutant; South Africa; terrestrial species; South Africa; Ardea cinerea; Aves; Bubulcus; Passer domesticus; Passeridae; Pelecanus occidentalis; Bird eggs; DDT; Eggshell thinning; Indoor residual spraying; Malaria control; South Africa; Animals; Birds; Environmental Pollutants; Hydrocarbons, Halogenated; Multivariate Analysis; Ovum; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929932856 | Particle boards produced from cassava stalks: Evaluation of physical and mechanical properties | Aisien F.A., Amenaghawon A.N., Bienose K.C. | 2015 | South African Journal of Science | 111 | 06-May | 10.17159/sajs.2015/20140042 | Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | Aisien, F.A., Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Amenaghawon, A.N., Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Bienose, K.C., Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | We investigated the potential use of cassava stalks for the production of bonded particle boards. Particle boards were produced from cassava stalks using urea-formaldehyde as a binder. Water absorption and thickness swelling tests were carried out to determine dimensional stability of the boards while modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity tests were carried out to assess the mechanical strength of the boards. Particle boards produced using an adhesive-cassava stalk ratio of 3:1 gave the best results in terms of the lowest mean values of water absorption (20%) and thickness swelling (6.26%), as well as the highest values of modulus of rupture (4×106 N/m2) and modulus of elasticity (2366.74×106 N/m2). The particle boards produced met the ANSI/A208.1-1999 standard for general-purpose boards. The results of analyses of variance carried out revealed that the adhesive-cassava stalk ratio had a marked influence (p<0.05) on the physical properties (water absorption and thickness swelling) but not on the mechanical properties (modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity). © 2015. The Author(s). | Cassava stalks; Dimensional stability; Particle board; Thickness swelling; Urea-formaldehyde | absorption; cassava; mechanical property; physical property; swelling; variance analysis; wood; Manihot esculenta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846347337 | Maasai perception of the impact and incidence of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) in southern Kenya | Bedelian C., Nkedianye D., Herrero M. | 2007 | Preventive Veterinary Medicine | 78 | 04-Mar | 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2006.10.012 | International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya; Institute of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, EH9 3J6, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom | Bedelian, C., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya; Nkedianye, D., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya, Institute of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, EH9 3J6, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; Herrero, M., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya, Institute of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, EH9 3J6, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom | We investigated the perceived impact of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) to pastoralists in Isinya Division, a wildlife dispersal area of Nairobi National Park, and used a range of participatory epidemiology methodologies. We compared the relative importance, incidence and impact of MCF compared to other locally defined important diseases with a total of 158 respondents in 11 group meetings and 21 household meetings in July 2004. Direct losses due to disease were investigated through lowered prices as a result of the emergency sale of disease-infected animals. Overall, Maasai in Isinya Division perceived east coast fever (ECF) to be the most important cattle disease and to have the highest incidence. Anthrax was considered to have the largest impact. In areas within or adjacent to the wildebeest calving zone, MCF was perceived to be the most important cattle disease and also to have the largest impact. Outside the calving zone, MCF was considered the fourth-most important disease with the fourth largest impact, and these were areas where wildebeest were less common. MCF was also the fourth-most common disease, and across the Division incidence was estimated at 5% in calves and 10% in adults. However, MCF incidence varied greatly throughout the study area, from 3% to 12%, and the highest incidence risks were found in areas where wildebeest came to calve. The percent drop in sale price per animal infected with MCF was estimated at 50% for MCF for the year 2003-2004. Forced avoidance movements away from wildebeest calves were reported to decrease livestock production due to loss of access to prime grazing sites. As suggested by pastoralists in this study, the development of compensation schemes or incentives from wildlife would reduce the conflict between livestock keeping and wildlife conservation. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Disease impact; Disease incidence; Kenya; Maasai pastoralists; Malignant catarrhal fever; Participatory appraisal; Participatory epidemiology | animal; animal disease; animal parasitosis; anthrax; article; cattle; cattle disease; female; foot and mouth disease; incidence; Kenya; male; mortality; season; time; virology; wild animal; Animals; Animals, Wild; Anthrax; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Female; Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Incidence; Kenya; Male; Malignant Catarrh; Seasons; Theileriasis; Time Factors; Animalia; Bos taurus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893093893 | European athletes dominate performances in Double Iron ultra-triathlons - A retrospective data analysis from 1985 to 2010 | Rüst C.A., Knechtle B., Knechtle P., Lepers R., Rosemann T., Onywera V. | 2014 | European Journal of Sport Science | 14 | SUPPL.1 | 10.1080/17461391.2011.641033 | Institute of General Practice and for Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland; Gesundheitszentrum, St. Gallen, Switzerland; INSERM U1093, University of Dijon, Dijon, France; Department of Exercise and Sports Science, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya | Rüst, C.A., Institute of General Practice and for Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland; Knechtle, B., Gesundheitszentrum, St. Gallen, Switzerland; Knechtle, P., Gesundheitszentrum, St. Gallen, Switzerland; Lepers, R., INSERM U1093, University of Dijon, Dijon, France; Rosemann, T., Institute of General Practice and for Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland; Onywera, V., Department of Exercise and Sports Science, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya | We investigated the participation and performance trends of ultra-endurance triathletes from all nationalities competing in a Double Iron ultra-triathlon (7.6-km swim, 360-km cycle and 84.4-km run) from 1985 to 2010. A total of 1854 athletes participated in 92 Double Iron ultra-triathlons. The majority of the winners came from Europe with 72 victories, followed by North America with 17 victories. The race time for the European ultra-triathletes was 1340 (s=95.3) min, decreasing highly significantly (r2=0.28; P<0.0001) across the years. North American ultra-triathletes finished the races within 1556 (s=124.5) min; their race time showed no changes across the years (r2=0.045; P=0.07). The race time for the Europeans was highly significantly faster compared to the North Americans (P<0.0001). Future studies should investigate each country in Europe and North America in order to find the country with the largest participation of athletes and their best performance. © 2014 Copyright European College of Sport Science. | cycling; running; Swimming; ultra-endurance | analysis of variance; article; athlete; athletic performance; Europe; female; human; male; North America; physiology; sport; statistical model; Analysis of Variance; Athletes; Athletic Performance; Europe; Female; Humans; Linear Models; Male; North America; Sports | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958152209 | The impact of African elephants on Acacia tortilis woodland in northern Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe | Gandiwa E., Magwati T., Zisadza P., Chinuwo T., Tafangenyasha C. | 2011 | Journal of Arid Environments | 75 | 9 | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2011.04.017 | Scientific Services, Gonarezhou National Park, Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Private Bag 7003, Chiredzi, Zimbabwe; Mushandike College of Wildlife Management, Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Private Bag 9036, Masvingo, Zimbabwe; Department of Agriculture, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886 Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa; Geography Department and Environmental Science, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886 Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa | Gandiwa, E., Scientific Services, Gonarezhou National Park, Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Private Bag 7003, Chiredzi, Zimbabwe; Magwati, T., Mushandike College of Wildlife Management, Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Private Bag 9036, Masvingo, Zimbabwe; Zisadza, P., Scientific Services, Gonarezhou National Park, Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Private Bag 7003, Chiredzi, Zimbabwe; Chinuwo, T., Department of Agriculture, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886 Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa; Tafangenyasha, C., Geography Department and Environmental Science, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886 Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa | We investigated the impact of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) on the structure and composition of Acacia tortilis woodland in northern Gonarezhou National Park, southeast Zimbabwe. A. tortilis woodland was stratified into high, medium and low elephant utilisation categories based on evidence of elephant habitat use as determined through dung-count surveys in relation to distance of woodland patches from perennial and natural surface water sources. The following variables were recorded in each study plot: tree height, species name, number of species, plant damage, basal circumference and number of stems per plant. A total of 824 woody plants and 26 woody species were recorded from the sampled A. tortilis woodland patches. Mean tree densities, basal areas, tree heights and species diversity were lower in areas with medium and high elephant utilisation as compared to low elephant utilisation areas. Plants damaged by elephants increased with increasing elephant utilisation. The study findings suggest that A. tortilis woodland is gradually being transformed into an open woodland. We recommended that protected area management in arid and semi-arid areas should consider (i) formulating clear thresholds of potential concern to allow for the conservation of sensitive woodlands such as A. tortilis woodlands and (ii) establishing long-term vegetation monitoring programmes. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | African savanna; Elephant utilisation; Loxodonta africana; Water sources; Woody plants | basal area; community structure; conservation management; damage; ecological impact; elephant; environmental monitoring; habitat use; legume; national park; semiarid region; stem; water availability; woodland; Gonarezhou National Park; Masvingo; Zimbabwe; Acacia; Acacia tortilis; Elephantidae; Loxodonta; Loxodonta africana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859450037 | Impact of Acacia drepanolobium (an invasive woody species) on Gum-resin resources and local livelihood in Borana, southern Ethiopia | Terefe B., Limenih M., Gure A., Angassa A. | 2011 | Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems | 14 | 3 | None | Samara University, Ethiopia; Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resource Management, Hawassa University, Ethiopia; Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, Ethiopia; Botanical Institute, University of Cologne, Germany | Terefe, B., Samara University, Ethiopia; Limenih, M., Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resource Management, Hawassa University, Ethiopia; Gure, A., Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resource Management, Hawassa University, Ethiopia; Angassa, A., Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, Ethiopia, Botanical Institute, University of Cologne, Germany | We investigated the impact of Acacia drepanolobium, a species threatening rangeland resources including Gum-resin production and pastoralists' livelihoods in Borana. Data were collected through vegetation surveys, key informant interviews, use of formal questionnaires and focus group discussions. We found a total of 22 woody species in the study area. A. drepanolobium was found to be the most dominant (22%) and abundant (65%) invasive woody species with an importance value index (IVI) of 103. According to our respondents, A. drepanolobium was the first widely expanded woody species followed by Dichrostachys cinerea and A. mellifera. Eighty seven percent of our respondents ranked A. drepanolobium as the most invading woody species during their life time. Overall, our results demonstrated that the impact of A. drepanolobium had greatly affected the condition of rangeland vegetation. The implication is that the reduction in the capacity of rangelands for livestock grazing could reduce the resilience of local livelihood under changing environmental conditions. Furthermore, pastoralists' perception indicated that the expansion of A. drepanolobium had reduced the survival of Gum-resin producing species. Generally, the shift from cattle based pastoral economy to mixed livestock types could be attributed to the expansion of A. drepanolobium that forced the community to shift their mode of production. We confirmed that A. drepanolobium is an invasive indigenous woody species with multiple effects on the ecology of rangelands and on the livelihood security of pastoral communities. | Acacia drepanolobium; Borana; Bush encroachment; Importance value index; Invasiveness; Livelihood security; Rangeland ecology | Acacia; Acacia drepanolobium; Acacia mellifera; Bos; Dichrostachys cinerea | None |
| None | None | The impact of uniform and mixed species blood meals on the fitness of the mosquito vector Anopheles gambiae s.s: Does a specialist pay for diversifying its host species diet? | Lyimo I.N., Keegan S.P., Ranford-Cartwright L.C., Ferguson H.M. | 2012 | Journal of Evolutionary Biology | 25 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2011.02442.x | Environmental and Biomedical Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom | Lyimo, I.N., Environmental and Biomedical Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Keegan, S.P., Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Ranford-Cartwright, L.C., Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Ferguson, H.M., Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom | We investigated the fitness consequences of specialization in an organism whose host choice has an immense impact on human health: the African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae s.s. We tested whether this mosquito's specialism on humans can be attributed to the relative fitness benefits of specialist vs. generalist feeding strategies by contrasting their fecundity and survival on human-only and mixed host diets consisting of blood meals from humans and animals. When given only one blood meal, An. gambiae s.s. survived significantly longer on human and bovine blood, than on canine or avian blood. However, when blood fed repeatedly, there was no evidence that the fitness of An. gambiae s.s. fed a human-only diet was greater than those fed generalist diets. This suggests that the adoption of generalist host feeding strategies in An. gambiae s.s. is not constrained by intraspecific variation in the resource quality of blood from other available host species. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Evolutionary Biology © 2011 European Society For Evolutionary Biology. | Constraints; Host-parasite interaction; Insects; Life history evolution; Malaria; Natural selection; Trade-offs | disease vector; fecundity; fitness; generalist; hemophagy; host-parasite interaction; life history theory; malaria; mosquito; natural selection; public health; specialist; specialization; survival; trade-off; adaptation; animal; animal food; Anopheles gambiae; article; cattle; dog; feeding behavior; fertility; host parasite interaction; human; physiology; proportional hazards model; species difference; survival; Adaptation, Biological; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Anopheles gambiae; Cattle; Dogs; Feeding Behavior; Fertility; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Proportional Hazards Models; Species Specificity; Survival Analysis; Animalia; Anopheles gambiae; Aves; Bovinae; Hexapoda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38549139714 | Seedling performance as affected by bulk density and soil moisture on a typic tropaquept | Onweremadu E.U., Eshett E.T., Ofoh M.C., Nwufo M.I., Obiefuna J.C. | 2008 | Journal of Plant Sciences | 3 | 1 | None | Department of Soil Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Department of Soil Science and Technology, Federal Uni | Onweremadu, E.U., Department of Soil Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria, Department of Soil Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Eshett, E.T., Department of Soil Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Ofoh, M.C.; Nwufo, M.I.; Obiefuna, J.C. | We investigated the effects of Bulk Density (BD) and moisture content θv on seedling performance on a Typic Topaquept at Iyienyi Ibeku, Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria in 2005/2006 study session. A transect technique aided field soil sampling at identified physiographic units of Crest, Midslope and Footslope. A 7x7 factorial greenhouse experiment was conducted to create a matrix of BD and θv which enabled better understanding of compaction effects on seedling growth of Citrus sinensis Var Etinan. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using SAS computer software. Results showed that BD and soil strength decreased with mean root length density. Again, BD had significant (p<0.0001) negative correlations with root performance. Moisture content had a significant positive correlation with root performance (R = 0.72; p<0.0001). Soil moisture and BD were good predictors of root length density (R2 = 0.79) with high degree of accuracy (RMSE = 0.07) and slight over-estimation (Bias = + 0.0001): Mean root length density increased downslope and this was the trend in shoot yield. Fairly high values of coefficient of alienation, suggest the inclusion of other relevant variables in future modelling. © 2008 Academic Journals Inc. | Critical moisture limit; Inceptisols; Modelling; Soil physical quality | Citrus sinensis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78149299097 | Evaluation of the effectiveness of the 360-credit National Professional Diploma in Education (NPDE) programme | Ngidi D., Sibaya P., Sibaya D., Khuzwayo H., Maphalala M., Ngwenya N. | 2010 | South African Journal of Education | 30 | 1 | None | Educational Psychology, University of Zululand, South Africa; Department of Educational Psychology, University of Zululand, South Africa; Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology, University of Zululand, South Africa; Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, University of Zululand, South Africa | Ngidi, D., Educational Psychology, University of Zululand, South Africa; Sibaya, P., Department of Educational Psychology, University of Zululand, South Africa; Sibaya, D., Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology, University of Zululand, South Africa; Khuzwayo, H., Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology, University of Zululand, South Africa; Maphalala, M., Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, University of Zululand, South Africa; Ngwenya, N., Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology, University of Zululand, South Africa | We investigated the effectiveness of the 360-credit National Professional Diploma (NPDE) as a programme that is aimed at the upgrading of currently serving unqualified and under-qualified educators, with a view to improving the quality of teaching and learning in schools and Further Education and Training colleges. To this end, the National Professional Diploma in Education Effectiveness Scale (NPDEES) and Classroom Observation and Assessment Form (COAF) were used. The findings indicated that educators differed in the extent to which they regarded the 360-credit NPDE programme as effective. The findings also indicated that component 3 (competences relating to teaching and learning processes), component 1 (competences relating to fundamental learning) and component 4 (competences relating to the profession, the school and the community) were the best predictors of the effectiveness of the 360-credit NPDE programme. It was found that educators differed in the extent to which they performed during the classroom-based evaluation. Suggestions are made for measures to improve educators' performance in the classroom. © 2010 EASA. | Classroom-based evaluation; Competences; Components; Exit level outcomes; National Professional Diploma in Education | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866115019 | Haematological evaluations of the antimalarial activity of Bridelia ferruginea benth bark | Kolawole O.M., Adebayo J.O., Oguntoye S.O., Okoh A.I., Mazomba N. | 2012 | Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology | 6 | 2 | None | Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Facu | Kolawole, O.M., Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Adebayo, J.O., Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Oguntoye, S.O., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Okoh, A.I., Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Mazomba, N., Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, South Africa | We investigated the antimalarial activity of the methanolic extract of Bridelia ferruginea benth bark at 400 mg/kg body weights in mice (Mus musculus) infected with chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei using the rane test. There was decreased in packed cell volume, RBC and Hb in infected groups from day zero to 14 with a corresponding increase in RBC of the uninfected -extract treated group (p<0.05). The infected - untreated showed continual decreased from day zero to 14 (p<0.05) compared to the infected - treated groups and the uninfected - untreated (control) group. However, decreased in MCHC was recorded by day 14 for the infected - untreated animals. WBC and lymphocytes indices revealed that there was no significant difference in all the groups by day zero, however by day 14, there was significant increased in the WBC and lymphocytes for infected - treated groups compared to all other groups (p<0.05). In the platelets count, by day 14 there was significant decreased in the infected - untreated group compared to others (p<0.05). Also, there was no significant difference in the neutrophils for the infected - extract treated, infected - chloroquine treated, control, and uninfected - extract treated groups (p<0.05). The haematological indices further substantiates the promising antimalarial activity of the bark extract. | Antimalarial; Bridelia ferruginea; Haematological indices; Methanolic extract | Bridelia ferruginea extract; chloroquine; hemoglobin; methanol; animal experiment; animal model; antimalarial activity; article; bark; bridelia ferruginea; controlled study; drug effect; erythrocyte count; hematocrit; leukocyte count; lymphocyte count; medicinal plant; mouse; neutrophil count; nonhuman; Plasmodium berghei infection; Animalia; Bridelia ferruginea; Mus; Mus musculus; Plasmodium berghei | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881291818 | Human impacts on forest structure and species richness on the edges of a protected mountain forest in Uganda | Sassen M., Sheil D. | 2013 | Forest Ecology and Management | 307 | None | 10.1016/j.foreco.2013.07.010 | Wageningen University, Po Box 430, 6700AK Wageningen, Netherlands; School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Po Box 157, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia; Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation (ITFC), Po Box 44, Kabale, SW, Uganda; Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), Po Box 0113, BOCBD, Bogor 16000, Indonesia | Sassen, M., Wageningen University, Po Box 430, 6700AK Wageningen, Netherlands; Sheil, D., School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Po Box 157, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia, Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation (ITFC), Po Box 44, Kabale, SW, Uganda, Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), Po Box 0113, BOCBD, Bogor 16000, Indonesia | We investigated how local scale variation in human impacts influenced forest structure and tree species richness within Mt Elgon National Park, Uganda. We assessed basal area (BA), stem density, diameter at breast height (dbh) and indicators of human activity in 343 plots in four study sites, on transects running inwards from the boundary of the park. Mt Elgon hosts the only remaining natural forest in a densely populated region (150-1000p/km2). All study sites suffered past encroachment for agriculture and were in various stages of recovery or renewed-clearing at the time of the study. Areas recovering from encroachment had lower mean BA (BA=3-11m2/ha), dbh and often also lower stem densities than forest that had never been cleared (BA=21-43m2/ha), even 35years after abandonment and with restoration planting. Human impacts were found beyond 2km into the park. Although most activities decreased with distance inside the boundary, their prevalence varied among sites. High coefficients of variation in BA (Cv=0.8-1.1) and stem density (Cv=1.0-2.2) within sites, together with the evidence of sustained human activities, suggest that forest use histories strongly influenced local forest structure. Mean BA increased with distance inside the boundary in all sites, but stem densities reflected more complex patterns. Large trees (dbh≥20cm) were most affected by former clearing for agriculture. The collection of stems used as crop-supports reduced regeneration and the density of smaller stems at one site. In another site, charcoal making was associated with the smallest mean BA and marked variability in forest structure. Grazed forest consisted of large trees with very little regeneration. On forest margins in two sites grazing, generally together with fire and tree-cutting, had eroded the forest edge and prevented regeneration. Human impacts as well as natural gradients had major impacts on species richness patterns. Several areas in intermediate states of disturbance showed higher tree species richness than either old-growth forest or more severely degraded areas. This study illustrates the fine scale variation due to local impacts within one forest. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Conservation; East Africa; Forest structure; Human disturbance; Tree diversity; Tropical forest | East Africa; Forest structure; Human disturbances; Tree diversity; Tropical forest; Agriculture; Charcoal; Conservation; Reforestation; anthropogenic effect; basal area; clearcutting; disturbance; forest edge; grazing; human activity; montane forest; old-growth forest; population density; regeneration; restoration ecology; species diversity; species richness; transect; tropical forest; Agriculture; Charcoal; Conservation; Reforestation; Mount Elgon National Park; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926459969 | Effects of dietary administration of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on the growth performance, biochemical, hematological and immunological parameters in juvenile and adult Victoria Labeo (Labeo victorianus) challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila | Ngugi C.C., Oyoo-Okoth E., Mugo-Bundi J., Orina P.S., Chemoiwa E.J., Aloo P.A. | 2015 | Fish and Shellfish Immunology | 44 | 2 | 10.1016/j.fsi.2015.03.025 | Kenyatta University, School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development, Department of Agricultural Resource Management, P.O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; School of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Department of Natural Resource, Karatina University, P.O. Box 1957-10101, Karatina, Kenya; National Aquaculture Research Development and Training Centre - Sagana, P. O. Box 26-10230, Sagana, Kenya; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya | Ngugi, C.C., Kenyatta University, School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development, Department of Agricultural Resource Management, P.O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Oyoo-Okoth, E., School of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Department of Natural Resource, Karatina University, P.O. Box 1957-10101, Karatina, Kenya; Mugo-Bundi, J., School of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Department of Natural Resource, Karatina University, P.O. Box 1957-10101, Karatina, Kenya; Orina, P.S., National Aquaculture Research Development and Training Centre - Sagana, P. O. Box 26-10230, Sagana, Kenya, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya; Chemoiwa, E.J., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya; Aloo, P.A., School of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Department of Natural Resource, Karatina University, P.O. Box 1957-10101, Karatina, Kenya | We investigated effects of dietary administration of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on growth performance, biochemical, hematological and immunological parameters in juvenile and adult Victoria Labeo (Labeo victorianus) against Aeromonas hydrophila. Fish were divided into 4 groups and fed for 4 and 16 weeks with 0%, 1%, 2% and 5% of U.dioica incorporated into the diet. Use of U.dioica in the diet resulted in improved biochemical, hematological and immunological parameters. Among the biochemical parameters; plasma cortisol, glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol decreased while total protein and albumin in fish increased with increasing dietary inclusion of U.dioica. Among the haematology parameters: red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) counts, haematocrit (Htc), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and netrophiles increased with increasing dietary inclusion levels of U.dioica, some depending on the fish age. Serum immunoglobulins, lysozyme activity and respiratory burst were the main immunological parameters in the adult and juvenile L.victorianus measured and they all increased with increasing herbal inclusion of U.dioica in the diet. Dietary incorporation of U.dioica at 5% showed significantly higher relative percentage survival (up to 95%) against A.hydrophila. The current results demonstrate that using U.dioica can stimulate fish immunity and make L.victorianus more resistant to bacterial infection (A.hydrophila). © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Biochemical parameters; Hematological parameters; Immunity; Immunological parameters; Labeo victorianus; Urtica dioica | Aeromonas hydrophila; Bacteria (microorganisms); Labeo; Labeo victorianus; Urtica dioica | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946711294 | The impact of ethno-linguistic fractionalization on cultural measures: Dynamics, endogeneity and modernization | Luiz J.M. | 2015 | Journal of International Business Studies | 46 | 9 | 10.1057/jibs.2015.6 | Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, Breakwater Campus, Green Point, Portswood Road, Cape Town, South Africa | Luiz, J.M., Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, Breakwater Campus, Green Point, Portswood Road, Cape Town, South Africa | We introduce a measure called ethno-linguistic fractionalization (ELF), which captures the ethnic and/or linguistic diversity in a country and examine its implications on existing cultural measures. Not only do high levels of fractionalization affect the use of statistical means to account for cultural distance (CD), we show that it is not constant and therefore the dynamics of change need to be addressed. We pursue the study of the dynamics and potential endogeneity through an in-depth case study of South Africa over the course of the twentieth century. There is evidence of processes of modernization whereby economic progress impacts upon ELF. There are also complex interactions between the various measures of fractionalization and other sociopolitical and institutional variables. This provides us with an opportunity to bridge the CD and institutional distance literature as institutions impact upon culture and multinational enterprises, and institutional development is, in turn, affected by these. We call for a more realistic assessment of what is being captured in cultural measures and for recognition of the complexity of the notion of identity formation and its dynamics. Countries may have different underlying cultural schisms, including ELF, and its introduction will allow for a richer exploration of distance and diversity in International Business. | cross-cultural research/measurement issues; cultural distance; developing markets/countries/economies; national culture | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000276219700027 | Evaluation of the Role of School Children in the Promotion of Point-of-Use Water Treatment and Handwashing in Schools and Households-Nyanza Province, Western Kenya, 2007 | Blanton, Elizabeth,Mwaki, Alex,Oluoch, Gordon Otieno,Ombeki, Sam,Quick, Rob,Wannemuehler, Kathleen | 2010 | AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE | 82 | 4 | 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.09-0422 | Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Cooperat Assistance & Relief Everywhere Inc, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent | None | We installed drinking water and handwashing stations in 17 rural schools and trained teachers to promote water treatment and hygiene to pupils. We gave schools flocculent-disinfectant powder and hypochlorite solution for water treatment. We conducted a baseline water handling survey of pupils' parents from 17 schools and tested stored water for chlorine. We trained teachers and students about hygiene, installed water stations, and distributed instructional comic books to students. We conducted follow-up surveys and chlorine testing at 3 and 13 months. From baseline to 3-month follow-up, parental awareness of the flocculent-disinfectant increased (49-91%, P < 0.0001), awareness of hypochlorite remained high (93-92%), and household use of flocculent-disinfectant (1-7%, P < 0.0001) and hypochlorite (6-13%, P < 0.0001) increased, and were maintained after 13 months. Pupil absentee rates decreased after implementation by 26%. This school-based program resulted in pupil-to-parent knowledge transfer and significant increases in household water treatment practices that were sustained over 1 year. | ,"DIARRHEA PREVENTION",DRINKING-WATER,FLOCCULANT-DISINFECTANT,INTERVENTION,KNOWLEDGE,PROGRAM,"RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED-TRIAL","RURAL GUATEMALA","SAFE WATER" | None | None |
| None | None | Survey of care and evaluation of east African burn unit feasibility: An academic burn center exchange | Mitchell K.B., Giiti G., Gallagher J.J. | 2013 | Journal of Burn Care and Research | 34 | 1 | 10.1097/BCR.0b013e318269be63 | New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, 1320 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, United States; Weill Bugando Medical School, Sekou Toure Regional Referral Hospital, Mwanza, Tanzania | Mitchell, K.B., New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, 1320 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, United States; Giiti, G., Weill Bugando Medical School, Sekou Toure Regional Referral Hospital, Mwanza, Tanzania; Gallagher, J.J., New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, 1320 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, United States | Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, partnered with Weill Bugando Medical College and Sekou Toure Regional Referral Hospital, in Mwanza, Tanzania, to consider the development of a burn unit there. This institutional partnership provided a unique opportunity to promote sustainable academic exchange and build burn care capacity in the East African region. A Weill Cornell burn surgeon and burn fellow collaborated with the Sekou Toure department of surgery to assess its current burn care capabilities and potential for burn unit development. All aspects of interdisciplinary burn care were reviewed and institutional infrastructure evaluated. Sekou Toure is a 375-bed regional referral center and teaching hospital of Weill Bugando Medical College. In 2010-2011, it admitted 5244 pediatric patients in total; 100 of these patients were burn-injured children (2% of admissions). There was no specific data kept on percentage of body surface burned, degree of burn, length of stay, or complications. No adult, operative, or outpatient burn data were available. There are two operating theaters. Patient's families perform wound care with nursing supervision. Rehabilitation therapists consult as needed. Meals are provided three times daily by a central kitchen. Public health outreach is possible through village-based communication networks. Infrastructure to support the development of a burn care unit exists at Sekou Toure, but needs increased clinical focus, human resource capacity building, and record-keeping to track accurate patient numbers. A multidisciplinary center could improve record-keeping and outcomes, encourage referrals, and facilitate outreach through villages. © 2013 by the American Burn Association. | None | Africa; article; burn; burn unit; capacity building; feasibility study; health survey; hospital bed capacity; human; institutional care; length of stay; major clinical study; meal; operating room; public health; rehabilitation care; teaching hospital; wound care; Burn Units; Feasibility Studies; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; International Cooperation; New York; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052712781 | The economic impact of hunting in the Northern Cape province | Saayman M., Van Der Merwe P., Rossouw R. | 2011 | South African Journal of Wildlife Research | 41 | 1 | 10.3957/056.041.0115 | Institute for Tourism, Wildlife Economics and Leisure Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; School of Economics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Saayman, M., Institute for Tourism, Wildlife Economics and Leisure Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Van Der Merwe, P., Institute for Tourism, Wildlife Economics and Leisure Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Rossouw, R., School of Economics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | We here estimate the economic impact of hunting (both biltong and trophy) on South Africa's Northern Cape province economy. This study used the input-output (social accounting matrix) and multiplier analyses to evaluate the economic impact of hunting in the regional economy of the Northern Cape province. Data on biltong hunting were derived from a national survey conducted in 2007 and data on trophy hunting were derived from the Professional Hunting Association of South Africa (PHASA). The results indicated that the direct economic impact of hunting in the Northern Cape province economy, resulting from increased expenditure, exceeded R696.1 million for 2007. This direct impact resulted in a total economic impact in the order of R774.3 million, and consequently, in a multiplier effect of 1.11. With regard to employment, it was estimated that some 9072 jobs plus those of the employees directly involved might be dependent on hunting in the province, thereby supporting the notion that this is a viable and important sector of the tourism industry. | biltong hunting; economic impact; hunting; social accounting matrix; South Africa; tourism; trophy hunting | economic impact; ecotourism; employment; estimation method; hunting; regional economy; tourism economics; Northern Cape; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33644745302 | The bradykinin β2 receptor (BDKRB2) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) genes and endurance performance during Ironman Triathlons | Saunders C.J., Xenophontos S.L., Cariolou M.A., Anastassiades L.C., Noakes T.D., Collins M. | 2006 | Human Molecular Genetics | 15 | 6 | 10.1093/hmg/ddl014 | MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Medical Research Council of South Africa, University of Cape Town, PO Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, PO Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Molecular Genetics Department B, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus; Cardiovascular Diagnostic Centre, Nicosia, Cyprus | Saunders, C.J., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, PO Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Xenophontos, S.L., Molecular Genetics Department B, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus; Cariolou, M.A., Molecular Genetics Department B, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus; Anastassiades, L.C., Cardiovascular Diagnostic Centre, Nicosia, Cyprus; Noakes, T.D., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, PO Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Collins, M., MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Medical Research Council of South Africa, University of Cape Town, PO Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, PO Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa | We have previously shown that the insertion allele of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene was over-represented in the fastest South-African-born finishers of the South African Ironman Triathlons. As ACE is a component of the skeletal muscle kallikrein-kinin system (KKS), the aim of this study is to determine if there are any further associations between polymorphisms within the BDKRB2 and NOS3 genes, which encode for the KKS components, bradykinin β2 receptor and nitric oxide synthase, respectively, and ultra-endurance performance during the Ironman Triathlons. Four-hundred and forty-three male Caucasian triathletes who completed the 2000 and/or 2001 South African Ironman Triathlons and 203 healthy Caucasian male control subjects were genotyped for the functional -9/+9 polymorphism within exon 1 of the BDKRB2 gene and the G894T NOS3 gene polymorphisms. The BDKRB2 -9/-9 genotype occurred at a significantly higher frequency when the triathlete group (27.0%) was compared with the control group (19.3%, P =0.035). When divided into tertiles, there was also a significant linear trend for the NOS3 GG genotype distribution among the fastest (35.0%), middle (40.4%) and slowest (46.9%) finishers (P =0.039). The overall finishing times of the triathletes with an NOS3 GG genotype together with a BDKRB2 + 9 allele were significantly slower than those with other genotype combinations (P = 0.001). The NOS3/BDKRB2 genotype (β = -0.150, B = -31.48, P=0.002), together with body mass index and age, accounted for 14.6% of the variance in the overall race time for the triathlon. In conclusion, both the NOS3 and BDKRB2 genes are associated with the actual performance during the Ironman Triathlons. © 2006 Oxford University Press. | None | bradykinin B2 receptor; endothelial nitric oxide synthase; analysis of variance; article; athlete; controlled study; DNA polymorphism; endurance sport; exon; functional assessment; functional genomics; gene frequency; genetic association; genetic variability; genotype; human; human experiment; kallikrein kinin system; male; multivariate analysis; normal human; priority journal; protein expression; protein function; South Africa; statistical significance; triathlon; Adult; Bicycling; Gene Frequency; Genotype; Humans; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Physical Endurance; Receptor, Bradykinin B2; Running; South Africa; Sports; Swimming | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899627264 | Evaluation of reference genes for accurate normalization of gene expression for real time-quantitative PCR in Pyrus pyrifolia using different tissue samples and seasonal conditions | Imai T., Ubi B.E., Saito T., Moriguchi T. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 1 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0086492 | Plant Physiology and Fruit Chemistry Division, NARO Institute of Fruit Tree Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Biotechnology Research and Development Centre, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria; Graduate School of Life and Environment | Imai, T., Plant Physiology and Fruit Chemistry Division, NARO Institute of Fruit Tree Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Ubi, B.E., Plant Physiology and Fruit Chemistry Division, NARO Institute of Fruit Tree Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan, Biotechnology Research and Development Centre, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria; Saito, T., Plant Physiology and Fruit Chemistry Division, NARO Institute of Fruit Tree Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Moriguchi, T., Plant Physiology and Fruit Chemistry Division, NARO Institute of Fruit Tree Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan | We have evaluated suitable reference genes for real time (RT)-quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis in Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia). We tested most frequently used genes in the literature such as β-Tubulin, Histone H3, Actin, Elongation factor-1α, Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, together with newly added genes Annexin, SAND and TIP41. A total of 17 primer combinations for these eight genes were evaluated using cDNAs synthesized from 16 tissue samples from four groups, namely: flower bud, flower organ, fruit flesh and fruit skin. Gene expression stabilities were analyzed using geNorm and NormFinder software packages or by ΔCt method. geNorm analysis indicated three best performing genes as being sufficient for reliable normalization of RT-qPCR data. Suitable reference genes were different among sample groups, suggesting the importance of validation of gene expression stability of reference genes in the samples of interest. Ranking of stability was basically similar between geNorm and NormFinder, suggesting usefulness of these programs based on different algorithms. ΔCt method suggested somewhat different results in some groups such as flower organ or fruit skin; though the overall results were in good correlation with geNorm or NormFinder. Gene expression of two cold-inducible genes PpCBF2 and PpCBF4 were quantified using the three most and the three least stable reference genes suggested by geNorm. Although normalized quantities were different between them, the relative quantities within a group of samples were similar even when the least stable reference genes were used. Our data suggested that using the geometric mean value of three reference genes for normalization is quite a reliable approach to evaluating gene expression by RT-qPCR. We propose that the initial evaluation of gene expression stability by ΔCt method, and subsequent evaluation by geNorm or NormFinder for limited number of superior gene candidates will be a practical way of finding out reliable reference genes. © 2014 Imai et al. | None | actin; annexin; beta tubulin; complementary DNA; elongation factor 1alpha; glyceraldehyde 3 phosphate dehydrogenase; histone H3; membrane protein; protein SAND; protein TIP41; unclassified drug; 3' untranslated region; animal cell; animal tissue; article; controlled study; gene amplification; gene expression; gene locus; gene targeting; genetic analysis; genetic stability; molecular cloning; nonhuman; nucleotide sequence; plant development; plant gene; plant genetics; plant structures; PpCBF2 gene; PpCBF4 gene; Pyrus; Pyrus pyrifolia; quantitative analysis; real time polymerase chain reaction; seasonal variation; 3' Untranslated Regions; Computational Biology; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Genes, Plant; Open Reading Frames; Organ Specificity; Pyrus; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA Stability; Seasons | JSPS, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-20344400117 | Determination of midazolam and its major metabolite 1′- hydroxymidazolam by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry in plasma from children | Muchohi S.N., Ward S.A., Preston L., Newton C.R.J.C., Edwards G., Kokwaro G.O. | 2005 | Journal of Chromatography B: Analytical Technologies in the Biomedical and Life Sciences | 821 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jchromb.2005.03.015 | Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P.O. Box 43640, 00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya; Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, P.O. Box 230, 80108-Kilifi, Kenya; Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology Research Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, L3 5QA Liverpool, United Kingdom; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, L69 3GE Liverpool, United Kingdom; Neurosciences Unit, Institute for Child Health, University of London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya | Muchohi, S.N., Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P.O. Box 43640, 00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, P.O. Box 230, 80108-Kilifi, Kenya; Ward, S.A., Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology Research Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, L3 5QA Liverpool, United Kingdom, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, L69 3GE Liverpool, United Kingdom; Preston, L., Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology Research Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, L3 5QA Liverpool, United Kingdom; Newton, C.R.J.C., Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, P.O. Box 230, 80108-Kilifi, Kenya, Neurosciences Unit, Institute for Child Health, University of London, London, United Kingdom; Edwards, G., Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology Research Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, L3 5QA Liverpool, United Kingdom, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, L69 3GE Liverpool, United Kingdom; Kokwaro, G.O., Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P.O. Box 43640, 00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, P.O. Box 230, 80108-Kilifi, Kenya, Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya | We have developed a sensitive, selective and reproducible reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) for the simultaneous quantification of midazolam (MDZ) and its major metabolite, 1′-hydroxymidazolam (1′-OHM) in a small volume (200 μl) of human plasma. Midazolam, 1′-OHM and 1′-chlordiazepoxide (internal standard) were extracted from alkalinised (pH 9.5) spiked and clinical plasma samples using a single step liquid-liquid extraction with 1-chlorobutane. The chromatographic separation was performed on a reversed-phase HyPURITY™ Elite C18 (5 μm particle size; 100 mm × 2.1 mm i.d.) analytical column using an acidic (pH 2.8) mobile phase (water-acetonitrile; 75:25% (v/v) containing formic acid (0.1%, v/v)) delivered at a flow-rate of 200 μl/min. The mass spectrometer was operated in the positive ion mode at the protonated-molecular ions [M + l] + of parent drug and metabolite. Calibration curves in spiked plasma were linear (r2 ≥ 0.99) from 15 to 600 ng/ml (MDZ) and 5-200 ng/ml (1′-OHM). The limits of detection and quantification were 2 and 5 ng/ml, respectively, for both MDZ and 1′-OHM. The mean relative recoveries at 40 and 600 ng/ml (MDZ) were 79.4 ± 3.1% (n = 6) and 84.2 ± 4.7% (n = 8), respectively; for 1′-OHM at 30 and 200 ng/ml the values were 89.9 ± 7.2% (n = 6) and 86.9 ± 5.6% (n = 8), respectively. The intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CVs) for MDZ were less than 8%, and for 1′-OHM were less than 13%. There was no interference from other commonly used antimalarials, antipyretic drugs and antibiotics. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of MDZ and 1′-OHM in children with severe malaria and convulsions following administration of MDZ either intravenously (i.v.) or intramuscularly (i.m.). © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | 1′-Hydroxymidazolam; Midazolam; Pharmacokinetics in children | Assays; Drug products; Ionization; Mass spectrometry; Metabolites; Solvent extraction; Antimalarials; Electrospray ionization (ESI); Midazolam; Protonated molecular ions; High performance liquid chromatography; 1' chlordiazepoxide; alpha hydroxymidazolam; analgesic agent; antibiotic agent; anticonvulsive agent; antimalarial agent; antipyretic agent; artesunate; ceftriaxone; chloramphenicol; chlordiazepoxide; chloroquine; cycloguanil; deethylchloroquine; midazolam; midazolam maleate; paracetamol; penicillin G; proguanil; pyrimethamine; quinine; salicylic acid; sulfadoxine; unclassified drug; accuracy; alkalinity; analytic method; anticonvulsant activity; antimalarial activity; article; blood sampling; child; controlled study; device; drug blood level; drug determination; drug isolation; electrospray mass spectrometry; high performance liquid chromatography; human; liquid liquid extraction; malaria; priority journal; reliability; seizure; Anticonvulsants; Child; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Humans; Kenya; Malaria, Falciparum; Midazolam; Reproducibility of Results; Seizures; Sensitivity and Specificity; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905002841 | Atomistic insight into orthoborate-based ionic liquids: Force field development and evaluation | Wang Y.-L., Shah F.U., Glavatskih S., Antzutkin O.N., Laaksonen A. | 2014 | Journal of Physical Chemistry B | 118 | 29 | 10.1021/jp503029d | Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, S-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden; Chemistry of Interfaces, Luleå University of Technology, S-971 87, Luleå, Sweden; System and Component Design, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, S-10 044, Stockholm, Sweden; Mechanical Construction and Production, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Physics, Warwick University, CV4 7AL, Coventry, United Kingdom; Stellenbosch Institute of Advanced Studies (STIAS), Wallenberg Research Centre, Stellenbosch University, Marais Street, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | Wang, Y.-L., Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, S-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden; Shah, F.U., Chemistry of Interfaces, Luleå University of Technology, S-971 87, Luleå, Sweden; Glavatskih, S., System and Component Design, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, S-10 044, Stockholm, Sweden, Mechanical Construction and Production, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Antzutkin, O.N., Chemistry of Interfaces, Luleå University of Technology, S-971 87, Luleå, Sweden, Department of Physics, Warwick University, CV4 7AL, Coventry, United Kingdom; Laaksonen, A., Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, S-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden, Stellenbosch Institute of Advanced Studies (STIAS), Wallenberg Research Centre, Stellenbosch University, Marais Street, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | We have developed an all-atomistic force field for a new class of halogen-free chelated orthoborate-phosphonium ionic liquids. The force field is based on an AMBER framework with determination of force field parameters for phosphorus and boron atoms, as well as refinement of several available parameters. The bond and angle force constants were adjusted to fit vibration frequency data derived from both experimental measurements and ab initio calculations. The force field parameters for several dihedral angles were obtained by fitting torsion energy profiles deduced from ab initio calculations. To validate the proposed force field parameters, atomistic simulations were performed for 12 ionic liquids consisting of tetraalkylphosphonium cations and chelated orthoborate anions. The predicted densities for neat ionic liquids and the [P6,6,6,14][BOB] sample, with a water content of approximately 2.3-2.5 wt %, are in excellent agreement with available experimental data. The potential energy components of 12 ionic liquids were discussed in detail. The radial distribution functions and spatial distribution functions were analyzed and visualized to probe the microscopic ionic structures of these ionic liquids. There are mainly four high-probability regions of chelated orthoborate anions distributed around tetraalkylphosphonium cations in the first solvation shell, and such probability distribution functions are strongly influenced by the size of anions. © 2014 American Chemical Society. | None | Calculations; Chelation; Distribution functions; Oil field development; Positive ions; Probability distributions; Ab initio calculations; Atomistic simulations; Energy components; Force field development; Force field parameters; Radial distribution functions; Solvation shell; Vibration frequency; Ionic liquids | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890353141 | Stable isotope evidence for impact-related pseudotachylite formation at vredefort by local melting of dry rocks | Harris C., Fourie D.S., Fagereng A. | 2013 | South African Journal of Geology | 116 | 1 | 10.2113/gssajg.116.1.101 | Department of Geological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Harris, C., Department of Geological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Fourie, D.S., Department of Geological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Fagereng, A., Department of Geological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | We have determined the major element composition, δ18O and δD values, and water content of impact-related granophyre, and pseudotachylite, from various Vredefort Dome localities, aiming to constrain the mechanism of melt formation and the relationship between pseudotachylite and granophyre. The granitoid gneisses and the pseudotachylites they host have almost identical average δD and δ180 values (-67 and 8.6%o, and -67 and 8.4%o, respectively). The water contents of the pseudotachylites are extremely low, consistent with the isolation of the pseudotachylites from free water during and since their formation. There is a bimodal distribution of water content in pseudotachylites, with one group averaging 0.28 ± 0.03 weight % (n = 9) and the other 0.59 ± 0.06 weight % (n = 9). The Vredefort granophyre, which has been interpreted as the pooled product of impact melting, has average δD and δ180 values of -69%o and 7.6%o, respectively (n = 2) and also has a very low water content (0.23 weight %). Differences in major element and O-isotope composition between the granophyre and the pseudotachylites are not consistent with a simple relationship, but can be explained by a higher component of greenstone in the granophyre. A strong correlation between host and pseudotachylite δ18O values is consistent with a system where the melt composition is controlled by the immediate surroundings. The pseudotachylites with higher water content have slightly higher δ18O values (9.1 compared to 8.1‰). This is opposite to the relationship predicted if water content is related to the proportion of biotite entering the melt. It is possible, instead, that this relates to the incorporation of higher proportions of material altered at low temperature in the high-water group. © 2013 June Geological Society of South Africa. | None | formation mechanism; granophyre; greenstone; impact structure; melt; metamorphism; pseudotachylite; stable isotope; water content; Free State; South Africa; Vredefort Dome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-31544462587 | Assessment of heavy-metal profile of the New Calabar River and its impact on juvenile Clarias gariepinus | Wegwu M.O., Akaninwor J.O. | 2006 | Chemistry and Biodiversity | 3 | 1 | 10.1002/cbdv.200690010 | Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Wegwu, M.O., Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Akaninwor, J.O., Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | We have determined the heavy-metal status of the lower reaches of the New Calabar River in the Niger Delta region over a 40-km-long distance, and its impact on the development of catfish (juvenile Clarias gariepinus). The total mean concentrations of dissolved trace metals in the river were 0.01, 0.85, 0.56, 2.08, 0.05, 12.0, and 6.59 mg/l for Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, and Zn, respectively. The accumulated concentration of trace metals in the muscles of different mature fish caught from the river were examined, and the results fell within the action levels adopted in most countries. To evaluate the contributions of trace metals to fisheries depletion, eggs of C. gariepinus were hatched in dilution water spiked with the total mean metal levels determined in the river water. Our results indicate substantive inhibition of egg hatch even at very low concentrations of the majority of the trace metals studied, with mortality rates well above 50% after 216 h of exposure (Table 5). These findings suggest that trace metals (except for Zn), even at very low concentrations, negatively affect fish hatch and fry rearing, implying that aquatic milieus contaminated by trace metals are not suitable as nursery grounds for fish cultures. © 2006 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta. | None | cadmium; chromium; copper; heavy metal; iron; lead; mercury; river water; trace metal; zinc; animal tissue; aquatic environment; article; breeding; catfish; concentration (parameters); controlled study; death; environmental exposure; environmental impact assessment; fishery; geography; hatching; Nigeria; nonhuman; pisciculture; river; tissue distribution; water pollution; Age Factors; Animals; Catfishes; Metals, Heavy; Nigeria; Rivers; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Animalia; Clarias gariepinus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548264707 | Electronic structure of trigonal-planar transition-metal - Imido complexes: Spin-state energetics, spin-density profiles, and the remarkable performance of the OLYP functional | Conradie J., Ghosh A. | 2007 | Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation | 3 | 3 | 10.1021/ct600337j | Center for Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway; Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, 9300 Bloemfontein, South Africa | Conradie, J., Center for Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway, Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, 9300 Bloemfontein, South Africa; Ghosh, A., Center for Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway | We have carried out a detailed multifunctional density functional theory study of first-row transition-metal (Cr to Cu) β-diketiminato ("nacnac") imido and oxo complexes. All the complexes studied exhibit essentially the same d-orbital energy ordering, which is a1 (d x 2-z 2) ≤ a2 (d xy) ≤ a1 (dy2) < b2 (d yz) < b1 (dxz), where the metal-imido vector is identified with the z axis and metal-N3 plane is identified with the xz plane. A curious aspect of this orbital ordering is that the metal d z 2-z 2 orbital, one of whose lobes points directly at the imido nitrogen, is considerably lower in energy than the dπ orbitale. We have determined that the remarkable stability of the dσ-type orbitale owes largely to the way these orbitals hybridize or "shape-shift" as a result of the absence of ligands trans or equatorial with respect to the imido (or oxo) group. Of the many functionals examined, OLYP and OPBE, based on the Handy-Cohen OPTX exchange functional, appear to provide the best overall description of the spin-state energetics of the various complexes. In particular, these two functionals predict an S = 3/2 ground state for Fe(III) nacnac imido complexes and an S = 0 ground state for Co(III) nacnac imido complexes, as observed experimentally. In contrast, classic pure functionals such as PW91 predict S = 1/2 ground states or at best equienergetic S = 1/2 and S = 3/2 states for the Fe(III) imido complexes, while hybrid functionals such as B3LYP and O3LYP predict S = 1 or 2 ground states for the Co(III) nacnac imido complexes. © 2007 American Chemical Society. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000284513700001 | HIV/AIDS dynamics Impact of economic classes with transmission from poor clinical settings | Pedro, S. A.,Tchuenche, J. M. | 2010 | JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL BIOLOGY | 267 | 4 | 10.1016/j.jtbi.2010.09.019 | University of Dar es Salaam, Eduardo Mondlane Univ | "Tchuenche, J. M.: University of Dar es Salaam", | We formulate and analyze a nonlinear deterministic HIV/AIDS model with two social classes namely the poor and the rich including transmission from poor clinical settings with a randomly variable population Four sub-models are derived from the full model the disease threshold parameters are computed and it is shown that the disease will die down if these initial threshold parameters are less than unity and will persist if they exceed unity The impact of economic classes (along with transmission from poor/inadequate clinical settings) on the disease dynamics is assessed and we observe that even with a single sexual partner the reproduction number is slightly greater than unity implying that the additional transmission can only be from clinical settings Stability (local and global) of both the disease-free and endemic equilibria are then investigated using various techniques of dynamical systems such as Centre Manifold theory and Lyapunov s second method Analysis on the bifurcation parameter is carried out to assess the impact of related HIV transmission from poor clinical settings We estimate some of the model parameter values and numerical simulations of the model are represented graphically Our results show that the prevalence of HIV in rich communities seems to be higher than that in the poor but the disease develops faster in impoverished individuals (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved | "economic classes",HIV/AIDS,"LYAPUNOV FUNCTION","Poor clinical settings",STABILITY,EPIDEMIC,"HIV TRANSMISSION",INFECTIOUS-DISEASES,MODELS,RISK,SPREAD,VIRUS,WORKERS | None | 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-s2.0-84873747198 | Using Large Climate Ensembles to Plan for the Hydrological Impact of Climate Change in the Freshwater Environment | Fung F., Watts G., Lopez A., Orr H.G., New M., Extence C. | 2013 | Water Resources Management | 27 | 4 | 10.1007/s11269-012-0080-7 | Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom; Environment Agency of England and Wales, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol, BS1 5AH, United Kingdom; Grantham Research Institute, London School of Economics and Political Sciences, Houghton Street, London, WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom; Department of Environmental and Geographic Science, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | Fung, F., Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom; Watts, G., Environment Agency of England and Wales, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol, BS1 5AH, United Kingdom; Lopez, A., Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom, Grantham Research Institute, London School of Economics and Political Sciences, Houghton Street, London, WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom; Orr, H.G., Environment Agency of England and Wales, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol, BS1 5AH, United Kingdom; New, M., Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom, Department of Environmental and Geographic Science, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa, African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Extence, C., Environment Agency of England and Wales, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol, BS1 5AH, United Kingdom | We explore the use of large ensembles of climate scenarios to inform climate change adaptation in response to hydrological impacts on the freshwater environment, using a sensitive chalk river in south east England to illustrate the approach. The climateprediction. net experiment provides large ensembles of transient climate series from 1920 to 2080. We use 246 transient climate series in the CATCHMOD rainfall-run-off model to develop large ensembles of plausible river flows for the River Itchen. This transient ensemble allows the exploration of how flows may change through the twenty-first century, and demonstrates the range of possible consequences for freshwater ecosystems, based on invertebrate community impacts. Hydrological modelling of flow sequences including abstraction allows the continued effectiveness of river support from groundwater to be assessed. A new environmental impact matrix considers the response of the freshwater ecosystem in the Itchen, concentrating particularly on macro-invertebrates. Through the century increasing numbers of models fail the flow targets, with a minority of models suggesting flows that would lead to irreversible change to the invertebrate community. The large ensemble provides a richer picture of the range of possible change, allowing managers to explore a range of different responses. The approach used is illustrative, but demonstrates that large ensembles may be of great value in improving the understanding of the possible impact of climate change, provided that they can be communicated effectively to decision-makers. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Climate change; Decision making; Large ensembles; Macro-invertebrate response; Modelling; River ecosystems; Uncertainty; Water resources | Climate change adaptation; Climate scenarios; Decision makers; England; Freshwater ecosystem; Freshwater environments; Hydrological impacts; Hydrological modelling; Invertebrate communities; Irreversible changes; Large ensembles; Macroinvertebrates; River ecosystem; River flow; Uncertainty; Climate change; Decision making; Ecosystems; Environmental impact; Groundwater; Models; Rivers; Uncertainty analysis; Water resources; Climate models; climate change; climate effect; climate prediction; decision making; ensemble forecasting; environmental impact; freshwater environment; hydrological modeling; macroinvertebrate; rainfall-runoff modeling; river flow; river system; uncertainty analysis; England; Hampshire; Itchen River; United Kingdom; Invertebrata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-72849126411 | A qualitative study of the multiple impacts of external workplace violence in two Western Cape communities | Bowman B., Crafford A., Bhamjee F., Eagle G. | 2009 | South African Journal of Psychology | 39 | 3 | None | Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Programme in Industrial Psychology, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Bowman, B., Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Crafford, A., Programme in Industrial Psychology, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Bhamjee, F., Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Eagle, G., Programme in Industrial Psychology, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | We explore the individual, organisational, familial, and community impacts of external workplace violence in a South African telecommunications company, as perceived and experienced by victims of such violence and the members of management mandated to manage and prevent it. Exposure to violence while working dramatically and directly affected the lives of the individual victims. Moreover, its impacts were felt across and within the organisational, familial, and community settings in which these individuals are located daily. The use of conventional crisis management strategies that are traditionally directed at addressing the individual impacts of trauma through specialised psychological interventions were perceived to be ineffective by all of the research participants. Our findings therefore call into question current understandings of the psychologist's role in managing violence in the workplace. Accordingly, ways of re-conceptualising the role and requisite skill set of psychologists working with or in organisations, where violence while working is an everyday reality, are suggested. © Psychological Society of South Africa. All rights reserved. | Psychologist in the workplace; Trauma; Violence; Work; Workplace violence | None | None |
| None | None | Employee layoffs, shareholder wealth and firm performance: Evidence from the UK | Hillier D., Marshall A., McColgan P., Werema S. | 2007 | Journal of Business Finance and Accounting | 34 | 42433 | 10.1111/j.1468-5957.2007.02042.x | Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, United Kingdom; Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom; Faculty of Business Management, Open University of Tanzania, Tanzania; Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Strathclyde, Curran Building, 100 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0LN, United Kingdom | Hillier, D., Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, United Kingdom; Marshall, A., Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom; McColgan, P., Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom, Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Strathclyde, Curran Building, 100 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0LN, United Kingdom; Werema, S., Faculty of Business Management, Open University of Tanzania, Tanzania | We examine the financial performance of UK listed companies surrounding the announcement of permanent employee layoffs. We find that poor operating and stock price performance, increased gearing, and threats from external markets for corporate control precede employee layoffs. Layoff announcements elicit a significantly negative stock price reaction, which is driven by announcements that are reactive to poor financial conditions. We also find that layoffs result in significant increases in employee productivity and corporate focus. We conclude that layoffs represent an efficient response to poor financial conditions, but that their occurrence is strongly dependent on pressure from external control markets. © 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Corporate control; Corporate restructuring; Employee layoffs; Firm performance | None | None |
| None | None | Outpatient process quality evaluation and the Hawthorne Effect | Leonard K., Masatu M.C. | 2006 | Social Science and Medicine | 63 | 9 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2006.06.003 | Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Maryland, 2200 Symons Hall, College Park, MD 20742, United States; Centre for Educational Development in Health, Arusha, Tanzania | Leonard, K., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Maryland, 2200 Symons Hall, College Park, MD 20742, United States; Masatu, M.C., Centre for Educational Development in Health, Arusha, Tanzania | We examine the evidence that the behavior of clinicians is impacted by the fact that they are being observed by a research team. Data on the quality of care provided by clinicians in Arusha region of Tanzania show a marked fall in quality over time as new patients are consulted. By conducting detailed interviews with patients who consulted both before and after our research team arrived we are able to show strong evidence of the Hawthorne effect. Patient-reported quality is steady before we arrive, rises significantly (by 13 percentage points) at the moment we arrive and then falls steadily thereafter. We show that quality after we arrive begins to look similar to quality before we arrived between the 10th and 15th consultations. Implications for quality measurement and policy are discussed. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Audit and feedback; Hawthorne effect; Out patient department quality evaluation; Tanzania | health care; psychology; research work; analytical research; article; consultation; Hawthorne effect; health care quality; human; interview; medical audit; outpatient; outpatient department; policy; Tanzania; Ambulatory Care; Behavior; Effect Modifiers (Epidemiology); Health Personnel; Humans; Observation; Quality of Health Care; Questionnaires; Tanzania; Africa; Arusha [Tanzania]; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649421857 | The impact of environment on the dynamical structure of satellite systems | Faltenbacher A. | 2010 | Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society | 408 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1365-2966.2010.17185.x | Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; Max-Planck-Institute for Astrophysics, Karl-Schwarzschild-Str. 1, D-85741 Garching, Germany; MPA/SHAO Joint Center for Astrophysical Cosmology at Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Nandan Road 80, Shanghai 200030, China | Faltenbacher, A., Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa, Max-Planck-Institute for Astrophysics, Karl-Schwarzschild-Str. 1, D-85741 Garching, Germany, MPA/SHAO Joint Center for Astrophysical Cosmology at Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Nandan Road 80, Shanghai 200030, China | We examine the effects of environment on the dynamical structure of satellite systems based on the Millennium II Simulation. Satellite haloes are defined as subhaloes within the virial radius of a host halo. The satellite sample is restricted to those subhaloes which showed a maximum circular velocity above 30 km s-1 at the time of accretion. Host halo masses range from 1011 to 1014 h-1 M.. We compute the satellites' average accretion redshift, zacc, velocity dispersion, σ, and velocity anisotropy parameter, β, utilizing stacked satellite samples of equal-mass hosts at similar background densities. The main results are as follows. (1) On an average, satellites within hosts in high-density environments are accreted earlier (Δz≈ 0.1) compared to their counterparts at low densities. For host masses above 5 × 1013 h-1 M. this trend weakens, and may reverse for higher host masses. (2) The velocity dispersion of satellites in low-density environments follows that of the host, i.e. no velocity bias is observed for host haloes at low densities independent of host mass. However, for low-mass hosts in high-density environments the velocity dispersion of the satellites can be up to ~30 per cent larger than that of the host halo, i.e. the satellites are dynamically hotter than their host haloes. (3) The anisotropy parameter depends on host mass and environment. Satellites of massive hosts show more radially biased velocity distributions. Moreover in low-density environments, satellites have more radially biased velocities (Δβ≳ 0.1) as compared to their counterparts in high-density environments. We believe that our approach allows us to predict a similar behaviour for observed satellite galaxy systems. © 2010 The Author. Journal compilation © 2010 RAS. | Dark matter; Galaxies: clusters: general; Galaxies: haloes; Methods: N-body simulations; Methods: numerical | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-61549097533 | Macroeconomic performance and inequality: Brazil, 1983-94 | Bittencourt M. | 2009 | Developing Economies | 47 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1746-1049.2009.00075.x | School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Bittencourt, M., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | We examine how poor macroeconomic performance, mainly in terms of high rates of inflation, affected earnings inequality in the 1980s and early 1990s in Brazil. The results, based initially on aggregate time series, and then on sub-national panel time-series data and analysis, show that the extreme inflation, combined with an imperfect process of financial adaptation and incomplete indexation coverage, had a regressive and significant impact on inequality. The implication of the results is that sound macroeconomic policies, which keep inflation low and stable in the long run, should be a necessary first step of any policy package implemented to alleviate inequality in Brazil. © Journal compilation © 2009 Institute of Developing Economies. | Brazil; Financial adaptation; Indexation; Inequality; Inflation | financial system; inflation; macroeconomics; time series analysis; Brazil; South America | None |
| WoS | WOS:000327073900019 | The impact of HIV status, HIV disease progression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms on the health-related quality of life of Rwandan women genocide survivors | Adedimeji, Adebola A.,Anastos, Kathryn,Cohen, Mardge H.,Gard, Tracy L.,Hoover, Donald R.,Mutimura, Eugene,Shi, Qiuhu | 2013 | QUALITY OF LIFE RESEARCH | 22 | 8 | 10.1007/s11136-012-0328-y | Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York Medical College, Rush University, Rutgers State University, Yeshiva University, Kigali Hlth Inst | "Cohen, Mardge H.: Rush University","Hoover, Donald R.: Rutgers State University","Shi, Qiuhu: New York Medical College", | We examined whether established associations between HIV disease and HIV disease progression on worse health-related quality of life (HQOL) were applicable to women with severe trauma histories, in this case Rwandan women genocide survivors, the majority of whom were HIV-infected. Additionally, this study attempted to clarify whether post-traumatic stress symptoms were uniquely associated with HQOL or confounded with depression.
The Rwandan Women's Interassociation Study and Assessment was a longitudinal prospective study of HIV-infected and uninfected women. At study entry, 922 women (705 HIV+ and 217 HIV-) completed measures of symptoms of post-traumatic stress and HQOL as well as other demographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics.
Even after controlling for potential confounders and mediators, HIV+ women, in particular those with the lowest CD4 counts, scored significantly worse on HQOL and overall quality of life (QOL) than did HIV- women. Even after controlling for depression and HIV disease progression, women with more post-traumatic stress symptoms scored worse on HQOL and overall QOL than women with fewer post-traumatic stress symptoms.
This study demonstrated that post-traumatic stress symptoms were independently associated with HQOL and overall QOL, independent of depression and other confounders or potential mediators. Future research should examine whether the long-term impact of treatment on physical and psychological symptoms of HIV and post-traumatic stress symptoms would generate improvement in HQOL. | HIV,"post-traumatic stress disorder","QUALITY OF LIFE",RWANDA,WOMEN,"ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",DEPRESSION,DISORDER,INFECTION,PEOPLE,PREDICTORS,RAPE,SOUTH,TRAUMA,WORLD | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000234123500009 | Impact of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness on inequalities in child health in rural Tanzania | de Savigny, D,Masanja, H,MSHINDA, H,SCHELLENBERG, JA,VICTORA, CG | 2005 | HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING | 20 | None | 10.1093/heapol/czi054 | Universidade Federal de Pelotas, University of Basel, University of London, Ifakara Hlth Res & Dev Ctr, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Swiss Trop Inst, Tanzania Essential Hlth Intervent Project | None | We examined the impact of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy on the equality of health outcomes and access across socioeconomic gradients in rural Tanzania, by comparing changes in inequities between 1999 and 2002 in two districts with IMCI (Morogoro Rural and Rufiji) and two without (Kilombero and Ulanga).
Equity differentials for six child health indicators (underweight, stunting, measles immunization, access to treated and untreated nets, treatment of fever with antimalarial) improved significantly in IMCI districts compared with comparison districts (p < 0.05), while four indicators (wasting, DPT coverage, caretakers' knowledge of danger signs and appropriate careseeking) improved significantly in comparison districts compared with IMCI districts (p < 0.05). The largest improvements were observed for stunting among children between 24-59 months of age. The concentration index improved from -0.102 in 1999 to -0.032 in 2002 for IMCI, while it remained almost unchanged -0.122 to -0.133 in comparison districts. IMCI was associated with improved equity for measles vaccine coverage, whereas the opposite was observed for DPT antigens.
This study has shown how equity assessments can be incorporated in impact evaluation at relatively little additional cost, and how this may point to specific interventions that need to be reinforced. The introduction of IMCI led to improvements in child health that did not occur at the expense of equity. | "CHILD HEALTH","CHILD SURVIVAL",EQUITY,IMCI,"SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS",CARE,INEQUITIES,MORTALITY,POOR | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-12144265481 | Impact of African herbal medicines on antiretroviral metabolism | Mills E., Foster B.C., Van Heeswijk R., Phillips E., Wilson K., Leonard B., Kosuge K., Kanfer I. | 2005 | AIDS | 19 | 1 | None | Dept. Clin. Epidemiol. Biostatist., McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont., Canada; University of British Columbia, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases, Ottawa General Hospital, Ottawa, Ont., Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada; Can. Coll. of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, Ont., Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Mills, E., Dept. Clin. Epidemiol. Biostatist., McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont., Canada, Can. Coll. of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, Ont., Canada; Foster, B.C., University of British Columbia, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Van Heeswijk, R., Division of Infectious Diseases, Ottawa General Hospital, Ottawa, Ont., Canada; Phillips, E., Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada; Wilson, K., Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada; Leonard, B., Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada; Kosuge, K., Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada; Kanfer, I., Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | We examined the effects of two African herbal medicines recommended for HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral metabolism. Extracts from Hypoxis and Sutherlandia showed significant effects on cytochrome P450 3A4 metabolism and activated the pregnane X receptor approximately twofold. P-glycoprotein expression was inhibited, with Hypoxis showing 42-51% and Sutherlandia showing 19-31% of activity compared with verapamil. Initiating policies to provide herbal medicines with antiretroviral agents may put patients at risk of treatment failure, viral resistance or drug toxicity. | None | antiretrovirus agent; cytochrome P450 3A4; glycoprotein P; Hypoxis hemerocallidea extract; nelfinavir; plant extract; pregnane X receptor; rifampicin; Sutherlandia extract; unclassified drug; verapamil; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; controlled study; drug metabolism; drug toxicity; enzyme activation; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Hypoxis; priority journal; protein expression; treatment failure; virus resistance; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases; Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A; Fabaceae; Herb-Drug Interactions; Humans; Hypoxis; Oxidoreductases, N-Demethylating; P-Glycoprotein; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; Receptors, Steroid; Verapamil | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925497945 | Human harvesting impacts on managed areas: ecological effects of socially-compatible shellfish reserves | Aswani S., Flores C.F., Broitman B.R. | 2014 | Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries | 25 | 1 | 10.1007/s11160-014-9376-4 | Department of Anthropology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science (DIFS), Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States; IGP Marine Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Aridas (CEAZA), Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile | Aswani, S., Department of Anthropology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa, Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science (DIFS), Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Flores, C.F., Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States, IGP Marine Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States; Broitman, B.R., Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Aridas (CEAZA), Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile | We examined how human harvesting impacts on managed areas affect the abundance and size distribution of the edible mangrove shellfish Anadara granosa and Polymesoda spp. in the Roviana Lagoon, Solomon Islands. We tested two hypotheses: (1) in areas permanently and temporally closed to human exploitation, abundance and size distribution of these shellfish species is significantly greater than in sites open to exploitation and (2) moderate human disturbance of shell beds, particularly of Polymesoda spp., increases their abundance. Firstly, we studied perceptions of environmental states and processes coupled to foraging and management interventions to assess sociocultural influences on harvesting practices and ascertain the types of management regime that people would consider in a context where poaching and interloping are common practices. Secondly, we compared shellfish abundance and shell size from areas that were permanently protected, temporally reserved for communal harvest, and permanently open for exploitation. Thirdly, drawing from women’s local knowledge, we measured the abundance of Polymesoda spp. in relation to mud compactness in quadrats across the three management regimes. Results showed that both species were significantly more abundant in permanent and temporally closed sites than in open sites. In the mud compactness study, however, while shell abundance was greater in moderately compacted quadrats, there was no statistical relationship between mud compactness and shell abundance within or across the three management regimes. Results suggest that even under the strong impacts of poaching, temporally closed areas have more clams than open areas and are as effective as areas that are permanently closed nominally. The results also suggest that human harvesting regimes can influence the effectiveness of local management decisions and thus are important when designing community-based conservation programs in the Solomon Islands and other Pacific Islands. © 2014, Springer International Publishing Switzerland. | Ecological disturbance; Ecological impacts; Foraging; MPAs; Shellfish; Social acceptability; Solomon Islands | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548103853 | Field evaluation of a rota- and adenovirus immunochromatographic assay using stool samples from children with acute diarrhea in Ghana | Weitzel T., Reither K., Mockenhaupt F.P., Stark K., Ignatius R., Saad E., Seidu-Korkor A., Bienzle U., Schreier E. | 2007 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 45 | 8 | 10.1128/JCM.00562-07 | Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Regional Health Administration, Ministry of Health, Tamale, Ghana; Department of Molecular Epidemiology of Viral Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Spandauer Damm 130, D-14050 Berlin, Germany | Weitzel, T., Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany, Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Spandauer Damm 130, D-14050 Berlin, Germany; Reither, K., Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Mockenhaupt, F.P., Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Stark, K., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany; Ignatius, R., Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Saad, E., Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Seidu-Korkor, A., Regional Health Administration, Ministry of Health, Tamale, Ghana; Bienzle, U., Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Schreier, E., Department of Molecular Epidemiology of Viral Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany | We evaluated the Rida Quick rotavirus/adenovirus Combi rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) under field conditions with Ghanaian children with acute diarrhea. Compared to PCR results, sensitivities and specificities were 75% and 95% for rotavirus and 22% and 84% for adenovirus. In resource-poor settings, ICTs may help to overcome difficulties in the diagnosis of rotavirus infection. Copyright © 2007, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | acute diarrhea; Adenovirus; article; childhood disease; chromatography; device; evaluation; feces analysis; Ghana; human; immunochromatographic assay; intermethod comparison; nonhuman; polymerase chain reaction; priority journal; Rotavirus; sensitivity and specificity; Adenoviridae; Adenoviridae Infections; Child; Child, Preschool; Chromatography, Affinity; Diarrhea; Ghana; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rotavirus; Rotavirus Infections; Sensitivity and Specificity; Virology; Adenoviridae; Rotavirus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868592655 | Depressive symptoms and their impact on health-seeking behaviors in newly-diagnosed HIV-infected patients in Durban, South Africa | Ramirez-Avila L., Regan S., Giddy J., Chetty S., Ross D., Katz J.N., Freedberg K.A., Walensky R.P., Losina E., Bassett I.V. | 2012 | AIDS and Behavior | 16 | 8 | 10.1007/s10461-012-0160-y | Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Boston, 333 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02139, United States; Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; McCord Hospital, Durban, South Africa; St. Mary's Hospital, Mariannhill, Durban, South Africa; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Division of Rheumatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Division of Infectious Disease, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Biostatistics, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States | Ramirez-Avila, L., Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Boston, 333 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02139, United States, Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Regan, S., Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Giddy, J., McCord Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Chetty, S., McCord Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Ross, D., St. Mary's Hospital, Mariannhill, Durban, South Africa; Katz, J.N., Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Division of Rheumatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Freedberg, K.A., Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Walensky, R.P., Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Division of Infectious Disease, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Losina, E., Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Division of Rheumatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Biostatistics, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Bassett, I.V., Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States | We evaluated the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms prior to HIV diagnosis and determined the effect of these symptoms on seeking HIV care at an urban and rural clinic in Durban, South Africa. Adults were administered a questionnaire which included the 5-item Mental Health Index (MHI-5) before HIV testing. We determined the depressive symptoms among HIV-infected subjects. Of 1,545 newly-diagnosed HIV-infected subjects, 55% had depressive symptoms by MHI-5 score. Enrolling at the urban clinic and decreasing functional activity score were associated with depressive symptoms. Subjects with depressive symptoms who were referred for HIV testing by a healthcare provider were less likely to obtain a CD4 count than those without depressive symptoms who self-referred for testing. Depressive symptoms were common among newly-diagnosed HIV-infected participants and impacted CD4 uptake. Depression screening at the time of HIV diagnosis is critical for improving linkage to mental health and HIV services in South Africa. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2012. | Africa; Depression; Depressive symptoms; HIV; Linkage to care; South Africa | adult; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; depression; evaluation; female; follow up; health behavior; hospital; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; male; mass screening; methodology; multivariate analysis; patient attitude; patient referral; prevalence; prospective study; psychological aspect; questionnaire; rural population; socioeconomics; South Africa; statistics; urban population; Adult; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Depression; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Health Behavior; HIV Infections; Hospitals, Rural; Hospitals, Urban; Humans; Male; Mass Screening; Multivariate Analysis; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Questionnaires; Referral and Consultation; Rural Population; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa; Urban Population | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856624708 | 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-s2.0-77957777259 | Impacts of the Productive Safety Net Program in Ethiopia on livestock and tree holdings of rural households | Andersson C., Mekonnen A., Stage J. | 2011 | Journal of Development Economics | 94 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2009.12.002 | Department of Economics, Umeå University, SE 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; Department of Economics, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Economics, University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 640, 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden | Andersson, C., Department of Economics, Umeå University, SE 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; Mekonnen, A., Department of Economics, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Stage, J., Department of Economics, University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 640, 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden | We evaluated the impacts of the Ethiopian Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) on rural households' holdings of livestock and forest assets/trees. We found no indication that participation in PSNP induces households to disinvest in livestock or trees. In fact, households that participated in the program increased the number of trees planted, but there was no increase in their livestock holdings. We found no strong evidence that the PSNP protects livestock in times of shock. Shocks appear to lead households to disinvest in livestock, but not in trees. Our results suggest that there is increased forestry activity as a result of PSNP, and that improved credit access encourages households to increase their livestock holdings. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. | Ethiopia; Livestock; Safety nets; Trees | forestry production; household expenditure; livestock; participatory approach; rural economy; rural finance; rural society; social security; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-42549157498 | Effects of night-reading on daytime sleepiness, sleep quality and academic performance of undergraduate pharmacy students in Nigeria | Adeosun S.O., Asa S.O., Babalola O.O., Akanmu M.A. | 2008 | Sleep and Biological Rhythms | 6 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1479-8425.2008.00338.x | Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220-005 Osun State, Nigeria; Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Faculty of Social Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220-005 Osun State, Nigeria; D | Adeosun, S.O., Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220-005 Osun State, Nigeria; Asa, S.O., Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Faculty of Social Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220-005 Osun State, Nigeria; Babalola, O.O., Department of Clinical Pharmacy Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220-005 Osun State, Nigeria; Akanmu, M.A., Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220-005 Osun State, Nigeria | We evaluated the impact of night reading on daytime sleepiness, quality of sleep and performance of student. Pharmacy students (N = 253, 71.5% response rate) completed a sleep and study lifestyle questionnaire, the Pittsburgh sleep quality index and the Epworth sleepiness scale questionnaires, and their grade indices (were obtained. The results showed that the prevalence of night reading was 76.7% and there was a significant (P < 0.05) association between night reading and sleep quality, and also between sleep quality and academic performance. Thus, habitual night reading may affect academic performance, possibly due to the reduced sleep and poor sleep quality of habitual night readers. © 2008 The Authors Journal compilation © 2008 Japanese Society of Sleep Research. | Academic performance; Daytime sleepiness; PSQI; Sleep education; Sleep quality | academic achievement; adolescent; adult; article; controlled study; daytime somnolence; Epworth sleepiness scale; female; human; human experiment; lifestyle; male; Nigeria; night; normal human; pharmacy student; prevalence; priority journal; questionnaire; reading; scoring system; sex difference; sleep; sleep time | None |
| None | None | Performance of urine lipoarabinomannan assays for paediatric tuberculosis in Tanzania | Kroidl I., Clowes P., Reither K., Mtafya B., Rojas-Ponce G., Ntinginya E.N., Kalomo M., Minja L.T., Kowuor D., Saathoff E., Kroidl A., Heinrich N., Maboko L., Bates M., O'Grady J., Zumla A., Hoelscher M., Rachow A. | 2015 | European Respiratory Journal | 46 | 3 | 10.1183/09031936.00003315 | Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich (LMU), Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Germany; National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania; Medical Services and Diagnostic, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; Medical Services and Diagnostic (Swiss TPH), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Dept. for Paediatrics and Child Health, Mbeya Referral Hospital, Mbeya, Tanzania; Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; University of Zambia, University College London Medical School Research and Training Project, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia; Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom | Kroidl, I., Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich (LMU), Germany, National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania; Clowes, P., National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania; Reither, K., Medical Services and Diagnostic, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, Medical Services and Diagnostic (Swiss TPH), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Mtafya, B., National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania; Rojas-Ponce, G., National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania; Ntinginya, E.N., National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania; Kalomo, M., Dept. for Paediatrics and Child Health, Mbeya Referral Hospital, Mbeya, Tanzania; Minja, L.T., National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania, Medical Services and Diagnostic, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, Medical Services and Diagnostic (Swiss TPH), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Kowuor, D., National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania; Saathoff, E., Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich (LMU), Germany, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Germany; Kroidl, A., Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich (LMU), Germany, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Germany, National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania; Heinrich, N., Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich (LMU), Germany, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Germany; Maboko, L., National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania; Bates, M., University of Zambia, University College London Medical School Research and Training Project, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom; O'Grady, J., University of Zambia, University College London Medical School Research and Training Project, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom; Zumla, A., University of Zambia, University College London Medical School Research and Training Project, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom; Hoelscher, M., Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich (LMU), Germany, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Germany, National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania; Rachow, A., Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich (LMU), Germany, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Germany, National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania | We evaluated the diagnostic performance of two tests based on the release of lipoarabinomannan (LAM) into the urine, the MTB-LAM-ELISA assay and the Determine TB-LAM-strip assay, in children with suspected tuberculosis (TB) in a high TB/HIV-prevalence setting. In a prospective study, 132 children with suspected active TB were assigned to diagnostic subgroups. Urine samples were subjected to testing by both assays to ascertain sensitivity and specificity. Host factors associated with positive LAM results were investigated and LAM excretion monitored after antituberculous treatment initiation. 18 (13.6%) children had culture-confirmed pulmonary TB. The assays' sensitivity was higher in HIVpositive versus HIV-negative children: 70% (95% confidence interval 35-93%) versus 13% (0-53%) for MTB-LAM-ELISA and 50% (19-81%) versus 0% (0-37%) for Determine TB-LAM. In 35 (27%) children with excluded active TB, both assays showed a specificity of 97.1% (85-100%). Proteinuria and low body mass index were independently associated with LAM positivity. In most patients, LAM excretion declined to zero during or at conclusion of antituberculous treatment. HIV/TB co-infected children might benefit from LAM-based tests to aid early TB diagnosis and subsequent positive impact on morbidity and mortality. Using LAM as a rule-in and treatment-monitoring tool may also show further potential. Copyright © ERS 2015. | None | lipoarabinomannan; Article; body mass; child; childhood disease; controlled study; diagnostic equipment; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; lipid analysis; lung tuberculosis; major clinical study; male; mixed infection; observational study; priority journal; prospective study; proteinuria; sensitivity and specificity; Tanzanian; urinalysis; urinary excretion; urine level | None |
| None | None | Evaluation of diagnos TB AG, a flow-through immunoassay for rapid detection of pulmonary tuberculosis | Reither K., Saathoff E., Jung J., Minja L.T., Machibya H., Maboko L., Perkins M.D., Hoelscher M., Boehme C.C. | 2010 | International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease | 14 | 2 | None | Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany; National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Programme, Mbeya, Tanzania; Mbeya Regional Medical Office, Ministry of Health, Mbeya, Tanzania; Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland | Reither, K., Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany, National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Programme, Mbeya, Tanzania; Saathoff, E., Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Jung, J., Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany, National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Programme, Mbeya, Tanzania; Minja, L.T., National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Programme, Mbeya, Tanzania; Machibya, H., Mbeya Regional Medical Office, Ministry of Health, Mbeya, Tanzania; Maboko, L., National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Programme, Mbeya, Tanzania; Perkins, M.D., Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland; Hoelscher, M., Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany, National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Programme, Mbeya, Tanzania; Boehme, C.C., Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland | We evaluated the diagnostic performance of the Diagnos TB AG immunoassay in 171 Tanzanians with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). The sensitivity and specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the rapid test for the detection of pulmonary TB in this population were respectively 60.0%, 33.3%, 40.3% and 52.6%. In its current configuration, this test will not help overcome difficulties in the rapid diagnosis of TB. ©2010 The Union. | Diagnostic performance; Flow-through immunoassay; Pulmonary tuberculosis | anorexia; article; clinical feature; clinical trial; diagnostic accuracy; female; fever; flow through immunoassay; hemoptysis; human; immunoassay; lung tuberculosis; major clinical study; malaise; male; night sweat; prediction; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; sputum analysis; Tanzania; thorax pain; weight reduction; Adult; Antigens, Bacterial; Female; Humans; Immunoassay; Male; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Predictive Value of Tests; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tanzania; Time Factors; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84889052994 | Evaluation of window-tinting films for sunlight phototherapy | Vreman H.J., Slusher T.M., Wong R.J., Schulz S., Olusanya B.O., Stevenson D.K. | 2013 | Journal of Tropical Pediatrics | 59 | 6 | 10.1093/tropej/fmt062 | Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5208, United States; Center for Global Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414-1932, United States; De | Vreman, H.J., Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5208, United States; Slusher, T.M., Center for Global Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414-1932, United States; Wong, R.J., Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5208, United States; Schulz, S., Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5208, United States; Olusanya, B.O., Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria; Stevenson, D.K., Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5208, United States | We evaluated nine semi-transparent plastic window-tinting films for their ability to block ultraviolet A (UVA) and infrared (IR) radiation and transmit therapeutic blue light (400-520 nm) for treating jaundiced newborns. For indoor testing, three light sources (TL/52 special blue fluorescent, Black Light UVA and IR heat lamps) were positioned above each film and measured successively using a thermocouple thermometer, UVA radiometer and blue light irradiance meter, placed below each film. For outdoor testing, the same setup was used with the sun at zenith and a cloudless sky. Compared with unfiltered radiation, blue light transmission through films ranged from 24 to 83%, UVA transmission was 0.1-7.1% and reductions in IR heat were 6-12°C and 5-10°C for heat lamp and sun, respectively. The data suggest that most of the relatively low-cost window-tinting films tested can effectively reduce sunlight UV and IR and offer a range of significant attenuations of therapeutic blue light. © The Author [2013]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. | Bilirubin; Hyperbilirubinemia; Jaundice; Newborn; Phototherapy | article; blue light; controlled study; film; fluorescent lamp; human; infrared radiation; light irradiance; light irradiance meter; newborn jaundice; optical instrumentation; photometer; phototherapy; radiation equipment; reduction; reflector; sun; sun exposure; thermometer; ultraviolet A radiation; ultraviolet detector; bilirubin; Hyperbilirubinemia; Jaundice; Newborn; Phototherapy; Bilirubin; Feasibility Studies; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infrared Rays; Jaundice, Neonatal; Phototherapy; Radiometry; Sunlight; Ultraviolet Rays | None |
| WoS | WOS:000280743400005 | EVALUATION OF A U.S. EVIDENCE-BASED PARENTING INTERVENTION IN RURAL WESTERN KENYA: FROM PARENTS MATTER! TO FAMILIES MATTER! | Buve, Anne,Marum, Elizabeth,Menten, Joris,Miller, Kim S.,Obong'o, Christopher O.,Ochura, Juliet,Otwoma, Nelson J.,Poulsen, Melissa N.,Vandenhoudt, Hilde,Wyckoff, Sarah C. | 2010 | AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION | 22 | 4 | None | Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, Inst Trop Med, Kenya Govt Med Res Ctr | None | We evaluated Families Matter! Program (FMP), an intervention designed to improve parent-child communication about sexual risk reduction and parenting skills. Parents of 10- to 12-year-olds were recruited in western Kenya. We aimed to assess community acceptability and FMP's effect on parenting practices and effective parent-child communication. Data were collected from parents and their children at baseline and 1 year postintervention. The intervention's effect was measured on six parenting and parent-child communication composite scores reported separately for parents and children. Of 375 parents, 351 (94%) attended all five intervention sessions. Parents' attitudes regarding sexuality education changed positively. Five of the six composite parenting scores reported by parents, and six of six reported by children, increased significantly at 1 year postintervention. Through careful adaptation of this U.S. intervention, FMP was well accepted in rural Kenya and enhanced parenting skills and parent-child sexuality communication. Parents are in a unique position to deliver primary prevention to youth before their sexual debut as shown in this Kenyan program. | ,"ADOLESCENT DRUG-ABUSE",AFRICAN-AMERICAN,BEHAVIOR,COMMUNICATION,"CONDOM USE",EDUCATION,HIV,"PRIMARY PREVENTION",SEXUAL-RISK,TRIAL | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-32544440191 | Calculating age-adjusted cancer survival estimates when age-specific data are sparse: An empirical evaluation of various methods | Gondos A., Parkin D.M., Chokunonga E., Brenner H. | 2006 | British Journal of Cancer | 94 | 3 | 10.1038/sj.bjc.6602976 | Department of Epidemiology, German Centre for Research on Ageing, Bergheimer Str. 20, Heidelberg 69115, Germany; Unit of Descriptive Epidemiology, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France; Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry, Harare, Zimbabwe | Gondos, A., Department of Epidemiology, German Centre for Research on Ageing, Bergheimer Str. 20, Heidelberg 69115, Germany; Parkin, D.M., Unit of Descriptive Epidemiology, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France, Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Chokunonga, E., Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry, Harare, Zimbabwe; Brenner, H., Department of Epidemiology, German Centre for Research on Ageing, Bergheimer Str. 20, Heidelberg 69115, Germany | We evaluated empirically the performance of various methods of calculating age-adjusted survival estimates when age-specific data are sparse. We have illustrated that a recently proposed alternative method of age adjustment involving the use of balanced age groups or age truncation may be useful for enhancing calculability and reliability of adjusted survival estimates. © 2006 Cancer Research UK. | Age-adjusted survival; Cancer survival; Sparse data | adolescent; adult; aged; article; cancer survival; child; data analysis; human; infant; mathematical analysis; priority journal; reliability; survival; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child; Child, Preschool; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Research Design | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34447325607 | Evaluation of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) varieties for use as trap plants for the management of African stemborer (Busseola fusca) in a push-pull strategy | Khan Z.R., Midega C.A.O., Wadhams L.J., Pickett J.A., Mumuni A. | 2007 | Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata | 124 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1570-7458.2007.00569.x | International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Biological Chemistry Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, United Kingdom; Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, P.O. Box 52, Nyankpala, Tamale, Ghana | Khan, Z.R., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Midega, C.A.O., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Wadhams, L.J., Biological Chemistry Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, United Kingdom; Pickett, J.A., Biological Chemistry Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, United Kingdom; Mumuni, A., Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, P.O. Box 52, Nyankpala, Tamale, Ghana | We evaluated eight Napier grass [Pennisetum purpureum Schumach (Poaceae)] varieties, used in various parts of eastern Africa as fodder, for their potential role as trap plants in the management of the African stemborer, Busseola fusca Füller (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) through a push-pull strategy. Oviposition preference, larval orientation, settling, arrest and dispersal, feeding, mortality and survival, and development were determined for each of these varieties under laboratory and screen house conditions. Two-choice tests showed that only two of the varieties tested (cv. Bana and cv. Uganda Hairless) were preferentially chosen by gravid female moths for oviposition over a susceptible maize variety, cv. Western Hybrid 502. Larval preference was, however, highly variable. Larval feeding by first instars on the maize leaves was more intense and significantly more than on leaves of all the Napier grass varieties evaluated. Food consumed and amounts assimilated by the third instars over a 24-h period were not different among larvae fed on stems of maize and those fed on stems of the various Napier grass varieties. Larval survival was significantly lower on all the Napier grass varieties (below 3%) than on maize (about 44%). Similarly, larval development was about 2-3 weeks longer on majority of the Napier grass varieties. It was concluded that cv. Bana had potential for use as a trap plant in the management of B. fusca because it was more preferred by the moths for oviposition, equally preferred as maize by the larvae for orientation, settling, and arrest, and allowed minimal survival of the larvae. It can thus be used with such 'push' plants as Desmodium spp. (Fabaceae) in a 'push-pull' strategy, but the effectiveness of such a strategy would strictly depend on proper establishment and management of these companion plants. © 2007 The Authors. | Development; Habitat management; Larval behavior; Lepidoptera; Maize; Noctuidae; Oviposition; Survival | crop pest; feeding behavior; grass; habitat management; larval development; larval settlement; maize; mortality; moth; oviposition; pest control; stem borer; survival; trap crop; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Animalia; Busseola fusca; Desmodium; Fabaceae; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae; Pennisetum glaucum; Pennisetum purpureum; Poaceae; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919391242 | The evaluation of candidate biomarkers of cell-mediated immunity for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis infection in African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) | Goosen W.J., Cooper D., Warren R.M., Miller M.A., van Helden P.D., Parsons S.D.C. | 2014 | Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology | 162 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.vetimm.2014.10.008 | DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research/MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg, South Africa; Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, PO Box 25, Mtubatuba, South Africa | Goosen, W.J., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research/MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg, South Africa; Cooper, D., Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, PO Box 25, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Warren, R.M., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research/MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg, South Africa; Miller, M.A., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research/MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg, South Africa; van Helden, P.D., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research/MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg, South Africa; Parsons, S.D.C., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research/MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg, South Africa | We evaluated commercially available bovine enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and a human IP-10 ELISA to measure IP-10, MIG, MCP-1, MCP-2, MCP-3 and IL1-RA in buffalo plasma in order to identify sensitive markers of the immune response to Mycobacterium bovis-specific peptides. Additionally, we found that all coding mRNA sequences of these cytokines showed very high homology with their homologues in domestic cattle (97-99%) as did the derived amino acid sequences (97-99%). This high sequence homology between cattle and buffaloes supports the use of bovine ELISAs for the detection these cytokines in buffaloes. MCP-1 concentration showed a positive correlation with that of IFN-γ (p=. 0.0077) and appears to occur in far greater abundance in buffaloes when compared to humans. Using a bovine IP-10 ELISA, levels of this cytokine were found to be significantly increased in antigen-stimulated blood samples from M. bovis test positive buffaloes (p < 0.0001) and IP-10 was detected in far greater abundance than IFN-γ. Measurement of IP-10 with this ELISA may prove to be a sensitive marker of M. bovis infection in African buffaloes. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | African buffalo; Bovine tuberculosis; Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; Interferon gamma; Interferon gamma-induced protein 10 | gamma interferon; gamma interferon inducible protein 10; interleukin 1 receptor accessory protein; messenger RNA; monocyte chemotactic protein 1; monocyte chemotactic protein 2; monocyte chemotactic protein 3; biological marker; CXCL9 chemokine; gamma interferon inducible protein 10; interleukin 1 receptor blocking agent; monocyte chemotactic protein; African buffalo; amino acid sequence; Article; blood sampling; bovine tuberculosis; cellular immunity; domestic cattle; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; evaluation study; gene expression assay; immune response; nonhuman; sequence homology; animal; blood; bovine; buffalo; cellular immunity; immunology; microbiology; mycobacteriosis; Mycobacterium bovis; nonparametric test; procedures; veterinary; Bos; Bos taurus; Bovinae; Bubalus; Mycobacterium bovis; Syncerus caffer; Animals; Biological Markers; Buffaloes; Cattle; Chemokine CXCL10; Chemokine CXCL9; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Immunity, Cellular; Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; Monocyte Chemoattractant Proteins; Mycobacterium bovis; Mycobacterium Infections; Statistics, Nonparametric | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925263610 | Clinical evaluation of the OneStep Gonorrhea RapiCard InstaTest for detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in symptomatic patients from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Abbai N.S., Moodley P., Reddy T., Zondi T.G., Rambaran S., Naidoo K., Ramjee G. | 2015 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 53 | 4 | 10.1128/JCM.03603-14 | HIV Prevention Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Westville, Durban, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Infectious Diseases, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Infection Prevention and Control, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Durban, South Africa; Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa | Abbai, N.S., HIV Prevention Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Westville, Durban, South Africa; Moodley, P., Infectious Diseases, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Infection Prevention and Control, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Durban, South Africa; Reddy, T., Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa; Zondi, T.G., HIV Prevention Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Westville, Durban, South Africa; Rambaran, S., Infectious Diseases, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Naidoo, K., Infectious Diseases, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Ramjee, G., HIV Prevention Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Westville, Durban, South Africa, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | We evaluated a point-of-care test for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in patients attending a public health clinic in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The test showed a low sensitivity against PCR and culture (<40%); however, a higher specificity was observed (>95%). This test is unsuitable as a screening tool for gonorrhea. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | bacterial antigen; Article; bacterium culture; bacterium detection; bioassay; female; gonorrhea; human; human tissue; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; male; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; nonhuman; OneStep Gonorrhea RapiCard InstaTest; point of care testing; polymerase chain reaction; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; South Africa; strand displacement amplification assay; Neisseria gonorrhoeae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878076609 | Field evaluation of predacious mites (acari: Phytoseiidae) for biological control of citrus red mite, panonychus citri (trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) | Fadamiro H.Y., Akotsen-Mensah C., Xiao Y., Anikwe J. | 2013 | Florida Entomologist | 96 | 1 | 10.1653/024.096.0111 | Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, United States; Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Mid-Florida REC, Apopka, FL, United States; Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Fadamiro, H.Y., Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, United States; Akotsen-Mensah, C., Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, United States; Xiao, Y., Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, United States, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Mid-Florida REC, Apopka, FL, United States; Anikwe, J., Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, United States, Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | We evaluated 3 species of predacious mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae), Galendromus occidentalis (Nesbitt), Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot and Neoseiulus californiens (McGregor), as biological control agents for citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae), on citrus in southern Alabama. Three separate experiments were carried out during 2008 and 2011 to evaluate various factors (i.e. release rate, release frequency and initial prey density) that may impact the performance of the predacious mites. In the first experiment conducted in 2008 on trees with moderate initial prey densities (i.e. < 4 P. citri motiles per leaf), one single release of P. persimilis or G. occidentalis at a rate of 100 or 200 per tree effectively prevented the prey from exceeding the economic threshold (5 motiles/leaf) for the entire duration (35 d) of the experiment. The result of the second experiment in 2008 on trees with high initial prey densities (i.e. ≥ 5 motiles per leaf) showed that 2 releases of P. persimilis or G. occidentalis at a rate of 100 or 200 per tree per release could not provide adequate suppression of P. citri below the economic threshold. In both experiments, P. citri densities were significantly lower in most predacious mite treatments compared to the control (no release). Also, lower P. citri densities were recorded at the higher release rate (200 per tree) compared to the lower rate, but this was only significant in a few cases. The third experiment conducted in 2011 in large plots on trees with low initial P. citri densities (i.e. < 1 motile per leaf) showed that 2 releases of N. californiens or P. persimilis at a rate of 200 per tree per release effectively maintained P. citri at low densities (< 1.5 motiles per leaf) throughout the duration (56 d) of the experiment. Limited observations in spring 2012 confirmed the establishment of the predacious mites released in the 2011 study. These results showed that all 3 phytoseiid species were effective in reducing P. citri densities on citrus. However, initial prey density may be an important factor influencing their performance. | biological control; Galendromus occidentalis; Neoseiulus californicus; Panonychus citri; Phytoseiulus persimilis; satsuma citrus | biocontrol agent; biological control; field survey; fruit; mite; Alabama; United States | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891623832 | The impact of malaria in pregnancy on changes in blood pressure in children during their first year of life | Ayoola O.O., Omotade O.O., Gemmell I., Clayton P.E., Cruickshank J.K. | 2014 | Hypertension | 63 | 1 | 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.113.02238 | Cardiovascular Sciences and Paediatric Endocrinology Groups, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; King's College and King's Health Partners, London, United Kingdom; Child Health, College of Medi | Ayoola, O.O., Cardiovascular Sciences and Paediatric Endocrinology Groups, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom, Child Health and Paediatric Endocrinology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Omotade, O.O., Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Gemmell, I., Department of Primary Care and Biostatistics, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Clayton, P.E., Child Health and Paediatric Endocrinology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Cruickshank, J.K., King's College and King's Health Partners, London, United Kingdom, Cardiovascular Medicine Group, Division of Diabetes and Nutrition, King's College and King's Health Partners, 150 Stamford St, London SE1 9RN, United Kingdom | We established a maternal birth cohort in Ibadan, Nigeria, where malaria is hyperendemic, to assess how intrauterine exposure to malaria affected infant blood pressure (BP) development. In a local maternity hospital, healthy pregnant women had regular blood films for malaria parasites from booking to delivery. Growth and BP were measured on 318 babies, all followed from birth to 3 and 12 months. Main outcomes were standardized measures of anthropometry and change in BP to 1 year. Babies exposed to maternal malaria were globally smaller at birth, and boys remained smaller at 3 months and 1 year. Change in systolic BP (SBP) during the year was greater in boys than in girls (20.9 versus 15.7 mm Hg; P=0.002) but greater in girls exposed to maternal malaria (18.7 versus 12.7 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, 1-11 mm Hg; P=0.02). Eleven percent of boys (greater than twice than expected) had a SBP ≥95th percentile (hypertensive, US criteria), of whom 68% had maternal malaria exposure. On regression analysis (β coefficients, mm Hg), sex (boys>girls; β=4.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-7.7; P=0.01), maternal malaria exposure (3.64; 0.3-6.9; P=0.03), and weight change (2.4; 0.98-3.8/1 standard deviation score; P=0.001) all independently increased SBP change to 1 year, whereas increase in length decreased SBP (-1.98; -3.6 to -0.40). In conclusion, malaria-exposed boys had excess hypertension, whereas malaria-exposed girls a greater increase in SBP. Intrauterine exposure to malaria had sex-dependent effects on BP, independent of infant growth. Because infant-child-adult BP tracking is powerful, a malarial effect may contribute to the African burden of hypertension. © 2013 American Heart Association, Inc. | Child development; Malaria; Pregnancy | pyrimethamine plus sulfadoxine; adult; anthropometry; article; birth; blood; blood pressure; blood pressure measurement; child development; clinical assessment; cohort analysis; controlled study; delivery; environmental exposure; female; hospital; human; hypertension; infant; major clinical study; malaria; male; middle aged; Nigeria; outcome assessment; Plasmodium; Plasmodium falciparum; pregnant woman; prevalence; priority journal; sex difference; systolic blood pressure; weight change; young adult; child development; malaria; pregnancy; Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Blood Pressure; Child Development; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Infant; Malaria; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Sex Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845781518 | The impact of living standards on childhood mortality in South Africa: Evidence from cross-sectional data | Doctor H.V., Simelane S.E. | 2005 | Journal of Social Development in Africa | 20 | 2 | None | University of Western Cape, Department of Statistics, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; University of Pennsylvania, Population Studies Centre, 3718 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States | Doctor, H.V., University of Western Cape, Department of Statistics, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Simelane, S.E., University of Pennsylvania, Population Studies Centre, 3718 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States | We employ questions on household characteristics collected in the 1997 and 1998 October Household Surveys (OHSs) in South Africa and those collected in the 1998 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS) to examine the relationship between living standards and childhood mortality. Specifically, we examine whether childhood mortality is higher in poor households than in rich households, and whether between 1997 and 1998 the risk of childhood mortality changed. Principal components analysis is employed to combine household assets as a measure of socioeconomic status (SES). An index for SES is used in a negative binomial model to examine its association with childhood mortality. Results are inconsistent between 1997 and 1998. In 1997 the risk of childhood mortality decreases as we move from the lowest quintile to the highest quintile of the SES index. In 1998 higher levels of SES are associated with higher childhood mortality. A comparison of the findings from the 1998 OHS with those from the 1998 SADHS suggests that the 1998 OHS data may be less reliable because they yield results that deviate from the pattern shown in the 1997 OHS and the 1998 SADHS. Policy issues and recommendations for further research are discussed. | None | child mortality; household survey; living standard; mortality risk; policy development; principal component analysis; socioeconomic status; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924755802 | Impact of anisotropic stresses during dissipative gravitational collapse | Reddy K.P., Govender M., Maharaj S.D. | 2015 | General Relativity and Gravitation | 47 | 4 | 10.1007/s10714-015-1880-x | Astrophysics and Cosmology Research Unit, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa | Reddy, K.P., Astrophysics and Cosmology Research Unit, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa; Govender, M., Astrophysics and Cosmology Research Unit, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa; Maharaj, S.D., Astrophysics and Cosmology Research Unit, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa | We employ a perturbative scheme to study the evolution of a spherically symmetric stellar body undergoing gravitational collapse in the presence of heat dissipation and anisotropic stresses. The Bowers and Liang static model is perturbed, and its subsequent dynamical collapse is studied in the linear perturbative regime. We find that anisotropic effects brought about by the differences in the radial and tangential pressures render the core more unstable than the cooler surface layers. An analysis of the temperature profiles in the interior of the collapsing body shows that the temperature is enhanced in the presence of pressure anisotropy. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media New York. | Anisotropic stresses; Causal thermodynamics; Dissipative collapse | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34748856220 | Evaluation of herbicides for weed control in sorghum (Sorghum bicolour) in Nigeria | Ishaya D.B., Dadari S.A., Shebayan J.A.Y. | 2007 | Crop Protection | 26 | 11 | 10.1016/j.cropro.2007.02.013 | Department of Agronomy, Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria | Ishaya, D.B., Department of Agronomy, Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria; Dadari, S.A., Department of Agronomy, Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria; Shebayan, J.A.Y., Department of Agronomy, Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria | Weed infestation is one of the major threats to cereal production in the Nigerian Savanna. Two trials were conducted in 2002 and 2003 to evaluate different types of herbicides for weed control in sorghum. Among the herbicides tested, pretilachlor+dimethametryne at 2.5 kg a.i./ha, cinosulfuron at 0.05 kg a.i./ha and piperophos+cinosulfuron at 1.5 kg a.i./ha performed best as they effectively controlled weeds, increased crop vigour, plant height, reduced crop injury and produced higher grain yield of sorghum. © 2007. | Control hoe-weeding; Herbicides; Sorghum; Weed | crop production; herbicide; sorghum; weed control; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945306054 | Performance of umar-srimat on soil water conservation and weed control in system of rice intensification | Mohammed U., Wayayok A., Soom M.A.M., Abdan K. | 2015 | Jurnal Teknologi | 76 | 15 | 10.11113/jt.v76.5956 | Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; Department of Agricultural Education, School of Vocational Education, Umar Suleiman College of Education Gashua, P.M.B. 02, Gashua, | Mohammed, U., Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia, Department of Agricultural Education, School of Vocational Education, Umar Suleiman College of Education Gashua, P.M.B. 02, Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria; Wayayok, A., Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia, Smart Farming Technology Research Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; Soom, M.A.M., Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia, Smart Farming Technology Research Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; Abdan, K., Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia | Weed emergence is among the most important problems in system of rice intensification (SRI) due to extensive planting geometry of at least 25 × 25 cm and moist environment, thereby leading to water loss by means of evaporation from the broad space as a result of the extensive planting geometry, and transpiration by the weeds. This reduces the additional water saving which affect the potential of SRI water productivity. It also reduces rice crop yields up to 70% if there is no weed control attempted. Nowadays, weed is being controlled by manual weeder which is labour demanding, while motorized weeders overcome the problem but still, it able to remove the weeds before rice canopy closure or 30 days after transplanting (DAT). This research was designed to evaluate the performance of UMAR-SRImat on soil moisture conservation and weed control. UMAR-SRImat was made using flaked rice straw and biodegradable adhesive. The design was laid out using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three treatments [without soil cover (T1), SRImat (T2), UMAR-SRImat (T3)] and three replications. The analysis was conducted using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Volumetric moisture content (VMC) was determined at 18 and 25 DAT. Weeds were observed and recorded to determine the weed dry weight and weed control efficiency at 20, 40 and 60 DAT. Plant height per hill was measured at 30 and 50 DAT, likewise, the number of tillers were counted at 30 and 50 DAT. The result of VMC showed that UMAR-SRImat significantly conserved water higher than the control treatment at 18 and 25 DAT of 3100.0a and 2680.0a m3/ha, respectively. The effectiveness of UMARSRImat mulched was 100% at 20 DAT 99.64% at 40 DAT and 97.99% at 60 DAT. This research revealed that UMAR-SRImat mulch could retain soil moisture and suppressed weeds up to 60 DAT. © 2015, Penerbit UTM Press. All rights reserved. | Bio-composite technology; Moisture content; Rice yield; Sustainable farming | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34848910202 | Predicting the impact of a partially effective HIV vaccine and subsequent risk behavior change on the heterosexual HIV epidemic in low- and middle-income countries: A South African example | Andersson K.M., Owens D.K., Vardas E., Gray G.E., McIntyre J.A., Paltiel A.D. | 2007 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 46 | 1 | 10.1097/QAI.0b013e31812506fd | Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States; Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Center for Health Policy, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States; Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University, School of Medicine, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510, United States | Andersson, K.M., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University, School of Medicine, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510, United States; Owens, D.K., Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States, Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Center for Health Policy, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States; Vardas, E., Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Gray, G.E., 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; Paltiel, A.D., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States | We developed a mathematical model to simulate the impact of various partially effective preventive HIV vaccination scenarios in a population at high risk for heterosexually transmitted HIV. We considered an adult population defined by gender (male/female), disease stage (HIV-negative, HIV-positive, AIDS, and death), and vaccination status (unvaccinated/vaccinated) in Soweto, South Africa. Input data included initial HIV prevalence of 20% (women) and 12% (men), vaccination coverage of 75%, and exclusive male negotiation of condom use. We explored how changes in vaccine efficacy and postvaccination condom use would affect HIV prevalence and total HIV infections prevented over a 10-year period. In the base-case scenario, a 40% effective HIV vaccine would avert 61,000 infections and reduce future HIV prevalence from 20% to 13%. A 25% increase (or decrease) in condom use among vaccinated individuals would instead avert 75,000 (or only 46,000) infections and reduce the HIV prevalence to 12% (or only 15%). Furthermore, certain combinations of increased risk behavior and vaccines with <43% efficacy could worsen the epidemic. Even modestly effective HIV vaccines can confer enormous benefits in terms of HIV infections averted and decreased HIV prevalence. However, programs to reduce risk behavior may be important components of successful vaccination campaigns. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. | Africa; AIDS vaccines; Condoms; Heterosexual transmission; Mathematical models; Models/projections; Sexual behavior | Human immunodeficiency virus vaccine; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adolescent; adult; article; behavior change; condom; death; drug efficacy; female; gender; heterosexuality; high risk population; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; income; major clinical study; male; mathematical model; prevalence; priority journal; risk; South Africa; vaccination; AIDS Vaccines; Computer Simulation; Condoms; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Models, Biological; Risk Factors; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sex Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa; Time Factors; Unsafe Sex | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892494638 | Performance measurement in a South African government social services department: A balanced scorecard approach | Mafini C., Pooe D.R.I. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p23 | Vaal University of Technology, Department of Logistics, South Africa; Logistics Department, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | Mafini, C., Vaal University of Technology, Department of Logistics, South Africa; Pooe, D.R.I., Logistics Department, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | We developed a Balanced Scorecard (BSC) questionnaire and used it to measure the performance of a South African government social services department. The quantitative survey approach was adopted in which a questionnaire was administered to a purposively recruited sample of 272 managers and employees of a South African government social services department. We used the four performance measures of the BSC, namely customer satisfaction, innovation and learning, internal processes and financial performance to develop the questionnaire. Data were analysed using the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 20.0). We employed simple descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages to determine performance in various strategic and operational areas within the department. We also used the mean score ranking technique to compare overall departmental performance based on the BSC indicators. Using the four performance indicators of the BSC, we were then able to establish performance levels in various areas of the department. Results of the study reveal that performance of the department was highest in five areas, namely promotion of good corporate ethics, service quality, ability to meet client demands, promotion of good corporate values and the fostering of good relations with other organisations. Performance was lowest in five areas, namely attrition of staff, divisional workload, corruption, work to employee ratio and the speed at which departmental programs are implemented. Among the four BSC performance indicators used in the study, performance was highest in two aspects, namely innovation and learning and customer satisfaction, with performance being lowest in internal processes. | Balanced scorecard; Organisational performance; Performance measurement; Social services department; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953429305 | Impact of malaria parasitaemia on haematologic parameters in pregnant women at booking in Ilorin, Nigeria | Adesina K.T., Balogun O.R., Babatunde A.S., Sanni M.A., Fadeyi A., Aderibigbe S. | 2009 | Trends in Medical Research | 4 | 4 | 10.3923/tmr.2009.84.90 | Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 1459, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Medical Microbiology an | Adesina, K.T., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 1459, Ilorin, Nigeria; Balogun, O.R., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 1459, Ilorin, Nigeria; Babatunde, A.S., Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria; Sanni, M.A., Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria; Fadeyi, A., Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria; Aderibigbe, S., Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 1459, Ilorin, Nigeria | We determined the pattern of haematological parameters in malaria in pregnancy. Five hundred pregnant women who presented for booking in the antenatal clinic of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria were recruited. Their blood samples were analyzed for malaria parasites, MCV, MCHC and MCI IC. WBC, absolute RBC count, platelet count, haemoglobin level and PCV. The prevalence of peripheral malaria parasitaemia at booking was 32.4%, out of which 46.9 and 53.1% had moderate and high parasite densities, respectively. Plasmodium falciparum was the only species identified. The MCHC was higher in malaria parasitaemia (34.28 g dL-1±1.72, p = 0.0452) while RBC was higher without parasitaemia (10.46×1012 L -1±l.30, p = 0.01). The WBC in women with high parasite density (7.02×109 L-1) was higher than the value in those with moderate parasite density (6.26×109 L-l) p = 0.03). Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection in pregnancy is associated with higher MCHC; WBC increases with rise in the parasite density in Ilorin, Nigeria. A rise in MCHC and WBC in pregnancy may indicate malaria. © 2009 Academic Journals Inc. | Booking; Haematological; Malaria; Nigeria; Parameters; Pregnancy | adult; article; blood examination; blood sampling; controlled study; disease association; disease carrier; erythrocyte count; female; hemoglobin blood level; hemoglobin determination; human; major clinical study; malaria falciparum; mean corpuscular hemoglobin; mean corpuscular volume; Nigeria; parasite identification; parasitemia; Plasmodium falciparum; pregnant woman; prenatal care; prevalence; thrombocyte count | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-59049093597 | The impact of abandoned pastoral settlements on plant and nutrient succession in an African savanna ecosystem | Muchiru A.N., Western D., Reid R.S. | 2009 | Journal of Arid Environments | 73 | 3 | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2008.09.018 | African Conservation Centre, P.O. Box 62844, Nairobi, Kenya; International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya; Center for Collaborative Conservation, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States | Muchiru, A.N., African Conservation Centre, P.O. Box 62844, Nairobi, Kenya, International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya; Western, D., African Conservation Centre, P.O. Box 62844, Nairobi, Kenya; Reid, R.S., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya, Center for Collaborative Conservation, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States | We detail the impact of abandoned traditional settlements (or bomas) on plant and nutrient succession in the Amboseli ecosystem, southern Kenya, over the course of a century. Plant and soil data were sampled on and around abandoned settlements. The term, 'onsite', refers to the area within the perimeter fence, 'offsite' to the area up to 200 m beyond the fence. Herbaceous standing biomass onsite increased in the course of succession to peak at twice offsite levels within two decades. Biomass remained elevated for six decades then dropped to the background levels at the limit of sampling distance. Plant species richness onsite increased rapidly in the course of succession, then stabilized on older bomas. Species composition changed throughout succession, with pioneer herbs and grasses giving way to boma-edge species and woody vegetation later in succession. Soil nutrients, including carbon, nitrogen, magnesium and phosphorus, were highly elevated on abandoned settlements. The various nutrients declined at different rates during the course of plant succession. Potassium, phosphorus and magnesium levels remained at twice offsite levels for over a century, creating islands of high fertility and high plant biomass in the savanna landscape. We conclude that the perturbation caused by shifting nomadic settlements creates localized nutrient and plant diversity hotspots in savanna ecosystems that remain distinct from the surrounding savanna for decades, possibly centuries. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Biomass; Nutrient hotspots; Pastoralism; Patch dynamics; Species richness; Wildlife | abandoned land; biomass; pastoralism; patch dynamics; plant; savanna; soil nutrient; species richness; succession; Africa; East Africa; Kenya; Sub-Saharan Africa; Poaceae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34248190198 | Field and laboratory correlates of performance in competitive cross-country mountain bikers | Prins L., Terblanche E., Myburgh K.H. | 2007 | Journal of Sports Sciences | 25 | 8 | 10.1080/02640410600907938 | Department of Sport Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Prins, L., Department of Sport Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Terblanche, E., Department of Sport Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Myburgh, K.H., Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | We designed a laboratory test with variable fixed intensities to simulate cross-country mountain biking and compared this to more commonly used laboratory tests and mountain bike performance. Eight competitive male mountain bikers participated in a cross-country race and subsequently did six performance tests: an individual outdoor time trial on the same course as the race and five laboratory tests. The laboratory tests were as follows: an incremental cycle test to fatigue to determine peak power output; a 26-min variable fixed-intensity protocol using an electronically braked ergometer followed immediately by a 1-km time trial using the cyclist's own bike on an electronically braked roller ergometer; two 52-min variable fixed-intensity protocols each followed by a 1-km time trial; and a 1-km time trial done on its own. Outdoor competition time and outdoor time trial time correlated significantly (r=0.79, P < 0.05). Both outdoor tests correlated better with peak power output relative to body mass (both r= -0.83, P < 0.05) than absolute peak power output (outdoor competition: r= -0.65; outdoor time trial: r= -0.66; non-significant). Outdoor performance times did not correlate with the laboratory tests. We conclude that cross-country mountain biking is similar to uphill or hilly road cycling. Further research is required to design sport-specific tests to determine the remaining unexplained variance in performance. | Mountain bike; Onset of blood lactate accumulation; Performance; Relative power output; Time trial | adult; article; athlete; bicycle ergometer; body mass; competition; ergometer; fatigue; human; human experiment; laboratory test; male; mountaineering; normal human; physical performance; simulation; sport; Adult; Bicycling; Competitive Behavior; Fatigue; Humans; Lactic Acid; Male; Monitoring, Ambulatory; South Africa; Task Performance and Analysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874159362 | Azide-alkyne cycloaddition en route to 1H-1,2,3-triazole-tethered 7-chloroquinoline-isatin chimeras: Synthesis and antimalarial evaluation | Raj R., Singh P., Singh P., Gut J., Rosenthal P.J., Kumar V. | 2013 | European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 62 | None | 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.01.032 | Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India; Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States | Raj, R., Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India; Singh, P., Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India; Singh, P., Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; Gut, J., Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; Rosenthal, P.J., Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; Kumar, V., Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India | We describe the synthesis and antimalarial activities of 1H-1,2,3-triazole tethered 7-chloroquinoline-isatin hybrids. Activity against cultured parasites was dependent on the C-5 substituent of the isatin ring as well as the alkyl chain length between the isatin and 7-chloroquinoline moieties. Compound 8h, with an optimum alkyl chain length (n = 3) and a chloro substituent at the C-5 position of the isatin ring, displayed the best activity among the test compounds, with IC50 value of 1.21 μM against cultured W2-strain Plasmodium falciparum. © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. | 1H-1,2,3-triazole; 7-Chloroquinoline-isatin conjugates; Antimalarial evaluation; Structure-activity relationship | 1 [1 (7 chloro quinolin 4 yl) 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 (7 chloro quinolin 4 yl) 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 5 fluoro 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 (7 chloro quinolin 4 yl) 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 5 methyl 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] 1h [1,2,3] triazol 4 ylmethyl] 5 methyl 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl} 5 fluoro 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] 1h [1,2,3] triazol 4 ylmethyl] 5 fluoro 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 5 methyl 1h indole 2,3 dione; 5 bromo 1 [1 [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 5 bromo 1 [1 [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 5 bromo1 [1 (7 chloro quinolin 4 yl) 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 5 chloro 1 [1 (7 chloro quinolin 4 yl) 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 5 chloro 1 [1 [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 5 chloro 1 [1 [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino)propyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; alkyne derivative; antimalarial agent; azide; unclassified drug; antimalarial activity; article; chimera; cycloaddition; IC 50; nonhuman; Plasmodium falciparum; Alkynes; Aminoquinolines; Antimalarials; Azides; Cyclization; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Isatin; Molecular Structure; Parasitic Sensitivity Tests; Plasmodium falciparum; Structure-Activity Relationship | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942436002 | The thermal design, characterization, and performance of the Spider long-duration balloon cryostat | Gudmundsson J.E., Ade P.A.R., Amiri M., Benton S.J., Bock J.J., Bond J.R., Bryan S.A., Chiang H.C., Contaldi C.R., Crill B.P., Dore O., Filippini J.P., Fraisse A.A., Gambrel A., Gandilo N.N., Hasselfield M., Halpern M., Hilton G., Holmes W., Hristov V.V., | 2015 | Cryogenics | 72 | None | 10.1016/j.cryogenics.2015.09.002 | Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; School of Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Physics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, United States; Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Theoretical Physics, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO, United States; Department of Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States; Kavli Institute for Cosmology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States; School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignIL, United States; Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale, Orsay, France; Canadian Institute for Advanced Research CIFAR Program in Cosmology and Gravity, Toronto, ON, Canada | Gudmundsson, J.E., Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Ade, P.A.R., School of Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; Amiri, M., Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Benton, S.J., Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States, Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Bock, J.J., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, United States, Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Bond, J.R., Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Bryan, S.A., Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States; Chiang, H.C., School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Contaldi, C.R., Theoretical Physics, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Crill, B.P., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, United States, Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Dore, O., Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignIL, United States; Filippini, J.P., Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Fraisse, A.A., Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Gambrel, A., Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Gandilo, N.N., Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Hasselfield, M., Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Halpern, M., National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO, United States; Hilton, G., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, United States; Holmes, W., Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Hristov, V.V., Department of Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States; Irwin, K.D., Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Jones, W.C., Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Kermish, Z., Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; MacTavish, C.J., Kavli Institute for Cosmology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Mason, P.V., Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Megerian, K., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, United States; Moncelsi, L., Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Montroy, T.E., Department of Physics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Morford, T.A., Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Nagy, J.M., Department of Physics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Netterfield, C.B., Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research CIFAR Program in Cosmology and Gravity, Toronto, ON, Canada; Rahlin, A.S., Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Reintsema, C.D., National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO, United States; Ruhl, J.E., Department of Physics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Runyan, M.C., Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Shariff, J.A., Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Soler, J.D., Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale, Orsay, France; Trangsrud, A., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, United States, Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Tucker, C., School of Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; Tucker, R.S., Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Turner, A.D., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, United States; Wiebe, D.V., Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Young, E., Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States | We describe the Spider flight cryostat, which is designed to cool six millimeter-wavelength telescopes during an Antarctic long-duration balloon flight. The cryostat, one of the largest to have flown on a stratospheric payload, uses liquid 4He to deliver cooling power to stages at 4.2 and 1.6 K. Stainless steel capillaries facilitate a high flow impedance connection between the main liquid helium tank and a smaller superfluid tank, allowing the latter to operate at 1.6 K as long as there is liquid in the 4.2 K main tank. Each telescope houses a closed cycle 3He adsorption refrigerator that further cools the focal planes down to 300 mK. Liquid helium vapor from the main tank is routed through heat exchangers that cool radiation shields, providing negative thermal feedback. The system performed successfully during a 17 day flight in the 2014-2015 Antarctic summer. The cryostat had a total hold time of 16.8 days, with 15.9 days occurring during flight. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Cosmic microwave background; Cryostat; Instrumentation; Stratospheric payload | Balloons; Cosmology; Cryostats; Heating; Helium; Liquefied gases; Liquids; Meteorological balloons; Sounding rockets; Stainless steel; Tanks (containers); Telescopes; Adsorption refrigerator; Cosmic microwave backgrounds; Instrumentation; Long duration balloons; Millimeter wavelength; Stratospheric payload; Thermal designs; Thermal feedback; Superfluid helium | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-21044432356 | Improving home-based care in Southern Africa: An analysis of project evaluations | Rosenberg A., Mabude Z., Hartwig K., Rooholamini S., Oracca-Tetteh D., Merson M. | 2005 | Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine | None | 19 | None | Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Rosenberg, A., Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Mabude, Z., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Hartwig, K., Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Rooholamini, S., Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Oracca-Tetteh, D., Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Merson, M., Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States | We describe lessons learned from independent evaluations of nine home-based care (HBC) projects in Lesotho, South Africa and Swaziland. Projects were funded through Bristol-Myers Squibb's Secure the Future (STF) initiative and evaluated through the STF Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (MEU) at Yale University. The objectives of this study were to: ■ Assess the management capacity of the HBC organisations reviewed, concentrating on monitoring and supervision mechanisms. ■ identify innovations in responding to the challenges of delivering care in resource-poor settings, and ■ explore the nature of linkages between HBC projects and governments. Specific strategies to assure quality are discussed, as are policy changes necessary to provide system-wide improvements in quality and the integration of HBC. These are particularly important as governments seek ways to use existing resources to make antiretroviral (ARV) roll-outs successful. | None | antiretrovirus agent; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; caregiver; drug industry; government; health care access; health care delivery; health care management; health care organization; health care planning; health care policy; health care quality; health care system; health program; home care; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Lesotho; medical assessment; resource allocation; South Africa; Swaziland | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907032799 | Masculinity and Mayhem: The Performance of Gender in a South African Boys’ School | Bantjes J., Nieuwoudt J. | 2014 | Men and Masculinities | 17 | 4 | 10.1177/1097184X14539964 | University of StellenboschStellenbosch, South Africa; University of South AfricaPretoria, South Africa | Bantjes, J., University of StellenboschStellenbosch, South Africa; Nieuwoudt, J., University of South AfricaPretoria, South Africa | We describe an incident of disruptive behavior which occurred in a boys’ school in South Africa, and the context in which it occurred. The incident of mayhem is deconstructed in order to illuminate what it reveals about the performance of masculinity in the school. Descriptions are offered of practices and rituals which show how gender is performed within an elite boys’ school and how this incident illuminates the gender regime of the institution. The discussion highlights the contradictory and contested nature of performances of masculinity within the school. © The Author(s) 2014. | disruptive behavior; gender; gender regime; hegemony; masculinity; performance of gender; schools | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952298490 | Forecasting performance of an estimated DSGE model for the South African economy | Alpanda S., Kotzé K., Woglom G. | 2011 | South African Journal of Economics | 79 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2011.01260.x | Department of Economics, Amherst College, United States; School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Alpanda, S., Department of Economics, Amherst College, United States; Kotzé, K., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Woglom, G., Department of Economics, Amherst College, United States | We construct a small open-economy New Keynesian dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model for South Africa with nominal rigidities, incomplete international risk sharing and partial exchange rate pass-through. The parameters of the model are estimated using Bayesian methods, and its out-of-sample forecasting performance is compared with Bayesian vector autoregression (VAR), classical VAR and random-walk models. Our results indicate that the DSGE model generates forecasts that are competitive with those from other models, and it contributes statistically significant information to combined forecast measures. © 2011 Economic Society of South Africa. | Bayesian estimation; Forecasting; open-economy DSGE model | Bayesian analysis; computer simulation; economic analysis; estimation method; exchange rate; forecasting method; general equilibrium analysis; inflation; interest rate; Keynesian theory; macroeconomics; numerical model; parameterization; performance assessment; stochasticity; vector autoregression; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859202094 | Effects of particle Size, Shape, and density on the performance of an air fluidized bed in dry coal beneficiation | Chikerema P., Moys M. | 2012 | International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization | 32 | 2 | 10.1080/19392699.2011.640297 | University of the Witwatersrand, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, P. Bag 3, Wits, Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa | Chikerema, P., University of the Witwatersrand, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, P. Bag 3, Wits, Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa; Moys, M., University of the Witwatersrand, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, P. Bag 3, Wits, Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa | We consider here the implementation of dry coal beneficiation using air fluidized bed technology. Although the applications of the fluidized bed dry coal separator have been done successfully on an industrial scale in the past, the process has been characterized by relatively poor Ep values. In this study, a 40×40×60cm dry batch air fluidized bed coal separator with a relatively uniform and stable average magnetite-silica bed density of 1.64 was used for the detailed separations test using particles of the different densities, shapes, and sizes ranging from +9.5-53mm. The separation tests were conducted at relatively low throughput and average Ep values as low as 0.05 were recorded for the separation of +37-53mm and +22-31.5mm particles. On the other hand, the separation of the +16-22mm and +9.5-16mm particles was characterized by relatively high average Ep values of 0.07 and 0.11, respectively. The continuous shift of the cut density for the +9.5-16mm made it difficult to efficiently separate the particles. Particle shape is a difficult parameter to control, but the observed separation trends for the +16-22mm particles of different shapes indicate that it has a significant effect on the separation performance of the dry air fluidized bed just like other parameters such as particle size and density. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | Dry coal benefication; Fluidized bed | Bed density; Coal beneficiation; Different shapes; Dry air; Dry coal benefication; Fluidized bed technology; Industrial scale; Particle shape; Separation performance; Coal; Coal industry; Fluidized beds; Separators; Silica; Separation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-14844309691 | Joint modelling of repeated measurements and event time: Application to performance traits and survival of lambs bred in sub-humid tropics | Nguti R., Burzykowski T., Rowlands J., Renard D., Janssen P. | 2005 | Genetics Selection Evolution | 37 | 2 | 10.1051/gse:2004043 | Department of Mathematics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Center for Statistics, Limburgs Universitair Centrum, Diepenbeek, Belgium; Intl. Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya | Nguti, R., Department of Mathematics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya, Intl. Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Burzykowski, T., Center for Statistics, Limburgs Universitair Centrum, Diepenbeek, Belgium; Rowlands, J., Intl. Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Renard, D., Center for Statistics, Limburgs Universitair Centrum, Diepenbeek, Belgium; Janssen, P., Center for Statistics, Limburgs Universitair Centrum, Diepenbeek, Belgium | We considered the analysis of a study for Dorper, Red Maasai and crossbred lambs born over a period of 6 years at the Diani Estate, Kenya. The study was designed to compare survival and performance traits of genotypes with differing susceptibilities to helminthiasis. The available data include information on time to death and repeated measurements of body weight, packed cell volume (PCV) and faecal egg count (FEC) of the animals. In the paper, we consider joint modelling of the survival time and the repeated measurements. Such an approach allows to account for the possible association between the survival and repeated measurement processes. The advantages and limitations of the joint modelling are discussed and illustrated using the Diani Estate study data. © INRA, EDP Sciences, 2005. | Helminthiasis; Joint modelling; Repeated measurements; Sheep; Time-to-event | parasite resistance; selective breeding; sheep; survival; animal; animal disease; animal parasitosis; article; biological model; body weight; comparative study; cross breeding; genetic predisposition; genetics; genotype; hematocrit; Kenya; mortality; parasite identification; parasitology; sheep; sheep disease; tropic climate; Animals; Body Weight; Crosses, Genetic; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genotype; Helminthiasis, Animal; Hematocrit; Kenya; Models, Biological; Parasite Egg Count; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Tropical Climate; Africa; East Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Kenya; Sub-Saharan Africa; World; Ovis aries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60749105089 | The prevalence of hearing loss among schoolchildren with chronic suppurative otitis media in Nigeria, and its effect on academic performance | Olatoke F., Ologe F.E., Nwawolo C.C., Saka M.J. | 2008 | Ear, Nose and Throat Journal | 87 | 12 | None | Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria; Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Department of Surgery, Universi | Olatoke, F., Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria; Ologe, F.E., Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria, P.O. Box 6641, Ilorin, Nigeria; Nwawolo, C.C., Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Saka, M.J., Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria | We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of hearing loss among 1,500 Nigerian schoolchildren aged 9 to 15 years who had chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). We also attempted to ascertain the effect that this hearing loss had on their academic performance. The study population was drawn from three schools in different socioeconomic tiers - low (n = 300), medium (n = 400), and high (n = 800). Overall, CSOM was present in 35 of these children (2.3%) - 12 from the low-status school (4.0%), 11 from the middle-status school (2.8%), and 12 from the high-status school (1.5%); the overall difference in prevalence among the three schools was statistically significant (χ2 = 6.40; degrees of freedom [df] = 2; p = 0.04). In all, 52 ears were affected by CSOM; of these, 18 (34.6%) had a pure-tone average (PTA) within normal limits, 20 (38.5%) had a mild conductive hearing loss, and 14 (26.9%) had a moderate loss. All but 2 of 160 control ears (1.2%) had hearing thresholds within normal limits. The difference in PTAs across groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 114.89; df = 2; p< 0.001). As for academic performance, cumulative average test scores were significantly lower in the CSOM patients than in the controls - χ2 = 14.57; df = 3; p = 0.002. At the higher end of the academic scale, scores of 66% and higher were obtained by 40.0% of patients and 51.3% of controls, and scores of 50 to 65% were achieved by 20.0% of patients and 37.5% of controls. At the lower end, scores of 40 to 49% were obtained by 31.4% of patients and 6.3% of controls, and scores of 39% and lower were obtained by 8.6% and 5.0%, respectively. We conclude that hearing loss was a significant sequela of CSOM in our study population and that it had an adverse effect on their academic performance. Children in the low socioeconomic group appeared to be more vulnerable. © 2009, Vendome Group, LLC. All rights reserved. | None | antibiotic agent; antihistaminic agent; academic achievement; adolescent; adverse outcome; article; auditory threshold; child; chronic suppurative otitis media; clinical feature; conduction deafness; controlled study; cross-sectional study; female; hearing loss; high school; human; lowest income group; major clinical study; male; middle school; Nigeria; population research; population risk; prevalence; pure tone audiometry; school child; scoring system; socioeconomics; student; Achievement; Adolescent; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Auditory Threshold; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Hearing Loss, Conductive; Humans; Male; Nigeria; Otitis Media, Suppurative; Prevalence; Socioeconomic Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897468923 | Impact of lower stratospheric ozone on seasonal prediction systems | Mathole K., Ndarana T., Beraki A., Landman W.A. | 2014 | South African Journal of Science | 110 | 42433 | 10.1590/sajs.2014/20130161 | South African Weather Service - Research, Pretoria, South Africa; Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Natural Resources and the Environment, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Mathole, K., South African Weather Service - Research, Pretoria, South Africa; Ndarana, T., South African Weather Service - Research, Pretoria, South Africa; Beraki, A., South African Weather Service - Research, Pretoria, South Africa; Landman, W.A., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Natural Resources and the Environment, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | We conducted a comparison of trends in lower stratospheric temperatures and summer zonal wind fields based on 27 years of reanalysis data and output from hindcast simulations using a coupled oceanatmospheric general circulation model (OAGCM). Lower stratospheric ozone in the OAGCM was relaxed to the observed climatology and increasing greenhouse gas concentrations were neglected. In the reanalysis, lower stratospheric ozone fields were better represented than in the OAGCM. The spring lower stratospheric/ upper tropospheric cooling in the polar cap observed in the reanalysis, which is caused by a direct ozone depletion in the past two decades and is in agreement with previous studies, did not appear in the OAGCM. The corresponding summer tropospheric response also differed between data sets. In the reanalysis, a statistically significant poleward trend of the summer jet position was found, whereas no such trend was found in the OAGCM. Furthermore, the jet position in the reanalysis exhibited larger interannual variability than that in the OAGCM. We conclude that these differences are caused by the absence of long-term lower stratospheric ozone changes in the OAGCM. Improper representation or non-inclusion of such ozone variability in a prediction model could adversely affect the accuracy of the predictability of summer rainfall forecasts over South Africa. © 2014. The Authors. The Authors. | Eddy-driven jet; ENSO; Ozone depletion; Polar vortex; Stratosphere | accuracy assessment; annual variation; atmospheric general circulation model; climate modeling; climate prediction; data set; El Nino-Southern Oscillation; greenhouse gas; hindcasting; jet stream; oceanic general circulation model; ozone; ozone depletion; polar vortex; rainfall; seasonal variation; stratosphere; troposphere; wind field; zonal wind; South Africa | None |
| WoS | WOS:000308537100023 | Process and Outcome Evaluation of a Community Intervention for Orphan Adolescents in Western Kenya | Cho, Hyunsan,Hallfors, Denise D.,Itindi, Janet,Mbai, Isabella,Milimo, Benson | 2012 | JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY HEALTH | 37 | 5 | 10.1007/s10900-012-9548-x | Moi University, Pacific Institute for Research & Evaluation (PIRE), Pacific Inst Res & Evaluat | "Itindi, Janet: Moi University","Mbai, Isabella: Moi University","Milimo, Benson: Moi University", | We conducted a 2-year pilot randomized controlled trial (N = 105) in a high HIV-prevalence area in rural western Kenya to test whether providing young orphan adolescents with uniforms, school fees, and community visitors improves school retention and reduces HIV risk factors. The trial was a community intervention, limited to one community. In this paper, we examined intervention implementation and its association with outcomes using longitudinal data. We used both quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate the community-based model for orphan HIV prevention, with recommendations for future studies. Despite promising effects after 1 year, GEE analyses showed effects after 2 years. Volunteer community visitors, a key element of the intervention, showed little of the expected effect although qualitative reports documented active assistance to prevent orphans' school absence. For future research, we recommend capturing the transition to high school, a larger sample size, and biomarker data to add strength to the research design. We also recommend a school-based intervention approach to improve implementation and reduce infrastructure costs. Finally, we recommend evaluating nurses as agents for improving school attendance and preventing dropout because of their unique ability to address critical biopsychosocial problems. | "ADOLESCENT HEALTH","community-based intervention","global health","HIV/AIDS PREVENTION","RURAL HEALTH",BEHAVIOR,GIRLS,HIV,"RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED-TRIAL",RISK,SCHOOL,"SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA",YOUNG-WOMEN,ZIMBABWE | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939635274 | Impact of the energy-loss spatial profile and shear-viscosity to entropy-density ratio for the Mach cone versus head-shock signals produced by a fast-moving parton in a quark-gluon plasma | Ayala A., Castaño-Yepes J.D., Dominguez I., Tejeda-Yeomans M.E. | 2015 | Physical Review C - Nuclear Physics | 92 | 2 | 10.1103/PhysRevC.92.024910 | Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 70-543, México Distrito Federal, Mexico; Centre for Theoretical and Mathematical Physics, Department of Physics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Facultad de Ciencias Físico-Matemáticas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Ciudad Universitaria, Avenida de las Américas y Boulevard Universitarios, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico; Departamento de Física, Universidad de Sonora, Boulevard Luis Encinas J. y Rosales, Colonia Centro, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico | Ayala, A., Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 70-543, México Distrito Federal, Mexico, Centre for Theoretical and Mathematical Physics, Department of Physics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Castaño-Yepes, J.D., Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 70-543, México Distrito Federal, Mexico; Dominguez, I., Facultad de Ciencias Físico-Matemáticas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Ciudad Universitaria, Avenida de las Américas y Boulevard Universitarios, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico; Tejeda-Yeomans, M.E., Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 70-543, México Distrito Federal, Mexico, Departamento de Física, Universidad de Sonora, Boulevard Luis Encinas J. y Rosales, Colonia Centro, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico | We compute the energy and momentum deposited by a fast-moving parton in a quark-gluon plasma using linear viscous hydrodynamics with an energy loss per unit length profile proportional to the path length and with different values of the shear-viscosity to entropy-density ratio. We show that when varying these parameters, the transverse modes dominate over the longitudinal ones and thus energy and momentum is preferentially deposited along the head-shock, as in the case of a constant energy loss per unit length profile and the lowest value for the shear-viscosity to entropy-density ratio. © 2015 American Physical Society. ©2015 American Physical Society. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-12344276549 | Evaluation of the NucliSens EasyQ assay in HIV-1-infected individuals in South Africa | Stevens W., Wiggill T., Horsfield P., Coetzee L., Scott L.E. | 2005 | Journal of Virological Methods | 124 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.jviromet.2004.11.009 | Dept. of Molec. Med. and Haematology, School of Pathology, Fac. Hlth. Sci., Univ. W., York Rd., Parktown 2193, South Africa | Stevens, W., Dept. of Molec. Med. and Haematology, School of Pathology, Fac. Hlth. Sci., Univ. W., York Rd., Parktown 2193, South Africa; Wiggill, T., Dept. of Molec. Med. and Haematology, School of Pathology, Fac. Hlth. Sci., Univ. W., York Rd., Parktown 2193, South Africa; Horsfield, P., Dept. of Molec. Med. and Haematology, School of Pathology, Fac. Hlth. Sci., Univ. W., York Rd., Parktown 2193, South Africa; Coetzee, L., Dept. of Molec. Med. and Haematology, School of Pathology, Fac. Hlth. Sci., Univ. W., York Rd., Parktown 2193, South Africa; Scott, L.E., Dept. of Molec. Med. and Haematology, School of Pathology, Fac. Hlth. Sci., Univ. W., York Rd., Parktown 2193, South Africa | We compared the performance of the NucliSens EasyQ assay (bioMerieux) combined with the manual NucliSens miniMag extraction methodology to the Roche Cobas Ampliprep/Standard Amplicor Monitor methodology (Roche Diagnostics) for HIV-1 RNA quantitation in HIV-1-infected individuals in South Africa. Plasma samples (284) from HIV sero-positive patients at different stages of infection were analyzed. The distribution of results was typical of the clinical samples received at the laboratory where 20% have viral load results <400 copies/ml (2.6 log) and 18% have viral load results >750 000 copies/ml (5.8 log) using the Roche Amplicor Monitor standard assay. All statistical analyses were performed using log10-transformed values for all the variables in the analyses, i.e. log10EasyQIU/ml, and log10RNA (log 10 copies/ml, Amplicor). Roche values were converted from RNA copies per ml to IU/ml by multiplying the Roche value by 0.51. HIV RNA levels quantitated by the NucliSens EasyQ assay correlated significantly with those of the Roche Cobas Amplicor Monitor assay (r = 0.874, p < 0.0001). Reproducibility of the NucliSens EasyQ assay in the log 6 IU range yielded CV variance of 1.3-2.84% for two well-trained technologists. In addition, a retrospective evaluation of the performance of the NucliSens EasyQ assay in 102 runs (2448) samples was conducted in the laboratory over a 4-month interval. Factors considered during this evaluation included time taken to perform the assay, volume requirements, number of required repeats, potential for contamination. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | HIV viral load laboratory measurement; Method comparison; NucliSens EasyQ; Resource limited setting; Roche Amplicor | virus RNA; article; assay; blood sampling; controlled study; correlation analysis; extraction; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; intermethod comparison; laboratory test; priority journal; quantitative analysis; reproducibility; South Africa; statistical analysis; virus load; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; HIV-1; Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Retrospective Studies; RNA, Viral; Viral Load; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864946809 | Tuberculosis among children in Kenya: Epidemiology and impact of HIV in two provinces | Cavanaugh J., Genga K., Marigu I., Laserson K., Ackers M., Cain K. | 2012 | Journal of Tropical Pediatrics | 58 | 4 | 10.1093/tropej/fmr098 | Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States; Division of TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States; Division of Leprosy TB and Lung Disease, Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Nairobi, 00202, Kenya; Global AIDS Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya; Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States | Cavanaugh, J., Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States, Division of TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States; Genga, K., Division of Leprosy TB and Lung Disease, Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Nairobi, 00202, Kenya; Marigu, I., Global AIDS Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya; Laserson, K., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; Ackers, M., Global AIDS Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya; Cain, K., Division of TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States | We collected clinical register data on children in two provinces of Kenya and conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses to assess characteristics associated with death. Among 987 children with tuberculosis (TB), pulmonary disease was diagnosed in 689 (70%) children. Final outcomes were known for 830 children, 40 (5%) of whom died during TB treatment. HIV test results were available for 670 (68%) children; 371 (55%) of whom tested positive. Only 63 of 134 (47%) of children <1 year were tested for HIV. There were no data on CD4 or anti-retroviral use. The relative risk for death for HIV-infected children compared to HIV-uninfected children was 9.3 for children <1 year [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-69.2], 3.9 for children aged 1-4 (95% CI 0.9-17.7) and 0.9 for children aged 5-14 (95% CI 0.3-2.6). In Kenya, HIV infection in children with TB is common, and our data suggest that HIV is particularly deadly in TB patients <1 year, the group with the lowest rate of testing. Poor data recording and reporting limit our understanding of TB in this age group. Expansion of HIV testing may improve survival, and more complete data recording and reporting will enhance our understanding of pediatric TB. Published by Oxford University Press 2011. | Epidemiology; HIV; Pediatrics; Tuberculosis | antiretrovirus agent; tuberculostatic agent; adolescent; adult; article; bivariate analysis; child; childhood disease; clinical assessment; controlled study; epidemiology; female; highly active antiretroviral therapy; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; Kenya; lung disease; lung tuberculosis; major clinical study; male; mortality; multivariate analysis; preschool child; register; school child; tuberculosis; Adolescent; Age Distribution; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Antitubercular Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Confidence Intervals; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant; Kenya; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938151874 | The CIB-lensing bispectrum: Impact on primordial non-gaussianity and detectability for the Planck mission | Curto A., Tucci M., Kunz M., Martínez-González E. | 2015 | Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society | 450 | 4 | 10.1093/mnras/stv849 | Instituto de Física de Cantabria, CSIC, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros s/n, Santander, Spain; Astrophysics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, Madingley Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Kavli Institute for Cosmology Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Département de Physique Théorique, Center for Astroparticle Physics, Université de Genève, 24 quai Ansermet, Genève 4, Switzerland; African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, 6 Melrose Road, Muizenberg, South Africa | Curto, A., Instituto de Física de Cantabria, CSIC, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros s/n, Santander, Spain, Astrophysics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, Madingley Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom, Kavli Institute for Cosmology Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Tucci, M., Département de Physique Théorique, Center for Astroparticle Physics, Université de Genève, 24 quai Ansermet, Genève 4, Switzerland; Kunz, M., Département de Physique Théorique, Center for Astroparticle Physics, Université de Genève, 24 quai Ansermet, Genève 4, Switzerland, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, 6 Melrose Road, Muizenberg, South Africa; Martínez-González, E., Instituto de Física de Cantabria, CSIC, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros s/n, Santander, Spain | We characterize the cosmic infrared background (CIB)-lensing bispectrum which is one of the contributions to the three-point functions of cosmic microwave background (CMB) maps in harmonic space. We show that the CIB-lensing bispectrum has a considerable strength and that it can be detected with high significance in the Planck high-frequency maps. We also present forecasts of the contamination on different shapes of the primordial non-Gaussianity f<inf>nl</inf> parameter produced by the CIB-lensing bispectrum and by the extragalactic point sources bispectrum in the Planck high-resolution CMB anisotropy maps. The local, equilateral and orthogonal shapes are considered for 'raw' single-frequency (i.e. without applying any component separation technique) and foreground-reduced Planck temperaturemaps. The CIB-lensing correlation seems to mainly affect orthogonal shapes of the bispectrum-with Δf (ort) <inf>nl</inf> = -21 and -88 for the 143 and 217 GHz bands, respectively-while point sources mostly impact equilateral shapes, with Δf (eq) <inf>nl</inf> = 160, 54 and 60 at 100, 143 and 217 GHz. However, the results indicate that these contaminants do not induce any relevant bias on Planck f<inf>nl</inf> estimates when foreground-reduced maps are considered: using SEVEM for the component separation, we obtain Δf (ort) <inf>nl</inf> = 10.5 due to the CIB-lensing and Δf (eq) <inf>nl</inf> = 30.4 due to point sources, corresponding to 0.3σ and 0.45σ in terms of the Planck 2013 fnl uncertainty. The component separation technique is, in fact, able to partially clean the extragalactic source contamination and the bias is reduced for all the shapes. We have further developed singleand multiple-frequency estimators based on the Komatsu, Spergel & Wandelt formalism that can be implemented to efficiently detect this signal. © 2015 The Authors. | Infrared: diffuse background; Methods: data analysis; Methods: statistical; Radio continuum: galaxies | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78049271468 | The impact of HIV/AIDS and ARV treatment on worker absenteeism: Implications for African firms | Habyarimana J., Mbakile B., Pop-Eleches C. | 2010 | Journal of Human Resources | 45 | 4 | None | Georgetown University, United States; Debswana Diamond Company, Botswana; Columbia University, United States | Habyarimana, J., Georgetown University, United States; Mbakile, B., Debswana Diamond Company, Botswana; Pop-Eleches, C., Columbia University, United States | We characterize medium and long-run labor market impacts of HIV/AIDS and ARV treatment using unique panel data of worker absenteeism and information from an AIDS treatment program at a large mining firm in Botswana. We present robust evidence of an inverse-V shaped pattern in worker absenteeism around the time of ARV treatment inception. Absenteeism one to four years after treatment start is low and similar to nonenrolled workers at the firm. Furthermore, our analysis suggests that for the typical manufacturing firm in Africa, the benefits of treatment to the firm cover 8-22 percent of the cost of treatment. © 2010 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. | None | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; disease treatment; drug; human immunodeficiency virus; labor market; manufacturing; panel data; public health; Africa | None |
| WoS | WOS:000282155200070 | A proposed model for evaluating the success of WebCT course content management system | Adeyinka, Tella,Mutula, S. | 2010 | COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR | 26 | 6 | 10.1016/j.chb.2010.07.007 | University of Botswana, University of Ilorin | "Adeyinka, Tella: University of Ilorin","Mutula, S.: University of Botswana" | WebCT is an online course management system which is accessed through the portal. It has a wide range of tools which support teaching and learning and enable online delivery of lecture notes, representations, surveys and quizzes, coursework, discussion boards and much more. Evaluation of WebCT systems success or effectiveness is a fundamental challenge to education institutions. A review of previous e-learning research suggests a focused evaluation approach, thus offering limited discussion of comprehensive views of WebCT systems success or systematic and practical guidance to its evaluations. Based on a prevalent information systems success model, this paper proposes and describes a revised model for evaluating WebCT systems success in educational settings. The study findings suggest that content quality, system quality, support service quality, teaching and learning quality, self-regulated learning, intention to use/use, user satisfaction and net benefits are important factors for evaluating the success of WebCT CCMS. Implications of the proposed model for theory and practice were illustrated. In addition, future research directions that extend the reported study are also preferred. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | BOTSWANA,"Course content management system",e-learning,"Information Communication Technology (ICT)","INFORMATION SYSTEM SUCCESS",WebCT,DELONE,"EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE",INFORMATION-TECHNOLOGY,RESPECIFICATION,"USER ACCEPTANCE",VALIDATION | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927591622 | Temperature Variation and heat wave and cold spell impacts on years of life lost among the urban poor population of Nairobi, Kenya | Egondi T., Kyobutungi C., Rocklöv J. | 2015 | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health | 12 | 3 | 10.3390/ijerph120302735 | African Population and Health Research Center, P.O. Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden | Egondi, T., African Population and Health Research Center, P.O. Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Kyobutungi, C., African Population and Health Research Center, P.O. Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Rocklöv, J., Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden | Weather extremes are associated with adverse health outcomes, including mortality. Studies have investigated the mortality risk of temperature in terms of excess mortality, however, this risk estimate may not be appealing to policy makers assessing the benefits expected for any interventions to be adopted. To provide further evidence of the burden of extreme temperatures, we analyzed the effect of temperature on years of life lost (YLL) due to all-cause mortality among the population in two urban informal settlements. YLL was generated based on the life expectancy of the population during the study period by applying a survival analysis approach. Association between daily maximum temperature and YLL was assessed using a distributed lag nonlinear model. In addition, cold spell and heat wave effects, as defined according to different percentiles, were investigated. The exposure-response curve between temperature and YLL was J-shaped, with the minimum mortality temperature (MMT) of 26 °C. An average temperature of 21 °C compared to the MMT was associated with an increase of 27.4 YLL per day (95% CI, 2.7–52.0 years). However, there was no additional effect for extended periods of cold spells, nor did we find significant associations between YLL to heat or heat waves. Overall, increased YLL from all-causes were associated with cold spells indicating the need for initiating measure for reducing health burdens. © 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. | Cold spell; Cold-related mortality; Heat wave; Heat-related mortality; Temperature | climate effect; environmental factor; health geography; health impact; informal settlement; mortality; survival; temperature gradient; urban population; Article; cause of death; cold injury; cold spell; controlled study; environmental impact; environmental monitoring; environmental temperature; heat wave; human; Kenya; life expectancy; mortality; outcome assessment; physical phenomena; social status; survival; temperature sensitivity; temperature variation; thermal analysis; urban area; weather; Kenya; Nairobi [Kenya]; Nairobi [Nairobi (CNT)] | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349873676 | Climate change impact on SWAT simulated streamflow in western Kenya | Githui F., Gitau W., Mutua F., Bauwens W. | 2009 | International Journal of Climatology | 29 | 12 | 10.1002/joc.1828 | Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Department of Meteorology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Centre de Recherches de Climatologie, Université de Bourgogne, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000 Dijon, France | Githui, F., Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Gitau, W., Centre de Recherches de Climatologie, Université de Bourgogne, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000 Dijon, France; Mutua, F., Department of Meteorology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Bauwens, W., Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium | Weather and climate extremes such as droughts and floods have far reaching impacts in Kenya. They have had implications in a variety of sectors including agriculture, water resources, health, energy, and disaster management among others. Lake Victoria and its catchment support millions of people and any impact on its ability to support the livelihoods of the communities in this region is of major concern. Thus, the main objective of this study was to assess the potential future climatic changes on the Nzoia catchment in the Lake Victoria basin, and how they might affect streamflow. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool was used to investigate the impact of climatic change on streamflow of the study area. The model was set up using readily available spatial and temporal data, and calibrated against measured daily streamflow. Climate change scenarios were obtained from general circulation models. Results obtained showed increased amounts of annual rainfall for all the scenarios but with variations on a monthly basis. All - but one - global circulation models (GCMs) showed consistency in the monthly rainfall amounts. Rainfall was higher in the 2050s than in the 2020s. According to climate change scenarios, temperature will increase in this region, with the 2050s experiencing much higher increases than the 2020s with a monthly temperature change range of 0-1.7 °C. The range of change in mean annual rainfall of 2.4-23.2% corresponded to a change in streamflow of about 6-115%. The analysis revealed important rainfall-runoff linear relationships for certain months that could be extrapolated to estimate amounts of streamflow under various scenarios of change in rainfall. Streamflow response was not sensitive to changes in temperature. If all other variables, e.g. land cover, population growth etc., were held constant, a significant increase in streamflow may be expected in the coming decades as a consequence of increased rainfall amounts. © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society. | Climate change; General circulation models; Hydrology; Modelling; Runoff; Streamflow | Annual rainfall; Climate change impact; Climate change scenarios; Climatic changes; Disaster management; General circulation model; General circulation models; Global circulation model; Lake Victoria; Land cover; Linear relationships; Modelling; Population growth; Rainfall runoff; Soil and Water assessment tools; Study areas; Temperature changes; Temporal Data; Catchments; Disaster prevention; Drought; Rain; Runoff; Stream flow; Thermal effects; Water; Water resources; Climate change; climate change; climate effect; computer simulation; general circulation model; hydrological modeling; rainfall-runoff modeling; streamflow; temperature anomaly; Africa; East Africa; East African Lakes; Kenya; Lake Victoria; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-20444480278 | Bank privatization and performance: Empirical evidence from Nigeria | Beck T., Cull R., Jerome A. | 2005 | Journal of Banking and Finance | 29 | 8-9 SPEC. ISS. | 10.1016/j.jbankfin.2005.03.018 | The World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, United States; Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Beck, T., The World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, United States; Cull, R., The World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, United States; Jerome, A., Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | We assess the effect of privatization on performance in a panel of Nigerian banks for the period 1990-2001. We find evidence of performance improvement in nine banks that were privatized, which is remarkable given the inhospitable environment for true financial intermediation. Our results also suggest negative effects of the continuing minority government ownership on the performance of many Nigerian banks. Finally, our results complement aggregate indications of decreasing financial intermediation over the 1990s; banks that focused on investment in government bonds and non-lending activities enjoyed a relatively better performance. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Bank performance; Bank privatization; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876529124 | Evaluation of the antibacterial and antifungal potential of Peltophorum africanum: Toxicological effect on human Chang liver cell line | Okeleye B.I., Mkwetshana N.T., Ndip R.N. | 2013 | The Scientific World Journal | 2013 | None | 10.1155/2013/878735 | Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 570, South Africa; Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon | Okeleye, B.I., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 570, South Africa; Mkwetshana, N.T., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 570, South Africa; Ndip, R.N., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 570, South Africa, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon | We assessed the in vitro antimicrobial activity of Peltophorum africanum by means of the agar well and macrodilution methods. The toxicity on a normal human liver cell (Chang liver cell) was determined using the CellTiter-Blue cell viability assay, and the compounds contained in the fractions were identified using GC-MS. Zone diameter of inhibition of the extract ranged from 12.5 ± 0.7 to 32 ± 2.8 mm for bacteria and from 7.5 ± 0.7 to 26.4 ± 3.4 mm for yeast. Marked activity of the extract was observed against Plesiomonas shigelloides ATCC 51903, with MIC and MLC values of 0.15625 and 0.3125 mg/mL, respectively. The extract was both bactericidal (MIC index ≤ 2) and bacteriostatic/fungistatic (MIC index > 2) in activity. Lethal dose at 50 (LD50) showed 82.64 ± 1.40 degree of toxicity at 24 hrs, and 95 percentile of cell death dose activity ranged from log 3.12 ± 0.01 to 4.59 ± 0.03. The activity of the eight fractions tested ranged from 1.0 ± 0.5 to 3.7 ± 1.6 mg/mL (IC50) and from 2.1 ± 0.8 to 6.25 ± 0 mg/mL (IC90). The extract was toxic to human Chang liver cell lines. © 2013 Benjamin I. Okeleye et al. | None | Peltophorum africanum extract; plant extract; unclassified drug; antifungal agent; antiinfective agent; plant extract; agar dilution; antibacterial activity; antifungal activity; article; bactericidal activity; cell death; controlled study; drug cytotoxicity; human; human cell; LD 50; liver cell culture; mass fragmentography; medicinal plant; minimum inhibitory concentration; nonhuman; Peltophorum africanum; Plesiomonas shigelloides; bacterial phenomena and functions; Caesalpinia; cell survival; chemistry; drug effect; fungus; liver tumor; pathology; physiology; treatment outcome; tumor cell line; Peltophorum africanum; Plesiomonas shigelloides; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antifungal Agents; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; Caesalpinia; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Fungi; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Plant Extracts; Treatment Outcome | None |
| None | None | Impact of measles outbreak response vaccination campaign in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Goodson J.L., Wiesen E., Perry R.T., Mach O., Kitambi M., Kibona M., Luman E.T., Cairns K.L. | 2009 | Vaccine | 27 | 42 | 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.07.057 | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States; World Health Organization, Africa Regional Office, East and South Inter-country Support Team, Zimbabwe; Expanded Programme on Immunization, Ministry of Health and Social, Welfare, Tanzania; Expanded Programme on Immunization, World Health Organization, Tanzania | Goodson, J.L., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States; Wiesen, E., World Health Organization, Africa Regional Office, East and South Inter-country Support Team, Zimbabwe; Perry, R.T., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States; Mach, O., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States; Kitambi, M., Expanded Programme on Immunization, Ministry of Health and Social, Welfare, Tanzania; Kibona, M., Expanded Programme on Immunization, World Health Organization, Tanzania; Luman, E.T., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States; Cairns, K.L., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States | We assessed the impact of a measles outbreak response vaccination campaign (ORV) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Age-specific incidence rates were calculated before and after the ORV. Incidence rate ratios for the two time periods were compared and used to estimate expected cases and deaths prevented by ORV. The ratio of measles incidence rates in the age groups targeted and not targeted by ORV decreased from 5.8 prior to ORV to 1.8 (p < 0.0001) after; 506 measles cases and 18 measles deaths were likely averted. These results support the need for revised recommendations concerning ORV in general settings in Africa. | Immunization; Measles; Outbreak; Vaccination | measles vaccine; adolescent; adult; age distribution; article; child; controlled study; epidemic; female; health program; health survey; human; incidence; infant; major clinical study; male; measles; measles vaccination; outbreak response vaccination; outcome assessment; preschool child; priority journal; school child; Tanzania; Adolescent; Age Distribution; Child; Child, Preschool; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Humans; Immunization Programs; Incidence; Infant; Male; Measles; Measles Vaccine; Models, Biological; Tanzania; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58849128160 | Diclofenac Potassium Attenuates Dysmenorrhea and Restores Exercise Performance in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea | Chantler I., Mitchell D., Fuller A. | 2009 | Journal of Pain | 10 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jpain.2008.08.006 | Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa | Chantler, I., Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mitchell, D., Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Fuller, A., Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa | We assessed the efficacy of diclofenac potassium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in alleviating menstrual pain and restoring exercise performance to that measured in the late-follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Twelve healthy young women with a history of primary dysmenorrhea completed, in a random order, laboratory exercise-testing sessions when they were in the late-follicular (no menstruation, no pain) phase of the menstrual cycle and when they were experiencing dysmenorrhea and receiving, in a double-blinded fashion, either 100 mg of diclofenac potassium or placebo. We assessed the women's leg strength (1-repetition maximum test), aerobic capacity (treadmill walking test), and ability to perform a functional test (task-specific test). Compared with placebo, diclofenac potassium significantly decreased dysmenorrhea on the day of administration (Visual Analog Scale, P < .001 at all times). When receiving placebo for menstrual pain, the women's performance in the tests was decreased significantly, compared with when they were receiving diclofenac potassium for menstrual pain (P < .05) and compared with when they were in the late-follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (P < .05 for treadmill test, P < .01 for task-specific test and 1-repetition maximum test). Administration of diclofenac potassium for menstrual pain restored exercise performance to a level not different from that achieved in the late-follicular phase of the cycle. Perspective: In women with primary dysmenorrhea, menstrual pain, if untreated, decreases laboratory-assessed exercise performance. A recommended daily dose of a readily available nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac potassium, is effective in relieving menstrual pain and restoring physical performance to levels achieved when the women were in the late-follicular (no menstruation, no pain) phase of the menstrual cycle. © 2009 American Pain Society. | Menstrual pain; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; physical performance | cataflam d; diclofenac potassium; placebo; unclassified drug; aerobic capacity; article; clinical article; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; drug efficacy; dysmenorrhea; exercise; female; follicular phase; human; leg; muscle strength; task performance; treadmill exercise; visual analog scale; walking; Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Diclofenac; Double-Blind Method; Dysmenorrhea; Exercise; Female; Humans; Menstrual Cycle; Physical Endurance; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862985323 | Identification and antibacterial evaluation of bioactive compounds from Garcinia kola (Heckel) seeds | Seanego C.T., Ndip R.N. | 2012 | Molecules | 17 | 6 | 10.3390/molecules17066585 | Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X 1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon | Seanego, C.T., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X 1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Ndip, R.N., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X 1314, Alice 5700, South Africa, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon | We assessed the bioactivity of G. kola seeds on Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Plesiomonas shigelloides and Salmonella typhimurium. The crude ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol, acetone and aqueous extracts were screened by the agar-well diffusion method and their activities were further determined by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) assays. The extracts were fractionated by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). Bioautography was used to assess the activity of the possible classes of compounds present in the more active extracts. Column chromatography was used to purify the active compounds from the mixture, while GC-MS was used to identify the phytocomponents of the fractions. The inhibition zone diameters of the extracts ranged from 0-24 ± 1.1 mm, while MIC and MBC values ranged between 0.04-1.25 mg/mL and 0.081-2.5 mg/mL, respectively. The chloroform/ethyl acetate/formic acid (CEF) solvent system separated more active compounds. The MIC of the fractions ranged between 0.0006-2.5 mg/mL. CEF 3(F3), CEF 11 (F11) and CEF 12 (F12) revealed the presence of high levels of linoleic acid, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid and 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl ester, respectively. The results obtained from this study justify the use of this plant in traditional medicine and provide leads which could be further exploited for the development of new and potent antimicrobials. © 2012 by the authors. | Antimicrobial activity; Garcinia kola; GC-MS; Medicinal plants; Minimum Bactericidal Concentration; Minimum Inhibitory Concentration | antiinfective agent; plant extract; article; bacterium; chemistry; drug effect; Garcinia kola; microbiological examination; plant seed; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Garcinia kola; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Plant Extracts; Seeds | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960095934 | Monitoring of cholinesterase inhibition among retailers of agrochemicals in Northeastern Nigeria | Hotton A.J., Barminas J.T., Osemeahon S.A., Aboki T. | 2010 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 46 | 1 | None | National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, P.M.B 1018, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 2076, Yola, Adamawa, State, Nigeria; Department of Pediatric, Federal Medical Centre | Hotton, A.J., National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, P.M.B 1018, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria; Barminas, J.T., Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 2076, Yola, Adamawa, State, Nigeria; Osemeahon, S.A., Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 2076, Yola, Adamawa, State, Nigeria; Aboki, T., Department of Pediatric, Federal Medical Centre, P.M. B1052, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria | We asses cholinesterase level on retailers of pesticide in Northeastern Nigeria, evaluated the prevalence of symptoms and relate levels of inhibition to reported symptoms. Medical evaluation questionnaires were administered to 100 exposed retailers and control. Extracted information included name, sex, age, duration of trade, hygienic behavior, protective clothing and educational levels. The acetycholinesterase activity was measured for both categories at low and high exposure period. 68% of the exposed had poor hygienic behavior with low education and 8% use of overall. 84% of the exposed retailers had change in acetycholinesterase inhibition (≥30%). The grouping on year of involvement in trade shows high inhibition in the exposed, 1-3 years (36.2%) and 3-6 years (40.4%). Symptom prevalence was higher during high exposure, respiratory (18.4%), Central nervous system (16%), eye (15.2%) and cardiovascular (15%) with a significant change in the control. The increase symptom prevalence was found at acetylcholinesterase activities considered to be no adverse compared to WHO threshold of 70% baseline red blood cell. In conclusion, retailers of pesticide in Northeastern Nigeria may have been occupationally exposed due to the sales and handling of pesticide; and the exposure at times is of such magnitude as to be hazardous to retailers. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2010. | Cholinesterase inhibition; Health effect; Pesticide retailers | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862338892 | Evaluation of the acetone and aqueous extracts of mature stem bark of Sclerocarya birrea for antioxidant and antimicrobial properties | Tanih N.F., Ndip R.N. | 2012 | Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine | 2012 | None | 10.1155/2012/834156 | Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon | Tanih, N.F., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Ndip, R.N., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon | We assayed the antimicrobial activity of acetone and aqueous extracts of the stem bark of Sclerocarya birrea on some selected bacteria and fungi species including; Streptococcus pyogenes, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella typhimurium, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida glabrata, Trichosporon mucoides, and Candida krusei using both agar well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. Based on the levels of activity, the acetone extract was examined for total polyphenolic content, radical scavenging and antioxidant activities. Total phenols of the extract were determined spectrophotometrically. The antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH, ABTS and reducing power. All the bacteria and fungi species were susceptible to the plant extracts. The acetone extract was the most active for the bacterial species with MIC (0.1560.625mg/mL) while the aqueous extract was the most active for the fungi species with MIC (0.31251.25mg/mL). The polyphenolic compounds were found as 27.2mg/g tannic acid equivalent, 25.2mg/g quercetin equivalent, 9.1mg/g quercetin equivalent for phenols, flavonoid and flavonols respectively. The acetone extract exhibited a remarkable ability to scavenge radicals, strong reducing ability and a potential source of natural antioxidants. Both the acetone and aqueous extracts of S. birrea may provide a target for drug discovery. Copyright © 2012 Nicoline F. Tanih and Roland N. Ndip. | None | 1,1 diphenyl 2 picrylhydrazyl; 2,2' azinobis(3 ethylbenzothiazoline 6 sulfonic acid); acetone; amphotericin B; antiinfective agent; antioxidant; ciprofloxacin; flavonoid; flavonol; plant extract; quercetin; scavenger; sclerocarya birrea extract; tannin; unclassified drug; Aeromonas hydrophila; agar diffusion; Anacardiaceae; antimicrobial activity; antioxidant activity; article; bark; Candida glabrata; Candida krusei; controlled study; Cryptococcus neoformans; drug activity; drug screening; drug sensitivity; medicinal plant; minimum inhibitory concentration; nonhuman; plant stem; Plesiomonas shigelloides; priority journal; Salmonella typhimurium; Sclerocarya birrea; spectrophotometry; Streptococcus pyogenes; Trichosporon | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58149459606 | Biotribological evaluation of artificial disc arthroplasty devices: Influence of loading and kinematic patterns during in vitro wear simulation | Grupp T.M., Yue J.J., Garcia Jr. R., Basson J., Schwiesau J., Fritz B., Blömer W. | 2009 | European Spine Journal | 18 | 1 | 10.1007/s00586-008-0840-5 | Aesculap AG Research and Development, Tuttlingen, Germany; Ludwig Maximilian University, Clinic for Orthopaedic Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Munich, Germany; Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Orthopedic Care Center, Aventura, FL, United States; 6o of Freedom, Cape Town, South Africa; Biomechanical Research Laboratory, Aesculap AG Research and Development, Am Aesculap-Platz, 78532 Tuttlingen, Germany | Grupp, T.M., Aesculap AG Research and Development, Tuttlingen, Germany, Ludwig Maximilian University, Clinic for Orthopaedic Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Munich, Germany, Biomechanical Research Laboratory, Aesculap AG Research and Development, Am Aesculap-Platz, 78532 Tuttlingen, Germany; Yue, J.J., Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Garcia Jr., R., Orthopedic Care Center, Aventura, FL, United States; Basson, J., 6o of Freedom, Cape Town, South Africa; Schwiesau, J., Aesculap AG Research and Development, Tuttlingen, Germany; Fritz, B., Aesculap AG Research and Development, Tuttlingen, Germany; Blömer, W., Aesculap AG Research and Development, Tuttlingen, Germany | Wear simulation is an essential pre-clinical method to predict the mid- and long-term clinical wear behavior of newly introduced devices for total disc arthroplasty. The main requirement of a suitable method for spinal wear simulation has to be the ability to distinguish between design concepts and allow for a direct comparison of predicate devices. The objective of our study was to investigate the influence of loading and kinematic patterns based on two different protocols for spinal wear simulation (ISO/FDIS 18192-1 (2006) and ASTM F2423-05). In vitro wear simulation was performed with six activ ® L lumbar artificial disc devices (Aesculap Tuttlingen, Germany). The applied kinematic pattern of movement was multidirectional for ISO (elliptic track) and unidirectional with a curvilinear shape for ASTM. Testing was done for 10 million cycles in the ISO loading mode and afterwards with the same specimens for 5 million cycles according to the ASTM protocol with a customized six-station servohydraulic spinal wear simulator (EndoLab Thansau, Germany). Gravimetrical and geometrical wear assessment, a slide track analysis correlated to an optical surface characterization, and an estimation of particle size and morphology were performed. The gravimetric wear rate for the first 10 million cycles was ISOinitial = 2.7 ± 0.3 mg/million cycles. During the ASTM test period (10-15 million cycles) a gravimetric wear rate of 0.14 ± 0.06 mg/million cycles was estimated. The wear rates between the ISO and ASTM driven simulations differ substantially (approximately 20-fold) and statistical analysis demonstrates a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the test groups. The main explanation of divergency between ISO and ASTM driven wear simulations is the multidirectional pattern of movement described in the ISO document resulting in a cross-shear stress on the polyethylene material. Due to previous retrieval observations, it seems to be very unlikely that a lumbar artificial disc is loaded with a linear wear path.Testing according to ASTM F2423-05 with pure unidirectional motion does not reflect the kinematics of TDA patients' daily activities. Based on our findings it seems to be more reliable to predict the clinical wear behavior of an artificial disc replacement using the ISO/FDIS 18192-1 method. © 2008 Springer-Verlag. | Lumbar total disc arthroplasty; Particle analysis; Pattern of movement; Wear simulation | polyethylene; arthroplasty; article; daily life activity; device; geometry; gravimetry; kinematics; lumbar spine; mechanical stress; methodology; morphology; particle size; priority journal; shear stress; simulation; Arthroplasty, Replacement; Biomechanics; Compressive Strength; Intervertebral Disk; Joint Prosthesis; Materials Testing; Polyethylene; Stress, Mechanical; Weight-Bearing | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939643524 | Evaluation of a consumer fitness-tracking device to assess sleep in adults | De Zambotti M., Claudatos S., Inkelis S., Colrain I.M., Baker F.C. | 2015 | Chronobiology International | 32 | 7 | 10.3109/07420528.2015.1054395 | Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, United States; Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of MelbourneVIC, Australia; Brain Function Research Group, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | De Zambotti, M., Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, United States; Claudatos, S., Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, United States; Inkelis, S., 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 MelbourneVIC, Australia; Baker, F.C., Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, United States, Brain Function Research Group, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Wearable fitness-tracker devices are becoming increasingly available. We evaluated the agreement between Jawbone UP and polysomnography (PSG) in assessing sleep in a sample of 28 midlife women. As shown previously, for standard actigraphy, Jawbone UP had high sensitivity in detecting sleep (0.97) and low specificity in detecting wake (0.37). However, it showed good overall agreement with PSG with a maximum of two women falling outside Bland-Altman plot agreement limits. Jawbone UP overestimated PSG total sleep time (26.6 ± 35.3 min) and sleep onset latency (5.2 ± 9.6 min), and underestimated wake after sleep onset (31.2 ± 32.3 min) (p's < 0.05), with greater discrepancies in nights with more disrupted sleep. The low-cost and wide-availability of these fitness-tracker devices may make them an attractive alternative to standard actigraphy in monitoring daily sleep-wake rhythms over several days. © 2015 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Actigraphy; activity trackers; motion; sleep; wristbands | None | HL103688, NIH, National Institutes of Health |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84916887285 | Evaluation of the trophic structure of the West Florida Shelf in the 2000s using the ecosystem model OSMOSE | Grüss A., Schirripa M.J., Chagaris D., Drexler M., Simons J., Verley P., Shin Y.-J., Karnauskas M., Oliveros-Ramos R., Ainsworth C.H. | 2015 | Journal of Marine Systems | 144 | None | 10.1016/j.jmarsys.2014.11.004 | Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, United States; Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL, United States; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 100 8th Ave SE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States; University of South Florida, College of Marine Science, 140 7th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL, United States; Center for Coastal Studies Natural Resources Center, Texas A andM University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Dr., Corpus Christi, TX, United States; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR EME 212, Centre de Recherche Halieutique Méditerranéenne et Tropicale, Avenue Jean Monnet, CS 30171, Sète cedex, France; University of Cape Town, Marine Research Institute Ma-Re, Department of Biological Sciences, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Instituto del Mar del Perú (IMARPE), Gamarra y General Valle s/n Chucuito, Callao, Peru | Grüss, A., Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, United States, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL, United States; Schirripa, M.J., Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL, United States; Chagaris, D., Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 100 8th Ave SE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States; Drexler, M., University of South Florida, College of Marine Science, 140 7th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL, United States; Simons, J., Center for Coastal Studies Natural Resources Center, Texas A andM University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Dr., Corpus Christi, TX, United States; Verley, P., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR EME 212, Centre de Recherche Halieutique Méditerranéenne et Tropicale, Avenue Jean Monnet, CS 30171, Sète cedex, France; Shin, Y.-J., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR EME 212, Centre de Recherche Halieutique Méditerranéenne et Tropicale, Avenue Jean Monnet, CS 30171, Sète cedex, France, University of Cape Town, Marine Research Institute Ma-Re, Department of Biological Sciences, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Karnauskas, M., Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL, United States; Oliveros-Ramos, R., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR EME 212, Centre de Recherche Halieutique Méditerranéenne et Tropicale, Avenue Jean Monnet, CS 30171, Sète cedex, France, Instituto del Mar del Perú (IMARPE), Gamarra y General Valle s/n Chucuito, Callao, Peru; Ainsworth, C.H., University of South Florida, College of Marine Science, 140 7th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL, United States | We applied the individual-based, multi-species OSMOSE modeling approach to the West Florida Shelf, with the intent to inform ecosystem-based management (EBM) in this region. Our model, referred to as 'OSMOSE-WFS', explicitly considers both pelagic-demersal and benthic high trophic level (HTL) groups of fish and invertebrate species, and is forced by the biomass of low trophic level groups of species (plankton and benthos). We present a steady-state version of the OSMOSE-WFS model describing trophic interactions in the West Florida Shelf in the 2000s. OSMOSE-WFS was calibrated using a recently developed evolutionary algorithm that allowed simulated biomasses of HTL groups to match observed biomasses over the period 2005-2009. The validity of OSMOSE-WFS was then evaluated by comparing simulated diets to observed ones, and the simulated trophic levels to those in an Ecopath model of the West Florida Shelf (WFS Reef fish Ecopath). Finally, OSMOSE-WFS was used to explore the trophic structure of the West Florida Shelf in the 2000s and estimate size-specific natural mortality rates for a socio-economically important species, gag grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis). OSMOSE-WFS outputs were in full agreement with observations as to the body size and ecological niche of prey of the different HTL groups, and to a lesser extent in agreement with the observed species composition of the diet of HTL groups. OSMOSE-WFS and WFS Reef fish Ecopath concurred on the magnitude of the instantaneous natural mortality of the different life stages of gag grouper over the period 2005-2009, but not always on the main causes of natural mortality. The model evaluations conducted here provides a strong basis for ongoing work exploring fishing and environmental scenarios so as to inform EBM. From simple size-based predation rules, we were indeed able to capture the complexity of trophic interactions in the West Florida Shelf, and to identify the predators, prey and competitors of socio-economically important species as well as pivotal prey species of the ecosystem. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Gag grouper; Marine ecosystem modeling; Natural mortality; Resource management; Trophic structure; West florida shelf | Biomass; Computer simulation; Fish; Nutrition; Reefs; Florida; Marine ecosystem; Natural mortality; Resource management; Trophic structure; Ecosystems; algorithm; body size; ecosystem modeling; mortality; niche; predation; resource management; socioeconomic status; trophic structure; Atlantic Ocean; Florida Shelf; Epinephelinae; Invertebrata; Mycteroperca microlepis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920281316 | Using hydrochemical tracers to assess impacts of unsewered urban catchments on hydrochemistry and nutrients in groundwater | Nyenje P.M., Foppen J.W., Uhlenbrook S., Lutterodt G. | 2014 | Hydrological Processes | 28 | 24 | 10.1002/hyp.10070 | Department of Water Science and Engineering, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, PO Box 3015, Delft, Netherlands; Makerere University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Section of Water Resources, Delft University of Technology, PO Box 5048, Delft, Netherlands; Department of Civil Engineering, Central University College, PO Box DS 2310, Dansoman-Accra, Ghana | Nyenje, P.M., Department of Water Science and Engineering, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, PO Box 3015, Delft, Netherlands, Makerere University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Foppen, J.W., Department of Water Science and Engineering, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, PO Box 3015, Delft, Netherlands; Uhlenbrook, S., Department of Water Science and Engineering, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, PO Box 3015, Delft, Netherlands, Section of Water Resources, Delft University of Technology, PO Box 5048, Delft, Netherlands; Lutterodt, G., Department of Civil Engineering, Central University College, PO Box DS 2310, Dansoman-Accra, Ghana | We applied graphical methods and multivariate statistics to understand impacts of an unsewered slum catchment on nutrients and hydrochemistry of groundwater in Kampala, Uganda. Data were collected from 56 springs (groundwater), 22 surface water sites and 13 rain samples. Groundwater was acidic and dominated by Na, Cl and NO3. These ions were strongly correlated, indicating pollution originating from wastewater infiltration from on-site sanitation systems. Results also showed that rain, which was acidic, impacted on groundwater chemistry. Using Q-mode hierarchical cluster analysis, we identified three distinct water quality groups. The first group had springs dominated by Ca-Cl-NO3, low values of electrical conductivity (EC), pH and cations, and relatively high NO3 values. These springs were shown to have originated from the acidic rains because their chemistry closely corresponded to ion concentrations that would occur from rainfall recharge, which was around 3.3 times concentrated by evaporation. The second group had springs dominated by Na-K-Cl-NO3 and Ca-Cl-NO3, low pH but with higher values of EC, NO3 and cations. We interpreted these as groundwater affected by both acid rain and infiltration of wastewater from urban areas. The third group had the highest EC values (average of 688μS/cm), low pH and very high concentrations of NO3 (average of 2.15mmol/l) and cations. Since these springs were all located in slum areas, we interpreted them as groundwater affected by infiltration of wastewater from poorly sanitized slums areas. Surface water was slightly reducing and eutrophic because of wastewater effluents, but the contribution of groundwater to nutrients in surface water was minimal because o-PO4 was absent, whereas NO3 was lost by denitification. Our findings suggest that groundwater chemistry in the catchment is strongly influenced by anthropogenic inputs derived from nitrogen-containing rains and domestic wastewater. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Acid rain; Groundwater; Multivariate statistics; Nutrients; Slums; Uganda | Acid rain; Calcium; Catchments; Cluster analysis; Effluents; Groundwater; Groundwater geochemistry; Hierarchical systems; Housing; Infiltration; Multivariant analysis; Nutrients; pH; Positive ions; Precipitation (meteorology); Rain; River pollution; Runoff; Sanitation; Surface waters; Water quality; Electrical conductivity; Groundwater chemistry; Hierarchical cluster analysis; Hydrochemical tracers; Multivariate statistics; On-site sanitation systems; Slums; Uganda; Hydrochemistry | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77958041852 | Evaluation of protein quality of unfermented and fermented blends of cereal based complementary food using rats | Odumodu C.U. | 2010 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 9 | 6 | None | Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jos, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria | Odumodu, C.U., Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jos, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria | Weanling male rats of 45-55 g were used to compare the protein quality of the unfermented and fermented blends of cereal based complementary food. Paddy rice, parboiled rice, soybean and crayfish were obtained from Jos main market, Nigeria. The paddy rice malted for 72 h and all the foodstuffs were processed into flours. Parboiled rice and soybean mix was formulated in a standard ratio of 70:30 g (PR:DSBo). A modified standard formulation of parboiled rice, soybean, malted rice and crayfish mix in the ratio of 65:25:5:5 g (PR:DSB:MR72:CFo) was made. From the formulation fermentation of different blends at varying periods 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h was carried out. Protein content of the unfermented and fermented blends was determined by the standard assay technique. Seven different diets were fed. Five rats were assigned to each diet for 28-days growth studies and a 7-day N balance period. The rats fed the unfermented modified standard (PR:DSB:MR72:CFo blend had the highest food intake, weight gain, N intake, retained N, BV, and NPU values (69 g, 27 g, 2.96 g, 2.23 g, 83.5 and 75.47, respectively) than the rest of the groups. The result appeared to suggest that fermentation affected the protein quality of the fermented blends negatively making the protein quality of the unfermented modified standard (PR:DSB:MR72:CFo) blend the best. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Fermentation; Malting; Rats complementary | protein; animal experiment; article; cereal; controlled study; crayfish; fermented product; food analysis; food composition; food intake; food preservation; food processing; food safety; male; nitrogen balance; nonhuman; protein content; protein quality; protein synthesis; rat; rice; soybean; weight gain; Astacoidea; Glycine max; Rattus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33645229620 | Reproductive performance of Wistar rats fed Acacia colei seed-based diets | Adewusi S.R.A., Falade O.S., Nwoha P.U., Caxton-Martins A.E., Harwood C. | 2006 | Journal of Arid Environments | 66 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2005.10.014 | Department of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products, P.O. Box E4008, Kingston, ACT 4008, Australia | Adewusi, S.R.A., Department of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Falade, O.S., Department of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Nwoha, P.U., Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Caxton-Martins, A.E., Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Harwood, C., CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products, P.O. Box E4008, Kingston, ACT 4008, Australia | Weanling male and female Wistar rats were fed diets incorporating 0%, 20% and 40% Acacia colei seed flour (Leguminosae), to raise three generations of animals. Weight gain decreased with increasing levels of acacia incorporation (crude protein content 12.6%) in first generation animals. Mating, 13 weeks after weaning, resulted in 80%, 60% and 0% pregnancy in female rats, average litter size of 5 and 5.5; and survival rate of 83% and 94% by rats fed 0%, 20% and 40% acacia diets, respectively. Increasing the protein content to 18% reversed the reproductive failure in the 40% acacia group: pregnancy rate was 80%, 40% and 71%; mean litter size was 8.5, 12 and 3.8 in rats fed 0%, 20% and 40% acacia diets, respectively. Growth rate was fastest in the 0% acacia group second-generation rats after the first 64 days. Mating this second generation resulted in 82%, 70% and 83% pregnancy over two matings for animals on 0%, 20% and 40% acacia diets, respectively. Weights of reproductive and other internal organs were little affected by diet-type indicating that incorporation of acacia into rat diet would not affect reproduction except for the low quality of its protein. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Dietary protein; Famine food; Growth; Reproduction | diet; food quality; litter size; reproductive success; rodent; Acacia; Acacia colei; Animalia; Fabaceae; Rattus norvegicus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65249164083 | Development and evaluation of weaning foods from pigeon pea and millet | Onweluzo J.C., Nwabugwu C.C. | 2009 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 8 | 6 | None | Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Onweluzo, J.C., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Nwabugwu, C.C., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Weaning foods were formulated by complementing millet with pigeon-pea after sprouting and fermentation pre-treatments. Products were evaluated for composition and functional properties. Nutritional quality was evaluated by animal feeding experiment using 36 weanling male Wister rats (45-55g). Untreated composite, commercial weaning food (Cerelac) and casein diet served as controls. Sprouted pigeon pea and sprouted millet (SPSM) composite had high crude and true proteins which compared with protein of casein diet but differed (p ≤0.05) from the protein content of other diets. Calcium and iron in all formulated diets except SPSM compared with the levels in commercial diet. Viscosity was lower (p ≤0.05) in formulated diets (200-209cps) than in commercial control (303cps). Fermented pigeon-pea and fermented millet (SPFM) and sprouted pigeon-pea and fermented millet (SPFM) diets gave highest (p ≤0.05) weight gain (113.51g and 123.42g), PER (2.15 and 2.02), BV (70.7 and 76.2) and NPU (70.13 and 74.57), respectively thus suggesting their superiority over other diets. Diets FPSM and SPFM promoted growth better than other formulated diets. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2009. | Fermentation and sprouting; High energy density food; Protein-energy malnutrition; Unexploited legume and cereal; Weaning food | casein; animal experiment; article; cereal; controlled study; fermentation; food analysis; food composition; food processing; male; millet; nonhuman; nutrient content; nutritional assessment; pigeonpea; rat; viscosity; weaning; weight gain; Animalia; Cajanus cajan; Rattus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745685571 | Production, acceptability and microbiological evaluation of weaning food formulations | Badau M.H., Jideani I.A., Nkama I. | 2006 | Journal of Tropical Pediatrics | 52 | 3 | 10.1093/tropej/fmi079 | Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria; Department of Biological Sciences Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria | Badau, M.H., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria; Jideani, I.A., Department of Biological Sciences Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria; Nkama, I., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria | Weaning food formulations were produced from pearl millet cultivar (SOSAT C-88), cowpea and groundnut in the ratio of 70:20:10 and 5 per cent malt from six pearl millet cultivars (SOSAT C-88, ZANGO, EX-BORNO, ICMV IS 94206, GWAGWA, GB 8735) and one sorghum cultivar (ICSV III) were added to produce seven formulations plus the one without malt. Microbiological quality of eight weaning food formulations was evaluated. Twenty weaning mothers were used to determine the acceptability of gruels from the eight weaning food formulations using a nine-point hedonic scale. Addition of 5 per cent malt did not affect the microbial count of weaning food formulations. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Klebsiella aerogenes and Aspergillus niger were found in all the weaning food formulations. Shigella and Salmonella were not encountered in this study. Addition of 5 per cent SOSAT C-88, ZANGO, EX-BORNO, ICMV-IS 94206 and GWAGWA malt improved the taste and texture of weaning food formulations. The population of micro-organisms isolated from weaning formulations was not high enough to produce effective dose. However, the need for processors of weaning foods to adopt strict hygiene practices cannot be overemphasized. © 2006 Oxford University Press. | None | article; Aspergillus niger; baby food; controlled study; cowpea; cultivar; food processing; food quality; food texture; hygiene; Klebsiella aerogenes; malt; microbiology; mother; nonhuman; peanut; rating scale; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Salmonella; Shigella; sorghum; taste; weaning; Cereals; Consumer Satisfaction; Diarrhea, Infantile; Food Microbiology; Humans; Infant; Infant Food; Nigeria; Panicum; Sorghum; Weaning | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749044246 | The impact of parental death on school outcomes: Longitudinal evidence from South Africa | Case A., Ardington C. | 2006 | Demography | 43 | 3 | 10.1353/dem.2006.0022 | Research Program in Development Studies, Princeton University, 367 Wallace Hall, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States; Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, South Africa; Department of Statistical Sciences, Saldru Research Associate, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Case, A., Research Program in Development Studies, Princeton University, 367 Wallace Hall, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States, Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, South Africa; Ardington, C., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, South Africa, Department of Statistical Sciences, Saldru Research Associate, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | We analyze longitudinal data from a demographic surveillance area (DSA) in KwaZulu-Natal to examine the impact of parental death on children's outcomes. The results show significant differences in the impact of mothers' and fathers' deaths. The loss of a child's mother is a strong predictor of poor schooling outcomes. Maternal orphans are significantly less likely to be enrolled in school and have completed significantly fewer years of schooling, conditional on age, than children whose mothers are alive. Less money is spent on maternal orphans' educations, on average, conditional on enrollment. Moreover, children whose mothers have died appear to be at an educational disadvantage when compared with non-orphaned children with whom they live. We use the timing of mothers' deaths relative to children's educational shortfalls to argue that mothers' deaths have a causal effect on children's educations. The loss of a child's father is a significant correlate of poor household socioeconomic status. However, the death of a father between waves of the survey has no significant effect on subsequent asset ownership. Evidence from the South African 2001 Census suggests that the estimated effects of maternal deaths on children's outcomes in the Africa Centre DSA reflect the reality for orphans throughout South Africa. | None | adolescent; article; child; death; educational status; female; human; infant; longitudinal study; male; management; newborn; parent; preschool child; South Africa; student; Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Death; Educational Status; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Parents; Policy Making; South Africa; Students | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957574914 | Housing and construction finance, deposit mobilisation and bank performance in Ghana | Ametefe F., Aboagye A.Q.Q., Sarpong-Kumankoma E. | 2011 | Journal of Property Research | 28 | 2 | 10.1080/09599916.2010.538478 | Department of Banking and Finance, University of Ghana Business School, P.O. Box LG 78, Legon, Ghana | Ametefe, F., Department of Banking and Finance, University of Ghana Business School, P.O. Box LG 78, Legon, Ghana; Aboagye, A.Q.Q., Department of Banking and Finance, University of Ghana Business School, P.O. Box LG 78, Legon, Ghana; Sarpong-Kumankoma, E., Department of Banking and Finance, University of Ghana Business School, P.O. Box LG 78, Legon, Ghana | We analyse bank performance in Ghana over the period 2001-2007. We posit a two-equation simultaneous system for return on assets and volatility of earnings. In addition to other explanatory variables, this study is interested in the impact of deposits as a proportion of total assets and the proportion of housing and construction loans that banks extend. The triangular system is estimated by the least squares dummy variable approach. We find that the coefficients of the deposit ratio are very small in both equations and not at all significant. At the 10% significance level, the ratio of total loans to assets is positive and significant in both equations. Housing and construction loans tend to increase return on equity and decrease volatility. Increases in equity to assets ratio increase return on assets and decrease volatility of earnings significantly. The impact of non-interest income is small and tends to increase return on assets and decrease volatility. Nonperforming loan ratio has the expected sign and is significant in the return on assets equation. Increases in inflation decrease profitability and increase volatility. We recommend that banks raise longer-term financing on the capital market to undertake longer-term profitable projects such as housing finance. © 2011 Taylor & Francis. | Bank performance; Deposits; Equity; Loans; Return on assets; Volatility of earnings | banking; finance; housing market; income; least squares method; lending behavior; performance assessment; profitability; Ghana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920066410 | Epilepsy-related stigma in European people with epilepsy: Correlations with health system performance and overall quality of life | Brigo F., Igwe S.C., Ausserer H., Tezzon F., Nardone R., Otte W.M. | 2015 | Epilepsy and Behavior | 42 | None | 10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.11.015 | Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Neurology, University of Verona, Italy; Department of Neurology, Franz Tappeiner Hospital, Merano, Italy; Department of Neuro-Psychiatry, Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi St | Brigo, F., Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Neurology, University of Verona, Italy, Department of Neurology, Franz Tappeiner Hospital, Merano, Italy; Igwe, S.C., Department of Neuro-Psychiatry, Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria; Ausserer, H., Department of Neurology, Franz Tappeiner Hospital, Merano, Italy; Tezzon, F., Department of Neurology, Franz Tappeiner Hospital, Merano, Italy; Nardone, R., Department of Neurology, Franz Tappeiner Hospital, Merano, Italy, Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Clinic, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Otte, W.M., Department of Pediatric Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Netherlands, Biomedical MR Imaging and Spectroscopy Group, Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Netherlands | We aimed to relate the percentages of encountered epilepsy-related stigma in people with epilepsy with quantitative indicators of the quality of health systems and quality of life by country in Europe. The epilepsy-related stigma percentages were obtained from the largest population-based study in people with epilepsy available. We correlated percentages of people with perceived stigma per European country with data on the country's overall health system performance, health expenditure per capita in international dollars, and the Economist Intelligence Unit's quality-of-life index. We found a nonsignificant trend towards negative correlation between the epilepsy-related stigma percentage and the overall health system performance (r. = -. 0.16; p. = 0.57), the health expenditure per capita in international dollars (r. = -. 0.24; p. = 0.4), and the Economist Intelligence Unit's quality-of-life index (r. = -. 0.33; p. = 0.91). Living in a European country with a better health system performance and higher health expenditure per capita does not necessarily lead to a reduction in perceived epilepsy-related discrimination, unless the public health system invests on awareness programs to increase public knowledge and reduce stigma. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. | Epilepsy; Health expenditure; Health system performance; Stigma | Article; controlled study; Czech Republic; Denmark; epilepsy; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; health care cost; health care quality; health survey; human; Hungary; Italy; life satisfaction; major clinical study; Netherlands; patient satisfaction; Poland; Portugal; quality of life; quality of life index; social status; Spain; stigma; Sweden; Switzerland; United Kingdom; economics; epilepsy; Europe; health care delivery; psychology; social stigma; standards; Delivery of Health Care; Epilepsy; Europe; Health Expenditures; Humans; Quality of Life; Social Stigma | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78651242373 | Using performance indicators as a water loss management tool in developing countries | Mutikanga H., Sharma S., Vairavamoorthy K., Cabrera Jr. E. | 2010 | Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology - AQUA | 59 | 8 | 10.2166/aqua.2010.066 | National Water and Sewerage Corporation, PO Box 7053, Kampala, Uganda; UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611 AX Delft, Netherlands; Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN, Delft, Netherlands; University of Birmingham, School of Civil Engineering, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; ITA-Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera, s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain | Mutikanga, H., National Water and Sewerage Corporation, PO Box 7053, Kampala, Uganda, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611 AX Delft, Netherlands, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN, Delft, Netherlands; Sharma, S., UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611 AX Delft, Netherlands; Vairavamoorthy, K., UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611 AX Delft, Netherlands, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN, Delft, Netherlands, University of Birmingham, School of Civil Engineering, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Cabrera Jr., E., ITA-Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera, s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain | Water utilities in developing countries are facing the challenges of substantial water losses in their water supply systems. In order to deliver water to their customers more efficiently and effectively, utilities must be able to measure and assess the performance of their water supply systems against set management objectives. However, water loss assessment is still not widely practised in developing countries. The task of measuring and evaluating performance is accomplished by performance assessment systems through well-defined performance indicators (PIs). Most PIs currently used are often not applicable in developing countries. This paper presents an eight-step participatory methodology for the selection of indicators and highlights challenges of integrating a PI culture in developing countries. In total, 25 PIs have been proposed as part of a standardized water balance methodology and so far 16 PIs have been tested successfully. The other nine PIs have not been tested, as the costs of generating and collecting reliable data outweigh the added benefits. In addition an appropriate water loss performance indicator computational tool has been developed to promote use of standardized water balance and performance measures by the utilities of developing countries. © IWA Publishing 2010. | Developing countries; Indicators; Performance assessment; Water losses | Computational tools; Indicators; Management objectives; Performance assessment; Performance indicators; Performance measure; Water balance; Water loss; Water loss management; Water losses; Water utility; Benchmarking; Electric utilities; Rating; Reservoirs (water); Waste disposal; Water supply; Water supply systems; Developing countries; developing world; performance assessment; water management; water supply | None |
| None | None | Understanding watershed dynamics and impacts of climate change and variability in the Pangani River Basin, Tanzania | Lalika M.C.S., Meire P., Ngaga Y.M., Chang'a L. | 2015 | Ecohydrology and Hydrobiology | 15 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ecohyd.2014.11.002 | Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3038, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Forest Economics, Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3011, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Tanzania Meteorological Agency, P.O. Box 3056, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Lalika, M.C.S., Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, Belgium, Department of Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3038, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Meire, P., Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, Belgium; Ngaga, Y.M., Department of Forest Economics, Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3011, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Chang'a, L., Tanzania Meteorological Agency, P.O. Box 3056, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Watersheds and rivers are vital ecological features for the provision of hydrological services for the health, welfare and prosperity of human communities. Nevertheless, anthropogenic activities coupled with climate change and climate variability are blamed for degrading watersheds and rivers and decreasing their capacity to irrigate. To address the situation, it is important to understand why and how water shortages are occurring. This paper reports findings of a study carried out to identify and assess drivers of water shortages and adaptation strategies to climate change and variability in Pangani River Basin of Tanzania. To assess the influence of climate change and variability on hydrological flow and water shortages, time series data on rainfall and temperature were compiled from the Tanzania Meteorological Agency. We also used structured questionnaires to collect data on villagers' perceptions about the drivers of water shortages and adaptation strategies. Results indicated a decreasing trend of water flow (p < 0.05) at Kikuletwa-Karangai gauging station along Pangani River Basin. Trend analysis indicated a slight decrease of rainfall and increase of temperature. Although there is no empirical evidence to associate climate change with the decline of rainfall and water flow, adaptation measures need to be put in place in order to mitigate against increasing climate variability, reduced water flow, and projected climate change. Therefore, watershed conservation strategies should also focus on improving the welfare of local communities. Additionally, involvement of stakeholders in the entire PRB is crucial toward watersheds conservation for steady flow of hydrological services. © 2014 European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology of Polish Academy of Sciences. | Basin; Climate change; Ecosystem services; Pangani; River; Water; Watershed degradation | climate change; climate effect; climate variation; ecosystem service; environmental degradation; river basin; water flow; watershed; Pangani Basin; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957016718 | Assessment of the performance of a public water utility: A case study of Blantyre Water Board in Malawi | Kalulu K., Hoko Z. | 2010 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 35 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2010.07.017 | The Polytechnic, University of Malawi, P/Bag 303, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi; Civil Engineering Department, University of Zimbabwe, Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Kalulu, K., The Polytechnic, University of Malawi, P/Bag 303, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi; Hoko, Z., Civil Engineering Department, University of Zimbabwe, Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Water scarcity, deteriorating water quality and financial limitations to the development of new water sources affect the quality of urban water supply services. The costs would have to be transferred to governments or customers if water supply utilities are to operate effectively. Utilities therefore need to continuously minimize costs and maximize revenue to ensure affordability and consequently access to safe water. This paper presents findings of a study on the performance of Blantyre Water Board compared to best practice targets for developing countries. The study tools employed in this study included interviews and documentation review. Key aspects studied included unaccounted for water, working ratio, bill collection efficiency and; efficiency of operation and maintenance. The working ratio of the utility ranged from 0.69 to 1.3 which was above the proposed target working ratio 0.68 for developing country utilities. It was found that the level of unaccounted for water for the utility ranged from 36% to 47% compared to 25% for developing countries. The utility was not financially sustainable as it had been making losses since 2002, had a working ratio of up to 1.3 implying that the utility was unable to meet its operational and capital cost; and 70% of all the invoiced bills being collected in a maximum of 340 days against an ideal target of 90 days. The staff per thousand connections value was found to be 18 compared to an ideal value of five. It was concluded that the utility was generally performing poorly as most performance indicators were outside the range for best practice targets for utilities in developing countries. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Best practice; Blantyre Water Board; Customers; Utility performance; Water supply | Best-practices; Blantyre Water Board; Capital costs; Collection efficiency; Customers; Ideal values; Operation and maintenance; Performance indicators; Public water utilities; Safe water; Unaccounted for water; Urban water supply; Utility performance; Water boards; Water scarcity; Water source; Water supply utilities; Benchmarking; Customer satisfaction; Developing countries; Electric utilities; Management; Sales; Water pollution; Water quality; Water supply; best management practice; developing world; water industry; water management; water quality; water resource; water supply; Blantyre; Malawi | None |
| 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-s2.0-77955778908 | The impact of the water rights system on smallholder irrigators' willingness to pay for water in Limpopo province, South Africa | Speelman S., Farolfi S., Frija A., D'Haese M., D'Haese L. | 2010 | Environment and Development Economics | 15 | 4 | 10.1017/S1355770X10000161 | Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium; CIRAD, UMR G Eau, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa (CEEPA), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Department of Applied Biological Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium | Speelman, S., Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium; Farolfi, S., CIRAD, UMR G Eau, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa (CEEPA), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Frija, A., Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium; D'Haese, M., Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium; D'Haese, L., Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium, Department of Applied Biological Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium | Water rights are currently receiving increased attention from scholars and policymakers due to the growing understanding that ill-defined water rights impair efficient use. In South Africa, smallholder irrigation faces problems of low water use efficiency and cost recovery of government investments. This study uses contingent ranking to analyse the willingness to pay (WTP) of smallholder irrigators for changes in the water rights system. The results indicate that smallholders are prepared to pay considerably higher water prices if these are connected to improvements in the water rights system. By segmenting the population it was also shown that the importance attached to water rights dimensions varies in each segment. While lower institutional trust and lower income levels lead to a lower WTP for transferability, experiencing water shortage increases this WTP. Such information is valuable in guiding policy makers in the future design of water rights. © 2010 Cambridge University Press. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953880443 | Evaluation of water demand scenarios for the Olifants River catchment, South Africa | Mccartney M., Arranz R. | 2009 | International Journal of River Basin Management | 7 | 4 | 10.1080/15715124.2009.9635396 | International Water Management Institute, P. O Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States | Mccartney, M., International Water Management Institute, P. O Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Arranz, R., Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States | Water resource development has played a key role in the expansion of agriculture, mining and industry in the Olifants River catchment, but the colonial and apartheid regimes have left a legacy of inequity. Currently water deficit is one of the major constraints hampering further development and demand for water continues to grow. Against this background, the Water Evaluation And Planning model was used to provide a preliminary assessment of both the current situation and three plausible future scenarios. For each scenario the model was used to simulate water-use in five sectors (i.e., rural, urban, mining, irrigation and commercial forestry) over a 70-year period of varying rainfall and flow. Levels of assured supply were estimated and the economic cost of failing to supply water was predicted. Current shortfalls are estimated to be costing between US$ 6 and 50 million per year, depending on rainfall and, hence, river flows. If increases in demand are not checked this will increase significantly. Under a high demand scenario, the economic benefits increase greatly but, even with infrastructure development and improvements in demand management, the economic cost of insufficient water supply rises to US$ 10.5 million in most years and, in exceptionally dry years, up to US$ 312 million. © 2009 IAHR, INBO & IAHS. | Infrastructure; Modeling; Olifants River; Scenarios; South Africa; Water demand; Water resource management | catchment; modeling; water demand; water management; water planning; water resource; water supply; water use; Olifants River | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-21244432664 | Impact of refined petroleum spills on water quality, macro-invertebrate and microbial communities of a tropical aquatic environment | Chukwu L.O., Nwachukwu S.C.U. | 2005 | Journal of Environmental Biology | 26 | 3 | None | Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria | Chukwu, L.O., Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Nwachukwu, S.C.U., Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria | Water quality characteristics, benthic macro-invertebrates and microbial communities of three first order streams in South West Nigeria were investigated to assess the effects of refined petroleum five months after spillage. All physical and chemical conditions except temperature and pH were significantly different (P<0.01) at the upstream control stations and impacted stations reflecting the perturbational stress. The benthic macro-invertebrate fauna were dominated by arthropods, but the faunal spectrum was dissimilar at all the stations studied. Sampling stations at the epicentre of the spill showed considerable reduction in faunal compositions and relative abundance. Generally, the microbial density and diversity were highest in both soil and water samples from impacted sites than in control sites. There was a significantly higher proportion (P < 0.05) of hydrocarbon utilizers in soil than in water samples in all stations except in samples from stations (P<0.05). | Petroleum spill; Toxicity; Tropical river | hydrocarbon; petroleum; petroleum; water quality; aquatic environment; arthropod; article; benthos; controlled study; environmental impact assessment; fauna; macroinvertebrate; microbial diversity; microflora; Nigeria; nonhuman; oil spill; physical chemistry; soil; stream (river); tropics; water quality; water sampling; Animals; Bacteria; Biodiversity; Disasters; Environmental Monitoring; Hydrocarbons; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Invertebrates; Iron; Nigeria; Petroleum; Population Dynamics; Seawater; Soil Microbiology; Sulfur; Temperature; Water Microbiology; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; World; Arthropoda; Invertebrata | None |
| None | None | Stream biomonitoring using macroinvertebrates around the globe: a comparison of large-scale programs | Buss D.F., Carlisle D.M., Chon T.-S., Culp J., Harding J.S., Keizer-Vlek H.E., Robinson W.A., Strachan S., Thirion C., Hughes R.M. | 2015 | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment | 187 | 1 | 10.1007/s10661-014-4132-8 | Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Pusan, South Korea; Environment Canada and Canadian Rivers Institute, Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada; School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand; Department of Freshwater Ecology, Alterra, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, Netherlands; School of Environmental Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Thurgoona, Australia; Environment Canada, #201-401 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Resource Quality Information Services, Department Water and Sanitation, Private Bag X313, Pretoria, South Africa; Amnis Opes Institute and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States | Buss, D.F., Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Carlisle, D.M., U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA, United States; Chon, T.-S., Department of Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Pusan, South Korea; Culp, J., Environment Canada and Canadian Rivers Institute, Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada; Harding, J.S., School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand; Keizer-Vlek, H.E., Department of Freshwater Ecology, Alterra, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, Netherlands; Robinson, W.A., School of Environmental Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Thurgoona, Australia; Strachan, S., Environment Canada, #201-401 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Thirion, C., Resource Quality Information Services, Department Water and Sanitation, Private Bag X313, Pretoria, South Africa; Hughes, R.M., Amnis Opes Institute and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States | Water quality agencies and scientists are increasingly adopting standardized sampling methodologies because of the challenges associated with interpreting data derived from dissimilar protocols. Here, we compare 13 protocols for monitoring streams from different regions and countries around the globe. Despite the spatially diverse range of countries assessed, many aspects of bioassessment structure and protocols were similar, thereby providing evidence of key characteristics that might be incorporated in a global sampling methodology. Similarities were found regarding sampler type, mesh size, sampling period, subsampling methods, and taxonomic resolution. Consistent field and laboratory methods are essential for merging data sets collected by multiple institutions to enable large-scale comparisons. We discuss the similarities and differences among protocols and present current trends and future recommendations for monitoring programs, especially for regions where large-scale protocols do not yet exist. We summarize the current state in one of these regions, Latin America, and comment on the possible development path for these techniques in this region. We conclude that several aspects of stream biomonitoring need additional performance evaluation (accuracy, precision, discriminatory power, relative costs), particularly when comparing targeted habitat (only the commonest habitat type) versus site-wide sampling (multiple habitat types), appropriate levels of sampling and processing effort, and standardized indicators to resolve dissimilarities among biomonitoring methods. Global issues such as climate change are creating an environment where there is an increasing need to have universally consistent data collection, processing and storage to enable large-scale trend analysis. Biomonitoring programs following standardized methods could aid international data sharing and interpretation. © 2014, Springer International Publishing Switzerland. | Biological assessment; Biomonitoring protocols; River management; Standardization; Subsampling taxonomic resolution | Climate change; Digital storage; Ecosystems; Standardization; Water quality; Biological assessment; Biomonitoring; Biomonitoring programs; Discriminatory power; Large-scale programs; River management; Sub-sampling methods; Taxonomic resolution; Data handling; biomonitoring; comparative study; macroinvertebrate; river management; river water; standardization; streamwater; water quality; accuracy; Article; Australia; biological monitoring; Canada; climate change; data analysis; environmental monitoring; European Union; financial management; habitat; information dissemination; information processing; intermethod comparison; laboratory test; macroinvertebrate; methodology; New Zealand; sampler; South Africa; South and Central America; South Korea; standardization; stream (river); taxonomy; time; United States; water quality; water sampling; Latin America | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859015262 | Evaluation of produced water discharge in the Niger-Delta | Isehunwa S.O., Onovae S. | 2011 | Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences | 6 | 8 | None | Department of Petroleum Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Ibadan, Nigeria | Isehunwa, S.O., Department of Petroleum Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Onovae, S., Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Ibadan, Nigeria | Water produced during petroleum production often contain chemicals, oil and sometimes, naturally occurring radioactive materials which could harm the environment. Management, which involves significant cost and is guided by strict regulations, is normally aimed at minimizing or reducing the toxicity of discharged volumes. This study evaluated the physico-chemical properties and constituents of produced water from three selected flowstations and two oil terminals in the Niger Delta to determine the extent of compliance with standards and global best practices in the treatment and discharge. It was observed that while physico-chemical properties like pH (8.4±0.25) and BOD (6.2±2.0) were within recommended limits, oil and grease content (60±20), TDS (6200±700) and others exceeded limits. Similarly, ion concentrations of Lead, Nickel, Zinc and Sulphates were within acceptable limits while chloride ions (4100 ±500) exceeded limits. There is therefore the need to improve treatment facilities and procedures, while regulatory agencies must improve current guidelines, ensure proper monitoring and enforcing compliance. © 2006-2011 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN). | Chemical analysis; Niger delta; Oil terminals; Petroleum production; Produced water | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548565629 | Evaluation of community-driven smallholder irrigation in dryland South Pare Mountains, Tanzania: A case study of Manoo micro dam | Makurira H., Mul M.L., Vyagusa N.F., Uhlenbrook S., Savenije H.H.G. | 2007 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 32 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2007.07.020 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe; UNESCO-IHE, Institute for Water Education, P.O. Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, Netherlands; Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600 GA Delft, Netherlands | Makurira, H., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe, UNESCO-IHE, Institute for Water Education, P.O. Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, Netherlands; Mul, M.L., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe, UNESCO-IHE, Institute for Water Education, P.O. Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, Netherlands; Vyagusa, N.F., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe; Uhlenbrook, S., UNESCO-IHE, Institute for Water Education, P.O. Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, Netherlands; Savenije, H.H.G., UNESCO-IHE, Institute for Water Education, P.O. Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, Netherlands, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600 GA Delft, Netherlands | Water is the main limiting factor for crop production in semi-arid sub-Saharan Africa. This paper presents an evaluation of the effectiveness of community-driven smallholder irrigation schemes using micro dams under current operational practices. The research site is the semi-arid Vudee sub-catchment within the Makanya Catchment, which is part of the Pangani River Basin (Northern Tanzania). A micro dam is presented as a case study. Micro dams are popular in the study area they have water sharing system between upstream and downstream users put in place with minimum input from external agencies. The effectiveness of micro dams on dry spell mitigation is investigated. The significance of dam size, total water diverted per season, system losses and approximate amounts of water received by each farmer in a given season is analysed. Local smallholder farmers have put up the micro dams to address their need for extra water for agriculture. The capacities of the micro dams are very small but without them there is insufficient water to allocate to at least one irrigation event per farmer in a season, the dams serve a useful purpose when operated as night storage reservoirs. The study found out that the micro dam system, under current operational rules, is inefficient as the high system losses put to question the wisdom of irrigating over scattered sites as opposed to one common irrigation plot near the dam site where each participant would be allocated a small piece of land to irrigate. © 2007. | Communal irrigation; Irrigation efficiency; Micro dams; Supplemental irrigation | Catchments; Crops; Cultivation; Dams; Resource allocation; Water management; Water supply; Communal irrigation; Dry spell mitigation; Micro dam; Supplemental irrigation; Irrigation; community resource management; crop production; efficiency measurement; irrigation; semiarid region; smallholder; water availability; water planning; Africa; East Africa; Kilimanjaro [Tanzania]; Pare Mountains; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67650970361 | Impacts of micro-basin water harvesting structures in improving vegetative cover in degraded hillslope areas of north-east Ethiopia | Derib S.D., Assefa T., Berhanu B., Zeleke G. | 2009 | Rangeland Journal | 31 | 2 | 10.1071/RJ09012 | Sirinka Agricultural Research Center, PO Box 74, Woldia, Ethiopia; Global Mountain Program (GMP), C/O ILRI, PO Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Derib, S.D., Sirinka Agricultural Research Center, PO Box 74, Woldia, Ethiopia; Assefa, T., Sirinka Agricultural Research Center, PO Box 74, Woldia, Ethiopia; Berhanu, B., Sirinka Agricultural Research Center, PO Box 74, Woldia, Ethiopia; Zeleke, G., Global Mountain Program (GMP), C/O ILRI, PO Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Water is one of the most important entry points to improve rural livelihoods in drought affected areas of the north-eastern Amhara region in Ethiopia. Various attempts have been made to overcome this problem by making use of different water harvesting structures. However, the choice of structures has been difficult because of a lack of empirical evidence on the relative effectiveness of the different structures. An experiment was conducted from 2002 to 2004 to compare and evaluate three different water harvesting structures (eye-brow basin, half-moon and trench) against the normal seedling plantation practice by farmers (normal pit) as a control. Data on root collar diameter (RCD), diameter at breast height (DBH), height and survival rate of Acacia saligna tree seedlings was collected at 3-month intervals after planting and annual grass biomass production was also measured. Trench and eye-brow basin structures produced 68, 95, 52 and 44% increases in RCD, DBH, height and survival rate, respectively, 15 months after planting compared with the normal pit. Trench structures increased grass biomass by 41.1% compared with normal pits. Eye-brow basins are recommended on hillsides where stone is available while trenchs could be used where stone is scarce. The results indicated that well designed water harvesting micro-basin structures can mitigate the effect of dry spell shocks on tree seedling performance and land cover rehabilitation. They were also very effective in increasing grass biomass production indicating the potential for improving livestock feed on the available barren hillsides. © Australian Rangeland Society 2009. | Biomass production; Seedling performance | Acacia; Acacia saligna | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901585540 | Impacts of variable energy prices on the financial sustainability of water facilities: Case from Ghana | Tenkorang S.J., Odai S.N., Adjei K.A., Annor F.O., Kwarteng S.O., Nyarko K.B., Abu-Madi M.O. | 2014 | International Journal of Water | 8 | 2 | 10.1504/IJW.2014.060966 | C/o Ghana Water Company Limited, PPD Department, P.O. Box M194, Head Office, Accra, Ghana; C/o Civil Engineering Department, KNUST, Private Mail Bag, UPO, Kumasi, Ghana; Institute of Environmental and Water Studies, Birzeit University, P.O. Box 14, Birzeit-the-West-Bank, Palestine | Tenkorang, S.J., C/o Ghana Water Company Limited, PPD Department, P.O. Box M194, Head Office, Accra, Ghana; Odai, S.N., C/o Civil Engineering Department, KNUST, Private Mail Bag, UPO, Kumasi, Ghana; Adjei, K.A., C/o Civil Engineering Department, KNUST, Private Mail Bag, UPO, Kumasi, Ghana; Annor, F.O., C/o Civil Engineering Department, KNUST, Private Mail Bag, UPO, Kumasi, Ghana; Kwarteng, S.O., C/o Civil Engineering Department, KNUST, Private Mail Bag, UPO, Kumasi, Ghana; Nyarko, K.B., C/o Civil Engineering Department, KNUST, Private Mail Bag, UPO, Kumasi, Ghana; Abu-Madi, M.O., Institute of Environmental and Water Studies, Birzeit University, P.O. Box 14, Birzeit-the-West-Bank, Palestine | Water is conveyed to consumers through systems that generally rely heavily on energy. The dependence on energy is a major challenge to utility providers because of frequent variation in energy prices. This paper assesses the effect of energy price changes on the financial sustainability of water facilities. It further investigates the proportion of energy cost to total costs of water supply. The study is based on a field survey that targeted five small town water systems and 15 water systems existing under the urban water sector in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions of Ghana. The results show that energy (diesel and electricity) expenditure forms substantial component of water supply cost. The proportions of energy to total supply costs for small town and urban water systems are 31% and 29%, respectively. The total operational costs per water supply stand at 1.19 US$/m3 and 0.44 US$/m3 for small town and urban water systems respectively. The energy costs per water supply for small town and urban water systems are 0.40 US$/m3 and 0.13 US$/m3, respectively. Results further show that diesel-driven water systems are more sensitive to energy price changes than those of electricity-driven systems; therefore making financial profit from diesel-driven systems is highly elastic to diesel price changes. The results thus indicate that urban water systems are more efficient than small town water systems in terms of both energy and operational costs. Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Diesel prices; Electricity prices; Ghana; Sustainability; Water facilities | Electricity; Sustainable development; Water supply; Waterworks; Diesel prices; Electricity prices; Financial sustainability; Ghana; Proportion of energy; Urban water systems; Water facility; Water supply costs; Costs; diesel; electricity; expenditure; field survey; pricing policy; small town; sustainability; water economics; water management; water supply; Ashanti; Ghana; Greater Accra | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859507579 | Digestibility and performance of water hyacinth meal in the diets of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus; Burchell, 1822) | Sotolu A.O., Sule S.O. | 2011 | Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems | 14 | 1 | None | Nasarawa State University Keffi, Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Shabu-Lafia Campus, Lafia, Nigeria; Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Sotolu, A.O., Nasarawa State University Keffi, Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Shabu-Lafia Campus, Lafia, Nigeria; Sule, S.O., Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Water hyacinth meal (WHM) as an alternative protein source was investigated in this study. Whole water hyacinth plant meal (WPM), water hyacinth leaf meal (WLM) and soya bean meal (SBM) were used to compound three isoproteic (40% crude protein) fish diets. Catfish of 11.2 ± 0.3g average weight were used for the 70-day digestibility study. Data were collected forthnightly on fish growth performance and water qualities (dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia and temperature). Fish, feeds, and faecal wastes were analyzed. Fish fed SBM-based diet had superior performance over those fed WHM-based diets with respect to Mean weight gain (MWG), Specific growth rate (SGR), Protein efficiency ratio (PER), Feed conversion ratio (FCR), Nitrogen metabolism (Nm) and digestibility coefficients (ADC). Fish fed all diets exhibited marginal difference in total feed intake but growth performance and nutrient utilization were significantly higher in fish fed WLM than fish fed WPM probably as a result of high fibre content present in WPM. Extremely low value of ammonia was recorded in water under WPM treatment (0.18±0.06 mg/l) while water under WLM and SBM treatment had significantly higher values of ammonia 0.46± 0.13 mg/l and 0.71± 0.10 mg/l respectively. These observations may be due to the presence of significantly higher fibre content in the WPM than other meals. Consequently this could be responsible for its poor digestibility values but high potential for waste water purification. Water hyacinth leaf meal (WLM) would therefore serve a better option for adoption in ensuring maximum utilization potentials of the aquatic plant both for profitable and sustainable fish production. | Catfish; Fish feed; Fish production; Water hyacinth; Water purification | Clarias gariepinus; Eichhornia crassipes; Glycine max | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890134988 | Evaluation of oil recovery and economics of waterflooding in Nigeria | Muonagor C.M., Anyadiegwu C.I.C. | 2013 | Petroleum and Coal | 55 | 4 | None | Department of Petroleum Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Nigeria | Muonagor, C.M., Department of Petroleum Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Nigeria; Anyadiegwu, C.I.C., Department of Petroleum Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Nigeria | Waterflooding helps in the recovery of great amount of oil that would have otherwise been abandoned in the reservoir that is depleted. A reservoir in the Niger Delta, Reservoir OB-63 has been used to illustrate this. Reservoir OB-63 had oil initially in place as 9.6346 MMSTB and was produced for some time with the reservoir natural energy. The remaining oil in the reservoir as at the time that the natural energy of the reservoir was no more sufficient to produce oil was 3.88MMSTB. The reservoir has been left as depleted reservoir with the remaining oil in it. But from the analysis conducted in this work it is seen that if secondary oil recovery project by waterflooding is embarked on the reservoir, part of the remaining abandoned oil would be recovered. With the specifications given, about 1.59MMSTB of the 3.88MMSTB of oil in reservoir OB-63 would be produced as at the breakthrough time of 760 days. Moreover, considering the economic aspect of the project, reservoir OB-63 and is good to be invested in. From the NPV calculations performed, it is seen that the NPV of reservoir OB-63 at discount rate of 10% is $5.30 million. Since the NPV at the time of breakthrough is greater than zero, it is worth investing in. | Areal sweep; Displacement; Efficiency; Factor, production; Fractional flow; Injection; Secondary oil recovery; Vertical sweep; Water; Waterflooding | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942984865 | Water Delivery Performance at Metahara Large-Scale Irrigation Scheme, Ethiopia | Dejen Z.A., Schultz B., Hayde L. | 2015 | Irrigation and Drainage | 64 | 4 | 10.1002/ird.1917 | UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft, Netherlands; Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering Department, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia | Dejen, Z.A., UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft, Netherlands, Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering Department, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; Schultz, B., UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft, Netherlands; Hayde, L., UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft, Netherlands | Water distribution, delivery and hydrodynamics in manually operated gravity irrigation schemes are often complex. The nature of the hydrodynamics and its impacts on water delivery are generally not well understood by operators. The Metahara Irrigation Scheme, Ethiopia, with a gross irrigated area of 11 500 ha, is an example of such a scheme. This paper assesses water supply and demand of the scheme and evaluates the water delivery performance to 15 offtakes at head, middle and tail reaches of a 10-km-long canal. Adequacy, efficiency, equity and dependability were used as indicators of water delivery performance. Results indicated that average annual irrigation supply is in excess of demand by 24%. Water delivery at tertiary levels was adequate in terms of quantity, and suggests insignificant field losses. However, a significant amount is lost in the conveyance and distribution canals and to saline swamps at tail ends. Unlike claims of water shortage, the major water management challenge is lack of sound operational rules, which made the delivery inequitable and inefficient. Delivery was inferior in terms of adequacy and dependability at middle reach offtakes. Optimal water diversion and distribution not only save water, but also reduce the danger of waterlogging and salinity in the scheme. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Ethiopia; Gravity irrigation; Metahara; Performance; Water delivery | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890669317 | Ceramic water filters impregnated with silver nanoparticles as a point-of-use water-treatment intervention for HIV-positive individuals in Limpopo Province, South Africa: A pilot study of technological performance and human health benefits | Abebe L.S., Smith J.A., Narkiewicz S., Oyanedel-Craver V., Conaway M., Singo A., Amidou S., Mojapelo P., Brant J., Dillingham R. | 2014 | Journal of Water and Health | 12 | 2 | 10.2166/wh.2013.185 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Virginia, Thornton Hall, 351 McCormick Road, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Bliss Hall 213, Kingston, RI 02881, United States; Department of Public Health Sciences, Public Health Sciences Hospital West, University of Virginia, PO Box 800717, Charlottesville, VA 3181, United States; Department of Microbiology, Department of Chemistry, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, Limpopo Province, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, PO Box 801379, Charlottesville, VA, United States | Abebe, L.S., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Virginia, Thornton Hall, 351 McCormick Road, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States; Smith, J.A., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Virginia, Thornton Hall, 351 McCormick Road, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States; Narkiewicz, S., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Bliss Hall 213, Kingston, RI 02881, United States; Oyanedel-Craver, V., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Bliss Hall 213, Kingston, RI 02881, United States; Conaway, M., Department of Public Health Sciences, Public Health Sciences Hospital West, University of Virginia, PO Box 800717, Charlottesville, VA 3181, United States; Singo, A., Department of Microbiology, Department of Chemistry, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, Limpopo Province, South Africa; Amidou, S., Department of Microbiology, Department of Chemistry, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, Limpopo Province, South Africa; Mojapelo, P., Department of Microbiology, Department of Chemistry, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, Limpopo Province, South Africa; Brant, J., Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, PO Box 801379, Charlottesville, VA, United States; Dillingham, R., Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, PO Box 801379, Charlottesville, VA, United States | Waterborne pathogens present a significant threat to people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). This study presents a randomized, controlled trial that evaluates whether a household-level ceramic water filter (CWF) intervention can improve drinking water quality and decrease days of diarrhea in PLWH in rural South Africa. Seventy-four participants were randomized in an intervention group with CWFs and a control group without filters. Participants in the CWF arm received CWFs impregnated with silver nanoparticles and associated safe-storage containers. Water and stool samples were collected at baseline and 12 months. Diarrhea incidence was self-reported weekly for 12 months. The average diarrhea rate in the control group was 0.064 days/week compared to 0.015 days/week in the intervention group (p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney). Median reduction of total coliform bacteria was 100% at enrollment and final collection. CWFs are an acceptable technology that can significantly improve the quality of household water and decrease days of diarrhea for PLWH in rural South Africa. © IWA Publishing 2014. | Ceramic water filters; Cryptosporidium parvum; HIV; Point-of-use; South Africa | drinking water; silver nanoparticle; ceramics; diarrheal disease; drinking water; human immunodeficiency virus; nanotechnology; public health; rural area; technological change; water treatment; water use; adult; article; ceramic water fillter; coliform bacterium; container; controlled study; Cryptosporidium; diarrhea; environmental sanitation; feces culture; female; filter; household; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; incidence; male; pilot study; randomized controlled trial; South Africa; water quality; water sampling; water supply; water treatment; Limpopo; South Africa; Adult; Ceramics; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Diarrhea; Drinking Water; Enterobacteriaceae; Enterobacteriaceae Infections; Feces; Female; Filtration; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Male; Metal Nanoparticles; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rural Population; Silver; South Africa; Water Purification; Water Quality; Young Adult | NSF, National Science Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887303478 | The environmental impact of crude oil formation water: A multivariate approach | Nnaji C.C., Agunwamba J.C. | 2013 | Journal of Water Chemistry and Technology | 35 | 5 | 10.3103/S1063455X13050056 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Nnaji, C.C., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Agunwamba, J.C., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Water bodies receiving effluents from gas flow stations were sampled for ten months (March to December). Fifteen physicochemical parameters were monitored at six locations. Results obtained were analyzed unsing principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Five principal componets accounting for 72.43% of total variance were isolated. The first principal component was a measure of sea water intrusion, the second componet was a measure of total solids, the third component was a measure of organic pollution while the fourth and fifth principal component depicted the impact of effluent discharges. Effluents from gas flow stations were not the major causes of pollution of water resources in the locations of study. Cluster analysis showed no significant variation in the physicochemical characteristics of water samples based on location. Physicochemical parameters exhibited a seasonal pattern as a result of dilution by rainfall, reduced rate of evaporation in rainy season and dissolution of gaseous products of gas flaring in rain. Metals had no significant effect on the quality of water sampled from the six locations during the period of monitoring. © 2013 Allerton Press, Inc. | cluster analysis; effluents; formation water; pollution; principal compoments; rainfall | Effluent discharge; First principal components; Formation water; Multivariate approach; Physicochemical characteristics; Physicochemical parameters; principal compoments; Principal Components; Cluster analysis; Effluents; Environmental impact; Flow of gases; Pollution; Principal component analysis; Rain; Water quality; Water resources; Water pollution | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904381733 | Performance evaluation of WMA plant and field trial mixes | Jenkins K.J., Van De Ven M.F.C., Mbaraga A.N., Van Der Walt S.P., Van Den Heever J. | 2014 | Materials and Structures/Materiaux et Constructions | 47 | 8 | 10.1617/s11527-014-0326-3 | Stellenbosch University (SU), Stellenbosch, South Africa | Jenkins, K.J., Stellenbosch University (SU), Stellenbosch, South Africa; Van De Ven, M.F.C., Stellenbosch University (SU), Stellenbosch, South Africa; Mbaraga, A.N., Stellenbosch University (SU), Stellenbosch, South Africa; Van Der Walt, S.P., Stellenbosch University (SU), Stellenbosch, South Africa; Van Den Heever, J., Stellenbosch University (SU), Stellenbosch, South Africa | Warm mix asphalt (WMA) technology is still in its infancy, with significant scope for further exploration of the benefits of incorporation of higher percentages of recycled asphalt RA as well as modified binders for performance enhancement. The objective of this study was to evaluate three different WMA technologies, namely chemical and organic additives as well as foamed technology, within different mix compositions. The variables in mix composition included 10-20 % RA in surfacing mixes and 20-40 % RA in base layer mixes. The binder variables included two base binders, control mixes (no modifier) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) with or without WMA technologies. A partial factorial experimental design based on the above variables was developed. Full-scale plant mixes and field (construction) mixes were produced and beams were prepared from compacted slabs and tested under 4 point loading to provide master curves and fatigue relations. Comparative results show inconsistent trends between different technologies. control mixes (HMA) can provide both higher and lower flexural stiffness than their WMA counterparts. EVA or SBS modification can provide either superior or inferior mixes to their WMA counterparts depending on the WMA technology. Generally the fatigue results of both the HMA surfacing and base layer mixes at both RA contents are superior to their equivalent WMA counterparts. The implications of these differences are explored in the publication. © 2014 RILEM. | Fatigue properties; Flexural stiffness; Modified binders; Recycled asphalt; Warm mix asphalt; WMA | Asphalt; Stiffness; Styrene; Technology; Fatigue properties; Flexural stiffness; Modified binders; Recycled asphalt; Warm mix asphalts; WMA; Binders | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946730555 | Evaluation of a Cape Town safety intervention as a model for good practice: A partnership between researchers, community and implementing agency | Cassidy T., Ntshingwa M., Galuszka J., Matzopoulos R. | 2015 | Stability | 4 | 1 | 10.5334/sta.fi | University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, South Africa; Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading Not-for-profit Company, South Africa; University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Medical Research Council Burden of Disease Research Unit, South Africa | Cassidy, T., University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, South Africa; Ntshingwa, M., Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading Not-for-profit Company, South Africa; Galuszka, J., Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading Not-for-profit Company, South Africa; Matzopoulos, R., University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Medical Research Council Burden of Disease Research Unit, South Africa | VPUU has a wealth of experience to share and is engaged with broader national and international policymakers and implementing agencies. Researchers are grappling with the difficulty of providing a rigorous project evaluation for these collaborations which could identify project elements that work with a view to their replication. This paper traces the evolution of an evidence-based approach to violence prevention in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading (VPUU) project in Cape Town uses such an approach, and relies on a ‘whole-of-society’ methodology as well. The project and the difficulty of its evaluation are discussed. A partnership between VPUU, researchers, the community and local government has revealed both opportunities and obstacles, which are the subjects of a case study described here. © 2015 The Author(s). | Evaluation; Informal settlements; Urban upgrading; Violence; Violence prevention | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930884256 | Multienvironment performance of new orange-fleshed sweetpotato cultivars in South Africa | Laurie S.M., Booyse M., Labuschagne M.T., Greyling M.M. | 2015 | Crop Science | 55 | 4 | 10.2135/cropsci2014.09.0664 | Agricultural Research Council (ARC)–Roodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute, Pretoria, South Africa; ARC–Biometry Unit, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Dep. of Plant Sciences, Univ. Of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Laurie, S.M., Agricultural Research Council (ARC)–Roodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute, Pretoria, South Africa; Booyse, M., ARC–Biometry Unit, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Labuschagne, M.T., Dep. of Plant Sciences, Univ. Of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Greyling, M.M., Agricultural Research Council (ARC)–Roodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute, Pretoria, South Africa | Vitamin A deficiency is a serious health problem in South Africa, as in several parts of the world. One strategy to combat micronutrient deficiency is through biofortification, particularly through orange-fleshed sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam]. Previously, a shortage existed in South Africa of orange-fleshed genotypes with a combination of high dry mass, good yield, and good taste. Local cream-fleshed parents and orange-fleshed US introductions were used in the local polycross program. This study aimed at testing the agronomic performance, stability, and genetic diversity of newly developed orange-fleshed genotypes. Twelve entries, nine with orange flesh color, were evaluated at four sites for two seasons in multienvironment trials and the data was subjected to ANOVA and genotype plus genotype-by-environment interaction (GGE) biplot analysis. Simple-sequence repeat (SSR) analysis of the 12 entries was done followed by hierarchical clustering. Two of the orange-fleshed cultivars were recommended for production and plant breeders’ rights were registered for these. Cultivar Impilo produced stable, high root yield similar to the commercial control cultivar Beauregard; while the elite breeding line Purple Sunset (2001_5_2) had high yield and specific adaptability. Both displayed average dry mass and acceptable taste. The genetic analysis indicated relatedness of most new genotypes with the cream-fleshed parents used in the polycross program. The improved cultivars offer considerable yield advantage above US introductions previously recommended for combating vitamin A deficiency. © Crop Science Society of America. | None | Ipomoea batatas | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84912093078 | Synthesis and characterization of rhodium doped on TiOHCP for enhanced photocatalytic performance on pentachlorophenol | Sanni S.O., Idemudia O.G. | 2014 | Journal of Nanomaterials | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/287493 | Department of Chemistry, Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag x021, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag x1314, Alicee, South Africa | Sanni, S.O., Department of Chemistry, Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag x021, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Idemudia, O.G., Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag x1314, Alicee, South Africa | Visible-light-responsive material based on Rhodium doped on titanium dispersed on dealuminated clinoptilolite (TiOHCP) was synthesized via a combination of the sol-gel method and photoreductive deposition technique. The photocatalyst surface characterization, structural and optical properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and UV-visible spectra (UV-VIS). Doping TiOHCP with Rh imparts a red shifting of the absorption band into the visible light region according to UV-VIS. The prepared composite materials were evaluated for their photocatalytic activities on pentachlorophenol (PCP) degradation under sunlight irradiation. The Rhodium doped TiOHCP exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity and can be considered as a potential photocatalyst in wastewater treatment. © 2014 Saheed Olalekan Sanni and Omoruyi Gold Idemudia. | None | Complexation; Energy dispersive X ray analysis; Gravimetric analysis; Herbicides; Light; Optical properties; Phenols; Photocatalysis; Photocatalysts; Rhodium; Scanning electron microscopy; Sol-gel process; Sol-gels; Thermogravimetric analysis; Wastewater treatment; X ray diffraction; Energy dispersive x-ray; Photocatalytic activities; Photocatalytic performance; Structural and optical properties; Surface characterization; Synthesis and characterizations; Thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA); Visible-light-responsive; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878516947 | Development and evaluation of an affordable real-time qualitative assay for determining HIV-1 virological failure in plasma and dried blood spots | Aitken S.C., Kliphuis A., Bronze M., Wallis C.L., Kityo C., Balinda S., Stevens W., Spieker N., De Oliveira T., Rinke De Wit T.F., Schuurman R. | 2013 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 51 | 6 | 10.1128/JCM.03305-12 | University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, Netherlands; PharmAccess International, Amsterdam, Netherlands; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa; Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC), Kampala, Uganda; National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Academic Medical Center (AMC), Amsterdam, Netherlands | Aitken, S.C., University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, Netherlands; Kliphuis, A., PharmAccess International, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Bronze, M., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Wallis, C.L., Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kityo, C., Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC), Kampala, Uganda; Balinda, S., Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC), Kampala, Uganda; Stevens, W., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Spieker, N., PharmAccess International, Amsterdam, Netherlands; De Oliveira, T., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Rinke De Wit, T.F., PharmAccess International, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Academic Medical Center (AMC), Amsterdam, Netherlands; Schuurman, R., University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, Netherlands | Virological failure (VF) has been identified as the earliest, most predictive determinant of HIV-1 antiretroviral treatment (ART) failure. Due to the high cost and complexity of virological monitoring, VF assays are rarely performed in resource-limited settings (RLS). Rather, ART failure is determined by clinical monitoring and to a large extent immunological monitoring. This paper describes the development and evaluation of a low-cost, dried blood spot (DBS)-compatible qualitative assay to determine VF, in accordance with current WHO guideline recommendations for therapy switching in RLS. The assay described here is an internally controlled qualitative real-time PCR targeting the conserved long terminal repeat domain of HIV-1. This assay was applied to HIV-1 subtypes A to H and further evaluated on HIV-1 clinical plasma samples from South Africa (n = 191) and Tanzania (n = 42). Field evaluation was performed in Uganda using local clinical plasma samples (n = 176). Furthermore, assay performance was evaluated for DBS. This assay is able to identify VF for all major HIV-1 group M subtypes with equal specificity and has a lower detection limit of 1.00E+03 copies/ml for plasma samples and 5.00E+03 copies/ml for DBS. Comparative testing yielded accurate VF determination for therapy switching in 89% to 96% of samples compared to gold standards. The assay is robust and flexible, allowing for "open platform" applications and producing results comparable to those of commercial assays. Assay design enables application in laboratories that can accommodate real-time PCR equipment, allowing decentralization of testing to some extent. Compatibility with DBS extends access of sampling and thus access to this test to remote settings. Copyright © 2013, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | article; controlled study; dried blood spot testing; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; intermethod comparison; limit of detection; nonhuman; nucleotide sequence; outcome assessment; priority journal; qualitative analysis; real time polymerase chain reaction; reproducibility; sensitivity and specificity; South Africa; Tanzania; Uganda; validation process; virus inhibition; virus load; virus strain; Blood; Desiccation; Drug Monitoring; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sensitivity and Specificity; South Africa; Specimen Handling; Tanzania; Uganda; Viral Load; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84911380768 | Breeding programs for smallholder sheep farming systems: I. Evaluation of alternative designs of breeding schemes | Gizaw S., Rischkowsky B., Valle-Zárate A., Haile A., van Arendonk J.A.M., Mwai A.O., Dessie T. | 2014 | Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics | 131 | 5 | 10.1111/jbg.12101 | International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, ICARDA, Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic; Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands; International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI, Nairobi, Kenya | Gizaw, S., International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Rischkowsky, B., International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, ICARDA, Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic; Valle-Zárate, A., Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Haile, A., International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, ICARDA, Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic; van Arendonk, J.A.M., Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands; Mwai, A.O., International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI, Nairobi, Kenya; Dessie, T., International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Village-and central nucleus-based schemes were simulated and evaluated for their relative bio-economic efficiencies, using Ethiopia's Menz sheep as example. The schemes were: village-based 2-tier (Scheme-1) and 1-tier (Scheme-2) cooperative village breeding schemes, dispersed village-based nuclei scheme (Scheme-3), conventional 2-tier central nucleus-based scheme (Scheme-4), and schemes linking a central nucleus and village multiplier nuclei with selection in central nucleus (Scheme-5) or in both central and village nuclei (Scheme-6). Among village-based schemes, Scheme-1 gave the highest genetic progress, while Scheme-2 was economically the most efficient with genetic gain in the breeding objective of Birr 5.6 and a profit of Birr 37.2/ewe/year. The central nucleus schemes were more efficient than the village schemes. Scheme-4 was the most efficient with genetic gain in the breeding objective of Birr 13.5 and a profit of Birr 71.2, but is operationally more difficult as it requires a very large central nucleus. The choice between village and central nucleus-based schemes would depend on local conditions (availability of infrastructure, logistics and technical knowhow and support). Linking central nucleus with village-based nuclei (Scheme-6) would be a feasible option to overcome the operational difficulties of the conventional central nucleus scheme. If a village-based breeding program is envisaged as should be the 1st step in most low-input systems, then Scheme-2 is the most efficient. To scale out to an entire Menz breed level, Scheme-3 would be recommended. © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH. | Breeding programs; Nucleus breeding; Sheep; Smallholder system; Village breeding | Ovis aries; animal; animal husbandry; breeding; Ethiopia; evaluation study; genetics; procedures; sheep; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Breeding; Ethiopia; Sheep | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548506064 | Froth imaging, air recovery and bubble loading to describe flotation bank performance | Barbian N., Cilliers J.J., Morar S.H., Bradshaw D.J. | 2007 | International Journal of Mineral Processing | 84 | 42373 | 10.1016/j.minpro.2006.10.009 | Royal School of Mines, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom; University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | Barbian, N., Royal School of Mines, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom; Cilliers, J.J., Royal School of Mines, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom; Morar, S.H., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Bradshaw, D.J., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | Video image analysis and direct sampling of the froth surface were combined to investigate the relationship between different imaging parameters accounting for the structural features of the froth, and the separation efficiency of a flotation bank. The bubble solids loading and the air recovery were measured to introduce a new structural parameter, the froth volumetric mineral loading, additionally a new image analysis measurement, the cross correlation peak, was investigated. Both parameters were shown to be linked to the mobility of the bubbles on the froth surface. The cross correlation peak was found to be closely related to the volumetric mineral loading measured on the froth surface. Both parameters were found to follow a drop in froth stability and mineral attachment down the bank, which resulted in a relatively wetter and less viscous froth, and therefore a higher bubble mobility on the froth surface. As a result, the cross correlation peak was shown to be related to the mineral grade in the concentrate, while further analysis highlighted the possible use of a combination of air recovery and cross correlation peak to give a closer prediction of the bank performance. © 2006. | Air recovery; Bubble loading; Froth flotation; Froth stability; Image analysis | Bubbles (in fluids); Correlation methods; Froth flotation; Image analysis; Imaging systems; Parameter estimation; Viscous flow; Air recovery; Bubble loading; Flotation banks; Froth stability; Surfaces | None |
| WoS | WOS:000295231700003 | The impact of Gacaca tribunals in Rwanda: Psychosocial effects of participation in a truth and reconciliation process after a genocide | Kanyangara, Patrick,Paez, Dario,Rime, Bernard,Yzerbyt, Vincent | 2011 | EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY | 41 | 6 | 10.1002/ejsp.822 | University of Basque Country, University of Rwanda, Univ Louvain | "Paez, Dario: University of Basque Country", | Victims (N = 200) of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and prisoners (N = 184) accused of genocidal acts reported their genocide-related emotions and outgroup perceptions before and after their participation to Truth and Reconciliation Gacaca trials. So did control groups of victims (N = 195) and prisoners (N = 176) not yet exposed to Gacaca. The data supported Durkheim's model of social rituals as cultural tools for transforming emotions, reasserting norms, and enhancing cohesion. Specifically, participation entailed the general reactivation of resignation negative emotions, the enhancement of shame among prisoners, and the decrease of shame among victims, whereas the opposite pattern occurred for antagonist emotions. Participation also enhanced social integration by reducing perceived outgroup homogeneity, decreasing ingroup self-categorization, and increasing positive stereotypes among both victim and prisoner participants. Moreover, the increase in genocide-related emotions resulting from participation was associated to positive changes outcomes, suggesting that the increase of negative emotions is an important mechanism at work in collective events of this type. Enhancement of the perception of a positive emotional climate (solidarity and trust) was limited to perpetrator participants. Together, these findings show that Durkheim's model can be extended to restorative justice trials involving both victims and perpetrators. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | ,"COLLECTIVE ACTION","EMOTIONAL CLIMATE",FORGIVENESS,"INTERGROUP CONTACT","POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH",RECIPIENTS,RITUALS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856663066 | The evaluation of whole-body vibration in a South African opencast mine | Aye S.A., Heyns P.S. | 2011 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 111 | 11 | None | Dynamic Systems Group, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Aye, S.A., Dynamic Systems Group, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Heyns, P.S., Dynamic Systems Group, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Vibration levels on a variety of equipment in a South African opencast mine were measured in this study. The well-established ISO 2631-1 (1997) standard methodology was used for the computation of weighted root mean square (WRMS) and vibration dose value (VDV). This method was used to evaluate the wholebody vibration (WBV) on a wide range of equipment in the opencast mine using the two main parameters, namely the daily exposure A(8) which is based on the WRMS concept and the VDV which measures shocks. The results obtained show that while the majority of the equipment rendered exposure levels that are below the exposure limit value (ELV), exposure levels on about half of the equipment do exceed the exposure action levels. The study also highlights the importance of shock in the observed responses. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2011. | Excavators; LHDs; Opencast mine; Other equipment; Whole-body vibration | Exposure level; Exposure limit value; LHDs; Main parameters; Opencast mine; Root Mean Square; Vibration level; Whole-body vibrations; Excavators; Metallurgy; Equipment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949117216 | On the evaluation of Fast-SAGD process in naturally fractured heavy oil reservoir | Kamari A., Hemmati-Sarapardeh A., Mohammadi A.H., Hashemi-Kiasari H., Mohagheghian E. | 2015 | Fuel | 143 | None | 10.1016/j.fuel.2014.10.065 | School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, King George V Avenue, Durban, South Africa; Department of Petroleum Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran; Institut de Recherche en Génie Chimique et Pétrolier (IRGCP), Paris Cedex, France; Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada | Kamari, A., School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, King George V Avenue, Durban, South Africa; Hemmati-Sarapardeh, A., Department of Petroleum Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran; Mohammadi, A.H., School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, King George V Avenue, Durban, South Africa, Institut de Recherche en Génie Chimique et Pétrolier (IRGCP), Paris Cedex, France; Hashemi-Kiasari, H., Department of Petroleum Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran; Mohagheghian, E., Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada | Very recently, Fast-SAGD as a modification of steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) has been much attended due to lower cumulative steam oil ratio as well as higher cumulative oil production. However, there are still many suspicions about the successful application of this method in naturally fractured reservoirs (NFR) in which faults, fissures, vugs, micro-fractures, poorly interconnected matrix pore structure as well as undesirable wettability are combined with high-viscosity oil. In this communication, initially, Fast-SAGD has been compared with traditional SAGD in an Iranian naturally fractured heavy oil reservoir with oil wet rock using CMG-STARS thermal simulator. Moreover, the effects of operational parameters on Fast-SAGD method have been investigated. In addition, a novel economical model has been established in which all economical parameters including input cash flow costs such as the rate of oil production and oil price, and the output cash flow costs such as capital expenditures (CAPEX), operating expenditures (OPEX), injection material and pipe line tariffs, have been considered. During the optimization of the operational parameters, it was observed that by increasing steam injection rate into both offset and SAGD wells in Fast-SAGD system, ultimate recovery factor (RF) increased, but ultimate net present value (NPV) increased up to an optimal point which could be due to the increased SOR value. By increasing steam injection pressure into offset well, both the ultimate RF and NPV increased up to an optimal point. To optimally select parameters such as the number of cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) cycles, elevation of CSS well and well spacing of SAGD well pair, sensitivity analysis should be performed to achieve the best case economically and technically due to the lack of a decrease or increase trend. In contrast to conventional reservoirs, the performance affected by start-up time at the offset well during Fast-SAGD process in fractured reservoirs indicates that earlier start-up time of steam injection leads to high RF and NPV. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Economic model; Fast-SAGD; Heavy crude oil; Naturally fractured reservoir; Operational parameters | Costs; Crude oil; Heavy oil production; Injection (oil wells); Oil shale; Petroleum reservoir engineering; Petroleum reservoirs; Sensitivity analysis; Steam; Water injection; Well spacing; Well stimulation; Economic modeling; Fast-SAGD; Heavy crude oil; Naturally fractured reservoirs; Operational parameters; Oil wells | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884409131 | Vertical electrical sounding investigation for delineation of geoelectric layers and evaluation of groundwater potential in Ajagba, Asa and Ikonifin localities of Ola Oluwa local government area of Osun state, south western Nigeria | Onimisi M., Daniel A., Kolawole M.S. | 2013 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 6 | 18 | None | Department of Earth Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria; Formerly Hydromarine Engineering Nigeria Ltd., Lagos, Nigeria | Onimisi, M., Department of Earth Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria, Formerly Hydromarine Engineering Nigeria Ltd., Lagos, Nigeria; Daniel, A., Department of Earth Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria; Kolawole, M.S., Department of Earth Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria | Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) surveys were carried out at Ajagba, Asa and Ikonifin communities in the north of Ola Oluwa local government area of Osun state, Nigeria in order to delineate the geoelectric layers in the area as well as evaluate the groundwater potential. The area is in the basement complex terrain of Nigeria where the occurrence of groundwater is highly unpredictable and hence requires the use of hydrologic, geophysical and geologic surveys to achieve success in groundwater development programs. The survey delineated a maximum of four geoelectric layers which may be interpreted to correspond to four geologic layers viz the topsoil, weathered basement, partly weathered/fractured basement and the fresh basement. The weathered basement and the partly weathered/fractured basement layers constitute the aquifer units. The partly weathered/fractured layer is significant in enhancing the ground water potential in this area because of its relatively low resistivity resulting from its high fracture frequency. The ground water potential in the area varies from medium to high. Groundwater development is therefore feasible in these communities. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2013. | Basement; Geoelectric layers; Groundwater; Layer thickness; Resistivity; Survey | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-30444450818 | Geoelectric evaluation of groundwater potential: A case study of Alagbaka primary school, Akure, Southwest Nigeria | Ayolabi E.A. | 2005 | Journal of the Geological Society of India | 66 | 4 | None | Department of Physics, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Ayolabi, E.A., Department of Physics, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Vertical electrical sounding consisting of three Wenner array and thirteen Schlumberger array has been carried out at the premises of Alagbaka primary school, Akure Southwest Nigeria. The aquiferous unit in this area is composed of weathered and fractured rocks whose resistivity ranges from 26 to 366 Ωm and thickness of 2.4 to 29.3 m. The isopach shows that the overburden thickens towards the east and is thinnest towards the south. The geological map derived from the coefficient of anisotropy of the underlying rocks shows that the Eastern end underlain by migmatites have coefficient of anisotropy ranging between 1.5 and 2.5 while the southwest, west and northwest side is underlain by charnockites of high (3-7.4) coefficient of anisotropy. The eastern end offers a good prospect for groundwater exploration. © Geol. Soc. India. | Akure; Anisotropy; Geoelectrical study; Groundwater; Southwest Nigeria | anisotropy; aquifer; groundwater resource; vertical electrical sounding; Africa; Akure; Nigeria; Ondo; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38949167735 | Performance of vernonia as an alternative industrial oil crop in Limpopo Province of South Africa | Shimelis H., Mashela P.W., Hugo A. | 2008 | Crop Science | 48 | 1 | 10.2135/cropsci2007.06.0331 | Dep. of Plant Production, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Dep. of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Univ. of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Shimelis, H., Dep. of Plant Production, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Mashela, P.W., Dep. of Plant Production, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Hugo, A., Dep. of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Univ. of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Vernonia (Vernonia galamensis) is an industrial oil seed crop with potential as a source of natural epoxy fatty acids. Diverse accessions of V. galamensis var. ethiopica were studied at the Limpopo Province in South Africa to determine agronomic performance and to identify suitable germplasm with quantity and quality seed oil content. Thirty-six accessions were subjected to field evaluations using a partially balanced lattice design in 2005 and 2006. Significant differences were observed for days to flowering (88-143 d), plant height (131.6-167.85 cm), number of productive primary head (23-72 head plant-1), number of productive secondary head (12-35 head plant -1), thousand seed weight (1.68-3.63 g), and seed yield (1594.89-3126.09 kg ha-1) between different accessions. Results from oil analysis show significant differences in the contents of seed oil (20.36-35.86%), vernolic acid (70.15-77.92%), linoleic acid (12.05-14.73%), oleic acid (3.72-5.52%), palmitic acid (2.49-3.24%), and stearic acid (1.73-3.28%). Of the five accessions identified as potentially useful, three (Vge-17, Vge-18, and Vge-19) had better seed yield and agronomic performances and two (Vge-4 and Vge-31) increased contents of seed oil and vemolic acid. Accessions Vge-4 and Vge-18 also displayed relatively high oil yield, 966.58 and 801.28 kg ha-1, respectively. The accessions will be used in the strategic improvement of vernonia to maximize seed yield and oil content as an alternative crop in the province and similar environments. © Crop Science Society of America. | None | Vernonia; Vernonia galamensis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-52649089673 | The impact of mixed fleet hauling on mining operations at Venetia mine | Krzyzanowska J. | 2007 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 107 | 4 | None | University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Krzyzanowska, J., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Venetia Mine, an open-pit diamond mining operation in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, currently has a mixed haul truck fleet consisting of Caterpillar 785B and C; 789C; modified 793D and 793D. Even in an ideal situation these trucks have different cycle times, which causes queuing at the loading area and their different speeds cause bunching on the ramps, leading to higher overall cycle times and lower productivity. This problem was identified but the root causes of the problem were not investigated and quantified. A time and motion study on the haul trucks was thus undertaken to measure actual cycle times and compare them to ideal cycle times as well as to observe any reasons for deviations. Ideal cycle times are partly evaluated on the basis of simulation and partly from production optimization expert input. Several areas that affect production were identified and these include: haul road conditions, the control room, dispatching programme and dispatching data management, as well as truck-shovel matching. The investigation was important in establishing control parameters for haul fleet operation since time spent queuing is production time lost, which defers waste tonnes to later in the life of mine, thus decreasing the tempo at which kimberlite is exposed. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2007. | None | Control parameters; Control rooms; Cycle times; Data management; Diamond mining; Different speeds; Haul trucks; Haul-road conditions; Loading area; Mining operations; Motion study; Open pits; Production Optimization; Production time; Root causes; South Africa; Automobiles; Control system analysis; Control theory; Diamonds; Fleet operations; Management information systems; Mine trucks; Mines; Mining; Mining engineering; Open pit mining; Parameter estimation; Solid wastes; Trucks; Time and motion study | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856195899 | Chemical composition and nutritional evaluation of velvet bean seeds (Mucuna utilis) for domestic consumption and industrial utilization in Nigeria | Balogun I.O., Olatidoye O.P. | 2012 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 11 | 2 | None | Department of Food Technology, Yaba College of Technology, Nigeria | Balogun, I.O., Department of Food Technology, Yaba College of Technology, Nigeria; Olatidoye, O.P., Department of Food Technology, Yaba College of Technology, Nigeria | Velvet bean seeds were collected from a farm Ibadan. The mature seed samples were analyzed for proximate and mineral compositions, fatty acid profiles and amino acid composition. The mean values of various parameters for proximate composition (%) were: Moisture (6.02±0.11), crude protein (25.65±0.14), ash (3.60±0.01), ether extract (14.52±0.05), crude fibre (7.23±0.05) and carbohydrate (by difference) (42.98). The calculated fatty acids were (12.49) and gross energy was (1703.95). The investigated seed samples contained higher amounts of crude protein and lipids when compared with most of the commonly consumed pulses. Mineral element (mg/100g) include: Calcium (148.88±0.2), potassium (1472.33±0.2), phosphorus (377.12±0.2), magnesium (23.66±0.3), iron (3.44±0.2) and manganese (5.28±0.1). The fatty acid profiles of the seeds revealed that the seed lipids contained higher concentration of palmitic acid and linoleic acid. Linoleic acid was the dominating fatty acid, followed by palmitic acid and oleic acid. The seed proteins of sample contained higher levels of the essential amino acids such as, threonine, valine, isoleucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine and histidine. Amino acid analysis revealed that velvet bean flour contained nutritionally useful quantities of most of the essential amino acids. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2012. | Amino acid profiles; Chemical composition; Physico-chemical characteristics; Velvet bean | amino acid; calcium; carbohydrate; essential amino acid; ether; fatty acid; histidine; iron; isoleucine; linoleic acid; lipid; magnesium; manganese; mineral; oleic acid; palmitic acid; phenylalanine; phosphorus; potassium; threonine; tyrosine; valine; vegetable protein; amino acid analysis; amino acid composition; article; ash; calorie; chemical composition; controlled study; dietary fiber; fatty acid analysis; flour; food analysis; food composition; food industry; food intake; lipid composition; moisture; Nigeria; nonhuman; nutrient content; nutritional assessment; physical chemistry; plant seed; velvet bean; Mucuna | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349130706 | The rooting performance of shea (Vitellaria paradoxa gaertn) stem cuttings as influenced by wood type, sucrose and rooting hormone | Yeboah J., Lowor S.T., Amoah F.M. | 2009 | Scientific Research and Essays | 4 | 5 | None | Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana | Yeboah, J., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana; Lowor, S.T., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana; Amoah, F.M., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana | Vegetative propagation of stem cuttings of different physiological woodtypes of Vitellaria paradoxa was studied in a polythene propagator. The treatments included combinations of wood type (soft, semi-hard and rejuvenated (coppiced) shoots), sucrose application at 0, 15 and 25%, and Seradix '3' powder hormone (active ingredient- indolebutyricacid) at 0 and 8000 ppm. Cuttings of rejuvenated shoots dipped in 15% sucrose solution gave significantly higher rooting and longer roots than both softwood and semihardwood. High levels (P < 0.05) of soluble sugars and total free phenols were recorded for coppiced cuttings which resulted in better rooting performance than the other wood types. Cuttings dipped in Seradix '3' powder hormone significantly recorded higher rooting than the control (no hormone). © 2009 Academic Journals. | Cuttings; Rooting; Rooting hormone; Sucrose; Vitellaria paradoxa gaertn | Vitellaria paradoxa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908200710 | Impact of soybean (Glycine maxL.) and maize (Zea mays L.) inter-crop on the vegetative and yield performance of yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana (Pers) Schum.) | Aboyeji C.M., Abayomi Y.A., Aduloju M.O., Olofintoye T.A.J. | 2014 | Tropical Agriculture | 91 | 3 | None | Department of Agronomy, University of Ilorin, florin, Nigeria; College of Agricultural Sciences, Landmark University, Omuaran, Nigeria; National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, Nigeria | Aboyeji, C.M., Department of Agronomy, University of Ilorin, florin, Nigeria; Abayomi, Y.A., Department of Agronomy, University of Ilorin, florin, Nigeria; Aduloju, M.O., College of Agricultural Sciences, Landmark University, Omuaran, Nigeria; Olofintoye, T.A.J., National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, Nigeria | Vegetative and yield performance of Thevetia peruviana (Pers) Schum. were evaluated under soybean (Glycine max L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) cropping systems during the 2008 and 2009 rainy seasons at the Research Farm of the Biofuel Alternative and Renewable Energy Ltd, Edidi, Kwara State in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. The treatment included sole T. peruviana, sole soybean, sole maize, T. peruvtana/soybean and T. peruvianalmaize cropping systems with T. peruviana plant population of 2,500 plants ha-1. The treatments were laid out in Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. Two rows of maize at one plant/stand were planted in each plot assigned for T. peruviana/maize while four rows of maize were planted in each plot assigned for sole maize. Soybean at two plants/stand was planted in each plot assigned for T. peruvtana/soybean and sole soybean. Results obtained indicated that T. peruvtana/soybean cropping system improved the vegetative growth parameters of the two component crops while T. peruviana/maize cropping system reduced both the vegetative and the yield parameters of the test crop. However the widest stem width was observed under the control T. peruviana. The kernel size of T. peruviana was not significantly affected irrespective of the cropping systems. The kernel yield of T. peruviana under T. peruvtana/soybean cropping system increased although statistically similar with sole T. peruviana while the seed yield of soybean under T. peruvtana/soybean cropping system significantly increased when compared with the sole soybean. The complimentary use of growth resources such as nutrients, water and light in T. peruviana/soybean cropping system resulted into increase plant height, number of branches and the overall yield of the two component crops. Thus, it can be recommended that for higher yield and sustainability T. peruvtana/soybean cropping system is better adopted among the cropping systems. © 2014 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad). | Inter-cropping; Thevetia peruviana; Vegetative growth and Kernel yield | Glycine max; Nerium; Thevetia peruviana; Zea mays | None |
| 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-s2.0-84899857757 | Integrating soil water monitoring technology and weather based crop modelling to provide improved decision support for sugarcane irrigation management | Paraskevopoulos A.L., Singels A. | 2014 | Computers and Electronics in Agriculture | 105 | None | 10.1016/j.compag.2014.04.007 | South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Private Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa | Paraskevopoulos, A.L., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Private Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa; Singels, A., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Private Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa | Various technologies exist to support scientific irrigation scheduling, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Weather-based crop models are good at estimating evapotranspiration and future irrigation needs over large areas, while electronic soil water sensors are able to provide good estimates of soil water status at a given point. Synergy may be obtained by combining these technologies to enhance their usefulness for irrigation management. The objective of this study was to incorporate real-time field records of soil water status into a weather based sugarcane simulation system and to evaluate its use for supporting irrigation scheduling in 15 sugarcane fields in South Africa. Layered soil water status data from capacitance probes were converted to root zone available soil water content (ASWC) using linear scaling. Field specific calibration coefficients were derived from drainage and extraction patterns. An analysis of simulation outputs and observed cane yields suggested that yields were substantially below potential for seven out of the 15 fields. Two fields had prolonged periods of water stress due to under-irrigation, as reflected by the fact that yields from simulations based on measured soil water data were substantially below the potential yield. Yields in six fields were probably limited by poor husbandry as suggested by the fact that observed yields were well below simulated yields using measured soil water data. The system was demonstrated to commercial and small-scale farmers and extension officers during a series of workshops. The integrated system provides enhanced support for irrigation water management for sugarcane production. Farmers and extension specialists can understand the impact of irrigation practices on the soil water regime and its impact on crop growth and yield. This is a good basis for making adjustments to irrigation practices and for benchmarking crop performance and water use efficiency. It also has value for supporting irrigation scheduling decisions. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Cane yield; Capacitance sensor; Crop model; Irrigation scheduling; Soil water content; Weather data | Benchmarking; Capacitance; Crops; Decision support systems; Plants (botany); Scheduling; Sensors; Soil moisture; Water management; Water supply; Cane yield; Capacitance sensors; Crop model; Irrigation scheduling; Soil water content; Weather data; Irrigation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33750994051 | Comparative evaluation of EDTA, pyridine and acetic acid for the assessment of available heavy metals from domestic and industrial sludges | Olajire A.A., Bello M.O., Abdul-Hammed M., Olabemiwo O.M. | 2006 | International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology | 3 | 4 | None | Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Olajire, A.A., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Bello, M.O., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Abdul-Hammed, M., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Olabemiwo, O.M., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Various sludge samples from different domestic and industrial wastewater treatment plants were analyzed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS) to evaluate their total and available contents of heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Cd and Zn). The EDTA pyridine and acetic acid single extraction techniques were applied to these samples with the objective of studying the leaching behavior of the metals in different sludges and also to predict their possible mobility when these wastes are disposed on the environment and landfills. In EDTA higher extraction efficiency was observed for major part of the elements studied in the industrial sludges except for Hg and Cd, which were also considerably released from domestic sludges. Acetic acid and pyridine gave a better extraction efficiency for Zn in industrial sludge than EDTA. Moreover, the results of total digestions were compared, for total metal contents, with those obtained using pseudototal digestion procedure and a good correlation (r2 = 0.95) was found between the two methods of digestion. © Autumn 2006, IRSEN, CEERS, IAU. | Domestic sludges; Heavy metals; Industrial sludges; Pseudototal digestion; Total digestion | Cadmium; Extraction; Leaching; Mercury (metal); Metal recovery; Sewage sludge; Sewage treatment; acetic acid; domestic waste; EDTA; extraction; heavy metal; industrial waste; sludge; wastewater | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547572937 | Polymerase chain reaction detection of Pneumocystis jiroveci: evaluation of 9 assays | Robberts F.J.L., Liebowitz L.D., Chalkley L.J. | 2007 | Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease | 58 | 4 | 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2007.02.014 | Department of Medical Microbiology, The University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa | Robberts, F.J.L., Department of Medical Microbiology, The University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa; Liebowitz, L.D., Department of Medical Microbiology, The University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa; Chalkley, L.J., Department of Medical Microbiology, The University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa | Various polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification strategies have been described for detecting Pneumocystis jiroveci in clinical specimens. Different combinations of primer/target and platforms have been reported to yield varying PCR detection rates. PCR was evaluated on clinical specimens using internal transcribed spacer regions of the rRNA nested, dihydropteroate synthase single and nested, dihydrofolate reductase nested, major surface glycoprotein heminested, mitochondrial large subunit rRNA (mtLSUrRNA) single and nested, 18S rRNA 1-tube nested, and real-time 5S rRNA PCR. The most sensitive PCR was subsequently compared with routine diagnostic immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy. Discrepant PCR and IF results were resolved after review of clinical and histology/cytology records. Major discrepancies were observed among the methods investigated. mtLSUrRNA nested PCR was the most sensitive, produced less false-negative results, and displayed the highest degree of concordance with histology. Direct comparison of mtLSUrRNA nested PCR versus IF yielded low sensitivity and specificity, which were improved for PCR and lowered for IF on review of clinical and laboratory records. © 2007. | Detection; Immunofluorescent microscopy; PcP; PCR; Pneumocystis jiroveci; Pneumocystis pneumonia | dihydrofolate reductase; dihydropteroate synthase; glycoprotein; mitochondrial RNA; protein subunit; ribosome RNA; article; bacterium detection; cytology; false negative result; gene amplification; histology; immunofluorescence microscopy; microbiology; nonhuman; Pneumocystis jiroveci; polymerase chain reaction; priority journal; real time polymerase chain reaction; sensitivity analysis; sensitivity and specificity; Dihydropteroate Synthase; DNA, Fungal; DNA, Mitochondrial; DNA, Ribosomal; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer; False Negative Reactions; Fungal Proteins; Humans; Membrane Glycoproteins; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Pneumocystis Infections; Pneumocystis jiroveci; Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S; RNA, Ribosomal, 23S; RNA, Ribosomal, 5S; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646425590 | Tomato fruit size, maturity and α-tomatine content influence the performance of larvae of potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) | Mulatu B., Applebaum S.W., Kerem Z., Coll M. | 2006 | Bulletin of Entomological Research | 96 | 2 | 10.1079/BER2005412 | Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, PO Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Entomology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, PO Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel; Institute of Biochemistry Food Science and Nutrition, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, PO Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel | Mulatu, B., Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, PO Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Applebaum, S.W., Department of Entomology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, PO Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel; Kerem, Z., Institute of Biochemistry Food Science and Nutrition, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, PO Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel; Coll, M., Department of Entomology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, PO Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel | Various physical and chemical properties of host plants influence insect larval performance and subsequent adult fitness. Tomato plants are relatively new hosts to the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), with the fruit being its preferred feeding site. However, it is unclear how the biochemical and physical properties of tomato fruits relate to potato tuber moth performance. Significant amounts of α-tomatine were detected in maturing green and ripening fruits of cherry (cv. Ceres) and processing (cv. Serio) types of tomatoes whereas none was detected in a fresh market variety (cv. Marglobe), at comparable stages. α-Tomatine is negatively and significantly correlated with development rate (head capsule size) of larvae reared in the fruits of the cherry and processing type tomatoes. Generally, survival, growth and development were significantly superior for larvae reared in the ripening fruits of the fresh market cultivar. At this stage, the fruits of this cultivar are also the largest. Based on these results it is concluded that fruit α-tomatine content, as well as fruit size and maturity, all affect performance of P. operculella larvae in the fruits of cultivated tomatoes. © CAB International, 2006. | Herbivory; Insect-plant interactions; Phthorimaea operculella; Potato tuber moth; Secondary plant compounds; Tomatine; Tomato | tomatine; cultivar; fruit production; growth and development; host plant; larval development; moth; analysis of variance; animal; article; body weight; chemistry; comparative study; drug effect; growth, development and aging; larva; Lepidoptera; parasitology; physiology; survival; tomato; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Body Weight; Larva; Lepidoptera; Lycopersicon esculentum; Survival Analysis; Tomatine; Ceres; Gelechiidae; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Lycopersicon esculentum; Phthorimaea operculella; Solanum tuberosum | None |
| None | None | Impact of non-livelihood-based land management on land resources: The case of upland watersheds in Uporoto Mountains, South West Tanzania | Mwanukuzi P.K. | 2011 | Geographical Journal | 177 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1475-4959.2010.00362.x | Department of Geography, University of Dar Es Salaam, PO Box 35049, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | Mwanukuzi, P.K., Department of Geography, University of Dar Es Salaam, PO Box 35049, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | Various land management strategies are used to prevent land degradation and keep land productive. Often land management strategies applied in certain areas focus on the context of the physical environment but are incompatible with the social environment where they are applied. As a result, such strategies are ignored by land users and land degradation becomes difficult to control. This study observes the impacts of land management in the upland watersheds of the Uporoto Mountains in South West Tanzania. In spite of various land management practices used in the area, 38% of the studied area experienced soil fertility loss, 30% gully erosion, 23% soil loss, 6% biodiversity loss and drying up of river sources. Land management methods that were accepted and adopted were those contributing to immediate livelihood needs. These methods did not control land resource degradation, but increased crop output per unit of land and required little labour. Effective methods of controlling land degradation were abandoned or ignored because they did not satisfy immediate livelihood needs. This paper concludes that Integrating poor people's needs would transform non-livelihood-based land management methods to livelihood-based ones. Different ways of transforming these land management methods are presented and discussed. © 2010 The Author(s). Journal compilation © 2010 The Royal Geographical Society. | Land degradation; Land management; Land use; Livelihood; Mountain watersheds | environmental impact; gully erosion; land degradation; land management; land use; mountain region; soil fertility; watershed; agriculture; article; catering service; economics; education; environmental protection; ethnology; food handling; geography; history; irrigation (agriculture); legal aspect; organization and management; Tanzania; water supply; Agricultural Irrigation; Agriculture; Conservation of Natural Resources; Food Supply; Food Technology; Geography; History, 19th Century; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Ownership; Tanzania; Water Supply; Mbeya [Tanzania]; Tanzania; Uporoto Mountains | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901638420 | The impact of nitrogenous and phosphorous nutrients from selected point sources in Kisumu City on River Kisat and Nyalenda Wigwa Stream before their discharge into Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria | Musungu P.C., Lalah J.O., Jondiko I.O., Ongeri D.M.K. | 2014 | Environmental Earth Sciences | 71 | 12 | 10.1007/s12665-013-2915-9 | Department of Chemistry, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333-40105, Maseno, Kenya; Department of Chemical Science and Technology, Technical University of Kenya, City Square, P.O. Box 52428-00200, Nairobi, Kenya | Musungu, P.C., Department of Chemistry, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333-40105, Maseno, Kenya; Lalah, J.O., Department of Chemical Science and Technology, Technical University of Kenya, City Square, P.O. Box 52428-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Jondiko, I.O., Department of Chemistry, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333-40105, Maseno, Kenya; Ongeri, D.M.K., Department of Chemistry, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333-40105, Maseno, Kenya | Various industrial facilities including a fish-processing factory, a matchbox factory, a flour mill and a landfill, all in Kisumu City in Kenya, were studied and found to discharge significant amounts of NO2 --N, NO3 --N, org N, total N and total P into River Kisat and Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria, with % increases in the mean levels at the outlets of these facilities ranging from 9.6 to 200, 5.9 to 43.5, 9.3 to 96.1, 8.1 to 35.5 and 9.7 to 50.5 %, respectively. The concentrations of NO2 --N, NO3 --N, NH3-N, org N and total N attributable to these facilities increased by 1,509, 51.1, 112.6, 97.5 and 90.6 %, respectively, at the point of entry into Rive Kisat. The Nyalenda Wastewater Stabilization Ponds reduced the mean levels of NO2 --N, NO3 --N, org N, total N and T-P by 50, 10.4, 16.6, 7.8 and 30.8 %, respectively, indicating low efficacy of their removal and potential impact on water quality in Lake Victoria. The efficacy of the Kisat wastewater treatment plant was also found to be very low with % reductions of the analysed nutrients ranging from 2.82 to 41.30 %. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Environmental assessment; Kisumu City; Lake Victoria; N, P nutrients | Nitrogen oxides; Nutrients; Sewage lagoons; Stabilization ponds; Water quality; Environmental assessment; Industrial facilities; Kisumu City; Lake Victoria; Point of entries; Potential impacts; Wastewater stabilization ponds; Wastewater treatment plants; Lakes; ammonia; environmental assessment; food processing; industrialization; landfill; nitrogen; nitrogen dioxide; nutrient; phosphorus; point source; river pollution; stream; wastewater; water quality; East African Lakes; Kenya; Kisumu; Lake Victoria; Nyanza; Winam Gulf | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33747166729 | Evaluation of screening methods for improved storability of soybean seed | Addai I.K., Safo-Kantanka O. | 2006 | International Journal of Botany | 2 | 2 | 10.3923/ijb.2006.152.155 | Department of Agronomy, University for Development Studies, P.O. Box 1350, Tamale, Ghana; Department of Crop Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Addai, I.K., Department of Agronomy, University for Development Studies, P.O. Box 1350, Tamale, Ghana; Safo-Kantanka, O., Department of Crop Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Various forms of accelerated ageing tests have been used to evaluate storability of seed lots but very little work has been done on how these tests correlate or relate well with ambient storage and their effectiveness in selecting for seed storability. In this study, hundred seeds each from three soybean genotypes were subjected to three accelerated ageing tests by soaking the seeds in 20% ethanol solution for two hours, in 20% methanol solution for two hours or in 75°C hot water for seventy seconds. The same quantity of seeds was stored on laboratory wooden shelves for a period of four months at a temperature range of 22-25°C and 30-35% relative humidity. Germination percentage of seeds from these four categories revealed that the ethanol solution predicted seed storability more than hot water and methanol treatments. In another experiment, seeds from individual M 2 plants were screened either by using the ethanol test or by storing threshed and unthreshed seeds at a temperature range of 22-25°C and relative humidity of 30-35% for a period of four months. Only the M 2 plants whose seeds produced germination percentage of 80% or above were selected. Compared to the two ambient storage methods, the ethanol solution was less effective a screening method for improved seed storability but could be used as an initial screening method to predict seed storability in soybeans. However, storability of such seeds should always be confirmed by storage under ambient conditions especially in later generations of selection. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Accelerated ageing tests; Gamma irradiation; Improved storability; Screening methods; Soybean seed | Glycine max | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650392878 | Drying of organic solvents: Quantitative evaluation of the efficiency of several desiccants | Williams D.B.G., Lawton M. | 2010 | Journal of Organic Chemistry | 75 | 24 | 10.1021/jo101589h | Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa | Williams, D.B.G., Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa; Lawton, M., Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa | Various commonly used organic solvents were dried with several different drying agents. A glovebox-bound coulometric Karl Fischer apparatus with a two-compartment measuring cell was used to determine the efficiency of the drying process. Recommendations are made relating to optimum drying agents/conditions that can be used to rapidly and reliably generate solvents with low residual water content by means of commonly available materials found in most synthesis laboratories. The practical method provides for safer handling and drying of solvents than methods calling for the use of reactive metals, metal hydrides, or solvent distillation. © 2010 American Chemical Society. | None | Commonly used; Drying agent; Drying process; Gloveboxes; Karl Fischer; Measuring cells; Metal hydrides; Practical method; Quantitative evaluation; Reactive metals; Residual water content; Curing; Distillation; Driers (materials); Hydrides; Organic solvents; Water content; Drying; desiccant; metal; organic solvent; water; article; cell assay; coulometry; distillation; drying; high temperature procedures; quantitative analysis; reliability; synthesis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943363765 | Histopathological evaluation of the osteogenic activity of autologous platelet-rich plasma in experimentally induced ulna defect in dogs | Nnaji T., Kene R., Chah K., Udegbunam S., Ogbanya K., Okpe G. | 2015 | Comparative Clinical Pathology | 24 | 6 | 10.1007/s00580-015-2121-0 | Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Nnaji, T., Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Kene, R., Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Chah, K., Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Udegbunam, S., Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ogbanya, K., Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Okpe, G., Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Variety of products and surgical approaches to stimulate biologic factors and promote osteogenesis have been developed over the years, but surgeons still face challenges relating to bone healing. This study was designed to evaluate the histopathologic effects of autologous platelet-rich plasma and cancellous bone grafts on caudolateral ulna ostectomy of Nigerian local dogs. Twelve healthy Nigerian indigenous dogs (males) were used for the study. They were randomly grouped into four viz: platelet-rich plasma-treated group (PRPG) (n = 3), cancellous bone graft-treated group (CBG) (n = 3), platelet-rich plasma/cancellous bone graft-treated group (PRP/CBG) (n = 3), and normal saline-treated control group (CG) (n = 3). Caudolateral ulna defects were created on the left ulna of each dog under general anesthesia and treated as follows: the PRPG were treated by application of autologous PRP on the defects prior to closure, the PRP/CBG defects were treated by applying both PRP and cancellous bone grafts on the defects, and CBG was treated with autologous cancellous bone grafts alone while the control defects were treated by applying normal saline on the defects prior to closure of the soft tissues. Animals were euthanized at week 10 and the bridging callus of the defects analyzed by histopathology. The PRP defects either in combination with cancellous bone grafts or alone demonstrated more matured lamella bone compared to the CBG and control defects. The control defects were characterized with fibrocartillagenous zones of intense cellular activities mainly of chondroblasts and oeteoblasts. The mean histologic indices of the PRPG and PRP/CBG defects varied significantly (p < 0.05) with the CBG and the control defects. The results showed that the PRP has a positive osteogenic effect in treatment of caudolateral ulna ostectomies of dogs but its activity was optimal when combined with autologous cancellous bone grafts. © 2015, Springer-Verlag London. | Bone defect; Bone graft; Dog; Osteogenesis; Platelet-rich plasma | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881479814 | Variant ataxia telangiectasia: Clinical and molecular findings and evaluation of radiosensitive phenotypes in a patient and relatives | Claes K., Depuydt J., Taylor A.M.R., Last J.I., Baert A., Schietecatte P., Vandersickel V., Poppe B., De Leeneer K., D'Hooghe M., Vral A. | 2013 | NeuroMolecular Medicine | 15 | 3 | 10.1007/s12017-013-8231-4 | Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; NRF IThemba LABS, PO Box 722, Somerset West 7129, South Africa; Department of Neurology and Child Neurology AZ St-Jan, 8000 Brugge, Belgium | Claes, K., Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Depuydt, J., Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Taylor, A.M.R., School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Last, J.I., School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Baert, A., Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Schietecatte, P., Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Vandersickel, V., NRF IThemba LABS, PO Box 722, Somerset West 7129, South Africa; Poppe, B., Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; De Leeneer, K., Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; D'Hooghe, M., Department of Neurology and Child Neurology AZ St-Jan, 8000 Brugge, Belgium; Vral, A., Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium | Variant ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) may be an underdiagnosed entity. We correlate data from radiosensitivity and kinase assays with clinical and molecular data from a patient with variant A-T and relatives. The coding region of ATM was sequenced. To evaluate the functional effect of the mutations, we performed kinase assays and developed a novel S-G2 micronucleus test. Our patient presented with mild dystonia, moderately dysarthric speech, increased serum α-fetoprotein but no ataxia nor telangiectasias, no nystagmus or oculomotor dyspraxia. She has a severe IgA deficiency, but does not have recurrent infections. She is compound heterozygote for ATM c.8122G>A (p.Asp2708Asn) and c.8851-1G>T, leading to in frame loss of 63 nucleotides at the cDNA level. A trace amount of ATM protein is translated from both alleles. Residual kinase activity is derived only from the p.Asp2708Asn allele. The conventional G0 micronucleus test, based on irradiation of resting lymphocytes, revealed a radiosensitive phenotype for the patient, but not for the heterozygous relatives. As ATM is involved in homologous recombination and G2/M cell cycle checkpoint, we optimized an S-G2 micronucleus assay, allowing to evaluate micronuclei in lymphocytes irradiated in the S and G2 phases. This test showed increased radiosensitivity for both the patient and the heterozygous carriers. Intriguingly, heterozygous carriers of c.8851-1G>T (mutation associated with absence of kinase activity) showed a stronger radiosensitive phenotype with this assay than heterozygous carriers of p.Asp2708Asn (mutation associated with residual kinase activity). The modified S-G2 micronucleus assay provided phenotypic insight into complement the diagnosis of this atypical A-T patient. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York. | ATM heterozygous carriers; cDNA analysis; In vitro radiosensitivity; Kinase assay; S-G2 micronucleus assay; Variant ataxia telangiectasia | alpha fetoprotein; baclofen; levodopa; psychotropic agent; tetrazepam; adult; anamnesis; article; ataxia telangiectasia; ATM gene; case report; cell cycle checkpoint; cell cycle progression; cerebral palsy; clinical feature; controlled study; disease severity; dystonia; enzyme activity; female; gene; gene locus; gene mutation; gene sequence; genetic transcription; genetic variability; heterozygosity; homologous recombination; human; immunoglobulin A deficiency; mental disease; micronucleus test; missense mutation; molecular typing; mutational analysis; nucleotide sequence; phenotype; priority journal; protein blood level; psychotherapy; radiosensitivity; reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; strabismus; Ataxia telangiectasia; Adult; Amino Acid Substitution; Ataxia Telangiectasia; Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins; Breast Neoplasms; Caffeine; Child; Exons; Female; G2 Phase; Heterozygote; Humans; Lymphocytes; Male; Micronucleus Tests; Mutation, Missense; Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary; Neurologic Examination; Pedigree; Phenotype; Radiation Tolerance; Recombinational DNA Repair; Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal; RNA Splice Sites; S Phase; Sequence Analysis, DNA | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904338700 | Evaluation of two organosilicone adjuvants at reduced foliar spray volumes in South African citrus orchards of different canopy densities | van Zyl J.G., Sieverding E.G., Viljoen D.J., Fourie P.H. | 2014 | Crop Protection | 64 | None | 10.1016/j.cropro.2014.06.024 | Department of Plant Pathology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Citrus Research International, P.O. Box 28, Nelspruit, South Africa; Evonik Africa (Pty) Ltd, P.O. Box 3739, Somerset West 7129, South Africa; Evonik Industries AG, Goldschmidtstraße 100, 45127 Essen, Germany | van Zyl, J.G., Department of Plant Pathology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa, Citrus Research International, P.O. Box 28, Nelspruit, South Africa; Sieverding, E.G., Evonik Industries AG, Goldschmidtstraße 100, 45127 Essen, Germany; Viljoen, D.J., Evonik Africa (Pty) Ltd, P.O. Box 3739, Somerset West 7129, South Africa; Fourie, P.H., Department of Plant Pathology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa, Citrus Research International, P.O. Box 28, Nelspruit, South Africa | van Zyl, J.G., Sieverding, E.G., Viljoen, D.J., Fourie, P.H., 2014. Evaluation of two organosilicone adjuvants atreduced foliar spray volumes in South African citrus orchards of different canopy densities Crop Protection 00:0000-0000.Citrus producers in South Africa generally use high spray volumes (6000 to 16,000lha-1) to control pests and diseases adequately for the fresh fruit market. In order to study the benefit of organosilicone adjuvants at reduced spray volumes, trials were conducted with two organo tri-siloxane adjuvants. Two separate spray trials were conducted in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa in uniform navel orange orchards. Break-Thru S240 (super-spreader) and Break-Thru Union (spreader-sticker), at recommended dosages per hectare (300mlha-1, respectively), were sprayed separately in combination with a yellow fluorescent pigment (1mll-1) at a high (20l tree-1≈9600 to 12,100lha-1, depending on tree and inter-row spacing), medium (14l tree-1≈6500 to 8500lha-1) and low (8l tree-1≈3700 to 4800lha-1) spray application volumes. Sprays consisting of the fluorescent pigment in water alone were used as control treatments. Trees were sprayed from both sides with a commercial multi-fan tower sprayer (BSF-Multiwing) at a constant tractor speed (2.4kmh-1) and spray pressure (1500kPa). The different spray volumes were achieved by using different spray nozzles (TeeJet Disc-Core type; full and hollow cone nozzles D3-DC56/46, D4-DC56/46, D5-DC56/46). Leaves were sampled from six canopy positions (inner and outer canopy position at bottom, middle and top of the tree). Deposition quantity and quality of fluorescent pigment were determined on upper and lower leaf surfaces using fluorometry, digital photomacrography and image analyses. Spray uniformity and efficiency were also compared among treatments. Deposition quantity generally increased with increasing spray volume, but normalised values showed better spray efficiency at lower volumes. In pruned and less dense canopies, a beneficial effect of adjuvants was observed in terms of deposition quantity, efficiency and uniformity, especially at reduced volume applications (14l tree-1) on the inside and outside of the canopy. Little improvement in deposition quality was generally observed with the use of adjuvants. These benefits were not as evident in very dense canopies, illustrating the importance of canopy management when spraying at reduced volumes. Data obtained from the study is valuable for future improvement in spray application methodology in South Africa and other developing countries. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Canopy management; Deposition quality; Deposition quantity; Deposition uniformity; Digital image analysis; Fluorometry | biological control; canopy; digital image; evergreen tree; fluorescence; fluorometry; pest control; pigment; silicon; spray; volume; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-81855212815 | Value based financial performance measures: An evaluation of relative and incremental information content | Erasmus P. | 2008 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 6 | 0.041666666667 | None | Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Erasmus, P., Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Value-based (VB) financial performance measures are often advanced as improvements over traditional measures. It is argued that the inclusion of a firms cost of capital in the calculation of these measures facilitates the evaluation of value creation. Furthermore they attempt to remove some accounting distortions resulting from the limitations of conventional accounting information. This paper investigates the ability of four VB measures to explain market-adjusted share returns and compare it to that of some traditional measures. Empirical results indicate that the relative information contents of the VB measures are not greater than that of earnings. The incremental information content tests indicate that their components add significantly to the information content of earnings, but that the level of significance is relatively low. | Accounting information; Cost of capital; Financial performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920937508 | Influence of cathode shape on vacuum arc thruster performance and operation | Lun J., Law C. | 2015 | IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science | 43 | 1 | 10.1109/TPS.2014.2361439 | South African National Space Agency, Hermanus, South Africa; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Lun, J., South African National Space Agency, Hermanus, South Africa, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Law, C., School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Vacuum arc thrusters (VATs) are a potentially useful technology for use as microthrusters, given their simplicity, low mass, and low-power requirements. However, further development is still needed to improve and mature their performance and operation. In an effort to improve thruster characteristics, we investigate the use of conically shaped convergent cathode surface profiles in a low-power coaxial VAT design. Experimental measurements of ion current density distribution, thrust, and erosion rate were taken for a range of cathode profiles and materials. Results show that modifying the profile of the cathode face can affect the plasma jet's plume distribution and even improve thrust production in certain cases. One likely cause of the thrust improvement is speculated to be increased charge exchange collisions resulting in a lower average ion charge state of the ejecting plasma. © 1973-2012 IEEE. | Cathode; diagnostics; ion charge state; ion current density distribution (ICDD); microthruster; plasma jet; propulsion; pulsed power; thrust stand; Vacuum arc thruster (VAT). | Cathodes; Charge transfer; Electrodes; Ion exchange; Ions; Plasma diagnostics; Plasma jets; Plasma sources; Propulsion; Vacuum applications; Vacuum technology; Ion charge state; Ion current density; Microthruster; Pulsed-power; Thrust stand; Vacuum arc thruster; Pulsed plasma thrusters | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888371155 | Phytotoxicity evaluation of six fast-growing tree species in South Africa | Sunmonu T.O., Van Staden J. | 2014 | South African Journal of Botany | 90 | None | 10.1016/j.sajb.2013.10.010 | Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Sunmonu, T.O., Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Van Staden, J., Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Vachellia sieberiana, Albizia adianthifolia, Buddleja saligna, Combretum kraussii, Halleria lucida and Rapanea melanophloeos are fast-growing, indigenous tree species in South Africa. They are usually found growing alongside other plants in agricultural systems. In this study, the comparative phytotoxic activity of aqueous leaf extracts of these tree species at different concentrations was investigated using lettuce seeds (Lactuca sativa L.) in a laboratory bioassay. To simulate natural situations, seeds were germinated under 16. h light/8. h darkness in a growth chamber using distilled water as control. The results showed that germination, chlorophyll accumulation and growth indices (plumule and radicle lengths) were significantly inhibited with increasing concentration of plant extracts. The treated lettuce seedlings experienced lipid peroxidation at high extract concentrations (1.0% and 2.0%) as evidenced by increased concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA). In response to this, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) increased at low extract concentration but significantly dropped as concentration increased. These results suggest that aqueous extracts of the studied tree species may produce growth inhibitory substances. Thus, our study revealed that these trees possess phytotoxic activity which could be exploited in the management of weeds in agroforestry systems. © 2013 South African Association of Botanists. | Allelochemicals; Antioxidants; Lipid peroxidation; Oxidative stress; Phytotoxicity | agroforestry; aldehyde; allelochemical; antioxidant; bioassay; chlorophyll; comparative study; enzyme activity; evergreen tree; germination; growth regulator; inhibitor; leafy vegetable; legume; lipid; native species; phytotoxicity; plant extract; potential biocontrol agent; seed; weed control; South Africa; Acacia; Albizia; Albizia adianthifolia; Buddleja; Buddleja saligna; Combretum; Halleria lucida; Lactuca; Lactuca sativa; Rapanea melanophloeos | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942436098 | Immunization routes in cattle impact the levels and neutralizing capacity of antibodies induced against S. aureus immune evasion proteins | Boerhout E., Vrieling M., Benedictus L., Daemen I., Ravesloot L., Rutten V., Nuijten P., Van Strijp J., Koets A., Eisenberg S. | 2015 | Veterinary Research | 46 | 1 | 10.1186/s13567-015-0243-7 | Ruminant Research and Development, MSD Animal Health, Wim de Körverstraat 35, Boxmeer, Netherlands; Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center, PO G04.614,Utrecht Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Department of Bacteriology and TSE, Central Veterinary Institute Part, Edelhertweg 15,Wageningen UR PO box 65, Lelystad, Netherlands | Boerhout, E., Ruminant Research and Development, MSD Animal Health, Wim de Körverstraat 35, Boxmeer, Netherlands, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, Utrecht, Netherlands; Vrieling, M., Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, Utrecht, Netherlands, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center, PO G04.614,Utrecht Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, Netherlands; Benedictus, L., Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, Utrecht, Netherlands; Daemen, I., Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, Utrecht, Netherlands; Ravesloot, L., Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, Utrecht, Netherlands; Rutten, V., Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, Utrecht, Netherlands, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Nuijten, P., Ruminant Research and Development, MSD Animal Health, Wim de Körverstraat 35, Boxmeer, Netherlands; Van Strijp, J., Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center, PO G04.614,Utrecht Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, Netherlands; Koets, A., Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, Utrecht, Netherlands, Department of Bacteriology and TSE, Central Veterinary Institute Part, Edelhertweg 15,Wageningen UR PO box 65, Lelystad, Netherlands; Eisenberg, S., Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, Utrecht, Netherlands | Vaccines against S. aureus bovine mastitis are scarce and show limited protection only. All currently available vaccines are applied via the parenteral (usually intramuscular) route. It is unknown, however, whether this route is the most suitable to specifically increase intramammary immunity to combat S. aureus at the site of infection. Hence, in the present study, immunization via mucosal (intranasal; IN), intramuscular (triangle of the neck; IM), intramammary (IMM) and subcutaneous (suspensory ligament; SC) routes were analyzed for their effects on the quantity of the antibody responses in serum and milk as well as the neutralizing capacity of the antibodies within serum. The experimental vaccine comprised the recombinant S. aureus immune evasion proteins extracellular fibrinogen-binding protein (Efb) and the leukotoxin subunit LukM in an oil-in-water adjuvant combined with a hydrogel and alginate. The highest titer increases for both Efb and LukM specific IgG1 and IgG2 antibody levels in serum and milk were observed following SC/SC immunizations. Furthermore, the harmful effects of Efb and leukotoxin LukMF' on host-defense were neutralized by serum antibodies in a route-dependent manner. SC/SC immunization resulted in a significant increase in the neutralizing capacity of serum antibodies towards Efb and LukMF', shown by increased phagocytosis of S. aureus and increased viability of bovine leukocytes. Therefore, a SC immunization route should be considered when aiming to optimize humoral immunity against S. aureus mastitis in cattle. © 2015 Boerhout et al. | None | None | None |
| None | None | Performance of a redesigned HIV selectest enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay optimized to minimize vaccine-induced seropositivity in HIV vaccine trial participants | Penezina O., Krueger N.X., Rodriguez-Chavez I.R., Busch M.P., Hural J., Kim J.H., O'Connell R.J., Hunter E., Aboud S., Higgins K., Kovalenko V., Clapham D., Crane D., Levin A.E., Rerks-Ngarm S., Pitisuttithum P., Nitayaphan S., Kaewkungwal J., Andrews C., | 2014 | Clinical and Vaccine Immunology | 21 | 3 | 10.1128/CVI.00748-13 | Immunetics, Inc., Boston, MA, United States; National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, United States; HIV Vaccine Trials Network, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States; USAMC-AFRIMS, Bangkok, Thailand; Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Global Solutions for Infectious Diseases, South San Francisco, CA, United States; Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand; Vaccine Trials Centre, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand; BIOPHICS, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Swedish Institute for Communicable Disease Control, Solna, Sweden; Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD, United States; Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Rockville, MD, United States; Venhälsan, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden | Penezina, O., Immunetics, Inc., Boston, MA, United States; Krueger, N.X., Immunetics, Inc., Boston, MA, United States; Rodriguez-Chavez, I.R., National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Busch, M.P., Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, United States; Hural, J., HIV Vaccine Trials Network, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; Kim, J.H., U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States; O'Connell, R.J., U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States, USAMC-AFRIMS, Bangkok, Thailand; Hunter, E., Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Aboud, S., Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Higgins, K., Global Solutions for Infectious Diseases, South San Francisco, CA, United States; Kovalenko, V., Immunetics, Inc., Boston, MA, United States; Clapham, D., Immunetics, Inc., Boston, MA, United States; Crane, D., Immunetics, Inc., Boston, MA, United States; Levin, A.E., Immunetics, Inc., Boston, MA, United States; Rerks-Ngarm, S., Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand; Pitisuttithum, P., Vaccine Trials Centre, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Nitayaphan, S., Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand; Kaewkungwal, J., BIOPHICS, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Andrews, C., U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States; Kilembe, W., Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Karita, E., Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Allen, S., Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Munseri, P., Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Joachim, A., Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Bakari, M., Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mhalu, F., Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Aris, E., Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Nilsson, C., Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, Swedish Institute for Communicable Disease Control, Solna, Sweden; Biberfeld, G., Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, Swedish Institute for Communicable Disease Control, Solna, Sweden; Robb, M., Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD, United States; Marovich, M., Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Rockville, MD, United States; Sandstrom, E., Venhälsan, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden | Vaccine-induced seropositivity (VISP) or seroreactivity (VISR), defined as the reaction of antibodies elicited by HIV vaccines with antigens used in HIV diagnostic immunoassays, can result in reactive assay results for vaccinated but uninfected individuals, with subsequent misclassification of their infection status. The eventual licensure of a vaccine will magnify this issue and calls for the development of mitigating solutions in advance. An immunoassay that discriminates between antibodies elicited by vaccine antigens and those elicited by infection has been developed to address this laboratory testing need. The HIV Selectest is based on consensus and clade-specific HIV peptides that are omitted in many HIV vaccine constructs. The assay was redesigned to enhance performance across worldwide clades and to simplify routine use via a standard kit format. The redesigned assay was evaluated with sera from vaccine trial participants, HIV-infected and uninfected individuals, and healthy controls. The HIV Selectest exhibited specificities of 99.5% with sera from uninfected recipients of 6 different HIV vaccines and 100% with sera from normal donors, while detecting HIV-1 infections, including intercurrent infections, with 95 to 100% sensitivity depending on the clade, with the highest sensitivities for clades A and C. HIV Selectest sensitivity decreased in very early seroconversion specimens, which possibly explains the slightly lower sensitivity observed for asymptomatic blood donors than for clinical HIV cases. Thus, the HIV Selectest provides a new laboratory tool for use in vaccine settings to distinguish the immune response to HIV vaccine antigens from that due to true infection. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | glycoprotein gp 41; Human immunodeficiency virus vaccine; placebo; antibody detection; antibody production; antibody response; article; blood sampling; controlled study; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; HIV selectest enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunoreactivity; phase 1 clinical trial (topic); phase 3 clinical trial (topic); priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; seroconversion; serology; vaccine induced seropositivity; AIDS Vaccines; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; HIV Antibodies; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; HIV-1; Humans; Sensitivity and Specificity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856261743 | Growth performance and haematology of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fed varying inclusions of Leucaena leucocephala seed meal based-diets [Evaluación del crecimiento y hematología de clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) alimentados con diferentes inc | Sotolu A.O., Faturoti E.O. | 2009 | Revista Cientifica UDO Agricola | 9 | 4 | None | Department of Forestry Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Lafia Campus, P. M. B. 135 Lafia, Nigeria; Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Sotolu, A.O., Department of Forestry Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Lafia Campus, P. M. B. 135 Lafia, Nigeria; Faturoti, E.O., Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Utilization of plant protein sources in aquaculture have continued to produce more promising results towards alleviating high cost of feeding. This study examined the utilization of Leucaena leucocephala seed meal (LSM) for sustainable fish production. Six isonitrogenous; 40% crude protein diets were formulated where LSM replaced Soya bean meal (SBM) at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% inclusions. Catfish fingerlings (5.21±0.14g) stocked at 25 fish/70 liters tanks were fed diets in triplicates three times daily for 112 days. Solid wastes were siphoned everyday before feeding while total water exchange with fresh clean water was done when data on fish growth and haematology were collected. Chemical analysis of diets and feeds were carried out before experiment and that of fish alone was repeated after the experiment. Data from the completely randomized experiment were subjected to ANOVA and correlation analysis and L.S.D. was separated at 5% probability level. Mean weight gain (MWG) and Specific growth rate (SGR) of fish fed 20% LSM were statistically different (p<0.05) from those fish fed LSM at higher inclusion rates. Fish MWG, SGR, PER and FCR significantly (p<0.05) correlated negatively with LSM inclusion rates in fish diet r= -0.62,-0.57,-0.78 and -0.64 respectively. Fish carcass protein, packed cell volume and haemoglobin counts of fish were statistically the same for 0%, 20% and 40% LSM fed fish. In the present study processed leucaena seed meal can be considered as a good alternative raw material in substitution to soya bean meal for Clarias gariepinus fingerlings' diets at 20% inclusion level. | Aquaculture; Fish feeding; Leucaena seed meal; Plant protein; Soya bean meal | Clarias gariepinus; Glycine max; Leucaena; Leucaena leucocephala | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-63449087905 | Likelihood gradient evaluation using square-root covariance filters | Kulikova M.V. | 2009 | IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control | 54 | 3 | 10.1109/TAC.2008.2010989 | School of Computational and Applied Mathematics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Wits 2050, South Africa | Kulikova, M.V., School of Computational and Applied Mathematics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Wits 2050, South Africa | Using the array form of numerically stable square-root implementation methods for Kalman filtering formulas, we construct a new square-root algorithm for the log-likelihood gradient (score) evaluation. This avoids the use of the conventional Kalman filter with its inherent numerical instabilities and improves the robustness of computations against roundoff errors. The new algorithm is developed in terms of covariance quantities and based on the "condensed form" of the array square-root filter. © 2009 IEEE. | Gradient methods; Identification; Kalman filtering; Maximum likelihood estimation; Numerical stability | Block codes; Control theory; Convergence of numerical methods; Gradient methods; Kalman filters; Turbo codes; Condensed forms; Identification; Implementation methods; Kalman filtering; Log likelihoods; Numerical instabilities; Numerical stability; Round-off errors; Square roots; Square-root algorithms; Maximum likelihood estimation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957467708 | Wastewater use in crop production in peri-urban areas of Addis Ababa: Impacts on health in farm households | Weldesilassie A.B., Boelee E., Drechsel P., Dabbert S. | 2011 | Environment and Development Economics | 16 | 1 | 10.1017/S1355770X1000029X | Ethiopian Development Research Institute (EDRI), Near National Stadium Blue Building, P.O. Box 2479, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; International Water Management Institute (IWMI), P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka; International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Colombo, Sri Lanka; Hohenheim University, Institute 410A, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany | Weldesilassie, A.B., Ethiopian Development Research Institute (EDRI), Near National Stadium Blue Building, P.O. Box 2479, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Boelee, E., International Water Management Institute (IWMI), P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Drechsel, P., International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Colombo, Sri Lanka; Dabbert, S., Hohenheim University, Institute 410A, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany | Using stream water polluted with untreated wastewater in agriculture is controversial due to its combination of benefits and negative health impacts. Using data from a household survey, wastewater and freshwater farmers were analysed comparatively to examine the perceived impacts of irrigation water quality on farmers' health and to evaluate the extent of health damage. Probability of illness was estimated using the theory of utility-maximising behaviour of households subject to the conventional farm household production model, augmented by adding a health production function. Reduced model and instrumental variable probit specifications both show that perceived illness prevalence is significantly higher for household members working on wastewater irrigation farms than for those working with freshwater. Our data entails econometric complications (e.g., endogeneity of farmers' behaviour, unobserved location-specific characteristics). Ignoring these will result in underestimation of the value of policy interventions designed to reduce potential health damage of wastewater use in irrigation. © 2010 Cambridge University Press. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-15244345565 | Potential impacts of future land use and climate change on the Red List status of the Proteaceae in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa | Bomhard B., Richardson D.M., Donaldson J.S., Hughes G.O., Midgley G.F., Raimondo D.C., Rebelo A.G., Rouget M., Thuiller W. | 2005 | Global Change Biology | 11 | 9 | 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2005.00997.x | Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa; Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Centre for Invasion Biology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Leslie Hill Institute for Plant Conservation, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Center for Applied Biodiversity Science, Conservation International, 1919 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States; Am Brucher Haeuschen 79, 42109 Wuppertal, Germany | Bomhard, B., Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa, Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Am Brucher Haeuschen 79, 42109 Wuppertal, Germany; Richardson, D.M., Centre for Invasion Biology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa, Leslie Hill Institute for Plant Conservation, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Donaldson, J.S., Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa; Hughes, G.O., Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa; Midgley, G.F., Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa, Center for Applied Biodiversity Science, Conservation International, 1919 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States; Raimondo, D.C., Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa; Rebelo, A.G., Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa; Rouget, M., Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa; Thuiller, W., Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa | Using spatial predictions of future threats to biodiversity, we assessed for the first time the relative potential impacts of future land use and climate change on the threat status of plant species. We thus estimated how many taxa could be affected by future threats that are usually not included in current IUCN Red List assessments. Here, we computed the Red List status including future threats of 227 Proteaceae taxa endemic to the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa, and compared this with their Red List status excluding future threats. We developed eight different land use and climate change scenarios for the year 2020, providing a range of best- to worst-case scenarios. Four scenarios include only the effects of future land use change, while the other four also include the impacts of projected anthropogenic climate change (HadCM2 IS92a GGa), using niche-based models. Up to a third of the 227 Proteaceae taxa are uplisted (become more threatened) by up to three threat categories if future threats as predicted for 2020 are included, and the proportion of threatened Proteaceae taxa rises on average by 9% (range 2-16%), depending on the scenario. With increasing severity of the scenarios, the proportion of Critically Endangered taxa increases from about 1% to 7% and almost 2% of the 227 Proteaceae taxa become Extinct because of climate change. Overall, climate change has the most severe effects on the Proteaceae, but land use change also severely affects some taxa. Most of the threatened taxa occur in low-lying coastal areas, but the proportion of threatened taxa changes considerably in inland mountain areas if future threats are included. Our approach gives important insights into how, where and when future threats could affect species persistence and can in a sense be seen as a test of the value of planned interventions for conservation. © 2005 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Biodiversity conservation; Cape Floristic Region; Climate change; Extinction risk; IUCN Red List; Land use change; Niche-based models; Proteaceae; Threatened species | biodiversity; Cape Floristic Region; climate change; extinction risk; land use change; Red List; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Proteaceae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908032494 | Evaluation of the Effects of Reduced Personal and Corporate Tax Rates on the Growth Rates of the U.S. Economy | Zellner A., Ngoie J.K. | 2015 | Econometric Reviews | 34 | None | 10.1080/07474938.2014.944468 | Booth School of Business, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Economics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Zellner, A., Booth School of Business, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Ngoie, J.K., Department of Economics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Using several variants of a Marshallian Macroeconomic Model (MMM), see Zellner and Israilevich (2005) and Ngoie and Zellner (2010), this paper investigates how various tax rate reductions may help stimulate the U.S. economy while not adversely affecting aggregate U.S. debt. Variants of our MMM that are shown to fit past data and to perform well in forecasting experiments are employed to evaluate the effects of alternative tax policies. Using quarterly data, our one-sector MMM has been able to predict the 2008 downturn and the 2009Q3 upturn of the U.S. economy. Among other results, this study, using transfer and impulse response functions associated with our MMM, finds that permanent 5 percentage points cut in the personal income and corporate profits tax rates will cause the U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate to rise by 3.0 percentage points with a standard error of 0.6 percentage points. Also, while this policy change leads to positive growth of the government sector, its share of total real GDP is slightly reduced. This is understandable since short run effects of tax cuts include the transfer of tax revenue from the government to the private sector. The private sector is allowed to manage a larger portion of its revenue, while government is forced to cut public spending on social programs with little growth enhancing effects. This broadens private economic activities overall. Further, these tax rate policy changes stimulate the growth of the federal tax base considerably, which helps to reduce annual budget deficits and the federal debt. © 2015, Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Disaggregation; Impulse response functions; Marshallian macroeconomic model; Transfer functions; U.S. fiscal policy analysis | None | NSF, National Science Foundation |
| WoS | WOS:000344435700005 | How effective are countercyclical policy tools in mitigating the impact of financial and economic crises in Africa? | Bandara, Amarakoon | 2014 | JOURNAL OF POLICY MODELING | 36 | 5 | 10.1016/j.jpolmod.2014.08.003 | United Nations Dev Programme | None | Using panel vector auto regression (PVAR) and GMM estimates we provide evidence for the transmission of financial crises to African economies through foreign direct investments and exports. Although many countries resort to stimulus packages to mitigate the impacts of financial crises, we find no evidence for fiscal policy to be considered an effective countercyclical policy tool in the African context. Monetary policy could be an effective tool in mitigating the impact in non-resource rich SSA countries, but not in others. Limited policy space calls for African economies to reconsider their policies towards trade, investment, finance and macroeconomic management. (C) 2014 Society for Policy Modeling. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | "financial crisis","fiscal stimulus","MONETARY POLICY",TRANSMISSION,"DYNAMIC HETEROGENEOUS PANELS",MARKETS,TIME | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955003761 | Business re-engineering and organisational performance in Nigeria: A case study of First Bank Nigeria Plc | Aregbeyen O. | 2011 | International Business Management | 5 | 3 | 10.3923/ibm.2011.151.158 | Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Aregbeyen, O., Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Using paired data samples between 1986 and 2008, this study evaluates the impact of the re-engineering of operational processes on the performance of the First Bank Nigeria Plc. The performance of the bank was assessed focusing on growth, profitability and the extent of financial intermediation. The analysis of the data showed that the re-engineering project significantly, improved the profitability performance of the bank but not for growth and the extents of its financial intermediation. © Medwell Journals, 2011. | Bank; Growth; Nigeria; Performance; Profitability; Re-engineering | None | None |
| None | None | First-generation undergraduate students and the impacts of the first year of college: Additional evidence | Padgett R.D., Johnson M.P., Pascarella E.T. | 2012 | Journal of College Student Development | 53 | 2 | None | Co-Curricular Assessment and Research, Northern Kentucky University, Division of Student Affairs, UC330-A Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41076, United States; United States Agency for International Development(USAID), Tanzania; Mary Louise Petersen Chair in Higher Education, The University of Iowa, United States | Padgett, R.D., Co-Curricular Assessment and Research, Northern Kentucky University, Division of Student Affairs, UC330-A Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41076, United States; Johnson, M.P., United States Agency for International Development(USAID), Tanzania; Pascarella, E.T., Mary Louise Petersen Chair in Higher Education, The University of Iowa, United States | Using longitudinal data from the Wabash National Study of Liberal Arts Education, our findings suggest that first-generation students are at a significant disadvantage across cognitive and psychosocial outcomes compared to students whose parents have at least some postsecondary education. Furthermore, we tested for the conditional effects of good practices on firstyear outcomes and found that effects of good practices on both cognitive and psychosocial outcomes differed in magnitude, and sometimes in direction, for first-generation versus non-firstgeneration students. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-25444448818 | Impact and mechanisms of action of neurotensin on cardiac contractility in the rat left ventricle | Osadchii O., Norton G., Deftereos D., Badenhorst D., Woodiwiss A. | 2005 | European Journal of Pharmacology | 520 | 42372 | 10.1016/j.ejphar.2005.07.014 | Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa | Osadchii, O., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Norton, G., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Deftereos, D., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Badenhorst, D., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Woodiwiss, A., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa | Using immunoassay measurements, neurotensin was identified in rat ventricular tissue and in coronary effluent samples. Exogenous neurotensin evoked contractile responses in isolated ventricular preparations, which were equivalent in magnitude to those of norepinephrine and histamine, but greater than those for serotonin and angiotensin II. EC50 values revealed neurotensin to be as potent as serotonin, but more potent than norepinephrine, histamine and angiotensin II. Structure-activity studies indicated that the contractile effects are attributed to the C-terminal portion of neurotensin. Neurotensin-induced responses were decreased by SR 48692, a specific neurotensin receptor antagonist. Neurotensin elicited an increase in coronary effluent norepinephrine concentrations, and a strong relationship between the magnitude of neurotensin-induced contractile effects and increments in myocardial norepinephrine release were noted. Neurotensin-induced contractile responses were abolished by β-adrenoceptor antagonists, but not by histamine, serotonin or angiotensin II receptor antagonists. In conclusion, neurotensin increases ventricular contractility through stimulation of myocardial norepinephrine release. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Inotropic effect; Neurotensin; Ventricular contractility | 2 [[1 (7 chloro 4 quinolinyl) 5 (2,6 dimethoxyphenyl) 3 pyrazolyl]carbonylamino] 2 adamantanecarboxylic acid; angiotensin; angiotensin II antagonist; antihistaminic agent; beta adrenergic receptor blocking agent; histamine; inotropic agent; neurotensin; neurotensin receptor antagonist; noradrenalin; serotonin; serotonin antagonist; animal tissue; article; beta adrenergic receptor blocking; carboxy terminal sequence; comparative study; concentration response; controlled study; drug activity; drug effect; drug inhibition; drug mechanism; drug potency; evoked muscle response; heart left ventricle contractility; heart muscle contractility; heart stimulation; immunoassay; inotropism; isolated heart; male; nonhuman; noradrenalin release; pathophysiology; priority journal; rat; structure activity relation; Animals; Cardiotonic Agents; Coronary Circulation; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Extracellular Fluid; Heart Ventricles; Male; Myocardial Contraction; Neurotensin; Norepinephrine; Perfusion; Pyrazoles; Quinolines; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, Neurotensin; Ventricular Function, Left | None |
| None | None | Impact of agricultural technology adoption on asset ownership: the case of improved cassava varieties in Nigeria | Awotide B.A., Alene A.D., Abdoulaye T., Manyong V.M. | 2015 | Food Security | 7 | 6 | 10.1007/s12571-015-0500-7 | Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Lilongwe, Malawi; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | Awotide, B.A., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Alene, A.D., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria; Abdoulaye, T., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Lilongwe, Malawi; Manyong, V.M., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | Using household survey data from a sample of about 850 households selected from six States in south-west Nigeria, this paper analyses the effects of the adoption of improved cassava varieties (ICVs) on asset ownership among smallholder farmers. The results of the linear regression with endogenous treatment effects showed that adoption of ICVs is positively related to asset ownership. The results further showed that ICVs had greater impact on asset ownership among female-headed households. The impact analysis using propensity score matching (PSM) showed a significant and positive effect of adoption of ICVs on asset ownership and a negative effect on asset poverty. The empirical results suggest that improved agricultural technologies can play a key role in strengthening asset ownership of smallholder farmers for increased agricultural productivity and income generation. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht and International Society for Plant Pathology. | Adoption; Assets; Cassava; Farmer; Impact; Nigeria; Poverty; PSM | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957238662 | Gender differentials in the impact of parental death: Adolescent's sexual behaviour and risk of HIV infection in rural South Africa | Nyirenda M., McGrath N., Newell M.-L. | 2010 | Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies | 5 | 3 | 10.1080/17450128.2010.507804 | Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu Natal, PO Box 198, Mtubatuba 3935, South Africa; Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Paediatric Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom | Nyirenda, M., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu Natal, PO Box 198, Mtubatuba 3935, South Africa; McGrath, N., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu Natal, PO Box 198, Mtubatuba 3935, South Africa, Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Newell, M.-L., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu Natal, PO Box 198, Mtubatuba 3935, South Africa, Centre for Paediatric Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom | Using data from a longitudinal surveillance study from rural South Africa, we investigated the odds of sexual debut, pregnancy and HIV infection of 15- to 19-year-old adolescents by parental survival. Using descriptive statistics and logistic regressions, we examine the relative risk of orphans compared with non-orphans to have ever had sex, being pregnant and being HIV infected, adjusting for age, sex, socio-economic status, education, being employed and residency. Of 8274 adolescents, 42% were orphaned (one or both parents died). Over 80% of adolescents remained in school, but orphans were significantly more likely to lag behind in grade for age. Female adolescent maternal (aOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.07-1.62), paternal (aOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.06-1.49) and dual (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.05-1.78) orphans were significantly more likely than non-orphaned females to have ever had sex; among males it was only paternal (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.05 1.53) orphans. Maternal (aOR 1.49, 95% CI 1.03-2.15) and dual (aOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.11-2.73) female orphans relative to non-orphaned females were significantly more likely to be HIV infected; male paternal (aOR 3.41, 95% CI 1.37-8.46) and dual (aOR 3.54, 95% CI 1.06-11.86) orphans had over three-fold the odds of being infected. There was strong evidence that death of mother for girls was associated with increased vulnerability to earlier sexual debut and HIV infection, while fathers appeared to play a significant role in both their son's and daughter's lives. © 2010 Taylor & Francis. | Adolescent; HIV/AIDS; Maternal; Orphanhood; Paternal; Sexual behaviour; Vulnerability | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650169956 | The impact of conservation on the status of the world's vertebrates | Hoffmann M., Hilton-Taylor C., Angulo A., Böhm M., Brooks T.M., Butchart S.H.M., Carpenter K.E., Chanson J., Collen B., Cox N.A., Darwall W.R.T., Dulvy N.K., Harrison L.R., Katariya V., Pollock C.M., Quader S., Richman N.I., Rodrigues A.S.L., Tognelli M.F | 2010 | Science | 330 | 6010 | 10.1126/science.1194442 | IUCN SSC Species Survival Commission, c/o United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 219 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States; Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; IUCN-CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit, 360 A Bloor Street W., Toronto, ON M5S 1X1, Canada; Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland; Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom; NatureServe, 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209, United States; World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 4031, Philippines; School of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, United Kingdom; Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, United States; IUCN-CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit, c/o 130 Weatherall Road, Cheltenham, VIC 3192, Australia; IUCN-CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit, Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive Ste 500, Arlington, VA 22202, United States; IUCN Shark Specialist Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, GKVK Campus, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560 065, India; Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, CNRS UMR5175, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France; IADIZA-CONICET, CCT-Mendoza, CC 507, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina; Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 49, Perth, WA 6986, Australia; CNR-Institute for Ecosystem Studies, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185 Rome, Italy; Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Universitetskaya nab.1, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russian Federation; Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali, Via G. Giolitti, 36, I-10123 Torino, Italy; Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Taronga Zoo, P.O. Box 20, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Martin Barrios 2230 c/ Pizarro, Barrio Republicano, Asunción, Paraguay; Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, United Kingdom; Unidad de Investigación Ecología Terrestre, Centro Nacional Patagónico-CONICET, Boulevard Brown 2915, 9120 Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Patagonian and Andean Steppe Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Boulevard Brown 2915, 9120 Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand; Systematics Lab., School of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India; Center for Biodiversity and Biosecurity Studies, Pacific Institute for Sustainable Development, Jalan Bumi Nyiur 101, Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia; Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucuman, Miguel Lillo 205, 4000 SM de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina; P.O. Box 47074, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, 11501-2060 San José, Costa Rica; Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales Y Exactas, Universidad del Valle, Calle 13, No. 100-00, Cali, Colombia; Earthwatch Institute, 256 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7DE, United Kingdom; Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1QH, United Kingdom; 47B Lewisham Hill, London SE13 7PL, United Kingdom; Laboratorio de Herpetologia, Universidad del Valle, Carrera51, No. 8H-15, Cali, Colombia; WWF Italy-Species Office, Via Po 25/c, 00198 Rome, Italy; British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom; Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Department, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Bio-Amazonia Conservation International, 1295 William Street, Baltimore, MD 21230, United States; Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Depto. Ciências Pesqueiras, Manaus, AM 60700, Brazil; National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, 2 Houwan Road, Checheng, Pingtung 944, Taiwan; United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 219 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Department of Animal and Human Biology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185 Roma, Italy; Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Goerlitz, PF 300 154, 02806 Goerlitz, Germany; National Marine Fisheries Service Systematics Laboratory, National Museum of Natural History, MRC-0153, Washington, DC 20013, United States; Edificio Girasoles 2, Depto 7, Av. Busch, La Paz, Bolivia; Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 9000, Mayagüez, 00681, Puerto Rico; Department of Biology, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI 49855, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; Herpetology Section, Zoology Division, National Museum of the Philippines, Padre Burgos Avenue, Ermita 1000, Manila, Philippines; South African National Biodiversity Institute, KRC, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa; P.O. Box 5573, Vientiane, Laos; c/o Birds Australia, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia; North Orissa University, Takatpur, Baripada 757003, Dist: Mayurbhanj, Orissa, India; IUCN SSC African Rhino Specialist Group, Box 1212, Hilton 3245, South Africa; Herbarium, Library, Art and Archives, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, United Kingdom; NatureBureau, 36 Kingfisher Court, Hambridge Road, Newbury RG14 5SJ, United Kingdom; Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany; Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Grand Rapids, MN 55744, United States; Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles, 133 Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 7BX, United Kingdom; Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom; San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, United States; NatureServe, 746 Middlepoint Road, Port Townsend, WA 98368, United States; Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Science, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, United States; Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL 60605, United States; Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States; Environmental Futures Centre, School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast campus, QLD 4222, Australia; Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Glos GL2 7BT, United Kingdom; Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box #18, Dehra Dun, 248001 Uttarakhand, India; Dpto. U-2, Calle Arica 371, Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru; School of Arts and Sciences, Tokyo Woman's Christian University, Zempukuji 2-6-1, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 167-8585, Japan; School of Life Sciences and Technologi, Institut Teknologi Bandung, 10, Jalan Ganesa, Bandung 40132, Indonesia; Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NR, United Kingdom; School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, United Kingdom; Madagasikara Voakajy, B.P. 5181, Antananarivo (101), Madagascar; Iwate Prefectural University, Sugo 152-52, Takizawa, Iwate 020-0193, Japan; Route de la Baroche 12, 2952 Cornol, Switzerland; Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore, Department of Biological Sciences, 6 Science Drive 2, #03-01, 117546, Singapore, Singapore; Norwegian Polar Institute, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect, 33, Moscow 119071, Russian Federation; Laboratorio de Biogeografía, Escuela de Geografía, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida 5101, Venezuela; IUCN Species Programme, c/o 406 Randolph Hill Road, Randolph, NH 03593, United States; Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Lam Kam Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong; Instituto de Herpetología, Fundación Miguel Lillo-CONICET, Miguel Lillo 251, 4000 SM de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina; Conservation Breeding Specialist Group-European Regional Office, p/a Annuntiatenstraat 6, 2170 Merksem, Belgium; Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States; Instituto Nacional de Antropologia Y Pensamiento Latinoamericano, 3 de Febrero 1378, 1426 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States; ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Department of Biology, Chemistry and Health Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, United Kingdom; World Pheasant Association, Newcastle University Biology Field Station, Close House Estate, Heddon on the Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 0HT, United Kingdom; 115 Suez Road, Cambridge CB1 3QD, United Kingdom; Wildlife Trust Alliance, Box 2031, Arusha, Tanzania; Zoo Outreach Organisation, 9A Lal Bahadur Colony, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641004, India; El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, C. Panamericana Periferico s/n Col. Maria Auxiliadora, 29290, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico; Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, VA 23062, United States; CAT, P.O. Box 332, Cape Neddick, ME 03902, United States; Division of Reptiles and Amphibians, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States; Departamento de Zoologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico; Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, 3333 North Torrey Pines Court, San Diego, CA 92037, United States; International Sturgeon Research Institute, P.O. Box 41635-3464, Rasht, Iran; Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter in Cornwall, Penryn TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom; Department of Ornithology and Mammalogy, California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco), c/o P.O. Box 202, Cambria, CA 93428, United States; USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, MRC 111, National Museum of Natural History, P.O. Box 37012, Washington, DC 20013, United States; Chelonian Research Foundation, 168 Goodrich Street, Lunenburg, MA 01462, United States; Herpetology Department, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Rapid Assessment Program, Conservation International, P.O. Box 1024, Atherton, QLD 4883, Australia; German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) GmbH, Pasaje Bernardo Alcedo No 150, El Olivar, San Isidro, Lima 27, Peru; Museo de Zoología, Escuela de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre y Veintimilla, Quito, Ecuador; School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong; Society for the Conservation of Reef Fish Aggregations, 9888 Caroll Centre Road, San Diego, CA 92126, United States; School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Darling Building, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Departamento de Biología Evolutiva, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Circuito Exterior S/N, 04510, Mexico; Big Island Invasive Species Committee, Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawai'i, 23 East Kawili Street, Hilo, HI 96720, United States; Sirenian International, 200 Stonewall Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States; Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, P.O. Box 8042, Statesboro, GA 30460, United States; IUCN SSC Tapir Specialist Group, 330 Shareditch Road, Columbia, SC 29210, United States; Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, Durham, NH 03824, United States; Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney OX13 5QL, United Kingdom; Laboratório de Zoologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Campus I-Q.S., Taguatinga-DF, 71966-700, Brazil; School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States; Royal Museum for Central Africa, Ichthyology, Leuvensesteenweg 13, B-3080 Tervuren, Belgium; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Laboratory of Animal Diversity and Systematics, Charles Deberiotstraat 32, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Center for International Forestry Research, Jalan CIFOR, Situ Gede, Bogor Barat 16115, Indonesia; Aaranyak and International Rhino Foundation, 50 Samanwoy Path (Survey), Post Office Beltola, Guwahati-781 028, Assam, India; Biodiversity Consultancy Ltd., 4 Woodend, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 9LJ, United Kingdom; 2313 Willard Avenue, Madison, WI 53704, United States; Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, United Kingdom; Vertebrate Research Division, National Institute of Biological Resources, Environmental Research Complex, Gyoungseo-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon 404-708, South Korea; South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, P/Bag 1015, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Departamento de Zoologia, Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral 1250, 8400 Bariloche, Argentina; Emilio Goeldi Museum, Av. Perimetral, 1901, Belém, Pará 66017-970, Brazil; Federal University of Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa, 01, Belém, Pará 66075-110, Brazil; Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 6553, Las Palmeras 3425, Santiago, Chile; Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, United Kingdom; Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China; Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States; IUCN SSC, African Elephant Specialist Group, c/o IUCN ESARO, P.O. Box 68200, Nairobi 00200, Kenya; Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, United States; Global Environment Facility, 1818 H Street NW, G 6-602, Washington, DC 20433, United States; Department of Zoology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Centre for Population Biology, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berks SL5 7PY, United Kingdom; IUCN, 28 Rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland; North of England Zoological Society, Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester CH2 1LH, United Kingdom; Centro de Ecología, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Apartado 20632, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela; Provita, Apartado 47552, Caracas 1041-A, Venezuela; Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, P/Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; National Wildlife Federation, 901 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States; Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom; Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort, P.O. Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Hoffmann, M., IUCN SSC Species Survival Commission, c/o United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 219 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom, Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States; Hilton-Taylor, C., Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Angulo, A., IUCN-CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit, 360 A Bloor Street W., Toronto, ON M5S 1X1, Canada, Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland; Böhm, M., Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom; Brooks, T.M., NatureServe, 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209, United States, World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 4031, Philippines, School of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; Butchart, S.H.M., BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, United Kingdom; Carpenter, K.E., Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States, Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, United States; Chanson, J., Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland, IUCN-CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit, c/o 130 Weatherall Road, Cheltenham, VIC 3192, Australia; Collen, B., Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom; Cox, N.A., Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland, IUCN-CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit, Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive Ste 500, Arlington, VA 22202, United States; Darwall, W.R.T., Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Dulvy, N.K., IUCN Shark Specialist Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; Harrison, L.R., IUCN Shark Specialist Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; Katariya, V., Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Pollock, C.M., Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Quader, S., National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, GKVK Campus, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560 065, India; Richman, N.I., Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom; Rodrigues, A.S.L., Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, CNRS UMR5175, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France; Tognelli, M.F., Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland, IUCN-CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit, Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive Ste 500, Arlington, VA 22202, United States, IADIZA-CONICET, CCT-Mendoza, CC 507, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina; Vié, J.-C., Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland; Aguiar, J.M., Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Allen, D.J., Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Allen, G.R., Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 49, Perth, WA 6986, Australia; Amori, G., CNR-Institute for Ecosystem Studies, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185 Rome, Italy; Ananjeva, N.B., Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Universitetskaya nab.1, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russian Federation; Andreone, F., Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali, Via G. Giolitti, 36, I-10123 Torino, Italy; Andrew, P., Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Taronga Zoo, P.O. Box 20, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Ortiz, A.L.A., Martin Barrios 2230 c/ Pizarro, Barrio Republicano, Asunción, Paraguay; Baillie, J.E.M., Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, United Kingdom; Baldi, R., Unidad de Investigación Ecología Terrestre, Centro Nacional Patagónico-CONICET, Boulevard Brown 2915, 9120 Puerto Madryn, Argentina, Patagonian and Andean Steppe Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Boulevard Brown 2915, 9120 Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Bell, B.D., Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand; Biju, S.D., Systematics Lab., School of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India; Bird, J.P., Center for Biodiversity and Biosecurity Studies, Pacific Institute for Sustainable Development, Jalan Bumi Nyiur 101, Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia; Black-Decima, P., Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucuman, Miguel Lillo 205, 4000 SM de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina; Blanc, J.J., P.O. Box 47074, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; Bolaños, F., Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, 11501-2060 San José, Costa Rica; Bolivar-G., W., Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales Y Exactas, Universidad del Valle, Calle 13, No. 100-00, Cali, Colombia; Burfield, I.J., BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, United Kingdom; Burton, J.A., Earthwatch Institute, 256 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7DE, United Kingdom, Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1QH, United Kingdom; Capper, D.R., 47B Lewisham Hill, London SE13 7PL, United Kingdom; Castro, F., Laboratorio de Herpetologia, Universidad del Valle, Carrera51, No. 8H-15, Cali, Colombia; Catullo, G., WWF Italy-Species Office, Via Po 25/c, 00198 Rome, Italy; Cavanagh, R.D., British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom; Channing, A., Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Department, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Chao, N.L., Bio-Amazonia Conservation International, 1295 William Street, Baltimore, MD 21230, United States, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Depto. Ciências Pesqueiras, Manaus, AM 60700, Brazil, National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, 2 Houwan Road, Checheng, Pingtung 944, Taiwan; Chenery, A.M., United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 219 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Chiozza, F., Department of Animal and Human Biology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185 Roma, Italy; Clausnitzer, V., Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Goerlitz, PF 300 154, 02806 Goerlitz, Germany; Collar, N.J., BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, United Kingdom; Collett, L.C., Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Collette, B.B., National Marine Fisheries Service Systematics Laboratory, National Museum of Natural History, MRC-0153, Washington, DC 20013, United States; Cortez Fernandez, C.F., Edificio Girasoles 2, Depto 7, Av. Busch, La Paz, Bolivia; Craig, M.T., Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 9000, Mayagüez, 00681, Puerto Rico; Crosby, M.J., BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, United Kingdom; Cumberlidge, N., Department of Biology, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI 49855, United States; Cuttelod, A., Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Derocher, A.E., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; Diesmos, A.C., Herpetology Section, Zoology Division, National Museum of the Philippines, Padre Burgos Avenue, Ermita 1000, Manila, Philippines; Donaldson, J.S., South African National Biodiversity Institute, KRC, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa; Duckworth, J.W., P.O. Box 5573, Vientiane, Laos; Dutson, G., c/o Birds Australia, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia; Dutta, S.K., North Orissa University, Takatpur, Baripada 757003, Dist: Mayurbhanj, Orissa, India; Emslie, R.H., IUCN SSC African Rhino Specialist Group, Box 1212, Hilton 3245, South Africa; Farjon, A., Herbarium, Library, Art and Archives, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, United Kingdom; Fowler, S., NatureBureau, 36 Kingfisher Court, Hambridge Road, Newbury RG14 5SJ, United Kingdom; Freyhof, J., Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany; Garshelis, D.L., Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Grand Rapids, MN 55744, United States; Gerlach, J., Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles, 133 Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 7BX, United Kingdom; Gower, D.J., Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom; Grant, T.D., San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, United States; Hammerson, G.A., NatureServe, 746 Middlepoint Road, Port Townsend, WA 98368, United States; Harris, R.B., Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Science, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, United States; Heaney, L.R., Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL 60605, United States; Hedges, S.B., Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States; Hero, J.-M., Environmental Futures Centre, School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast campus, QLD 4222, Australia; Hughes, B., Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Glos GL2 7BT, United Kingdom; Hussain, S.A., Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box #18, Dehra Dun, 248001 Uttarakhand, India; Icochea M., J., Dpto. U-2, Calle Arica 371, Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru; Inger, R.F., Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL 60605, United States; Ishii, N., School of Arts and Sciences, Tokyo Woman's Christian University, Zempukuji 2-6-1, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 167-8585, Japan; Iskandar, D.T., School of Life Sciences and Technologi, Institut Teknologi Bandung, 10, Jalan Ganesa, Bandung 40132, Indonesia; Jenkins, R.K.B., Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NR, United Kingdom, School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, United Kingdom, Madagasikara Voakajy, B.P. 5181, Antananarivo (101), Madagascar; Kaneko, Y., Iwate Prefectural University, Sugo 152-52, Takizawa, Iwate 020-0193, Japan; Kottelat, M., Route de la Baroche 12, 2952 Cornol, Switzerland, Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore, Department of Biological Sciences, 6 Science Drive 2, #03-01, 117546, Singapore, Singapore; Kovacs, K.M., Norwegian Polar Institute, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; Kuzmin, S.L., Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect, 33, Moscow 119071, Russian Federation; La Marca, E., Laboratorio de Biogeografía, Escuela de Geografía, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida 5101, Venezuela; Lamoreux, J.F., Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland, IUCN Species Programme, c/o 406 Randolph Hill Road, Randolph, NH 03593, United States; Lau, M.W.N., Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Lam Kam Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong; Lavilla, E.O., Instituto de Herpetología, Fundación Miguel Lillo-CONICET, Miguel Lillo 251, 4000 SM de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina; Leus, K., Conservation Breeding Specialist Group-European Regional Office, p/a Annuntiatenstraat 6, 2170 Merksem, Belgium; Lewison, R.L., Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States; Lichtenstein, G., Instituto Nacional de Antropologia Y Pensamiento Latinoamericano, 3 de Febrero 1378, 1426 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Livingstone, S.R., Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom; Lukoschek, V., Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Mallon, D.P., Department of Biology, Chemistry and Health Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, United Kingdom; McGowan, P.J.K., World Pheasant Association, Newcastle University Biology Field Station, Close House Estate, Heddon on the Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 0HT, United Kingdom; McIvor, A., 115 Suez Road, Cambridge CB1 3QD, United Kingdom; Moehlman, P.D., Wildlife Trust Alliance, Box 2031, Arusha, Tanzania; Molur, S., Zoo Outreach Organisation, 9A Lal Bahadur Colony, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641004, India; Alonso, A.M., El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, C. Panamericana Periferico s/n Col. Maria Auxiliadora, 29290, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico; Musick, J.A., Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, VA 23062, United States; Nowell, K., CAT, P.O. Box 332, Cape Neddick, ME 03902, United States; Nussbaum, R.A., Division of Reptiles and Amphibians, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Olech, W., Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; Orlov, N.L., Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Universitetskaya nab.1, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russian Federation; Papenfuss, T.J., Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States; Parra-Olea, G., Departamento de Zoologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico; Perrin, W.F., Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, 3333 North Torrey Pines Court, San Diego, CA 92037, United States; Polidoro, B.A., Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, United States; Pourkazemi, M., International Sturgeon Research Institute, P.O. Box 41635-3464, Rasht, Iran; Racey, P.A., Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter in Cornwall, Penryn TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom; Ragle, J.S., Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland; Ram, M., Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom; Rathbun, G., Department of Ornithology and Mammalogy, California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco), c/o P.O. Box 202, Cambria, CA 93428, United States; Reynolds, R.P., USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, MRC 111, National Museum of Natural History, P.O. Box 37012, Washington, DC 20013, United States; Rhodin, A.G.J., Chelonian Research Foundation, 168 Goodrich Street, Lunenburg, MA 01462, United States; Richards, S.J., Herpetology Department, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia, Rapid Assessment Program, Conservation International, P.O. Box 1024, Atherton, QLD 4883, Australia; Rodríguez, L.O., German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) GmbH, Pasaje Bernardo Alcedo No 150, El Olivar, San Isidro, Lima 27, Peru; Ron, S.R., Museo de Zoología, Escuela de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre y Veintimilla, Quito, Ecuador; Rondinini, C., Department of Animal and Human Biology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185 Roma, Italy; Rylands, A.B., Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States; De Mitcheson, Y.S., School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong, Society for the Conservation of Reef Fish Aggregations, 9888 Caroll Centre Road, San Diego, CA 92126, United States; Sanciangco, J.C., Species Programme, IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, United States; Sanders, K.L., School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Darling Building, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Santos-Barrera, G., Departamento de Biología Evolutiva, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Circuito Exterior S/N, 04510, Mexico; Schipper, J., Big Island Invasive Species Committee, Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawai'i, 23 East Kawili Street, Hilo, HI 96720, United States; Self-Sullivan, C., Sirenian International, 200 Stonewall Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States, Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, P.O. Box 8042, Statesboro, GA 30460, United States; Shi, Y., Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Shoemaker, A., IUCN SSC Tapir Specialist Group, 330 Shareditch Road, Columbia, SC 29210, United States; Short, F.T., Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, Durham, NH 03824, United States; Sillero-Zubiri, C., Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney OX13 5QL, United Kingdom; Silvano, D.L., Laboratório de Zoologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Campus I-Q.S., Taguatinga-DF, 71966-700, Brazil; Smith, K.G., Species Programme, IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom; Smith, A.T., School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States; Snoeks, J., Royal Museum for Central Africa, Ichthyology, Leuvensesteenweg 13, B-3080 Tervuren, Belgium, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Laboratory of Animal Diversity and Systematics, Charles Deberiotstraat 32, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Stattersfield, A.J., BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, United Kingdom; Symes, A.J., BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, United Kingdom; Taber, A.B., Center for International Forestry Research, Jalan CIFOR, Situ Gede, Bogor Barat 16115, Indonesia; Talukdar, B.K., Aaranyak and International Rhino Foundation, 50 Samanwoy Path (Survey), Post Office Beltola, Guwahati-781 028, Assam, India; Temple, H.J., Biodiversity Consultancy Ltd., 4 Woodend, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 9LJ, United Kingdom; Timmins, R., 2313 Willard Avenue, Madison, WI 53704, United States; Tobias, J.A., Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, United Kingdom; Tsytsulina, K., Vertebrate Research Division, National Institute of Biological Resources, Environmental Research Complex, Gyoungseo-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon 404-708, South Korea; Tweddle, D., South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, P/Bag 1015, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Ubeda, C., Departamento de Zoologia, Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral 1250, 8400 Bariloche, Argentina; Valenti, S.V., NatureBureau, 36 Kingfisher Court, Hambridge Road, Newbury RG14 5SJ, United Kingdom; Van Dijk, P.P., Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States; Veiga, L.M., Emilio Goeldi Museum, Av. Perimetral, 1901, Belém, Pará 66017-970, Brazil, Federal University of Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa, 01, Belém, Pará 66075-110, Brazil; Veloso, A., Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 6553, Las Palmeras 3425, Santiago, Chile; Wege, D.C., BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, United Kingdom; Wilkinson, M., Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom; Williamson, E.A., Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, United Kingdom; Xie, F., Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China; Young, B.E., NatureServe, 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209, United States; Akçakaya, H.R., Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States; Bennun, L., BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, United Kingdom; Blackburn, T.M., Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom; Boitani, L., Department of Animal and Human Biology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185 Roma, Italy; Dublin, H.T., IUCN SSC, African Elephant Specialist Group, c/o IUCN ESARO, P.O. Box 68200, Nairobi 00200, Kenya, Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, United States; Da Fonseca, G.A.B., Global Environment Facility, 1818 H Street NW, G 6-602, Washington, DC 20433, United States, Department of Zoology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Gascon, C., Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States; Lacher Jr., T.E., Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Mace, G.M., Centre for Population Biology, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berks SL5 7PY, United Kingdom; Mainka, S.A., IUCN, 28 Rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland; McNeely, J.A., IUCN, 28 Rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland; Mittermeier, R.A., Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States, IUCN, 28 Rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland; Reid, G.M., North of England Zoological Society, Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester CH2 1LH, United Kingdom; Rodriguez, J.P., Centro de Ecología, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Apartado 20632, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela, Provita, Apartado 47552, Caracas 1041-A, Venezuela; Rosenberg, A.A., Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States; Samways, M.J., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, P/Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Smart, J., IUCN, 28 Rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland; Stein, B.A., National Wildlife Federation, 901 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States; Stuart, S.N., IUCN SSC Species Survival Commission, c/o United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 219 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom, Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom, Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort, P.O. Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Using data for 25,780 species categorized on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, we present an assessment of the status of the world's vertebrates. One-fifth of species are classified as Threatened, and we show that this figure is increasing: On average, 52 species of mammals, birds, and amphibians move one category closer to extinction each year. However, this overall pattern conceals the impact of conservation successes, and we show that the rate of deterioration would have been at least one-fifth again as much in the absence of these. Nonetheless, current conservation efforts remain insufficient to offset the main drivers of biodiversity loss in these groups: agricultural expansion, logging, overexploitation, and invasive alien species. | None | assessment method; biodiversity; conservation status; endangered species; extinction; invasive species; Red List; vertebrate; Amphibia; article; biodiversity; bird; conservation biology; deterioration; endangered species; mammal; nonhuman; priority journal; Amphibians; Animals; Biodiversity; Birds; Conservation of Natural Resources; Ecosystem; Endangered Species; Extinction, Biological; Introduced Species; Mammals; Population Dynamics; Vertebrates; Amphibia; Aves; Mammalia; Vertebrata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868703048 | The impact of cooperatives on agricultural technology adoption: Empirical evidence from Ethiopia | Abebaw D., Haile M.G. | 2013 | Food Policy | 38 | 1 | 10.1016/j.foodpol.2012.10.003 | Ethiopian Economics Association, Ethiopian Economic Policy Research Institute, P.O. Box 34282, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex Str. D-53113, Germany | Abebaw, D., Ethiopian Economics Association, Ethiopian Economic Policy Research Institute, P.O. Box 34282, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Haile, M.G., Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex Str. D-53113, Germany | Using cross-sectional data and a propensity score matching technique, this paper investigates the impact of cooperatives on adoption of agricultural technologies. Our analysis indicates that cooperative members are more likely to be male-headed households, have better access to agricultural extension services, possess oxen, participate in off-farm work, and have leadership experience. We also found that geographic location and age of household head are strongly associated with cooperative membership. Our estimation results show that cooperative membership has a strong positive impact on fertilizer adoption. The impact on adoption of pesticides turns out to be statistically significant when only agricultural cooperatives are considered. Further analysis also suggests that cooperative membership has a heterogeneous impact on fertilizer adoption among its members. The results suggest that cooperatives can play an important role in accelerating the adoption of agricultural technologies by smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Africa; Agricultural technology adoption; Cooperatives; Ethiopia; Impact evaluation | agricultural extension; agricultural technology; cooperative sector; farmers attitude; fertilizer application; smallholder; technology adoption; Ethiopia; Bos | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953656769 | Impact of climate and predation on autumn migration of the Curlew Sandpiper | Barshep Y., Hedenström A., Underhill L.G. | 2011 | Waterbirds | 34 | 1 | 10.1675/063.034.0101 | Animal Demography Unit, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Theoretical Ecology, Ecology Building, 223 62 Lund, Sweden; A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, Laminga, PMB 13404, Jos, Nigeria | Barshep, Y., Animal Demography Unit, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, Laminga, PMB 13404, Jos, Nigeria; Hedenström, A., Theoretical Ecology, Ecology Building, 223 62 Lund, Sweden; Underhill, L.G., Animal Demography Unit, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Using constant-effort catch data, causes of annual variation in the timing of migration of Curlew Sandpipers (Calidris ferruginea) migrating through Ottenby, Sweden, as well as the trend in timing of migration from 1946-2005, was investigated. Variation in the timing of autumn migration of adult and juvenile Curlew Sandpipers was influenced by breeding success connected to predation pressure on the Arctic breeding grounds. Median migration date of adult birds was significantly later in good breeding years compared with poor breeding years while the migration of juveniles was earlier in good breeding years compared with poor breeding years. Also, adults migrated earlier when the average temperature in June was warmer. Median migration dates of adults have advanced by 23 days from 1946-2005, but the migration dates of juveniles have remained unchanged. Unchanged migration dates of juveniles indicate that earlier departure of the adult Curlew Sandpipers from the breeding grounds was not due to earlier breeding. Evidence suggests that declining breeding productivity as a result of increasing predation on broods of shorebirds might, over the years, be the reason for the observed pattern of early departure of adults from the breeding grounds. One possible consequence of earlier migration is a mismatch between timing of migration and periods of food abundance on migration routes and at the wintering grounds, leading to a decline in adult and juvenile survival and population size. | Arctic; breeding success; Calidris ferruginea; Curlew Sandpiper; June temperature; migration; Ottenby; phenology; predation | adult; annual variation; autumn; breeding site; climate change; climate effect; food availability; juvenile; migration; phenology; population decline; population size; predation; reproductive success; wader; Kalmar [Sweden]; Oland; Ottenby; Sweden; Aves; Calidris ferruginea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-41949114832 | China & India as Africa's new donors: The impact of aid on development | McCormick D. | 2008 | Review of African Political Economy | 35 | 1 | 10.1080/03056240802011501 | Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya | McCormick, D., Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya | Using a two-analytical framework and drawing on a wide range of secondary data, this article attempts to assess the likely impact of aid from China and India on the development of Africa. The framework treats aid as one of four main channels through which China and India influence the shape and performance of particular sectors and, through them, development outcomes. The first stage of analysis examines the varying patterns of Chinese and Indian aid and the multiple impacts such aid has on one key sector: manufacturing. The main findings from this level of analysis have to do with the differing patterns of Indian and Chinese aid, differences between Chinese and Indian aid, and aid from western countries, and the interconnections between the impact channels. India and China have different patterns of aid. India concentrates on non-monetary aid mainly in the form of technical assistance and scholarships, while China offers a wider range of monetary and non-monetary aid packages, which include grants and loans for infrastructure, plant and equipment, as well as scholarships, training opportunities, and technical assistance. Chinese monetary aid is tied to the use of Chinese goods and services, and requires adherence to the 'One China' policy, but does not carry the 'good governance' conditionalities that currently characterise western donors. The impact channels of trade, FDI, aid, and migration overlap to some degree, especially in the case of China. The line between FDI and aid is often blurred, as is the line between aid and trade. The second stage of the analysis looks at the implications of Chinese and Indian aid to manufacturing for development outcomes such as growth, distribution, governance, and environment. The analysis shows clearly that the potential impact of Chinese and Indian aid on Africa is significant, but that the actual effects of these emerging donors on particular countries depends to a large extent on the institutional and structural conditions of the recipients. | None | aid dependency; aid flow; analytical framework; conditionality; development aid; international aid; manufacturing; aid policy; Africa; Asia; China; Eurasia; Far East; India; South Asia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855226718 | Evaluating the performance of shared memory parallel computer system using recursive models | Oguike O.E., Ebem D.U., Agu M.N., Echezona S.C., Longe H.O.D., Abass O. | 2010 | International Journal of Simulation: Systems, Science and Technology | 11 | 6 | None | Department of Computer Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Department of Computer Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Oguike, O.E., Department of Computer Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Ebem, D.U., Department of Computer Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Agu, M.N., Department of Computer Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Echezona, S.C., Department of Computer Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Longe, H.O.D., Department of Computer Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Abass, O., Department of Computer Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Using a queuing approach to describe a shared memory parallel computer system, it can be considered as a parallel computer system with a shared single ready queue. This can depict a single queue parallel server queuing model. Some models that are based on probability density function have been used to model the performance of the queuing system. This paper uses recursive models to evaluate the performance of a single queue parallel server queuing model of compute intensive applications of a parallel computer system. The recursive models that this paper uses are efficient models because each recursive model makes one recursive call. | Compute intensive applicationr; Parallel computer queuing system; Performance metrics; Recursive models | Compute intensive applicationr; Parallel computer; Parallel computer systems; Parallel servers; Performance metrics; Queuing systems; Shared-memory parallels; Computer systems; Parallel processing systems; Probability density function; Queueing networks; Queueing theory | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865957348 | FDI flows to sub-saharan Africa: The impact of finance, institutions, and natural resource endowment | Ezeoha A.E., Cattaneo N. | 2012 | Comparative Economic Studies | 54 | 3 | 10.1057/ces.2012.18 | Department of Banking and Finance, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State 09234, Nigeria; Department of Economics and Economic History, Rhodes University, South Africa | Ezeoha, A.E., Department of Banking and Finance, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State 09234, Nigeria; Cattaneo, N., Department of Economics and Economic History, Rhodes University, South Africa | Using a panel data from 38 Sub-Sahara African (SSA) countries and a dynamic system GMM model, this study examines the individual and interactive impact of financial development, institutional quality, and natural resource endowment on both the stock and the flow of inward foreign direct investment (FDI) to the region. It finds that inward FDI is more dynamic in non-resource-rich than in resource-rich countries; that in non-resource-rich countries, foreign investors rely more on the efficiency of the governance institutions, but in resource-rich countries, the formal financial system provides alternative platform for managing the stock of existing FDI, as well as for providing financial allocative and intermediation roles; that the impact of natural resource endowment and macroeconomic factors are more robust in the stock than it is in the flow of inward FDI; that the capacity of an SSA country's financial system to attract and support foreign investments is dependent on the quality of her telecommunication infrastructure, the quality of legal and governance structures, and the kind of FDI in question; that the positive impact of infrastructure on FDI depends on the size of a country's market; and that although natural resource endowment appears to be key source of inward FDI to SSA countries, its importance has diminished since the start of 2000. © 2012 ACES. All rights reserved. | Africa; FDI; financial development; institutions; resources | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928826910 | Semi-analytic solutions for the triangular points of double white dwarfs in the ER3BP: Impact of the body's oblateness and the orbital eccentricity | Umar A., Singh J. | 2015 | Advances in Space Research | 55 | 11 | 10.1016/j.asr.2015.01.042 | Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria | Umar, A., Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria; Singh, J., Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria | Using an analytic/numerical approach, we investigate the effects of oblateness and eccentricity of the primaries on the triangular points of compact double degenerate white dwarf binaries. AM CVs stars in which stable mass transfer occur from a Roche-lobe filling white dwarf to its more massive white dwarf companion and detached double white dwarfs (DWDs) which are candidate progenitors of Type Ia supernovae will be models of this problem. They provide an excellent and powerful tool for probing the physics of white dwarfs. The oblateness of the main bodies and their eccentricity affect the positions of the triangular equilibrium points as is shown for ten DWDs. The triangular points are generally stable for 0 < μ < μ<inf>c</inf><inf>;</inf> where μ is the mass ratio (μ ≤ 1/2). The size of the region of stability increases with decrease in oblateness. Our study shows that due to the nature of the masses of these binaries, the mass ratio does not fall in the range of stability: as a result, they are unstable. © 2015 COSPAR. | Celestial mechanics; Double white dwarfs; ER3BP; Triangular points | Astrophysics; Mass transfer; Supernovae; Analytic solution; Celestial mechanics; Dwarf binaries; Equilibrium point; ER3BP; Orbital eccentricity; Region of stabilities; Triangular points; White dwarfs | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861391148 | The use of a Marshallian macroeconomic model for policy evaluation: Case of Aouth Africa | Ngoie J.K., Zellner A. | 2012 | Macroeconomic Dynamics | 16 | 3 | 10.1017/S1365100510000519 | University of Chicago, United States; Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Lynwood Rd, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Ngoie, J.K., University of Chicago, United States, Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Lynwood Rd, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Zellner, A., University of Chicago, United States | Using a disaggregated Marshallian macroeconomic model, this paper investigates how the adoption of a set of "free market reforms" may affect the economic growth rate of South Africa. Our findings suggest that the institution of the proposed policy reforms would yield substantial growth in aggregate annual real GDP. The resulting annual GDP growth rate could range from 5.3% to 9.8%, depending on which variant of the reform policies was implemented. © 2012 Cambridge University Press. | Disaggregation; Macroeconomic Policy Analysis; Marshallian Macroeconomic Model; Transfer Functions | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960006982 | Risk evaluation for production-injection recompletion and sidetrack | Orodu O., Tang Z. | 2011 | Energy Exploration and Exploitation | 29 | 3 | 10.1260/0144-5987.29.3.235 | Department of Petroleum Engineering, Covenant University, Ota PMB 1023, Ogun State, Nigeria; Faculty of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China | Orodu, O., Department of Petroleum Engineering, Covenant University, Ota PMB 1023, Ogun State, Nigeria; Tang, Z., Faculty of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China | Using a decision tree and stochastic parameters, expected monetary value is calculated to evaluate optimal sidetrack time. In view of placing a high confidence level on analytical approach to optimal sidetrack time for a waterflooded reservoir based on possible uncertainty of economic and reservoir parameters and probability of sidetrack success, a major assumption on a parameter in a previous study is re-evaluated. Material balance and displacement efficiency are used to re-evaluate this critical waterflood performance parameter. The change in the relative influence of the stochastic parameters to optimal sidetrack time due to re-evaluation calls for much attention with probable need to further reduce assumptions made, however insignificant the parameter may be. This change will affect the degree of acceptability of the analytical approach. The probability of success of sidetrack sums up the geological and technical uncertainties, deconvolution of these will give the analytical approach an edge. | Expected Monetary Value; Sidetrack; Uncertainty; Waterflood | Analytical approach; Displacement efficiency; Expected monetary values; High confidence; Material balance; Performance parameters; Probability of success; Re-evaluation; Reservoir parameters; Risk evaluation; Sidetrack; Stochastic parameters; Uncertainty; Water flood; Waterflooded reservoirs; Decision trees; Optimization; Rating; Stochastic systems; Parameter estimation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956534382 | Intelligent-well completions in Agbami: Value added and execution performance | Adeyemo A.M., Aigbe C., Chukwumaeze I., Meinert D., Shryock S. | 2010 | JPT, Journal of Petroleum Technology | 62 | 5 | None | SPE, Chevron Nigeria, Nigeria | Adeyemo, A.M., SPE, Chevron Nigeria, Nigeria; Aigbe, C., SPE, Chevron Nigeria, Nigeria; Chukwumaeze, I., SPE, Chevron Nigeria, Nigeria; Meinert, D., SPE, Chevron Nigeria, Nigeria; Shryock, S., SPE, Chevron Nigeria, Nigeria | Use of intelligent-well-completion (IWC) technology has grown, even with perceived risks associated with installation and longevity of the systems. In the Agbami field, offshore Nigeria, for which 80% of the development wells are planned with IWC installations, understanding these risks was key in justifying IWCs. The methodology used to quantify the realizable value from zonal control and data acquisition and a review of the execution performance for the initial IWC wells are presented. © 2003 - 2009 Society of Petroleum Engineers. | None | Development wells; Execution performance; Intelligent well completion; Nigeria; Perceived risk; Value added; Zonal control; Installation; Oil well completion; Wells | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868582364 | Concomitant herbal medicine and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) use among HIV patients in Western Uganda: A cross-sectional analysis of magnitude and patterns of use, associated factors and impact on ART adherence | Lubinga S.J., Kintu A., Atuhaire J., Asiimwe S. | 2012 | AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV | 24 | 11 | 10.1080/09540121.2011.648600 | Department of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; Clinical Trials Unit, Kabwohe Clinical Research Center (KCRC), Bushenyi, Uganda; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Paul D. Coverdell Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States | Lubinga, S.J., Department of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; Kintu, A., Clinical Trials Unit, Kabwohe Clinical Research Center (KCRC), Bushenyi, Uganda; Atuhaire, J., Department of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; Asiimwe, S., Clinical Trials Unit, Kabwohe Clinical Research Center (KCRC), Bushenyi, Uganda, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Paul D. Coverdell Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States | Use of herbal medicines among patients receiving Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART) remains by far an uncharacterised phenomenon in Africa and Uganda specifically. We evaluated the use of herbal medicines among patients on ART at the HIV clinic of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), examined factors associated with their concomitant use and their impact on ART adherence. This was a cross-sectional study among 334 systematically sampled patients receiving ART at the HIV clinic of MRRH from February to April 2010. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, perceptions of quality of care received, self-perceived health status, information on ART received, herbal medicines use and ART adherence. Study outcomes were concomitant herbal medicine and ART use, and ART adherence. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were conducted using Stata10.0. Close to half, 155 (46.4%) reported concomitant herbal medicines and ART use, with 133 (39.8%) using herbal medicines at least once daily. Most (71.6%) used herbal medicines to treat HIV-related symptoms. A majority (92.3%) reported that the doctors were unaware of their use of herbal medicines, 68.5% citing its minimal importance to the attending physician. Most frequently used herbs were Aloe vera (25%) and Vernonia amygdalina (21%). Time since start of ART (OR 1.14 95% CI: 1.01-1.28, for each one year increase), number of ART side effects reported (≥3 vs.≤1, OR 2.20 95% CI 1.13-4.26) and self-perceived health status (Good vs. Poor, OR 0.31 95% CI 0.12-0.79) were independently associated with concomitant herbal medicine and ART use. Concomitant herbal medicine and ART use was not associated with poor ART adherence (OR 0.85 95% CI 0.47-1.53). There is widespread concomitant herbal medicines and ART use among our patients, with no association to poor ART adherence. Patients appear to use these therapies to complement as opposed to substituting ART. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | adherence; Antiretroviral Therapy; herbal medicine; Uganda | adolescent; adult; adverse drug reaction; Aloe vera; antiretroviral therapy; antiviral therapy; article; cross-sectional study; educational status; employment status; female; follow up; Gymnanthemum amygdalinum; health status; herbal medicine; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; income; major clinical study; male; marriage; patient compliance; priority journal; religion; treatment duration; Uganda; wellbeing; Adolescent; Adult; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disclosure; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Medication Adherence; Medicine, African Traditional; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Patient Compliance; Physician-Patient Relations; Phytotherapy; Prevalence; Questionnaires; Socioeconomic Factors; Tertiary Care Centers; Uganda; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548029706 | Evaluation of water yam (Dioscorea alata L.) germplasm for reaction to yam anthracnose and virus diseases and their effect on yield | Egesi C.N., Odu B.O., Ogunyemi S., Asiedu R., Hughes J. | 2007 | Journal of Phytopathology | 155 | 9 | 10.1111/j.1439-0434.2007.01273.x | National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, PMB 7006, Umuahia, Nigeria; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Niger | Egesi, C.N., National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, PMB 7006, Umuahia, Nigeria, National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Umuahia, Nigeria; Odu, B.O., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria, National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Umuahia, Nigeria; Ogunyemi, S., Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Umuahia, Nigeria; Asiedu, R., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria, National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Umuahia, Nigeria; Hughes, J., Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC), PO Box 42, Shanhua, Tainan 74199, Taiwan, National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Umuahia, Nigeria | Use of genetic resistance is the most practical and economic way to manage major diseases of yams. In a search for sources of resistance, 40 water yam (Dioscorea alata L.) accessions from Benin, Ghana, Nigeria and Puerto Rico were screened under natural disease infection conditions in Ibadan, Nigeria. The accessions were evaluated at 1, 3 and 6 months after planting (MAP) for severity of yam anthracnose and viral diseases. The effect of the pathogens on yield was also evaluated at harvest 9 MAP. There were significant differences (P < 0.001) between accessions for severities of anthracnose and viral diseases. Eight (20%) of them had lower anthracnose area under disease progress curves (AUDPC) values than the resistant check while 10 (25%) had AUDPC values below the trial mean. There were significant variations (P < 0.001) in yield components among the accessions. There was significant negative correlation of anthracnose severity with fresh tuber yield (r = -0.51) and with number of tubers per plot (r = -0.40). Similarly, significant negative correlations were observed of virus disease severity with fresh tuber yield (r = -0.78) and number of tubers per plot (r = -0.65). Linear regression models also showed that the fresh yield had significant negative relationships with anthracnose (R 2 = 0.26) and viral (R2 = 0.62) diseases. The accessions identified as resistant constitute a valuable resource for breeding of resistant germplasm. | AUDPC; Germplasm; Resistance; Yam anthracnose disease; Yam viruses; Yield | disease control; disease resistance; disease severity; fungal disease; germplasm; monocotyledon; regression analysis; tuber; yield response; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Dioscorea alata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930526201 | The impact of vitamin D on the innate immune response to uropathogenic Escherichia coli during pregnancy | Ramos N.L., Sekikubo M., Kironde F., Mirembe F., Sääf M., Brauner A. | 2015 | Clinical Microbiology and Infection | 21 | 5 | 10.1016/j.cmi.2014.12.010 | Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | Ramos, N.L., Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Sekikubo, M., Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Kironde, F., Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Mirembe, F., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Sääf, M., Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden; Brauner, A., Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden | Urinary tract infections are highly common during pregnancy, and can cause serious complications for the mother and baby. Vitamin D, predominantly obtained from the sunlight, is known to have an effect on the urothelium, with immunomodulatory capacity against Escherichia coli infection. However, its influence at this site remains to be further explored. This study therefore investigated its impact during pregnancy in a population of women who have the possibility of adequate year-round sun exposure. Serum from pregnant Ugandan women (n=32) in each trimester of pregnancy, from women after delivery (n=29) and from never-pregnant controls (n=25) was collected. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), cathelicidin LL-37, human β-defensin 2, interleukin (IL)-8 and soluble CD14 serum concentrations were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay or ELISA. The ability of serum to inhibit E.coli growth was tested. The immunomodulatory capacities of these serum samples and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D<inf>3</inf> were investigated in urothelial cells. Increases in 25-OHD and LL-37 levels were observed as pregnancy progressed, peaking in the third trimester. Serum 25-OHD levels were higher in multigravidae than in primigravidae, and correlated positively with maternal age. IL-8 levels were lower in the third trimester than in the first trimester, increased after delivery, but remained below those of never-pregnant women. Similarly, soluble CD14 concentrations increased after delivery. As gestation advanced, serum had an increased capacity to inhibit E.coli growth. Invitro, it modulated the IL-8 response to infection in a vitamin D concentration-dependent manner. Our findings demonstrate that increasing vitamin D levels as pregnancy advances modulate the innate immune system towards a protective response to infection. © 2014 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. | 25-hydroxyvitamin D; Escherichia coli; Interleukin-8; LL-37; Pregnancy; Urinary tract infection | 25 hydroxyvitamin D; beta defensin 2; calcitriol; cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL 37; CD14 antigen; interleukin 8; vitamin D; adult; Article; bacterial growth; bladder epithelium; blood level; chemoluminescence; clinical article; controlled study; delivery; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; first trimester pregnancy; growth inhibition; human; human cell; immunomodulation; in vitro study; innate immunity; maternal age; multigravida; nonhuman; pregnancy; primigravida; priority journal; sun exposure; third trimester pregnancy; Ugandan; uropathogenic Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879527838 | Assessing urban water sustainability in South Africa - Not just performance measurement | Carden K., Armitage N.P. | 2013 | Water SA | 39 | 3 | 10.4314/wsa.v39i3.1 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa | Carden, K., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa; Armitage, N.P., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa | Urban water management - and the impacts that rapid population growth, industrialisation and climate change are having on it - is gaining increasing attention worldwide. In South Africa (SA), cities are under pressure to respond to not only the challenges of water availability and quality, but also to economic transformation and social division. New solutions for improving the sustainability of cities need to be found, including the development of tools to guide decision-makers. Several benchmarking initiatives have been implemented in the SA water sector - mostly in terms of performance measurement of specific water services for regulatory purposes - but none provide an integrated analysis to enable a deeper understanding of sustainability. The research described in this paper was thus focused on using a systems approach to create an understanding of, and measure the potential for, sustainability in a South African urban water context. This has been achieved through the development and evaluation of a composite index, the Sustainability Index for Integrated Urban Water Management (SIUWM). The first step involved compiling a vision of sustainability for the SA water sector, and expanding it into a sustainability framework to help identify suitable indicators for the assessment process, as well as those which link with existing measurement initiatives. Key performance indicator results from the Department of Water Affairs' Regulatory Performance Management System (RPMS) and the Blue Drop / Green Drop schemes were used as partial input to the SIUWM, and scores were computed for the nine member cities of the South African Cities Network (SACN). The SIUWM links the results from the regulatory systems with a broader sustainability assessment process to provide a more detailed analysis which can be used to establish goals and inform strategic processes to leverage support for improved water services. In this way, the connections that link the different aspects of urban water management can be used to generate a greater awareness of the underlying issues by key decision makers and thus guide appropriate action. | Performance measurement; Sustainability index; Urban water management | Economic transformation; Integrated urban water management; Key performance indicators; Performance measurements; Rapid population growth; Sustainability assessment; Sustainability index; Urban water management; Benchmarking; Climate change; Drops; Management; Population statistics; Sustainable development; Water management; Water supply; Urban growth; decision making; integrated approach; regulatory framework; urban area; water availability; water management; water planning; water quality; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943228551 | The hustle and bustle of city life: Monitoring the effects of urbanisation in the African lesser bushbaby | Scheun J., Bennett N.C., Ganswindt A., Nowack J. | 2015 | Science of Nature | 102 | 9 | 10.1007/s00114-015-1305-4 | Endocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Animal Ecology and Conservation, Biocentre Grindel, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; School of Environmental and Rural Science, Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia | Scheun, J., Endocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Bennett, N.C., Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Ganswindt, A., Endocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Nowack, J., Department of Animal Ecology and Conservation, Biocentre Grindel, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany, School of Environmental and Rural Science, Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia | Urbanisation has become a severe threat to pristine natural areas, causing habitat loss and affecting indigenous animals. Species occurring within an urban fragmented landscape must cope with changes in vegetation type as well as high degrees of anthropogenic disturbance, both of which are possible key mechanisms contributing to behavioural changes and perceived stressors. We attempted to elucidate the effects of urbanisation on the African lesser bushbaby, Galago moholi, by (1) recording activity budgets and body condition (body mass index, BMI) of individuals of urban and rural populations and (2) further determining adrenocortical activity in both populations as a measure of stress via faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) levels, following successful validation of an appropriate enzyme immunoassay test system (adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge test).We found that both sexes of the urban population had significantly higher BMIs than their rural counterparts, while urban females had significantly higher fGCM concentrations than rural females. While individuals in the urban population fed mainly on provisioned anthropogenic food sources and spent comparatively more time resting and engaging in aggressive interactions, rural individuals fed almost exclusively on tree exudates and spent more time moving between food sources. Although interactions with humans are likely to be lower in nocturnal than in diurnal species, our findings show that the impact of urbanisation on nocturnal species is still considerable, affecting a range of ecological and physiological aspects. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2015. | Anthropogenic disturbance; Faecal glucocorticoids; Increased weight; Provisioned food | aggregation behavior; behavioral ecology; body condition; body mass; environmental disturbance; environmental monitoring; habitat conservation; habitat fragmentation; habitat loss; hormone; immunoassay; metabolite; nocturnal activity; primate; pristine environment; record; rural population; urban area; urban population; urbanization; Africa; Animalia; Galago moholi | DA1031/3-1/2, DFG, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949514438 | The impact of urbanization on pattern of physical development in emerging urban fringes of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Olugbenga T.D., Ifesanya K. | 2015 | Jurnal Teknologi | 77 | 14 | 10.11113/jt.v77.64520 | Universiti Teknologi Malaysia UTM, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Department of Architectural Technology, School of Enviromental Studies, Federal Polytechnic Ado-EkitiEkiti State, Nigeria | Olugbenga, T.D., Universiti Teknologi Malaysia UTM, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Ifesanya, K., Department of Architectural Technology, School of Enviromental Studies, Federal Polytechnic Ado-EkitiEkiti State, Nigeria | Urban fringe development has become a global concern in the last decade, especially as cities continue to expand phenomenally, particularly in the Global South. Urban fringe development is a complex process that involves activities such as change in land, ownership patterns, land transfer processes, regulatory measures and enforcement. This paper examines the pattern of urban fringe development in Ado-Ekiti in South-Western part of Nigeria, focusing on the character of the population, housing types and conditions, availability and quality of infrastructure and the effects on quality of life. Primary and secondary data were obtained for the study. The study revealed that most of the fringe areas in Ado Ekiti lack adequate basic socio-economic amenities such as schools, health centres, recreational facilities, etc., as well as infrastructural facilities like adequate road network, electricity and water supply, drainage and sewage disposal, etc. Statistical data analysis also revealed that the income level of the population has significant effect on urban fringe development. Some of the recommendations for improving the situation include enlightenment of the citizenry the introduction of physical planning education to schools, proper planning, monitoring and enforcement of physical development activities in the fringe areas by government. © 2015 Penerbit UTM Press. All rights reserved. | Ado-Ekiti; Environment; Urban fringe; Urbanisation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84916886012 | Nutrient balances and economic performance in urban and peri-urban vegetable production systems of three West African cities | Abdulkadir A., Sangaré S.K., Amadou H., Agbenin J.O. | 2015 | Experimental Agriculture | 51 | 1 | 10.1017/S0014479714000180 | Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B 1044, Zaria, Nigeria; Department of Natural Resource Management, Institute for Environment and Agricultural Research, INERA, 01 BP 476, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso; Centre | Abdulkadir, A., Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B 1044, Zaria, Nigeria; Sangaré, S.K., Department of Natural Resource Management, Institute for Environment and Agricultural Research, INERA, 01 BP 476, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso; Amadou, H., Centre Regional de Récherch, Agronomique de Sikasso Institute d'Economie Rurale, Sikasso, Mali; Agbenin, J.O., Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B 1044, Zaria, Nigeria | Urban and peri-urban (UPA) cultivation supplies fresh vegetables and employment for the increasing number of urban inhabitants. It is characterized by the use of large nutrient inputs to increase productivity and often associated with negative environmental risks. For these reasons, this study quantified nutrient (nitrogen, N; phosphorus, P; and potassium, K) flows and economic performance of UPA gardening of the three West African cities of Kano, Nigeria; Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso; Sikasso, Mali, during a 2-year period using the Monitoring for Quality Improvement (MonQI) toolbox considering inflows and outflows sources. Average annual N, P and K balances were positive for all gardens in the three cities with N balances of 279, 1127 and 74 kg N ha-1 in Kano, Bobo Dioulasso and Sikasso, respectively, except for annual K deficits of 222 and 187 kg K ha-1 in Kano and Sikasso, respectively. Nitrogen use efficiencies were 63%, 51% and 87% in Kano, Bobo Dioulasso and Sikasso, respectively, with poor P use efficiencies due to excess application in all three cities. However, a high K efficiency was observed in Bobo Dioulasso (87%) while applications of K were lower than required in Kano and Sikasso with efficiencies of 121% and 110%, indicating possible K mining. The average annual gross margins from gardening indicated a statistically higher (p < 0.05) return of US3.83 m-2 in Bobo Dioulasso than returns obtained in Kano (US0.92 m-2) and Sikasso (US1.37 m-2). Although an economically vibrant activity, intensive UPA vegetable production needs to be reviewed for strategic planning towards improving N and P use efficiencies in order to maintain its productivity as well as safeguard the environment. Appropriate K fertilization is necessary to avoid long term K depletion in Kano and Sikasso UPA gardening. Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2014. | None | Joturus pichardi | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959618835 | Evaluation of Themeda triandra as an indicator for monitoring theeffects of grazing and firein the Bontebok National Park | Novellie P., Kraaij T. | 2010 | Koedoe | 52 | 1 | 10.4102/koedoe. v52i1.977 | South African National Parks, Conservation Services, Pretoria, South Africa; South African National Parks, Scientific Services, Sedgefield, South Africa | Novellie, P., South African National Parks, Conservation Services, Pretoria, South Africa; Kraaij, T., South African National Parks, Scientific Services, Sedgefield, South Africa | Up until 2004, the burning regime applied in the Bontebok National Park was aimed at maintaining grazing conditions suitable for bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus). It was, however, not suitable for maintaining plant species diversity, an increasingly urgent conservation priority for the park. Accordingly, the burning regime was changed in 2004 to increase the interval between fires. A possible unintended outcome of the new burning regime is the spread of grazing lawns which is likely to be deleterious for maintaining the diversity of rare plants. Red grass, Themeda triandra, a species often locally abundant in areas preferred by bontebok, is potentially a good indicator of the anticipated change because, although it persists with moderate grazing, it is sensitive to localised intense grazing and will decrease on grazing lawns. To gauge the potential of this indicator, the canopy spread cover, degree of defoliation and inflorescence production of T. triandra was determined at 13 permanently marked sites in November 2005. The results are compared with a survey conducted 20 years previously (October-November 1984 and October-November 1985) using similar methodology. The results suggest that T. triandra remained abundant over the previous 20 years' application of the prior burning regime. In 1984-1985, defoliation of T. triandra was high within 1 year after a fire but declined quickly thereafter. In 2005, the tendency for the defoliation level to decline with increasing time after a fire was still apparent, but it was much less marked than in the previous survey period. A likely cause of this was the fact that Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra) and red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus caama) were present in 2005 but absent in 1984-1985 and these taller-grass grazers would have contributed to the use of the older veld. Provided it is interpreted together with other monitoring programmes, the use of T. triandra cover and defoliation intensity appears promising as an efficient indicator of some of the potentially deleterious outcomes of the interactions between herbivory and the new burning regime. Conservation implications: The conservation objectives of maintaining (1) large mammal herbivory as an ecological process and (2) plant species diversity may be difficult to reconcile with each other in the highly fragmented renosterveld and lowland fynbos ecosystems. This paper explores a rapid approach to monitoring impacts of bontebok and other grazing ungulates. © 2010. The Authors. Licensee. | Defoliation; Fynbos; Grass cover; Heterogeneity; Renosterveld; Threshold of potential concern | bioindicator; defoliation; forest fire; grass; grazing; heterogeneity; nature conservation; plant; species diversity; ungulate; Bontebok National Park; South Africa; Western Cape; Alcelaphus buselaphus; Alcelaphus buselaphus caama; Damaliscus pygargus dorcas; Damaliscus pygargus pygargus; Equus zebra; Equus zebra zebra; Mammalia; Themeda triandra; Ungulata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867313610 | Dietary supplementation with recombinant lactoferrampin-lactoferricin improves growth performance and affects serum parameters in piglets | Tang X., Fatufe A.A., Yin Y., Tang Z., Wang S., Liu Z., Xinwu, Li T.-J. | 2012 | Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances | 11 | 14 | 10.3923/javaa.2012.2548-2555 | Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Healthy Livestock, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Changsha, 410125 Hunan, China; Graduate School of Chin | Tang, X., Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Healthy Livestock, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Changsha, 410125 Hunan, China, Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China; Fatufe, A.A., Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Healthy Livestock, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Changsha, 410125 Hunan, China, Department of Animal Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Yin, Y., Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Healthy Livestock, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Changsha, 410125 Hunan, China; Tang, Z., College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, 400715 Chongqing, China; Wang, S., Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Healthy Livestock, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Changsha, 410125 Hunan, China; Liu, Z., Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Healthy Livestock, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Changsha, 410125 Hunan, China, Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China; Xinwu, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Healthy Livestock, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Changsha, 410125 Hunan, China; Li, T.-J., Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Healthy Livestock, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Changsha, 410125 Hunan, China | Up to thirty piglets with an average live body weight of 5.9±0.5 kg were challenged using enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and randomly assigned to three treatment groups fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet containing either no addition (control group), 0.1 g kg -1 of lactoferrampin-lactoferricin (lactoferrampin-lactofemcin group) or 0.1 g kg -1 of chlortetracyclme (chlortetracycline group) for 21 days. Compared with the control group, dietary supplementation with lactoferrampin-lactoferricin or chlortetracycline increased the body weight and daily weight gain and decreased the feed to gain ratio, diarrhea rate and serum IgM and lgG levels (p<0.05). The serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, diamine oxidase and endothelin-1 were not significantly different among all treatment groups (p>0.05). Compared with the control group, dietary supplementation with lactoferrampin-lactoferricin changed the serum concentrations of 10 amino acids (p<0.05); dietary supplementation with chlortetracycline only changed the serum histidine concentration (p<0.05). These results indicate that lactoferrampin-lactoferricin and chlortetracycline have similar effects on piglets weaned at 21 days of age which is expected to have practical applications in the livestock industry. © Medwell Journals, 2012. | Antimicrobial peptide; Bovine lactoferrampin-lactoferricin; China; Growth performance; Piglet | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941078348 | The relationship between capital structure and financial performance of firms listed on the nairobi securities exchange | Otieno O.L., Ngwenya S. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 13 | 1CONT2 | None | Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, School of Management Sciences, PO Box 392, UNISA, 0003, Preller Street, Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, South Africa | Otieno, O.L., Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya; Ngwenya, S., Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, School of Management Sciences, PO Box 392, UNISA, 0003, Preller Street, Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, South Africa | Until now, researchers are not in consensus, whether it is the capital structure that influences performance or performance that influences capital structure or both. The main objective of this study was to establish the relationship between capital structure and financial performance of firms listed on the NSE by employing a generalised linear model (GLM) as an improvement on ordinary least regression (OLS). The results of the study revealed that efficient and profitable firms employ more debt than comparable firms that are less profitable possibly because profitable firms’ exposure to financial risk is low. There results also indicate that firms that use more debt outperformed those that use less debt. © 2015, Virtus interpress.All rights reserved. | Capital structure; Financial performance; General linear model; NSE; Ordinary least regression | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952508849 | Towards assessing the social sustainability performance of the petroleum industry in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria | Bubou G.M., Brent A.C., Tredoux C. | 2009 | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering | 20 | 1 | None | Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Resource Based Sustainable Development, NRE, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa | Bubou, G.M., Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Brent, A.C., Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Resource Based Sustainable Development, NRE, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa; Tredoux, C., Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Unresolved social issues between the local community and the petroleum industry plague the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. These concerns are addressed by introducing a social sustainability assessment framework for the petroleum industry. Key performance indicators (KPIs) are identified, through a stakeholders' engagement process, for social performance measurement purposes. A five-year time-frame is proposed for the periodic assessment of the state of social sustainability. It is recommended that the petroleum industry make the accounting of social sustainability performance measures a priority before beginning projects, especially greenfield projects, since this can assist in resolving the volatility in the region. | None | Greenfield project; Key performance indicators; Local community; Niger Delta; Periodic assessment; Social issues; Social performance; Social sustainability; Benchmarking; Sustainable development | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892579921 | The impact of students financial aid on demand for higher education in South Africa: An econometric approach | Mosikari T.J., Marivate H.E. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n3p555 | Economics Department, North West University (NWU), Mafikeng campus, South Africa; Economics Department, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, South Africa | Mosikari, T.J., Economics Department, North West University (NWU), Mafikeng campus, South Africa; Marivate, H.E., Economics Department, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, South Africa | University is paramount in producing graduates who can think critically and who can solve problems. The study investigates the impact of student's financial aid to higher education enrolment. The focus is on the national financial aid scheme, which is directed towards the disadvantaged students enrolling in higher education. The main aim of the student financial aid is to increase the enrolment in higher education and to bring about equity in higher education. The study uses data from National student financial aid scheme (NSFAS) to determine its impact on higher education enrolment. The study employs the bounds testing cointegration approach. The motivation to adopt this methodology was based on the fact that the data used in this study is finite. These results reveal a long run relationship between student enrolment at higher education and student financial aid. | Cointegration; Financial aid; Higher education; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866172781 | The impact of pensions on health and wellbeing in rural South Africa: Does gender matter? | Schatz E., Gómez-Olivé X., Ralston M., Menken J., Tollman S. | 2012 | Social Science and Medicine | 75 | 10 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.07.004 | School of Health Professions and Department of Women's and Gender Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, United States; MRC/Wits Rural Population Health and Health Transition Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, United States; Department of Sociology, University of Missouri, Columbia, United States | Schatz, E., School of Health Professions and Department of Women's and Gender Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, United States, MRC/Wits Rural Population Health and Health Transition Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, United States; Gómez-Olivé, X., MRC/Wits Rural Population Health and Health Transition Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Ralston, M., Department of Sociology, University of Missouri, Columbia, United States; Menken, J., MRC/Wits Rural Population Health and Health Transition Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, United States; Tollman, S., MRC/Wits Rural Population Health and Health Transition Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, United States | Unique to Africa, a means-tested non-contributory pension is available to South Africans. In 2006, women over 60 and men over 65 were pension-eligible. To explore the effect of the pension for health and wellbeing indicators of rural South African men and women, we analyze data from the WHO-INDEPTH Study of Global Ageing and Adult Health Survey, carried out in the Agincourt sub-district by the MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt) in 2006. Because pension receipt was not measured directly, our findings represent intent-to-treat (ITT) rather than treatment-on-the-treated (TOT) effects using age as an indicator for intent-to-treat. Overall, women report poorer wellbeing compared to men. However, women have a "honeymoon" period at ages 60-64, the first years of pension-eligibility, in which they report lower levels of worry and sadness, and higher overall happiness, life satisfaction, and quality of life as compared to younger and older women. For men, in contrast, reports of wellbeing worsen in the pre-pension years, followed by a similar but not as prominent pattern of favorable reports in the five years following pension-eligibility, and a decline in the next five-year period. Thus, while pensions continue to enhance financial wellbeing, our results suggest that their effect on social wellbeing may be gendered and transitory. Further research is needed to improve understanding of these dynamics. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Aging; Gender; Health and demographic surveillance system; Pension; Quality of life; Social wellbeing; South Africa | gender relations; health impact; health insurance; pension system; quality of life; rural society; adult; age distribution; aged; article; emotion; female; health; human; intention to treat analysis; male; pension; quality of life; satisfaction; sex difference; social behavior; South Africa; wellbeing; Age Factors; Aged; Female; Health Status; Health Surveys; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pensions; Quality of Life; Rural Health; South Africa; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38749084212 | Impact of food and nutrition interventions on poverty in an informal settlement in the Vaal Region of South Africa | Oldewage-Theron W.H., Slabbert T.J.C. | 2008 | Proceedings of the Nutrition Society | 67 | 1 | 10.1017/S002966510800606X | Vaal University of Technology, Institute of Sustainable Livelihoods, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark 1900, South Africa; North-West University, Vaal Campus, PO Box 1174, Vanderbijlpark 1900, South Africa | Oldewage-Theron, W.H., Vaal University of Technology, Institute of Sustainable Livelihoods, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark 1900, South Africa; Slabbert, T.J.C., North-West University, Vaal Campus, PO Box 1174, Vanderbijlpark 1900, South Africa | UNICEF has stated that urban poverty is primarily found in squatter settlements. At present 13.5% of all South African households live in informal settlements. The major research question is to what extent does poverty influence the food, nutrition and health of informal-settlement dwellers. The purpose of the present study was to determine the depth of poverty in this community and to measure the possible effect that planned food and nutrition interventions may have on eliminating poverty in this area. Pre-tested questionnaires were administered to 340 randomly-selected caregivers. A validated quantified FFQ was administered by trained enumerators as the test measurement for dietary intake and food consumption patterns and 24 h recall was used as the reference measurement, and the data were analysed. A poverty model was used to measure the impact of extra income on the poverty levels of 190 households. Of the respondents 89% lived in Zn shacks and the average household size was 4.9 individuals. The unemployment rate was 94.2% for respondents and 64.9% for their partners. The majority of households (68.8%) had an income of <R 500 (£35) per month and 58.3% spent <R 100 (£6.90) per week on food. The average poverty gap was R 1342.21 (£93) and the poverty gap ratio was 56%. The poverty model showed that an increase of R 500 (£35) in monthly household income results in a poverty gap ratio of 35%. The poverty model confirmed that the impact of food and nutrition interventions on poverty can be measured and that when planning these interventions the model could be used to measure their feasibility. The results indicate that this community is poverty-stricken and has chronic food insecurity, and they will be used to facilitate planning and implementation of sustainable income-generating community-based interventions to promote urban food security and alleviate poverty in this community. © 2008 The Authors. | Household food insecurity; Informal settlements; Malnutrition; Poverty; Socio-demographics | article; caregiver; community care; dietary intake; food intake; health care policy; health care system; health status; health survey; household; human; income; intervention study; malnutrition; nutritional status; poverty; public health problem; quantitative analysis; South Africa; structured questionnaire; unemployment; urban area; Community Health Services; Food Supply; Health Status; Housing; Humans; Malnutrition; Nutrition Physiology; Nutrition Surveys; Poverty; Program Development; Questionnaires; South Africa; Unemployment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34250658557 | Evaluation of the phytoestrogenic activity of Cyclopia genistoides (honeybush) methanol extracts and relevant polyphenols | Verhoog N.J.D., Joubert E., Louw A. | 2007 | Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 55 | 11 | 10.1021/jf063588n | Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; Post-Harvest and Wine Technology Division, ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | Verhoog, N.J.D., Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; Joubert, E., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa, Post-Harvest and Wine Technology Division, ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; Louw, A., Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | Unfermented C. genistoides methanol extracts of different harvestings and selected polyphenols were evaluated for phytoestrogenic activity by comparing binding to both ER subtypes, transactivation of an ERE-containing promoter reporter, proliferation of MCF-7-BUS and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, and binding to SHBG. The extracts from one harvesting of C. genistoides (P104) bound to both ER subtypes. All extracts transactivated ERE-containing promoter reporters via ERβ but not via ERα. All extracts, except P122, caused proliferation of the estrogen-sensitive MCF-7-BUS cells. Proliferation of MCF-7-BUS cells was ER-dependent as ICI 182,780 reversed proliferation. Physiologically more relevant, extracts antagonized E2-induced MCF-7-BUS cell proliferation. Furthermore, all extracts, except P122, induced proliferation of the estrogen-insensitive MDA-MB-231 cells, suggesting that the extracts are able to induce ER-dependent and ER-independent cell proliferation. Binding to SHBG by extracts was also demonstrated. These results clearly show that C. genistoides methanol extracts display phytoestrogenic activity and act predominantly via ERβ. HPLC and LC-MS analysis, however, suggests that the observed phytoestrogenic activity cannot be ascribed to polyphenols known to be present in other Cyclopia species. © 2007 American Chemical Society. | Cyclopia genistoides; ERα; ERβ; Honeybush; MCF-7-BUS cell proliferation; MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation; Phytoestrogens; SHBG | estrogen receptor alpha; estrogen receptor beta; flavonoid; phenol derivative; phytoestrogen; plant extract; polyphenols; unclassified drug; animal; article; cell strain COS1; Cercopithecus; chemistry; legume; physiology; Animals; Cercopithecus aethiops; COS Cells; Estrogen Receptor alpha; Estrogen Receptor beta; Fabaceae; Flavonoids; Phenols; Phytoestrogens; Plant Extracts; Cyclopia genistoides | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952311578 | Impact of blood processing variations on natural killer cell frequency, activation, chemokine receptor expression and function | Naranbhai V., Bartman P., Ndlovu D., Ramkalawon P., Ndung'u T., Wilson D., Altfeld M., Carr W.H. | 2011 | Journal of Immunological Methods | 366 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.jim.2011.01.001 | HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; Edendale Regional Hospital, Edendale, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard University, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, United States | Naranbhai, V., HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; Bartman, P., Edendale Regional Hospital, Edendale, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Ndlovu, D., Edendale Regional Hospital, Edendale, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Ramkalawon, P., HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; Ndung'u, T., HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; Wilson, D., Edendale Regional Hospital, Edendale, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Altfeld, M., HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard University, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, United States; Carr, W.H., HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard University, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, United States | Understanding the role of natural killer (NK) cells in human disease pathogenesis is crucial and necessitates study of patient samples directly ex vivo. Manipulation of whole blood by density gradient centrifugation or delays in sample processing due to shipping, however, may lead to artifactual changes in immune response measures. Here, we assessed the impact of density gradient centrifugation and delayed processing of both whole blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) at multiple timepoints (2-24. h) on flow cytometric measures of NK cell frequency, activation status, chemokine receptor expression, and effector functions. We found that density gradient centrifugation activated the NK cells and modified the chemokine receptor expression. Delays in processing beyond 8. h activated NK cells in PBMC but not in whole blood. Likewise, processing delays decreased chemokine receptor (CCR4 and CCR7) expression in both PBMC and whole blood. Finally, delays in processing PBMC were associated with a decreased ability of NK cells to degranulate (as measured by CD107a expression) or secrete cytokines (IFN-γ and TNF-α). In summary, our findings suggest that density gradient centrifugation and delayed processing of PBMC can alter measures of clinically relevant NK cell characteristics including effector functions; and therefore should be taken into account in designing clinical research studies. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. | Activation; Chemokine receptor; Flow cytometry; Natural killer cells; PBMC; Whole blood | chemokine receptor CCR4; chemokine receptor CCR7; gamma interferon; lysosome associated membrane protein 1; tumor necrosis factor alpha; adult; article; blood; blood sampling; cell activation; density gradient centrifugation; female; flow cytometry; human; immune response; innate immunity; natural killer cell; normal human; pathogenesis; peripheral blood mononuclear cell; priority journal; vein puncture; Adult; Blood Specimen Collection; Cell Degranulation; Cell Separation; Centrifugation, Density Gradient; Female; Flow Cytometry; Humans; Killer Cells, Natural; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Lymphocyte Activation; Phlebotomy; Receptors, Chemokine; Time Factors; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888134062 | Pervasive, long-lasting impact of historical logging on composition, diversity and above ground carbon stocks in Afrotemperate forest | Adie H., Rushworth I., Lawes M.J. | 2013 | Forest Ecology and Management | 310 | None | 10.1016/j.foreco.2013.09.037 | School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Ecological Advice Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, PO Box 13053, Cascades 3202, South Africa; Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0909, Australia | Adie, H., School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Rushworth, I., Ecological Advice Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, PO Box 13053, Cascades 3202, South Africa; Lawes, M.J., Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0909, Australia | Understanding the rate and extent of forest recovery from major disturbance events enable forest managers to establish conservation priorities and allocate limited resources for their management. We examined the extent to which Afrotemperate forest has recovered from widespread, stand-levelling logging that followed the European settlement of south eastern South Africa approximately 150years ago. We used plot-based tree census data to compare ecological characteristics (diversity, composition, structure) of primary, secondary and degraded Afrotemperate forests. Forests impacted by colonial logging events show no evidence of converging on the composition and above ground standing stock of old-growth forests. Primary forest canopies were dominated by two conifer species (Podocarpaceae) and a suite of long-lived pioneer angiosperms dominated the canopies of secondary forests. Old-growth canopy trees (≥20cmdbh) were taller (~26m vs ~16m) and had broader girths (~94cm vs ~54cm) compared with those in secondary forest. Canopy tree size differences translated to considerable (2 to 3-fold) differences in above ground carbon: we estimated that primary forest stores >240MgCha-1 compared with the range of 80.7-114.3MgCha-1 estimated for the two secondary forests and 84.3MgCha-1 for the degraded forest. Measures of rarefied species richness and diversity (Shannon exponential) were markedly lower for primary forest canopy trees, consistent with the proposition that the composition of Afrotemperate forests converges on podocarp dominance at the old-growth stage. In contrast, diversity measures for small (2.5-10.0cmdbh) and medium (10.1-19.9cmdbh) trees were noticeably higher in secondary and degraded forests indicating the considerable conservation value of these formerly disturbed forests. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Above ground biomass; Degradation; Forest recovery; Podocarpaceae; Primary forest; Secondary forest | Above ground biomass; Forest recovery; Podocarpaceae; Primary forest; Secondary forests; Carbon; Conservation; Degradation; Population statistics; Recovery; Secondary recovery; Forestry; aboveground biomass; community composition; coniferous tree; environmental degradation; forest canopy; forest management; logging (timber); old-growth forest; secondary forest; species diversity; temperate forest; Biomass; Carbon; Conservation; Degradation; Forestry; Coniferophyta; Magnoliophyta; Podocarpaceae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745726538 | Impact of bacterial genetics on the transmission of isoniazid-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis | Gagneux S., Burgos M.V., DeRiemer K., Enciso A., Muñoz S., Hopewell P.C., Small P.M., Pym A.S. | 2006 | PLoS Pathogens | 2 | 6 | 10.1371/journal.ppat.0020061 | Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, United States; Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States; School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States; Unidad de Investigacion Medica de Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States; Unit for Clinical and Biomedical TB Research, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa | Gagneux, S., Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, United States, Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, United States; Burgos, M.V., Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States; DeRiemer, K., Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, United States, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States; Enciso, A., Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, United States, Unidad de Investigacion Medica de Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico; Muñoz, S., Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, United States; Hopewell, P.C., Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Small, P.M., Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, United States, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States; Pym, A.S., Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, United States, Unit for Clinical and Biomedical TB Research, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa | Understanding the ecology of drug-resistant pathogens is essential for devising rational programs to preserve the effective lifespan of antimicrobial agents and to abrogate epidemics of drug-resistant organisms. Mathematical models predict that strain fitness is an important determinant of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission, but the effects of strain diversity have been largely overlooked. Here we compared the impact of resistance mutations on the transmission of isoniazid-resistant M. tuberculosis in San Francisco during a 9-y period. Strains with a KatG S315T or inhA promoter mutation were more likely to spread than strains with other mutations. The impact of these mutations on the transmission of isoniazid-resistant strains was comparable to the effect of other clinical determinants of transmission. Associations were apparent between specific drug resistance mutations and the main M. tuberculosis lineages. Our results show that in addition to host and environmental factors, strain genetic diversity can influence the transmission dynamics of drug-resistant bacteria. © 2006 Gagneux et al. | None | isoniazid; adult; aged; allele; antibiotic resistance; article; bacterial genetics; bacterial strain; bacterial transmission; controlled study; female; gene mutation; gene sequence; genetic variability; human; major clinical study; male; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; promoter region; United States; Bacteria (microorganisms); Mycobacterium tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349648781 | The influence of second language teaching on undergraduate mathematics performance | Gerber A., Harding A.F., Engelbrecht J., Rogan J. | 2005 | Mathematics Education Research Journal | 17 | 3 | 10.1007/BF03217419 | Arcus GIBB, PO Box 35007, Menlo Park, 0102, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Science Education Research Group, University of KwaZuluNatal, Pietermartizburg Campus, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3202, South Africa | Gerber, A., Arcus GIBB, PO Box 35007, Menlo Park, 0102, Pretoria, South Africa; Harding, A.F., Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Engelbrecht, J., Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Rogan, J., Science Education Research Group, University of KwaZuluNatal, Pietermartizburg Campus, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3202, South Africa | Understanding abstract concepts and ideas in mathematics, if instruction takes place in the first language of the student, is difficult. Yet worldwide students often have to master mathematics via a second or third language. The majority of students in South Africa - a country with eleven official languages - has to face this difficulty. In a quantitative study of first year calculus students, we investigated two groups of students. For one group tuition took place in their home language; for the second group, tuition was in English, a second or even a third language. Performance data on their secondary mathematics and first year tertiary calculus were analysed. The study showed that there was no significant difference between the adjusted means of the entire group of first language learners and the entire group of second language learners. Neither was there any statistically significant difference between the performances of the two groups of second language learners (based on the adjusted means). Yet, there did seem to be a significant difference between the achievement of Afrikaans students attending Afrikaans lectures and Afrikaans students attending English lectures. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870778474 | Simulating impact of seasonal climatic variation on the response of maize (Zea mays L.) to inorganic fertilizer in sub-humid Ghana | Fosu-Mensah B.Y., MacCarthy D.S., Vlek P.L.G., Safo E.Y. | 2012 | Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems | 94 | 42403 | 10.1007/s10705-012-9539-4 | Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex Strasse 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany; Soil and Irrigation Research Centre, Kpong, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 68, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Crops and Soil Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resource, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Fosu-Mensah, B.Y., Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex Strasse 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany; MacCarthy, D.S., Soil and Irrigation Research Centre, Kpong, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 68, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Vlek, P.L.G., Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex Strasse 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany; Safo, E.Y., Department of Crops and Soil Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resource, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Under low input subsistence farming systems, increased pressure on land use and decreased fallow periods have led to a decline in soil productivity. The soils in sub-humid region of Ghana are generally poor and require mineral fertilizer to increase crop productivity. This paper presents the use of Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) to simulate the long term influence of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) on maize (Zea mays L.) yield in Sub-humid Ghana. The APSIM model was evaluated at two sites in Ejura, on a rainfed experiment carried out on maize in 2008 major and minor seasons, under various nitrogen and phosphorus rates. The model was able to reproduce the response of maize to water, N and P, and hence simulated maize grain yields with a coefficient of correlation (R2) of 0. 90 and 0. 88 for Obatanpa and Dorke cultivars, respectively. A 21-year long term simulation, with different rates of N and P mineral fertilizer application, revealed that moderate application of N (60 kg N ha-1) and 30 kg P ha-1 improves both the long term average and the minimum yearly guaranteed yield. Variability in grain yield increased with increasing application of N fertilizer in both seasons. Treatments with P fertilizer application shows a similar trend for the major season and reverse trend for the minor season, thereby suggesting an interactive effect with rainfall amounts and distribution. Application of 30 kg P ha-1 significantly increased the response to N. The response to mineral fertilizer (N and P) applications varied between seasons, suggesting the need to have a range of fertilizer recommendations to be applied based on seasonal weather forecast. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Maize; Modelling; Nitrogen; Phosphorus; Productivity; Simulation | agricultural production; cultivar; ecological modeling; farming system; fertilizer application; humid environment; maize; mineral; nitrogen; numerical model; phosphorus; physiological response; rainfall; reproduction; seasonal variation; weather forecasting; Ghana; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857931469 | Evaluation of ventilated underground pit structures for yam (Dioscorea Spp) storage | Nwakonobi T.U., Obetta S.E., Iorwtsav H. | 2012 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 4 | 5 | None | Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria | Nwakonobi, T.U., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Obetta, S.E., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Iorwtsav, H., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria | Underground pit structures are commonly employed by farmers for on farm storage of yam (Dioscorea spp) in Nigeria and other parts of developing world. This traditional storage structure is used without provision for adequate air exchange or ventilation. This study investigated the performance of yams stored in underground pit structures provided with air vents. Three experimental pits of similar dimensions were constructed with Pit 1 installed with one PVC vent; Pit 2 had two PVC vents and Pit 3 without vent which served as control. 20 Kg weight of yams was loaded in each pit measuring 1.0 m in diameter and 0.65 m in depth. The results of the study show that a lowest temperature range of 30-38°C was maintained in pit 1 (improved) temperature range of 34-40°C in Pit 2 (semi-improved) while temperature in pit 3 range from 36-42°C. The relative humidity obtained were 84, 76 and 70% in pit 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The sprouting indexes obtained within 8 weeks storage period were 46.2, 53.8 and 76.9 for pit 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The cumulative weight loss obtained in pit 1, 2 and 3 were 44.8, 69.5 and 79.2%, respectively for the 8 weeks storage period. Increased in storage period for yams is possible with adequate ventilation in underground pit structure. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2012. | Air-vent; Nigeria; Pit air - thermal properties; Sprouting index; Underground structure; Yam storage | Air exchanges; Air vents; Air-vent; Cumulative weight; Developing world; Dioscorea spp; Nigeria; Pit structures; Sprouting index; Storage periods; Storage structures; Temperature range; Developing countries; Thermodynamic properties; Underground structures; Vents | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952953159 | Ecological and financial impacts of illegal bushmeat trade in Zimbabwe | Lindsey P.A., Romañach S.S., Tambling C.J., Chartier K., Groom R. | 2011 | ORYX | 45 | 1 | 10.1017/S0030605310000153 | Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; African Wildlife Conservation Fund, 57th Street, Doral, FL 33178, United States; African Wildlife Conservation Fund, Doral, United States; Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; University of Florida, Davie, FL, United States | Lindsey, P.A., Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, African Wildlife Conservation Fund, 57th Street, Doral, FL 33178, United States; Romañach, S.S., African Wildlife Conservation Fund, Doral, United States; Tambling, C.J., Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Chartier, K., University of Florida, Davie, FL, United States; Groom, R., Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, African Wildlife Conservation Fund, 57th Street, Doral, FL 33178, United States | Under conditions of political instability and economic decline illegal bushmeat hunting has emerged as a serious conservation threat in Zimbabwe. Following settlement of game ranches by subsistence farming communities, wildlife populations have been eradicated over large areas. In several areas still being managed as game ranches illegal hunting is causing further declines of wildlife populations (including threatened species such as the wild dog Lycaon pictus and black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis), threatening the viability of wildlife-based land uses. From August 2001 to July 2009 in Savé Valley Conservancy 10,520 illegal hunting incidents were recorded, 84,396 wire snares removed, 4,148 hunters caught, 2,126 hunting dogs eliminated and at least 6,454 wild animals killed. Estimated future financial losses from illegal hunting in the Conservancy exceed USD 1.1 million year-1. Illegal hunters- earnings account for 0.31-0.52% of the financial losses that they impose and the bushmeat trade is an inefficient use of wildlife resources. Illegal hunting peaks during the late dry season and is more frequent close to the boundary, near areas resettled during land reform and close to water. Illegal hunting with dogs peaks during moonlight periods. Our study highlights several management and land-use planning steps required to maximize the efficacy of anti-poaching and to reduce the likelihood of high impacts of illegal hunting. Anti-poaching efforts should be aligned with the regular temporal and spatial patterns of illegal hunting. Leases for hunting and tourism concessions should ensure minimum adequate investment by operators in anti-poaching. Reserve designers should minimize the surface area to volume ratio of parks. Fences should not be constructed using wire that can be made into snares. Land reform involving game ranches should integrate communities in wildlife-based land uses and ensure spatial separation between land for wildlife and human settlement. Means are required to create stake-holdings for communities in wildlife and disincentives for illegal hunting. © 2011 Fauna & Flora International. | Fences; game ranching; land reform; poaching; private land; Savé Valley Conservancy; snaring; Zimbabwe | bushmeat; conservation management; ecological approach; economic analysis; endangered species; estimation method; finance; habitat conservation; hunting; land use planning; mammal; population decline; population structure; private land; spatiotemporal analysis; stakeholder; trade-environment relations; wild population; wildlife management; Zimbabwe; Animalia; Canis familiaris; Diceros bicornis; Lycaon pictus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70049108688 | Impact of drought-related vaccination on livestock mortality in pastoralist areas of Ethiopia | Catley A., Abebe D., Admassu B., Bekele G., Abera B., Eshete G., Rufael T., Haile T. | 2009 | Disasters | 33 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1467-7717.2009.01103.x | Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Feinstein International Center, PO Box 1078, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Action Contre la Faim, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Animal Health Department, Agriculture and Rural Development Bureau, Afar, Ethiopia; Cell Culture Laboratory, National Animal Health Research Center, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Sebeta, Ethiopia; SNV-Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Catley, A., Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Feinstein International Center, PO Box 1078, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Abebe, D., Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Feinstein International Center, PO Box 1078, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Admassu, B., Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Feinstein International Center, PO Box 1078, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Bekele, G., Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Feinstein International Center, PO Box 1078, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Abera, B., Action Contre la Faim, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Eshete, G., Animal Health Department, Agriculture and Rural Development Bureau, Afar, Ethiopia; Rufael, T., Cell Culture Laboratory, National Animal Health Research Center, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Sebeta, Ethiopia; Haile, T., SNV-Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Under a national Livestock Policy Forum in Ethiopia the impact of livestock vaccination during drought was assessed in order to inform the development of a best-practice guideline. For each of the different types of vaccine used during drought years there was no significant difference in livestock mortality, for any species, in vaccinated compared with non-vaccinated herds. The limited impact of vaccination on livestock mortality was attributed to weaknesses in the design and implementation of vaccination programmes, including use of inappropriate vaccines, low vaccination coverage, problems with vaccine dosing, incorrect timing of vaccination and problems with vaccine storage. If these weaknesses could be overcome vaccination could be a useful means to protect livestock assets, with considerable benefit-cost ratios. Vaccination should be conducted as a standard preventive measure during normal years, and programme design should be informed by participatory epidemiological studies. © Overseas Development Institute, 2009. | Drought; Livestock vaccination; Mortality; Participatory epidemiology | drought; epidemiology; livestock; mortality; vaccination; agriculture; animal; article; cattle; cattle disease; comparative study; disease model; domestic animal; drought; Ethiopia; geography; health care quality; horse; horse disease; mass immunization; mortality; program development; sheep; sheep disease; statistics; agriculture; Bovinae; Cattle Diseases; drought; Horse Diseases; mass immunization; mortality; program evaluation; Sheep Diseases; statistics and numerical data; Agriculture; Animals; Animals, Domestic; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Disease Models, Animal; Droughts; Ethiopia; Geography; Horse Diseases; Horses; Mass Vaccination; Program Development; Program Evaluation; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Africa; East Africa; Ethiopia; Sub-Saharan Africa; Agriculture; Animals; Animals, Domestic; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Disease Models, Animal; Droughts; Ethiopia; Geography; Horse Diseases; Horses; Mass Vaccination; Program Development; Program Evaluation; Sheep; Sheep Diseases | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940876199 | Evaluation of landfill cover design options for waste disposal sites in the coastal regions of Ghana | Keelson K.B. | 2015 | International Journal of Engineering and Technology Innovation | 5 | 1 | None | Department of Civil Engineering, Kaaf University College, Accra, Ghana | Keelson, K.B., Department of Civil Engineering, Kaaf University College, Accra, Ghana | Uncontrolled leachate generation from operational and closed waste disposal sites is a major environmental concern in the coastal regions of Ghana which have abundant surface water and groundwater resources. The Ghana Landfill Guidelines requires the provision of a final cover or capping system as part of a final closure plan for waste disposal sites in the country as a means of minimizing the harmful environmental effects of these emissions. However, this technical manual does not provide explicit guidance on the material types or configuration for landfill covers that would be suitable for the different climatic conditions in the country. Four landfill cover options which are based on the USEPA RCRA-type and evapotranspirative landfill cover design specifications were evaluated with the aid of the HELP computer program to determine their suitability for waste disposal sites located in the Western, Central and Greater Accra regions. The RCRA Subtitle C cover which yielded flux rates of less than 0.001 mm/yr was found to be suitable for the specific climatic conditions. The RCRA Subtitle D cover was determined to be unsuitable due to the production of very large flux rates in excess of 200 mm/yr. The results for the anisotropic barrier and capillary barrier covers were inconclusive. Recommendations for further study include a longer simulation period as well the study of the combined effects of different topsoil vegetative conditions and evaporative zone depths on the landfill water balance. The use of other water balance models such as EPIC, HYDRUS-2D and UNSAT-H for the evaluation of the evapotranspirative landfill cover design options should also be considered. © TAETI. | Ghana; Groundwater; HELP model; Landfill cover; Leachate; Waste disposal | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960725065 | Non-destructive evaluation of concrete using ultrasonic pulse velocity | Lawson I., Danso K.A., Odoi H.C., Adjei C.A., Quashie F.K., Mumuni I.I., Ibrahim I.S. | 2011 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 3 | 6 | None | Nuclear Applications Centre (NAC), National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI), Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), P.O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana | Lawson, I., Nuclear Applications Centre (NAC), National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI), Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), P.O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Danso, K.A., Nuclear Applications Centre (NAC), National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI), Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), P.O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Odoi, H.C., Nuclear Applications Centre (NAC), National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI), Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), P.O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Adjei, C.A., Nuclear Applications Centre (NAC), National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI), Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), P.O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Quashie, F.K., Nuclear Applications Centre (NAC), National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI), Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), P.O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Mumuni, I.I., Nuclear Applications Centre (NAC), National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI), Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), P.O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Ibrahim, I.S., Nuclear Applications Centre (NAC), National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI), Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), P.O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana | Ultrasonic pulse velocity is one of the most popular non-destructive techniques used in the assessment of concrete properties. This article investigates the relationship between Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) and the compressive strength of concrete. The specimens used in the studies were made of concrete with a paste content of 18% and the constituents of the specimens varied in different water-cement ratios (w/c). The UPV measurement and compressive strength tests were carried out at the concrete age of 2, 7, 15 and 28 days. The UPV and the compressive strength of concrete increase with age, but the growth rate varies with mixture proportion. A relationship curve is drawn between UPV and compressive strength for concrete having different w/c from 0.35 to 0.7. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2011. | Compressive strength; Concrete properties; Non-destructive evaluation; Testing concrete; Ultrasonics; Water cement ratios | Compressive strength of concrete; Concrete age; Concrete properties; Mixture proportions; Non destructive evaluation; Non-destructive technique; Ultrasonic pulse velocity; Water cement ratios; Water-cement ratio (w/c); Cements; Compressive strength; Light velocity; Ultrasonic testing; Ultrasonics; Water content; Concrete testing | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-46249124886 | Improved performance of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and the effect of human immunodeficiency virus coinfection on the serologic detection of herpes simplex virus type 2 in Rakai, Uganda | Gamiel J.L., Tobian A.A.R., Laeyendecker O.B., Reynolds S.J., Morrow R.A., Serwadda D., Gray R.H., Quinn T.C. | 2008 | Clinical and Vaccine Immunology | 15 | 5 | 10.1128/CVI.00453-07 | Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Institute of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health Sciences, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Ross Building 1159, 720 Rutland Ave., Baltimore, MD 21205, United States | Gamiel, J.L., Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Tobian, A.A.R., Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Laeyendecker, O.B., Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Reynolds, S.J., Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Morrow, R.A., Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Serwadda, D., Institute of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Gray, R.H., Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health Sciences, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Quinn, T.C., Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States, Ross Building 1159, 720 Rutland Ave., Baltimore, MD 21205, United States | Ugandan subjects (820) were tested by Focus HerpeSelect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Kalon herpes simplex virus type 2 ELISA, and BioKit rapid test, and the results were compared to those of Western blotting. Higher-than-standard-index cutoff values gave optimal sensitivity and specificity. Kalon ELISA was the optimal assay when an index value of 1.5 was used (sensitivity, 91.7%; specificity, 92.4%). Copyright © 2008, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | adolescent; adult; article; controlled study; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic kit; diagnostic test; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; herpes simplex; Herpes simplex virus 2; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; mixed infection; priority journal; serodiagnosis; standard; Uganda; virus diagnosis; Western blotting; analytical equipment; blood; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; genital herpes; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunology; isolation and purification; male; randomized controlled trial; sensitivity and specificity; Uganda; virus antibody; Adolescent; Adult; Antibodies, Viral; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Herpes Genitalis; Herpesvirus 2, Human; HIV; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Male; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Sensitivity and Specificity; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929606730 | Modernization and Development: Impact on Health Care Decision-Making in Uganda | Singh D.A.K., Earnest J., Lample M. | 2015 | Health Care for Women International | 36 | 6 | 10.1080/07399332.2013.798326 | Kimanya-Ngeyo Foundation for Science and Education, Jinja, Uganda; International Health Program, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia | Singh, D.A.K., Kimanya-Ngeyo Foundation for Science and Education, Jinja, Uganda; Earnest, J., International Health Program, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia; Lample, M., Kimanya-Ngeyo Foundation for Science and Education, Jinja, Uganda | Uganda has faced numerous challenges over the past 50 years from overcoming political conflict and civil unrest, to rapid population growth, to combating the HIV epidemic and ever-growing health needs. Women in Uganda have had a major role to play in the health of families and communities. The researchers’ purpose in this study, undertaken in rural Uganda, was to a) identify a people-centered definition of development, b) compare it to the process of modernization, and c) investigate how these processes have changed the role women play in decision-making, in areas directly and indirectly related to their health and that of their families. Twenty-two men and women participated in focus group discussion and completed questionnaires. Based on our analysis of discussions it appears that both modernization and development have impacted health positively and negatively. Key themes distilled from interviews included that modernization has led to the breakdown of families; increased maternal responsibility for children; diminished land and economic resources; and an erosion of cultural values and practices that had previously provided stability for the society. In terms of development, women play an increasing role in decision-making processes in the household and are gaining increasing respect for their expertise in a number of areas, notably health care. We propose a movement of grassroots discourse on modernization. Development, and its effect on health, is necessary if the positive aspects of Ugandan culture and those of similar emerging societies are not to be lost (International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, 1966). © 2015, Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | None | adolescent; adult; cross-sectional study; cultural anthropology; decision making; ethnology; family size; female; health care delivery; human; information processing; male; middle aged; qualitative research; questionnaire; social behavior; social change; Uganda; Adolescent; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Culture; Decision Making; Delivery of Health Care; Family Characteristics; Female; Focus Groups; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Qualitative Research; Questionnaires; Social Behavior; Social Change; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80155133371 | Stereological evaluation of the effects of momordica charantia, antioxidants and testosterone on seminiferous tubules of rat [Evaluación estereológica de los efectos de momordica charantia, antioxidantes y testosterona sobre los túbulos seminíferos de rat | Yama O.E., Duru F.I., Oremosu A.A., Noronha C.C., Okanlawon A. | 2011 | International Journal of Morphology | 29 | 3 | None | Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria | Yama, O.E., Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Duru, F.I., Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Oremosu, A.A., Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Noronha, C.C., Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Okanlawon, A., Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria | Ubiquitous consumption of Momordica charantia is hinged on credence of its potency in alleviating ailments. Almost no data exist on its quantitative relationship to the testes. The aim was to study the histomorphometric effect of Momordica charantia seed extract (MC), ascorbic acid (C), alpha-tocopherol (E) and testosterone (T) on the testes of rats. Ninety five mature 6-8 week-old male Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats allotted randomly into six groups. Group I: fed MC for 16 weeks. Group II: administered MC for 8 weeks, later distilled water for another 8 weeks. Group III: administered C, E, T and a combination of all three test solutions (CET) for 8 weeks and later fed MC for another 8 weeks. Group IV: received MC initially for 8 weeks and later administered C, E, T and CET for another 8 weeks. Group V: fed concurrently the extract, C, E, T and CET for 8 weeks. Group VI (control): administered C, E, T, CET and distilled water for 16 weeks. The doses for MC, C, E and T were 50 mg/100 g b.w/oral/day, 0.01, 20.0 and 0.05 mg/kg. The animals were sacrificed; testes estimated for volume. Diameter, cross sectional area (AC), number of profiles per unit area (NA), length density (LV) and numerical density (NV) of the seminiferous tubules determined. The mean testicular volumes, tubular diameters and AC showed significant decline (p ≤ 0.05) in Groups I and III compared to controls. On cessation of MC values recovered to baseline control value. Groups IV and V, were not significantly (p £ 0.05) different from controls. There was a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in NA, LV and NV of seminiferous tubules in Groups I and III compared to controls. Histomorphometric data supports a reversible deleterious effect of MC on testes. | Histomorphometric; Momordica charantia; Sprague-dawley; Testes | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920520114 | Evaluation of the inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, the antioxidant activity, and the polyphenolic content of citrus limetta peel extract | Padilla-Camberos E., Lazcano-Díaz E., Flores-Fernandez J.M., Owolabi M.S., Allen K., Villanueva-Rodríguez S. | 2014 | Scientific World Journal | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/121760 | Centro de Investigacion y Asistencia en Tecnologia y Diseno Del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Avenida Normalistas 800, Guadalajara, Mexico; Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University, PMB 0001, Lasu Post Office, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Lancaster Medical Scho | Padilla-Camberos, E., Centro de Investigacion y Asistencia en Tecnologia y Diseno Del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Avenida Normalistas 800, Guadalajara, Mexico; Lazcano-Díaz, E., Centro de Investigacion y Asistencia en Tecnologia y Diseno Del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Avenida Normalistas 800, Guadalajara, Mexico; Flores-Fernandez, J.M., Centro de Investigacion y Asistencia en Tecnologia y Diseno Del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Avenida Normalistas 800, Guadalajara, Mexico; Owolabi, M.S., Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University, PMB 0001, Lasu Post Office, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Allen, K., Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom; Villanueva-Rodríguez, S., Centro de Investigacion y Asistencia en Tecnologia y Diseno Del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Avenida Normalistas 800, Guadalajara, Mexico | Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most frequent causes of death in Mexico, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. One alternative strategy for this metabolic abnormality is inhibiting the enzymes responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates. We evaluated whether the aqueous Citrus limetta peel extract could inhibit the metabolism of carbohydrates. We found that this extract inhibited primarily the enzyme α-amylase by 49.6% at a concentration of 20 mg/mL and to a lesser extent the enzyme α-glucosidase with an inhibition of 28.2% at the same concentration. This inhibition is likely due to the high polyphenol content in the Citrus limetta peel (19.1 mg GAE/g). Antioxidant activity of the Citrus limetta peel demonstrated dose-dependent antioxidant activity, varying from 6.5% at 1.125 mg/mL to 42.5% at 20 mg/mL. The study of these polyphenolic compounds having both antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities may provide a new approach to the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. © 2014 Eduardo Padilla-Camberos et al. | None | alpha glucosidase; amylase; antioxidant; carbohydrate; citrus fruit extract; citrus limetta peel extract; hydrolase; polyphenol derivative; unclassified drug; amylase; antioxidant; plant extract; polyphenol; antioxidant activity; Article; carbohydrate metabolism; concentration response; enzyme activity; enzyme inhibition; hyperglycemia; non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; antagonists and inhibitors; chemistry; Citrus; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; drug effects; human; hyperglycemia; metabolism; Mexico; pathology; Citrus limetta; alpha-Amylases; Antioxidants; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Citrus; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Mexico; Plant Extracts; Polyphenols | None |
| None | None | Early performance of Azadirachta indica provenances at Mkundi and Chamwino, Tanzania | Mugasha A.G., Chamshama S.A.O., Singo K.I., Mgangamundo M.A. | 2005 | Journal of Tropical Forest Science | 17 | 1 | None | Sokoine University of Agriculture, Fac. of Forest. and Nat. Conserv., Department of Forest Biology, P.O. Box 3010, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; National Tree Seed Programme, P.O. Box 373, Morogoro, Tanzania | Mugasha, A.G., Sokoine University of Agriculture, Fac. of Forest. and Nat. Conserv., Department of Forest Biology, P.O. Box 3010, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Chamshama, S.A.O., Sokoine University of Agriculture, Fac. of Forest. and Nat. Conserv., Department of Forest Biology, P.O. Box 3010, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Singo, K.I., National Tree Seed Programme, P.O. Box 373, Morogoro, Tanzania; Mgangamundo, M.A., Sokoine University of Agriculture, Fac. of Forest. and Nat. Conserv., Department of Forest Biology, P.O. Box 3010, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania | Two trials to evaluate the performance of 20 provenances and one land race of Azadiracnia indica A. Juss (neem) from 10 countries were established in January 1996 at two contrasting sites in Tanzania. Assessments were carried out at the ages of 17 and 53 months after field planting. Both assessments involved survival, root-collar diameter (RCD) and height while branch number, leaf mass, foliar nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations and contents were assessed at 17 months only. At all assessment occasions except for survival, significant (p < 0.05) variation among the provenances was detected for the tested parameters. Overall, the Ban Nong (Thailand), Vietianne (Vietnam), Ban Bo (Thailand), Ramanaguda (India) and Doi Tao (Thailand) were the best performing provenances for Chamwino site while for Mkundi site, the best performers were Doi Tao (Thailand), Ban Bo (Thailand), Ban Nong (Thailand), Ghaati (India) and Vietianne (Vietnam) provenances. These provenances should be used as seed sources and for the establishment of pilot plantations in the respective sites and other areas with similar environmental conditions. | Genetic variation; Nutrient content; Root-collar diameter; Survival | Agriculture; Diseases; Environmental engineering; Nitrogen; Phosphorus; Plants (botany); Sawdust; Timber; Foliar nitrogen; Genetic variation; Nutrient content; Root-collar diameter (RCD); Forestry; Agriculture; Azadirachta; Forestry; Forests; Nitrogen; Phosphorus; Sawing; Survival; Azadirachta indica; Azadirachta juss | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-27744543444 | Water supplies in some rural communities around Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria: Impact on water-related diseases | Opara A.A. | 2005 | Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health | 36 | 4 | None | Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; Department of Medical Microbiology/Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Calabar, Nigeria | Opara, A.A., Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Department of Medical Microbiology/Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Calabar, Nigeria | Two traditional surface water sources and one piped supply around Calabar, Nigeria were examined to reveal the community water use patterns and the impact on water-related diseases. Using questionnaires, it was shown that some communities trekked long distances (up to 5 km) to reach their supply source. The quantity of water collected per day in each of the five rural sources was inadequate (approximately 6 buckets or 90 liters). The traditional water sources were not available all year round, forcing users to trek longer distances for alternative supplies. Only 4.4% of rural water users subjected them to any further treatment, such as boiling or filtration. Fetching water was the occupation of children; they were the worst hit by water-related diseases, such as diarrhea/ dysentery, stomachache, worms and scabies/craw-craw. About 84% of the respondents were dissatisfied with their water supplies. Deaths due to apparent water-related diseases occurred among 6.3% of respondents during the twelve months preceding the study. The overall impact was a loss of school hours/days, loss of labor and general discouragement. The community served with piped treated water fared better in all respects. | None | animal; article; diarrhea; drinking; dysentery; helminth; human; microbiology; Nigeria; questionnaire; rural population; scabies; standard; water pollution; water supply; Animals; Diarrhea; Drinking; Dysentery; Helminths; Humans; Nigeria; Questionnaires; Rural Population; Scabies; Water Microbiology; Water Pollution; Water Supply | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60049099358 | Effect of supplementation of Sesbania sesban on reproductive performance of sheep | Mekoya A., Oosting S.J., Fernandez-Rivera S., Tamminga S., Tegegne A., Van der Zijpp A.J. | 2009 | Livestock Science | 121 | 1 | 10.1016/j.livsci.2008.06.003 | Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 527, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Wageningen University, Animal Nutrition Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands | Mekoya, A., Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands, Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 527, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Oosting, S.J., Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Fernandez-Rivera, S., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tamminga, S., Wageningen University, Animal Nutrition Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Tegegne, A., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Van der Zijpp, A.J., Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands | Two successive experiments were conducted to investigate the long-term effects of supplementation of Sesbania sesban on reproductive performance of Ethiopian Menz sheep. Forty ewes and 40 rams ranging in weight and age between 16-20 kg and 14-15 months respectively were fed a teff straw basal diet and supplemented with two levels of Sesbania (0, and 95% of supplementary protein provided by Sesbania and the rest being provided by concentrates) for 7 months. In experiment 1 (mating period), 4 paired female-male groups (diet of the male with or without Sesbania, and diet of the female with or without Sesbania) consisting of 20 animals each were formed and assigned for mating. Ewes that were mated and did not return to heat in subsequent cycles during the 70 days mating period continued in experiment 2 receiving similar supplementary diets (concentrate alone or Sesbania) for the study of pregnancy and lambing. During the mating period, males and animals supplemented with Sesbania were superior (P < 0.05) in daily feed nutrients intake, whereas daily body weight gain (ADG) was significantly different (P < 0.05) between treatments but not between sex groups. During pregnancy a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed only in nitrogen intake, and ADG of ewes did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatments. Supplementation with Sesbania promoted an increase in testicular size by 13%. Except semen concentration, the other seminal characteristics were not significant (P < 0.05) between treatments. The average oestrus cycle length was 19 ± 4.6 days. Mean progesterone profile for cycling ewes on the day of oestrus was 0.4 ± 0.04 and ranged between undetectable levels to 0.75 ng/ml followed by a rise starting on day 4 (1.7 ± 0.16 ng/ml) through day 7 (2.5 ± 0.29 ng/ml) and day 10 (3.6 ± 0.47 ng/ml) to a peak of 3.9 ± 0.45 ng/ml (plateau phase) on day 14. Supplementation with Sesbania improved the proportion of ewes conceived by 17% over supplementation with concentrates. The average birth weight of lambs, and post partum dam weight of ewes was 1.97 kg and 18.6 kg respectively and differed significantly (P < 0.05) between treatments. We concluded that inclusion of Sesbania up to 30% in the diet of sheep as supplement before and during the period of mating and pregnancy improved testicular growth and semen quality in rams or reproductive performance of ewes without showing negative effects. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Conception rate; Menz sheep; Oestrus; Progesterone; Scrotal circumference; Semen quality | Animalia; Eragrostis tef; Ovis aries; Sesbania; Sesbania sesban | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872721184 | Synthesis, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of silicon-containing aminoquinoline organometallic complexes as antiplasmodial, antitumor, and antimycobacterial agents | Li Y., De Kock C., Smith P.J., Guzgay H., Hendricks D.T., Naran K., Mizrahi V., Warner D.F., Chibale K., Smith G.S. | 2013 | Organometallics | 32 | 1 | 10.1021/om300945c | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, K45, OMB, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Li, Y., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; De Kock, C., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, K45, OMB, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, K45, OMB, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Guzgay, H., Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Hendricks, D.T., Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Naran, K., MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Mizrahi, V., MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Warner, D.F., MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Chibale, K., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Smith, G.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Two silicon-containing analogues (1, 2) of chloroquine, modified in the lateral side chain with organosilicon moieties, were synthesized. Compounds 1 and 2 were further reacted with dinuclear half-sandwich transition metal precursors [Ru(Ar)(μ-Cl)Cl]2 (Ar = η6-p- iPrC6H4Me; η6-C 6H6; η6-C6H5OCH 2CH2OH), [Rh(COD)(μ-Cl)]2, and [RhCp*(μ-Cl)Cl]2, to yield a series of neutral mononuclear Ru(II), Rh(I), and Rh(III) silicon-aminoquinoline complexes (3-12). Compounds 1 and 2 act as monodentate donors that coordinate to the transition metals via the quinoline nitrogen of the aminoquinoline scaffold. All the compounds were characterized using various analytical and spectroscopic techniques, and the molecular structures of compounds 2 and 11 were elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Furthermore, the in vitro pharmacological activities of compounds 1-12 were established against chloroquine-sensitive (NF54) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) strains of the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum and against the pathogenic bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, as well as an esophageal (WHCO1) cancer cell line. © 2012 American Chemical Society. | None | Aminoquinoline; Anti-mycobacterial; Anti-tumors; Cancer cell lines; Dinuclear; Half-sandwich; In-vitro; Malarial parasites; Monodentates; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Neutral mononuclear; Organometallic complex; Organosilicones; Pathogenic bacterium; Pharmacological activity; Plasmodium falciparum; Side-chains; Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis; Spectroscopic technique; Cell culture; Organometallics; Rhodium; Rhodium compounds; Scaffolds; Silicon; Synthesis (chemical); Transition metals; X ray diffraction analysis; Chlorine compounds | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-50949100402 | Using in-depth qualitative data to enhance our understanding of quantitative results regarding the impact of HIV and AIDS on households in rural Uganda | Seeley J., Biraro S., Shafer L.A., Nasirumbi P., Foster S., Whitworth J., Grosskurth H. | 2008 | Social Science and Medicine | 67 | 9 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.07.001 | School of Development Studies, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; MRC, UVRI Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda; School of Public Health, Boston University, United States; Wellcome Trust, London, United Kingdom; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Seeley, J., School of Development Studies, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; Biraro, S., MRC, UVRI Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda; Shafer, L.A., MRC, UVRI Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda; Nasirumbi, P., MRC, UVRI Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda; Foster, S., School of Public Health, Boston University, United States; Whitworth, J., Wellcome Trust, London, United Kingdom; Grosskurth, H., MRC, UVRI Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Two significant challenges face researchers tracking HIV-related socio-economic and demographic change over time in large cohort studies. Firstly, data collected in cohort studies established to describe the dynamics of HIV infection may contain no systematic data on household consumption expenditures which is an established measure of current and long-run household welfare. The second challenge is the choice of the unit of analysis in order to recognise and record impact; this is because most cohorts use the household as that unit. This means that the influence of factors outside that unit cannot easily be tracked. In this paper we show how a detailed understanding of the impact of HIV and AIDS on wider families and social networks, obtained through in-depth longitudinal research with a small number of households, can shed light on the findings from quantitative analysis from a larger cohort in the same population in rural Uganda. The findings of large-scale survey data from more than 2000 households over a 12-year period showed a lack of a strong association between poverty, HIV status and/or death of the household head. In-depth ethnographic research with 26 households in 1991/2 and a restudy of the same households in 2006/7 provide insights into the reasons for this finding: the choice of socio-economic indicators and support from other family and community members play a part in affecting survey findings on the impact of HIV at household level. One other factor is important in explaining the findings. HIV-infected family members from outside the household may drain resources from the household, so looking at the impact of HIV and AIDS on people's wider families provides pointers to why those who have not had an AIDS-related death in their own household may have failed to prosper. Our qualitative findings show that AIDS may well throw households into disarray and poverty, but more often reduces development and hinders families from getting out of poverty. Used strategically, small longitudinal studies can provide important information with which to explain patterns observed in large-scale quantitative datasets. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | HIV/AIDS; Households; Longitudinal research; Mixed methods; Uganda | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; cohort analysis; health impact; health survey; household expenditure; human immunodeficiency virus; qualitative analysis; quantitative analysis; rural area; socioeconomic conditions; welfare impact; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; cohort analysis; death; disease association; ethnographic research; family; female; health survey; household; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; longitudinal study; male; poverty; qualitative analysis; quantitative analysis; rural area; social network; socioeconomics; Uganda; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adult; Chi-Square Distribution; Cross-Sectional Studies; Family Characteristics; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Pedigree; Poverty; Qualitative Research; Risk Factors; Rural Health; Rural Population; Uganda; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885481358 | The impact of single versus mixed Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni infections on morbidity profiles amongst school-children in Taveta, Kenya | Gouvras A.N., Kariuki C., Koukounari A., Norton A.J., Lange C.N., Ireri E., Fenwick A., Mkoji G.M., Webster J.P. | 2013 | Acta Tropica | 128 | 2 | 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.01.001 | DIDE, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Invertebrates Zoology Section, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, DIDE, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; SCI, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Kenya Methodist University, Meru, Kenya; The Wellcome Trust, London, United Kingdom | Gouvras, A.N., DIDE, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Kariuki, C., Invertebrates Zoology Section, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya, Kenya Methodist University, Meru, Kenya; Koukounari, A., MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, DIDE, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Norton, A.J., DIDE, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom, The Wellcome Trust, London, United Kingdom; Lange, C.N., Invertebrates Zoology Section, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Ireri, E., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Fenwick, A., SCI, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Mkoji, G.M., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Webster, J.P., DIDE, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom, SCI, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom | Two schistosome species-. Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni-with two very different pathological profiles (urogenital versus intestinal), are responsible for the majority of human schistosomiasis infections across sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to determine whether coinfections have an impact on species-specific morbidity measures when compared to single species infections. Children from two neighbouring schools in Taveta, Kenya were grouped by infection status, i.e. uninfected, single species infections or coinfected. Clinical examination of the liver and spleen by palpation was performed and urinary albumin levels were recorded at baseline and at 12 months after praziquantel administration. Additional ultrasonographic profiles of the children's liver, spleen and bladder were incorporated at follow-up. It was found that S. haematobium-associated urogenital morbidity was lower in the coinfected group relative to single S. haematobium infections, even when infection intensities were taken into account. We also observed an association between S. haematobium infection and liver (intestinal-associated) morbidity regardless of coinfections. The findings reported here suggest that further research should be performed on the impact of S. haematobium infections on liver morbidity as well as to determine the impact of mixed schistosome species infections on human morbidity outcomes across different endemic settings. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Coinfections; Human morbidity; Kenya; Polyparasitism; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis | albumin; praziquantel; child care; child health; disease; morbidity; pathology; adolescent; adult; article; bladder; child; clinical examination; controlled study; echography; elementary student; female; follow up; human; Kenya; liver; major clinical study; male; mixed infection; morbidity; palpation; preschool child; Schistosoma hematobium; Schistosoma mansoni; schistosomiasis haematobia; schistosomiasis mansoni; school child; spleen; urinalysis; urogenital tract infection; Kenya; Schistosoma; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosoma mansoni; Coinfections; Human morbidity; Kenya; Polyparasitism; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis; Adolescent; Albumins; Animals; Anthelmintics; Child; Child, Preschool; Coinfection; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Kenya; Liver; Male; Praziquantel; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis haematobia; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Spleen; Urinary Bladder; Urine; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33750303862 | Performance of recalibration systems for GCM forecasts for southern Africa | Shongwe M.E., Landman W.A., Mason S.J. | 2006 | International Journal of Climatology | 26 | 12 | 10.1002/joc.1319 | Swaziland National Meteorological Service, Mbabane, Swaziland; Department of Geography Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; South Africa Weather Service, Pretoria, South Africa; International Research Institute for Climate and Society, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, P.O. Box 201, 3730 AE De Bilt, Netherlands | Shongwe, M.E., Swaziland National Meteorological Service, Mbabane, Swaziland, Department of Geography Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, P.O. Box 201, 3730 AE De Bilt, Netherlands; Landman, W.A., Department of Geography Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, South Africa Weather Service, Pretoria, South Africa; Mason, S.J., International Research Institute for Climate and Society, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States | Two regression-based methods that recalibrate the ECHAM4.5 general circulation model (GCM) output during austral summer have been developed for southern Africa, and their performance assessed over a 12-year retroactive period 1989/90-2000/01. A linear statistical model linking near-global sea-surface temperatures (SSTs) to regional rainfall has also been developed. The recalibration technique is model output statistics (MOS) using principal components regression (PCR) and canonical correlation analysis (CCA) to statistically link archived records of the GCM to regional rainfall over much of Africa, south of the equator. The predictability of anomalously dry and wet conditions over each rainfall region during December-February (DJF) using the linear statistical model and MOS models has been quantitatively evaluated. The MOS technique outperforms the raw-GCM ensembles and the linear statistical model. Neither the PCR-MOS nor the CCA-MOS models show clear superiority over the other, probably because the two methods are closely related. The need to recalibrate GCM predictions at regional scales to improve their skill at smaller spatial scales is further demonstrated in this paper. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society. | Canonical correlation analysis; Climate variability; General circulation models; Model output statistics; Model validation; Principal components regression; Sea-surface temperatures; Seasonal climate pediction; Southern Africa | Atmospheric movements; Atmospheric temperature; Climate change; Correlation methods; Mathematical models; Principal component analysis; Rain; Regression analysis; Canonical correlation analysis; Climate variability; General circulation model (GCM); Model output statistics; Principal components regression; Sea-surface temperature; Seasonal climate prediction; Climatology; atmospheric modeling; calibration; climate variation; forecasting method; general circulation model; model validation; principal component analysis; regression analysis; sea surface temperature; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-18144391576 | Utilization of cellobiose by recombinant β-glucosidase-expressing strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Characterization and evaluation of the sufficiency of expression | McBride J.E., Zietsman J.J., Van Zyl W.H., Lynd L.R. | 2005 | Enzyme and Microbial Technology | 37 | 1 | 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2005.01.034 | Chem. and Biochem. Eng. Program, Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States; Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | McBride, J.E., Chem. and Biochem. Eng. Program, Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States; Zietsman, J.J., Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Van Zyl, W.H., Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Lynd, L.R., Chem. and Biochem. Eng. Program, Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States | Two recombinant strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing the BGL1 (β-glucosidase) gene originating from Saccharomycopsis fibuligera were characterized with respect to gene expression and growth on cellobiose under air and nitrogen gas phases. The laboratory strain Y294[ySF1], with β-glucosidase expression from a multi-copy plasmid, grew at comparable rates on cellobiose and glucose under both air and nitrogen gas phases. By contrast, strain N96[ySF1] grew at a much slower rate on cellobiose than on glucose under both gas phases. For the various strain and substrate combinations tested, cell-specific enzyme activity was significantly higher under a nitrogen gas phase as compared to an air gas phase. The ability of these strains to grow on cellobiose, a non-native substrate, was evaluated in terms of a dimensionless 'sufficiency' parameter, S, consisting of the ratio of the maximum cell-specific rate of glucose production from cellobiose to the maximum cell-specific rate of glucose consumption. At sufficiency values substantially less than one, specific growth rates were found to be limited by heterologous enzyme expression, whereas for values of sufficiency near and greater to one, specific growth rates on cellobiose approached their values on glucose. The concept of sufficiency appears to have general utility for work aimed at growth enablement on non-native substrates by virtue of heterologous enzyme expression. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | β-Glucosidase; Cellobiose; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Sufficiency | Cell culture; Genes; Glucose; Microorganisms; Strain; Substrates; Cellobiose; Gas phase; Gene expression; Saccharomycel cerevisiae; Enzymes; beta glucosidase; cellobiose; nitrogen; air; article; controlled study; culture medium; fungal metabolism; fungal strain; fungus growth; gene expression; glucose metabolism; growth rate; nonhuman; protein expression; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Saccharomycopsis fibuligera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84950312438 | Theory-driven process evaluation of the SHINE trial using a program impact pathway approach | Mbuya M.N.N., Jones A.D., Ntozini R., Humphrey J.H., Moulton L.H., Stoltzfus R.J., Maluccio J.A. | 2015 | Clinical Infectious Diseases | 61 | None | 10.1093/cid/civ716 | Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, 16 Lauchlan Ave, Meyrick Park, Harare, Zimbabwe; Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States; Department of Economics, Middlebury College, Vermont, United States | Mbuya, M.N.N., Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, 16 Lauchlan Ave, Meyrick Park, Harare, Zimbabwe, Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Jones, A.D., School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States; Ntozini, R., Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, 16 Lauchlan Ave, Meyrick Park, Harare, Zimbabwe; Humphrey, J.H., Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, 16 Lauchlan Ave, Meyrick Park, Harare, Zimbabwe, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Moulton, L.H., Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Stoltzfus, R.J., Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Maluccio, J.A., Department of Economics, Middlebury College, Vermont, United States | Two reasons for the lack of success of programs or interventions are poor alignment of interventions with the causes of the problem targeted by the intervention, leading to poor efficacy (theory failure), and failure to implement interventions as designed (program failure). These failures are important for both public health programs and randomized trials. In the Sanitation Hygiene and Infant Nutrition Efficacy (SHINE) Trial, we utilize the program impact pathway (PIP) approach to track intervention implementation and behavior uptake. In this article, we present the SHINE PIP including definitions and measurements of key mediating domains, and discuss the implications of this approach for randomized trials. Operationally, the PIP can be used for monitoring and strengthening intervention delivery, facilitating course-correction at various stages of implementation. Analytically, the PIP can facilitate a richer understanding of the mediating and modifying determinants of intervention impact than would be possible from an intention-to-treat analysis alone. © 2015 The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. | intention to treat; per protocol; process evaluation; program impact pathway | Article; behavior change; health care delivery; hemoglobin determination; human; infant feeding; intention to treat analysis; maternal behavior; medical record review; priority journal; program impact; theory | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58149472211 | Performance of planted indigenous trees, Acacia galpinii and Faidherbia albida, in semi-arid Botswana | Walker K.P., Theron J.M., Moseki B. | 2008 | Southern Forests | 70 | 3 | 10.2989/SF.2008.70.3.3.664 | Malotwana Silvopastoral Farm, PO Box 2386, Mochudi, Botswana; Department of Forest and Wood Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Botswana, Private Bag, UB 00704 Gaborone, Botswana | Walker, K.P., Malotwana Silvopastoral Farm, PO Box 2386, Mochudi, Botswana; Theron, J.M., Department of Forest and Wood Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Moseki, B., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Botswana, Private Bag, UB 00704 Gaborone, Botswana | Two popular indigenous browse, shade and poles trees, Acacia galpinii and Faidherbia albida, were evaluated for survival and growth on-farm in Malotwana, Botswana, with a mean annual rainfall of 450 mm. The trial was a two species x three spacing factorial experiment in a randomised complete block design replicated five times. The three spacings were 5 m x 5 m, 6.3 m x 5 m and 8.3 m x 5 m. The study was conducted over 6.5 years. The results showed that A. galpinii is a promising poles, browse and shade species, while F. albida exhibited high mortality (67%) at 4.5 years (after below-average rainfall). The crown width of A. galpinii ranged from 5.86 ± 0.24 m at high density to 6.56 ± 0.25 m in low-density plots. The difference in crown width among densities was significant (p = 0.0406). Diameter at breast height ranged between 10.4 ± 0.68 cm at high density to 12.5 ± 0.64 cm in low-density plantings and was significantly different among spacings (p = 0.0003). Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd. | Acacia galpinii; Faidherbia albida; Indigenous trees | Acacia; Acacia galpinii; Faidherbia albida | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860338955 | Performance of two Pinus patula hybrids in southern Africa | Kanzler A., Payn K., Nel A. | 2012 | Southern Forests | 74 | 1 | 10.2989/20702620.2012.683639 | Sappi Forest Research, PO Box 473, Howick, 3290, South Africa; Mondi South Africa, PO Box 12, Hilton, 3245, South Africa | Kanzler, A., Sappi Forest Research, PO Box 473, Howick, 3290, South Africa; Payn, K., Mondi South Africa, PO Box 12, Hilton, 3245, South Africa; Nel, A., Sappi Forest Research, PO Box 473, Howick, 3290, South Africa | Two Pinus patula hybrids, P. greggii × P. patula and P. patula × P. tecunumanii, were planted across a number of sites in southern Africa. The growth and survival for each species/taxon was assessed at either 5 or 8 years of age at each site and compared to the respective parental species. Pinus greggii, as a pure species, has greater drought tolerance and is better adapted to harsher sites than P. patula. At 8 years the P. greggii × P. patula hybrid had similar survival and was more productive than P. patula at the two sites where it was tested. Furthermore, the performance of the hybrid was better than pure species on the site with average poorer growth suggesting that this hybrid could be planted on poorer, more marginal sites not well suited to P. patula. Pinus tecunumanii is a productive species with good tolerance to the pitch canker fungus (PCF). Previous work has shown that the P. patula × P. tecunumanii hybrid is more tolerant to PCF after field inoculations. The latter hybrid was assessed at 5 years on three sites and compared to both parent species. The hybrid had similar survival and was more productive than both parent species. Large variation in performance between individual P. patula × P. tecunumanii families suggests that comprehensive testing and selection should be conducted in tandem with any operational deployment of this hybrid. © 2012 Copyright NISC (Pty) Ltd. | hybrid performance; Pinus greggii; Pinus tecunumanii | Fungi; Pinus greggii; Pinus patula; Pinus tecunumanii | 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-s2.0-41949092932 | High performance Pd-based catalysts for oxidation of formic acid | Wang R., Liao S., Ji S. | 2008 | Journal of Power Sources | 180 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2008.02.027 | College of Chemistry, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China; South Africa Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, South Africa | Wang, R., College of Chemistry, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China; Liao, S., College of Chemistry, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China; Ji, S., South Africa Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, South Africa | Two novel catalysts for anode oxidation of formic acid, Pd2Co/C and Pd4Co2Ir/C, were prepared by an organic colloid method with sodium citrate as a complexing agent. These two catalysts showed better performance towards the anodic oxidation of formic acid than Pd/C catalyst and commercial Pt/C catalyst. Compared with Pd/C catalyst, potentials of the anodic peak of formic acid at the Pd2Co/C and Pd4Co2Ir/C catalyst electrodes shifted towards negative value by 140 and 50 mV, respectively, meanwhile showed higher current densities. At potential of 0.05 V (vs. SCE), the current density for Pd4Co2Ir/C catalyst is as high as up to 13.7 mA cm-2, which is twice of that for Pd/C catalyst, and six times of that for commercial Pt/C catalyst. The alloy catalysts were nanostructured with a diameter of ca. 3-5 nm and well dispersed on carbon according to X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements. The composition of alloy catalysts was analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Pd4Co2Ir/C catalyst showed the highest activity and best stability making it the best potential candidate for application in a direct formic acid fuel cell (DFAFC). © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Electrocatalysts; Formic acid oxidation; Fuel cell; Pd-based catalysts | Current density; Electrocatalysts; Energy dispersive X ray analysis; Formic acid fuel cells (FAFC); Oxidation; Complexing agents; Organic colloid method; Sodium citrate; Formic acid | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34147118966 | Rangeland evaluation in the Middle Awash valley of Ethiopia: III. Relationships among soil and vegetation variables | Abule E., Snyman H.A., Smit G.N. | 2007 | Journal of Arid Environments | 70 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2007.01.006 | Adami Tulu Research Center, P.O. Box 35, Zeway, Ethiopia; Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | Abule, E., Adami Tulu Research Center, P.O. Box 35, Zeway, Ethiopia; Snyman, H.A., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Smit, G.N., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | Two neighboring districts inhabited by pastoralists of different ethnic groups in the Middle Awash valley of Ethiopia were studied to make a preliminary investigation of the soil nutrient status and identifying the environmental factors most critical to grass production. Data were collected on soil nutrient status, grass yield (dry matter), percentage bare and covered ground, estimated soil erosion, evapotranspiration tree equivalent (ETTE), and altitude. Sites with saline soil showed high electrical conductance and high pH and low total nitrogen and organic carbon. The results of the correlation matrix and the stepwise multiple regression indicated that grass yield was affected by ETTE ha-1, percentage of bare and covered ground, C:N ratio, pH and available K. Future studies need to include stocking rate as one parameter to determine better relationships among the measured parameters more accurately. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Evapotranspiration tree equivalent; Grass biomass; Organic carbon; Salinity; Soil nutrient status; Total nitrogen | biomass; grass; organic carbon; pH; rangeland; salinity; soil nitrogen; soil nutrient; valley; vegetation dynamics; Africa; Awash Valley; East Africa; Ethiopia; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-50049090036 | Effective population size dynamics reveal impacts of historic climatic events and recent anthropogenic pressure in African elephants | Okello J.B.A., Wittemyer G., Rasmussen H.B., Arctander P., Nyakaana S., Douglas-Hamilton I., Siegismund H.R. | 2008 | Molecular Ecology | 17 | 17 | 10.1111/j.1365-294X.2008.03871.x | Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, Makerere University, PO Box 7298, Kampala, Uganda; McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L9, Canada; Save the Elephants, PO Box 54667, Nairobi 00200, Kenya; Department of Fish Wildlife and Conservation Biology, 115 Wager, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1401, United States; Animal Behaviour Research Group, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Park Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, United Kingdom; Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark | Okello, J.B.A., Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, Makerere University, PO Box 7298, Kampala, Uganda, McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L9, Canada; Wittemyer, G., Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, Makerere University, PO Box 7298, Kampala, Uganda, Save the Elephants, PO Box 54667, Nairobi 00200, Kenya, Department of Fish Wildlife and Conservation Biology, 115 Wager, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1401, United States; Rasmussen, H.B., Save the Elephants, PO Box 54667, Nairobi 00200, Kenya, Animal Behaviour Research Group, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Park Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, United Kingdom, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark; Arctander, P., Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark; Nyakaana, S., Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, Makerere University, PO Box 7298, Kampala, Uganda; Douglas-Hamilton, I., Save the Elephants, PO Box 54667, Nairobi 00200, Kenya; Siegismund, H.R., Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark | Two hundred years of elephant hunting for ivory, peaking in 1970-1980s, caused local extirpations and massive population declines across Africa. The resulting genetic impacts on surviving populations have not been studied, despite the importance of understanding the evolutionary repercussions of such human-mediated events on this keystone species. Using Bayesian coalescent-based genetic methods to evaluate time-specific changes in effective population size, we analysed genetic variation in 20 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci from 400 elephants inhabiting the greater Samburu-Laikipia region of northern Kenya. This area experienced a decline of between 80% and 90% in the last few decades when ivory harvesting was rampant. The most significant change in effective population size, however, occurred approximately 2500 years ago during a mid-Holocene period of climatic drying in tropical Africa. Contrary to expectations, detailed analyses of four contemporary age-based cohorts showed that the peak poaching epidemic in the 1970s caused detectable temporary genetic impacts, with genetic diversity rebounding as juveniles surviving the poaching era became reproductively mature. This study demonstrates the importance of climatic history in shaping the distribution and genetic history of a keystone species and highlights the utility of coalescent-based demographic approaches in unravelling ancestral demographic events despite a lack of ancient samples. Unique insights into the genetic signature of mid-Holocene climatic change in Africa and effects of recent poaching pressure on elephants are discussed. © 2008 The Authors. | African elephants; Bottleneck; Demographic history; Ivory poaching; Microsatellite variation; Population expansion | microsatellite DNA; allele; animal; article; Bayes theorem; climate; elephant; gene flow; genetic polymorphism; genetics; genotype; human; Kenya; molecular evolution; Monte Carlo method; population density; population dynamics; population genetics; probability; Alleles; Animals; Bayes Theorem; Climate; Elephants; Evolution, Molecular; Gene Flow; Genetics, Population; Genotype; Humans; Kenya; Markov Chains; Microsatellite Repeats; Monte Carlo Method; Polymorphism, Genetic; Population Density; Population Dynamics; Elephantidae; Loxodonta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-83455236158 | Evaluation of West African dwarf goat for some qualitative traits in Southwestern Nigeria | Adebayo J.O., Chineke C.A. | 2011 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 6 | 28 | 10.5897/AJAR09.299 | Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Adebayo, J.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Chineke, C.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Two hundred West African Dwarf (WAD) goats aged 1 to 6 years were examined during a ten months period, from October 2003 to July 2004 in randomly selected locations within Southwestern zone of Nigeria. Qualitative traits namely coat colour, polled trait, presence or absence of teat, wattle and beard were examined and described in all the experimental animals. Black colour observed in 54% of the animals predominated while brown and mixed colours accounted for 16 and 30% of all the animals respectively. All goats studied irrespective of sex were horned. The goats had a pair of teat each except eight goats with supernumerary teats. Possession of beard was common in all bucks observed, but 8.5% of the females had beard. About 36.5% of all the WAD goats examined possessed wattle. The phenotypic frequency of wattle and beard in WAD population was 0.37 and 0.21 respectively. © 2011 Academic Journals. | Frequencies; Management; Qualitative traits; West African dwarf (WAD) goat | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-45749122316 | Evaluation of fermented palm kernel meal and fermented copra meal proteins as substitute for soybean meal protein in laying hens diets | Dairo F.A.S., Fasuyi A.O. | 2008 | Journal of Central European Agriculture | 9 | 1 | None | Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria | Dairo, F.A.S., Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; Fasuyi, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria | Two hundred and ten (210) laying hens of Black Harco breed at 37 weeks in lay were fed experimental layer diets, in which fermented palm kernel meal (PKM) and copra meal (CM) were used independently to substitute for soybean meal (SBM) on protein content basis at 0%, 25%, 50% and 75%, to give seven treatments in a completely randomized design feeding trial that lasted 12 weeks. Performance characteristics and some haematological indices were evaluated in this study. Fermentation for seven days increased the crude protein of PKM (from 20.04% to 23.42%) and that of CM (from 19.63% to 23.11%). The crude fibre of the fermented PKM and CM decreased (from 15.47% to 12.44 % and 16.00% to 11.63% respectively). The feed intake (FI) was significantly highest (P<0.05) for laying hens fed 75% PKM substitution for SBM (126.06g) but lowest for those on 25% CM (115.02g). Birds fed 75% PKM had the highest (P<0.05) body weight gain (1.73g) while those on 25% CM recorded the lowest (1.50g). Hen-day production was significantly highest (P<0.05) in the control group (72.42%) but similar with the values of 69.37%, 70.35% and 69.53% recorded by laying hens fed diets containing 50% PKM, 25% CM and 75% CM respectively. Hens fed 50% CM had the highest egg shape index (0.68) while those on 75% PKM recorded the lowest value of 0.65. The control diet had the highest feed cost per kilogramme (kg) (N57.99) while 75% CM had the lowest (N46.51). Feed cost per number of egg produced was highest (P<0.05) in the control (N1.78) and similar with the values obtained for laying hens fed CM at 25%, 50% and 75% which are N1.80, N1.79 and N1.74 respectively. The compared values of PKM and CM at corresponding levels of substitution using t-test indicated significant increase (P<0.05) in FI for PKM at all levels of substitution for SBM (121.74g at 25%, 126.56g at 50% and 126.06g at 75%) over the values of 115.02g, 121.18g and 124.96g for the respective dietary substitution levels of CM at 25%, 50% and 75%. Body weight gain was higher (P<0.05) for hens on 25% PKM (1.60g) and 75% PKM (1.73g) inclusion over those on CM (1.50g and 1.58g respectively). Hen day production was consistently higher (P<0.05) in laying hens fed CM at 25%, 50% and 75% replacement for SBM than those on PKM with corresponding values of 70.35%, 69.53% and 69.09%. The highest (P<0.05) serum total protein (6.60g/dl) and serum albumin (4.60g/dl) were obtained from hens fed 75% PKM and 50% PKM respectively while the control had the lowest (4.85g/dl and 4.60g/dl). Serum globulin of 1.65g/dl was highest (P<0.05) for birds on 50% PKM and lowest (1.05g/dl) for those on 50% CM. Urea was significantly (P<0.05) highest for laying hens fed 75% PKM (36.80 mg/dl) and lowest for those on 25% CM (21.50 mg/dl). However, egg weight, egg yolk colouration and the feed efficiency (feed/kg egg) were not affected (P>0.05) by the substitution of PKM and CM for SBM. The study showed that SBM protein could be substituted optimally at 50% by either PKM or CM protein. | Copra meal; Egg production; Layers; Palm kernel meal; Soybean meal; Substitution | Aves; Glycine max | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-55849126193 | Effect of decorticated fermented prosopis seed meal (Prosopis africana) on growth performance of broiler chicken | Yusuf N.D., Ogah D.M., Hassan D.I., Musa M.M., Doma U.D. | 2008 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 7 | 11 | 10.3923/ijps.2008.1054.1057 | Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 033, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria | Yusuf, N.D., Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 033, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Ogah, D.M., Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 033, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Hassan, D.I., Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 033, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Musa, M.M., Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 033, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Doma, U.D., Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria | Two hundred and forty 7 days old Anak 2000 broiler chicks were used to determine the growth rate and economic of broiler fed decorticated fermented Prosopis africana seed meal (DFPSM). Five experimental diets containing 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% DFPSM replacement levels for full fat soybean meal were fed to broiler for 8 weeks. The experiments were in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments, each replicated four times with 48 birds per treatment and 12 birds per replicate. The average live weight of broiler ranged from 2500-2850g in each dietary group and were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by dietary treatment, similarly the growth rate and feed conversion ratio were also significantly affected by the dietary treatment (P < 0.05). The study indicate that 20% inclusion of DFPSM with soybean meal could be used in a broiler diet. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2008. | Animal protein; Broiler diet; Developing countries; Fermented Prosopis africana seed meal | Animalia; Aves; Glycine max; Prosopis; Prosopis africana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956968735 | Effect of westwood (Cirina forda) larva meal on the laying performance and egg characteristics of laying hen in a tropical environment | Amao O.A., Oladunjoye I.O., Togun V.A., Olubajo K., Oyaniyi O. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 5 | None | Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Amao, O.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Oladunjoye, I.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Togun, V.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Olubajo, K., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Oyaniyi, O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Two hundred and fifty Isa-Brown point of lay chicken of 30 weeks of age were used to determine the effect of substituting westwood (Cirina forda) larva meal (VWVLM) for fish meal which is the most expensive feed ingredient in layer diet on laying performance of chicken. The birds were fed five diets in which VWVLM replaced 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% fish meal. Data collected were feed intake, weight change, egg production, feed efficiency and egg quality characteristics Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. Proximate analysis showed that VWVLM contained higher crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, dry matter and ash than fish meal. Feed intake and weight gain were not significantly (p<0.05) affected by diets. Hen day production of birds fed 0% VWVLM (77.86%), 25% WWLM (78.32%), 50% WWLM (77.82%) and 75% WWLM (77.37%) were similar but higher (p<0.05) than that of those fed 100% WWLM (73.39%). Birds fed 0, 25, 50 and 75% WWLM were also comparable in terms of egg weight and efficiency of feed utilization while those fed 100%WWLM were inferior with respect to these parameters. Egg shell thickness, yolk colour and Haugh unit were not significantly different among treatments. It was concluded that WWLM can replace up to 75% fish meal in the diet of laying chicken. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Egg quality; Fish meal; Laying hen; Performance; Westwood larva meal | Aves; Cirina forda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954262127 | Performance of broiler finisher chicks fed varying levels of maize offal as replacement for whole maize | Ekenyem B.U., Obih T.K.O. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 4 | None | Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria | Ekenyem, B.U., Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria; Obih, T.K.O., Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria | Two hundred 4-week old Anak 1000 Strain of broliles were used in a 28-day feeding trial in a completely randomized design to evaluate the performance of finisher broiler chicken fed varying levels of maize further replicated four times. Treatments having 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60% maize offal replaced corresponding weights of whole maize in the diets. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Routine vaccination programme and medication typical of measured. Results who that birds on control (0%) and 30% maize offal with weight gains of 1.56 kg and 1.55 kg respectively did not differ significantly (p>0.05) but were significantly (p>0.05) heavier than those on 15, 45 and 60%. Cost of producing one kg of feed declined from N54.50 in the conrol to N44.50 at 60% inclusion level of maize offal which differed significantly (p>0.05). Feed cost/kg gain (N) was lowest for birds on T3 (30% maize offal), N 145.08 which differed significantly (p>0.05) from the other treatments. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Finisher broiler; Maize offal; Whole maize | Aves; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-49249107651 | Impact of improved chicken production on intra-household decisionmaking among fisherfolks in the Kainji Lake Basin, Nigeria | Lawal A.O., Adekunle O.A. | 2008 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 20 | 8 | None | UK Department for International Development (DFID) Nigeria, British High Commission, 10 Bobo Street, Maitama Abuja, Nigeria | Lawal, A.O., UK Department for International Development (DFID) Nigeria, British High Commission, 10 Bobo Street, Maitama Abuja, Nigeria; Adekunle, O.A., UK Department for International Development (DFID) Nigeria, British High Commission, 10 Bobo Street, Maitama Abuja, Nigeria | Two household decision outcomes were measured namely, the probability that a wife would take decisions on managing her own extra income and income from the sale of chickens, using the Logit model in a study carried out among 120 fisherfolks in four fishing villages on the shorelines of the Kainji Lake, Nigeria. Results show that in about 43% of the households, wives control their own extra income while about 29% said it was jointly controlled. In about the same proportion (28%) control is solely by the husbands. Younger and better-educated wives, wives with more marketing experience before marriage, and those with older husbands are more likely to take decisions on managing extra income by themselves. Although positively related to decision making processes by wives, keeping improved chickens is not significant. However, the expected probability points to a potential towards increase in sole decision by wives on managing income by her with an increase in the keeping of improved chickens. | Freshwater fisheries; Gender; Logit; Poultry; Socio-economic | Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955024861 | Broiler performance and bone strength minimally affected by either a simulated dusk or night-interruption photoperiod | Lewis P.D., Gous R.M., Tumova E. | 2010 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 40 | 1 | None | Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21 Prague 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic, Czech Republic | Lewis, P.D., Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Gous, R.M., Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Tumova, E., Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21 Prague 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic, Czech Republic | Two genotypes of male broilers were given 12 h of daily illumination; as a conventional photoperiod, with the final hour at reduced illuminance to simulate dusk, or with 1 h of the light given during the middle of the night. The lighting modifications had no significant effect on any performance variable or on tibial breaking strength. Feed intake was unaffected by the lighting treatments during either the 1-h dusk period or the night, but was inexplicably stimulated in the both experimental groups during the main photoperiod. © South African Society for Animal Science. | Bone strength; Broiler growth; Dusk; Photoperiod | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79961088486 | Impact of sugarcane thrips, Fulmekiola serrata (Kobus) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on sugarcane yield in field trials | Way M.J., Rutherford R.S., Sewpersad C., Leslie G.W., Keeping M.G. | 2011 | International Sugar Journal | 113 | 1351 | None | South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa | Way, M.J., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa; Rutherford, R.S., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa; Sewpersad, C., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa; Leslie, G.W., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa; Keeping, M.G., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa | Two field trials were conducted on the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) research farm at Gingindlovu to study the effect of sugarcane thrips, Fulmekiola serrata (Kobus) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on various parameters relating to sugarcane yield. Stalk yield components measured were: cane (grams/stalk); sucrose (grams/stalk); Brix % dry matter; purity %; dry matter % cane; fibre % cane; Brix % cane; Pol % cane; ERC % cane. Stalk characteristics measured were: mean stalk length (cm); number of stalks per plot; and stalk diameter. Final yields were assessed as tons cane/ha and tons sucrose/ha. The experiment design allowed comparison between F. serrata numbers in untreated sugarcane and sugarcane treated with the insecticide, imidacloprid. F. serrata numbers were significantly lower in treated sugarcane. Yield reductions attributable to F. serrata infestations of between 18.0 and 26.8% (tons cane/ha) and between 16.2 and 24.0% (tons sucrose/ha), were measured in these trials. | Fulmekiola serrata; Imidacloprid; Stalk characteristics; Sugarcane thrips; Thysanoptera; Yield | Kobus; Thripidae; Thysanoptera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922308935 | Influence of priming duration on the performance of amaranths (Amaranthus cruentus L.) in sokoto semiarid zone of nigeria | Musa M., Singh A., Aliyu Lawal A. | 2014 | International Journal of Agronomy | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/475953 | Department of Crop Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2346, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria; University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus, CB 12 Red Building, Jalan Broga, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia | Musa, M., Department of Crop Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2346, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria; Singh, A., University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus, CB 12 Red Building, Jalan Broga, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia; Aliyu Lawal, A., Department of Crop Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2346, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria | Two field trials were conducted during the 2012 cropping season at the Fruits and Vegetable Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Crop Science, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (located on latitude 14°N-15°N and longitude 4°-5°), to evaluate the effect of priming duration on the growth and yield of amaranth. Treatments consisted of four priming durations (2, 4, 6, and 8 hours) and control (where no priming was applied). The treatments were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) replicated three times for the germination test and randomized complete block design (RCBD) for the field trial. Data were collected on days to 50% germination, percentage germination, days to 50% emergence, and percentage emergence. Results revealed significant effect of priming duration on days to 50% germination, percentage germination, and days to 50% emergence. Soaking seeds for 2 hours reduced the number of days to 50% germination and emergence and also recorded higher germination. Thus, from the findings of this study, it could be concluded that priming amaranth seeds for 2 hours could be applied to enhance amaranth production. © 2014 Mukhtar Musa et al. | None | Amaranthus caudatus; Amaranthus cruentus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548719956 | Evaluation of organic manures and plant densities on podrot, nodulation and seed weight of groundnut in an ultisols | Ihejirika G.O. | 2007 | Journal of Plant Sciences | 2 | 4 | None | Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria | Ihejirika, G.O., Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria | Two field experiments were carried out during the early seasons of 2000 and 2001, to examine the effect of organic manure applied as zero manure, green manure and fowl droppings respectively and plant densities of 1,000,000; 250,000; 111,111 and 62,500 plants ha-1, respectively in 2000 and 2001, respectively on pod rot, nodulation and 1000-seed weight of groundnut. The result showed that manure and plant density were highly significant (p<0.01) on pod rot, nodulation and 1000-seed weight in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Organic manure significantly reduced pod rot 4.31 and 4.47 in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Fowl dropping reduced severity of pod rot 3.10; 3.02 in comparison with green manure 4.72; 4.86 when zero manure (no-treatment) 5.10; 5.54 in 2000 and 2001, respectively were high. Two hundred and fifty thousand plants ha -1 recorded least severity of pod rot 3.00; 2.77 while 1,000,000 plants ha-1 4.95; 4.50 were high in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Organic manure were highly significant on nodulation 9.60; 9.48 in 2000 and 2001, respectively with fowl dropping 15.10; 14.75 recording highest, when zero-manure (control) 10.84; 11.16 nodulation per plant were low in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Organic manure and plant density were highly significant (p<0.01) on 1000-seed weight with organic manure 641.1; 642.9 and plant density 812.2; 799.2 in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Fowl dropping recorded highest 1000-seed weight 672.5; 680.0 as well as 250,000 plants ha-1 895.5; 863.4 while 1,000,000 plants ha-1 recorded the lowest 1000-seed weight 752.0; 785.0 in 2000 and 2001, respectively. © 2007 Academic Journals Inc. | Evaluation; Ground nut; Nodulation; Organic manures; Plant-population; Podrot; Seedwieght | Arachis hypogaea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749604249 | Evaluation of sun and oven-dried broiler offal meal as replacement for fishmeal in broiler and layer rations | Isika M.A., Eneji C.A., Agiang E.A. | 2006 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 5 | 7 | 10.3923/ijps.2006.646.650 | Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production and Health, P O Luyengo Campus, University of Swaziland, Swaziland | Isika, M.A., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria, Department of Animal Production and Health, P O Luyengo Campus, University of Swaziland, Swaziland; Eneji, C.A., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Agiang, E.A., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria | Two feeding trails were conducted to determine the replacement value of broiler offal meal for fishmeal, if it is processed by oven-drying in addition to sun-drying. Fishmeal was replaced at the rate of 0%, 50%, and 100% with sun and oven dried offal meal (SOBOM) in broiler and layer diets each. While the broiler rations had 230g/kg crude protein and 2906 Kcal/kg of metabolizable energy, the layer diets had 175g/kg crude protein and 2700 Kcal/kg of metabolizable energy in a completely randomized designed experiment. The three treatments were replicated thrice in experiment I using 315 Anak 2000 broiler chicks, while experiment II had 360, 32-week Lohmann brown layers. The birds were randomly assigned to three treatments with three replicates in each group. The broiler results showed that, the body weight and feed conversion ratio were significantly (P<0.05) superior in birds fed with fishmeal than those on SOBOM diets. However, in the layers; hen-day production, egg-size, shell thickness, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were statistically similar in all groups. The study showed that broiler offal meal was inferior to fishmeal in broiler performance, but was comparable even at 100% replacement level for layers performance. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2006. | Broiler offal; Broilers; Fishmeal; Layers; Performance; Processing | Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919641680 | The Diffusion and Impacts of Information and Communication Technology on Tourism in the Western Cape, South Africa | Anwar M.A., Carmody P., Surborg B., Corcoran A. | 2013 | Urban Forum | 25 | 4 | 10.1007/s12132-013-9210-4 | Department of Geography, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Commission for Aviation Regulation, Dublin, Ireland | Anwar, M.A., Department of Geography, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Carmody, P., Department of Geography, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Surborg, B., Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Corcoran, A., Commission for Aviation Regulation, Dublin, Ireland | Two features of the globalising economy are its technological dynamism and its increasing service orientation. International tourism is an important element of the “new economy” of globalisation, as are new information and communication technologies. The relations between these two central elements of the reconfiguring world system have been under-theorised. Based on extensive primary fieldwork in Western Cape Province, South Africa, this paper explores the impact of new information and communication technologies on tourism development. It finds that, while these new technologies are extensively used in marketing and booking, in particular, foreign-owned websites have established a dominant command and control function, thereby replicating previous patterns of economic extraversion. © 2013, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Information and communication technologies; South Africa; Tourism | fieldwork; globalization; information and communication technology; international tourism; marketing; tourism development; World Wide Web; South Africa; Western Cape | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952611386 | Effects of exposure duration to cottonseed cake-based diets on broiler performance | Adeyemo G.O. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 2 | None | Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Adeyemo, G.O., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Two experiments were separately conducted using cottonseed cake-based diets to feed table birds. In the first experiment (phase 1) broiler birds were fed from day old to 8 weeks of age, while in the second experiment (phase 2), the birds were fed cottonseed cake based diets from 4-8 weeks of age. Five dietary treatments were fed in both experiments formulated to be iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous with Cottonseed Cake (CSC) replacing Soyabean Cake (SBC) at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% respectively. The live weight of broilers in the phases differed significantly (p<0.05) with broilers in phase 2 being better. The dressed weight was higher in phase 2 than phase 1. Broilers fed CSC based diets from 4 weeks had better feed conversion ratio than those fed from day old. Similar trend was observed in haematological and serum biochemistry parameters in the different treatments of the two phases. It can be concluded that feeding CSC protein as replacement for SBC protein was better from 4 weeks of age in respect of broiler performance though at a higher cost than the former. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Broiler's diet; Cottonseed cake; Performance; Serum biochemistry | Aves; Glycine max; Micropus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893415221 | Cassava root peel as a replacement for maize in diets for growing pigs: Effects on energy and nutrient digestibility, performance and carcass characteristics | Akinola O.S., Fanimo A.O., Adeniyi Agunbiade J., Susenbeth A., Schlecht E. | 2013 | Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics | 114 | 2 | None | University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Department of Animal Production and Health, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Olabisi Onabanjo University, Department of Animal Production, Yewa Campus, Ayetoro, Nigeria; Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Institute of Animal Nu | Akinola, O.S., University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Department of Animal Production and Health, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Fanimo, A.O., University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Department of Animal Production and Health, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Adeniyi Agunbiade, J., Olabisi Onabanjo University, Department of Animal Production, Yewa Campus, Ayetoro, Nigeria; Susenbeth, A., Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Kiel, Germany; Schlecht, E., University of Kassel and Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Animal Husbandry in the Tropics and Subtropics, Witzenhausen, Germany | Two experiments were conducted to evaluate cassava root peel (CRP) as diet component for fattening pigs. In the first experiment, ten male pigs were used to investigate the nutrient digestibility and the nutritive value of CRP as replacement for maize in the diet at 0 %, 30 %, 40 %, 50% and 60 %, while supplementing free amino acids (fAA). During two experimental periods, faeces were quantitatively collected and analysed for chemical composition. In the second experiment, 40 pigs received the same diets as in Experiment 1, and daily feed intake and weekly weight changes were recorded. Four pigs per diet were slaughtered at 70 kg body weight to evaluate carcass traits. Digestibility of dry and organic matter, crude protein, acid detergent fibre and gross energy were depressed (p<0.05) at 60% CRP; digestible energy content (MJ kg-1 DM) was 15.4 at 0% CRP and 12.7 at 60% CRP. In the second experiment, CRP inclusion had only a small impact on feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (p>0.05) as well as on the length of the small intestine and the Longissimus dorsi muscle area. The missing correlation of daily weight gain and feed-to-gain ratio up to a CRP inclusion of 40% indicates that negative effects of CRP on pig growth can be avoided by respecting upper feeding limits. Hence, a combined use of CRP and fAA can reduce feeding costs for small-scale pig farmers in countries where this crop-by product is available in large amounts. | Energy value; Free amino acids; Manihot esculenta; Nigeria; Weight gain | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57349136739 | Effect of dietary lysine to crude protein ratio on performance of male Ross 308 broiler chickens | Ng'ambi J.W., Maoba S.M., Norris D., Malatje M.S., Mbajiorgu C.A. | 2009 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 41 | 1 | 10.1007/s11250-008-9148-z | Dept. of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa | Ng'ambi, J.W., Dept. of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Maoba, S.M., Dept. of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Norris, D., Dept. of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Malatje, M.S., Dept. of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Mbajiorgu, C.A., Dept. of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa | Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of dietary lysine to crude protein ratio on performance of male Ross 308 broiler chickens. In each experiment the diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous but with different lysine to crude protein ratios. A complete randomized design was used in both experiments, the starter (1-21 days) and grower (22-42 days) experiments. The three starter diets, based on lysine to crude protein ratios, were L0 (0.055), L1 (0.066) and L2 (0.077), while grower diets were L3(0.047), L4(0.061) and L5(0.074). A quadratic type equation was used to determine ratios for optimum growth rate, feed conversion ratio, breast meat yield and breast meat nitrogen content. Dietary lysine to crude protein ratios of 0.066 and 0.077 supported optimum growth rate and feed conversion ratio, respectively, during the starter period. Dietary lysine to crude protein ratios of 0.073, 0.073, 0.069 and 0.079 supported optimum growth rate, feed conversion and breast meat yield and nitrogen content during the grower phase. Dietary lysine to crude protein ratio had no effect on diet intake and digestibility. The results indicate that at each phase a single dietary lysine to crude protein optimized both growth rate and feed conversion ratio. However, the ratio for optimum breast meat yield was lower than that for optimum growth rate and feed conversion ratio. These findings have implications on ration formulation for broiler chickens. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Breast meat nitrogen content; Breast meat yield; FCR; Growth rate; Lysine to crude protein ratio; Ross 308 broiler chickens | lysine; animal; animal food; article; body composition; caloric intake; chicken; dose response; drug effect; growth, development and aging; male; meat; nutritional requirement; physiology; protein intake; randomization; standard; weight gain; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Body Composition; Chickens; Dietary Proteins; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Energy Intake; Lysine; Male; Meat; Nutritional Requirements; Random Allocation; Weight Gain; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44349150471 | Effect of composite cassava meal with or without palm oil and/or methionine supplementation on broiler performance | Ukachukwu S.N. | 2008 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 20 | 4 | None | Department of Animal Nutrition and Forage Science, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P M B 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | Ukachukwu, S.N., Department of Animal Nutrition and Forage Science, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P M B 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | Two experiments were carried out to investigate the response of broiler chicks to substitution of composite cassava meal (CCM) for maize in broiler diets as well as to assess the impact of supplementing CCM-based diet with palm oil and/or methionine on performance of starter broiler chicks. In experiment 1 six diets in which CCM replaced maize at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% and designated T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6, respectively were fed to 144 day-old broiler chicks in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment. In experiment 2, five diets designated D1 (control, without CCM), D2 (maize-CCM type diet), D3 (maize-CCM type diet with methionine supplementation), D4 (maize-CCM type diet with palm oil supplementation), and D5 (maize-CCM type diet with palm oil and methionine supplementation) were fed to 150 day-old broiler birds in a CRD experiment. At end of experiment 1 (day 56), daily feed intakes (DFI) of birds in T1, T2, T3, and T4 were similar (P>0.05), but significantly lower (P<0.05) than the DFI of birds fed diet T6. Birds fed diets T1, T2, T3, and T4 had similar (P>0.05) final live weight, daily weight gain (DWG), feed conversion (FCR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER), which were significantly better (P<0.05) than the final live weight, DWG, FCR, and PER of birds fed diet T6. Generally, there was increasing intake as the CCM inclusion level increased, while the response parameters showed a general trend of decreasing performance as the inclusion level of CCM increased. On economics of production of finished broilers, the cost/Kg feed, on relative basis using the control diet (T1) as baseline, ranged from 100% to 79.62% for T1-T6 respectively. Feeding of diets T4 and T5 yielded the highest (P<0.05) gross margin (GM) values that were however similar to the GM values of birds fed diets T2 and T3 but higher (P<0.05) than the GM value of birds fed diet T1, while the GM of birds fed dietT6 was the lowest (P<0.05). In experiment 2, there were significant (P<0.05) differences among treatment means of all the parameters. Birds fed D4 and D5 diets had significantly higher (P<0.05) body weight (BWt) and daily weight gain (DWG) than birds fed D2 but were similar to those fed D1 (control) and D3.The feed conversion ratios (FCR) and protein efficiency ratios (PER) of D5, D4 and D1 were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of D2 but similar to those of D3. | Alternative feedstuff; Broiler nutrition; Energy supplementation; Feed additives; Growth response | Aves; Manihot esculenta; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82855181273 | 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-s2.0-77954193647 | The impact of crossgroup friendships in South Africa: Affective mediators and multigroup comparisons | Swart H., Hewstone M., Christ O., Voci A. | 2010 | Journal of Social Issues | 66 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1540-4560.2010.01647.x | University of Stellenbosch, South Africa; University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany; University of Padova, Italy | Swart, H., University of Stellenbosch, South Africa; Hewstone, M., University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Christ, O., Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany; Voci, A., University of Padova, Italy | Two cross-sectional survey studies among majority-status White and minority-status Coloured high school students in South Africa explored the effects of crossgroup friendships on prejudice, and the affective processes (intergroup anxiety in Study 1, and intergroup anxiety and affective empathy in Study 2) underlying these effects with respect to two target groups for each sample. Crossgroup friendships were negatively associated with negative action tendencies, and positively associated with positive outgroup attitudes and greater perceived outgroup variability for both samples, irrespective of the target group. The importance of intergroup anxiety and affective empathy as mediators of these effects was also confirmed. Multigroup comparisons showed significant differences in the structural models across the two samples in both studies, and confirmed prior findings in the contact literature that contact effects are stronger for majority than minority groups. These findings are the first of their kind within the South African context. © 2010 The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues. | None | cultural relations; group behavior; minority group; social characteristics; social status; student; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-45649085381 | Land-use impacts on surface runoff and soil detachment within agricultural sloping lands in Northern Vietnam | Podwojewski P., Orange D., Jouquet P., Valentin C., Nguyen V.T., Janeau J.L., Tran D.T. | 2008 | Catena | 74 | 2 | 10.1016/j.catena.2008.03.013 | IRD School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Rabie Saunders Building, Box X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa; IRD, IWMI, MSEC program Soils and Fertilizers Institute (SFI) Dong Ngac, Tu Liem District, Hanoi, Viet Nam; SFI (Soils and Fertilizers Institute, VAAS, MARD), Dong Ngac, Tu Liem District, Hanoi, Viet Nam; IRD, 32 Avenue H. Varagnat, 93143 Bondy Cedex, France | Podwojewski, P., IRD School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Rabie Saunders Building, Box X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa, IRD, 32 Avenue H. Varagnat, 93143 Bondy Cedex, France; Orange, D., IRD, IWMI, MSEC program Soils and Fertilizers Institute (SFI) Dong Ngac, Tu Liem District, Hanoi, Viet Nam, IRD, 32 Avenue H. Varagnat, 93143 Bondy Cedex, France; Jouquet, P., IRD, IWMI, MSEC program Soils and Fertilizers Institute (SFI) Dong Ngac, Tu Liem District, Hanoi, Viet Nam, IRD, 32 Avenue H. Varagnat, 93143 Bondy Cedex, France; Valentin, C., IRD, 32 Avenue H. Varagnat, 93143 Bondy Cedex, France; Nguyen, V.T., SFI (Soils and Fertilizers Institute, VAAS, MARD), Dong Ngac, Tu Liem District, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Janeau, J.L., IRD School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Rabie Saunders Building, Box X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa; Tran, D.T., SFI (Soils and Fertilizers Institute, VAAS, MARD), Dong Ngac, Tu Liem District, Hanoi, Viet Nam | Two consecutive years of investigation on soil surface features, surface runoff and soil detachment within 1-m2 microplots on 40% slope highlighted the effects of land-use change, vegetation cover and biological activity on the water pathways in Northern Vietnam. Three replicate plots were set up on each of five land-uses: cassava (CAS), grass fodder of Bracharia ruziziensis (BRA), a 3-year old fallow (FAL), tree stands of Acacia mangium and Venicia montana (FOR), and a fallow with regrowth of Eucalyptus regularly cut (EUC). The second year, two of the microplots under FAL and EUC were treated with herbicide (FALh, EUCh), one of them was burnt (FALh+b, EUCh+b). The highest yearly surface runoff coefficient of 16%, and soil detachment rate of 700 g m- 2 yr- 1 in average with a maximum of 1305 g m- 2 yr- 1 have been recorded under CAS. On FALh and FALh+b, runoff ratios were 8.7 and 13.5%, respectively and detachment rates were 86 and 389 g m- 2. On FAL and BRA the yearly runoff ratio varied from 5.9 to 9.8% but the detachment rate was limited at 24 to 35 g m- 2. FOR and EUC annual runoff was ≤ 3.1% and annual soil detachment ≤ 71 g m- 2. These values were very low compared to the values reported on steep slopes in Laos within similar climate and vegetation cover. The runoff and detachment rates underlined the importance of rainfall intensities, soil physical properties, soil surface features, soil vegetation cover and biological activity. The annual surface runoff was highly correlated to the soil surface crusting. CAS and BRA plots were prone to crusting especially after weeding at the onset of the rainy season, when the soil surface was still uncovered. Soil bioturbation (earthworm casting activity) was the second factor that explains local variation of surface runoff and soil detachment. The continuous production of earthworms casts on soil surface, especially on FOR and EUC microplots, induced a marked surface roughness and reduced the surface runoff. The production of casts was very limited in FAL and completely absent in CAS microplots. So it is evident that our results confirm the deleterious effects of cassava on soil and water conservation. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Cassava; Earthworms; Land-use; Sloping lands; Soil detachment; Surface runoff; Vietnam | bioactivity; earthworm; land use change; precipitation intensity; regrowth; runoff; slope; soil erosion; tuber; vegetation cover; Asia; Eurasia; Southeast Asia; Viet Nam; Acacia; Acacia mangium; Animalia; Eucalyptus; Manihot esculenta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84918811269 | Impact of ozone pre-treatment on the performance of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket treating pre-treated grain distillery wastewater | Robertson L., Britz T.J., Sigge G.O. | 2014 | Water Science and Technology | 70 | 10 | 10.2166/wst.2014.435 | Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | Robertson, L., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Britz, T.J., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Sigge, G.O., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | Two 2 L laboratory-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors were operated for 277 days. The substrate of the control reactor (R<inf>c</inf>) contained grain distillery wastewater (GDWW) that had undergone coagulant pre-treatment, and the substrate of the second UASB reactor consisted of GDWW that had undergone coagulant pre-treatment and ozone pre-treatment (R<inf>o</inf>). Both reactors treated pre-treated GDWW successfully at ca. 9 kgCOD m-3 d-1. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) reductions of ca. 96% for R<inf>c</inf> and 93% for Ro were achieved. Fats, oils and grease (FOG) reductions (%) showed variations throughout the study, and reductions of ca. 88 and 92% were achieved for R<inf>c</inf> and R<inf>o</inf>, respectively. R<inf>c</inf> produced more biogas, and the methane percentage was similar in both reactors. UASB granule washout in R<inf>c</inf> suggested possible toxicity of unsaturated fatty acids present in non-ozonated substrate. The feasibility of FOG removal was demonstrated as both reactors successfully treated pre-treated GDWW. Better results were obtained for R<inf>o</inf> effluent during post-ozonation. The ozone pre-treatment possibly led to easier degradable wastewater, and better results could potentially be obtained when other post-treatment steps are applied. Ozone pre-treatment did not, however, show an added benefit in the reactor performance results. © IWA Publishing 2014. | Anaerobic digestion; Coagulant; Distillery wastewater; Ozone; Pre-treatment | Anaerobic digestion; Chemical oxygen demand; Coagulation; Effluents; Methane; Oils and fats; Ozone; Ozone water treatment; Ozonization; Unsaturated fatty acids; Coagulant; Control reactors; Distillery wastewaters; Fats , oils and grease; Pre-Treatment; Reactor performance; Up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors; Upflow anaerobic sludge blankets; Wastewater treatment; bicarbonate; biogas; coagulating agent; methane; ozone; unsaturated fatty acid; volatile fatty acid; ozone; sewage; anoxic conditions; chemical oxygen demand; coagulation; fatty acid; granular medium; ozone; performance assessment; sludge; substrate; wastewater; water treatment; alkalinity; anaerobic digestion; Article; biodegradability; biomass; carbon source; cell division; chemical oxygen demand; degradation; distillation; grain; methanogen; ozonation; pH; reduction; upflow reactor; waste water; anaerobic growth; bioreactor; cereal; chemistry; distillation; procedures; sewage; Anaerobiosis; Bioreactors; Cereals; Distillation; Ozone; Sewage; Waste Disposal, Fluid | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871552926 | Effects of dietary protein supplementation on the performance of West African dwarf (WAD) goats infected with Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis | Mhomga L.I., Nnadi P.A., Chiejina S.N., Idika I.K., Ngongeh L.A. | 2012 | Turkish Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences | 36 | 6 | 10.3906/vet-1106-21 | Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Michael Okpara University | Mhomga, L.I., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Nnadi, P.A., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Chiejina, S.N., Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Idika, I.K., Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ngongeh, L.A., Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria | Twenty worm-free male West African dwarf (WAD) goats, 7-8 months of age, were used to study the effect of dietary protein on their response to mixed infections of trychostrongyles. The goats were divided into 4 groups (A-D), each containing 5 animals. Groups A and B were fed forages with concentrate feed containing 17.06% crude protein, whereas Groups C and D were fed forages alone. An escalating infection of 500 infective larvae (L3), 1000 L3, 2000 L3, and 4000 L3 was given consecutively at weeks 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively, for 4 weeks to groups A and D. Patency and level of infection were monitored by carrying out fecal egg counts (FECs) twice weekly. All of the animals were humanely sacrificed 42 days aft er infection, and the abomasum and intestines were recovered and processed for worm recovery. The results showed that there was a positive correlation between the dietary protein and body weight gain and body condition score. However, the dietary protein had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on the packed cell volume (PCV), total serum protein, and serum albumin levels. The supplemented goats shed significantly fewer helminth eggs in the feces and harbored lighter burdens of the 2 worm species compared to unsupplemented goats. There was a negative significant correlation between the worm burden and the body weight and body condition scores. The correlation between the worm burden and PCV was also negative but not significant, while that between the worm burden and FEC was positive and significant. Infection significantly affected the feed intake but did not affect water intake. These results therefore demonstrate that nutritional supplementation enhances the resistance of WAD goats to mixed infections of H. contortus and T. colubriformis and results in their improved performance. © TÜBİTAK. | Goats; Haemonchus contortus; Mixed infection; Performance; Supplement feeding; Trichostrongylus colubriformis | Animalia; Capra hircus; Haemonchus contortus; Trichostrongylus colubriformis; Vermes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845621640 | Evaluation of feeding graded levels of dried and milled Ficus thonningii leaves on growth performance, carcass characteristics and organs of weaner rabbits | Tegbe T.S.B., Adeyinka I.A., Baye K.D., Alawa J.P. | 2006 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 5 | 6 | 10.3923/pjn.2006.548.550 | Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria | Tegbe, T.S.B., 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; Baye, K.D., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Alawa, J.P., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Twenty weaner rabbits of average initial weight of 535g were fed four diets containing milled Ficus thonningii leaf meal at 0% 5% 10% and 15% levels to evaluate its effect on their growth performance and carcass characteristics. Rabbits were randomly allotted to cages and four dietary treatments randomly allotted to cages. There were five replications of the four treatments in a randomized block design trial. The study lasted eleven weeks. Dietary treatments did not significantly (P>0.05) affect average daily feed intake, average daily weight gain, carcass and organ characteristics. However, feed to gain ratio was significantly (P<0.05) affected by level of feeding Ficus thonningii. It was concluded that Ficus thonningii leaf meal could be fed up to 15% level in rabbit diet. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2006. | Feed intake; Ficus thonningii leaf meal; Weaner rabbits | animal experiment; animal food; animal tissue; article; body growth; body weight; carcass; controlled study; dietary intake; Ficus; food composition; food processing; nonhuman; plant leaf; rabbit; statistical significance; weight gain; Ficus thonningii; Oryctolagus cuniculus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901976418 | Evaluation of biochemical and yield attributes of quality protein maize (Zea mays L.) in Nigeria | Bello O.B., Mahamood J., Afolabi M.S., Azeez M.A., Ige S.A., Abdulmaliq S.Y. | 2013 | Tropical Agriculture | 90 | 4 | None | Department of Biological Sciences, Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria; Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Department of Crop Science, Landmark University, Omuaran, Kwara State, Nigeria; Department of | Bello, O.B., Department of Biological Sciences, Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria; Mahamood, J., Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Afolabi, M.S., Department of Crop Science, Landmark University, Omuaran, Kwara State, Nigeria; Azeez, M.A., Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Ige, S.A., Department of Agronomy, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Abdulmaliq, S.Y., Department of Agronomy, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria | Twenty two genotypes of quality protein maize (QPM) and two local checks were assessed for their lysine and tryptophan levels, as well as grain yield characteristics at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority station, Oke-Oyi, Ilorin, Nigeria for three years (2009-2011). The results showed that the QPM genotypes and the standard checks varied from one another, with respect to crude protein, zein dry matter, zein crude, lysine and tryptophan. The best QPM hybrids for grain yield (Dada-ba, ART98-SW5-OB, ART98-SW4-OB and TZPB-OB had percentage lysine and tryptophan advantage of 34% compared with the local checks. These hybrids also out-yielded other genotypes with yield advantage of 10, 24 and 26% over the best inbred, open pollinated variety and the standard check respectively. However, grain yield showed positive association with all the characteristics except crude protein content. Kernel number per cob had maximum correlation with grain yield followed by kernel rows per cob, cob diameter and cob weight The direct effect for crude protein was positive but the correlation was negative. Conclusively, the QPM hybrids that combined high yield with the essential amino acids could be tested in different savanna agro-ecologies to identify those that could be released to farmers, while the superior inbreds could be introgressed for further breeding programs. © 2013 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad). | Hybrids; Inbred lines; Lysine; Open pollinated varieties; Tryptophan | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-69749116335 | The performance profile of Dioscorea rotundata cultivar Dorban genotypes in Ghana using GGE biplot analysis | Otoo E., Asiedu R. | 2009 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 7 | 1 | None | Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; IITA, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Oyo, Ibadan, Nigeria | Otoo, E., Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Asiedu, R., IITA, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Oyo, Ibadan, Nigeria | Twenty-two genotypes of D. rotundata cultivar Dorban consisting of 19 botanically developed seeds and 3 vegetative checks were evaluated in 15 environments from 2000 to 2004 using CRD to assess the effect of genotype and genotype x environment interaction on the tuber yield of 22 white yam (D. rotundata L. cv. Dorban) genotypes via GGE (genotype plus genotype x environment) biplot methodology. The GGE biplot procedure was used to determine the yield potential and stability of the genotypes. Significant differences (p<0.001) were observed in all cultivars with respect to genotype, environment and genotype by environment interactions. Biplot analysis identified three mega-environments corresponding to the three agroecologies - Fumesua (Forest) was the most representative and discriminating environment followed by Bodwease (Coastal Savannah) and Wenchi (Forest-Savannah Transition). Genotypes Gdo02, Gdo03, Gdo20 and Gdo01 including the three checks were identified as superior. Genotype Gdo016 was the worst genotype. | D. Rotundata; Genotype x environment interaction; Genotypes | agroecosystem; article; cultivar; genotype; Ghana; yam; Dioscorea alata; Dioscorea rotundata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44349124006 | Milk production and economic impact of strategic supplementation of prepartum Bunaji cows in the periurban areas of derived savanna of southwestern Nigeria | Olafadehan O.A., Adewumi M.K. | 2008 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 20 | 3 | None | Department of Animal Production Technology, Federal College of Wildlife Management, P.M.B. 268, New Bussa, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Olafadehan, O.A., Department of Animal Production Technology, Federal College of Wildlife Management, P.M.B. 268, New Bussa, Nigeria; Adewumi, M.K., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Twenty prepartum Bunaji cows with an average weight of 295±3.72 kg balanced for their parity and weight were used to investigate the effects of dry season supplementary feeding during the last trimester of pregnancy on the milk production and economic benefit of such intervention in an on-farm experiment. A completely randomized design was used with 4 treatments: A, range grazing (RG) only (control); B, RG + maize bran (MB); C, RG + MB + PKC (palm kernel cake) and D, RG + MB + DBG (dried brewer's grains). There were 5 cows per treatment. The feeding trial lasted for last trimester of pregnancy while milk production was measured throughout lactation. Supplemented cows produced higher milk (P <0.05) than their non-supplemented counterparts at various stages of lactation; 3months, 6months and weaning. Among the supplemented cows, total milk yield (TMY) was more (P <0.05) pronounced in cows on treatment D than those on treatment B. Yields of milk constituents followed the same trend as the milk yield. TMY was significantly (P< 0.05) and directly related (R2 = 0.97) to the lactation length. Net economic benefit was best in supplemented cows on treatment D and least (P <0.05) for grazing non-supplemented cows on treatment A. The results underscored beneficial effects of strategic supplementation of prepartum cows in a smallholder dairy production system. | Agroindustrial by-products; Cost-benefit; Lactation; Milk yield; Smallholder dairy production | Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891313777 | Evaluation of agronomic performance and lycopene variation in tomato (lycopersicon esculantum mill.) genotypes in Mizan, Southwestern Ethiopia | Dufera J.T. | 2013 | World Applied Sciences Journal | 27 | 11 | 10.5829/idosi.wasj.2013.27.11.783 | Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mizan-Tepi University, P.O. Box 260, Mizan Teferi, Ethiopia | Dufera, J.T., Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mizan-Tepi University, P.O. Box 260, Mizan Teferi, Ethiopia | Twenty one tomato (Lycopersicon esculantum Mill.) germplasms were evaluated for agronomic performances, lycopene variability and some quality parameters to identify the genotypes having high yielding and better quality performances. The study was conducted under Mizan agro-ecology (Southwestern Ethiopia) on Mizan-Tepi University trial field during September 2011 to May 2012 using Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among the genotypes (P<0.0001) for all characters evaluated. The genotypes Roma VF, Cochoro/Pace setter), Pirson, Melkashola/Red pear and Fetan/Picador showed over all superior yield and quality performances to the other genotypes, thus they could be recommended as promising varieties for production in the area. Higher genotypic and phenotypic coefficients variation values were recorded by the characters fruit clusters per plant, nodes on main stem, fruits per plant, yield per plant and lycopene content, indicating the presence of variability among the genotypes and the scope to improve these characters through selection. In general, the result indicates the presence of enough variability among the genotypes to select parents with desirable performances and combine with varieties having better lycopene contents for further genetic improvement. © IDOSI Publications, 2013. | Genotypic variability; Lycopene; Phenotypic variability; Tomato; Yield | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863548712 | Effect of supplementing rhodes grass hay (Chloris gayana) with berchemia discolor or zizyphus mucronata on the performance of growing goats in Kenya | Osuga I.M., Abdulrazak S.A., Muleke C.I., Fujihara T. | 2012 | Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition | 96 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2011.01189.x | Department of Agricultural Resource Management, School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya; National Council for Science and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya; Faculty of Bioresources, Mie University, Mie city, Japan | Osuga, I.M., Department of Agricultural Resource Management, School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya; Abdulrazak, S.A., National Council for Science and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya; Muleke, C.I., Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya; Fujihara, T., Faculty of Bioresources, Mie University, Mie city, Japan | Twenty growing Small East African goats were used to determine the effects of feeding sun-dried leaves of the browse forages Berchemia discolor and Zizyphus mucronata as supplements to low-quality basal diet, Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay, on voluntary feed intake (VFI), digestibility and growth performance. The grass hay and maize bran were used as a control. The dried leaves were then included at the rates of 15% and 30% of the dry matter intake (DMI). Berchemia discolor had the highest crude protein (CP) content of 195.5g/kg DM, while Z. mucronata had CP content of 169.5g/kg DM. The grass hay had the lowest CP content of 50.9g/kg DM. The browse forages had low fibre content [Neutral detergent fibre (NDF); 257.9-369.5g/kg DM], while the grass hay had high fibre content (NDF; 713.1g/kg DM). Goats in the groups supplemented with either of the browse forages had higher total DMI, nitrogen (N) intake and retention and live-weight gains than those in the control diet group. The digestibility of DM and organic matter (OM) was not affected by supplementation, but the CP digestibility increased with supplementation. The use of the browse forages as supplements for goats fed on poor-quality basal diets would enhance the performance of the animals. © 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH. | Browse forages; Goat performance; Grass hay; Supplementation | animal; animal disease; animal food; article; chemistry; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; diet; goat; growth, development and aging; jujube; Kenya; male; Poaceae; randomized controlled trial; Rhamnaceae; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Diet; Goats; Kenya; Male; Poaceae; Rhamnaceae; Ziziphus; Animalia; Berchemia discolor; Capra hircus; Chloris gayana; Zea mays; Ziziphus; Ziziphus mucronata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-71749119345 | 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-s2.0-34547891854 | Evaluation of protein replacement value of sun dried and oven dried coconut oil meal and fermented coconut oil meal in rats | Dairo F.A.S. | 2007 | International Journal of Agricultural Research | 2 | 3 | None | Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, P.M.B. 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Dairo, F.A.S., Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, P.M.B. 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Twenty-four male albino rats, Wistar's strain of 21-22 days old, with average weight of 27.6-27.9 g were fed sun dried coconut oil meal (SDCOM), oven dried coconut oil meal (ODCOM), sun dried fermented coconut oil meal (SDFCOM) and oven dried fermented coconut oil meal (ODFCOM) to evaluate the protein quality indices using a nitrogen free diet and casein nitrogen based diet as reference. The feed intake (FI), protein intake (PI) and faecal nitrogen were all significantly (p<0.05) higher in the reference diet and SDFCOM. The body weight gain in the reference diet was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the others but followed by values recorded by rats on SDFCOM and ODFCOM. Urinary nitrogen was highest in (p<0.05) in SDCOM. The nitrogen retained was higher (p<0.05) for rats fed SDFCOM and ODFCOM. Apparent Digestibilities of Nitrogen (AND) were similar for the reference diet, SDFCOM and ODFCOM. The True Protein Digestibility (TPD), Biological Value (BV), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Net Protein Utilization (NPU) and Net Protein Ratio (NPR) were all highest in the reference diet and followed by ODFCOM and lowest in SDCOM while the gross protein value (GPV) was highest (p<0.05) for rats on ODFCOM. The TPD and GPV were strongly correlated (Y = 5.716x-267.07) with R2 = 0.98. Amino acids values for the four samples were similar but leucine was highest in ODCOM. The determined values of mineral composition for SDCOM, ODCOM, SDFCOM and ODFCOM were also very similar, but phosphorous had the highest coefficient of variation (24.26%) followed by Ca, K, Zn, Mn, Mg and Cu. Oven dried fermented sample of coconut oil meal (ODFCOM) exhibited better protein quality index values than the others sun dried. © 2007 Academic Journals. | Coconut oil meal; Drying; Fermentation; Protein quality | Goose parvovirus; Rattus; Rattus norvegicus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646884141 | Performance, cost benefit, carcass quality and organ characteristics of pigs fed high graded levels of brewer's dried grain diets in the humid tropics | Amaefule K.U., Onwudike O.C., Ibe S.N., Abasiekong S.F. | 2006 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 5 | 3 | 10.3923/pjn.2006.242.247 | College of Animal Science and Animal Health, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, PMB 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | Amaefule, K.U., College of Animal Science and Animal Health, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, PMB 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Onwudike, O.C., College of Animal Science and Animal Health, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, PMB 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Ibe, S.N., College of Animal Science and Animal Health, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, PMB 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Abasiekong, S.F., College of Animal Science and Animal Health, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, PMB 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | Twenty-four (Landrace x Large white) weaner pigs with average live weight of 6.36 kg (6.25-6.50 kg) were used to evaluate the performance, cost benefit, carcass quality and organ characteristics of pigs fed high graded levels of brewers' dried grain (BDG) diets in the humid tropics. The diets contained 0, 30, 35 and 40% BDG in Treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The experiment was in a completely randomized design (CRD) with each treatment replicated three times. Live weight, weight gain, feed and protein intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were measured. Other measurements were feed cost of weight gain, gross margin, warm dressed weight, carcass and organ characteristics. Results showed that weaner pigs fed 40% BDG diet had significantly (P<0.05) higher protein intake (113.65 g) than others, while increasing levels of BDG in the diets significantly (P<0.05) decreased feed cost at the weaner stage. At the grower stage, pigs fed 35% BDG diet had weight gain, FCR and PER values similar to those fed control diet, while BDG diets significantly affected back fat (1st rib) thickness, carcass length and percent spleen. It was concluded that weaner pigs could be fed 40% BDG diet to reduce feed cost, without adverse effect on growth performance. At the grower stage, the optimum inclusion level of BDG in the pig's diet should be 35%, although 40% BDG diet could be fed to reduce feed cost without adverse effect on carcass quality and organ characteristics of the pigs. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2006. | Brewer's dried grain; Carcass quality; Growth; Pigs | animal behavior; animal experiment; animal food; animal model; article; body fat; body fat distribution; carcass; controlled study; cost benefit analysis; developmental stage; female; food analysis; food composition; food intake; grain; humidity; male; nonhuman; nutritional value; protein content; protein determination; protein intake; spleen weight; swine; weight gain; Animalia; Pieris brassicae; Sus scrofa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44349190909 | Effect of mixed feeding regime on litter performance traits of rabbit does | Iheukwumere F.C. | 2008 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 7 | 4 | 10.3923/pjn.2008.594.596 | Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Abia State University, PMB 7010, Umuahia, Nigeria | Iheukwumere, F.C., Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Abia State University, PMB 7010, Umuahia, Nigeria | Twenty-four clinically sexually mature New Zealand white rabbits consisting of (4 buck and 20 does) were used to study the effect of concentrate and Talinum triangulare combinations by breeding does during pregnancy on litter performance traits. The treatments comprised the following concentrate and Talinum triangulare combinations (%) respectively: (1) 20:80, (2) 40:60, (3) 60:40, (4) 80.20.. A total of 150 g/day was offered to the does during pregnancy. Average litter sizes at birth and weaning and litter weaning weight were similar (P > 0.05) between 40:60 and 60:40 concentrate and forage combinations, but, they differed significantly (P < 0.05) from 20:80 and 80:20 concentrate and forage combinations. However, 20:80 diets differed significantly (P < 0.05) from 80:20 diet combinations. Average litter weight gains (0 - 35 days) for the various concentrate and forage levels were 2054.40 ± 14.25 g (20:80), 2270.74 ± 18.85 g (40:60), 2314.40 ± 24.64 g (60:40) and 1485.24 ± 19.30 g (80:20). Mortalities were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between diets. From the economic stand point therefore, diet with 60:40 concentrate and forage combinations could be considered optimum, based on result on litter sizes, litter weight at weaning and mortality. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2008. | Does; Litter traits; Mixed feeding | animal experiment; animal food; article; body weight; breeding; controlled study; dietary intake; economic aspect; forage; litter size; mortality; nonhuman; rabbit; sexual maturity; weaning; weight gain; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Talinum triangulare | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33750807946 | Evaluation of poultry litter as feedstuff for growing rabbits | Onimisi P.A., Omage J.J. | 2006 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 18 | 11 | None | Animal Science Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru Zaria, Nigeria | Onimisi, P.A., Animal Science Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru Zaria, Nigeria; Omage, J.J., Animal Science Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru Zaria, Nigeria | Twenty five eight weeks old growing rabbits of mixed breeds and sexes were used to evaluate the nutritive value of poultry litter (PL) by a graded level substitution of maize and soyabeans in the diet. There were five dietary treatments with five rabbits per treatment housed individually in cages in complete randomization. The treatment diets contained 0, 8, 16, 24, and 32% level of PL respectively. The rabbits were fed the treatment diets for the 8 weeks period of the experiment. Average daily weight gain and feed to gain ratio were not statistically different among the dietary treatments. It may be concluded from the results of this experiment that poultry litter could replace up to 32% of maize - soyabeans in rabbit diets without detrimental effects on growth performance. | Growing rabbits; Growth performance; Poultry litter | Oryctolagus cuniculus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34047115476 | Evaluation of the mineral status of cattle on communal grazing in the North West Province of South Africa | Mokolopi B.G., Beighle D.E. | 2006 | Journal of the South African Veterinary Association | 77 | 4 | None | Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Agriculture Science and Technology, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa | Mokolopi, B.G., Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Agriculture Science and Technology, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Beighle, D.E., Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Agriculture Science and Technology, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa | Twenty five cattle were randomly selected from a herd of animals grazing communally around Mogosane village in the North West Province to evaluate their mineral status based on blood and faecal analysis. Mean faecal phosphorus (P) concentration was curvilinear, increasing from July (0.99 mg/g) to December (3.63 mg/g) and decreasing to 1.29 mg/g in June. Mean P concentration in grass was also curvilinear, increasing from July (0.87 mg/g) to January (1.8 mg/g) and decreasing to 0.9 mg/g in June. There was a high correlation (r2 = 0.89) between faecal and grass P concentrations. Faecal:grass P ratios suggest that the animals were conserving P by reducing faecal P excretion during times of low dietary P. Animals maintained consistent but very low serum inorganic P (SiP) throughout the year (range 1.33-1.95 mg %) and SiP was not correlated with either faecal or grass P. Mean faecal and grass calcium (Ca) concentrations followed a similar pattern to P. There was also a positive correlation (r2 = 0.95) between grass and faecal Ca concentrations. Faecal:grass Ca ratios indicated a conservation of Ca by reducing faecal Ca when dietary Ca was low. Animals were better able to conserve dietary Ca by reducing losses in the faeces than they were P, based on a higher faecal:grass P ratio (1.56) compared with Ca (1.18). Magnesium (Mg) was lost through the faeces during times of high dietary Mg concentrations but was conserved when grass Mg was low. | Blood; Calcium; Communal grazing; Faecal; Grass; Magnesium; Phosphorus | calcium; magnesium; mineral; phosphate; phosphorus; animal food; article; blood analysis; cattle; concentration (parameters); controlled study; correlation analysis; feces analysis; food composition; grass; grazing; health status; herd; nonhuman; nutritional health; South Africa; Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry; Animal Nutrition Physiology; Animal Welfare; Animals; Calcium; Cattle; Feces; Magnesium; Minerals; Phosphorus; Poaceae; Seasons; South Africa; Animalia; Bos | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845346476 | Evaluation of cowpea accessions for the Southern Guinea savannah | Awopetu J.A., Aliyu O.M. | 2006 | Tropical Science | 46 | 4 | 10.1002/ts.183 | Department of Crop Production, University of Florin, Nigeria; Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, PMB 5244, Ibadan, Nigeria | Awopetu, J.A., Department of Crop Production, University of Florin, Nigeria; Aliyu, O.M., Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, PMB 5244, Ibadan, Nigeria | Twenty-five accessions of cowpea of different origin were evaluated in Ilorin, in the Southern Guinea savannah of Nigeria. They showed variable adaptation in terms of flowering time, leaves at flowering, pattern of branching, yield capabilities and time of maturity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Adaptation; Breeding; Cowpea accessions; Savannah ecology | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880115352 | Effect of feeding Prosopis juliflora pods and leaves on performance and carcass characteristics of Afar sheep | Ali A.S., Tudsri S., Rungmekarat S., Kaewtrakulpong K. | 2012 | Kasetsart Journal - Natural Science | 46 | 6 | None | Afar Pastoral and Agro-pastoral Research Institute, Afar Region, Samara 16, Ethiopia; Department of Agronomy, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Department of Farm Mechanics, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand | Ali, A.S., Afar Pastoral and Agro-pastoral Research Institute, Afar Region, Samara 16, Ethiopia; Tudsri, S., Department of Agronomy, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Rungmekarat, S., Department of Agronomy, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Kaewtrakulpong, K., Department of Farm Mechanics, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand | Twenty Afar male sheep with initial mean body weight ± SD of 17.87 ± 1.19 kg were used to evaluate the effect of replacing commercial feed with Prosopis juliflora pods and leaves on growth performance, carcass and meat quality characteristics. Animals were equally divided into four dietary treatment groups for 120 d (Rhode grass hay (RGH), RGH + 300 g ground P. juliflora pods (PJP), RGH + 150 g each ground P. juliflora pods and leaves mix (PJPLM) and RGH + 300 g commercial concentrate mix (CCM) per head per day). Total dry matter and crude protein intakes increased (P < 0.05) in treatments supplemented with ground PJP and CCM. The average weight gain and meat quality parameters obtained by supplementing with 300 g ground PJP were significantly higher than the RGH and PJPLM treatment groups, but were comparable with that of CCM. The present study demonstrated the potential of using PJP for Afar lambs without adverse effects on growth and carcass characteristics. However, the intake of PJP reduced when mixed with leaves and this indicates the leaves are unpalatable. | Afar sheep; Carcass characteristics; Feed intake; Growth; Prosopis juliflora | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898753975 | Effects of supplementing Leucaena leucocephala and conserved forages from natural pasture on the performance of grazing calves | Ojo V.O.A., Aina A.B.J., Fasae O.A., Oni A.O., Aderinboye R.Y., Dele P.A., Idowu O.J., Adelusi O.O., Shittu O.O., Okeniyi F.A., Jolaosho A.O. | 2014 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 46 | 1 | 10.1007/s11250-013-0476-2 | Department of Pasture and Range Management, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production and Health, College of Animal Science and Lives | Ojo, V.O.A., Department of Pasture and Range Management, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Aina, A.B.J., Department of Animal Production and Health, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Fasae, O.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oni, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Aderinboye, R.Y., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Dele, P.A., Department of Pasture and Range Management, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Idowu, O.J., Department of Pasture and Range Management, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adelusi, O.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Shittu, O.O., Institute of Food Security, Environment Resources and Agricultural Research, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Okeniyi, F.A., Department of Animal Physiology, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Jolaosho, A.O., Department of Pasture and Range Management, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Twelve white Fulani × N'dama cross-bred calves weighing 83.79±1.16 kg were used in an 84-day experiment to investigate the utilization of forage resources from natural grazing land. The experimental diets were sole grazing, grazing + hay, grazing + silage and grazing + Leucaena leucocephala leaves. The calves were divided into four groups of three animals each and were randomly assigned to the four experimental diets. Crude protein (CP) contents of the forages ranged from 59 to 171 g/kg dry matter (DM). Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) contents of the forages ranged from 560 to 705 g/kg DM and 363 to 440 g/kg DM, respectively. Significantly (P <0.05) higher values inmineral contents (Ca, K, P and Mg) were recorded for L. leucocephala leaves compared to other forage resources. Variations (P <0.05) were observed in the average daily gain. Animals on grazing + L. leucocephala leaves diet had the highest (113 g/day) average daily gain, while those on sole grazing showed the least value (26.2 g/day). Packed cell volume (PCV), total serum protein, urea and calcium concentration showed significant differences (P <0.05). Effective utilization of forage resources from the natural pasture by the calves was attained on supplementation with conserved forages and L. leucocephala leaves without any deleterious effects on the haematological and serum parameters. © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013. | Calves; Conserved forages; Haematology; Natural grazing land; Performance | animal; animal disease; animal food; animal husbandry; article; cattle; diet; eating; Fabaceae; growth, development and aging; randomization; season; silage; weight gain; Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Cattle; Diet; Eating; Fabaceae; Random Allocation; Seasons; Silage; Weight Gain | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-49549106447 | Impact of milling techniques on the particle size distribution pattern of turmeric powder | Mangaraj S., Singh R., Adewumi B.A. | 2008 | Journal of Food Science and Technology | 45 | 5 | None | Agro Processing Division, Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Nabibagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal-462 038, India; Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Mangaraj, S., Agro Processing Division, Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Nabibagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal-462 038, India; Singh, R., Agro Processing Division, Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Nabibagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal-462 038, India; Adewumi, B.A., Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Turmeric (Curcuma longa Roxb) powder (TP) was prepared by milling turmeric rhizomes using pulverizer mill, burr mill and home grinder. The TP obtained from each machine was analyzed for particle size distribution using a particle size analyzer with laser distraction to study the effect of each milling technique on the particle size of TP. Standard percentile diameter D (v, 0.5), D (v, 0.1) and D (v, 0.9) for samples obtained from the pulverizer mill, burr mill and home grinder were 270.41μm, 109.48 μm and 511.67 μm; 310.23 UMn, 121.74 μm; and 607.42 μm; 391.56 μm, 132.12 μm, and 682.78 μm, respectively. Volume mean diameter [D 4, 3] was more (312.77 μm) for home grinder milled TP sample compared to 216.42 μm; for burr milled and 199.71 μm; for pulverizer milled TP. Surface area mean diameter [D 3, 2] was also higher (197.43 μm) for home grinder milled TP samples compared to other milled samples. The specific surface area (Aw) for pulverizer milled TP sample was highest (0.0367 m 2/g), followed by burr milled (0.0311 m 2/g and home grinder (0.0298 m 2/g) TP sample. Pulverizer milled TP was finer compared to burr milled and home grinder as indicated by standard deviation value of pulverized mill (0,155), home grinder (0.054) and burr mill (0.086). There was significant difference (p≤0.05) in particle size distribution of TP prepared employing various milling techniques. | Milling technique; Particle size distribution; Specific surface area; Surface area moment mean; Turmeric powder; Volume moment mean | Grain size and shape; Grinding (machining); Grinding machines; Milling (machining); Particle size; Particle size analysis; Powders; Size distribution; Standards; Curcuma longa; Mean diameter; Milling technique; Particle size analyzer; Particle size distribution; Specific surface area; Specific surface areas; Surface area; Surface area moment mean; Turmeric powder; Volume mean diameter; Volume moment mean; Grinding mills; Curcuma longa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878098841 | Preliminary structure - Activity relationships and biological evaluation of novel antitubercular indolecarboxamide derivatives against drug-susceptible and drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains | Onajole O.K., Pieroni M., Tipparaju S.K., Lun S., Stec J., Chen G., Gunosewoyo H., Guo H., Ammerman N.C., Bishai W.R., Kozikowski A.P. | 2013 | Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 56 | 10 | 10.1021/jm4003878 | Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, United States; Department of Medicine, Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231-1044, United States; KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban 4001, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-6789, United States; Dipartimento Farmaceutico, University of Parma, Via G. P. Usberti 27/a, Parma 43121, Italy; Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139-1670, United States; College of Pharmacy, Chicago State University, 9501 South King Drive, Chicago, IL 60628-1598, United States | Onajole, O.K., Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, United States; Pieroni, M., Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, United States, Dipartimento Farmaceutico, University of Parma, Via G. P. Usberti 27/a, Parma 43121, Italy; Tipparaju, S.K., Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, United States, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139-1670, United States; Lun, S., Department of Medicine, Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231-1044, United States; Stec, J., Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, United States, College of Pharmacy, Chicago State University, 9501 South King Drive, Chicago, IL 60628-1598, United States; Chen, G., Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, United States; Gunosewoyo, H., Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, United States; Guo, H., Department of Medicine, Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231-1044, United States; Ammerman, N.C., Department of Medicine, Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231-1044, United States, KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban 4001, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Bishai, W.R., Department of Medicine, Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231-1044, United States, KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban 4001, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-6789, United States; Kozikowski, A.P., Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, United States | Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide, with approximately one-third of the world's population infected with latent TB. This is further aggravated by HIV coinfection and the emergence of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant (MDR and XDR, respectively) TB; hence the quest for highly effective antitubercular drugs with novel modes of action is imperative. We report herein the discovery of an indole-2-carboxamide analogue, 3, as a highly potent antitubercular agent, and the subsequent chemical modifications aimed at establishing a preliminary body of structure-activity relationships (SARs). These efforts led to the identification of three molecules (12-14) possessing an exceptional activity in the low nanomolar range against actively replicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values lower than those of the most prominent antitubercular agents currently in use. These compounds were also devoid of apparent toxicity to Vero cells. Importantly, compound 12 was found to be active against the tested XDR-TB strains and orally active in the serum inhibition titration assay. © 2013 American Chemical Society. | None | 6,7 dihydro 2 nitro 6 (4 trifluoromethoxybenzyloxy) 5h imidazo[2,1 b][1,3]oxazine; bedaquiline; indole 2 carboxamide; tuberculostatic agent; unclassified drug; animal cell; antibacterial activity; article; bacterial strain; chemical modification; controlled study; drug sensitivity; minimum inhibitory concentration; multidrug resistance; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; structure activity relation; Vero cell; Animals; Antitubercular Agents; Cell Survival; Cercopithecus aethiops; Colony Count, Microbial; Drug Design; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Female; High-Throughput Screening Assays; Indoles; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Serum Bactericidal Test; Solubility; Structure-Activity Relationship; Vero Cells | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67349094587 | Evaluation of directly observed therapy for tuberculosis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Ntshanga S.P., Rustomjee R., Mabaso M.L.H. | 2009 | Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene | 103 | 6 | 10.1016/j.trstmh.2009.03.021 | Unit for Clinical and Biomedical TB Research, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), 491 Ridge Road, Overport, 4067, South Africa; Malaria Research Programme, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), P.O. Box 70380, Overport, 4067, South Africa | Ntshanga, S.P., Unit for Clinical and Biomedical TB Research, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), 491 Ridge Road, Overport, 4067, South Africa; Rustomjee, R., Unit for Clinical and Biomedical TB Research, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), 491 Ridge Road, Overport, 4067, South Africa; Mabaso, M.L.H., Malaria Research Programme, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), P.O. Box 70380, Overport, 4067, South Africa | Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. Directly observed therapy (DOT) is a key element of the WHO's Directly Observed Treatment, Short Course (DOTS) strategy to control TB. Since the inception of DOTS in South Africa in 1996, its impact has never been assessed. We evaluated the DOT programme in the priority facilities of the four TB crises districts (EThekwini, UMgungundlovu, UMzinyathi and UThungulu) in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview TB nurses and community DOT supporters. The primary outcome used was cure rate. On average, priority facilities in districts that have high DOT coverage had better cure rates compared with those that have low DOT coverage (β = 0.818, 95% CI 0.023-1.614; P = 0.045). The fewer the number of patients allocated to a DOT supporter the higher the cure rates (β = -1.984; 95% CI -3.88 to 0.086; P = 0.041). There was no difference in cure rates between facilities with tangible reporting and recording methods and those with none. These findings suggest that cure rates can be improved if DOT is implemented appropriately. © 2009 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. | Compliance; Directly observed therapy; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; South Africa; Treatment outcome; Tuberculosis | article; controlled study; directly observed therapy; health care facility; health program; nurse; South Africa; tuberculosis; tuberculosis control; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Antitubercular Agents; Directly Observed Therapy; Female; HIV-1; Humans; Male; Program Evaluation; South Africa; Tuberculosis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955542932 | Evaluation of TBc identification immunochromatographic assay for rapid identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in samples from broth cultures | Said H.M., Ismail N., Osman A., Velsman C., Hoosen A.A. | 2011 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 49 | 5 | 10.1128/JCM.01906-10 | Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 2034, Pretoria 0089, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Service, Tshwane Academic Division, 2 Pretoria, South Africa | Said, H.M., Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 2034, Pretoria 0089, South Africa; Ismail, N., Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 2034, Pretoria 0089, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Service, Tshwane Academic Division, 2 Pretoria, South Africa; Osman, A., Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 2034, Pretoria 0089, South Africa; Velsman, C., Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 2034, Pretoria 0089, South Africa; Hoosen, A.A., Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 2034, Pretoria 0089, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Service, Tshwane Academic Division, 2 Pretoria, South Africa | Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of major public health concern worldwide, especially in developing countries. In addition, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic has increased the incidence of infection with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Rapid, accurate, and simple methods for differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) isolates from NTM is greatly needed for successful control of the TB epidemic. This study was done to evaluate the clinical performance of the BD MGIT TBc identification test (TBc ID) for rapid identification of MTBC in samples from broth cultures. A total of 229 Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stain-positive MGIT cultures were tested using the TBc ID test, and the results were compared with those of the AccuProbe MTBC identification test (GenProbe, San Diego, CA). The agreement between the TBc ID test and the AccuProbe assay was 96% (kappa = 0.92; confidence interval [CI] = 0.869 to 0.971). The sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values of the TBc ID test compared to the AccuProbe assay were 100%, 92.4%, 100%, and 92.2%, respectively. After additional molecular testing, the agreement between the two methods increased to 97.8% (kappa = 0.96; CI = 0.917 to 0.994), and the specificity and positive predictive value increased to 95.6% and 95.7%, respectively. The TBc ID test is a simple, sensitive, and specific test for identification of MTBC in samples from acid-fast bacillus (AFB) smear-positive cultures. The TBc ID test could be a good alternative to the AccuProbe test in TB diagnostic laboratories. Copyright © 2011, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | acid fast bacterium; article; bacterium culture; bacterium identification; bacterium isolate; controlled study; diagnostic test; human; infection control; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; predictive value; priority journal; reproducibility; sensitivity and specificity; TBc identification immunochromatgraphic assay; Bacteriological Techniques; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Culture Media; Humans; Immunoassay; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Predictive Value of Tests; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tuberculosis; Corynebacterineae; Human immunodeficiency virus; Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67651119884 | The impact of habitat fragmentation on tsetse abundance on the plateau of eastern Zambia | Ducheyne E., Mweempwa C., De Pus C., Vernieuwe H., De Deken R., Hendrickx G., Van den Bossche P. | 2009 | Preventive Veterinary Medicine | 91 | 1 | 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2009.05.009 | Avia-GIS, Risschotlei 33, 2980 Zoersel, Belgium; Department of Veterinary and Livestock Development, Zambia; Animal Health Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, South Africa | Ducheyne, E., Avia-GIS, Risschotlei 33, 2980 Zoersel, Belgium; Mweempwa, C., Department of Veterinary and Livestock Development, Zambia; De Pus, C., Animal Health Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium; Vernieuwe, H., Avia-GIS, Risschotlei 33, 2980 Zoersel, Belgium; De Deken, R., Animal Health Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium; Hendrickx, G., Avia-GIS, Risschotlei 33, 2980 Zoersel, Belgium; Van den Bossche, P., Animal Health Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, South Africa | Tsetse-transmitted human or livestock trypanosomiasis is one of the major constraints to rural development in sub-Saharan Africa. The epidemiology of the disease is determined largely by tsetse fly density. A major factor, contributing to tsetse population density is the availability of suitable habitat. In large parts of Africa, encroachment of people and their livestock resulted in a destruction and fragmentation of such suitable habitat. To determine the effect of habitat change on tsetse density a study was initiated in a tsetse-infested zone of eastern Zambia. The study area represents a gradient of habitat change, starting from a zone with high levels of habitat destruction and ending in an area where livestock and people are almost absent. To determine the distribution and density of the fly, tsetse surveys were conducted throughout the study area in the dry and in the rainy season. Landsat ETM+ imagery covering the study area were classified into four land cover classes (munga, miombo, agriculture and settlements) and two auxiliary spectral classes (clouds and shadow) using a Gaussian Maximum Likelihood Classifier. The classes were regrouped into natural vegetation and agricultural zone. The binary images were overlaid with hexagons to obtain the spatial spectrum of spatial pattern. Hexagonal coverage was selected because of its compact and regular form. To identify scale-specific spatial patterns and associated entomological phenomena, the size of the hexagonal coverage was varied (250 and 500 m). Per coverage, total class area, mean patch size, number of patches and patch size standard deviation were used as fragmentation indices. Based on the fragmentation index values, the study zone was classified using a Partitioning Around Mediods (PAM) method. The number of classes was determined using the Wilks' lambda coefficient. To determine the impact of habitat fragmentation on tsetse abundance, the correlation between the fragmentation indices and the index of apparent density of the flies was determined and habitat changes most affecting tsetse abundance was identified. From this it followed that there is a clear relationship between habitat fragmentation and the abundance of tsetse flies. Heavily fragmented areas have lower numbers of tsetse flies, but when the fragmentation of natural vegetation decreases, the number of tsetse flies increases following a sigmoidal-like curve. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Fragmentation analysis; GIS; Tsetse | animal; article; disease carrier; ecosystem; female; geographic information system; growth, development and aging; human; male; parasitology; season; Trypanosoma; tsetse fly; Zambia; Animals; Ecosystem; Female; Geographic Information Systems; Humans; Insect Vectors; Male; Seasons; Trypanosoma; Tsetse Flies; Zambia; Glossina (genus) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-22744456563 | Tryptic digests of sorghum malt sprouts: Evaluation of their stimulatory roles during very-high-gravity ethanol fermentation | Ezeogu L.I., Okolo B.N., Ogbonna J.C. | 2005 | Journal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists | 63 | 3 | 10.1094/ASBCJ-63-0121 | Brewing Science Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Institute of Applied Biochemistry, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan; Department of Food Science, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa | Ezeogu, L.I., Brewing Science Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, Department of Food Science, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Okolo, B.N., Brewing Science Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ogbonna, J.C., Institute of Applied Biochemistry, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan | Tryptic digests of sprouts from two Nigerian sorghum cultivars were evaluated for their effects on very-high-gravity-fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae WY1006. Yeast growth, fermentation vigor, and ethanol production were considerably (P < 0.05) enhanced by small amounts (1.25 to 6.25 g/L) of digests. CO2 emission rates after 24 hr were 48.3 to 69.2 mg/hr (Local White [TDSS-LW] digest) and 67.1 to 89.2 mg/hr (Local Red [TDSS-LR] digest) compared with 41.3 mg/hr in the unsupplemented control. Yeast growth increased 1.6- to 2.0- and 1.7- to 2.2-fold, respectively with TDSS-LW and TDSS-LR. At 83.7 to 105.0 and 102.0 to 128.8 g/L, respectively, TDSS-LW and TDSS-LR supported significantly (P < 0.05) higher ethanol production than did the control (64.0 g/L). Final ethanol values with TDSS-LR were always (P < 0.05) higher than those with TDSS-LW, but very comparable with values from yeast extract-supplemented media (105.9 to 137.5 g/L). Sprout digest concentrations supporting maximum ethanol production were 5.0 and 3.75 g/L, respectively for TDSS-LW and TDSS-LR. At 3.75 g/L or below, more ethanol was produced by yeast in media with TDSS-LR than was observed in corresponding yeast extract-containing media. Results suggest that tryptic digests of sorghum sprouts can serve as viable alternatives to expensive yeast extract in ethanologenic fermentation. © 2005 American Society of Brewing Chemists, Inc. | Ethanol production; Fermentation vigor; Supplementation; Yeast growth | Saccharomyces cerevisiae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84255193251 | Evaluation of biocontrol agents for grapevine pruning wound protection against trunk pathogen infection | Kotze C., Van Niekerk J., Mostert L., Halleen F., Fourie P. | 2011 | Phytopathologia Mediterranea | 50 | SUPPL. | None | Department of Plant Pathology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Plant Protection Division, ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Citrus Research International, P.O. Box 2201, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | Kotze, C., Department of Plant Pathology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Van Niekerk, J., Department of Plant Pathology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Mostert, L., Department of Plant Pathology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Halleen, F., Department of Plant Pathology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa, Plant Protection Division, ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Fourie, P., Department of Plant Pathology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa, Citrus Research International, P.O. Box 2201, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | Trunk diseases of grapevine are caused by numerous pathogens, including Eutypa lata, Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, and species of Botryosphaeriaceae (incl. Botryosphaeria and aggregate genera), Phomopsis and Phaeoacremonium. Since infections occur mainly through pruning wounds, that have been shown by previous research to stay susceptible for up to 16 weeks after pruning, long-term pruning wound protection is required for prevention of infection. This study evaluated several biocontrol agents against a range of trunk disease pathogens in dual plate laboratory trials to determine macroscopic and microscopic interactions. The biocontrol agents had a substantial effect on all the pathogens, with a wide range of macroscopic and microscopic interactions observed. The best performing biocontrol agents were tested in two field trials. Fresh pruning wounds were treated with benomyl, Trichoderma products (Biotricho®, Vinevax® and ECO 77®) and isolates (USPP-T1 and -T2, identified as T. atroviride) and Bacillus subtilis. Seven days after treatment the pruning wounds were inoculated by spraying with spore suspensions of Neofusicoccum australe, N. parvum, Diplodia seriata, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Eutypa lata, Phaeomoniella chlamydospora or Phomopsis viticola. Eight months after inoculation, the treatments were evaluated by isolation onto potato dextrose agar. The efficacy of the biocontrol agents was in most cases similar or superior to that observed for benomyl. Isolate USPP-T1, in particular, was very effective, reducing incidence of Ph. viticola, E. lata, Pa. chlamydospora, N. australe, N. parvum, D. seriata and L. theobromae by 69, 76, 77, 78, 80, 85 and 92%, respectively. This is the first report of biological protection of grapevine pruning wounds against this group of grapevine trunk disease pathogens. | Botryosphaeriaceae; Esca; Eutypa; Petri disease; Phomopsis; Trichoderma | Bacillus subtilis; Bacteria (microorganisms); Botryosphaeria; Botryosphaeria rhodina; Botryosphaeriaceae; Diplodia; Eutypa; Eutypa lata; Phaeoacremonium; Phaeomoniella chlamydospora; Phomopsis; Phomopsis viticola; Seriata; Solanum tuberosum; Trichoderma; Trichoderma atroviride; Vitis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874355935 | Formulation and evaluation of glutaraldehyde-crosslinked chitosan microparticles for the delivery of ibuprofen | Ofokansi K.C., Kenechukwu F.C., Isah A.B., Okigbo E.L. | 2013 | Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research | 12 | 1 | None | Drug Delivery Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello Univ | Ofokansi, K.C., Drug Delivery Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; Kenechukwu, F.C., Drug Delivery Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; Isah, A.B., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Okigbo, E.L., Drug Delivery Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria | Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research is indexed by Science Citation Index (Purpose: Toformulate glutaraldehyde-cross-linked chitosan-based microparticles and evaluate its suitability for the delivery of ibuprofen, a BCS class II drug. Methods: Ibuprofen-loaded chitosan microparticles were prepared by emulsification-cross-linking technique using glutaraldehyde saturated toluene (GST) as the cross-linking agent. The microparticles were characterized with respect to morphology, particle size, microparticle yield and entrapment efficiency. The swelling behaviour of the particles and ibuprofen release were assessed in both simulated gastric fluid (SGF) without pepsin (pH 1.2) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) without pancreatin (pH 7.4). Results: Discrete and free-flowing microparticles of size range 100.05 ± 8.82 to 326.70 ± 10.43 μm were obtained. The microparticles had a high yield (69.2 to 99.2 %) and exhibited greater water sorption capacity in SIF (122.2 %) than in SGF (60 %). Furthermore, the microparticles cross-linked with 10 ml of GST entrapped the highest amount of drug (23.32 ± 0.97 %) while those cross-linked with 25 ml GST had the highest yield of the microparticles (99.19 %), and highest water sorption in SIF (122.2 %). Up to 93.6 % of the entrapped drug was released in SIF from microparticles cross-linked with 25 ml of GST. Drug release from microparticles cross-linked with 20 and 30 ml each of GST showed a biphasic pattern. Conclusions: Entrapment of ibuprofen in glutaraldehyde-cross-linked chitosan microparticles can be exploited to target and control the release of the drug and possibly reduce its gastro-erosive side effects. © Pharmacotherapy Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, 300001 Nigeria. All rights reserved. | Chitosan microparticles; Gastrointestinal; Glutaraldehyde; Ibuprofen; Oral delivery | chitosan; glutaraldehyde; glutaraldehyde saturated toluene; ibuprofen; pancreatin; pepsin A; toluene; unclassified drug; article; chemical structure; compression; controlled drug release; cross linking; drug delivery system; drug formulation; drug screening; emulsion; in vitro study; intestine fluid; microparticle yield; particle size; particle swelling; physical parameters; process model; stomach juice; water absorption | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907953814 | Trophic level-based indicators to track fishing impacts across marine ecosystems | Shannon L., Coll M., Bundy A., Gascuel D., Heymans J.J., Kleisner K., Lynam C.P., Piroddi C., Tam J., Travers-Trolet M., Shin Y. | 2014 | Marine Ecology Progress Series | 512 | None | 10.3354/meps10821 | Marine Research Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa; Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, Barcelona, Spain; Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Ocean Ecosystem Science, PO Box 1006, Dartmouth, NS, Canada; Université Européenne de Bretagne, Agrocampus Ouest, UMR985 Écologie et Santé des Écosystèmes, 65 route de Saint Brieuc, CS 8421, Rennes cedex, France; Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scottish Marine Institute, Oban, Argyll, United Kingdom; University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada; National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA, United States; Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, United Kingdom; Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Via E. Fermi 2749, Ispra (VA), Italy; Instituto del Mar del Perú (IMARPE), Esquina Gamarra y Gral. Valle s/n, Apartado 22, Callao, Lima, Peru; IFREMER, Fisheries Laboratory, 150 quai Gambetta, BP699, Boulogne/mer, France; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR EME 212, CRH, Avenue Jean Monnet, CS 30171, Sète cedex, France | Shannon, L., Marine Research Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa; Coll, M., Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, Barcelona, Spain, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR EME 212, CRH, Avenue Jean Monnet, CS 30171, Sète cedex, France; Bundy, A., Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Ocean Ecosystem Science, PO Box 1006, Dartmouth, NS, Canada; Gascuel, D., Université Européenne de Bretagne, Agrocampus Ouest, UMR985 Écologie et Santé des Écosystèmes, 65 route de Saint Brieuc, CS 8421, Rennes cedex, France; Heymans, J.J., Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scottish Marine Institute, Oban, Argyll, United Kingdom; Kleisner, K., University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA, United States; Lynam, C.P., Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, United Kingdom; Piroddi, C., Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Via E. Fermi 2749, Ispra (VA), Italy; Tam, J., Instituto del Mar del Perú (IMARPE), Esquina Gamarra y Gral. Valle s/n, Apartado 22, Callao, Lima, Peru; Travers-Trolet, M., IFREMER, Fisheries Laboratory, 150 quai Gambetta, BP699, Boulogne/mer, France; Shin, Y., Marine Research Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR EME 212, CRH, Avenue Jean Monnet, CS 30171, Sète cedex, France | Trophic level (TL)-based indicators have been widely used to examine fishing impacts in aquatic ecosystems and the induced biodiversity changes. However, much debate has ensued regarding discrepancies and challenges arising from the use of landings data from commercial fisheries to calculate TL indicators. Subsequent studies have started to examine survey-based and model-based indicators. In this paper, we undertake an extensive evaluation of a variety of TL indicators across 9 well-studied marine ecosystems by making use of model- as well as surveyand catch-based TL indicators. Using detailed regional information and data on fishing history, fishing intensity, and environmental conditions, we evaluate how well TL indicators are capturing fishing effects at the community level of marine ecosystems. Our results highlight that the differences observed between TL indicator values and trends is dependent on the data source and the TL cut-off point used in the calculations and is not attributable to an intrinsic problem with TLbased indicators. All 3 data sources provide useful information about the structural changes in the ecosystem as a result of fishing, but our results indicate that only model-based indicators represent fishing impacts at the whole ecosystem level. © Inter-Research and Fisheries and Oceans Canada 2014 | Catch; Convention on biological diversity; Ecosystem approach to fisheries; Ecosystem model; Food webs; Global comparison; Indicator; Survey; Trophic level; Trophic spectra | biodiversity; bioindicator; commercial species; data set; ecological modeling; ecosystem modeling; environmental conditions; fishery management; fishing; food web; marine ecosystem; survey; trophic level | M1228, Defra, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; DFO, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; DST, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; EC, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; NRF, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; PEW, Fisheries and Oceans Canada |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960993397 | Field evaluation of Beauveria bassiana efficacy for the control of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) | Gatarayiha M.C., Laing M.D., Miller R.M. | 2011 | Journal of Applied Entomology | 135 | 8 | 10.1111/j.1439-0418.2010.01569.x | School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Gatarayiha, M.C., School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Laing, M.D., School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Miller, R.M., School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Trials with eggplants were conducted to evaluate field efficacy of Beauveria bassiana (Bb) applications against Tetranychus urticae, during spring of 2006 and 2007. In the 2006-Trial, a rate of ca. 0.7×10 12 conidia/ha was sprayed onto plants at intervals. In the 2007-Trial, the rates of ca. 0.8×10 12 and 1.6×10 12 conidia/ha were sprayed at 1- or 2-week intervals. Based on population densities of mites and leaf damage assessed throughout the trial, the Bb sprays with 1- or 2-week interval showed better control than those of 3 or 4weeks. In both trials there was no statistical difference between 1-week and 2-week spray interval for all parameters measured. Furthermore, the higher rate performed significantly better than the lower rate, regardless of the intervals. No interaction was found between the spraying interval and the applied rate. Ultimately, to suppress the population density of T. urticae and prevent the eggplant damage in spring, the higher rate applied at 2-week interval was effective. © 2010 Blackwell Verlag, GmbH. | Beauveria bassiana; Control efficacy; Eggplant; Tetranychus urticae | dicotyledon; field survey; integrated pest management; mite; pest damage; population density; seasonality; spatiotemporal analysis; Acari; Cordyceps bassiana; Solanum melongena; Tetranychidae; Tetranychus urticae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79956210886 | Automating consumers' connections to the distribution network for enhanced performance | Popoola O.M., Jimoh A., Nicolae D. | 2010 | International Review of Electrical Engineering | 5 | 5 | None | Electrical Engineering department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Popoola, O.M., Electrical Engineering department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Jimoh, A., Electrical Engineering department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Nicolae, D., Electrical Engineering department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Trial and error approach which involves service interruption is usually carried out to resolve unbalance on phases in power distribution system. This approach might improve the phase voltage and current but the resultant effect (change) does not last for too long; thereby reduces the market value in terms of quality and reliability of supply. To enhance the performance of the secondary distribution system there is a need for an automating technology. The aim of this paper is to introduce a method and technology developed for resolving imbalances in a secondary distribution system as a result of the uneven distribution of single phase load across a three phase power system. The technology developed is able to monitor, acquire/display collected data and perform self changing switching actions electronically. This action is in form of rearrangement or transfer of consumer loads for optimal performance of the distribution feeder. The proposed switching technology is based on open- transition switch that enables transfer or rearrangement of consumer loads in a three-phase system within milliseconds with supervisory control system. The following methodologies: System Simulator - Matlab (Simulink), Virtual Instrumentation-Lab VIEW and Hardware implementation were applied for the validation of the proposed technique. Copyright © 2010 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved. | Automated technology; Current imbalances; Load balancing; Phase arrangement; Static transfer switching | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84950107048 | Evaluation of feed quantity offered, feeding frequency and duration of feeding on the performance of growing pigs | Njoku C.P., Aina A.B.J., Sogunle O.M., Adeyemi O.A., Oduguwa O.O. | 2013 | Thai Journal of Agricultural Science | 46 | 3 | None | Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Njoku, C.P., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Aina, A.B.J., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Sogunle, O.M., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Adeyemi, O.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Oduguwa, O.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Tremendous progress has been recorded in pig nutrition in the last three decades. However, there is dearth of information with respect to the various methods of feed management practices in pig production. Hence, a 3×3×2 factorial experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feed quantity offered (1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 kg), feeding frequency (one, two and three times per day) and feeding duration (3 and 5 months) on the growth performance of growing pigs. A total of forty-five eight-week weaner Large White male pigs were randomly assigned to three main treatments with each treatment consisting of three replicates of five pigs each. The experimental animals were housed in individual pens with concrete floor size of 2 m by 1 m equipped with feeding and watering troughs. Feeding was carried out at 07:00, 12:00 and 17:00 hours each day depending on the feeding frequency. Weekly data were collected on dry matter intake, change in body weight, water consumption rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature, frequency and quantity of faecal excretion. Terminal carcass evaluation was carried out at the 3rd and 5th months. Data obtained were subjected to 3-way analysis of variance. Performance response (final live weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio) increased significantly (P<0.05) with increase in the quantity of feed offered from treatment 1 to treatment 3, while water intake and feed cost per weight gain decreased significantly (P<0.05) from 4.80 to 3.59 L pig-1 day-1 and $0.87 to $0.63, respectively with increase in quantity of feed offered. Feed intake, water intake, feed cost and frequency of faecal excretion increased significantly (P<0.05) with increased feeding frequency while rectal temperature decreased significantly (P<0.05) from 39.02 to 38.62°C with increased feeding frequency. The interaction among the quantity of feed offered, feeding frequency and feeding duration showed that growing pigs fed 2.5 kg pig-1 day-1 thrice per day for 3 months performed better in terms of growth. So, the productivity of pigs should not be based on a single factor of feed management but on interaction among these factors (feed quantity, frequency of feeding and feeding duration). | Duration; Frequency; Performance; Pig; Quantity | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950802837 | Fractionation and analysis of an impact poly(propylene) copolymer by TREF and SEC-FTIR | De Goede E., Mallon P., Pasch H. | 2010 | Macromolecular Materials and Engineering | 295 | 4 | 10.1002/mame.200900336 | Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | De Goede, E., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Mallon, P., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Pasch, H., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | TREF and SEC-FTIR were combined for the first time to characterise a commercial ICPP. This off-line coupling proved to be especially useful for the characterisation of fractions of co-eluting non-identical components, exhibiting bimodal molecular weight distributions. Within these fractions the chemical composition distribution across the molecular weight curve indicated the presence of EPC within the lower elution volume, high molecular weight distribution within the bimodal curve, while PP homopolymer was present across the high elution volume, low-molecular-weight distribution. The distribution of ethylene and propylene sequence crystallinity across the molecular weight distribution indicated the presence of both crystalline ethylene and propylene sequences across the EPC component, while only crystalline PP was detected within the component characterised as PP homopolymer. These results were used to characterise the melt behaviour of TREF fractions measured by DSC, especially those of the above-mentioned fractions containing co-eluting EPC and iPP. The melt endotherm present at lower temperature within the 60-100 8C fractions was assigned to the melting of ethylene sequences present within the EPC component while the endotherm at higher temperature was representative of the melting of propylene sequences present within bothEPCandiPP.Thecombination of TREFandSEC-FTIRhadproven to be one of the simplest, fastest ways of characterising ICPPs. A single SEC-FTIR analysis of each TREF fraction allows for the simultaneous identification of constituents as well as the determination of ethyleneand propylene crystallinity as a function of molecular weight. This approach replaces analytical procedures where TREF analysis would have to be followed by additional steps of both FTIR and DSC analyses to obtain information of a similar nature. © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. | FTIR; ICPP copolymer; Size-exclusion chromatography; Temperature-rising elution fractionation | Analytical procedure; Bimodal molecular weight distribution; Characterisation; Chemical composition distributions; Crystallinities; Elution volumes; FTIR; FTIR analysis; High molecular weight; Higher temperatures; Homopolymers; Identical components; Low molecular weight; Poly(propylene) copolymers; Propylene sequences; Simultaneous identification; Temperature-rising elution; Temperature-rising elution fractionation; Copolymerization; Crystalline materials; Ethylene; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; Gel permeation chromatography; Molecular weight distribution; Plastic products; Polypropylenes; Size exclusion chromatography; Weighing; Propylene | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-24944542762 | Combining dendrochronology and matrix modelling in demographic studies: An evaluation for Juniperus procera in Ethiopia | Couralet C., Sass-Klaassen U., Sterck F., Bekele T., Zuidema P.A. | 2005 | Forest Ecology and Management | 216 | 42372 | 10.1016/j.foreco.2005.05.065 | Wageningen University, Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, PO Box 342, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Forestry Research Center, Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organisation, PO Box 30708, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Plant Ecology, Utrecht University, PO Box 80084, 3508 TB Utrecht, Netherlands; 94 J rue Molière, 93100 Montreuil, France | Couralet, C., Wageningen University, Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, PO Box 342, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands, 94 J rue Molière, 93100 Montreuil, France; Sass-Klaassen, U., Wageningen University, Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, PO Box 342, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Sterck, F., Wageningen University, Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, PO Box 342, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Bekele, T., Forestry Research Center, Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organisation, PO Box 30708, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Zuidema, P.A., Department of Plant Ecology, Utrecht University, PO Box 80084, 3508 TB Utrecht, Netherlands | Tree demography was analysed by applying dendrochronological techniques and matrix modelling on a static data set of Juniperus procera populations of Ethiopian dry highland forests. Six permanent sample plots were established for an inventory of diameters and 11 stem discs were collected for dendrochronological analysis. J. procera was proved to form concentric annual growth layers in response to seasonal changes in precipitation. Uncertainty analysis for the matrix model revealed its robustness to variations in parameter estimates. The major outcome was that the population growth rate is very sensitive to changes in growth or survival of trees between 10 and 40 cm DBH. For forest management this implies that these intermediate sized individuals should be protected and less used for harvest. This study documents that interesting results can be achieved using a relatively simple approach that can easily be adopted for other areas or with other species. However, the matrix modelling requires more precise knowledge about the trees' fecundity and survival (especially for the smaller individuals) and more consistent inventories. For tree-ring analysis it can be concluded that J. procera from Ethiopia has potential to investigate the relationship between tree growth and precipitation with a high temporal resolution. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Dendrochronology; Dry highland forest; Ethiopia; Juniperus procera; Matrix model; Population dynamics | Growth kinetics; Mathematical models; Matrix algebra; Dendrochronology; Dry highland forest; Matrix model; Population dynamics; Forestry; demography; dendrochronology; population dynamics; tree; Ethiopia; Forests; Growth; Juniperus Procera; Mathematical Models; Matrices; Africa; East Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Ethiopia; Sub-Saharan Africa; World; Juniperus; Juniperus procera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-56349099286 | Development and evaluation of vegetable milk from Treculia africana (Decne) seeds | Onweluzo J.C., Nwakalor C. | 2009 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 8 | 3 | 10.3923/pjn.2009.233.238 | Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Onweluzo, J.C., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Nwakalor, C., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Treculia africana seed milks (TRASMS) were developed using two blanching treatments (water and 0.2 % NaHCo3) and five seed to solvent ratios (1:1 to 1:5). The developed milks were subjected to consumer acceptance test. The lower solvent TRASMS were most acceptable. Sensory, physico-chemical and microbiological properties of the four most acceptable TRASMS were compared with soymilk and a commercial vegetable milk-vitamilk using standard analytical methods. Blanching in alkali overtly affected the colour and taste scores of TRASMS. Water blanched TRASMS were preferred by taste panelists in terms of flavour, taste, mouth feel and overall acceptability. Sensory scores of TRASMS differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in all attributes from those of vitamilk. Blanching in alkali resulted in 6%-15% decrease in protein content, marginal (P > 0.05) increase in pH and significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in total solids in comparison to blanching in water. Ether extract was lower by (1.32%-1.81%) in all TRASMS than codex standard. The levels of Calcium in TRASMS was low but iron (0.40-0.52 mg/100ml) and vitamin C (3.38-3.46 mg/100ml) were appreciably high when compared with the levels in dairy and human milk. The microbial load of TRASMS was below the acceptable limit for dairy milk. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2009. | Blanching; Milk substitute; Treculia africana (Decne) seeds; Vegetable milk | calcium; iron; protein; acidity; article; artificial milk; biotechnological procedures; breadfruit; breast milk; consumer attitude; controlled study; food analysis; food biotechnology; food color; food texture; human; nonhuman; physical chemistry; plant seed; protein content; soybean milk; taste preference; treculia africana; vegetable milk; Treculia africana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919679983 | In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial activity of cat fish slime mucin on selected micro-organisms by Agar Diffusion Method | Momoh M.A., Mora A.T., Ogbonna J.D.N., Agboke A.A. | 2014 | Pakistan Journal of Zoology | 46 | 6 | None | Drug Delivery Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, Nigeria; Department of Clinical and Pharmacy Management, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kaduna State University, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Department of Pharmaceutical | Momoh, M.A., Drug Delivery Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, Nigeria; Mora, A.T., Department of Clinical and Pharmacy Management, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kaduna State University, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Ogbonna, J.D.N., Drug Delivery Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, Nigeria; Agboke, A.A., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Pharm. Microbiology, University of Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria | Treatments of bacterial infections have become a difficult task in the medical practice due to high level of resistance to the existing marketed antibiotics. This problem evoked us to search for new antimicrobial agent for better management of bacterial infections. The present study was carried out to evaluate antimicrobial properties of epidermal mucus (soluble mucin or s-mucin). s-mucin was extracted using cold precipitation method and its antimicrobial properties were tested against four pathogenic bacteria at different concentrations. Results showed smucin have remarkable antimicrobial activity. Particularly, s-mucin was more effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Eschericia coli than Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi. Its activity was comparatively better than the reference drug. Thus, s-mucin from cat fish's mucus may serve as a remedy to the current antibiotics failure. Its formulation into pharmaceutical preparation is therefore, encouraged after further in vivo evaluation. Copyright 2014 Zoological Society of Pakistan. | Antimicrobial activity; Catfish; Mucus; S-mucin | antimicrobial activity; biocontrol agent; concentration (composition); fish; infectious disease; microbial activity; pathogen; Bacteria (microorganisms); Escherichia coli; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Salmonella typhi; Staphylococcus aureus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855499328 | Pharmacological evaluation of Garcinia kola nuts for antitrichomonal activity | Ibikunle G.F., Ogbadoyi E.O. | 2011 | International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences | 2 | 2 | None | Global Institute for Bioexploration, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Bosso Road, Minna, Nigeria | Ibikunle, G.F., Global Institute for Bioexploration, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Bosso Road, Minna, Nigeria; Ogbadoyi, E.O., Global Institute for Bioexploration, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Bosso Road, Minna, Nigeria | Treatment options for trichomoniasis are extremely limited. Newer drugs are therefore needed. Antitrichomonal effects of G. kola nuts were evaluated so that extracts with significant antitrichomonal activities can be standardized for use in phytotherapy of trichomoniasis. Powdered nuts were extracted with 100% methanol (A) and 50% methanol (B). The marc from A was further extracted in water to obtain (C). A, B, C, and fractions of A were screened against Trichomonas gallinarum in vitro. Antitrichomonal activities were in the order A> B > C at 24 h with LC 50 and LC 90 of 36.14., 50.12, 212.9 and 293.77, 535.29, 5355.4 (μg/ml) respectively. At 48 h, the order was B> A > C with LC 50 and LC 90 of 58.51, 139.55, 195.62 and 195.62, 1434.09 and 2887.29 (μg/ml) respectively. It is concluded that these extracts are sufficiently trichomonacidal and therefore potentially useful as therapeutic agents in the control of trichomoniasis. | Antitrichomonal; Garcinia kola; Trichomonas gallinarum; Trichomoniasis; Tricomonocidal | Garcinia kola extract; methanol; metronidazole; animal tissue; antitrichomonal activity; article; chromatography; controlled study; drug activity; drug efficacy; drug safety; in vitro study; LD 50; nonhuman; trichomoniasis; Garcinia kola; Trichomonas gallinarum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873135409 | Impact of lake-level changes on the formation of thermogene travertine in continental rifts: Evidence from Lake Bogoria, Kenya Rift Valley | Renaut R.W., Owen R.B., Jones B., Tiercelin J.-J., Tarits C., Ego J.K., Konhauser K.O. | 2013 | Sedimentology | 60 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1365-3091.2012.01347.x | Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada; Department of Geography, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong; Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada; UMR 6118 Géosciences Rennes, Equipe Dynamique des bassins, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, Bâtiment 15, 35042 Rennes cedex, France; UMR CNRS 6538 'Domaines Océaniques', Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer, Place Nicolas Copernic, 29280 Plouzané, France; National Oil Corporation of Kenya, AON Minet House, Off Nyerere Road, Nairobi, Kenya | Renaut, R.W., Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada; Owen, R.B., Department of Geography, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong; Jones, B., Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada; Tiercelin, J.-J., UMR 6118 Géosciences Rennes, Equipe Dynamique des bassins, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, Bâtiment 15, 35042 Rennes cedex, France; Tarits, C., UMR CNRS 6538 'Domaines Océaniques', Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer, Place Nicolas Copernic, 29280 Plouzané, France; Ego, J.K., National Oil Corporation of Kenya, AON Minet House, Off Nyerere Road, Nairobi, Kenya; Konhauser, K.O., Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada | Travertine is present at 20% of the ca 60 hot springs that discharge on Loburu delta plain on the western margin of saline, alkaline Lake Bogoria in the Kenya Rift. Much of the travertine, which forms mounds, low terraces and pool-rim dams, is sub-fossil (relict) and undergoing erosion, but calcite-encrusted artefacts show that carbonate is actively precipitating at several springs. Most of the springs discharge alkaline (pH: 8·3 to 8·9), Na-HCO3 waters containing little Ca (<2mgl-1) at temperatures of 94 to 97·5°C. These travertines are unusual because most probably precipitated at temperatures of >80°C. The travertines are composed mainly of dendritic and platy calcite, with minor Mg-silicates, aragonite, fluorite and opaline silica. Calcite precipitation is attributed mainly to rapid CO2 degassing, which led to high-disequilibrium crystal morphologies. Stratigraphic evidence shows that the travertine formed during several stages separated by intervals of non-deposition. Radiometric ages imply that the main phase of travertine formation occurred during the late Pleistocene (ca 32 to 35ka). Periods of precipitation were influenced strongly by fluctuations in lake level, mostly under climate control, and by related changes in the depth of boiling. During relatively arid phases, meteoric recharge of ground water declines, the lake is low and becomes hypersaline, and the reduced hydrostatic pressure lowers the level of boiling in the plumbing system of the hot springs. Any carbonate precipitation then occurs below the land surface. During humid phases, the dilute meteoric recharge increases, enhancing geothermal circulation, but the rising lake waters, which become relatively dilute, flood most spring vents. Much of the aqueous Ca2+ then precipitates as lacustrine stromatolites on shallow firm substrates, including submerged older travertines. Optimal conditions for subaerial travertine precipitation at Loburu occur when the lake is at intermediate levels, and may be favoured during transitions from humid to drier conditions. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 International Association of Sedimentologists. | Geothermal; Hot spring; Kenya Rift; Saline lake; Travertine | Calcite precipitation; Carbonate precipitation; Continental rift; Crystal morphologies; Delta plain; Geothermal; Hypersaline; Intermediate level; Kenya rift; Lake levels; Lake waters; Land surface; Late Pleistocene; Optimal conditions; Plumbing Systems; Saline lake; Travertine; Alkalinity; Calcite; Carbon dioxide; Carbonate minerals; Geologic models; Groundwater; Hot springs; Hydrostatic pressure; Lakes; Phase transitions; Silica; Silicates; Sodium; Stratigraphy; Limestone; geothermal system; lake level; precipitation (chemistry); rift zone; saline lake; thermal spring; travertine; East African Rift; Kenya; Kenya Rift; Lake Bogoria; Rift Valley; Bogoria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904609209 | Evaluation of the strength behaviour of unpaved road material treated with electrochemical-based non-traditional soil stabilisation additives | Moloisane R.J., Visser A.T. | 2014 | Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering | 56 | 1 | None | Department of Civil Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | Moloisane, R.J., Department of Civil Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Visser, A.T., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | Travel along unpaved roads is not always assured, because of their low standards, poor riding quality, impassability in wet weather, and the danger in the quantity of dust that is generated by moving vehicles and wind. Stabilisation with electrochemical-based non-traditional soil stabilisation additives (chemical additives) may offer a solution to this continual problem. The objective of this paper is to report on the strength behaviour of a typical marginal quality weathered quartz gravel material treated with two electrochemical-based non-traditional soil stabilisation additives, enzyme and sulphonated oil to assess their potential value for unpaved road construction under wet and dry conditions. These treated panels were trafficked under 100 vehicles per day. The evaluation was done by means of laboratory tests and field investigations for three years. The characteristics of the natural material and the binding ability of the non-traditional soil stabilisation additives were established from the laboratory testing. Density and moisture, and the strength development of the treated material were determined from field investigations. These two non-traditional soil stabilisation additives appear to have affected the particles and their water component, hence an increase in densities was achieved. The degree of formation and paste surrounding the particles appeared to have varied with time and differed between the additives. An increase in density in the sulphonated oil additive treated panel occurred three months after construction, and a further increase was again noticed eight months after construction (five months thereafter). Up to eight months after construction, the enzyme additive treated panel showed a significant decrease in density, but showed a slight increase thirty-one months after construction. This increase in densities might probably be because of further densification by traffic. The variations in density were attributed to testing variability. In the in situ and soaked DCP-CBR strength measurements, the sulphonated oil additive treated panel reached its maximum in situ strength at two months after construction, while the enzyme additive treated panel reached its maximum in situ strength at five months after construction. Up to eight months after construction, both treated panels indicated a significant decrease in both the in situ and soaked DCP-CBR strength conditions. The decrease was attributed to rain. There was, however, little evidence to show that the additives had improved the material, with the control panel being consistently stronger in both the in situ and soaked DCP-CBR conditions. The importance of considering the time factor in the strength development of non-traditional stabilisation test techniques, as well as the number of tests, was highlighted in the results of this study. The natural variability of the materials used in this type of study is generally high, and the precision of the test method is typically quite low. On this basis, it is usually difficult to draw definite conclusions. | Bonding; Dry density and moisture content; Electrochemical stabilisation; Strength development; Unpaved road material | Ability testing; Additives; Bituminous materials; Bonding; Chemical bonds; Enzymes; Quartz; Riding qualities; Soil mechanics; Stabilization; Dry density; Field investigation; Laboratory testing; Natural variability; Soil stabilisation; Strength condition; Strength development; Unpaved roads; Strength of materials | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051681371 | Value and impact of massive blood transfusion protocols in the management of trauma patients | Ortega-Gonzalez M.D.C., Monzon-Torres B.I. | 2011 | Southern African Journal of Anaesthesia and Analgesia | 17 | 4 | None | Department of Anaesthesia, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa; Trauma Directorate, Division of Surgery, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa | Ortega-Gonzalez, M.D.C., Department of Anaesthesia, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa; Monzon-Torres, B.I., Trauma Directorate, Division of Surgery, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa | Trauma-related injuries are the second leading cause of death and disability in South Africa. The traditional approach to surgery and resuscitation of severely injured patients has undergone change over the past 10 years. New concepts like damage control surgery and damage control resuscitation radically changed the practice of conventional resuscitation. Bleeding trauma patients die as a consequence of the so-called lethal triad or bloody vicious cycle: acidosis, coagulopathy and hypothermia. Effective initial management of trauma patients can help to improve outcomes. © SASA. | Coagulopathy; Damage control resuscitation; Damage control surgery; Hypothermia; Massive bleeding; Massive blood transfusion protocol; Metabolic acidosis | accidental injury; article; bleeding; blood clotting disorder; blood component therapy; blood transfusion; damage control surgery; human; hypothermia; injury; metabolic acidosis; resuscitation; South Africa; traumatology | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858263082 | Beneficial loading configurations to increase sugarcane haulage vehicle performance | Bezuidenhout C.N. | 2010 | International Sugar Journal | 112 | 1342 | None | School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag x01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa | Bezuidenhout, C.N., School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag x01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa | Transport remains one of the main cost components in the sugarcane supply chain. A wide range of sugarcane vehicles have been designed while considering various factors, such as cane density, safety, economics and the law. Payload remains one of the most important design criteria. Although on-board weighing technologies can result in significant benefits, these technologies are not always appropriate. Payload management without these technologies remain challenging because sugarcane densities can vary significantly based on variety, yield, recent growing conditions, lodging and the amount of trash included. The aim of this research was to assess factors that contribute to incorrect payloads and to produce simple guidelines for loader operators. Two common vehicles were analysed with respect to their design densities and axle loadings. It is concluded that some vehicles pose a greater risk of being over- or under-loaded. Also, an uneven loading profile results in a more even axle load distribution, compared to flat bed loading. This emphasises the need to provide sufficient training to drivers and loading operators. It also demands that vehicle operators need to fully understand their vehicles' specifications and limitations and to manage them accordingly. | Efficiency; Loading profile; Payload; Sugarcane; Transport | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349751572 | Assessing the impact of Transnet's and Eskom's infrastructure investment programmes on the capital goods sector | Lydall M. | 2009 | Development Southern Africa | 26 | 3 | 10.1080/03768350903086812 | Mineral Economics and Strategy Unit (MESU), Council of Mineral Processing and Metallurgy (Mintek), Randburg, South Africa | Lydall, M., Mineral Economics and Strategy Unit (MESU), Council of Mineral Processing and Metallurgy (Mintek), Randburg, South Africa | Transnet and Eskom have embarked on a R160.8 billion capital expenditure (capex) programme to improve South Africa's logistics and energy infrastructure over the next 5 years. Although considerable backward linkages will be created in the process of procuring goods and services needed in the construction and operation of the planned projects, a significant portion of investment will be lost because of having to import foreign skills and components that are unavailable locally. It has thus become a government priority to increase local content in the procurement process. Drawing on a series of interviews with leading suppliers involved in the capex programme, this article assesses the impact of such expenditure on the domestic capital goods sector and the constraints that militate against increased local participation. © 2009 Development Bank of Southern Africa. | Capital goods; Eskom; State-owned enterprises; Transnet | capital market; expenditure; infrastructural development; investment; state owned enterprise; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897373498 | On-line monitoring of aqueous base metal solutions with transmittance spectrophotometry | Phiri M.J., Aldrich C. | 2014 | Minerals Engineering | 61 | None | 10.1016/j.mineng.2014.02.011 | Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Mining Engineering and Metallurgical Engineering, Western Australian School of Mines, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia | Phiri, M.J., Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Aldrich, C., Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Department of Mining Engineering and Metallurgical Engineering, Western Australian School of Mines, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia | Transmittance spectrophotometry was used to monitor copper, cobalt and zinc in solution in laboratory experiments. The samples simulated plant conditions encountered on the Skorpion zinc mine in Namibia and were prepared using a simplex centroid mixture design. Principal component, partial least squares and support vector regression models were calibrated from visible and near infrared absorption spectra. All models could accurately estimate the concentrations of all the metals in solution. Although these models were affected by nickel contamination, the Cu models were less sensitive to this contamination than the Co and Zn models. Likewise, elevated temperatures led to degradation of the calibrated models, particularly the Zn models. The effects of these conditions could be visualized by a linear discriminant score plot of the spectral data. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Hydrometallurgy; Modelling; On-line analysis; Process instrumentation | Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; Hydrometallurgy; Least squares approximations; Light absorption; Models; Principal component analysis; Spectrophotometry; Zinc mines; In-laboratory experiments; Linear discriminants; On-line analysis; Partial least square (PLS); Principal Components; Process instrumentation; Support vector regression models; Visible and near infrared; Zinc | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78651256754 | Evaluation of an uncollimated printed paper transmission source used under scatter limiting conditions | van Staden J.A., du Raan H., Lötter M.G., Herbst C.P., van Aswegen A., Rae W.I.D. | 2011 | Physica Medica | 27 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ejmp.2010.01.004 | Department of Medical Physics (G68), University of the Free State, PO Box 339, 9300 Bloemfontein, South Africa | van Staden, J.A., Department of Medical Physics (G68), University of the Free State, PO Box 339, 9300 Bloemfontein, South Africa; du Raan, H., Department of Medical Physics (G68), University of the Free State, PO Box 339, 9300 Bloemfontein, South Africa; Lötter, M.G., Department of Medical Physics (G68), University of the Free State, PO Box 339, 9300 Bloemfontein, South Africa; Herbst, C.P., Department of Medical Physics (G68), University of the Free State, PO Box 339, 9300 Bloemfontein, South Africa; van Aswegen, A., Department of Medical Physics (G68), University of the Free State, PO Box 339, 9300 Bloemfontein, South Africa; Rae, W.I.D., Department of Medical Physics (G68), University of the Free State, PO Box 339, 9300 Bloemfontein, South Africa | Transmission sources used for image attenuation correction, allowing image quantification, are collimated to reduce scatter. We propose the same effect can be achieved for an uncollimated source by increasing source to patient distance. The aim was to compare planar image performance characteristics and absorbed doses of uncollimated and collimated radioactive printed paper transmission sources. The scatter contribution to the uncollimated 99mTc source data was evaluated for different combinations of detector phantom distance, detector source distance and phantom source distance. Measurements were performed by increasing the Lucite phantom thickness in 1cm steps to 20 cm. Spatial resolution, detection efficiency and entrance absorbed dose rate were measured for the uncollimated and collimated transmission source images. Results derived from the energy spectra, obtained with the uncollimated transmission source indicate that scatter contribution increases with decreasing detector source distance. The scatter component in the uncollimated transmission images (detector source distances≥60cm; phantom source distances≥40cm) was comparable to that obtained with collimated transmission images. Attenuation coefficients obtained compared well (0.168cm-1 vs. 0.171cm-1). The full widths at half maxima differed by less than 0.9mm. The detection efficiency of the uncollimated source was 2.5 times higher than obtained with the collimated source. The entrance absorbed dose obtained from an uncollimated source was 3.75 times larger than that obtained from the collimated source.An uncollimated transmission source (detector source distance ≥ 60. cm) results in acceptable image characteristics and presents a low cost, low dose, high efficiency option for transmission imaging. © 2010 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. | Attenuation correction; Printed source; Transmission imaging | technetium 99m; article; collimator; controlled study; image processing; image quality; measurement; paper; phantom; radiation absorption; radiation attenuation; radiation dose; radiation energy; radiation scattering; radioactive printed paper transmission source; scintiscanning; thickness; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Phantoms, Imaging; Radiation Dosage; Reproducibility of Results; Scattering, Radiation; Sensitivity and Specificity; Technetium; Tomography, Emission-Computed | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957845582 | Synthesis and anti-prion activity evaluation of aminoquinoline analogues | MacEdo B., Kaschula C.H., Hunter R., Chaves J.A.P., Van Der Merwe J.D., Silva J.L., Egan T.J., Cordeiro Y. | 2010 | European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 45 | 11 | 10.1016/j.ejmech.2010.07.054 | Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil | MacEdo, B., Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; Kaschula, C.H., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Hunter, R., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Chaves, J.A.P., Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; Van Der Merwe, J.D., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Silva, J.L., Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil; Egan, T.J., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Cordeiro, Y., Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Av Carlos Chagas Filho, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil | Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies form a group of neurodegenerative diseases that affect humans and other mammals. They occur when the native prion protein is converted into an infectious isoform, the scrapie PrP, which aggregates, leading to neurodegeneration. Although several compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit this conversion, there is no effective therapy for such diseases. Previous studies have shown that antimalarial compounds, such as quinolines, possess anti-scrapie activity. Here, we report the synthesis and evaluate the effect of aminoquinoline derivatives on the aggregation of a prion peptide. Our results show that 4-amino-7-chloroquinoline and N-(7-chloro-4-quinolinyl)-1,2-ethanediamine inhibit the aggregation significantly. Therefore, such aminoquinolines might be considered as candidates for the further development of therapeutics to prevent the development of prion diseases. © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. | Aggregation; Antimalarials; Inhibitor; Neurodegeneration; Prion; Quinoline | 2 (7 chloro 4 quinolinyl) aminoethanol; 4 (cyclopentylamino) 7 chloro quinoline; 4 amino 7 chloroquinoline; 7 chloro 4 methylaminoquinoline; aminoquinoline derivative; n (7 chloro 4 quinolinyl) 1,2 ethanediamine; n 2 (7 chloro 4 quinolinyl) n 1,n 1 dimethyl 1,2 ethanediamine; n 2 (7 trifluoromethylthio 4 quinolinyl) n 1,n 1 diethyl 1,2 ethanediamine; prion protein; unclassified drug; animal experiment; anisotropy; article; clinical evaluation; drug synthesis; hamster; light scattering; nerve degeneration; nonhuman; protein aggregation; Aminoquinolines; Antiviral Agents; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Mass Spectrometry; Prions | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865605474 | Development and evaluation of a multiplex screening assay for Plasmodium falciparum exposure | Jepsen M.P.G., Röser D., Christiansen M., Larsen S.O., Cavanagh D.R., Dhanasarnsombut K., Bygbjerg I., Dodoo D., Remarque E.J., Dziegiel M., Jepsen S., Mordmüller B., Theisen M. | 2012 | Journal of Immunological Methods | 384 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.jim.2012.07.009 | Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Microbiological Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; Noguchi Memorial Institution for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands; Blood bank, Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany | Jepsen, M.P.G., Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark, Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Röser, D., Department of Microbiological Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Christiansen, M., Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Larsen, S.O., Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Cavanagh, D.R., Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; Dhanasarnsombut, K., Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; Bygbjerg, I., Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Dodoo, D., Noguchi Memorial Institution for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Remarque, E.J., Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands; Dziegiel, M., Blood bank, Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Jepsen, S., Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Mordmüller, B., Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Theisen, M., Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark, Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark | Transfusion transmitted malaria (TTM) in non-endemic countries is reduced by questioning blood donors and screening of donated blood. Conventional screening is performed by Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT). This method is manual and difficult to standardize. Here we study the diagnostic performance of a multiplex assay for detection of antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum in donor blood using IFAT as a comparator. A multiplex assay (MPA) containing the antigens GLURP-R0, GLURP-R2, MSP3, MSP1 hybrid and AMA1 was constructed using xMAPR technology. A discrimination index for exposure to P. falciparum malaria was calculated by comparing travelers with clinical malaria (n = 52) and non-exposed blood donors (n = 119). The index was evaluated on blood donors with suspected malaria exposure (n = 249) and compared to the diagnostic performance of IFAT.At a specificity of 95.8 %, the MPA discrimination index exhibited a diagnostic sensitivity of 90.4 % in travelers hospitalized with malaria. Percent agreement with IFAT was 92.3 %. Screening plasma from blood donors with suspected malaria exposure, we found 4.8 % to be positive by IFAT and 5.2 % by MPA with an agreement of 93.2 %. The calculated index from the MPA exhibits similar diagnostic performance as IFAT for detection of P. falciparum malaria. Combining the antibody response against multiple antigens in a discrimination index increased the sensitivity of the MPA and reduced the readout to a single value. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Antibody; Diagnostic; GLURP; Malaria; MSP3; Multiplex assay | antibody; Plasmodium falciparum antibody; unclassified drug; adolescent; antibody titer; article; blood donor; child; cross reaction; diagnostic test accuracy study; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; human; immunoassay; immunological procedures; indirect fluorescence antibody test; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; malaria falciparum; multiplex assay; Plasmodium falciparum; priority journal; screening; Antigens, Protozoan; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; Humans; Malaria, Falciparum; Mass Screening; Merozoite Surface Protein 1; Plasmodium falciparum; Protozoan Proteins; Reproducibility of Results; ROC Curve; Travel; Plasmodium falciparum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84914179409 | The South African higher education system: performance and policy | Cloete N. | 2014 | Studies in Higher Education | 39 | 8 | 10.1080/03075079.2014.949533 | Centre for Higher Education Transformation (CHET), PO Box 18094, Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa; DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Scientometrics and STI Policy, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Cloete, N., Centre for Higher Education Transformation (CHET), PO Box 18094, Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Scientometrics and STI Policy, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Transformation in higher education in South Africa over the last 20 years has been strongly shaped by post-apartheid pressures. Recent research shows that South Africa's current higher education system can be described as medium knowledge-producing and differentiated, with low participation and high attrition. In the decade following 1994, both policy frameworks and capacity building of the sector received considerable attention. Massification and differentiation are concepts that have been under discussion for some time in South Africa, but have yet to be translated into practical mechanisms for delivery of results. The Centre for Higher Education Transformation initially focused its efforts on stimulating debate on cutting-edge issues in South Africa. More recently, it has shifted its focus to strengthening regional and national development of African universities to enable their more meaningful participation in the global knowledge economy and society. © 2014, © 2014 Society for Research into Higher Education. | development; differentiation; higher education; knowledge production; policy | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878542959 | The experimental evaluation and molecular dynamics simulation of a heat-enhanced transdermal delivery system | Otto D.P., De Villiers M.M. | 2013 | AAPS PharmSciTech | 14 | 1 | 10.1208/s12249-012-9900-6 | Catalysis and Synthesis Research Group, Faculty of Natural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa; School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, United States | Otto, D.P., Catalysis and Synthesis Research Group, Faculty of Natural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa; De Villiers, M.M., School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, United States | Transdermal delivery systems are useful in cases where preferred routes such as the oral route are not available. However, low overall extent of delivery is seen due to the permeation barrier posed by the skin. Chemical penetration enhancers and invasive methods that disturb the structural barrier function of the skin can be used to improve transdermal drug delivery. However, for suitable drugs, a fast-releasing transdermal delivery system can be produced by incorporating a heating source into a transdermal patch. In this study, a molecular dynamics simulation showed that heat increased the diffusivity of the drug molecules, resulting in faster release from gels containing ketoprofen, diclofenac sodium, and lidocaine HCl. Simulations were confirmed by in vitro drug release studies through lipophilic membranes. These correlations could expand the application of heated transdermal delivery systems for use as fast-release-dosage forms. © 2012 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. | diffusion; heated patch; ketoprofen; molecular dynamics; transdermal | diclofenac; ketoprofen; lidocaine; article; chemical reaction; correlation analysis; diffusion; drug delivery system; drug release; experimental study; gel; heat; heating; in vitro study; lipophilicity; molecular dynamics; priority journal; skin conductance; skin penetration; transdermal patch; Administration, Cutaneous; Gels; Hot Temperature; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Permeability | None |
| WoS | WOS:000257576500004 | Evaluation of a safer male circumcision training programme for traditional surgeons and nurses in the Eastern Cape, South Africa | Kanta, Xola,Nqeketo, Ayanda,Peltzer, Karl,Petros, George | 2008 | AFRICAN JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES | 5 | 4 | None | Human Sciences Research Council-South Africa, University of the Free State, Impilo Ya Bantu Hlth | None | Training designed to improve circumcision knowledge, attitude and practice was delivered over 5 days to 34 traditional surgeons and 49 traditional nurses in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Training included the following topics: initiation rites; statutory regulation of traditional male circumcision and initiation into Manhood (TCIM); structure and function of the male sex organs; procedure of safe circumcision, infection control; sexually transmitted infections (STIs); HIV/AIDS; infection control measures; aftercare of the initiate including after care of the circumcision wound and initiate as a whole; detection and early management of common complications of circumcision; nutrition and fluid management; code of conduct and ethics; and sexual health education. The evaluation of the training consisted of a prospective assessment of knowledge and attitude immediately prior to and after training. Significant improvement in knowledge and/or attitudes was observed in legal aspects, STI, HIV and environmental aspects, attitudes in terms of improved collaboration with biomedical health care providers, normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology, sexually transmitted infections and including HIV, circumcision practice and aftercare of initiates. We concluded that safer circumcision training can be successfully delivered to traditional surgeons and nurses. | ATTITUDES,"EASTERN CAPE",evaluation,KNOWLEDGE,"safer male circumcision","SOUTH AFRICA","traditional nurses","traditional surgeons","training programme",HEALERS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44949086835 | Evaluation of the practicum trainee librarians at Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria | Ogheneruemu A., Tiemo P.A. | 2007 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2007 | AUG. | None | Technical Services Division, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria | Ogheneruemu, A., Technical Services Division, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria; Tiemo, P.A., Technical Services Division, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria | Trainee librarians at Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, were surveyed about their library practicum experience. A questionnaire and observation elicited information to find out if the Industrial Training Programme has bridged the existing gap between theory and practice in librarianship. The population of the study were all the 17 trainee librarians and 12 out of the 19 practicing librarians were randomly sampled for a better representative of the population understudy. The major questions were put into table and they were analyzed accordingly. The trainee librarians made suggestions and recommendations for the improvement of the programme. The article makes further recommendations for improvement. | None | None | None |
| None | None | Diagnosis of tuberculosis by trained African giant pouched rats and confounding impact of pathogens and microflora of the respiratory tract | Mgode G.F., Weetjens B.J., Nawrath T., Cox C., Jubitana M., Machang'u R.S., Cohen-Bacrie S., Bedotto M., Drancourt M., Schulz S., Kaufmann S.H.E. | 2012 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 50 | 2 | 10.1128/JCM.01199-11 | Department of Immunology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany; Pest Management Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Anti-Persoonmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikelling (APOPO Vzw), Antwerp, Belgium; Institut für Organische Chemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany; URMITE UMR CNRS 6236, IHU POLMIT, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France | Mgode, G.F., Department of Immunology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany, Pest Management Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Weetjens, B.J., Anti-Persoonmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikelling (APOPO Vzw), Antwerp, Belgium; Nawrath, T., Institut für Organische Chemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany; Cox, C., Anti-Persoonmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikelling (APOPO Vzw), Antwerp, Belgium; Jubitana, M., Anti-Persoonmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikelling (APOPO Vzw), Antwerp, Belgium; Machang'u, R.S., Pest Management Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Cohen-Bacrie, S., URMITE UMR CNRS 6236, IHU POLMIT, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France; Bedotto, M., URMITE UMR CNRS 6236, IHU POLMIT, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France; Drancourt, M., URMITE UMR CNRS 6236, IHU POLMIT, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France; Schulz, S., Institut für Organische Chemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany; Kaufmann, S.H.E., Department of Immunology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany | Trained African giant-pouched rats (Cricetomys gambianus) can detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis and show potential for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). However, rats' ability to discriminate between clinical sputum containing other Mycobacterium spp. and nonmycobacterial species of the respiratory tract is unknown. It is also unknown whether nonmycobacterial species produce odor similar to M. tuberculosis and thereby cause the detection of smear-negative sputum. Sputum samples from 289 subjects were analyzed by smear microscopy, culture, and rats. Mycobacterium spp. were isolated on Lowenstein-Jensen medium, and nonmycobacterial species were isolated on four different media. The odor from nonmycobacterial species from smear- and M. tuberculosis culture-negative sputa detected by ≥2 rats ("rat positive") was analyzed by gas chromatographymass spectrometry and compared to the M. tuberculosis odor. Rats detected 45 of 56 confirmed cases of TB, 4 of 5 suspected cases of TB, and 63 of 228 TB-negative subjects (sensitivity, 80.4%; specificity, 72.4%; accuracy, 73.9%; positive predictive value, 41.7%; negative predictive value, 93.8%). A total of 37 (78.7%) of 47 mycobacterial isolates were M. tuberculosis complex, with 75.7% from rat-positive sputa. Ten isolates were nontuberculous mycobacteria, one was M. intracellulare, one was M. avium subsp. hominissuis, and eight were unidentified. Rat-positive sputa with Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus spp., and Enterococcus spp. were associated with TB. Rhodococcus, Nocardia, Streptomyces, Staphylococcus, and Candida spp. from rat-positive sputa did not produce M. tuberculosis-specific volatiles (methyl nicotinate, methyl para-anisate, and ortho-phenylanisole). Prevalence of Mycobacterium-related Nocardia and Rhodococcus in smear-negative sputa did not equal that of smear-negative mycobacteria (44.7%), of which 28.6% were rat positive. These findings and the absence of M. tuberculosis-specific volatiles in nonmycobacterial species indicate that rats can be trained to specifically detect M. tuberculosis. Copyright © 2012, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | methyl 4 anisate; nicotinic acid methyl ester; phenylanisole; unclassified drug; volatile agent; adolescent; adult; article; bacterium culture; bacterium detection; bacterium isolation; Candida; child; controlled study; Cricetomys gambianus; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test accuracy study; diagnostic value; Enterococcus; female; human; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; male; mass fragmentography; microflora; Moraxella catarrhalis; Mycobacterium avium; Mycobacterium avium hominissuis; Mycobacterium intracellulare; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Nocardia; odor; predictive value; preschool child; priority journal; rat; respiratory tract microflora; Rhodococcus; school child; sensitivity and specificity; species distribution; sputum smear; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Streptomyces; tuberculosis; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animal Experimentation; Animals; Bacteria; Child; Child, Preschool; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Rats; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sputum; Tuberculosis; Young Adult; Candida; Corynebacterineae; Cricetomys gambianus; Enterococcus; Moraxella catarrhalis; Mycobacterium; Mycobacterium avium; Mycobacterium intracellulare; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex; Nocardia; Rattus; Rhodococcus; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Streptomyces | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36049004040 | Social and cultural significance of the sexual cleansing ritual and its impact on HIV prevention strategies in western Kenya | Ayikukwei R.M., Ngare D., Sidle J.E., Ayuku D.O., Baliddawa J., Greene J.Y. | 2007 | Sexuality and Culture | 11 | 3 | 10.1007/s12119-007-9010-x | School of Medicine, AMPATH Program, Moi University, P.O. Box 4606, Eldoret 30100, Kenya; School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; School of Public Health, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States | Ayikukwei, R.M., School of Medicine, AMPATH Program, Moi University, P.O. Box 4606, Eldoret 30100, Kenya; Ngare, D., School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya, School of Public Health, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Sidle, J.E., School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Ayuku, D.O., School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya, School of Public Health, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Baliddawa, J., School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya, School of Public Health, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Greene, J.Y., School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States | Traditional cultural practices and sexual rituals have an important role in the life and structure of tribal groups within Kenya. These cultural practices and rituals also play a significant role in the spread of HIV. The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to document the underlying social and cultural significance of the sexual cleansing ritual and to assess its impact on HIV prevention strategies. The study participants were selected by purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and observations; they were analyzed using content analysis. The article gives detailed explanations of the meanings and symbols of the ritual in its cultural context as a ritual of social transition. Sexual intercourse is perceived as a sacred rite when performed as a ritual. It is associated with most social cultural activities like planting, harvesting, weddings and burial ceremonies. The underlying intention of this ritual is to cleanse evil spirits and to sanctify. Widows who are not cleansed are ostracized and discriminated. The continued practice of the ritual is perpetuated by a shared common belief system that affects social interactions of the community members. Widows and cleansers are believed to be purveyors of the HIV virus. The ritual encourages unprotected sex with multiple partners. These are barriers to HIV prevention strategies that are aimed at changing sexual behaviors. | Culture; HIV/AIDS; Rituals; Sexual behaviors; Sexual cleansing; Symbols | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84917739018 | The Impact of Information and Communications Technology Infrastructure and Complementary Factors on Intra-African Trade | Bankole F.O., Osei-Bryson K.-M., Brown I. | 2015 | Information Technology for Development | 21 | 1 | 10.1080/02681102.2013.832128 | Information Systems, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa; Information Systems, Virginia, Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa | Bankole, F.O., Information Systems, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa; Osei-Bryson, K.-M., Information Systems, Virginia, Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; Brown, I., Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa | Trade is one of the cornerstones of socio-economic development for Africa. Intra-continental trade stimulates productive capacity and competitiveness in nations through exposing domestic industries to competition. The purpose of this study was to investigate how information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure impacts on intra-African trade, taking into account other relevant factors that also influence trade such as Institutional Quality and Educational Attainment. Archival data about Telecommunications Infrastructure (a key indicator of ICT infrastructure), Institutional Quality and Educational Attainment and Trade Flows (Export and Import) from 28 African countries were used as empirical evidence. The research employed structural equation modeling with partial least squares to analyze data. The empirical analysis shows that the Telecommunications Infrastructure has a major impact on intra-African trade. Interacting factors such as Institutional Quality and Educational Attainment also play a role in influencing intra-African trade. © 2013, Commonwealth Secretariat. | Africa; ICT infrastructure; structural equation model; trade | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896978801 | Impacts of the SADC free trade agreement on South African agricultural trade | Fadeyi O.A., Bahta T.Y., Ogundeji A.A., Willemse B.J. | 2014 | Outlook on Agriculture | 43 | 1 | 10.5367/oa.2014.0154 | Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Fadeyi, O.A., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Bahta, T.Y., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Ogundeji, A.A., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Willemse, B.J., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Trade is an essential component of modern society, with nations signing bilateral trade agreements to engage in various forms of economic integration. Developing countries in southern Africa are also involved in economic integration to underpin development. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) became a free trade area in 2008 for the economic integration of its members. This study evaluates the impact of the SADC Free Trade Agreement (SADC FTA) on South African agricultural trade using the Poisson Pseudo-Maximum Likelihood (PPML) specification of gravity model to determine the significance of variables within the model. Bilateral trade data were obtained from the United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics (UN Comtrade) database and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), while data on gross domestic product and population were sourced from the World Bank Development Indicators (WDI) database. The results show that there has been a net trade-creating effect and increasing intra-SADC bloc trade in beef. Intra-regional trade in maize has also been stimulated by the implementation of the agreement. | Gravity model; Regional agreements; South africa; Trade creation; Trade diversion | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859819106 | Measuring the impact of trade finance on country trade flows: A South African perspective | Kohler M., Saville A. | 2011 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 14 | 4 | None | Deparment of Economics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Kohler, M., Deparment of Economics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Saville, A., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Trade finance (or short-term credit) plays a crucial role in facilitating international trade yet is particularly vulnerable to financial crises as banks increase the pricing on all trade finance transactions to cover increased funding costs and higher credit risks. Whereas South Africa's financial institutions largely managed to strengthen their capital positions during the global financial crisis, the country's trade flows and access to capital (in particular trade finance and its costs) were hard hit by the crisis. Little is known about the extent of shortages or 'gaps' in trade finance and the impact of this on South Africa's recent trade performance. Whilst our research recognises that access to trade finance is not the main cause of South Africa's trade contraction, our research suggests that all else equal, a one percentage point increase in the interbank lending rate of our trade partner could reduce exports by approximately ten per cent. | Crisis; Exports; Trade finance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65549104467 | Evaluation of three years of the SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness and Environmental improvement) for trachoma control in five districts of Ethiopia hyperendemic for trachoma | Ngondi J., Gebre T., Shargie E.B., Adamu L., Ejigsemahu Y., Teferi T., Zerihun M., Ayele B., Cevallos V., King J., Emerson P.M. | 2009 | Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene | 103 | 10 | 10.1016/j.trstmh.2008.11.023 | The Carter Center, 1 Copenhill Avenue, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; The Carter Center, P.O. Box 13373, Woreda 17, Kebele 19, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ministry of Health, Prevention of Blindness Team, P.O. Box 1234, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; The F.I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States | Ngondi, J., The Carter Center, 1 Copenhill Avenue, Atlanta, GA, United States, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Gebre, T., The Carter Center, P.O. Box 13373, Woreda 17, Kebele 19, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Shargie, E.B., The Carter Center, P.O. Box 13373, Woreda 17, Kebele 19, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Adamu, L., Ministry of Health, Prevention of Blindness Team, P.O. Box 1234, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ejigsemahu, Y., The Carter Center, P.O. Box 13373, Woreda 17, Kebele 19, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Teferi, T., The Carter Center, P.O. Box 13373, Woreda 17, Kebele 19, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Zerihun, M., The Carter Center, P.O. Box 13373, Woreda 17, Kebele 19, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ayele, B., The Carter Center, P.O. Box 13373, Woreda 17, Kebele 19, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Cevallos, V., The F.I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; King, J., The Carter Center, 1 Copenhill Avenue, Atlanta, GA, United States; Emerson, P.M., The Carter Center, 1 Copenhill Avenue, Atlanta, GA, United States | Trachoma surveys were conducted at baseline in five districts of Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia (7478 participants in 1096 households) and at 3-year evaluation (5762 participants in 1117 households). Uptake of SAFE was assessed with programme monitoring data and interviews, and children (1-6 years) were swabbed for detection of ocular Chlamydia. At evaluation, 23 933 people had received trichiasis surgery; 93% of participants reported taking azithromycin at least once; 67% of household respondents (range 46-93) reported participation in trachoma health education; and household latrine coverage increased from 2% to 34%. In children aged 1-9 years percentage decline, by district, for outcomes was: 32% (95% CI 19-48) to 88% (95% CI 83-91) for trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF); 87% (95% CI 83-91) to 99% (95% CI 97-100) for trachomatous inflammation-intense (TI); and 31% increase (95% CI -42 to -19) to 89% decrease (95% CI 85-93) for unclean face; and in adults percentage decline in trichiasis was 45% (95% CI -13 to 78) to 92% (95% CI 78-96). Overall prevalence of swabs positive for ocular Chlamydia was 3.1%. Although there were substantial reductions in outcomes in children and adults, the presence of ocular Chlamydia and TF in children suggests ongoing transmission. Continued implementation of SAFE is warranted. © 2008 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. | Chlamydia; Ethiopia; Evaluation; Prevention and control; SAFE strategy; Trachoma | azithromycin; antiinfective agent; article; bacterium culture; Chlamydia trachomatis; endemic disease; environmental sanitation; Ethiopia; eye surgery; health care delivery; health education; health program; health survey; human; infection control; interview; outcome assessment; personal hygiene; prevalence; sanitation; trachoma; treatment outcome; adolescent; adult; aged; child; Chlamydia trachomatis; cluster analysis; education; environment; evaluation study; hygiene; infant; middle aged; pathology; preschool child; standards; trachoma; very elderly; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Chlamydia trachomatis; Cluster Analysis; Environment; Ethiopia; Health Education; Humans; Hygiene; Infant; Middle Aged; Trachoma; Young Adult; Chlamydia; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Chlamydia trachomatis; Cluster Analysis; Environment; Ethiopia; Health Education; Humans; Hygiene; Infant; Middle Aged; Trachoma; Young Adult | None |
| WoS | WOS:000260974800015 | Evaluating a school-based trachoma curriculum in Tanzania | Courtright, Paul,Geneau, Robert,Lewallen, Susan,MacArthur, Chad,Massae, Patrick,Somba, Margareth,Tharaney, Manisha | 2008 | HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH | 23 | 6 | 10.1093/her/cym097 | Helen Keller Int, Tumaini Univ KCMC | None | Trachoma remains a public health problem in a number of sub-Saharan Africa countries; behavioral change and environmental improvements are cornerstones of prevention efforts. Evidence of successful health education are few in Africa. Health education efforts through primary schools have recently been developed and adopted in Tanzania. We evaluated changes from 2004 to 2005 in knowledge and reported behavioral change as well as nasal and ocular discharge and clean faces in selected schools in central Tanzania. This was a mixed-methods study involving both schoolchildren and schoolteachers. We found a significant reduction in nasal discharge (from 4.5% to 0.5%) and dirty faces (from 3.6% to 0.9%) and improvements in some knowledge- and behavior-related indices by primary schoolchildren in the intervention villages. The teachers viewed the trachoma curriculum positively but reported that the lack of water at the schools limited application of the health education messages. The disparity between health education messages and environmental capacities for implementing these messages (no wells at the schools and minimal latrine facilities at the schools and homes) limited usefulness of the curriculum. | ,"ACTIVE TRACHOMA","BLINDING TRACHOMA",IMPACT,STRATEGY,VIETNAM | None | None |
| 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 |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866007903 | Evaluation of the levels of selected heavy metals in mangrove ecosystem and roadside topsoil in Ghana | Essumang D.K., Boamponsem L.K., Adokoh C.K., Bentum J.K., Owusu C., Adu-Boakye M.E., Afrifa J. | 2012 | Environmental Practice | 14 | 3 | 10.1017/S1466046612000191 | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Laboratory Technology Department, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Chemistry Department, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa | Essumang, D.K., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Boamponsem, L.K., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Adokoh, C.K., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana, Laboratory Technology Department, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Bentum, J.K., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Owusu, C., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Adu-Boakye, M.E., Chemistry Department, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa; Afrifa, J., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | Trace metals were determined in the soil and water of four lagoons, two estuaries, and four heavy-traffic roads in Greater Accra along the Atlantic coast of Ghana. The results showed that water samples from all of the water bodies studied were polluted with mercury (Hg) and less polluted with arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd). The pollution status of water samples was confirmed by contamination degree (CD) analysis, which yielded values of >1 of Hg and <1 of As, Ni, and Cd. Evaluation of the data from the soil sample was enhanced by the application of pollution quantification tools the pollution load index (PLI) and the index of geoaccumulation (IGEO)which showed that the mangrove swamp soil studied is progressively degrading with Hg, As, Ni, and Cd. It was also revealed that vehicular emissions were a potential source of lead (Pb), Ni, and manganese (Mn) in the roadside soils monitored. From the results of this study, it is clear that the mangroves are gradually degrading and that measures should established to control release of these metals into the environment. Environmental Practice 14:173-183 (2012) © Copyright National Association of Environmental Professionals 2012. | None | cadmium; estuarine ecosystem; geoaccumulation; heavy metal; mercury (element); nickel; point source pollution; pollution monitoring; quantitative analysis; roadside environment; soil analysis; soil degradation; traffic emission; Ghana; Greater Accra; Rhizophoraceae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34748894849 | Plants level of chromium and nickel at a refuse site, any positive impact? | Ololade I.A., Ashoghon A.O., Adeyemi O. | 2007 | Journal of Applied Sciences | 7 | 13 | None | Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo-State, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo-State, Nigeria | Ololade, I.A., Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo-State, Nigeria; Ashoghon, A.O., Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo-State, Nigeria; Adeyemi, O., Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo-State, Nigeria | Trace metals, including heavy metals can be dangerous to the biota and human beings. Consequently, a study of the accumulation of two unpopular heavy metals, Chromium (Cr) and Nickel (Ni), in four species of plants were carried out. At Ojota refuse sites (Old and New) in Lagos State, Nigeria, from where samples were taken; knowledge about these metals were scarce. The results obtained from the analysis of leaves and roots of plants showed that the sites were heavily polluted by chromium and nickel containing substances, which were indiscriminately dumped at the sites. Values were far above the background level with higher concentrations being recorded at the New Refuse Site (NRS). The concentrations obtained were also found to correlate strongly with the results of some soil physico-chemical properties, which were determined during the study. The plants used in the present research were observed to display a higher level of tolerance to metal concentration, an important characteristic of hyper-accumulator plants in phytoremediation study. Consequently, they are recommended for cultivation in non-grazing heavy metal polluted sites. However, livestock feedings and vegetable consumption at the present sites should be discouraged to avoid metal poisoning. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Chromium; Indicator plants; Nickel; Phytoremediation; Pollution; Refuse | Background level; Indicator plants; Metal concentrations; Metal poisoning; Nickel containing; Phytoremediation; Refuse; Soil physico-chemical properties; Agriculture; Bioremediation; Chromium; Heavy metals; Nickel; Pollution; Plants (botany) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856556176 | Seasonal variability in cadmium, lead, copper, zinc and iron concentrations in the three major fish species, oreochromis niloticus, lates niloticus and rastrineobola argentea in winam gulf, Lake Victoria: Impact of wash-off into the lake | Ongeri D.M.K., Lalah J.O., Wandiga S.O., Schramm K.-W., Michalke B. | 2012 | Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology | 88 | 2 | 10.1007/s00128-011-0472-z | Department of Chemistry, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333, Maseno, Kenya; Department of Chemical Science and Technology, Kenya Polytechnic University College, P.O. Box 52428, City Square, Nairobi 00200, Kenya; Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; Institute of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German National Research Centre for Environmental Health, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg 85764, Germany | Ongeri, D.M.K., Department of Chemistry, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333, Maseno, Kenya; Lalah, J.O., Department of Chemical Science and Technology, Kenya Polytechnic University College, P.O. Box 52428, City Square, Nairobi 00200, Kenya; Wandiga, S.O., Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; Schramm, K.-W., Institute of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German National Research Centre for Environmental Health, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg 85764, Germany; Michalke, B., Institute of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German National Research Centre for Environmental Health, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg 85764, Germany | Trace metals Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) were analyzed in edible portions of three main finfish species namely Lates niloticus, Oreochromis niloticus and Rastrineobola argentea sampled from various beaches of Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria, Kenya, in order to determine any seasonal and site variations and the results showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher mean concentrations of Cd, Cu, Zn and Fe during the wet season compared to the dry season for all the three species indicating the impact of wash-off into the lake during the rainy periods. The overall mean concentrations of the heavy metals (in μg/g dry weight) in all combined samples ranged from 0.17-0.40 (Cd), 0.47-2.53 (Pb), 2.13-8.74 (Cu), 28.9-409.3 (Zn) and 31.4-208.1 (Fe), respectively. It was found that consumption of Rastrineobola argentea can be a significant source of heavy metals especially Zn, to humans, compared with Lates niloticus and Oreochromis niloticus, if only the muscle parts of the latter two are consumed. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | Fish; Heavy-metals; Human-consumption; Lake Victoria | Dry seasons; Dry weight; Fish species; Human-consumption; Iron concentrations; Lake Victoria; Lates niloticus; Mean concentrations; Oreochromis niloticus; Seasonal variability; Site variation; Trace metal; Wet season; Winam Gulf; Cadmium; Fish; Lakes; Lead; Metals; Pollution; Trace elements; Zinc; Copper; cadmium; copper; heavy metal; iron; zinc; animal; article; chemistry; cichlid; diet; environmental monitoring; fish; human; Kenya; lake; metabolism; muscle; season; statistics; water pollutant; water pollution; Animals; Cadmium; Cichlids; Copper; Diet; Environmental Monitoring; Fishes; Humans; Iron; Kenya; Lakes; Metals, Heavy; Muscles; Seasons; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Pollution, Chemical; Zinc; Lates niloticus; Oreochromis niloticus; Rastrineobola argentea | 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-s2.0-84938591460 | Beyond Static Models: An Evaluation of Present Status and Future Prospects for Iron Age Research in Southern Africa | Fredriksen P.D., Chirikure S. | 2015 | Cambridge Archaeological Journal | 25 | 3 | 10.1017/S0959774314001115 | Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1019, Oslo, Norway; Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Fredriksen, P.D., Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1019, Oslo, Norway, Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Chirikure, S., Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | To what extent do we need structuralist cognitive settlement models such as the Central Cattle Pattern and the Zimbabwe Pattern for future research and understanding of Iron Age social life in southern Africa? How will alternative approaches enable us to progress beyond the present status of knowledge? While the three last decades of debate have underpinned key aspects of archaeological inquiry, notably questions of social change, gender dynamics, analytical scale and the use of ethnographic and ethnoarchaeological insights, the sometimes entrenched nature of the debate has in other respects hindered development of new approaches and restrained the range of themes and topics scholars engage with. In this article, we identify the issues of analytical scale and recursiveness as key to the development of future approaches and present an alternative framework through empirically grounded discussion of three central Iron Age themes: ceramics and the microscale, the spatiality of metal production and the temporality of stonewalled architecture. © 2015 The McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879134548 | The economic impacts of tourism in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa: Is poverty subsiding? | Muchapondwa E., Stage J. | 2013 | Natural Resources Forum | 37 | 2 | 10.1111/1477-8947.12007 | School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Social Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Sweden | Muchapondwa, E., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Stage, J., Department of Social Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Sweden | Tourism in southern Africa is based on the region's wildlife and nature assets and is generally environmentally sustainable, but the extent to which it contributes to other aspects of sustainable development - overall income generation or poverty eradication - is less well explored. In this paper, we use social accounting matrices to compare the economic impacts of foreign tourism in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. Overall impacts on GDP range from 6% (South Africa) to 9% (Namibia). However, South Africa's economy is more diversified than its neighbours' and more of the goods and services used by tourists and by the tourism industry are supplied domestically. Consequently, the impact per Rand spent is considerably larger for South Africa than for Botswana or Namibia. The poorer segments of the population appear to receive shares of tourism income that are smaller than their share of overall income in all three countries. © 2013 The Authors. Natural Resources Forum © 2013 United Nations. | Botswana; Multiplier effects; Namibia; Poverty reduction; South Africa; Tourism | economic impact; Gross Domestic Product; income; poverty alleviation; sustainable development; tourism economics; Botswana; Namibia; South Africa | None |
| None | None | Impact of malaria preexposure on antiparasite cellular and humoral immune responses after controlled human malaria infection | Obiero J.M., Shekalaghe S., Hermsen C.C., Mpina M., Bijker E.M., Roestenberg M., Teelen K., Billingsley P.F., Sim B.K.L., James E.R., Daubenberger C.A., Hoffman S.L., Abdulla S., Sauerwein R.W., Scholzen A. | 2015 | Infection and Immunity | 83 | 5 | 10.1128/IAI.03069-14 | Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Center, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Sanaria Inc., Rockville, MD, United States; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; University of California Irvine, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Irvine, CA, United States; Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden, Netherlands | Obiero, J.M., Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, Nijmegen, Netherlands, University of California Irvine, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Irvine, CA, United States; Shekalaghe, S., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Center, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Hermsen, C.C., Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Mpina, M., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Center, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Bijker, E.M., Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Roestenberg, M., Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden, Netherlands; Teelen, K., Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Billingsley, P.F., Sanaria Inc., Rockville, MD, United States; Sim, B.K.L., Sanaria Inc., Rockville, MD, United States; James, E.R., Sanaria Inc., Rockville, MD, United States; Daubenberger, C.A., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Hoffman, S.L., Sanaria Inc., Rockville, MD, United States; Abdulla, S., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Center, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Sauerwein, R.W., Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Scholzen, A., Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, Nijmegen, Netherlands | To understand the effect of previous malaria exposure on antiparasite immune responses is important for developing successful immunization strategies. Controlled human malaria infections (CHMIs) using cryopreserved Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites provide a unique opportunity to study differences in acquisition or recall of antimalaria immune responses in individuals from different transmission settings and genetic backgrounds. In this study, we compared antiparasite humoral and cellular immune responses in two cohorts of malaria-naive Dutch volunteers and Tanzanians from an area of low malarial endemicity, who were subjected to the identical CHMI protocol by intradermal injection of P. falciparum sporozoites. Samples from both trials were analyzed in parallel in a single center to ensure direct comparability of immunological outcomes. Within the Tanzanian cohort, we distinguished one group with moderate levels of preexisting antibodies to asexual P. falciparum lysate and another that, based on P. falciparum serology, resembled the malaria-naive Dutch cohort. Positive P. falciparum serology at baseline was associated with a lower parasite density at first detection by quantitative PCR (qPCR) after CHMI than that for Tanzanian volunteers with negative serology. Post-CHMI, both Tanzanian groups showed a stronger increase in anti-P. falciparum antibody titers than Dutch volunteers, indicating similar levels of B-cell memory independent of serology. In contrast to the Dutch, Tanzanians failed to increase P. falciparum-specific in vitro recall gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production after CHMI, and innate IFN-γ responses were lower in P. falciparum lysate-seropositive individuals than in seronegative individuals. In conclusion, positive P. falciparum lysate serology can be used to identify individuals with better parasite control but weaker IFN-γ responses in circulating lymphocytes, which may help to stratify volunteers in futureCHMItrials in areas where malaria is endemic. © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. | None | gamma interferon; ionomycin; parasite antigen; phorbol 13 acetate 12 myristate; antibody response; antibody titer; Article; blood collection tube; CD4+ T lymphocyte; CD8+ T lymphocyte; cellular immunity; controlled study; cytokine production; cytokine response; human; human cell; humoral immunity; lymphocyte subpopulation; malaria; memory T lymphocyte; natural killer cell; parasite control; parasite load; parasitemia; Plasmodium falciparum; polymerase chain reaction; priority journal; serology; Tanzanian | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957369081 | Impact of farmers' practices and seed systems on the genetic structure of common sorghum varieties in Kenya and Sudan | Rabbi I.Y., Geiger H.H., Haussmann B.I.G., Kiambi D., Folkertsma R., Parzies H.K. | 2010 | Plant Genetic Resources: Characterisation and Utilisation | 8 | 2 | 10.1017/S147926211000002X | Institute of Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Population Genetics, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany; ICRISAT Box 320, Bamako, Mali; Eastern and Southern Africa International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, PO Box 39063-00623, Nairobi, Kenya; De Ruiter Seeds R and D NL B.V, PO Box 1050, 2660 BB Bergschenhoek, Netherlands | Rabbi, I.Y., Institute of Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Population Genetics, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany; Geiger, H.H., Institute of Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Population Genetics, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany; Haussmann, B.I.G., Institute of Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Population Genetics, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany, ICRISAT Box 320, Bamako, Mali; Kiambi, D., Eastern and Southern Africa International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, PO Box 39063-00623, Nairobi, Kenya, De Ruiter Seeds R and D NL B.V, PO Box 1050, 2660 BB Bergschenhoek, Netherlands; Folkertsma, R., Eastern and Southern Africa International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, PO Box 39063-00623, Nairobi, Kenya; Parzies, H.K., Institute of Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Population Genetics, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany | To understand the effect of different farming systems on the dynamics of diversity of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) crop, genetic structure of widely used landraces and modern varieties collected from two contrasting agroecosystems, in eastern Sudan and western Kenya, were analysed with 16 polymorphic microsatellite markers. A total of 1104 accessions, grouped into 46 samples from individual farmers, were genotyped. Cluster analysis of the samples from the two countries displayed contrasting patterns. Most strikingly, differently named landraces from western Kenya formed widely overlapping clusters, indicating weak genetic differentiation, while those from eastern Sudan formed clearly distinguishable groups. Similarly, samples of the modern variety from Sudan displayed high homogeneity, whereas the most common modern variety from western Kenya was very heterogeneous. The high degree of fragmentation of farmlands of western Kenya, coupled with planting of different sorghum varieties in the same fields, increases the likelihood of inter-variety gene flow. This may explain the low genetic differentiation between the differently named landraces and heterogeneity of the modern variety from western Kenya. This study highlights the important role of farmers in shaping the genetic variation of their crops and provides population parameter estimates allowing forecasting of the fate of modern germplasm (conventional or genetically modified) when introduced into subsistence farming systems. © NIAB 2010. | farmers' practices; genetic structure; microsatellites; seed systems; sorghum varieties | Sorghum bicolor | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891744915 | The impact of taro (Colocasia esculenta) cultivation on the total evaporation of a Cyperus latifolius marsh | Mengistu M.G., Everson C.S., Clulow A.D. | 2014 | Hydrological Processes | 28 | 3 | 10.1002/hyp.9599 | School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa | Mengistu, M.G., School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa; Everson, C.S., School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa; Clulow, A.D., School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa | Total evaporation (ET) is one of the major components of the water budget of a wetland. Very little research has been conducted on the loss of water to the atmosphere from different wetland vegetation types occurring in southern Africa. This study on the ET of taro (locally known as madumbe) and sedge within the Mbongolwane wetland was conducted to assess the potential impact of madumbe cultivation on the hydrology of the wetland. Sugarcane planted on the contributing catchment outside the wetland was the other crop examined. Two field campaigns were conducted in November 2009 and January 2010 during the growing season of the madumbe crop to quantify ET rates in the Mbongolwane wetland and from sugar cane in the surrounding catchment. ET was measured over two vegetation types in the wetland, namely: madumbe (Colocasia esculenta); sedge (Cyperus latifolius) with some reeds (Phragmites australis); and sugarcane in adjacent terrestrial areas. ET from the madumbes ranged from 1.0 to 6.0mmday-1. The daily average ET rates in November 2009 were 3.5 and 4.9mm for the madumbe and sedge sites, respectively, and 4.0mm for sugarcane grown in the catchment. The daily average ET rates in January 2010 were 3.3 and 3.7mm for the madumbes and sedge sites, respectively, and 2.4mm for the sugarcane site. The daily ET was therefore lower at the madumbe site in November 2009 and in January 2010 compared to the sedge site. An average crop factor of 0.6 was obtained from this study during the growth stage of the madumbes. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Crop factor; Cyperus marsh; Eddy covariance; Evapotranspiration; Madumbe; Wetland | Cyperus marsh; Eddy covariance; Field campaign; Madumbe; Phragmites australis; Potential impacts; Vegetation type; Wetland vegetation; Catchments; Crops; Cultivation; Evaporation; Evapotranspiration; Runoff; Sugar cane; Vegetation; Wetlands; angiosperm; catchment; cultivation; eddy covariance; evapotranspiration; hydrological response; marsh; vegetation type; water budget; wetland; Colocasia esculenta; Cyperus; Phragmites australis; Saccharum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-27544488014 | Heavy metals in sediments of the gold mining impacted Pra River basin, Ghana, West Africa | Donkor A.K., Bonzongo J.-C.J., Nartey V.K., Adotey D.K. | 2005 | Soil and Sediment Contamination | 14 | 6 | 10.1080/15320380500263675 | Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, United States | Donkor, A.K., Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States, Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Bonzongo, J.-C.J., Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, United States; Nartey, V.K., Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Adotey, D.K., Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana | Total concentrations of Hg, Al, Fe, As, Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni, Mn, Co, V, and Zn were determined in surface sediments collected from 21 locations within the gold mining impacted Pra River basin in southwestern Ghana. Samples were collected during both the rainy and dry seasons. We hypothesized that in the rural southwestern portion of Ghana, the lack of industrial activities makes artisanal gold mining (AGM) by Hg amalgamation the main source of water resource contamination with heavy metals. Therefore, metals showing concentration trends similar to that of Hg in the studied system are likely impacted by AGM. We found that total-Hg (THg) concentrations in riverine sediments are rather low as compared to other aquatic systems that are impacted by similar mining activities. Measured THg concentrations ranged from 0.018 to 2.917 mg/kg in samples collected in the rainy season and from about 0.01 to 0.043 mg/kg in those collected during the dry season. However, the determination of the enrichment factor (EF) calculated using shale data as reference background values showed signs of severe contamination in most of the sampled sites. In the dry season, THg concentrations correlated positively and significantly to the concentrations of As (r = 0.864, p < 0.01), Cu (r = 0.691, p < 0.05), and Ni (r = 0.579, p < 0.05). Based on our previously stated hypothesis, this could then be an indication of the impact of AGM on ambient levels of these 3 elements. However, the determined concentrations of Cu, and Ni co-varied significantly with Al, suggesting that natural sources do account for the observed levels. Accordingly, both AGM and metal inputs from weathered natural deposits are likely co-responsible for the observed levels of Cu and Ni. In contrast, the lack of correlation between As and Al tends to suggest an impact of AGM on As levels. Overall, our data suggest that besides Hg and to some extent As, the impact of AGM on ambient levels of investigated metals in the gold mining impacted Pra River remains negligible. Finally, the increase in metal concentrations from the dry to the rainy season underlines the impact of changes in hydrologic conditions on levels and fate of metals in this tropical aquatic system. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Inc. | Ghana; Gold mining; Heavy metals; Mercury; Sediment contamination; West Africa | Concentration (process); Gold mines; Heavy metals; Hydrology; Mercury (metal); Mining; Sediments; Ghana; Gold mining; Sediment contamination; West Africa; River pollution | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884356305 | Speciation of As(III) and As(V) in water and sediment using reverse-phase ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatography-neutron activation analysis (HPLC-NAA) | Tulasi D., Adotey D., Affum A., Carboo D., Serfor-Armah Y. | 2013 | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment | 185 | 10 | 10.1007/s10661-013-3148-9 | School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 56, Legon Accra, Ghana; Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, National Nuclear Research Institute, P.O. Box LG 80, Legon Accra, Ghana | Tulasi, D., School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Adotey, D., School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, National Nuclear Research Institute, P.O. Box LG 80, Legon Accra, Ghana; Affum, A., Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, National Nuclear Research Institute, P.O. Box LG 80, Legon Accra, Ghana; Carboo, D., Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 56, Legon Accra, Ghana; Serfor-Armah, Y., School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, National Nuclear Research Institute, P.O. Box LG 80, Legon Accra, Ghana | Total As content and the As species distribution in water and sediments from the Kwabrafo stream, a major water body draining the Obuasi gold mining community in southwestern Ghana, have been investigated. Total As content was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Ion-pair reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography-neutron activation analysis (HPLC-NAA) was used for speciation of As species. Solid phase extraction with phosphate buffer was used to extract soluble As species from lyophilized sediment. The mass balance after phosphate extraction of soluble As species in sediment varied from 89 to 96 %. Compositionally appropriate reference material International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)-Lake Sediment (SL)-1 was used to check the validity of INAA method for total As determination. The measured values are in good agreement with the IAEA recommended value and also within the 95 % confidence interval. The accuracy of the measurement in terms of relative deviation from the IAEA recommended value was ±0.83 %. "In-house" prepared As(III) and As(V) standards were used to validate the HPLC-INAA method used for the As species determination. Total As concentration in the water samples ranged from 1.15 to 9.20 mg/L. As(III) species in water varied from 0.13 to 0.7 mg/L, while As(V) species varied from 0.79 to 3.85 mg/L. Total As content in sediment ranged from 2,134 to 3,596 mg/kg dry mass. The levels of As(III) and As(V) species in the sediment ranges from 138 to 506 mg/kg dry mass and 156 to 385 mg/kg dry mass, respectively. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Arsenic; Ghana; HPLC-NAA; Sediment; Speciation; Water | Confidence interval; Ghana; HPLC-NAA; Instrumental neutron activation analysis; International atomic energy agency; Phosphate extraction; Solid-phase extraction; Speciation; Arsenic; Chromatography; High performance liquid chromatography; Water; Sediments; arsenic derivative; phosphate; activation energy; arsenic; extraction method; liquid chromatography; mass balance; phosphate; sediment pollution; speciation (chemistry); water pollution; water quality; accuracy; article; chemical analysis; chemical composition; concentration (parameters); controlled study; dry mass; freeze drying; high performance liquid chromatography; measurement; mining; neutron activation analysis; reference value; reverse phase ion pair high performance liquid chromatography neutron activation analysis; sediment; solid phase extraction; species differentiation; validation process; water contamination; water sampling; Arsenic; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Environmental Monitoring; Geologic Sediments; Ghana; Neutron Activation Analysis; Rivers; Solid Phase Extraction; Water Pollutants, Chemical | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-81055157615 | Investigating the performance of thermonebulisation fungicide fogging system for loaded fruit storage room using CFD model | Delele M.A., Vorstermans B., Creemers P., Tsige A.A., Tijskens E., Schenk A., Opara U.L., Nicolaï B.M., Verboven P. | 2012 | Journal of Food Engineering | 109 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2011.09.030 | BIOSYST-MeBioS, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Proefcentrum Fruitteelt, Fruittuinweg 1, 3800 Sint-Truiden, Belgium; Flanders Centre of Postharvest Technology, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; South African Research Department in Postharvest Technology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | Delele, M.A., BIOSYST-MeBioS, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium, South African Research Department in Postharvest Technology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Vorstermans, B., Proefcentrum Fruitteelt, Fruittuinweg 1, 3800 Sint-Truiden, Belgium; Creemers, P., Proefcentrum Fruitteelt, Fruittuinweg 1, 3800 Sint-Truiden, Belgium; Tsige, A.A., BIOSYST-MeBioS, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Tijskens, E., BIOSYST-MeBioS, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Schenk, A., Flanders Centre of Postharvest Technology, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Opara, U.L., South African Research Department in Postharvest Technology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Nicolaï, B.M., BIOSYST-MeBioS, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium, Flanders Centre of Postharvest Technology, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Verboven, P., BIOSYST-MeBioS, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium | To study the operation of postharvest storage fungicide fogging systems, a CFD model was used. The modelling was based on an Eulerian-Lagrangian multiphase flow model. The effect of air circulation rate, circulation interval, bin design, stacking pattern and room design on deposition of fungicide was investigated. Air circulation rates of 0 m3 h-1 (no circulation), 2100 and 6800 m3 h-1 were used. Interval circulation of air was also investigated. The highest fungicide deposition was observed during fogging without circulation while the lowest deposition corresponded to fogging with the highest circulation rate. For the considered on/off combination times, the effect of circulation interval on overall average deposition and uniformity was not significantly different from the case of fogging with continuous air circulation. Bin with higher vent hole ratio and the presence of air deflector increased the amount and uniformity of deposition. Good agreement was found between measured and predicted results of deposition of fungicide particles. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Aerosol; Airflow; Apple; CFD; Cold storage; Pyrimethanil | Air circulation; Air deflectors; Airflow; Apple; Bin design; CFD models; Circulation rates; Fogging system; Fruit storage; Multi-phase flow models; Post-harvest storage; Pyrimethanil; Stacking patterns; Aerosols; Air; Bins; Cold storage; Computational fluid dynamics; Deposition; Fruits; Fungicides; Multiphase flow; Fog dispersal; Malus x domestica | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745921485 | The impact of HIV on maternal quality of life in Uganda | Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha H., Mayon-White R., Okong P., Carpenter L., Jenkinson C. | 2006 | AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV | 18 | 6 | 10.1080/09540120500359298 | Medical Research Council, Clinical Trials Unit (MRC-CTU), London, United Kingdom; University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; University of Oxford, Health Services Research Unit, Oxford, United Kingdom; St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, Kampala, Uganda; Medical Research Council, Clinical Trials Unit (MRC-CTU), 222 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DA, United Kingdom | Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha, H., Medical Research Council, Clinical Trials Unit (MRC-CTU), London, United Kingdom, Medical Research Council, Clinical Trials Unit (MRC-CTU), 222 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DA, United Kingdom; Mayon-White, R., University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Okong, P., St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, Kampala, Uganda; Carpenter, L., University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Jenkinson, C., University of Oxford, Health Services Research Unit, Oxford, United Kingdom | To study the effect of HIV infection on quality of life (QOL) during pregnancy and puerperium, QOL was measured in a cohort study at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, Kampala, Uganda. Dartmouth COOP charts were administered to 132 HIV-positive and 399 HIV-negative women at 36 weeks of pregnancy and six weeks post-partum. Responses were coded from 0 = best health-status to 4 = worst health-status and scores of 3-4 defined as poor. Odds ratios (OR) (95% confidence intervals(CI)) for poor scores were calculated and independent predictors of poor QOL examined using logistic regression. In pregnancy, HIV-positive women were more likely to have poor scores in feelings: OR = 3.2(1.9-5.3), daily activities: OR = 2.8(1.4-5.5), pain: OR = 2.1(1.3-3.5), overall health: OR = 1.7(1.1-2.7) and QOL: OR = 7.2(3.6-14.7), all p = ≤ 0.01. Differences in physical fitness, change in health, social activities and social support were not statistically significant (all p >0.2). HIV infection was independently associated with poor QOL: OR = 8.5(3.8-19). Findings in puerperium were similar to those in pregnancy except more HIV-positive women had poor scores in social activities: OR = 2.5(1.4-4.7) and change in health: OR = 5.4(2-14.5) and infant death also predicted poor QOL: OR = 6.7(2.4-18.5). The findings reflect HIV's adverse impact on maternal QOL and the need for interventions to alleviate this infection's social and emotional effects. © 2006 Taylor & Francis. | None | adult; article; cohort analysis; comparative study; confidence interval; controlled study; daily life activity; female; fitness; health status; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; logistic regression analysis; major clinical study; maternal welfare; pain assessment; pregnancy; priority journal; puerperium; quality of life; risk; scoring system; social behavior; social support; Uganda; Adult; Female; Health Status; HIV Infections; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Puerperal Disorders; Quality of Life; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-81355132889 | Impact of international laboratory partnerships on the performance of HIV/sexually transmitted infection testing in five resource-constrained countries | Gaydos C.A., Rizzo-Price P.A., Balakrishnan P., Mateta P., Leon S.R., Verevochkin S., Yin Y.P., Quinn T.C., Strader L.C., Pequegnat W. | 2011 | International Journal of STD and AIDS | 22 | 11 | 10.1258/ijsa.2011.010527 | Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; YRG CARE, Chennai, India; ZiCHIRe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Cayetano Heredia Peruvian University, Lima, Peru; Biomedical Center, St Petersburg, Russian Federation; China CDC National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China; NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States; RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States; NIMH, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States | Gaydos, C.A., Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Rizzo-Price, P.A., Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Balakrishnan, P., YRG CARE, Chennai, India; Mateta, P., ZiCHIRe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Leon, S.R., Cayetano Heredia Peruvian University, Lima, Peru; Verevochkin, S., Biomedical Center, St Petersburg, Russian Federation; Yin, Y.P., China CDC National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China; Quinn, T.C., Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States; Strader, L.C., RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States; Pequegnat, W., NIMH, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States | To review a quality control and quality assurance (QC/QA) model established to ensure the validity and reliability of collection, storage and analysis of biological outcome data, and to promote good laboratory practices (GLPs) and sustained operational improvements in international clinical laboratories, we conducted a two-arm randomized community-level HIV behavioural intervention trial in five countries: China, India, Peru, Russia and Zimbabwe. The trial was based on diffusion theory utilizing a Community Popular Opinion Leaders (CPOLs) intervention model with behavioural and biological outcomes. The QC/QA model was established by the Biological Outcome Workgroup, which collaborated with the Data Coordinating Center and John Hopkins University Reference Laboratory. Five international laboratories conducted chlamydia/gonorrhoea polymerase chain reaction (PRC)-based assays, herpes simplex virus type 2 enzyme immunoassay (EIA), syphilis serology (rapid plasma regain and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay, HIV serology (EIA/Western blot) and Trichomonas vaginalis culture. Data were collected at baseline, 12 and 24 months. Laboratory performance and infrastructure improved throughout the trial. Recommendations for improvement were consistently followed. Quality laboratories in resource-poor settings can be established, operating standards can be improved and certification can be obtained with consistent training, monitoring and technical support. Building collaborative partnership relations can establish a sustainable network for clinical trials, and can lead to accreditation and international laboratory development. | Biological markers of sexual behavior; Capacity building; Diagnosis; HIV; Laboratory testing; Resource-poor settings; STD; STI; Training partnerships | accreditation; article; bacterium culture; certification; China; Chlamydia; clinical laboratory; enzyme immunoassay; gonorrhea; good laboratory practice; Herpes simplex virus 2; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; India; laboratory; monitoring; nonhuman; Peru; polymerase chain reaction; priority journal; quality control; randomized controlled trial (topic); reliability; Russian Federation; sexually transmitted disease; syphilis; Treponema pallidum; Trichomonas vaginalis; validity; Western blotting; Zimbabwe; Adolescent; Adult; Behavior Therapy; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Developing Countries; Female; Humans; International Cooperation; Male; Middle Aged; Quality Control; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70350587313 | Performance of six-phase induction motor with trapezia phase current waveforms | Ai Y., Wang Y., Marrten K. | 2009 | Diangong Jishu Xuebao/Transactions of China Electrotechnical Society | 24 | 9 | None | Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, China; University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | Ai, Y., Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, China; Wang, Y., Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, China; Marrten, K., University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | To realize the function that the field and torque can be controlled directly, a novel direct field and direct torque control strategy used in six-phase induction motor with special phase current waveform is proposed and evaluated. Firstly, the electromagnetic torque is calculated by theoretical and finite element analysis. Secondly, the analytical results are verified by practical experiment. The dominant merit of the proposed control strategy is that the flux and torque of the induction motor are directly controlled as compared to vector control that uses Park transformation theory. Another merit is that with stator winding layout, a nearly square, smooth rotating flux density in the air gap is generated by using the resultant field currents and the electromagnetic torque can be improved greatly. | Electromagnetic torque; Finite element analysis; Phase current waveform; Six-phase motor | Air-gaps; Analytical results; Control strategies; Direct Torque Control; Electromagnetic torque; Electromagnetic torques; Field currents; Finite element analysis; Park transformation; Phase current waveform; Phase currents; Rotating flux; Six-phase; Six-phase motor; Stator winding; Vector controls; Electric windings; Electromagnetism; Induction motors; Motors; Torque; Torque control; Finite element method | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36948998622 | Impact of mechanized farming on the heavy metals load of an ultisol located in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria | Ebong G.A., Etuk H.S., Essien J.P. | 2007 | Journal of Applied Sciences | 7 | 20 | None | Department of Chemistry, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria; Department of Microbiology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria | Ebong, G.A., Department of Chemistry, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria; Etuk, H.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria; Essien, J.P., Department of Microbiology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria | Top soil samples from a mechanized farm located in Awot Uta, Akwa Ibom State in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer for their Cr; Cd; Fe; Cu; Zn and Pb concentrations. Top soil samples were also collected from a local farm situated close to the study area and analyzed for their metal contents. The following mean concentrations were observed in the mechanized farm: 0.343±0.200 ing kg-1 for Cr; 0.012±0.006 mg kg-1 for Cd; 0.959±8.814 mg kg-1 for Fe; 0.031±0.011 mg kg-1 for Cu; 0.169±0.041 mg kg-1 for Zn and 0.010±0.005 mg kg-1 for Pb. While the local farm recorded the following concentrations: 0.115±0.005 mg kg-1 for Cr; 0.001±0.001 mg kg-1 for Cd; 22.115±3.351 mg kg-1 for Fe; 0.015±0.004 mg kg-1 for Cu; 0.098±0.008 mg kg-1 for Zn and 0.001±0.001 mg kg-1 for Pb. Generally, the metal levels obtained in the mechanized farm were higher than their corresponding levels in the local farm. Although the metals loads were within the recommended standards for agricultural soils, the elevated loads obtained from the mechanized farmland is of serious health implications because of the attendant metals effects on the food chain. Coefficient of variations were also calculated for the metal concentrations in the mechanized farm and results obtained indicated Cr as having the highest CV value (58%) while Fe had the lowest (22%). © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Heavy metal; Mechanized farming; Niger Delta; Nigeria | Atomic absorption spectrophotometer; Coefficient of variation; Health implications; Mean concentrations; Mechanized farming; Metal concentrations; Niger Delta; Nigeria; Chromium; Heavy metals; Lead; Metals; Soil surveys; Soils; Zinc; Pollution | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878746716 | Relationship of line per se and testcross performance for grain yield of tropical maize in drought and well-watered trials | Kebede A.Z., Melchinger A.E., Cairns J.E., Luis Araus J., Makumbi D., Atlin G.N. | 2013 | Crop Science | 53 | 4 | 10.2135/cropsci2012.08.0495 | Institute of Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Population Genetics, Univ. of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 21, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany; International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), P.O. Box MP163, Harare, Zimbabwe; Dep. of Plant Biology, Univ. of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; CIMMYT, United Nations Avenue, Gigiri P. O. Box 1041-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, PO Box 23350, Seattle, WA 98102, United States | Kebede, A.Z., Institute of Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Population Genetics, Univ. of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 21, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany; Melchinger, A.E., Institute of Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Population Genetics, Univ. of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 21, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany; Cairns, J.E., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), P.O. Box MP163, Harare, Zimbabwe; Luis Araus, J., Dep. of Plant Biology, Univ. of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Makumbi, D., CIMMYT, United Nations Avenue, Gigiri P. O. Box 1041-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; Atlin, G.N., Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, PO Box 23350, Seattle, WA 98102, United States | To optimize the efficiency of maize (Zea mays L.) drought breeding, the ability to predict testcross performance (TP) under drought stress using line per se performance (LP) of the parental inbreds would be useful. We evaluated LP and TP of tropical inbreds in well-watered and drought environments in Kenya and Mexico. Our main objective was to determine if LP under drought stress was predictive of TP for grain yield under drought stress and if selection for LP under drought stress would result in reduced yield potential for TP under well-watered conditions. Average yield reduction under drought stress was 77% for lines and 68% for testcrosses. Average genotypic correlations between lines and testcrosses under drought stress were positive and low (genotypic correlation = 0.48), but correlations increased with increasing levels of drought stress in both LP and TP trials. Averaged over all sets, indirect selection for LP was predicted to be only 57% as effective as direct selection for TP under drought stress but was on average substantially higher in testcross sets where yield reduction due to drought was 70% or more. Therefore, LP under drought stress could be used to develop hybrids for severely drought-prone environments. Moreover, LP under drought stress was uncorrelated with TP for grain yield under well-watered conditions, showing that selection of lines per se for drought tolerance would likely not reduce yield potential of testcrosses. © Crop Science Society of America. | None | Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951948808 | The performance of PCD tools in high-speed milling of Ti6Al4V | Oosthuizen G.A., Akdogan G., Treurnicht N. | 2011 | International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology | 52 | 42625 | 10.1007/s00170-010-2804-2 | Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Oosthuizen, G.A., Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Akdogan, G., Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Treurnicht, N., Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Tool performance of conventional tools is poor and a major constraint when used in milling titanium alloys at elevated cutting speeds. At these high cutting speeds, the chemical and mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V cause complex wear mechanisms. In this paper, a fine-grain polycrystalline diamond (PCD) end mill tool was tested, and its wear behavior was studied. The performance of the PCD tool has been investigated in terms of tool life, cutting forces, and surface roughness. The PCD tool yielded longer tool life than a coated carbide tool at cutting speeds above 100 m/min. A slower wear progression was found with an increase in cutting speeds, whereas the norm is an exponential increase in tool wear at elevated speeds. Observations based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX) analysis suggest that adhesion of the workpiece is the wear main type, after which degradation of the tools accelerates probable due to the combined effect of high temperature degradation coupled with abrasion. © 2010 The Author(s). | High speed; Milling; PCD tool; Thermal softening; Ti6Al4V; Tool wear | High speed; Milling; PCD tool; Thermal softening; Ti-6al-4v; Tool wear; Carbide tools; Carbides; Cutting tools; Degradation; Diamond cutting tools; Energy dispersive spectroscopy; Mechanical properties; Milling (machining); Scanning electron microscopy; Speed; Surface roughness; Titanium; Titanium alloys; Tribology; Wear of materials; Equipment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960831966 | Evaluation of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) plants with natural and transgenic resistance against tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) isolates occurring in the republic of south africa (RSA) | Sivparsad B., Gubba A. | 2011 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 6 | 13 | None | School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, Discipline of Plant Pathology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa | Sivparsad, B., School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, Discipline of Plant Pathology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa; Gubba, A., School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, Discipline of Plant Pathology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa | Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) infections causes significant economic losses in the commercial production of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). This study was undertaken to evaluate tomato with natural and transgenic resistance when inoculated with TSWV isolates occurring in the Republic of South Africa (RSA). The Stevens cultivar which has natural resistance to TSWV conferred by the Sw-5 gene and the transgenic 13-1 line which expresses the nucleocapsid (N) protein gene of the TSWV-BL isolate were used as test plants. Six TSWV isolates collected from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Limpopo and Mpumulanga provinces were mechanically inoculated onto test plants. The trial was arranged in a general treatment structure with randomized block design and repeated once. Plants were assessed for TSWV resistance based on a disease severity rating scale and measurements of virion accumulation levels (A405nm) using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). There were no significant differences among the reactions produced by the six TSWV isolates on the test plants. Although both plants were susceptible to the TSWV isolates from RSA by exhibiting similar high viral accumulation levels, the transgenic tomato line showed milder disease severity than the natural resistant cultivar. Results suggest that transgenic resistance is a more viable approach in the control of TSWV in RSA. © 2011 Academic Journals. | Republic of south africa; Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.); Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV); Transgenic; Virus resistance | Lycopersicon esculentum; Tomato spotted wilt virus; Tospovirus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927918107 | Evaluation of Chemical, Biochemical and Microbiological Quality in Tomato Using Multivariate Analysis | Sobratee N., Workneh T.S. | 2015 | International Journal of Food Engineering | 11 | 2 | 10.1515/ijfe-2014-0099 | Department of Bioresources Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Sobratee, N., Department of Bioresources Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Workneh, T.S., Department of Bioresources Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Tomato quality is determined by metabolite content which is governed by post-harvest physiological changes. A 30-day full factorial experiment investigated pre-packaging, disinfection and storage temperatures on 18 different biochemical, microbiological, enzymatic and subjective quality attributes of tomato quality. Principal component analysis revealed associations among the variables such as PC1 (28.85%): coliform/enzymatic softening; PC2 (21.52%): free sugars/sweetness; and PC3 (18.20%): sucrose hydrolysis/microbial spoilage/defense metabolites. Discriminant analysis showed that some specific parameters were highly significant (P<0.001) in determining quality changes in relation to the washing procedures and storage temperature. The prominence of ascorbic acid was observed in the equations which discriminate mostly on the basis of microbial deterioration. Further works in this respect entail fine-tuning through model verification of the equations. Multivariate analysis techniques are, therefore, recommended in studies whereby understanding of the phenomenon driving the post-harvest system's dynamics has to be understood through diverse interrelated metabolic parameters. © 2015 by De Gruyter. | dipping treatment; discriminant analysis; post-harvest tomato quality; principal component analysis (PCA); separation of variables | Ascorbic acid; Chemical analysis; Discriminant analysis; Fruits; Harvesting; Metabolites; Multivariant analysis; Principal component analysis; dipping treatment; Full factorial experiment; Microbial deterioration; Microbiological quality; Multi variate analysis; Multivariate analysis techniques; Post harvest; Separation of variables; Quality control; Lycopersicon esculentum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84918818488 | Impact of soil amendments and weather factors on bacterial wilt and yield of two tomato cultivars in Abeokuta, Nigeria | Popoola A.R., Ganiyu S.A., Babalola O.A., Ayo-John E.I., Fajinmi A.A., Kehinde I.A., Adegboye T.H. | 2014 | South African Journal of Plant and Soil | 31 | 4 | 10.1080/02571862.2014.966339 | Department of Crop Protection, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Agriculture | Popoola, A.R., Department of Crop Protection, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ganiyu, S.A., Department of Crop Protection, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Babalola, O.A., Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ayo-John, E.I., Department of Crop Protection, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Fajinmi, A.A., Department of Crop Protection, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Kehinde, I.A., Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Adegboye, T.H., IFSERAR, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Tomato bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, leads to tomato yield losses of up to 80% in south-western Nigeria. Soil amendments and weather conditions are important in the management of the disease. Field experiments were conducted at the Research Farm of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria in the late and early rainy seasons of 2006 and 2007, respectively, to evaluate the effects of soil amended with three bactericidal plant materials and prevailing weather conditions on severity of tomato bacterial wilt and yield of two tomato cultivars. The experiment was designed in a split-plot with cultivars as main plot and composts as subplots. Soil amendment with bactericidal plant material reduced mean soil population of Ralstonia solanacearum by 4.78 × 107 cfu g-1 soil, mean wilt incidence by 31.35%, percent severity index by 22.90, and increased tomato yield by 50%. Relationships between disease severity index (Y) and cumulative number of rainy days (X) in 2006 and 2007 were described, respectively, by linear models Y = 4.093X - 78.2 and Y = 2.593X - 10.81. Growing tomato on soil amended with bactericidal plant materials under fewer rainy days reduced bacterial wilt and increased yield of tomato. © 2014 © Southern African Plant & Soil Sciences Committee. | bacterial wilt; fruit yield; soil amendment; tomato; weather factors | bacterium; climate conditions; compost; cultivar; dicotyledon; field method; fruit; pathogen; soil amendment; wilt; yield response; Abeokuta; Nigeria; Ogun; Bacteria (microorganisms); Lycopersicon esculentum; Ralstonia solanacearum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892565119 | Modeling River Sosiani's water quality to assess human impact on water resources at the catchment scale | Chibole O.K. | 2013 | Ecohydrology and Hydrobiology | 13 | 4 | 10.1016/j.ecohyd.2013.10.003 | University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya | Chibole, O.K., University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya | To investigate the water quality status at catchment scale, the MIKE 11 modeling system (DHI) was used on the Sosiani, western Kenya. The river's catchment was delineated according to land-use practice into forested (Fz), agricultural (Az) and urban (Uz). Rainfallrunoff processes were modeled using NAM (DHI) and the hydrodynamic model was built using the MIKE 11 HD module. Water quality (WQ) modeling was limited to the oxygen cycle. Model calibration was done on the basis of available measured WQ data at Fz-Az; Az-Uz boundaries. Simulated data versus observed data show model efficiency of 0.70. The Uz contributes 75% of BOD flux in the catchment. © 2013 European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology of Polish Academy of Sciences. | BOD; Land-use practice; MIKE 11; River Sosiani; Water quality modeling | anthropogenic effect; catchment; hydrodynamics; hydrological modeling; land use change; rainfall-runoff modeling; water quality; water resource; Kenya; Sosiani River | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908238636 | The progressive effects of a high-fat diet on erythrocyte osmotic fragility, growth performance and serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels in Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) and Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) | Donaldson J., Dangarembizi R., Mtetwa B., Madziva M.T., Erlwanger K.H. | 2014 | Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition | 98 | 5 | 10.1111/jpn.12149 | Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Donaldson, J., Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Dangarembizi, R., Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mtetwa, B., Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Madziva, M.T., Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Erlwanger, K.H., Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | To investigate the progressive effects of a high-fat diet on erythrocyte osmotic fragility, growth performance and serum lipid concentrations in Guinea fowl and Muscovy ducks, 36 Guinea fowl and 36 Muscovy ducks were divided into two groups, for each species, and fed either a standard (STD = commercial poultry feed) or high-fat diet (HFD = commercial poultry feed with 20% palm oil and 2% lard) for up to 12 weeks. After 4, 8 and 12 weeks on the diets, six birds from each group were euthanized and blood samples collected. Osmotic fragility was assessed by measuring the haemoglobin released by erythrocytes placed in serially diluted solutions of phosphate-buffered saline, spectrophotometrically. Serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations were also determined. Fragiligrams from erythrocytes from both species of birds on the HFD were not different to those on the STD. However, Muscovy duck erythrocytes were more resistant to haemolysis compared with Guinea fowl erythrocytes. Final body mass and serum triglyceride levels were not significantly different (p > 0.05, ANOVA) between the birds in the HFD and STD groups, for both species of birds. In contrast, serum cholesterol levels were significantly higher in birds on the HFD compared with those on the STD, after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of feeding, for both species of birds. Feeding Guinea fowl and Muscovy ducks a high-fat diet for up to 12 weeks resulted in hypercholesterolaemia but had no effect on final body mass, erythrocyte osmotic fragility or serum triglyceride concentrations in either bird species. © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH. | Avian; High-fat diet; Osmotic fragility | Aves; Cairina moschata; Numida meleagris; cholesterol; fat intake; triacylglycerol; administration and dosage; analysis; animal; animal food; blood; controlled study; diet; drug effects; duck; erythrocyte; fat intake; Galliformes; growth, development and aging; metabolism; osmotic fragility; randomized controlled trial; species difference; veterinary; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Cholesterol; Diet; Dietary Fats; Ducks; Erythrocytes; Galliformes; Osmotic Fragility; Species Specificity; Triglycerides | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-43049100760 | The use of a cluster analysis in across herd genetic evaluation for beef cattle | Neser F.W.C., Erasmus G.J., Scholtz M.M. | 2008 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 38 | 1 | None | Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, UFS, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Neser, F.W.C., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, UFS, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Erasmus, G.J., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, UFS, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Scholtz, M.M., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, UFS, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | To investigate the possibility of a genotype x environment interaction in Bonsmara cattle, a cluster analysis was performed on weaning weight records of 72 811 Bonsmara calves, the progeny of 1 434 sires and 24 186 dams in 35 herds. The following environmental factors were used to classify herds into clusters: solution for herd effects corrected for year-season, sex, age of dam and age at weaning (indicative of the management level in a herd), herd size and average temperature and rainfall. Two different genetic analyses were performed. Breeding values obtained in a univariate analysis were used as basis for comparison to breeding values obtained from a multivariate analysis where weaning weight in each cluster was considered as a separate trait. Direct additive, maternal additive, permanent maternal environment and Herd-Year-Season x Sire (HYSxS) interaction were included as random effects in both analyses. The direct genetic correlations between the clusters varied between 0.51 and 1.00. The low correlation estimates between some of the clusters indicate a possible genotype x environment interaction. Substantial reranking of sires between clusters did occur. However, further research is needed to identify and prioritize variables that can describe the genetics, management and climate of each herd more accurately. © South African Society for Animal Science. | Bonsmara cattle; Genotype by environment interaction; Weaning weight | Bos | None |
| None | None | Performance of nucleic acid amplification following extraction of 5 milliliters of whole blood for diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteremia | Crump J.A., Tuohy M.J., Morrissey A.B., Ramadhani H.O., Njau B.N., Maro V.P., Reller L.B., Procop G.W. | 2012 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 50 | 1 | 10.1128/JCM.05963-11 | Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Pathology, Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States; Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania; Department of Pathology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States | Crump, J.A., Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States, Department of Pathology, Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania; Tuohy, M.J., Department of Pathology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States; Morrissey, A.B., Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Ramadhani, H.O., Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania; Njau, B.N., Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania; Maro, V.P., Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania; Reller, L.B., Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States, Department of Pathology, Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States; Procop, G.W., Department of Pathology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States | To investigate the performance of a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteremia, 5-ml aliquots of blood were inoculated into bioMérieux mycobacterial (MB) bottles and incubated, and 5-ml aliquots of blood were extracted and tested by real-time PCR. Of 25 samples from patients with M. tuberculosis bacteremia, 9 (36.0%) were positive and 1 (1.5%) of 66 control samples was positive by NAAT. The NAAT shows promise, but modifications should focus on improving sensitivity. Copyright © 2012, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | article; blood culture; blood sampling; controlled study; diagnostic value; human; incubation time; inoculation; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nucleic acid amplification; predictive value; priority journal; real time polymerase chain reaction; sensitivity and specificity; tuberculosis; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bacteremia; Bacteriological Techniques; Blood; Humans; Middle Aged; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sensitivity and Specificity; Specimen Handling; Tuberculosis; Young Adult; Mycobacterium tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-49649127472 | Impact of urban agriculture on malaria vectors in Accra, Ghana | Klinkenberg E., McCall P.J., Wilson M.D., Amerasinghe F.P., Donnelly M.J. | 2008 | Malaria Journal | 7 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-7-151 | International Water Management Institute (IWMI), West Africa Office, Ghana; Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana; IWMI Headquarters, Colombo, Sri Lanka; KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, Parkstraat 17, 2514 JD, The Hague, Netherlands | Klinkenberg, E., International Water Management Institute (IWMI), West Africa Office, Ghana, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom, KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, Parkstraat 17, 2514 JD, The Hague, Netherlands; McCall, P.J., Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Wilson, M.D., Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana; Amerasinghe, F.P., IWMI Headquarters, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Donnelly, M.J., Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom | To investigate the impact of urban agriculture on malaria transmission risk in urban Accra larval and adult stage mosquito surveys, were performed. Local transmission was implicated as Anopheles spp. were found breeding and infected Anopheles mosquitoes were found resting in houses in the study sites. The predominant Anopheles species was Anopheles gambiae s.s. The relative proportion of molecular forms within a subset of specimens was 86% S-form and 14% M-form. Anopheles spp. and Culex quinquefasciatus outdoor biting rates were respectively three and four times higher in areas around agricultural sites (UA) than in areas far from agriculture (U). The annual Entomological Inoculation Rate (EIR), the number of infectious bites received per individual per year, was 19.2 and 6.6 in UA and U sites, respectively. Breeding sites were highly transitory in nature, which poses a challenge for larval control in this setting. The data also suggest that the epidemiological importance of urban agricultural areas may be the provision of resting sites for adults rather than an increased number of larval habitats. Host-seeking activity peaked between 2-3 am, indicating that insecticide-treated bednets should be an effective control method. © 2008 Klinkenberg et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | Anopheles gambiae; article; bioassay; controlled study; Culex quinquefasciatus; disease carrier; disease transmission; Ghana; human; larva; malaria; nonhuman; risk factor; sporozoite; urban area; agriculture; animal; Anopheles; city; disease carrier; drug effect; Ghana; growth, development and aging; insect bite; malaria; insecticide; permethrin; Agriculture; Animals; Anopheles; Cities; Ghana; Humans; Insect Bites and Stings; Insect Vectors; Insecticides; Larva; Malaria; Permethrin | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876788844 | Impact of suitable replacement of granite-particles on interlocking tiles | Ohijeagbon I.O., Olusegun H.D., Adekunle A.S., Adewoye O.S., Oladiji A.O. | 2012 | Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review | 5 | 2 | None | Mechanical Engineering Dept, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Department, Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria | Ohijeagbon, I.O., Mechanical Engineering Dept, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Olusegun, H.D., Mechanical Engineering Dept, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Adekunle, A.S., Mechanical Engineering Dept, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Adewoye, O.S., Mechanical Engineering Dept, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Oladiji, A.O., Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Department, Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria | To investigate the impact of alternative replacement of granite-particles in the production of interlocking tiles. Aggregate mixes of homogeneously mixed raw materials was used for production of experimental interlocking tiles. The mortar method was used for casting purposes. Produced interlocking tiles were cured and treated for twenty-eight days before the physical and mechanical tests were conducted. For improved mechanical strength, an optimum mix of granite particles to lateritic soil to silica sand of 2:1:1 is recommended for suitable replacement for granite particles in the production of interlocking tiles. A simple model that relates the granite particles/cement ratio to water/cement ratio for interlocking tiles was determined, with a coefficient of correlation and standard error of estimate of 0.85 and 0.65 respectively. The investigation had shown that cheaper and easily available raw materials, such as lateritic soil and silica sand may be used as suitable replacement for granite particles in the production of interlocking tiles with acceptable properties. Developed model that relates the granite particles/cement ratio to water/cement ratio for interlocking tiles would be very useful for control studies or production purposes. © 2012 Kavala Institute of Technology. All rights reserved. | Aggregate mixes; Granite particles; Interlocking tiles; Mechanical strength | A-coefficient; Control studies; Developed model; Lateritic soils; Mechanical tests; Mortar methods; Standard errors; Water/cement ratio; Agglomeration; Aggregates; Silica sand; Soil testing; Strength of materials; Granite | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33645658721 | Yield performance and release of four late blight tolerant potato varieties in Kenya | Lung'aho C., Nderitu S.K.N., Kabira J.N., El-Bedewy R., Olanya O.M., Walingo A. | 2006 | Journal of Agronomy | 5 | 1 | 10.3923/ja.2006.57.61 | National Potato Research Center, P.O. Box 338, Limuru, Kenya; Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 25, Kafr El-Zayat, Egypt; USDA-ARS, New England Plant Soil and Water Laboratory, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, United States | Lung'aho, C., National Potato Research Center, P.O. Box 338, Limuru, Kenya; Nderitu, S.K.N., National Potato Research Center, P.O. Box 338, Limuru, Kenya; Kabira, J.N., National Potato Research Center, P.O. Box 338, Limuru, Kenya; El-Bedewy, R., Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 25, Kafr El-Zayat, Egypt; Olanya, O.M., USDA-ARS, New England Plant Soil and Water Laboratory, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, United States; Walingo, A., National Potato Research Center, P.O. Box 338, Limuru, Kenya | To improve yield potential, potato varieties Kenya Faulu, Kenya Karibu, Kenya Mavuno and Kenya Sifa have been approved for variety release by the Kenya Variety Release Committee. The varieties are medium late to late maturing, high yielding with good tuber and culinary characteristics. The released varieties were selections from advanced potato clones KP90142.7, KP90172.34 and KP91301.10 derived from Population A (high levels of late blight resistance) in which materials for original crosses were obtained from the International Potato Center (CIP). The clone 720097.1 is a derivative of ex-Mexican origin, obtained from germplasm collections at CIP. In multi-location experiments conducted in various agro-ecological regions of Kenya, tuber yield of the newly released varieties were significantly greater than the resistant check variety Tigoni, as well as the other clones evaluated. The released varieties had good agronomic characteristics, high late blight tolerance and acceptable culinary properties. Deployment and utilization of the newly released varieties can greatly improve yield performance in the low input farming systems of Kenyan highlands. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Kenya; Late blight tolerance; Potato; Solanum tuberosum; Utilization; Variety release | Solanum tuberosum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33750220095 | Evaluation of soilless production systems for small scale production of two Amaranthus species and Swiss chard, Beta vulgaris | Sedibe M.M., Combrink N.J.J., Reinten E.Y. | 2006 | South African Journal of Plant and Soil | 23 | 3 | None | Dept. of Agronomy, University of Stellenbosch, P/Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; CUT, FS, School of Environmental Health and Agriculture, Private Bag X20539, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; ARC-Roodeplaat (W. Cape), P/Bag X1, Elsenburg 7607, South Africa | Sedibe, M.M., Dept. of Agronomy, University of Stellenbosch, P/Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa, CUT, FS, School of Environmental Health and Agriculture, Private Bag X20539, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Combrink, N.J.J., Dept. of Agronomy, University of Stellenbosch, P/Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Reinten, E.Y., ARC-Roodeplaat (W. Cape), P/Bag X1, Elsenburg 7607, South Africa | To improve the diet of rural families, small scale production of leafy vegetables, as a source of vitamin A and other nutrients should be encouraged. In this study, conducted under controlled environmental conditions (day temperatures in the greenhouse varied between 22 and 29°C with night temperatures between 13 and 16°C), Beta vulgaris (Swiss chard) and Amaranthus spp. (imbuya) were grown, using gravel and pumice as substrates for 'Ebb-and-Flood' and 'constant level' production systems. The results of this study showed that a combination of an 'Ebb-and-Flood' system with gravel as substrate, gave the best results of root development and leaf yield, especially for 'imbuya'. The water-use-efficiency (WUE) of 'imbuya' was significantly higher than that of Swiss chard. The yield and leaf chlorophyll content of 'imbuya' was low for the 'constant level' system with gravel used as substrate. Pumice improved root production, leaf yield and leaf chlorophyll content only for the 'constant level' system, probably owing to capillary action in pumice and associated improved root aeration. | Amaranthus; Beta vulgaris; Fertigation; Gravel; Pumice | chlorophyll; crop production; diet; environmental conditions; gravel; production system; pumice; rural area; substrate preference; vegetable; Amaranthus; Beta vulgaris; Beta vulgaris cicla; Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77649197354 | Biological relevance of ion energy in performance of human endothelial cells on ion-implanted flexible polyurethane surfaces | Özkucur N., Richter E., Wetzel C., Funk R.H.W., Monsees T.K. | 2010 | Journal of Biomedical Materials Research - Part A | 93 | 1 | 10.1002/jbm.a.32541 | Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany; Forschungszentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Department of Ion Beam Physics and Material Research, Dresden, Germany; Department of Ion Beam and Plasma Technique, Fraunhofer Institute, Dresden, Germany; Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa | Özkucur, N., Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany; Richter, E., Forschungszentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Department of Ion Beam Physics and Material Research, Dresden, Germany; Wetzel, C., Department of Ion Beam and Plasma Technique, Fraunhofer Institute, Dresden, Germany; Funk, R.H.W., Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany; Monsees, T.K., Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany, Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa | To improve the biocompatibility of polyurethane (PUR), we modified the surface by irradiation with different ions (Carbon; C, Oxygen; O, Nitrogen; N, or Argon; Ar) at 0.3-50 keV energy and doses of 1,00E+13 - 1,00E+15 ions/cm 2. The effects of ion implantation using different ion energies and densities were observed on adhesion, proliferation, and viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The long-term in vitro stability of ion-implanted PUR was also investigated. Ion irradiation moderately affected the surface roughness (Ra), but strongly enhanced the work of adhesion (Wa). Cell adhesion was markedly improved on O-, N-, and Ar-, but not on C-implanted PUR surfaces. Medium ion energies and lower ion doses produced the best HUVEC attachment and proliferation, indicating the importance of choosing the proper range of energy applied during ion irradiation. In addition, apoptosis rates were significantly reduced when compared with unmodified PUR (uPUR). N implantation significantly protected the surface, although C implantation led to stronger surface erosions than on uPUR. In total, ion implantation on flexible PUR surfaces strongly improved the material surface characteristics and biocompatibility. Electron beam ion implantation within an appropriate energy window is thus a key to improving flexible PUR surfaces for clinical use to support endothelial cell performance. Thus, it can contribute to designing small-diameter grafts, which are in great demand, towards vascular tissue engineering applications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | Adhesion; Biocompatibility; HUVECs; Ion implantation; Polyurethane | Apoptosis rates; Clinical use; Energy windows; Flexible Polyurethanes; Human endothelial cells; Human umbilical vein endothelial cells; HUVECs; In-vitro; Ion dose; Ion energies; Ion irradiation; Material surface; N implantation; Small-diameter; Surface erosion; Vascular tissue engineering; Work of adhesion; Adhesion; Argon; Biocompatibility; Blood vessel prostheses; Cell adhesion; Cell death; Electron beams; Ion bombardment; Ion implantation; Oxygen; Self assembly; Surface properties; Surface roughness; Tissue engineering; Endothelial cells; argon; carbon; ion; nitrogen; oxygen; polyurethan; apoptosis; article; biocompatibility; cell adhesion; cell count; cell density; cell proliferation; cell structure; cell viability; concentration response; controlled study; electron beam; endothelium cell; energy; human; human cell; implantation; irradiation; surface property; umbilical vein; Apoptosis; Cell Adhesion; Cell Count; Cell Proliferation; Cell Shape; Cell Survival; Cells, Cultured; Culture Media; Endothelial Cells; Humans; Implants, Experimental; Ions; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Pliability; Polyurethanes; Surface Properties; Thermodynamics | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-35048841735 | Reconfiguration and load balancing in the LV and MV distribution networks for optimal performance | Siti M.W., Nicolae D.V., Jimoh A.A., Ukil A. | 2007 | IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery | 22 | 4 | 10.1109/TPWRD.2007.905581 | Electrical Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0116, South Africa | Siti, M.W., Electrical Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0116, South Africa; Nicolae, D.V., Electrical Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0116, South Africa; Jimoh, A.A., Electrical Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0116, South Africa; Ukil, A., Electrical Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0116, South Africa | To get the distribution network to operate at its optimum performance in an automated distribution system reconfiguration was been proposed and researched. Considering, however, that optimum performance implies minimum loss, no overloading of transformers and cables, correct voltage profile, and absence of phase voltage and current imbalances, network reconfiguration alone is insufficient. It has to be complemented with techniques for phase rearrangement between the distribution transformer banks and the specific primary feeder with a radial structure and dynamic phase and load balancing along a feeder with a radial structure. This paper contributes such a technique at the low-voltage and medium-voltage levels of a distribution network simultaneously with reconfiguration at both levels. While the neural network is adopted for the network reconfiguration problem, this paper introduces a heuristic method for the phase balancing/loss minimization problem. A comparison of the heuristic algorithm with that of the neural network shows the former to be more robust. The approach proposed here, therefore for the combined problem, uses the neural network in conjunction with a heuristic method which enables different reconfiguration switches to be turned on/off and connected consumers to be switched between different phases to keep the phases balanced. An application example of the proposed method using real data is presented. © 2007 IEEE. | Distribution automation; Distribution control; Heuristic algorithm; Load balancing; Load control; Neural nets; Neural network; Optimal control; Performance evaluation; Phase arrangement; Phase current imbalance; Phase voltage imbalance; Power loss; Reconf | Electric loads; Electric switches; Heuristic algorithms; Heuristic methods; Neural networks; Optimization; Resource allocation; Distribution automation; Phase arrangement; Power loss; Electric power distribution | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-50449084792 | Understanding diversity in impact and responses among HIV/AIDS-affected households: The case of Msinga, South Africa | Swaans K., Broerse J., Van Diepen I., Salomon M., Gibson D., Bunders J. | 2008 | African Journal of AIDS Research | 7 | 2 | 10.2989/AJAR.2008.7.2.2.519 | Athena Institute for Research on Innovation and Communication in Health and Life Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands; Medical Anthropology and Sociology Unit, University of Amsterdam, Oudezijds Achterburgwal 185, 1012 DK Amsterdam, Netherlands; Farmer Support Group, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 1 Golf Road, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Swaans, K., Athena Institute for Research on Innovation and Communication in Health and Life Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands; Broerse, J., Athena Institute for Research on Innovation and Communication in Health and Life Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands; Van Diepen, I., Athena Institute for Research on Innovation and Communication in Health and Life Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands, Medical Anthropology and Sociology Unit, University of Amsterdam, Oudezijds Achterburgwal 185, 1012 DK Amsterdam, Netherlands; Salomon, M., Farmer Support Group, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 1 Golf Road, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Gibson, D., Medical Anthropology and Sociology Unit, University of Amsterdam, Oudezijds Achterburgwal 185, 1012 DK Amsterdam, Netherlands; Bunders, J., Athena Institute for Research on Innovation and Communication in Health and Life Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands | To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of HIV and AIDS on rural households in Msinga, South Africa, the sustainable livelihoods framework was adapted. An ethnographic perspective was employed to examine: 1) the impact of HIV/AIDS-related illnesses on people's mind and spirit (the internal environment), and 2) the influence of institutional structures and processes (the external environment), in order to better understand 3) the actions taken by individuals and households in response to HIV and AIDS. Members of three support groups at a local drop-in centre were consulted about the impact of HIV and AIDS on their lives through focus groups, a questionnaire and in-depth interviews. The study shows that the psychosocial impact and associated coping strategies, as well as prevailing gender-based power relations and exclusion from social-exchange networks - which are not (readily) available factors in the sustainable livelihoods framework - affect people's lives in different ways and depend on the specific situation of the individual or household concerned. The study confirms the need to restore a household's resource base and to address psychosocial issues. However, the variation in impact to different households requires a diversified and holistic programme of development interventions. Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd. | Accessibility; Coping; Mitigation strategies; Psychosocial aspects; Resource-poor settings; Sustainable livelihoods framework | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adolescent; adult; article; coping behavior; ethnographic research; female; holistic care; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; interview; major clinical study; male; questionnaire; rural area; sex ratio; social aspect; social psychology; South Africa; support group; sustainable development | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871821616 | Phospholipon 90G Based SLMs loaded with ibuprofen: An oral antiinflammatory and gastrointestinal sparing evaluation in rats | Audu M.M., Achile P.A., Amaechi A.A. | 2012 | Pakistan Journal of Zoology | 44 | 6 | None | Drug Delivery Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | Audu, M.M., Drug Delivery Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Achile, P.A., Drug Delivery Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Amaechi, A.A., Drug Delivery Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | To formulate and evaluate solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) intended for oral administration of ibuprofen. Ibuprofen-loaded solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) were prepared using hot emulsification method. Characterizations based on particles size and morphology, particles surface charges and stability and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) were carried out on the SLMs. In vitro release of Ibuprofen was performed in phosphate buffer while in vivo anti-inflammatory activity and GI sparing effect were carried out in rats. Maximum encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of 89±0.2, 84±0.1, and 93±0.4 for A1-A3, while 81±0.0, 84±0.3 and 94±0.1 were obtained for B1-B3, respectively. Stable, spherical and smooth SLMs of size range 21.1±0.2 μm to 34.2±1.4 μm were produced. The release of ibuprofen in phosphate buffer varied widely with the lipid contents. Moreover, significant (p<0.05) anti-inflammatory activity of 65.9, 55.9 and 85.2 % for A1-A3 and 51.3, 65.1, 72.1% for B1-B3 within 6 h respectively were observed. Maximum gastrointestinal (GI) protection of 98, 94, 72 and 71% were observed in batch A3, B3, A1and B1 as compared to 62, 69 and 10 % observed in A2, B2 and the conventional tablet. Thus, SLMsbased on P90G and Beeswax would likely offer a reliable means of delivering ibuprofen orally and prevent GI side effect. Copyright © 2012 Zoological Society of Pakistan. | Anti-inflammatory; Ibuprofen; SLMS; SRMS | drug; lipid; morphology; particle size; particulate matter; phosphate; rodent; stabilization; Rattus | None |
| WoS | WOS:000262517900008 | The impact of distance of residence from a peripheral health facility on pediatric health utilisation in rural western Kenya | Adazu, Kubaje,Audi, Allan,Feikin, Daniel R.,Lindblade, Kim A.,Nguyen, Ly Minh,Ombok, Maurice,Slutsker, Laurence | 2009 | TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH | 14 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2008.02193.x | CDC, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, Kenya Govt Med Res Ctr | None | To explore the impact of distance on utilisation of peripheral health facilities for sick child visits in Asembo, rural western Kenya.
As part of a demographic surveillance system (DSS), censuses of all households in the Asembo population of 55 000 are conducted three times a year, data are collected at all outpatient pediatric visits in seven DSS clinics in Asembo, and all households are GIS-mapped and linkable to a child's unique DSS identification number. Between May 1, 2003 and April 30, 2004, 3501 clinic visits were linked to 2432 children among 10 973 DSS-resident children < 5 years of age.
Younger children and children with more severe illnesses travelled further for clinic visits. The median distance travelled varied by clinic. The rate of clinic visits decreased linearly at 0.5 km intervals up to 4 km, after which the rate stabilised. Using Poisson regression, controlling for the nearest DSS clinic for each child, socio-economic status and maternal education, and accounting for household clustering of children, for every 1 km increase in distance of residence from a DSS clinic, the rate of clinic visits decreased by 34% (95% CI, 31-37%) from the previous kilometer.
Achieving equity in access to health care for children in rural Kenya will require creative strategies to address a significant distance-decay effect in health care utilisation. | "access to care",DISTANCE,"health care utilisation",KENYA,ATTENDANCE,CHILDREN,DISTRICT,FEVERS,MALARIA,MORTALITY,SERVICES | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746531217 | The determinants of credit access and its impacts on micro and small enterprises: The case of garment producers in Kenya | Akoten J.E., Sawada Y., Otsuka K. | 2006 | Economic Development and Cultural Change | 54 | 4 | 10.1086/503585 | Ministry of Trade and Industry, Kenya; University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Foundation for Advanced Studies on International Development, Japan | Akoten, J.E., Ministry of Trade and Industry, Kenya; Sawada, Y., University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Otsuka, K., Foundation for Advanced Studies on International Development, Japan | To explore the factors affecting access to various credit sources for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and to identify the impacts of those factors on profitability and employment growth, data exclusively collected from a stratified random sample of micro and small garment producers in three garment clusters in Nairobi, Kenya were employed. It was found that MSEs in Kenya attempt to resolve the scarcity of credit by borrowing from diverse sources of credit, including such indigenous credit sources as rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs). In all the clusters studied, ROSCAs are the most important credit source at the cluster with the highest density of active garment producers. | None | employment; garment industry; microenterprise; profitability; random walk method; small and medium-sized enterprise; Africa; East Africa; Kenya; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38949133447 | Soil properties that impact yeast and actinomycete numbers in sandy low nutrient soils | Vreulink J.-M., Esterhuyse A., Jacobs K., Botha A. | 2007 | Canadian Journal of Microbiology | 53 | 12 | 10.1139/W07-092 | Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Vreulink, J.-M., Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Esterhuyse, A., Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Jacobs, K., Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Botha, A., Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa | To explore the beneficial qualities or detrimental consequences of cultureable soil yeasts, it is important to understand which physicochemical soil properties most impact populations of these unicellular fungi in their natural habitat. The goal of this study was to determine which soil properties dictate yeast numbers in pristine sandy, low nutrient soils within a semi-arid region. A correlation matrix of the data obtained for 19 different environmental variables indicated a negative correlation between soil pH and yeast numbers. Using general regression models, it was demonstrated that soil pH and copper concentration were the 2 variables that correlated best with soil yeast counts in these soils. However, soil moisture content was found to be the environmental factor with the most impact on cultureable actinomycetes and heterotrophic microbes. The study also demonstrated that divalent cation availability might impact the size of both yeast and prokaryote populations in these soils. © 2007 NRC. | Bacteria; Ecology; Soil; Soil chemistry; Yeasts | Bacteria; Biodiversity; Microbiology; Nutrients; pH effects; Yeast; Environmental variables; Semi-arid region; Soil chemistry; Soil yeasts; Soils; concentration (composition); environmental factor; nutrient availability; pH; physicochemical property; semiarid region; soil chemistry; soil microorganism; soil property; yeast; Actinobacteria; article; cation transport; correlation analysis; environmental factor; microbial community; moisture; nonhuman; nutrient availability; pH measurement; physical chemistry; priority journal; regression analysis; sandy soil; soil property; yeast; Actinobacteria; Cations, Divalent; Fertilizers; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Regression Analysis; Soil; Soil Microbiology; Yeasts; Actinobacteria (class); Prokaryota; Protofungi | None |
| WoS | WOS:000263496700006 | Impact of antenatal common mental disorders upon perinatal outcomes in Ethiopia: the P-MaMiE population-based cohort study | Abdulahi, Abdulreshid,Alem, Atalay,Araya, Mesfin,Dewey, Michael,Hanlon, Charlotte,Hughes, Marcus,Lakew, Zufan,Medhin, Girmay,Patel, Vikram,Prince, Martin,Tesfaye, Fikru,Tomlinson, Mark,Worku, Bogale | 2009 | TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH | 14 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2008.02198.x | Addis Ababa University, Kings College London, University of London, MRC, UK & Sangath Ctr | "Abdulahi, Abdulreshid: Addis Ababa University","Alem, Atalay: Addis Ababa University","Araya, Mesfin: Addis Ababa University","Dewey, Michael: Kings College London","Dewey, Michael: University of London","Hughes, Marcus: Kings College London","Hughes, Marcus: University of London","Lakew, Zufan: Addis Ababa University","Medhin, Girmay: Kings College London","Medhin, Girmay: University of London","Prince, Martin: Kings College London","Prince, Martin: University of London","Tesfaye, Fikru: Addis Ababa University","Worku, Bogale: Addis Ababa University", | To examine the impact of antenatal psychosocial stressors, including maternal common mental disorders (CMD), upon low birth weight, stillbirth and neonatal mortality, and other perinatal outcomes in rural Ethiopia.
A population-based sample of 1065 pregnant women was assessed for symptoms of antenatal CMD (Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20: SRQ-20), stressful life events during pregnancy (List of Threatening Experiences: LTE) and worry about the forthcoming delivery. In a sub-sample of 654 women from six rural sub-districts, neonatal birth weight was measured on 521 (79.7%) singleton babies within 48 h of delivery. Information about other perinatal outcomes was obtained shortly after birth from the mother's verbal report and via the Demographic Surveillance System.
After adjusting for potential confounders, none of the psychosocial stressors were associated with lower mean birth weight, stillbirth or neonatal mortality. Increasing levels of antenatal CMD symptoms were associated both with prolonged labour (> 24 h) (SRQ 1-5: RR 1.4; 95% CI 1.0-1.9, SRQ >= 6: RR 1.6; 95% CI 1.0-2.6) and delaying initiation of breast-feeding more than eight hours (SRQ 1-5: RR 1.4; 95% CI 0.8 to 2.4, SRQ >= 6: RR 2.8; 95% CI 1.3-6.1). Worry about delivery was also associated with labour longer than 24 h (RR 1.5; 95% CI 1.0-2.1).
This study provides preliminary evidence of important public health consequences of poor maternal mental health in low-income countries but does not replicate the strong association with low birth weight found in South Asia. | "birth weight","BREAST FEEDING","MENTAL DISORDER","obstetric labour complications",PREGNANCY,"SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA",ANXIETY,ASSOCIATION,INDIA,"INFANT GROWTH",INITIATION,LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT,"MATERNAL DEPRESSION",MORBIDITY,NUTRITIONAL-STATUS,PREGNANCY | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891775574 | Toxicological evaluation of aqueous leaf extract of chromolaena odorata in male wistar albino rats | Asomugha R.N., Okafor P.N., Ijeh I.I., Orisakwe O.E., Asomugha A.L., Ndefo J.C. | 2013 | Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science | 3 | 12 | 10.7324/JAPS.2013.31216 | Toxicology Unit, Dept. of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria; Det. of Biochemistry, Federal University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria; Toxicology Unit, Dept. of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria; | Asomugha, R.N., Toxicology Unit, Dept. of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria; Okafor, P.N., Det. of Biochemistry, Federal University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria; Ijeh, I.I., Det. of Biochemistry, Federal University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria; Orisakwe, O.E., Toxicology Unit, Dept. of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Asomugha, A.L., Dept. of Anatomy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Medical School, Nnewi, Nigeria; Ndefo, J.C., Laboratory Unit, Medical Center, University of Nigeria, Nigeria | To evaluate the toxicological implications of the administration of aqueous leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata. The aqueous leaf extract was administered three times per week, for 90 days at doses of 161.5mg/kg, 32 3mg/kg, 538,5mg/kg and 1077mg/kg body weight, respectively. The control animals received 0.5ml of deionised water alone. The animals were sacrificed at the end of 90days. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, and the heart, testes and kidney harvested for histological analysis. Histopathological examination of the heart, lungs, testis and the kidneys did not show any observable morphological alterations. The biochemical parameters; amylase, albumin and total serum protein, and Na+ were found to be decreased at doses of 538.5mg/kg and 1077mg/kg, while the serum levels of creatine kinase, AST, K+, glucose, uric acid, urea and creatinine were increased at the same dose levels. The absence of exhibition of observable toxicity below 538.5mg/kg body weight suggests that the extract may be safe and non-toxic only at very low doses. © 2013 Asomugha RN et al. | Chromolaena odorata; Histopathology; Leaf extract; Toxicity study | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929954279 | Evaluation of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and serum lipid profile in southeastern nigerian women with pre-eclampsia | Onuegbu A.J., Olisekodiaka J.M., Udo J.U., Umeononihu O., Amah U.K., Okwara J.E., Atuegbu C. | 2015 | Medical Principles and Practice | 24 | 3 | 10.1159/000381778 | Departments of Chemical Pathology and, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nigeria | Onuegbu, A.J., Departments of Chemical Pathology and, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria; Olisekodiaka, J.M., Departments of Chemical Pathology and, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria; Udo, J.U., Departments of Chemical Pathology and, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria; Umeononihu, O., Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nigeria; Amah, U.K., Departments of Chemical Pathology and, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria; Okwara, J.E., Departments of Chemical Pathology and, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria; Atuegbu, C., Departments of Chemical Pathology and, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria | To evaluate the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipid profile in women with pre-eclampsia. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five women with and 35 women without pre-eclampsia, who were in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, were enrolled in this study. Weight in kilogrammes and height in metres were measured to calculate the mean body mass index (BMI) for each group. The diastolic and systolic blood pressures were measured. Lipid profile tests and serum CRP assay were done for all patients. Total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were determined using enzymatic methods, while low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated using Friedewald's formula. Results: The mean values of the BMI were 29.47 ± 6.90 versus 26.14 ± 2.92, of the diastolic blood pressure 109.14 ± 15.41 versus 72.29 ± 9.42 mm Hg and of the systolic blood pressure 170.57 ± 19.55 versus 120.86 ± 17.72 mm Hg for women with and without pre-eclampsia, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (p = 0.012, p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). The biochemical analysis also indicated that the women with pre-eclampsia had a significantly higher mean serum CRP (8.57 ± 2.68 vs. 6.46 ± 2.46 mg/l, p = 0.001), TG (2.84 ± 0.45 vs. 1.87 ± 0.38 mmol/l, p = 0.001) and total cholesterol (5.59 ± 0.92 vs. 4.63 ± 0.78 mmol/l, p = 0.001) level but a lower mean HDL-C (1.10 ± 0.12 vs. 1.26 ± 0.15 mmol/l, p = 0.001) level than the controls. There was no statistical difference in the mean LDL-C values between the 2 groups (1.58 ± 0.8 vs. 1.45 ± 0.78 mmol/l, p > 0.05). Conclusion: Significant changes in CRP as well as TG, total cholesterol and HDL-C were associated with pre-eclampsia in these Southeastern Nigerian women. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel. | C-reactive protein; High-density lipoprotein cholesterol; Pre-eclampsia; Total cholesterol; Triglycerides | C reactive protein; high density lipoprotein cholesterol; lipid; low density lipoprotein cholesterol; triacylglycerol; C reactive protein; lipid; adult; Article; biochemical analysis; body mass; cholesterol blood level; clinical article; controlled study; diastolic blood pressure; evaluation study; female; human; lipid blood level; Nigerian; preeclampsia; protein blood level; systolic blood pressure; triacylglycerol blood level; blood; blood pressure; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; epidemiology; Nigeria; preeclampsia; pregnancy; socioeconomics; third trimester pregnancy; Adult; Blood Pressure; Body Mass Index; C-Reactive Protein; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Humans; Lipids; Nigeria; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Socioeconomic Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-29444435800 | Three independent biological mechanisms cause exercise-associated hyponatremia: Evidence from 2,135 weighed competitive athletic performances | Noakes T.D., Sharwood K., Speedy D., Hew T., Reid S., Dugas J., Almond C., Wharam P., Weschler L. | 2005 | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America | 102 | 51 | 10.1073/pnas.0509096102 | University of Cape Town, Department of Human Biology, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Newlands, 7700, South Africa; Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Auckland, Aukland 1020, New Zealand; Sports Medicine Practice, St. Helen's Hospital, Hobart 7216, Tasmania, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States; 161 Richdale Road, Colts Neck, NJ 07722, United States; University of Cape Town, Department of Human Biology, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Boundary Road, Newlands, 7700, South Africa | Noakes, T.D., University of Cape Town, Department of Human Biology, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Newlands, 7700, South Africa, University of Cape Town, Department of Human Biology, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Boundary Road, Newlands, 7700, South Africa; Sharwood, K., University of Cape Town, Department of Human Biology, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Newlands, 7700, South Africa; Speedy, D., Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Auckland, Aukland 1020, New Zealand; Hew, T., University of Cape Town, Department of Human Biology, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Newlands, 7700, South Africa; Reid, S., Sports Medicine Practice, St. Helen's Hospital, Hobart 7216, Tasmania, Australia; Dugas, J., University of Cape Town, Department of Human Biology, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Newlands, 7700, South Africa; Almond, C., Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Wharam, P., Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Auckland, Aukland 1020, New Zealand; Weschler, L., 161 Richdale Road, Colts Neck, NJ 07722, United States | To evaluate the role of fluid and Na+ balance in the development of exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH), changes in serum Na+ concentrations ([Na+]) and in body weight were analyzed in 2,135 athletes in endurance events. Eighty-nine percent of athletes completed these events either euhydrated (39%) or with weight loss (50%) and with normal (80%) or elevated (13%) serum [Na+]. Of 231 (11%) athletes who gained weight during exercise, 70% were normonatremic or hypernatremic, 19% had a serum [Na+] between 129-135 mmol/liter, and 11% a serum [Na+] of <129 mmol/liter. Serum [Na+] after racing was a linear function with a negative slope of the body weight change during exercise. The final serum [Na+] in a subset of 18 subjects was predicted from the amount of Na+ that remained osmotically inactive at the completion of the trial. Weight gain consequent to excessive fluid consumption was the principal cause of a reduced serum [Na+] after exercise, yet most (70%) subjects who gained weight maintained or increased serum [Na+], requiring the addition of significant amounts of Na+ (>500 mmol) into an expanded volume of total body water. This Na+ likely originated from osmotically inactive, exchangeable stores. Thus, EAH occurs in athletes who (i) drink to excess during exercise, (ii) retain excess fluid because of inadequate suppression of antidiuretic hormone secretion, and (iii) osmotically inactivate circulating Na+ or fail to mobilize osmotically inactive sodium from internal stores. EAH can be prevented by insuring that athletes do not drink to excess during exercise, which has been known since 1985. © 2005 by The National Academy of Sciences of the USA. | Endurance; Exchangeable Na+ stores; Fluid overload; Overdrinking; Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion | article; athlete; body weight; drinking; endurance; exercise; fluid balance; human; human experiment; hypernatremia; hyponatremia; inappropriate vasopressin secretion; normal human; priority journal; sodium balance; sodium blood level; total body water; weight reduction; Body Weight; Dehydration; Exercise; Humans; Hyponatremia; Sodium; Sports | None |
| WoS | WOS:000325501000001 | Impact evaluation of a quality improvement intervention on maternal and child health outcomes in Northern Ghana: early assessment of a national scale-up project | Atinbire, Solomon,Barker, Pierre M.,Boadu, Richard O.,Handa, Sudhanshu,Singh, Kavita,Speizer, Ilene,Twum-Danso, Nana A. Y. | 2013 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR QUALITY IN HEALTH CARE | 25 | 5 | 10.1093/intqhc/mzt054 | University of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, IHI, NCHS | None | To evaluate the influence of the early phase of Project Fives Alive!, a national child survival improvement project, on key maternal and child health outcomes.
The evaluation used multivariable interrupted time series analyses to determine whether change categories tested were associated with improvements in the outcomes of interest.
The evaluation used program and outcome data from interventions focused on health-care staff in 27 facilities.
Northern Ghana.
The project uses a quality improvement (QI) approach whereby process failures are identified by health staff and process changes are tested in the health facilities and corresponding communities to address those failures.
The maternal health outcomes were early antenatal care attendance and skilled delivery, and the child health outcomes were underweight infants attending child wellness clinics, facility-level neonatal mortality and facility-level infant mortality.
Postnatal care changes for the first 12 days of life ( 0.10, P 0.07) and the first 67 days of life ( 0.10, P 0.07) were associated with a higher rate of visits by underweight infants to child wellness clinics. There was an association between the early pregnancy identification change category with increased skilled delivery ( 1.36 P 0.07). In addition, a greater number of change categories tested was associated with increased skilled delivery ( 0.05, P 0.01).
The QI approach of testing and implementing simple and low cost locally inspired changes has the potential to lead to improved health outcomes at scale both in Ghana and other low- and middle-income countries. | GHANA,"impact evaluation","maternal and child health",MORTALITY,"QUALITY IMPROVEMENT","TIME SERIES ANALYSIS",CARE,COUNTRIES,PROGRAM,SOUTH-AFRICA,STRATEGIES | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902785679 | Evaluation of a Standard Operating Procedure for providing Pharmacotherapy follow up to inpatients [Evaluación de un procedimiento para brindar seguimiento farmacoterapéutico a pacientes hospitalizados] | Reyes H. I., Cruzata Q. Y., Vidal B. M.F., Bermúdez C. I.B., Nambatya W., Perrand R. M.V., Dutok S. C.M. | 2013 | Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Farmaceuticas | 44 | 1 | None | Departamento de Farmacia, Universidad de Oriente, Venezuela; Hospital General Docente 'Octavio de la Concepción y la Pedraja, Cuba; Empresa Comercializadora de Medicamentos Santiago de Cuba, Cuba; Instituto de Farmacia y Alimentos, Universidad de la Habana, Cuba; Uganda Australia Christian Outreach, Busabala road nursing home, Uganda; Hospital Oncológico de Santiago de Cuba, Conrado Benítez, Cuba; Universidad de Oriente, Departamento de Farmacia, Venezuela | Reyes H., I., Departamento de Farmacia, Universidad de Oriente, Venezuela; Cruzata Q., Y., Hospital General Docente 'Octavio de la Concepción y la Pedraja, Cuba; Vidal B., M.F., Empresa Comercializadora de Medicamentos Santiago de Cuba, Cuba; Bermúdez C., I.B., Instituto de Farmacia y Alimentos, Universidad de la Habana, Cuba; Nambatya, W., Uganda Australia Christian Outreach, Busabala road nursing home, Uganda; Perrand R., M.V., Hospital Oncológico de Santiago de Cuba, Conrado Benítez, Cuba; Dutok S., C.M., Universidad de Oriente, Departamento de Farmacia, Venezuela | To evaluate a Standard Operating Procedure for Inpatient Pharmacotherapy follow up. We performed the procedure given criteria the Third Granada Consensus related to pharmaceutical care. The evaluation was conducted through Delphi methodology and using indicators to determinate the efficacy of the procedure in the practice. The procedure included: object, application, departments, reference documentation, definitions, process development, registers, indicators and annexes. Experts suggestions (Kendall coefficient 0,8) were considered to improve the procedure. The application in five hospitals, reached a performance index of more than80 points, in all institutions. The procedure can be used as a tool to provide in inpatients a Pharmacotherapy follow up service, due to, the acceptable Kendall index value (expert's evaluation) and efficacy in the practice. | Clinical pharmacy; Hospital pharmacy; Pharmaceutical care; Pharmacotherapy follow up; Quality indicators | article; Delphi study; drug use; follow up; hospital patient; human; medical documentation; performance; pharmaceutical care; procedures; program efficacy; standard operating procedure | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859031576 | Got it clipped? The effect of tail clipping on tail gripping performance in chameleons | Herrel A., Measey G.J., Vanhooydonck B., Tolley K.A. | 2012 | Journal of Herpetology | 46 | 1 | 10.1670/10-301 | UMR 7179, C.N.R.S/M.N.H.N., Département d'Ecologie et de Gestion de la Biodiversité, 57 rue Cuvier, Case postale 55, 75231, Paris Cedex 5, France; Applied Biodiversity Research Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont, Cape Town, 7735, South Africa; Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerpen, Belgium; Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Herrel, A., UMR 7179, C.N.R.S/M.N.H.N., Département d'Ecologie et de Gestion de la Biodiversité, 57 rue Cuvier, Case postale 55, 75231, Paris Cedex 5, France; Measey, G.J., Applied Biodiversity Research Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont, Cape Town, 7735, South Africa, Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Vanhooydonck, B., Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerpen, Belgium; Tolley, K.A., Applied Biodiversity Research Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont, Cape Town, 7735, South Africa, Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Toe and tail clipping are commonly used methods for permanent marking of animals and for obtaining tissue samples for genetic analyses. Although it has been tested whether toe clipping affects locomotor performance (and thus potentially the fitness of an individual), little is known about the effect of tail clipping. Tails are important organs in many amphibians and reptiles and are used for balance or stability during locomotion or as prehensile organs. Effects of tail autotomy or the removal of large parts of the tail have previously been demonstrated. Here, we test whether the removal of a small part (<5 mm) of the distal tail in chameleons affects their ability to cling to branches of different diameters by measuring gripping strength using of a force platform. Our data show no significant or directional effect of tail clipping on the maximal forces that can be generated by the tail and, thus, suggest that tail clipping can be used as a method for tissue collection. © 2012 Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. | None | Amphibia; Animalia; Chamaeleonidae; Reptilia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-69549092745 | Trends in productivity of crops, fallow and rangelands in Southwest Niger: Impact of land use, management and variable rainfall | Hiernaux P., Ayantunde A., Kalilou A., Mougin E., Gérard B., Baup F., Grippa M., Djaby B. | 2009 | Journal of Hydrology | 375 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2009.01.032 | CESBIO, 18 Avenue E. Belin b.p.i. 2801, 31401 Toulouse Cedex 9, France; ILRI, ICRISAT Research Station, B.P. 320, Samanko, Bamako, Mali; ILRI, ICRISAT Sahelian Centre, B.P. 12404, Niamey, Niger; IRD, B.P. 2528, Hippodrome 238 Rue, 234 Bamako, Mali; ILRI, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Environment Sciences and Management Dpt., Univ. of Liège, Arlon, Belgium | Hiernaux, P., CESBIO, 18 Avenue E. Belin b.p.i. 2801, 31401 Toulouse Cedex 9, France; Ayantunde, A., ILRI, ICRISAT Research Station, B.P. 320, Samanko, Bamako, Mali; Kalilou, A., ILRI, ICRISAT Sahelian Centre, B.P. 12404, Niamey, Niger; Mougin, E., CESBIO, 18 Avenue E. Belin b.p.i. 2801, 31401 Toulouse Cedex 9, France, IRD, B.P. 2528, Hippodrome 238 Rue, 234 Bamako, Mali; Gérard, B., ILRI, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Baup, F., CESBIO, 18 Avenue E. Belin b.p.i. 2801, 31401 Toulouse Cedex 9, France; Grippa, M., CESBIO, 18 Avenue E. Belin b.p.i. 2801, 31401 Toulouse Cedex 9, France; Djaby, B., Environment Sciences and Management Dpt., Univ. of Liège, Arlon, Belgium | To document trends in land use and herbaceous production, 71 field sites sampled among cropped fields, fallow fields and rangelands in the Fakara region (Niger) were monitored from 1994 to 2006. The overall trend in land use confirmed the historical increase of the cropped areas since mid 20th century, at an annual rate of 2% from 1994 to 2006. This trend is the result of changes in the relative extent of fields permanently cropped and fields under shifting cultivation, and for the latter, the relative proportion of short (3 years) and long (10 years) duration fallows. Type of land use together with topography and soil type determine the herbaceous production and the resulting yield measured towards the end of the wet season. The variation in site yields between years is of the same order of magnitude as the variation in yields between sites within a year. There is an overall decreasing trend in site yields by 5% annually from 1994 to 2006 that is not explained by variations in rainfall. The decreasing trend is observed on fields under shifting cultivation, fallowed fields and rangelands, although not all sites are equally affected. Causes are likely to be multiple which might include changes in land use, decline of soil fertility and increased grazing pressure. Indeed, the remaining rangelands on marginal land and the fallows still accessible to livestock are subject to such a heavy grazing during the rainy season that the herbaceous standing mass measured at the end of the season reflects poorly the actual production. After the two first years of cropping, the herbaceous yield in fields under shifting cultivation with no fertilisation is negatively affected by the number of successive years of cropping. Moreover, clearing fallow after a decreasing number of years affects the mean herbaceous yield of fallowed fields by reducing the contribution of more productive old fallows. Changes in land use, grazing pressure and soil fertility also triggered changes in species composition with a strong reduction in diversity from rangelands to fallows, and again from fallows to cropland weeds. No correlations was found however between productivity and species composition. Cumulative rainfall does not explain between site or between year deviations in herbaceous yield even when sites are sorted by land use type or by soil type in the case of fallow and rangelands. Simulated production calculated with the STEP model does not explain herbaceous yields much better even when sites are grouped by land use and soil type. However, relative changes of herbaceous yields are reasonably predicted on sites that remained fallowed and were not heavily grazed for at least four consecutive years. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Fallows; Land use; Millet crops; Sahel; Vegetation dynamics; Vegetation growth modelling | Fallows; Millet crops; Sahel; Vegetation dynamics; Vegetation growth modelling; Crops; Fertilizers; Geologic models; Productivity; Rain; Soil surveys; Soils; Vegetation; Land use; crop production; crop yield; fallow; growth modeling; land management; land use; land use change; millet; rainfall; rangeland; shifting cultivation; soil fertility; topographic effect; vegetation dynamics; Africa; Fakara; Niger [West Africa]; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tillaberi; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650117375 | Comprehensive evaluation of kraft pulp properties from fast-growing woods | Qu A., Ao Y., Yan J., Fang G. | 2010 | Tappi Journal | 9 | 6 | None | Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, South Africa; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, China; College of Water Conservation and Hydropower Engineering, Hohai University, Naming, China; Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products, Nanjing, China | Qu, A., Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, South Africa, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, China; Ao, Y., College of Water Conservation and Hydropower Engineering, Hohai University, Naming, China; Yan, J., College of Water Conservation and Hydropower Engineering, Hohai University, Naming, China; Fang, G., Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products, Nanjing, China | To develop new wood cellulose resources and fast-growing pulpwood plantation fiber sources, it is very important to evaluate their pulping properties. A comprehensive multi-index pulping-suitability evaluation model is investigated in this paper by considering four fast-growing wood species. First, a new evaluation-index system for kraft pulp was developed based on traditional evaluation-index systems. Then, the membership degree of every index was analyzed to obtain a fuzzy matrix. The proportional contribution of each parameter to the main pulping properties could then be determined. Finally, a comprehensive evaluation model of kraft pulp properties was developed. The model is reliable compared with traditional assessment methods. The results confirmed the feasibility and rationality of developing new wood cellulose resources and fast-growing pulpwood plantations using fuzzy comprehensive evaluations. Application: A comprehensive multi-index kraft pulping suitability evaluation model was successfully developed in this study. This model provides an objective reflection of kraft pulp quality. The result confirms the feasibility and rationality of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. | None | Comprehensive evaluation; Comprehensive evaluation model; Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation; Fuzzy matrix; Index systems; Kraft pulping; Membership degrees; Multi-index; Plantation fibers; Pulp properties; Pulp qualities; Pulping properties; Suitability evaluation; Traditional assessment; Cellulose; Fuzzy set theory; Kraft process; Timber; Kraft pulp; Cellulose; Forests; Kraft Pulping | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922554546 | Performance of coupled enzymatic hydrolysis and membrane separation bioreactor for antihypertensive peptides production from Porphyra yezoensis protein | Qu W., Ma H., Li W., Pan Z., Owusu J., Venkitasamy C. | 2015 | Process Biochemistry | 50 | 2 | 10.1016/j.procbio.2014.11.010 | School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory for Physical Processing of Agricultural Products, Zhenjiang,Jiangsu, China; Hospitality Department, School of Applied Science and Technology, Koforidua Polytechnic, Koforidua, Ghana; Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of California,Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, United States | Qu, W., School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China; Ma, H., School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China, Key Laboratory for Physical Processing of Agricultural Products, Zhenjiang,Jiangsu, China; Li, W., School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China; Pan, Z., School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of California,Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, United States; Owusu, J., School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China, Hospitality Department, School of Applied Science and Technology, Koforidua Polytechnic, Koforidua, Ghana; Venkitasamy, C., Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of California,Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, United States | To develop more efficient methods for production of antihypertensive peptides from Porphyra yezoensis protein, a coupled enzymatic hydrolysis and membrane separation (CEH-MS) reactor system was studied and compared with the traditional enzymatic hydrolysis (EH) and offline membrane separation (MS) method. The CEH-MS reactor was operated in three modes: batch, continuous with water feeding, and continuous with substrate feeding. The operational factors of the CEH-MS reactor had significant effect on the protein conversion degree and their optimum values were found as enzyme concentration of 0.24 g/L, temperature of 50 °C, pH of 9.0, time of 60 min, pump speed of 300 rpm, and substrate concentration of 4.0 g/L. Compared to the traditional method, the protein conversion degree, yield of peptides, output of peptides per unit of enzyme, and antihypertensive activity of peptides for the batch operation of CEH-MS reactor were increased by 43.6%, 43.6%, 7.7%, and 3.9%, respectively. For the continuous operation with water feeding, these data were increased by 62.7%, 62.7%, 22.1%, and 4.4%, respectively. The output of peptides was increased by 216.9% for the continuous operation with substrate feeding. In general, the CEH-MS reactor was found to be more efficient than the traditional process in terms of high utilization rate of raw material and yield of peptides. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Antihypertensive peptides; Enzymatic hydrolysis; Kinetic; Membrane bioreactor; Porphyra yezoensis | Biological water treatment; Bioreactors; Coupled circuits; Enzyme activity; Enzymes; Feeding; Hydrolysis; Kinetics; Peptides; Proteins; Separation; Anti-hypertensive activities; Antihypertensive peptides; Continuous operation; Enzyme concentrations; Membrane bioreactor; Membrane separation bioreactor; Porphyra yezoensis; Substrate concentrations; Enzymatic hydrolysis; Porphyra yezoensis | 31301423, NSFC, National Natural Science Foundation of China; 31471698, NSFC, National Natural Science Foundation of China |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888810254 | Peak impact accelerations during track and treadmill running | Bigelow E.M.R., Elvin N.G., Elvin A.A., Arnoczky S.P. | 2013 | Journal of Applied Biomechanics | 29 | 5 | None | Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Department of Mechanical Engineering, City College of New York, New York, NY, United States; School of Civil Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Laboratory for Comparative Orthopaedic Research, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States | Bigelow, E.M.R., Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Elvin, N.G., Department of Mechanical Engineering, City College of New York, New York, NY, United States; Elvin, A.A., School of Civil Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Arnoczky, S.P., Laboratory for Comparative Orthopaedic Research, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States | To determine whether peak vertical and horizontal impact accelerations were different while running on a track or on a treadmill, 12 healthy subjects (average age 32.8 ± 9.8 y), were fitted with a novel, wireless accelerometer capable of recording triaxial acceleration over time. The accelerometer was attached to a custom-made acrylic plate and secured at the level of the L5 vertebra via a tight fitting triathlon belt. Each subject ran 4 miles on a synthetic, indoor track at a self-selected pace and accelerations were recorded on three perpendicular axes. Seven days later, the subjects ran 4 miles on a treadmill set at the individual runner's average pace on the track and the peak vertical and horizontal impact magnitudes between the track and treadmill were compared. There was no difference (P = .52) in the average peak vertical impact accelerations between the track and treadmill over the 4 mile run. However, peak horizontal impact accelerations were greater (P = .0012) on the track when compared with the treadmill. This study demonstrated the feasibility for long-term impact accelerations monitoring using a novel wireless accelerometer. © 2013 Human Kinetics, Inc. | Gait mechanics; Long-distance running; Wireless accelerometer | Acrylic plates; Average ages; Healthy subjects; Long-distance running; Long-term impacts; Wireless accelerometers; Accelerometers; Sporting goods; Acceleration; acceleration; accelerometer; adult; article; biomechanics; computer interface; controlled study; deceleration; human; human experiment; normal human; treadmill; treadmill exercise; triathlon; velocity; Acceleration; Actigraphy; Adult; Equipment Design; Equipment Failure Analysis; Exercise Test; Feasibility Studies; Female; Foot; Humans; Male; Micro-Electrical-Mechanical Systems; Monitoring, Ambulatory; Running; Wireless Technology | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958285536 | Maternal sociodemographic parameters: Impact on trace element status and pregnancy outcomes in Nigerian women | Ugwuja E.I., Akubugwo E.I., Ibiam U.A., Obidoa O. | 2011 | Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition | 29 | 2 | None | Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Ebonyi State University, PMB 053 Abakaliki, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Ebonyi Stat | Ugwuja, E.I., Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Ebonyi State University, PMB 053 Abakaliki, Nigeria; Akubugwo, E.I., Department of Biochemistry, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria; Ibiam, U.A., Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Ebonyi State University, PMB 053 Abakaliki, Nigeria; Obidoa, O., Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | To determine the impact of socioeconomic status on plasma trace element status and pregnancy outcomes, 349 pregnant women, aged 15-40 years (mean 27.04 ±2.75 years), recruited at ≤25 weeks (mean 21.76±3.12 weeks) gestational age, were followed up till delivery during which maternal and foetal outcomes were recorded. Plasma copper, iron, and zinc were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer while maternal sociodemographic data were obtained using a questionnaire. Except for copper, lower plasma iron and zinc were significantly (p<0.05) higher in women from socioeconomically-disadvantaged groups. Both adverse maternal health and foetal outcomes also seemed to be more prevalent in socioeconomically-disadvantaged women, although without a definite trend. This study has shown that, in economically-disadvantaged setting of developing countries, maternal socioeconomic status impacts on maternal trace element (copper, iron, and zinc) status and health and foetal outcomes. © International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh. | Maternal nutrition; Morbidity; Nigeria; Pregnancy outcomes; Socioeconomic status; Trace elements | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860485806 | Radiological Evaluation of the effects of varied doses of Celecoxib on fracture healing in dogs | Uwagie-Ero E.A., Kene R.C. | 2011 | Veterinary World | 4 | 2 | None | University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Uwagie-Ero, E.A., University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Kene, R.C., University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | To determine if Cyclooxygenase -2 (COX-2) functions in fracture healing, 10 dogs were treated with COX-2-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Celecoxib) to reduce and stop COX-2-dependent prostaglandin production. Radiographic testing evaluation determined that fracture healing was not affected in dogs treated with a low dose of COX-2-selective NSAIDs (celecoxib) and delayed union was observed in dogs treated with a high dose of COX-2-selective NSAIDs (celecoxib). Celecoxib dose of 5 mg/kg/day did not affect fracture callus formed in the study group and did not cause a significant increase in the proportion of delayed unions, however, at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day it reduced the rate of fracture callus formation and significantly increased the proportion of delayed unions for dogs in the group. | Analgesia; Celecoxib; Cyclooxygenase; Dog; Fracture healing | Canis familiaris | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871690641 | Impact of timing of antiretroviral therapy initiation on survival of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions: A cohort analysis from South Africa | Zeier M.D., Nachega J.B., Van Der Merwe F.H., Eshun-Wilson I., Van Schalkwyk M., La Grange M., Mason D., Louw M., Botha M.H. | 2012 | International Journal of STD and AIDS | 23 | 12 | 10.1258/ijsa.2012.012040 | Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases (CID), Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of International Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Anatomical Pathology, Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa | Zeier, M.D., Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases (CID), Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Nachega, J.B., Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases (CID), Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of International Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Epidemiology, Baltimore, MD, United States; Van Der Merwe, F.H., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Eshun-Wilson, I., Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases (CID), Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Van Schalkwyk, M., Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases (CID), Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; La Grange, M., Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases (CID), Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Mason, D., Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases (CID), Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Louw, M., Department of Anatomical Pathology, Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Botha, M.H., Department of International Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa | To determine factors that influence excision treatment outcome and recurrence of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) in women living with HIV infection, we analysed 1848 women who underwent excision treatment of cervical SIL at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. We compared treatment failure defined as presence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I (presence of CIN I or higher at first follow-up after excision treatment) and post-excision recurrence of lesions (at one year or later) between women of HIV-positive, -negative or unknown status and examined factors associated with excision treatment outcome and recurrence. HIV-infected women experienced higher treatment failure than uninfected women (53.8% versus 26.9%, P < 0.001). At treatment failure, more HIV-infected women had low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) compared with uninfected women (64.9% versus 37.3%, P < 0.001). Treatment failure did not differ with the type of excision used in HIV-infected women. HIV-infected women were more likely to experience recurrence of lesions after excision treatment than uninfected women (hazard ratio 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.59-2.39; P < 0.001). Antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiated before excision biopsy had a strong protective effect against recurrence (hazard ratio 0.70, 95% CI 0.55-0.89; P = 0.006). Our data suggest that women with cervical SIL initiated on ART earlier may be expected to have better long-term excision treatment outcome. Close follow-up should be maintained after cervical excision treatment, especially in a setting of high HIV prevalence. © SAGE Publications Ltd, 2012. | AIDS; Antiretroviral treatment; CIN; Excision treatment outcome; HIV; HPV; Recurrence; SIL; Squamous intraepithelial lesions; Women | antiretrovirus agent; article; cancer grading; cancer recurrence; female; follow up; hazard ratio; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; priority journal; South Africa; survival; treatment failure; treatment outcome; uterine cervix carcinoma in situ; Adult; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia; Cohort Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Recurrence; Retrospective Studies; South Africa; Statistics, Nonparametric; Treatment Outcome; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907915448 | Grey-scale sonographic evaluation of portal vein diameter in healthy Nigerian adults | Adeyekun A.A., Tsebi H.B. | 2014 | Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Research | 13 | 1 | None | Department of RadioIogy, University of Benin-Teaching Hospital, PMB 1111, Benin-City, Nigeria | Adeyekun, A.A., Department of RadioIogy, University of Benin-Teaching Hospital, PMB 1111, Benin-City, Nigeria; Tsebi, H.B., Department of RadioIogy, University of Benin-Teaching Hospital, PMB 1111, Benin-City, Nigeria | To determine, by grey scale ultrasonography, normal portal vein diameter among healthy adults in Benin-City, Nigeria and correlate the values with age, gender and body mass index. This was a cross sectional ultrasound study of 250 randomly selected healthy subjects, under fasting conditions. Subjects with history of jaundice, alcoholism and liver disease were excluded. A 3.5MHz curvilinear transducer was used in scanning the selected subjects. Portal vein diameter was measured at its broadest part, distal to the union of the superior mesenteric and splenic veins. Two hundred and fifty apparently healthy subjects were assessed, comprising of 53 males (21.2%), and 197 females (78.8%). Portal vein diameter ranged from 6-14mm, with a mean value of 10.3±1.5mm. The mean value for males was 10.5 ± 1.5mm, and, for females 10.2 ±1.3mm. There was no significant correlation between measured values and age, gender and body mass index. The range of measurements obtained in this study has provided reference values for portal vein diameter in our environment. Thus, objective assessment of changes in portal vein diameter as may occur in some disease conditions such as portal hypertension can be made. © CMS UNIBEN JMBR. | Benin-City; Portal vein diameter; Ultrasonography | adult; age; aged; Article; body mass; cross-sectional study; diet restriction; echography; female; gender; grey scale ultrasonography; human; male; Nigeria; Nigerian; obesity; portal vein; ultrasound transducer; underweight; vein diameter; very elderly | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897441982 | Impact of school principal leadership style on performance management: A schooling agenda | Selesho J.M., Ntisa A.A. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n3p211 | Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Selesho, J.M., Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Ntisa, A.A., Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Today's changing milieu, challenges organisations on a regular basis to make strategic changes that will keep them up to date with the transforming atmosphere. This is grounded in the belief that employee commitment can predict organisational and individual outcomes, such as employee turnover, performance, and intention to stay in or leave an organisation. This study argues there is a strong perception that the leadership style has an impact on the performance of the school. From these 13 high schools, 184 teaching staff were selected to participate. These high schools were not performing above the provincial benchmark and teaching staff were selected to participate in this study because teaching is a core duty in this enterprise. The participants were selected conveniently; however, the sample was chosen in such a way that more participants were selected from the schools that were not performing above the provincial benchmark. A multi-factor leadership questionnaire was adopted and used to judge the response of the teaching staff. Overall results show that both transformational and transactional leadership have positive relationships with the organisational commitment. Another important discovery is that transformational leadership is used more than transactional leadership. There were some limitations that contributed to the opposing results in the study. This means that management, by exception passive, is playing a weak role in organisational commitment. The elements of the transformational leadership have consistent averages in the contribution of organisational commitment. In this study, teachers' perceptions about their own organisational commitment levels, and about school principals' leadership styles are analysed. | Commitment; Leadership style; Transactional leader; Transformational leader | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861313410 | Team performance and sport attendance of South African super rugby and Currie cup rugby fans | Gerber C., Terblanche N.S. | 2012 | South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation | 34 | 1 | None | Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Gerber, C., Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Terblanche, N.S., Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | To compete successfully in the expanding sport market, sport marketers need a thorough understanding of sport consumers, who include sport participants and sport spectators. Sport spectators are, in many instances, fanatical about the performance and success of their teams. It is thus obvious that ultimately their satisfaction with the experience of attending sporting events will be an important predictor of whether they will attend future events. Understanding the factors that influence spectator attendance is fundamental to understanding decisions about sport consumption. In professional rugby, competitions such as the Super Rugby and Currie Cup benefit from the lucrative money-generating opportunities offered. This study focuses on team performance and spectator attendance of the Super Rugby and Currie Cup competitions. Results indicated some interesting relationships between team performance and spectator attendance, and that a team's final log position could predict future spectator attendance. | Fans; Marketing; Rugby; Spectators; Sport attendance; Team performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922482346 | Comparison of analytical and clinical performances of the digene HC2 HPV DNA assay and the INNO-LiPA HPV genotyping assay for detecting high-risk HPV infection and cervical neoplasia among HIV-positive African women | Ngou J., Gilham C., Omar T., Goumbri-Lompo O., Doutre S., Michelow P., Kelly H., Didelot M.-N., Chikandiwa A., Sawadogo B., Delany-Moretlwe S., Meda N., Costes V., Mayaud P., Segondy M. | 2015 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 68 | 2 | 10.1097/QAI.0000000000000428 | INSERM, Department of Biology and Pathology, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France; Departments of Clinical Research, Non Communicable Diseases Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; University Hospital, Centre of International Research for Health, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Ngou, J., INSERM, Department of Biology and Pathology, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France; Gilham, C., Departments of Clinical Research, Non Communicable Diseases Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Omar, T., Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Goumbri-Lompo, O., University Hospital, Centre of International Research for Health, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Doutre, S., INSERM, Department of Biology and Pathology, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France; Michelow, P., Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kelly, H., Departments of Clinical Research, Non Communicable Diseases Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Didelot, M.-N., INSERM, Department of Biology and Pathology, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France; Chikandiwa, A., Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sawadogo, B., University Hospital, Centre of International Research for Health, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Delany-Moretlwe, S., Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Meda, N., University Hospital, Centre of International Research for Health, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Costes, V., INSERM, Department of Biology and Pathology, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France; Mayaud, P., Departments of Clinical Research, Non Communicable Diseases Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Segondy, M., INSERM, Department of Biology and Pathology, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France | To compare the Hybrid Capture 2 human papillomaviruses (HPV) DNA assay (HC2) and the INNO-LiPA HPV Genotyping Extra assay (INNO-LiPA) for cervical cancer screening in HIV-1-infected African women. DESIGN:: The tests were compared for agreement in detecting high-risk HPV (hr-HPV) and performance to detect squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL), by cytology, and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, by histology, in cervical samples from 1224 women in Burkina Faso (N = 604) and South Africa (N = 620). RESULTS:: When considering the 13 hr-HPV types detected by HC2, 634 (51.8%) and 849 (69.4%) samples were positive by HC2 and INNO-LiPA, respectively. Agreement between assays was 73.9% [adjusted kappa coefficient value, 0.44 (95% confidence interval: 0.43 to 0.53)]. Agreement improved with analysis restricted to women with high-grade cervical lesions [adjusted kappa coefficient value, 0.83 (95% confidence interval: 0.74 to 0.91)]. The prevalence of hr-HPV, as determined by HC2 and INNO-LiPA, was 34.5% and 54.5%, respectively, in samples with normal cytology, 48.0% and 68.0%, respectively, in samples with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, 51.8% and 75.2%, respectively, in samples with low-grade SIL, and 86.3% and 89.8%, respectively, in samples with high-grade SIL/atypical squamous cells that cannot exclude HSIL. Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values for the diagnosis of histological high-grade lesions (CIN2+) were 88.8%, 55.2%, 24.7% and 96.7%, and 92.5%, 35.1%, 19.1% and 96.6% for HC2 and INNO-LiPA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:: HC2 has lower analytical sensitivity but higher specificity than INNO-LiPA for diagnosing high-grade lesions; the 2 tests presented a comparable clinical sensitivity. HC2 might be suitable for cervical cancer screening in HIV-1-infected African women, but its use in resource-limited settings merits to be further evaluated in comparison with other prevention strategies. © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. | cervical lesions; HIV-1; HPV; Hybrid Capture 2; INNO-LiPA HPV | virus DNA; adult; African; Article; assay; clinical practice; diagnostic test accuracy study; female; genotype; high risk population; histology; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; nonhuman; papillomavirus infection; prevalence; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; sexually transmitted disease; uterine cervix cancer; uterine cervix carcinoma in situ; uterine cervix cytology; virus carcinogenesis; virus detection; Wart virus; Burkina Faso; classification; comparative study; complication; early diagnosis; evaluation study; genetics; genotyping technique; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; isolation and purification; middle aged; Papilloma virus; Papillomavirus Infections; procedures; South Africa; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; virology; Adult; Burkina Faso; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Genotype; Genotyping Techniques; HIV Infections; Humans; Middle Aged; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Sensitivity and Specificity; South Africa; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44649124221 | The impact of tobacco advertising bans on consumption in developing countries | Blecher E. | 2008 | Journal of Health Economics | 27 | 4 | 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2008.02.010 | Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa | Blecher, E., Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa | Tobacco advertising bans have become commonplace in developed nations but are less prevalent in developing countries. The importance of advertising bans as part of comprehensive tobacco control strategies has been emphasised by the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control which calls for comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising. The empirical literature suggests that comprehensive advertising bans have played a role in reducing consumption in developed countries but that limited policies have not. This paper extends this analysis to include 30 developing countries and finds that bans do play an important role in reducing tobacco consumption in these countries. It finds that both comprehensive as well as limited policies are effective in reducing consumption although comprehensive bans have a far greater impact than limited ones. Furthermore, it finds that advertising bans may be even more effective in the developing world than they are in the developed world. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Advertising bans; Developing countries; Tobacco advertising; Tobacco consumption | advertising; developing world; health policy; tobacco; advertizing; article; cigarette smoking; comparative study; developed country; developing country; health care policy; smoking cessation; tobacco; Advertising as Topic; Developing Countries; Humans; Models, Econometric; Smoking; Tobacco Industry; Nicotiana tabacum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946163885 | The impact of perceived risk on on-line purchase behaviour | Gerber C., Ward S., Goedhals-Gerber L. | 2014 | Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets and Institutions | 4 | 4CONTINUED1 | None | Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Department of Logistics, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Gerber, C., Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Ward, S., Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Goedhals-Gerber, L., Department of Logistics, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | To avoid risks, consumers tend to be failry thoughtful decision makers. Research has shown that consumers perceive risks associated with purchasing online and as a result online purchasing has not yet reached the numbers that were projected. In order for e-commerce to live up to its full potential, online retailers should gain an understanding of which perceived risks online purchasing consumers are most concerned with. This study aimed to assess the impact of perceived risk on online buying behaviour. Personal interview surveys were conducted in an emerging market whereby 200 respondents that have access to the internet were interviewed in selected malls with regards to their perceived risks when buying online. The results showed that perceived risk does have an impact on online buying behaviour, and that consumers that have not bought online in the past are likely not to do so in the future. The results show that characteristics of emerging markets are sufficiently distinct from developed markets in that consumers in developed markets seem to be more conservative when buying online. Marketers should therefore developed alternative marketing programs when communicating to these markets in an attempt to persuade consumers to buy online. © 2014, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Financial risk; Functional risk; Online buying behaviour; Perceived risk; Physical risk; Psychological risk; Social risk; Time risk | None | None |
| None | None | Effects of concentrate levels on fattening performance, carcass and meat quality attributes of Small East African × Norwegian crossbred goats fed low quality grass hay | Mushi D.E., Safari J., Mtenga L.A., Kifaro G.C., Eik L.O. | 2009 | Livestock Science | 124 | 42372 | 10.1016/j.livsci.2009.01.012 | Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5025, N-1432 Ås, Norway; Department of Life Sciences, Mkwawa University College of Education, Private Bag, Iringa, Tanzania; Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Institute of Rural Development and Planning, P O Box 138, Dodoma, Tanzania | Mushi, D.E., Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5025, N-1432 Ås, Norway, Department of Life Sciences, Mkwawa University College of Education, Private Bag, Iringa, Tanzania; Safari, J., Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5025, N-1432 Ås, Norway, Institute of Rural Development and Planning, P O Box 138, Dodoma, Tanzania; Mtenga, L.A., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Kifaro, G.C., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Eik, L.O., Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5025, N-1432 Ås, Norway | To assess the effects of finishing Small East African × Norwegian crossbred goats with concentrate diets on the fattening performance, carcass and meat quality, 32 castrated crossbred goats (9.5 months old, 17.1 kg BWT) were equally allocated into four levels of concentrate supplementation. The concentrate levels were: Zero access to concentrate (T0), 33% access to ad libitum concentrate allowance (T33), 66% access to ad libitum concentrate allowance (T66) and 100% access to ad libitum concentrate allowance (T100). Each animal had access to ad libitum grass hay. Ad libitum concentrate intake for the goats was 663 g/d, which supported ME intake of 8.7 MJ/head/d. The attained maximum daily gain was 96 g/d. T100 and T66 goats were comparable in slaughter weight but the former had 2 kg heavier (P < 0.05) carcasses than the latter. T100 and T66 goats were similar in carcass fatness scores, though both were fattier (P < 0.05) than other diet groups. Dressing percentage (DP) was expressed in three different ways. In all but commercial DP, T100 were comparable to T66 goats, but all were higher than the other diet groups. For T0 goats, pH-values remained above 6 even after 24 h post-mortem. Cooking losses increased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of concentrate supplementation. Moreover, among the muscles assessed, M. rectus abdominis had the least cooking loss. Warner-Bratzler shear force values of cooked muscles were highest (P < 0.05) in M. gluteobiceps, followed by M. vastus lateralis, while M. psoas major and longismus dorsi aged for 6 days had the least values. Finishing Small East African × Norwegian crossbred goats at 66% access to their ad libitum concentrate intake gives optimum carcass and meat quality, and that any increase above this level seems not to improve meat production. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Carcass yield; Chevon quality; Feedlot-finishing; Goats | Animalia; Capra hircus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939238050 | 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-s2.0-33646353676 | Sensory evaluation of some cooking bananas in Ghana | Dzomeku B.M., Osei-Owusu M., Ankomah A.A., Akyeampong E., Darkey S.K. | 2006 | Journal of Applied Sciences | 6 | 4 | 10.3923/jas.2006.835.837 | Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Women in Agricultural Development, Ministry Food and Agriculture, Kumasi, Ghana; International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain, P.O. Box BP 12438, Douala, Cameroon | Dzomeku, B.M., Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Osei-Owusu, M., Women in Agricultural Development, Ministry Food and Agriculture, Kumasi, Ghana; Ankomah, A.A., Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Akyeampong, E., International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain, P.O. Box BP 12438, Douala, Cameroon; Darkey, S.K., Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana | To assess consumer acceptability of the new cooking banana hybrids, a study was conducted to compare consumer preference for Saba, Yangambi KM 5, FHIA 25, FHIA 03, BITA 3 and Apantu (control) for chips, Kakro, Ofam, Ampesi and fried ripe plantain. A total of twenty trained male and female taste panelists were involved in the study. Panelists were presented with coded samples of five recipes prepared from the hybrid cooking bananas. Plantain chips are deep-fried thin slices of fruits. Fried plantains are thick slices of peeled ripe fiuits that are dipped into salted water and fried in vegetable oil. Ampesi is the local name for boiled green plantains. Kakro is made with blended over-ripe fruit of plantains mixed with corn flour (about 30%), powdered chilies, salt and other spices. The paste thus formed is molded into balls and fried in vegetable oil. Ofam is blended over-ripe fruits, mixed with powdered chilies, other spices, salt and palm oil and baked in an oven to form a cake. The results indicated that KM 5, BITA 3 and FHIA 25 were highly preferred when fried at stages 3 and 4 of ripening. Saba and FHIA 03 were also accepted though not as high as the other three accessions. All accessions were highly preferred when used as chips. BITA 3 was highly preferred for Ampesi whereas KM 5 and FHIA 25 were partially preferred as Ampesi. Saba and FHIA 03 were totally rejected. However when used for Ofam, all the varieties were highly preferred. Cooking bananas could be highly preferred by Ghanaian consumers when processed. The processing might have coated the banana characteristics of the varieties. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Cooking banana; Hybrid; Musa; Plantain; Sensory evaluation | Consumer acceptability; Consumer preferences; Corn flour; Hybrid; Musa; Plantain; Salted water; Sensory evaluation; Food products; Vegetable oils; Water quality; Fruits | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548847508 | Personality and academic performance of three cohorts of veterinary students in South Africa | Van Der Walt H.S., Pickworth G. | 2007 | Journal of Veterinary Medical Education | 34 | 3 | 10.3138/jvme.34.3.356 | P.O. Box 15547, Sinoville, Pretoria 0129, South Africa; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa | Van Der Walt, H.S., P.O. Box 15547, Sinoville, Pretoria 0129, South Africa; Pickworth, G., Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa | To aid in selecting students for admission to undergraduate veterinary training, admissions procedures often take into account students' previous academic performance as well as the results of an interview. The study reported here investigated the relationship between personality and academic success. Students from three entry cohorts to the second year of study of a six-year BVSc program at the University of Pretoria completed the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire. A meta-analytic approach was used to estimate the relationship between academic performance in two major final-year subjects and academic performance on entry, an interview score, and the personality factors. The study confirmed the value of previous academic performance and the interview in selecting students for the veterinary degree program. The findings also indicate that the inclusion of a measure of intellectual ability could be of value. The value of various personality characteristics in predicting good study habits and examination performance is highlighted by the study results: students were more successful if they were conscientious, emotionally stable, socially adept, self-disciplined, practical rather than imaginative, and relaxed rather than anxious. It appears worthwhile to consider including an appropriate personality questionnaire in the selection process to improve the accuracy of predictions of students' success. A sound personality make-up will not only increase the likelihood of academic success but should also be beneficial in the successful management of a veterinary practice and in enjoying veterinary science as a career. © 2007 AAVMC. | 16 Personality factor questionnaire; Personality and academic performance; Veterinary medical education | article; clinical competence; cohort analysis; education; educational status; human; personality; professional competence; psychological aspect; South Africa; standard; statistics; student; veterinary medicine; Clinical Competence; Cohort Studies; Educational Measurement; Educational Status; Humans; Personality; Professional Competence; South Africa; Students; Veterinary Medicine | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885361444 | Evaluation of the vocational education orientation programme (VEOP) at a university in South Africa | Jacobs L., De Wet C. | 2013 | International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning | 14 | 4 | None | University of the Free State, South Africa | Jacobs, L., University of the Free State, South Africa; De Wet, C., University of the Free State, South Africa | To address the training needs of Further Education and Training college (FETC) lecturers, and in the absence of a full professional education qualification, several higher education institutions, FETCs, and other bodies in South Africa formed an alliance to develop a short programme towards a possible future full qualification. In 2010 a Vocational Education Orientation Programme (VEOP) was piloted. In line with the responsibility for quality assurance, and the need to inform further developments in the training of FETC lecturers, the aim of this research was to evaluate the VEOP presented by the University of the Free State (UFS). To reach the stated aim, a two phase evaluative study was undertaken (1) to assess the individual modules, and (2) to holistically investigate the quality of the programme. Two questionnaires were used to gather data. The first set of data was collected at the completion of each of the six modules. For the second phase of the study, 48 lecturer-students were randomly selected more than a year after completion of the VEOP. The study identified a number of strengths and weaknesses of the VEOP. The results emphasise the need to carefully select tutors and train them to have an understanding of the FETC milieu, rethink the methodology employed in the education training of FETC lecturers, and redesign the modules' contents to better reflect the FETC sector. The need to enhance student support and improve administration is also highlighted by the study. The results of the study may inform the development of a full qualification for FETC lecturers. | Distance education; Further education and training; Programme evaluation; South Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Vocational training | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954649815 | Growth performance, haematology and serum biochemistry of female rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) fed dietary fumonisin | Gbore F.A., Akele O. | 2010 | Veterinarski Arhiv | 80 | 3 | None | School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia; Department of Environmental Biology and Fisheries, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria; Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Adekun | Gbore, F.A., School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Department of Environmental Biology and Fisheries, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria; Akele, O., Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria | To account for the potential effects of dietary mycotoxin on growth performance, haematological and serum biochemical constituents of rabbit, 24 mature female rabbits were assigned to three diets containing 0, 5.0 and 10.0 mg fumonisin/kg constituting the control diet, and diets 1 and 2, respectively. The animals were initially maintained on these diets for 2 weeks before they were mated and subsequently for 4 weeks after mating. Dietary fumonisin significantly (P<0.05) reduced the daily dry matter intake (DMI) and final live weight. The daily DMI of the rabbits fed diets 1 and 2 were 6.32 and 50.13% respectively lower than the daily DMI of rabbits fed the control diet. The erythrocyte counts, packed cell volume and haemoglobin values significantly (P<0.05) decreased, while the leukocyte values of the pregnant rabbits increased with the increase in the dietary fumonisin concentrations. Pregnant does fed the control diet had significantly (P<0.05) higher serum total protein concentrations than those fed diets 1 and 2. The serum enzymes significantly (P<0.05) increased in rabbits fed diets 1 and 2. Diet containing 5 mg fumonisin/kg may reduce growth performance and induce negative responses in the haematology and serum biochemistry of pregnant does, which may affect the proper development of foetuses. | Fumonisin; Fusarium verticillioides; Haematology; Pregnant rabbit; Serum biochemistry | Animalia; Fusarium; Gibberella moniliformis; Oryctolagus cuniculus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859839366 | Evaluation of the morphological changes in the lungs of BALB/c mice after inhalation of spherical and rod-shaped titanium nanoparticles | Oosthuizen M.A., Oberholzer H.M., Scriba M.R., van der Spuy W.J., Pretorius E. | 2012 | Micron | 43 | 8 | 10.1016/j.micron.2012.02.003 | CSIR, Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, PO Box 2034, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; CSIR/DST National Centre for Nano-Structured Materials, PO Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Oosthuizen, M.A., CSIR, Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Oberholzer, H.M., Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, PO Box 2034, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Scriba, M.R., CSIR/DST National Centre for Nano-Structured Materials, PO Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; van der Spuy, W.J., Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, PO Box 2034, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Pretorius, E., Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Titanium nanoparticles are widely used by industry in consumer products such as sunscreens and some cosmetic products due to their specifically engineered properties. Some of these properties may, however, increase the toxicity of the nanoparticles which in turn may affect human and environmental health. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to study the possible effects of these particles through in vivo studies, which might produce different results than in vitro cell studies. The current study aimed to investigate the possible remodelling in the lungs of BALB/c mice by means of light and transmission electron microscopy after inhalation of spherical and rod-shaped titanium nanoparticles at two different concentrations. The focus of this paper was to demonstrate whether whole body exposure to different concentrations of the said nanoparticles could induce an inflammatory response in the lungs and no inter particle comparison was done or retention investigated. Animals were divided into five experimental groups: control, high and low concentration groups exposed to the spherical-shaped particles, as well as high and low concentration groups exposed to the rod-shaped particles. Histological and ultrastructural changes, typical of an inflammatory response, were noted in the lungs of the exposed animals. These changes were not observed in the lungs of the control animals. It can be concluded from this study that titanium nanoparticles may cause inflammatory reactions in the lungs of animals exposed through inhalation, as indicated by the presence of inflammatory cells and congestion of inter-alveolar areas. This has implications for individuals who may be potentially exposed during the production and use of titanium nanoparticles. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | BALB/c animal model; BALB/c murine model; Inflammation; Inhalation; Lungs; Microscopy; Nanoparticles; TiO 2; Titanium nanoparticles | Animal model; Inflammation; Inhalation; Lungs; Murine model; TiO; Titanium nanoparticles; Consumer products; Mammals; Microscopic examination; Spheres; Titanium; Titanium dioxide; Transmission electron microscopy; Nanoparticles; nanoparticle; titanium; animal; article; Bagg albino mouse; chemically induced disorder; environmental exposure; female; inhalational drug administration; lung; microscopy; mouse; pathology; pneumonia; Administration, Inhalation; Animals; Environmental Exposure; Female; Lung; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Microscopy; Nanoparticles; Pneumonia; Titanium; Animalia; Murinae; Mus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33947163361 | Karyotypic evaluation of plantain and banana somaclonal variants (Musa L. spp. Musaceae: Zingiberales) | Obute G.C., Aziagba P.C. | 2005 | Journal of Genetics and Breeding | 59 | 04-Mar | None | Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Library Department, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Obute, G.C., Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Aziagba, P.C., Library Department, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Tissue culture regenerated materials of Musa spp. (Banana and Plantain) along with their somaclonal variants were assessed for karyotype abnormalities to be used as rapid chromosome markers. Results indicate that the slight variations noticed in karyomorphometric characters like chromosome number, chromosome arm lengths, total complement length and total complement volume were not significant (P ≤0.05). It follows, therefore, that chromosomal abnormalities may not be accurate markers for somaclonal variation in these species. A few cases of aneuploidy were encountered and the need not to overemphasize chromosomal instability was highlighted; however, other causes of somaclonal variations are proposed to be explored to explain the phenomenon in Musa spp. | Banana; Karyotype; Musa/Spp. | Magnoliophyta; Musa; Musaceae; Zingiberales | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247139203 | Evaluation of karyotype status of Musa L. somaclonal variants (Musaceae: Zingiberales) | Obute G.C., Aziagba P.C. | 2007 | Turkish Journal of Botany | 31 | 2 | None | Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, PHC, Nigeria; Library Department, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, PHC, Nigeria | Obute, G.C., Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, PHC, Nigeria; Aziagba, P.C., Library Department, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, PHC, Nigeria | Tissue culture regenerated materials of Musa L. spp. (banana and plantain) along with their somaclonal variants were assessed for karyotype abnormalities to be used as indicators for rapid cytological marking. The results show that although slight variations were noted in karyomorphometric characters, like chromosome number, arm length, total chromosome length, and total chromosome volume, these were not significant (P ≤ 0.05). Therefore, chromosomal abnormalities may not be accurate markers for somaclonal variation in these species. The need to not overemphasise chromosomal instability resulting from culture techniques was highlighted. Other possible causes of somaclonal variations were proposed to explain this phenomenon in Musa spp. © TÜBİTAK. | Karyotype; Musa; Somaclonal variants; Tissue culture; Zingiberales | chromosome; cytology; karyotype; marking method; Magnoliophyta; Musa; Musaceae; Zingiberales | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650038061 | Evaluation of time to detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in broth culture as a determinant for end points in treatment trials | Weiner M., Prihoda T.J., Burman W., Johnson J.L., Goldberg S., Padayatchi N., Duran P., Engle M., Muzanye G., Mugerwa R.D., Sturm A.W. | 2010 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 48 | 12 | 10.1128/JCM.00757-10 | Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, VAMC, San Antonio, TX 78229-4404, United States; Denver Public Health, 605 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80204, United States; Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Uganda-Case Western Reserve University Research Collaboration, 10900 Euclid Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106-4945, United States; Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; Departments of Community Health, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban, South Africa; Uganda-Case Western Reserve University Research Collaboration, P.O. Box 663, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Medical Microbiology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban, South Africa; Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, VAMC, 7400 Merton Minter Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78229-4404, United States | Weiner, M., Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, VAMC, San Antonio, TX 78229-4404, United States; Prihoda, T.J., Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, VAMC, 7400 Merton Minter Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78229-4404, United States; Burman, W., Denver Public Health, 605 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80204, United States; Johnson, J.L., Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Uganda-Case Western Reserve University Research Collaboration, 10900 Euclid Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106-4945, United States; Goldberg, S., Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; Padayatchi, N., Departments of Community Health, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban, South Africa; Duran, P., Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, VAMC, San Antonio, TX 78229-4404, United States; Engle, M., Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, VAMC, San Antonio, TX 78229-4404, United States; Muzanye, G., Uganda-Case Western Reserve University Research Collaboration, P.O. Box 663, Kampala, Uganda; Mugerwa, R.D., Uganda-Case Western Reserve University Research Collaboration, P.O. Box 663, Kampala, Uganda; Sturm, A.W., Department of Medical Microbiology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban, South Africa | Time to detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in broth culture was examined for utility as a treatment efficacy end point. Of 146 patients in a phase IIB trial, a decreased mean time to detection was found in 5 with treatment failure. Time to detection in an analysis-of-covariance model was associated with lung cavities, less intensive treatment, and differences in the bactericidal effects of treatment regimens. Copyright © 2010, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | ethambutol; moxifloxacin; adult; article; bacterium detection; female; human; lung cavity; major clinical study; male; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; priority journal; relapse; risk factor; time; treatment failure; Adult; Antitubercular Agents; Aza Compounds; Bacteriological Techniques; Clinical Trials as Topic; Drug Monitoring; Ethambutol; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Quinolines; Time Factors; Tuberculosis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954860590 | The effect of stake dimension on the field performance of two hardwoods with different durability classes | Antwi-Boasiako C., Allotey A. | 2010 | International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation | 64 | 4 | 10.1016/j.ibiod.2009.11.004 | Department of Wood Science and Technology, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana | Antwi-Boasiako, C., Department of Wood Science and Technology, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana; Allotey, A., Department of Wood Science and Technology, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana | Timber diversity is associated with virtually all types of wood structures for various end-uses including bridges and railway-sleepers. Some timbers resist bio-degradation and are termed naturally durable. Wood durability is influenced by numerous extrinsic and intrinsic factors; however, knowledge is scant about the role stake dimension plays. Therefore, the field performance of replicates of four dimensions (500 × 50 × 25; 250 × 25 × 12.5; 125 × 12.5 × 6.25; and 62.5 × 6.25 × 3.13 mm) from two commercially important hardwoods (Milicia excelsa and Sterculia rhinopetala) of different durabilities (i.e., high and moderate, respectively) was investigated for 5 years using the graveyard method with non-durable Ceiba pentandra as a control. Durability parameters assessed were visual durability ratings, hardness, and mass losses. C. pentandra usually performed worst in all parameters. Generally, a steady increase exists in degradation from the thickest stakes (500 × 50 × 25 mm) to the thinnest (62.5 × 6.25 × 3.13 mm). Thus, the greater the stake dimension, the smaller its visual durability rating, mass and hardness losses (i.e. more durable). However, few discrepancies occurred, as the thinnest stakes were often buried deep in the soil, decreasing their chances of getting attacked. M. excelsa remained harder and more durable for stakes of all dimensions (especially the thickest) than those of S. rhinopetala. However, the thinnest M. excelsa stakes unexpectedly recorded mean mass loss of 4.9%, compared with 2.1% for S. rhinopetala. The study shows wood dimension significantly affects its durability, which would inform timber engineers about their wood dimension choices for appropriate end-uses. © 2010. | End-use; Mass loss; Service-life; Visual durability rating; Wood dimension | End-uses; Field performance; Hardness loss; Intrinsic factors; Mass loss; Milicia excelsa; Visual durability rating; Wood durability; Wood structure; Degradation; Hardness; Hardwoods; Timber; Wooden buildings; Durability; bridge; deciduous tree; dicotyledon; durability; fieldwork; performance assessment; railway; timber; wood quality; Buildings; Degradation; Dimensions; Durability; Forests; Hardness; Hardwoods; Wood; Ceiba pentandra; Milicia excelsa; Sterculia | 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-s2.0-84876329113 | Scanning velocity influence on microstructure, microhardness and wear resistance performance of laser deposited Ti6Al4V/TiC composite | Mahamood R.M., Akinlabi E.T., Shukla M., Pityana S. | 2013 | Materials and Design | 50 | None | 10.1016/j.matdes.2013.03.049 | Department of Mechanical Engineering Science, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; Department of Mechanical Engineering, MNNIT, Allahabad, UP 211 004, India; National Laser Centre of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa | Mahamood, R.M., Department of Mechanical Engineering Science, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Akinlabi, E.T., Department of Mechanical Engineering Science, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; Shukla, M., Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MNNIT, Allahabad, UP 211 004, India; Pityana, S., National Laser Centre of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa | Ti6Al4V is the most widely used titanium alloy in the aerospace industry because of its excellent properties. However, the wear resistance behaviour of this material is not very impressive and surface damage occurs in applications involving contact loadings. Laser material deposition process, an additive manufacturing technology offers lots of advantages in surface modification of components, repair of existing worn out parts, as well as building new components from the scratch, most especially complex components. A good control of the process parameters is inevitable to achieve the desired properties. It is easier to control a single process parameter to achieve the desired property than to control a number of the processing parameters. In this study, the influence of the scanning velocity on the evolving physical properties, the microstructure, the microhardness and the wear resistance behaviour of Ti6Al4V/TiC composite is thoroughly investigated towards achieving an effective properties control. The results showed that controlling only the scanning velocity, the physical, mechanical, metallurgical and the tribological properties of the Ti6Al4V/TiC composite can be effectively controlled. It was found that as the scanning velocity was increased, the wear resistance performance also increased, until the scanning velocity of 0.065. m/s, after which the wear resistance performance began to experience a decrease. At low scanning velocity, there were less Unmelted Carbide particles in the microstructure due to more melting of the TiC powder taking place, hence the low wear resistance performance obtained. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Coefficient of friction; Laser material deposition; Microstructure; Surface roughness; Titanium composites; Wear resistance performance | Aerospace industry; Deposition; Manufacture; Microhardness; Microstructure; Repair; Scanning; Surface roughness; Titanium carbide; Velocity; Wear resistance; Additive manufacturing technology; Coefficient of frictions; Complex components; Effective property; Laser materials; Processing parameters; Titanium composites; Tribological properties; Process control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953128439 | Changes in tribological performance of high molecular weight high density polyethylene induced by the addition of molybdenum disulphide particles | Pettarin V., Churruca M.J., Felhös D., Karger-Kocsis J., Frontini P.M. | 2010 | Wear | 269 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.wear.2010.03.006 | Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales, INTEMA, Av. Juan B. Justo 4302, B7608 FDQ Mar del Plata, Argentina; Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Materials Science Engineering, University of Miskolc, H-3515, Hungary; Department of Polymer Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | Pettarin, V., Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales, INTEMA, Av. Juan B. Justo 4302, B7608 FDQ Mar del Plata, Argentina; Churruca, M.J., Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales, INTEMA, Av. Juan B. Justo 4302, B7608 FDQ Mar del Plata, Argentina; Felhös, D., Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Materials Science Engineering, University of Miskolc, H-3515, Hungary; Karger-Kocsis, J., Department of Polymer Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Frontini, P.M., Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales, INTEMA, Av. Juan B. Justo 4302, B7608 FDQ Mar del Plata, Argentina | Through this work, the effect of the addition of commercial molybdenum disulphide on the tribological behavior of high molecular weight high density polyethylene was assessed. Determination of several tribological parameters (kinetic coefficient of friction by sliding testing, static coefficient of friction by scratch testing, sliding wear rate by roller-on-plate test, abrasive wear rate by dry sand/rubber wheel test, and surface hardness by microhardness measurements) and microscopical observations (by TOM, SEM and EDAX) were combined in an attempt to elucidate the effect of MoS2 in composites performance. In this way, a complete picture of composites behavior was achieved. An content of MoS2 for minimum wear rate was encountered to be around 10 wt.%. It was found that the solid lubricant increases wear resistance under both sliding and abrasive wear conditions. It seems that depending on wear condition MoS2 acts in a different way. It appears that MoS2 contributes to dissipate the generated heat, thus decreasing wear due to surface melting of the polymer. Under sliding conditions, an adhesive wear mechanism became dominant which is characterized by the formation of a uniform and adherent transfer film on the counterface. Under abrasive conditions a positive rolling effect of MoS2 particles was found. Amounts of filler larger than 10% resulted in a detriment of wear resistance due to weak microstructures which lead to the occurrence of micro-cracking wear mechanism. Besides, the effect of MoS2 particles upon HMW-HDPE stress-strain and fracture behavior was checked for the composite with the best wear performance. Low strain mechanical properties of HMW-HDPE remained almost unaltered while a noticeable change in high strain properties resulted from the introduction of filler. Fracture mode was also changed from stable to unstable under quasi-static conditions and from semi-ductile to brittle under dynamic conditions, with a concomitant abrupt reduction in toughness values. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Fracture toughness; Lubricant additives; Polymer-matrix composite; Sliding wear; Stress-strain behavior; Three-body abrasion | Abrasive wears; Adhesive wears; Coefficient of frictions; Dynamic condition; Fracture behavior; Fracture mode; High molecular weight; High strains; Kinetic coefficient of friction; Low strains; Lubricant additives; Microhardness measurement; Microscopical observation; Molybdenum disulphide; Plate test; Quasi-static conditions; Scratch testing; SEM; Sliding conditions; Sliding wear; Stress-strain; Stress-strain behavior; Stress-strain behaviors; Surface hardness; Surface melting; Three body abrasion; Transfer film; Tribological behaviors; Tribological parameters; Tribological performance; Wear condition; Wear mechanisms; Wear performance; Wear rates; Abrasion; Abrasives; Brittle fracture; Ductile fracture; Fillers; Fracture toughness; Friction; Hardness testing; Mechanical properties; Molecular weight; Molybdenum; Molybdenum compounds; Polyethylenes; Polymer matrix composites; Polymers; Rolling; Solid lubricants; Strain; Surface testing; Thermoplastics; Tribology; Wear resistance | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-29144493144 | Improving performance in a second year chemistry course: An evaluation of a tutorial scheme on the learning of chemistry | Davidowitz B., Rollnick M. | 2005 | South African Journal of Chemistry | 58 | None | None | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, South Africa; School of Education, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa | Davidowitz, B., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Rollnick, M., School of Education, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa | Throughput of students is a concern for academic departments especially since it will be the basis of a new funding formula for tertiary institutions. In order to reduce content for increased mastery, and ensure student engagement with chemical concepts, tutorials were introduced for two of the second year chemistry sub-disciplines at UCT in the place of some formal lectures. The impact of this innovation was investigated using questionnaires, interviews and a study of opportunistic data such as examination results. Analysis of the data showed that the overall pass rate increased noticeably as did the number of students achieving high marks. Student, tutor and lecturer feedback lent credence to the belief that the improvement was largely due to the introduction of the tutorial scheme. In addition, some noteworthy differences between the sub-disciplines were identified. Some of these differences were attributed to the lecturer's understanding of his own teaching. | Chemical education; Curriculum design; Improving performance in chemistry; Tutorials | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904280719 | The impact of animal source food products on human nutrition and health | Schönfeldt H.C., Pretorius B., Hall N. | 2013 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 43 | 3 | 10.4314/sajas.v43i3.11 | Institute of Food, Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Schönfeldt, H.C., Institute of Food, Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Pretorius, B., Institute of Food, Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Hall, N., Institute of Food, Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Throughout the ages the quest for food and drink has influenced humanity's economic, social and political development, and played a role in the organization of society and history. Nutrition (or what we choose to consume) influences the health of human beings and therefore their quality of life. Animal source foods are often the dietary component that evokes the widest array of complex scientific, economic, environmental and political issues. It is viewed as the most expensive component of any diet, yet can make significant contributions to human health through providing high quantities of essential nutrients. In addition to quantity, the high quality of the nutrients in animal source foods is important as high-quality nutrients are more readily absorbed into the human body than lower-quality nutrients from other food and non-food sources. As South Africans increasingly suffer the consequences of inappropriate diets (over-and under-nutrition), the role of animal source foods as part of a healthy diet requires continuous investment in research and extrapolation of information towards appropriate guidelines and recommendations. Although it is often suggested that the intake of animal source foods should be limited because of possible linkages between animal product consumption and health, scientific evidence increasingly indicates the beneficial role that animal source foods can play in preventing and combating obesity and certain non-communicable diseases related to over-nutrition. This article aims to describe the nutritional role of animal source foods as part of a healthy South African diet and presents a review of recent findings related to their nutrient contribution, as well as evidence relating to common health concerns. | Animal source foods; Health; Livestock products; Nutrition | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864545283 | The impact of organisational politics on the implementation of it strategy: South African case in context | Iyamu T. | 2011 | International Journal of Sociotechnology and Knowledge Development | 3 | 3 | 10.4018/jskd.2011070102 | Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa | Iyamu, T., Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa | Through IT strategy, many organisations intend to set out key directions and objectives for the use and management of information, communication and technologies. A shared view among these organisations is that IT strategy allows all parts of the organisation to gain a shared understanding of priorities, goals and objectives for both current and future states as defined in the strategy. It would therefore seem that IT strategy, for the foreseeable future will remain a key aspect of development within organisations. As a result, there has been more focus on how IT strategy is articulated and formulated. What is missing is that there has been less attention on the implementation of the strategy. Also, in most organisations, technical issues are minor compared to the relationship issues. There are many factors which influence the implementation of the IT strategy. This paper focuses on how organisational politics as examined by two underpinning theories, Structuration Theory and Actor-Network Theory, impact the implementation of IT strategy. Copyright © 2011, IGI Global. | Actor-Network Theory; Implementation; IT Strategy; Organisational Politics; Structuration Theory | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903985919 | The impact of islamic banking on entrepreneurial motivation, firm competitiveness and performance in South African small and medium enterprises | Hove P., Sibanda K., Pooe D. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 15 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n15p165 | Department of Logistics, Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa; University of Fort Hare, Alice, East London, South Africa; Department of Logistics, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | Hove, P., Department of Logistics, Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa; Sibanda, K., University of Fort Hare, Alice, East London, South Africa; Pooe, D., Department of Logistics, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | Through its commonly recognised characteristics of zero interest loans and the sharing of profits, losses and risks Islamic banking is rapidly gaining importance in the contemporary business world. Yet, there is little empirical evidence that point to the impact of Islamic banking on the key economic drivers such as entrepreneurship, competition and performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) particularly in South Africa. Hence, this paper examined the impact of Islamic banking on entrepreneurial motivation, firm competitiveness and business performance of SMEs in South Africa. To this end, a survey was carried out and data was gathered by means of questionnaires on a sample of 150 SME owners/managers in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng Provinces. Structural equation modelling was employed to analyse data using the Smart Partial Least Squares (PLS) software. The findings reveal that Islamic banking has a positive impact on both entrepreneurial motivation and firm competitiveness while the relationship between entrepreneurial motivation and the business performance of SMEs was found not to be significant. Furthermore, the study found that firm competitiveness has a highly significant and strongly positive impact on business performance of SMEs. In view of these findings, the paper concludes with some implications and policy recommendations for both the banks and the government. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749364121 | Education resourcing in post-apartheid South Africa: The impact of finance equity reforms in public schooling | Motala S. | 2006 | Perspectives in Education | 24 | 2 | None | Education Policy Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Motala, S., Education Policy Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Through an analysis of recent quantitative data on equity and school funding in South Africa, this article aims to explicate the patterns and typology of inequality in post-apartheid South Africa, and to deepen our understanding of the construct of equity. It also aims to understand the application of equity in the context of public schooling through a disaggregated school-level analysis of a key equity indicator, per capita expenditure. This approach quantifies inequity and progress towards equality, and establishes a broader set of variables and correlates by which to understand school finance equity. It also analyses the impact of private contributions on formal basic schooling. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to the quantification of finance equity and inequity through a better understanding of finance input data analyses that go beyond race-based analyses. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-24344462085 | Egg traits, hatchability and early growth performance of the Fulani-ecotype chicken | Fayeye T.R., Adeshiyan A.B., Olugbami A.A. | 2005 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 17 | 8 | None | Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Nigeria | Fayeye, T.R., Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Adeshiyan, A.B., Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Olugbami, A.A., Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Nigeria | Three studies were conducted to evaluate Fulani-ecotype chicken for egg, hatchability and growth traits. In study one, 30 eggs were used to evaluate thirteen internal and external egg traits including egg weight, egg length, egg width, egg index, yolk weight, yolk height, yolk diameter, shell weight, shell thickness, albumen height, albumen weight, haugh unit and egg index. In study two, 165 eggs were used to evaluate fertility and hatchability traits. In study three, sixty-eight day-old Fulani-ecotype chicks were evaluated for growth performance. Mean values for egg traits were 40.73g, 20.25g, 4.92mm, 75.53 percent, 13.03g, 14.27mm, 24.68mm and 0.58 for egg weight, albumen weight, albumen height, haugh unit, yolk weight, yolk height, yolk width and yolk index, respectively. Mean value for shell weight, shell thickness, egg length, egg width and egg index were 5.12g, 0.58mm, 34.91mm, 23.59mm and 1.48, respectively. Fertility percent, live germs at 18th day and percent hatchability were 76 percent, 75 percent, and 47 percent, respectively. Body weight gain in chickens increased from hatch to 3 weeks of age, and afterward declined. Indices of egg internal quality suggested that the Fulani-ecotype chicken is highly desirable. Its good shell thickness may be exploited in reducing losses due to cracked eggs. Mean chick weight increased by more than eleven times within the first eight weeks of life. The present report suggests that Fulani-ecotype chicken has good potential for meat and egg production, therefore selection along these two directions may help to develop indigenous strains of meat type chicken. | Early growth; Egg traits; Fulani-ecotype | Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947931377 | Synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of 1,3,5-triazine amino acid derivatives to study their MAO inhibitors | Khattab S.N., Khalil H.H., Bekhit A.A., El-Rahman M.M.A., El-Faham A., Albericio F. | 2015 | Molecules | 20 | 9 | 10.3390/molecules200915976 | Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, P. O. Box 426, Ibrahimia, Alexandria, Egypt; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2455, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Institute for Research in Biomedicine, CIBER-BBN, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain | Khattab, S.N., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, P. O. Box 426, Ibrahimia, Alexandria, Egypt; Khalil, H.H., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, P. O. Box 426, Ibrahimia, Alexandria, Egypt; Bekhit, A.A., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; El-Rahman, M.M.A., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, P. O. Box 426, Ibrahimia, Alexandria, Egypt; El-Faham, A., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, P. O. Box 426, Ibrahimia, Alexandria, Egypt, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2455, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Albericio, F., Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2455, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, CIBER-BBN, Barcelona, Spain, Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain | Three series of 4,6-dimethoxy-, 4,6-dipiperidino- and 4,6-dimorpholino-1,3,5-triazin- 2-yl) amino acid derivatives were synthesized and characterized. A preliminary study for their monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity showed that compounds 7, 18, and 25 had MAO-A inhibition activity comparable to that of the standard clorgyline, with apparently more selective inhibitory activity toward MAO-A than MAO-B and no significant acute toxicity. | 1,3,5-triazine derivatives; Amino acids; Monoamine oxidase; Morpholine; Piperidine | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-46549085181 | Evaluation of crop yield models for cowpea in Nigeria | Adekalu K.O., Okunade D.A. | 2008 | Irrigation Science | 26 | 5 | 10.1007/s00271-008-0103-6 | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE 1 7RU, United Kingdom | Adekalu, K.O., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Okunade, D.A., School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE 1 7RU, United Kingdom | Three phasic models namely, Hanks (H-2), Stewart (S-2) and the Hall-Butcher (H-B), were evaluated on cowpea irrigated using a line source sprinkler system. Three sets of field data (1983, 1985, and 1986) were collected; the 1985 data were used for calibration while the 1983 and 1986 data were used for evaluation of the models. The model performance that most accurately matched the measured data was then used to simulate the most water-efficient irrigation schedule and deficit irrigation analysis for cowpea in Nigeria. Results showed that the models gave good estimates of cowpea grain yield with the H-2 model performing slightly better than the other two models. The weighted root mean square deviations were 0.043, 0.094, and 0.213 for the H-2, S-2 and the H-B model, respectively. Simulation studies with the H-2 model showed that irrigating at 40% moisture depletion is the most water-efficient schedule for cowpea and that greater yield from a given optimum seasonal water application for deficit irrigation can be achieved by splitting the seasonal deficit among the growth stages. © 2008 Springer-Verlag. | None | Computer simulation; Mathematical models; Moisture; Sprinkler systems (irrigation); Moisture depletion; Water-efficient irrigation; Crops; Computer simulation; Crops; Mathematical models; Moisture; Sprinkler systems (irrigation); calibration; crop yield; developmental stage; irrigation; legume; modeling; performance assessment; spray; yield response; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | 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-s2.0-45849146184 | Letter: Characterisation and identification of spermine and spermidine derivatives in Microdesmis keayana and Microdesmis puberula roots by electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation | Roumy V., Hennebelle T., Zamblé A., Yao J.D., Sahpaz S., Bailleul F. | 2008 | European Journal of Mass Spectrometry | 14 | 2 | 10.1255/ejms.910 | Laboratoire de Pharmacognosie, EA 1043, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université de Lille 2, BP 83, F-59006 Lille Cedex, France; Laboratoire de Pharmacologie et Nutrition, Université de Cocody, Abidjan, BP 582, Abidjan 22, Côte d'Ivoire, South Africa | Roumy, V., Laboratoire de Pharmacognosie, EA 1043, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université de Lille 2, BP 83, F-59006 Lille Cedex, France; Hennebelle, T., Laboratoire de Pharmacognosie, EA 1043, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université de Lille 2, BP 83, F-59006 Lille Cedex, France; Zamblé, A., Laboratoire de Pharmacognosie, EA 1043, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université de Lille 2, BP 83, F-59006 Lille Cedex, France; Yao, J.D., Laboratoire de Pharmacologie et Nutrition, Université de Cocody, Abidjan, BP 582, Abidjan 22, Côte d'Ivoire, South Africa; Sahpaz, S., Laboratoire de Pharmacognosie, EA 1043, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université de Lille 2, BP 83, F-59006 Lille Cedex, France; Bailleul, F., Laboratoire de Pharmacognosie, EA 1043, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université de Lille 2, BP 83, F-59006 Lille Cedex, France | Three new N1,N5,N14-tris(4- hydroxycinnamoyl)spermines were identified in hydromethanolic root extracts of Microdesmis keayana J. Léonard and Microdesmis puberula Hook f. The electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) technique with specific nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of hydrolysed products made it possible to identify N1,N5,N14-tris(p- coumaroyllspermine. N1-feruloyl,N5,N14-di(p- coumaroyl)spermine and N1,N5,N14-tris(feruloyl) spermine, named keayanines B, C and D, respectively. ESI-MS/MS analysis most effectively provided structural data although high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry was also used to characterise four other compounds from Microdesmis puberula-keayanidines A, B, C and keayanine A - which had already been identified in M. keayana. This chemical data is the first to be published for M. puberula which is a commonly used plant in Central African traditional medicine. © IM Publications LLP 2008. All rights reserved. | Keayanidine; Keayanine; Liquid-chromatography-mass-spectrometry; Microdesmis keayana; Microdesmis puberula; Spermidine; Spermine | spermidine; spermine; article; chemistry; electrospray mass spectrometry; liquid chromatography; plant root; tandem mass spectrometry; traditional medicine; Chromatography, Liquid; Medicine, Traditional; Plant Roots; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; Spermidine; Spermine; Tandem Mass Spectrometry | None |
| None | None | Performance of biofilm carriers in anaerobic digestion of sisal leaf waste leachate | Mshandete A.M., Björnsson L., Kivaisi A.K., Rubindamayugi M.S.T., Mattiasson B. | 2008 | Electronic Journal of Biotechnology | 11 | 1 | None | Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35179, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-22100, Lund, Sweden | Mshandete, A.M., Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35179, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Björnsson, L., Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-22100, Lund, Sweden; Kivaisi, A.K., Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35179, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Rubindamayugi, M.S.T., Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35179, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mattiasson, B., Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-22100, Lund, Sweden | Three methanogenic biofilm bioreactors were studied to evaluate the performance of three types of carriers. The carrier material were consisted of sisal fibre waste, pumice stone and porous glass beads, and the bioprocess evaluated was the methanogenesis anaerobic digestion of sisal leaf waste leachate. Process performance was investigated by increasing the organic loading rate (OLR) step-wise. The best results were obtained from the bioreactor packed with sisal fibre waste. It had the highest chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies in the range of 80-93% at OLRs in the range of 2.4-25 g COD L -1d -1. The degradation pattern of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) showed that the degradation of propionate was limiting at higher OLRs. The stable pH and higher partial alkalinity (PA) of the outflow illustrated that packed-bed bioreactors have a good ability to withstand the variations in load and volatile fatty acid concentrations that can occur in a two-stage anaerobic process. In conclusion, sisal fibre waste was shown to be a novel promising biofilm carrier and would work very well in methanogenic biofilm bioreactors treating sisal leaf tissue waste leachate. Furthermore both sisal wastes are available in the neighbourhood of sisal industries, which makes anaerobic digestion scale up at sisal factory level feasible and cost-effective. © 2007 by Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. | Biogas; Methanogenesis; Packed-bed bioreactors; Packing media | Biofilms; Biofilters; Bioreactors; Chemical oxygen demand; Chemical reactors; Civil aviation; Industrial chemicals; Leaching; Nonmetals; Oxygen; Removal; Wastewater treatment; Anaerobic (UASB); Bio films; Bio processes; Bio reactor; Biofilm carriers; Carrier materials; Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal; Leachate; Methanogenesis; Organic loading rate (OLD); Porous glasses; Process performance; Sisal fibre; Anaerobic digestion; fatty acid; alkalinity; article; biofilm; bioprocess; chemical oxygen demand; cost effectiveness analysis; leaching; methanogenesis; pH measurement; sisal; Agave sisalana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873832167 | Evaluation of three grades of binders as matrices in chloroquine phosphate tablets | Okorie O., Nwachukwu N. | 2013 | International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research | 18 | 1 | None | Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria | Okorie, O., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria; Nwachukwu, N., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria | Three hydrophilic polymers as binder matrices in the formulation of chloroquine phosphate tablets were evaluated. Detarium microcarpium seed gum (DMSG), a natural gum was compared with acacia (a natural gum) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC), a synthetic gum as matrices in the formulation of conventional release chloroquine phosphate. Both acacia and NaCMC served as standards. Chloroquine phosphate tablets were formulated with 1% w/w, 2% w/w, 3% w/w and 4%w/w of DMSG, acacia (AC) and NaCMC using the wet granulation method. Granules prepared on evaluation showed flow rate of 5. 80 ± 0. 22 g/s to 10. 40 ± 0. 00 g/s, angle of repose values of 26. 00 ± 0. 05 to 30. 05 ± 0. 10 °, Carrs Index values of 3. 64 ± 0. 00 to 7. 94 ± 0. 01, and Hausner's quotient values 1. 05 ± 0. 00 to 1. 09 ± 0. 01 for all batches. The tablets obtained from the compressed granules were evaluated for uniformity of weight, hardness, friability, content of active ingredient and in vitro dissolution profile. Tablets were found to conform to British Pharmacopoeia standards. DMSG was found to compare favorably with both AC and NaCMC. | Acacia (AC); Chloroquine phosphate; Detarium microcarpium seed gum (DMSG); Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) | carboxymethylcellulose; chloroquine; gum arabic; phosphate binding agent; article; bulk density; controlled study; drug solubility; flow rate; in vitro study; tablet disintegration time; tablet formulation; tablet friability; tablet hardness | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34848850433 | Feed intake, growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chicks fed diets containing varying levels of sorghum dried Brewers' grains | Adama T.Z., Ogunbajo S.A., Mambo M. | 2007 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 6 | 8 | None | Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | Adama, T.Z., Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Ogunbajo, S.A., Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Mambo, M., Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | Three hundred Dako broiler chicks of both sexes each having average initial weight of 86.4 g were randomly distributed into five treatments with two replicates each with 30 birds. Five iso-nitrogenous and isocaloric starter and finisher diets were formulated and fed for a period of four weeks at starter and finisher phases. Sorghum Dried Brewer's Grain (SDBG) was used at the levels of 0% (control), 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% to replace maize grain and groundnut cake (GNC) in the diets at both starter and finisher phases. Feed intake, growth performance of the birds as well as the digestibility coefficients and the gross margins of the diets were measured. Digestibility values were not significantly affected up to a level of 20% SDBG in the diet. Also, cost of feed/kg declined with increasing levels of SDBG. Gross margin was highest at SDBG level of 20%. It was concluded that SDBG inclusion at a level of 20% in broiler diets will reduce the cost of feed and increase profit margin. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2007. | Broiler diet; Feed intake; Growth performance; Nutrient digestibility | Arachis hypogaea; Aves; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650125653 | Effect of maxigrain supplementation of diets with or without rice offal on the performance of broiler chicks | Duru S., Dafwang I.I. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 8 | None | Department of Animal Science, Nigeria; National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Service, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Duru, S., Department of Animal Science, Nigeria; Dafwang, I.I., National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Service, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Three experiments were conducted concurrently to determine the effect of maxigrain supplementation of isocaloric diets with or without rice offal, the effect of maxigrain supplementation of diets containing rice offal at two levels of energy and the effect of maxigrain supplementation of diets in which the maize content was substituted with rice offal on a weight to weight basis. The experiments were conducted with 210 broilers from 2-5 weeks of age. Results showed that maxigrain supplementation did not have any effect on broiler performance when broilers were fed isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets with or without rice offal. Maxigrain supplementation improved the performance of broilers when added to low energy diets. The improvement in broiler performance was same at 0.1 and 0.2% maxigrain supplementation. The study confirmed earlier recommendations that rice offal can be fed at levels of up to 15% in broiler chick diets without adverse effect on growth performance and concluded that maxigrain enzyme supplementation may be beneficial only when added to diets containing lower than recommended energy and protein levels. © Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Energy levels; Maxigrain; Poultry feed; Rice offal | Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959969881 | The effect of alternative pruning methods on the viticultural and oenological performance of some wine grape varieties | Archer E., van Schalkwyk D. | 2007 | South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture | 28 | 2 | None | Lusan Premium Wines, PO Box 104, 7599 Stellenbosch, South Africa; ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, 7599 Stellenbosch, South Africa | Archer, E., Lusan Premium Wines, PO Box 104, 7599 Stellenbosch, South Africa; van Schalkwyk, D., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, 7599 Stellenbosch, South Africa | Three different trials, at three different localities, each with different growing conditions, were conducted with nine different wine grape varieties. Four different pruning methods, hand, mechanical, minimal and no pruning were tested. Growth responses, grape composition and morphology, wine quality as well as labour inputs were evaluated. Huge labour savings were obtained with the alternative pruning methods compared to hand pruning. A reduction in vigour and increase in yield were evident in each variety. Wine quality was not decreased and in some cases even a quality increase was evident. Varieties differ in their adaptability to alternative pruning methods with Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage and Chardonnay performing well and Sauvignon blanc and Merlot poorly. Chenin blanc, Shiraz, Colombar and Ruby Cabernet showed acceptable performance. Alternative pruning methods proved to be viable, especially for the production of medium and low priced wines. | Grapevine; Pruning; Wine quality | Vitaceae; Vitis; Vitis vinifera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924207677 | Evaluation of the separation energy penalty associated with low butanol concentration in the fermentation broth using entropy analysis | Aneke M., Görgens J. | 2015 | Fuel | 150 | None | 10.1016/j.fuel.2015.02.073 | Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; School of Engineering, University of Hull, United Kingdom | Aneke, M., Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa, School of Engineering, University of Hull, United Kingdom; Görgens, J., Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | Three different separation configuration options namely: pure distillation (option A), gas stripping based (option B) and liquid-liquid extraction based (option C) for separating Acetone Butanol Ethanol (ABE) fermentation broth which contains low butanol concentration in the presence of butyric and acetic acid which is a characteristic of unsuccessful switching from acidogenesis to solventogenesis process during ABE fermentation were modelled using Aspen Plus simulation software and analysed using first and second law of thermodynamics. With the consideration of heat integration, the separation efficiency achieved by the gas stripping based option and the LLE based option were approximately the same (0.0558 and 0.0571 respectively) while that of the pure distillation based option was 0.0165. The second law analysis shows that the lowest entropy generation occurs in the gas stripping separation configuration, followed by the LLE option, then the pure distillation option. From the second law analysis, it was observed that the highest irreversibility occurs in the first distillation column of the pure distillation process. This is as a result of large quantity of water contained in the fermentation broth. It was found that reducing the quantity of water contained in the fermentation broth using either gas stripping or LLE operation drastically reduces the irreversibility or entropy generation in the process. Apart from water, the presence of acetic acid in the fermentation broth also poses a challenge due to the formation of butanol-acetic acid azeotrope. From this work, it was found that the excessive use of water for dilution of fermentation substrates in order to lower substrate inhibition and the unsuccessful shift from acidogenesis to solventogenesis during ABE fermentation operation poses a major energy penalty during fermentation product purification as the energy required to successfully separate the fermentation broth is far more than the energy content of butanol product obtained. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Distillation; Gas stripping; Liquid-liquid extraction; Second law analysis | Acetic acid; Acetone; Butyric acid; C (programming language); Computer software; Distillation; Distillation columns; Entropy; Fermentation; Gases; Liquids; pH; Separation; Solvent extraction; Substrates; Thermodynamics; Acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation; Fermentation products; Fermentation substrates; Gas stripping; Liquid-liquid extraction; Second law analysis; Second Law of Thermodynamics; Separation efficiency; Extraction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866506828 | Comparative evaluation of conventional infiltration models under tropical rainforest (TRF) conditions in south western nigeria | Ehigiator O.A. | 2011 | International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa | 6 | None | 10.4028/www.scientific.net/JERA.6.65 | Department of Civil Engineering, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | Ehigiator, O.A., Department of Civil Engineering, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | Three commonly used expressions for modeling soil-water infiltration were evaluated for a tropical rainforest watershed in southwestern Nigeria under conditions of old, highly weathered soils and high rainfall intensities. The evaluation focused on the suitability of the expressions in assessing the decrease in infiltration opportunities that usually accompany deforestation. The equations were fitted into data spanning nine years obtained from infiltrometer experiments of the type where infiltration and runoff are generated onsite in response to single rainfall intensity without allowing for any modification due to inflow. The analysis revealed that soil-water infiltration into these tropical alfisols is better described by the Kostiakov's model. Effects of duration of cultivation for different years following deforestation of the secondary vegetation were highlighted. © (2011) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland. | Deforestation; Infiltration opportunity; Kostiakov's expression; Phillip's model | Alfisols; Comparative evaluations; Infiltration models; Infiltrometers; Kostiakov's expression; Nigeria; Rainfall intensity; Secondary vegetation; Soil water; Tropical rain forest; Weathered soils; Deforestation; Geologic models; Rain; Soils; Tropics; Infiltration | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052486976 | Contrasting the impact of aerosols at northern and southern midlatitudes on heterogeneous ice formation | Kanitz T., Seifert P., Ansmann A., Engelmann R., Althausen D., Casiccia C., Rohwer E.G. | 2011 | Geophysical Research Letters | 38 | 17 | 10.1029/2011GL048532 | Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany; Ozone and RUV Laboratory, University of Magallanes, Punta Arenas 6210427, Chile; Physics Department, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | Kanitz, T., Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany; Seifert, P., Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany; Ansmann, A., Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany; Engelmann, R., Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany; Althausen, D., Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany; Casiccia, C., Ozone and RUV Laboratory, University of Magallanes, Punta Arenas 6210427, Chile; Rohwer, E.G., Physics Department, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | Three cloud data sets, each covering four months of observations, were recently recorded with a lidar at Punta Arenas (°53S), Chile, at Stellenbosch (34S, near Cape Town), South Africa, and aboard the research vessel Polarstern during three north-south cruises. By comparing these observations with an 11-year cloud data set measured with a lidar at Leipzig (°51N), Germany, the occurrence of heterogeneous ice formation (as a function of cloud top temperature) for very different aerosol conditions in the northern and southern hemisphere is investigated. Large differences in the heterogeneous freezing behavior in the mostly layered clouds are found. For example, <20%, 30%-40% and around 70% of the cloud layers with cloud top temperatures from-15°C to-20°C, showed ice formation over Punta Arenas, Stellenbosch, and Leipzig, respectively. The observed strong contrast reflects the differences in the free tropospheric aerosol conditions at northern midlatitudes, that are controlled by anthropogenic pollution, mineral dust, forest fire smoke, terrestrial biological material and high southern midlatitudes with clean marine conditions. Copyright 2011 by the American Geophysical Union. | None | Air pollution; Atmospheric aerosols; Biological materials; Deforestation; Dust; Marine pollution; Optical radar; Ships; Anthropogenic pollution; Cape Town; Cloud data; Cloud layers; Cloud-top temperatures; Forest fires; Germany; Heterogeneous freezing; Ice formations; Leipzig; Midlatitudes; Mineral dust; Research vessels; South Africa; Southern Hemisphere; Strong contrast; Tropospheric aerosols; Ice; aerosol; anthropogenic source; atmospheric pollution; data set; dust; forest fire; freezing; heterogeneity; lidar; marine environment; midlatitude environment; Northern Hemisphere; research vessel; smoke; Southern Hemisphere; troposphere; Aerosols; Air Pollution; Deforestation; Dust; Forest Fires; Germany; Radar; Ships; South Africa; Chile; Germany; Leipzig; Magallanes; Punta Arenas; Saxony; South Africa; Stellenbosch; Western Cape | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875651218 | Evaluation of adjuvants for enhanced management of Podosphaera xanthii using potassium silicate and biocontrol agents | Tesfagiorgis H.B., Annegarn H.J. | 2013 | Crop Protection | 48 | None | 10.1016/j.cropro.2013.03.002 | Department of Geography Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 425, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa; University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Tesfagiorgis, H.B., Department of Geography Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 425, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Annegarn, H.J., Department of Geography Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 425, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa | Three adjuvants [polyether-polymethylsiloxane-copolymer (Break-Thru®), alkoxylated fatty alkylamine polymer/ethoxylated sorbitane ester (Partner 650®) and polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate (Tween-80®)] were compared for their ability to improve the efficacy of potassium silicate and biocontrol agents (BCAs) against powdery mildew of zucchini caused by Podosphaera xanthii (Castagne) U. Braun & Shishkoff. The most effective adjuvant was investigated for its direct impact on the pathogen and deposition of BCAs using electron microscopy and its compatibility with the BCAs and zucchini plant was evaluated to establish an integrated management of powdery mildew. Furthermore, effects of Si spray in accumulation of Si and K in the leaves were measured. Break-Thru® and Partner 650® improved the efficacy of silicate by 18-35%. The best adjuvant, Break-Thru®, caused a collapse and degeneration of the conidia and hyphae of the pathogen, restricted growth and spread of the powdery mildew colonies by binding its propagative structures, and improved deposition of BCAs on the leaf surface and the fungus. Break-Thru® was compatible with the plant and the BCAs at concentrations <0.4 ml l-1, and can be used with selected BCAs and SiO2 for an integrated management of powdery mildew. SiO2 applied as a foliar spray increased the level of Si in zucchini leaves, which may contribute to systemic resistance of the plant against the disease. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Adjuvant; Biocontrol agents; Podosphaera xanthii; Potassium silicate; Powdery mildew; Zucchini | biocontrol agent; deposition; disease control; electron microscopy; fungus; growth rate; integrated approach; pathogen; plant community; Cucurbita pepo var. melopepo; Erysiphales; Fungi; Podosphaera xanthii | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864568925 | Perceptions of Threat Risk Frequency and Impact on Construction Projects in Ghana: Opinion survey findings | Chileshe N., Boadua A., Yirenkyi-Fianko | 2011 | Journal of Construction in Developing Countries | 16 | 2 | None | Barbara Hardy Institute (BHI), School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIPMA), Achimota, Accra, Ghana | Chileshe, N., Barbara Hardy Institute (BHI), School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Boadua, A., Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIPMA), Achimota, Accra, Ghana; Yirenkyi-Fianko, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIPMA), Achimota, Accra, Ghana | Threat risks are experienced by all stakeholders in a construction project. Although the nature of these risks is understood, less is known about their likelihood of occurrence and potential impact. This study explored these elements of risk by using an opinion survey approach to collect data from 103 professionals (clients, consultants and contractors) in the Ghanaian construction industry. Significant differences were found between the perceptions of these sub-groups regarding the likelihood of occurrence of threat risks in five categories: construction method; price inflation; exceptional weather; ground conditions and site contamination; and poor communication among the project team. The contractors rated 'construction methods' higher than did the clients, and they also rated 'exceptional weather' higher than either the clients or the consultants. On the other hand, consultants rated 'price inflation' higher than the clients. Significant differences between the sub-groups were also found regarding the potential impact of the threat risk of price fluctuation. The consultants rated the 'price fluctuation' threat risk higher than either the contractors or the clients. These findings suggest that despite the existence of remedial strategies to protect some of the stakeholders from these risks, there is a fear of being blacklisted, thus compromising future opportunities (especially among contractors) should legal action be taken to redress the identified problems (such as such delayed payments). The following implications are drawn: One of the suggested recourses is the introduction of bespoke rather than standard contracts, as these might introduce contract flaws and contribute towards helping the project stakeholders monitor these potential risks and take appropriate action. © Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2011. | Construction industry; Ghana; Opinion survey; Project risk factors | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875045560 | Revisiting dominant notions: A review of costs, performance and institutions of small reservoirs in sub-Saharan Africa | Venot J.-P., de Fraiture C., Acheampong E.N. | 2012 | IWMI Research Report | 144 | None | 10.5337/2012.202 | International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Land and Water Development, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft, Netherlands; African Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) Network, Nairobi, Kenya; IWMI, Accra, Ghana | Venot, J.-P., International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; de Fraiture, C., International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Land and Water Development, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft, Netherlands; Acheampong, E.N., African Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) Network, Nairobi, Kenya, IWMI, Accra, Ghana | Thousands of small reservoirs dot the rural landscape of sub-Saharan Africa. They have long attracted development and academic interest on the grounds that they make vulnerable and generally little-developed regions 'drought-proof' and allow for smallscale community-based irrigation. On the other hand, concerns have long been raised over the high construction costs, poor irrigation performance, low managerial capacity on the part of communities and little sustainability of investments that seem to be locked in a build-neglect-rebuild syndrome. A common response to these shortcomings has been to improve project designs and organize farmers in Water User Associations (WUAs) to better manage their common resources. This report, however, calls for a different approach based on a renewed understanding of small reservoirs. Drawing information from a crosscountry comparative analysis conducted in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ethiopia and Zambia, this report argues that high costs are not inherent to the technology but are caused by major shortcomings in the planning and implementation processes. Non-standard and corrupt practices throughout the project cycle add to the costs and affect the quality of construction and hence the performance, and the farmers' ability to maintain the reservoir in a workable state. Performance assessments are centered on downstream irrigation activities and universally point to the disappointing results of small reservoirs in these terms. Such assessments are grounded in field observations but remain partial. Small reservoirs support, and enhance synergies between, multiple livelihood strategies. The performance of small reservoirs needs to be assessed against this backdrop of multiple uses/users. WUAs, often externally triggered, have been framed and instituted as the sole and most adequate structure for the management of small reservoirs, with generally disappointing results. This is because decision making on small reservoirs takes place in multiple and overlapping arenas; the concerns of users may thus be best addressed by promoting arrangements that enhance multiple institutional relationships at multiple scales. An integrative approach, both in spatial (the watershed) and temporal (the project cycle) terms, holds the promise of sustainable management of small reservoirs. © 2012, by IWMI. All rights reserved. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955108129 | The impact of burnout on the intention to quit among professional nurses in the Free State region - A national crisis? | Pienaar J.W., Bester C.L. | 2011 | South African Journal of Psychology | 41 | 1 | None | Centre for Health Systems Research and Development, Department of Industrial Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Pienaar, J.W., Centre for Health Systems Research and Development, Department of Industrial Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Bester, C.L., Centre for Health Systems Research and Development, Department of Industrial Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Thousands of qualified nurses leave the South African health sector on an annual basis owing to various reasons, including burnout. Research showed that demanding work circumstances could influence employees to consider whether to leave an organisation or not. The aim of this study was to determine the level of burnout among professional nurses and to explore the potential impact of burnout on the intention to quit/change. The sample consisted of 563 professional nurses representing 140 clinics located in five health districts in the Free State region. A total of 542 (97%) questionnaires were completed and returned. Participants in the study were predominantly black (83.8%), female (89.3%), day-shift working (89.8%) and full-time employed (99.8%). The measuring tools included a biographical questionnaire, Maslach's Burnout Inventory to determine the level of burnout of professional nurses, and an Intention to Quit/Change questionnaire. Analysis of variance was used to determine differences regarding burnout between different groups with varying degrees of intention to quit/change. Respondents exhibited high levels of Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization and average levels of Personal Accomplishment. Respondents with the highest levels of Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization and the lowest levels of Personal Accomplishment displayed a higher degree of intention to quit/change. © Psychological Society of South Africa. All rights reserved. | Burnout; Free state; HIV; Intention to quit; Professional nurses; Stress | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958070993 | Evaluation of soil quality identified by local farmers in Mai-Negus catchment, northern Ethiopia | Tesfahunegn G.B., Tamene L., Vlek P.L.G. | 2011 | Geoderma | 163 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.geoderma.2011.04.016 | Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany; Aksum University, Faculty of Agriculture and Rural Development, P.O. Box 287, Aksum, Ethiopia; International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Chitedze Agricultural Research Station, P.O. Box 158, Lilongwe, Malawi | Tesfahunegn, G.B., Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany, Aksum University, Faculty of Agriculture and Rural Development, P.O. Box 287, Aksum, Ethiopia; Tamene, L., International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Chitedze Agricultural Research Station, P.O. Box 158, Lilongwe, Malawi; Vlek, P.L.G., Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany | Though soil quality (SQ) degradation is a serious challenge to national food security, little information is available that evaluate farmer SQ knowledge vis-à-vis scientific knowledge at catchment scale in Ethiopia. Scientific soil analysis is not an effective approach for SQ assessment in developing regions. An alternative option to evaluate using farmer knowledge is thus necessary but this can be sound after verified scientifically in the context of each region. The present study aims to evaluate SQ status (categories) identified by local farmers using scientific soil measurements, and assess their potential as indicators of soil degradation for decision making in the Mai-Negus catchment, northern Ethiopia. In this study, the scientifically measured soil attributes significantly differed (P ≤ 0.05) among the SQ categories identified by the local farmers. Using variables retained in the four identified component factors, discriminant analysis identified soil porosity to be the most powerful variable that can help discriminate the SQ status. The study shows that farmer derived SQ status (low, medium, high) could be crucial in providing basis for management and policy decision making as validated by analytical components. Therefore, attention should be given toward integrating farmer knowledge in SQ management to increase chance of technology adoption by farmers. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. | Local farmer; Mai-Negus catchment; Northern Ethiopia; Soil attributes; Soil quality; Soil quality status | Catchment scale; Developing regions; Ethiopia; Farmer knowledge; Local farmer; Mai-Negus catchment; National Foods; Northern Ethiopia; Policy decisions; Scientific knowledge; Soil analysis; Soil degradation; Soil measurement; Soil Porosity; Soil quality; Technology adoption; Agriculture; Catchments; Decision making; Degradation; Discriminant analysis; Food supply; Rating; Runoff; Soils; Quality control; agricultural worker; catchment; farmers knowledge; food security; policy making; soil analysis; soil degradation; soil property; soil quality; technology adoption; Ethiopia; Tigray | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-73449090879 | Evaluation of the analgesic properties of the Datura metel seeds aqueous extract | Wannang N.N., Ndukwe H.C., Nnabuife C. | 2009 | Journal of Medicinal Plants Research | 3 | 4 | None | Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria | Wannang, N.N., Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria; Ndukwe, H.C., Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria; Nnabuife, C., Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria | This work was carried out to investigate the analgesic activity of dried seed of Datura metel Linn. A concentrated aqueous extract was obtained, mimicking conditions used in traditional treatment setting, which includes dissolving the extract in water. As in this part of the world, experiments were carried out with the aqueous extract for its peripheral and central antinociceptive potentials on acetic acid-induced writhing and radiant heat tail-flick models in rats, respectively. There was sensation of pain by the rats administered with the extract in the two test models used, after 60 min and above of pretreatment with the seed extract of D. metel. Hence, the analgesic activity of D. metel seed extract was found not to be significant (P>0.05) on acetic acid induced model, as well as the radiant heat tail-flick model. The behavioural pattern of sedation and decreased appetite on administration of seed extract could be explained on the basis of the action of some receptors like μ-receptors in the CNS, which when stimulated have the intrinsic potential to reduce the distress or the affective component of pain without having any significant change in the intensity of the actual sensation. © 2009 Academic Journals. | Analgesic; Antinociceptive; Datura metel; Seed extract | acetic acid; alkaloid derivative; anthraquinone derivative; carbohydrate derivative; cardiac glycoside; Datura metel extract; flavonoid; phlobatannin derivative; plant extract; saponin derivative; tannin derivative; unclassified drug; analgesic activity; animal experiment; animal model; antinociception; aqueous solution; article; chemical composition; controlled study; Datura; Datura metel; decreased appetite; drug isolation; drug screening; experimental model; hot plate test; nonhuman; plant seed; rat; reaction time; sedation; tail flick test; writhing test; Datura metel; Rattus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945447390 | Evaluation of micro- and nano-carbon-based adsorbents for the removal of phenol from aqueous solutions | Asmaly H.A., Abussaud B., Ihsaah, Saleh T.A., Bukhari A.A., Laoui T., Shemsi A.M., Gupta V.K., Atieh M.A. | 2015 | Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry | 97 | 9 | 10.1080/02772248.2015.1092543 | KACST – Technology Innovation Centre on Carbon Capture and Sequestration (KACST-TIC on CCS), King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Department of Chemical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Chemistry Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Center for Environment &Water, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India; Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar | Asmaly, H.A., KACST – Technology Innovation Centre on Carbon Capture and Sequestration (KACST-TIC on CCS), King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Abussaud, B., Department of Chemical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Ihsaah, Department of Chemical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Saleh, T.A., Chemistry Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Bukhari, A.A., Center for Environment &Water, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Laoui, T., Department of Mechanical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Shemsi, A.M., Center for Environment &Water, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Gupta, V.K., Department of Mechanical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India, Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Atieh, M.A., Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar | This work reports on the adsorption efficiency of two classes of adsorbents: nano-adsorbents including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs); and micro-adsorbents including activated carbon (AC) and fly ash (FA). The materials were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area, zeta potential, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and UV spectroscopy. The adsorption experimental conditions such as pH of the solution, agitation speed, contact time, initial concentration of phenol, and adsorbent dosage were optimized for their influence on the phenol. The removal efficiency of the studied adsorbents has the following order: AC > CNTs > FA > CNFs. The capacity obtained from Langmuir isotherm was found to be 1.348, 1.098, 1.007, and 0.842 mg/g of AC, CNTs, FA, and CNFs, respectively, at 2 hours of contact time, pH 7, an adsorbent dosage of 50 mg, and a speed of 150 rpm. The higher adsorption of phenol on AC can be attributed to its high surface area and its dispersion in water. The optimum values of these variables for maximum removal of phenol were also determined. The experimental data were fitted well to Langmuir than Freundlich isotherm models. © 2015 Taylor & Francis. | activated carbon; carbon nanofibers; carbon nanotubes; fly ash; phenol | Activated carbon; Adsorbents; Carbon nanofibers; Carbon nanotubes; Chemicals removal (water treatment); Efficiency; Electron microscopy; Field emission microscopes; Fly ash; High resolution transmission electron microscopy; Isotherms; Nanofibers; Nanotubes; Phenols; Scanning electron microscopy; Solutions; Thermogravimetric analysis; Transmission electron microscopy; Ultraviolet spectroscopy; Yarn; Adsorption efficiency; Adsorption of phenol; Dispersion in water; Experimental conditions; Field emission scanning electron microscopy; Freundlich isotherm model; Initial concentration; Removal efficiencies; Adsorption; activated carbon; adsorption; aqueous solution; concentration (composition); efficiency measurement; fly ash; fullerene; pH; phenol; pollutant removal; scanning electron microscopy; thermogravimetry; transmission electron microscopy; ultraviolet radiation | KACST, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology; AR-30-92, KFUPM, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79956082344 | Evaluation of petroleum hydrocarbons in water, fish and plant samples in Degele and Environs in Delta state, Nigeria | Olaji E.D., Edema Clarkson U., Edema Mary O. | 2010 | Ecology, Environment and Conservation | 16 | 4 | None | Chemistry Department, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Olaji, E.D., Chemistry Department, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Edema Clarkson, U., Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Edema Mary, O., Chemistry Department, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | This work measures the total petroleum hydrocarbon in water, fish and plant samples from and around Degele community. Water, fish and plant samples were separately extracted and the extracts examined using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC/FID) after silica gel fractionation. The result of the analysis for water revealed that the mean levels of aliphatic Petroleum Hydrocarbons (PH) in well ranged between 0.004+ 0.002 and 0.004 ± 0.0069 mg/L, pond was between 0.006 ± 0.002 and 0.014 + 0.019 mg/L and the mean river level was 0.008 ± 0.008 mg/L. That of fish ranged between 0.188 + 0.122 and 1.315 + 0.808mg/kg for pond, 0.034 + 0.001mg/kg for the river and plant ranged between 0.044 and 0.079 mg/kg. Mean aromatic PHs in well ranged between 0.002+ 0.002 and 0.004 ± 0.003 mg/L, pond was between (0.001 ± 0.001 and 0.006 + 0.007mg/L and the mean river level was 0.004 ± 0.003 mg/L. That of fish ranged between 0.003 + 0.002 and 0.038 + 0.025mg/kg for pond, 0.019 + 0.001mg/kg for the river and plant ranged between 0.001 and 0.003 mg/kg. The hydrocarbon type was shown to be mainly moderately high molecular weight aromatic and high molecular weight aliphatics. Copyright © Enviromedia. | Fish plant petroleum hydrocarbon; Well-pond-River water | fish; gas chromatography; petroleum hydrocarbon; pH; pond; river water; water level; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44149086909 | Assessment of sewage application in southeastern Nigeria Part 1: Impact on selected soil morphological and physical properties | Asadu C.L.A., Ucheonye-Oliobi C., Agada C. | 2008 | Outlook on Agriculture | 37 | 1 | None | Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | Asadu, C.L.A., Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Ucheonye-Oliobi, C., Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Agada, C., Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | This work investigated the impact of long-term application of sewage sludge/effluent on morphological and physical properties of a sandy Ultisol (Arenic Kandiustult) in Nsukka, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from the surface (0-20 cm) of a sewage-amended soil and from unamended control fields, after which two representative profile pits were also sited on the sewage-amended plot and two on the control fields. Soil samples were collected at specific intervals from these pits. Morphologically, both soils were deep and well drained, with no concretions or mottles. The colour variation ranged from dark reddish to brownish black for the first layer of the profile pits in the area amended with sewage sludge, to reddish brown and red in others. In unamended soils, the colour ranged from dark reddish brown in the top layer to reddish brown and red in others. Texture was generally sandy loam over sandy clay loam in amended soil, and sandy clay loam in unamended soil. The structure was generally weakly granular in the top layer, but moderately subangular in other subsurface layers. The entire area is on a gentle slope of <5%. Soil organic matter, bulk density, total porosity and aggregate stability were enhanced significantly (p <0.05) in the sewage-amended soil compared with the non-sewage-amended soil. Changes in the saturated hydraulic conductivity, field capacity and micro- and macro-porosities were not significant. The results indicate that application of sewage sludge and effluent has little impact on the morphology of these soils. However, it had a positive impact on the physical properties of the soils. But it should be used with caution because of its known negative effects on heavy metal accumulation in soils when used at high rates and for long periods. | Aggregate stability; Bulk density; Organic matter; Sewage; Soil morphology; Total porosity; Ultisol | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878252333 | Corporate governance and performance of Nigerian listed firms: Further evidence | Adewuyi A.O., Olowookere A.E. | 2008 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 6 | 2 D CONT. 3 | None | Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Adewuyi, A.O., Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Olowookere, A.E., Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | This work, in an agency framework, adds to the few literatures on Nigeria by examining the impact of corporate governance on firm financial performance. Using a sample of 64 listed non-financial firms for the period 2002 to 2006, the study is able to capture the impact of the New Code of Corporate Governance released in 2003 on previous findings. Introductory investigations on the Nigerian capital market operations and regulations depict low, but improving, states. Empirically, Panel regression estimates show that board size, audit committee independence and ownership concentration aid performance. Higher independent directors and directors' portion of shares unexpectedly dampen performance, while firms vesting both the roles of CEOs and chairs in the same individual perform better. | Agency problem; Corporate governance; Panel regression; Tobin's q | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70149092759 | Evaluation of pH levels in some common carbohydrate food items consumed by communities in the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State, South-South of Nigeria | Tawo E.N., Abara A.E., Malu S.P., Alobi N.O. | 2009 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 8 | 9 | 10.3923/pjn.2009.1387.1390 | Department of Chemical Sciences, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria | Tawo, E.N., Department of Chemical Sciences, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria; Abara, A.E., Department of Chemical Sciences, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria; Malu, S.P., Department of Chemistry, Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Alobi, N.O., Department of Chemical Sciences, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria | This work evaluates and provides data on the seasonal pH of common carbohydrate food sources in major communities of central senatorial districts of Cross River State. The result shows that most of the locally consumed food items within these zones are mostly acidic within a mean value of pH of 4.6 and conductivity of 48.6 Siemens for the wet season and pH of 4.8 and conductivity of 27.4 for the dry season which causes a lot of ailments. A balance diet or a combination of food substances to keep an optimal body pH balance is recommended so as to discourage the growth of microforms and organisms which give rise to these problems. It is recommended also that other non-carbohydrate food items such as proteins and vegetables be increased in the menu, or the starchy content of food substances can be reduced during the manufacturing process by manufacturing companies. Government can legislate and monitor these companies to comply with such standards as to improve the health conditions of the rural communities and other consumers. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2009. | Acidity; Alkalinity; Carbohydrate foods; Conductivity; pH | starch; article; bacterial growth; carbohydrate diet; conductance; food analysis; food composition; food intake; health status; human; pH; protein intake; reference value; rural population; seasonal variation; vegetable | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884953969 | Comparative functionality evaluation of co-precipitate of Zea mays and Oryza sativum starch in paracetamol tablets | Onyishi Ikechukwu V., Chime Salome A. | 2013 | International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research | 22 | 2 | None | Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria | Onyishi Ikechukwu, V., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria; Chime Salome, A., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria | This work evaluated paracetamol tablets formulated using binder-disintegrant co-precipitate made from Zea mays (corn) and Oryza sativum (rice) starch. The co-precipitate were prepared using a concentration ratio of 1:1 of the Zea mays and Oryza sativum starch in a 1:3 volume ratio of starch to acetone. Granules of starch co-precipitate as binder (10 % w/w) and disintegrant at 5, 7.5, 10, 12 and 15 % w/w concentrations formulated by wet granulation were compared with that of Ac-di-sol, a super disintegrant. The basic micromeretic properties of the granules and physicochemical properties of the various tablet batches were evaluated to show the functionality of the starch co-precipitate as a binder and disintegrant in comparison to a super disintegrant Ac-di-sol. The results indicate that all batches of paracetamol granules exhibited good and acceptable flowability. All the paracetamol tablets formulated complied with BP specifications for the disintegration time of normal release tablets. The tablets hardness ranged from 5.97 ± 1.26 to 6.66 ± 1.28 kgf for batches A1 and A3 tablets formulated with 5 and 10 %w/w of starch co-precipitate, while the reference tablets exhibited hardness of 7.46 ± 1.74 kgf, significantly different from the test tablets (p < 0.05). Results of tablets friability showed that all the paracetamol tablets passed the friability test. Also, the tablets batches showed good release properties with T100 % range between 15-25 minutes in all the batches. The starch co-precipitate exhibited good properties as binder and disintegrant, in paracetamol tablets, and compared favourably with the super disintegrant- Ac-di-sol. | Coprecipitation; Oryza sativum; Paracetamol; Starch; Zea mays | acetone; croscarmellose sodium; disintegrating agent; lactose; magnesium stearate; paracetamol; starch; angle of repose; article; bulk density; concentration (parameters); drug dosage form comparison; drug granulation; drug release; drug screening; flow kinetics; flow rate; Hausner ratio; maize; physical chemistry; precipitation; rice; tablet compression; tablet disintegration time; tablet formulation; tablet friability; tablet hardness | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930376404 | Predictive complexation models of the impact of natural organic matter and cations on scaling in cooling water pipes: A case study of power generation plants in South Africa | Bosire G.O., Ngila J.C., Mbugua J.M. | 2014 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | None | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2014.11.007 | Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa; Technical University of Kenya (TUK), Department of Chemical Sciences and Technology, P.O. Box 52428, Nairobi, Kenya | Bosire, G.O., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa; Ngila, J.C., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mbugua, J.M., Technical University of Kenya (TUK), Department of Chemical Sciences and Technology, P.O. Box 52428, Nairobi, Kenya | This work discusses simulative models of Ca and Mg complexation with natural organic matter (NOM), in order to control the incidence of scaling in pipes carrying cooling water at the Eskom power generating stations in South Africa. In particular, the paper reports how parameters such as pH and trace element levels influence the distribution of scaling species and their interactions, over and above mineral phase saturation indices. In order to generate modelling inputs, two experimental scenarios were created in the model solutions: Firstly, the trace metals Cu, Pb and Zn were used as markers for Ca and Mg complexation to humic acid and secondly the effect of natural organic matter in cooling water was determined by spiking model solutions. Labile metal ions and total elements in model solutions and water samples were analysed by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), respectively. ICP-OES results revealed high levels of K, Na, S, Mg and Ca and low levels of trace elements (Cd, Se, Pb, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Al and Zn) in the cooling water samples. Using the Tipping and Hurley's database WHAM in PHREEQC format (T_H.DAT), the total elemental concentrations were run as inputs on a PHREEQC code, at pH 6.8 and defined charge as alkalinity (as HCO3-) For model solutions, PHREEQC inputs were based on (i) free metal differences attributed to competitive effect of Ca and the effect of Ca+Mg, respectively; (ii) total Ca and Mg used in the model solutions and (iii) alkalinity described as hydrogen carbonate. Anodic stripping peak heights were used to calculate the concentration of the free/uncomplexed/labile metal ions (used as tracers) in the model solutions. The objective of modelling was to describe scaling in terms of saturation indices of mineral phases. Accordingly, the minerals most likely to generate scale were further simulated (over a range of pH (3-10) to yield results that mimicked changing pH. Speciation calculations of Cu2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+ generated azurite, cerrusite and smithsonite mineral phases, which showed positive saturation indices at higher pH, hence increased potential to precipitate (form scale). The derived predictive models would act as a useful management tool and henceforth aid to avoid unnecessary costs due to the consequences of scaling. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Cooling water; Humic acid; Metal complexation; Mineral phases; Natural organic matter; Pipe scaling | Alkalinity; Biogeochemistry; Biological materials; Calcium; Chemicals removal (water treatment); Cooling; Copper; Electric substations; Inductively coupled plasma; Magnesium; Manganese; Manganese removal (water treatment); Metal ions; Metals; Minerals; Optical emission spectroscopy; Organic acids; Organic compounds; pH; Spectrometry; Trace elements; Voltammetry; Water pipelines; Zinc; Elemental concentrations; Humic acid; Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; Metal complexation; Mineral phasis; Natural organic matters; Speciation calculations; Square wave anodic stripping voltammetry; Cooling water; calcium; cation; complexation; cooling water; humic acid; magnesium; organic matter; pipe; power generation; power plant; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904430262 | Monitoring alcoholic fermentation: An untargeted approach | Silva Ferreira A.C., Monforte A.R., Teixeira C.S., Martins R., Fairbairn S., Bauer F.F. | 2014 | Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 62 | 28 | 10.1021/jf502082z | Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; Institute for Wine Biotechnology, Department of Viticulture and Oenology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag XI, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Silva Ferreira, A.C., Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal, Institute for Wine Biotechnology, Department of Viticulture and Oenology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag XI, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Monforte, A.R., Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; Teixeira, C.S., Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; Martins, R., Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; Fairbairn, S., Institute for Wine Biotechnology, Department of Viticulture and Oenology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag XI, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Bauer, F.F., Institute for Wine Biotechnology, Department of Viticulture and Oenology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag XI, Matieland 7602, South Africa | This work describes the utility and efficiency of a metabolic profiling pipeline that relies on an unsupervised and untargeted approach applied to a HS-SPME/GC-MS data. This noninvasive and high throughput methodology enables "real time" monitoring of the metabolic changes inherent to the biochemical dynamics of a perturbed complex biological system and the extraction of molecular candidates that are latter validated on its biochemical context. To evaluate the efficiency of the pipeline five different fermentations, carried on a synthetic media and whose perturbation was the nitrogen source, were performed in 5 and 500 mL. The smaller volume fermentations were monitored online by HS-SPME/GC-MS, allowing to obtain metabolic profiles and molecular candidates time expression. Nontarget analysis was applied using MS data in two ways: (i) one dimension (1D), where the total ion chromatogram per sample was used, (ii) two dimensions (2D), where the integrity time vs m/z per sample was used. Results indicate that the 2D procedure captured the relevant information more efficiently than the 1D. It was also seen that although there were differences in the fermentation performance in different scales, the metabolic pathways responsible for production of metabolites that impact the quality of the volatile fraction was unaffected, so the proposed pipeline is suitable for the study of different fermentation systems that can undergo subsequent sensory validation on a larger scale. © 2014 American Chemical Society. | fermentation; HS-SPME/GC-MS; metabolomic; OPLS-DA; PCA; target; untargeted | Chromatographic analysis; Metabolism; Pipelines; Targets; Chromatographic analysis; Metabolism; Pipelines; Targets; HS-SPME/GC-MS; Metabolomics; OPLS-DA; PCA; untargeted; Fermentation; Fermentation; alcohol; fermentation; fruit; mass fragmentography; metabolism; metabolomics; procedures; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; solid phase microextraction; Vitis; volatilization; wine; Ethanol; Fermentation; Fruit; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Metabolomics; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Solid Phase Microextraction; Vitis; Volatilization; Wine | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939872175 | Impact of gold mining associated with mercury contamination in soil, biota sediments and tailings in Kenya | Odumo B.O., Carbonell G., Angeyo H.K., Patel J.P., Torrijos M., Rodríguez Martín J.A. | 2014 | Environmental Science and Pollution Research | 21 | 21 | 10.1007/s11356-014-3190-3 | Department of Physics, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of the Environment, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (I.N.I.A.), Carretera de A Coruña 7.5 km, Madrid, Spain | Odumo, B.O., Department of Physics, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Carbonell, G., Department of the Environment, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (I.N.I.A.), Carretera de A Coruña 7.5 km, Madrid, Spain; Angeyo, H.K., Department of Physics, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Patel, J.P., Department of Physics, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Torrijos, M., Department of the Environment, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (I.N.I.A.), Carretera de A Coruña 7.5 km, Madrid, Spain; Rodríguez Martín, J.A., Department of the Environment, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (I.N.I.A.), Carretera de A Coruña 7.5 km, Madrid, Spain | This work considered the environmental impact of artisanal mining gold activity in the Migori–Transmara area (Kenya). From artisanal gold mining, mercury is released to the environment, thus contributing to degradation of soil and water bodies. High mercury contents have been quantified in soil (140 μg kg−1), sediment (430 μg kg−1) and tailings (8,900 μg kg−1), as expected. The results reveal that the mechanism for transporting mercury to the terrestrial ecosystem is associated with wet and dry depositions. Lichens and mosses, used as bioindicators of pollution, are related to the proximity to mining areas. The further the distance from mining areas, the lower the mercury levels. This study also provides risk maps to evaluate potential negative repercussions. We conclude that the Migori–Transmara region can be considered a strongly polluted area with high mercury contents. The technology used to extract gold throughout amalgamation processes causes a high degree of mercury pollution around this gold mining area. Thus, alternative gold extraction methods should be considered to reduce mercury levels that can be released to the environment. © 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Bioindicators; Kenya gold mining; Mercury pollution; Multivariate geostatistics; Spatial variation; Topsoils | biological marker; gold; mercury; soil; soil pollutant; waste; analysis; chemistry; environment; environmental monitoring; Kenya; lichen (organism); mining; moss; procedures; sediment; soil; soil pollutant; statistics and numerical data; waste; Biological Markers; Bryophyta; Environment; Environmental Monitoring; Geologic Sediments; Gold; Kenya; Lichens; Mercury; Mining; Soil; Soil Pollutants; Waste Products | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052584171 | Exploring the Impact of Energy Sources on Production, Inequality and Poverty in Simultaneous Equations Models for South Africa | Ngepah N. | 2011 | African Development Review | 23 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1467-8268.2011.00290.x | University of Johannesburg, Policy and Research Division, South Africa | Ngepah, N., University of Johannesburg, Policy and Research Division, South Africa | This work adapts per capita income, energy demand (sub-group decomposed), inequality and poverty frameworks in a simultaneous equations setting to investigate the role of energy sources on per capita income, inequality and poverty in South Africa. It finds that energy sources (particularly electricity and diesel) are important in estimating production functions. Gasoline, kerosene and coal all exacerbate poverty, with the highest impacts on abject poverty. It is better to disaggregate energy sources in order to capture resource-specific details. Redistribution efforts that focus on reduction of between-group inequality can also moderate energy use since between-group inequality tends to increase the demand for most energy sources. Public efforts are yielding fruits in this direction and should be encouraged. Access to energy sources like electricity, diesel and gas are crucial for productivity enhancement, but for them to yield significant anti-poverty fruits, efforts must also target broadening capital access by the poor. © 2011 The Author. African Development Review © 2011 African Development Bank. | None | coal; energy resource; energy use; income; numerical model; poverty; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886671156 | A process evaluation of a programme for street people | O'Donoghue K., Louw-Potgieter J. | 2013 | Social Work (South Africa) | 49 | 4 | None | Section of Organisational Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | O'Donoghue, K., Section of Organisational Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Louw-Potgieter, J., Section of Organisational Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | This theory-driven process evaluation assessed whether the implementing non-governmental organisation delivered a programme for street people as intended. The service utilisation part of the evaluation showed that clients mainly used the initial services of the programme. The service delivery and organisational support part indicated that the non-governmental organisation did not have sufficient resources to implement the programme as intended. The evaluators recommended the following: focus only on the initial programme activities or extend the programme to core and referral activities. A revised programme theory was created for the latter choice and the coordinating role of case management was highlighted. | None | implementation process; nongovernmental organization; social policy; welfare provision | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-68249161020 | Effects of diets based on 2 different maize varieties (QPM and common) on growth and slaughter performance of Ethiopian highland ram-lambs | Mekonnen H., Endale M., Salvador F., Tegegne A. | 2009 | Revue de Medecine Veterinaire | 160 | 6 | None | Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Mekonnen, H., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Endale, M., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Salvador, F., International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tegegne, A., International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of feeding with two maize (Zea mays) cultivars (Quality Protein Maize [QPM] and common maize [BH540]) on growth performance, food efficiency and carcass traits in Ethiopian highland Arsi type ram lambs. Each maize variety was offered in 3 different forms (stover form, whole plant silage and earless silage) that constituted 6 dietary treatments. A total of 49 Arsi ram lambs, 6-8 months old, weighing 18-21 kg were randomly divided into 7 equal groups: whereas the first group was initially slaughtered for establishing base line information, the 6 other groups received the different dietary treatments for 12 weeks. Diets based on whole plant silage significantly improved final weights and weight gains (p < 0.001), the food conversion ratio (p < 0.001) and the carcass traits (slaughter weights, hot and cold carcass weights, dressing percentage and the total edible offal) (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001) compared to diets based on earless silage or stover form. Moreover, although differences were not significant between groups fed with the 2 maize varieties for a given distributed form, the highest growth rates and the highest carcass component yields were obtained with the QPM distributed as whole plant silage and the lowest results were observed with the BH540 in earless silage. These results showed the superiority of the whole plant silage form in promoting faster growth rate with higher carcass components yields in Arsi ram lambs and suggest the zootechnical interest of the variety QPM. | Carcass trait; Ethiopia; Growth; Maize; Sheep | Ovis aries; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891641090 | Reproductive performance of Abergelle goats and growth rate of their crosses with Boer goats | Belay S., Gebru G., Godifey G., Brhane M., Zenebe M., Hagos H., Teame T. | 2014 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 26 | 1 | None | Abergelle Agricultural Research Centre, PO Box 492, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Mekelle Agricultural Research Centre, Tigray, Ethiopia | Belay, S., Abergelle Agricultural Research Centre, PO Box 492, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Gebru, G., Abergelle Agricultural Research Centre, PO Box 492, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Godifey, G., Mekelle Agricultural Research Centre, Tigray, Ethiopia; Brhane, M., Abergelle Agricultural Research Centre, PO Box 492, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Zenebe, M., Abergelle Agricultural Research Centre, PO Box 492, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Hagos, H., Abergelle Agricultural Research Centre, PO Box 492, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Teame, T., Abergelle Agricultural Research Centre, PO Box 492, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia | This study was undertaken to evaluate the pre and post weaning growth of F1 crossbred Boer-Abergelle goat kids, and reproductive performance of pure Abergelle under a semi-intensive management system. The study was implemented in Abergelle Agricultural Research Centre goat farm in northern Ethiopia. Three independent variables: namely birth type, sex and parity number and seven dependent variables: body weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), six-month weight (SMW), yearling weight (YW) and weight gains to weaning, six months and one year were analyzed. A total of 166 F1 kids of which 90 were from the first parity, 53 from the second and 23 from the third parity were used to evaluate the growth rate of the crossbred kids. Yearling weights of the crossbred kids were higher for males than for females. The highest values for WWG, SMWG and YWG were observed in the first parity. Average kidding interval of the Abergelle goats was 11.3 months with a minimum and maximum of 9 and 17 months, respectively. Prolificacy rates were 1.06, 1.11 and 1.07 in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Generally, Boer-Abergelle F1 kids had high growth rates (range 73 to 113 g/day) and had low mortality, especially pre-weaning. Purebred Abergelle goats had long kidding interval and most had single births. | Crossbreeding; Growth; Mortality; Reproductive performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890111619 | Evaluation of different wastewater treatment processes and development of a modified attached growth bioreactor as a decentralized approach for small communities | Azizi S., Valipour A., Sithebe T. | 2013 | The Scientific World Journal | 2013 | None | 10.1155/2013/156870 | Department of Biological Sciences, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Department of Civil Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyungsan 712-749, South Korea | Azizi, S., Department of Biological Sciences, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Valipour, A., Department of Civil Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyungsan 712-749, South Korea; Sithebe, T., Department of Biological Sciences, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa | This study was undertaken to evaluate the potential future use of three biological processes in order to designate the most desired solution for on-site treatment of wastewater from residential complexes, that is, conventional activated sludge process (CASP), moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR), and packed-bed biofilm reactor (PBBR). Hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 6, 3, and 2 h can be achieved in CASP, MBBR, and PBBR, respectively. The PBBR dealt with a particular arrangement to prevent the restriction of oxygen transfer efficiency into the thick biofilms. The laboratory scale result revealed that the overall reduction of 87% COD, 92% BOD5, 82% TSS, 79% NH3-N, 43% PO4-P, 95% MPN, and 97% TVC at a HRT of 2 h was achieved in PBBR. The microflora present in the system was also estimated through the isolation, identification, and immobilization of the microorganisms with an index of COD elimination. The number of bacterial species examined on the nutrient agar medium was 22 and five bacterial species were documented to degrade the organic pollutants by reducing COD by more than 43%. This study illustrated that the present PBBR with a specific modified internal arrangement could be an ideal practice for promoting sustainable decentralization and therefore providing a low wastage sludge biomass concentration. © 2013 Shohreh Azizi et al. | None | organic matter; oxygen; polypropylene; agar; organic compound; activated sludge; agar medium; article; biochemical oxygen demand; biofilm; biofilm reactor; biomass conversion; bioreactor design; chemical oxygen demand; controlled study; decentralization; hydraulic conductivity; immobilization; microbial community; microbial identification; microflora; modified attached growth bioreactor; moving bed biofilm reactor; oxygen transport; packed bed biofilm reactor; waste water; waste water management; biomass; bioreactor; chemistry; equipment design; isolation and purification; metabolism; methodology; microbial consortium; microbiology; sewage; time; water management; water pollutant; Bacteria (microorganisms); Agar; Biofilms; Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis; Biomass; Bioreactors; Equipment Design; Microbial Consortia; Organic Chemicals; Oxygen; Sewage; Time Factors; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Waste Water; Water Microbiology; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Purification | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862086247 | A case study evaluation of the impacts of optimised waste bin locations in a developing city | Aremu A.S., Sule B.F. | 2012 | Civil Engineering and Environmental Systems | 29 | 2 | 10.1080/10286608.2012.672411 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | Aremu, A.S., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Sule, B.F., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | This study was undertaken to evaluate the impacts of placing waste bins at optimal locations in the city of Ilorin, North Central Nigeria. The optimal locations of 1-10 waste bins were determined by the built-in solver for p-median problems in TransCAD v. 5.0 (Caliper, Corp.) software. The spatial performance of a particular number of waste bins created social, economic and environmental impacts which were evaluated from a combination of the attribute table from the p-median solution, solid waste generation data and collection operation data. The issues examined under these impacts were service coverage, public satisfaction, waste bin utility, costs associated with service provision and emissions from collection vehicles. The results indicate that service coverage and public satisfaction improved as the number of waste bins was increased from one to five. With 6-10 waste bins, 100% service coverage and public satisfaction was attained, however, some waste bins became underutilised. The service provision costs and emissions from the collection vehicle also increased as the number of waste bins increased. A multi-criteria analysis of these impacts can assist municipal authorities in achieving sustainable solid waste management. © 2012 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | developing country; impact; optimised location; solid waste; waste bin | Collection vehicles; Developing cities; impact; Multi Criteria Analysis; Municipal authorities; North Central Nigeria; Optimal locations; P-median; P-median problems; Public satisfaction; Service provisions; Solid waste generation; Spatial performance; Waste bins; Data acquisition; Developing countries; Optimization; Refuse collection; Solid wastes; Waste management; Bins; developing world; environmental impact; multicriteria analysis; municipal solid waste; optimization; service provision; socioeconomic impact; waste management; Ilorin; Kwara; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-56049123222 | Diet quality, intake and growth performance of South African Mutton Merino sheep on Triticum x Secale and Lolium multiflorum pastures at different grazing pressures | Van Niekerk W.A., Hassen A., Coertze R.J. | 2008 | Tropical Grasslands | 42 | 1 | None | Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Van Niekerk, W.A., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Hassen, A., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Coertze, R.J., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This study was undertaken to determine the influence of 3 grazing pressures [20 (HGP), 33 (MGP) and 50(LGP) g DM/kg LW/d] using South African Mutton Merino wether lambs, on qualitative and quantitative intake of Triticum x Secale cv. Pan266 (triticale) and Lolium multiflorum cv. Midmar (ryegrass) pastures as well as animal performance. Oesophageal samples at the start and end of the grazing period were analysed to determine diet quality in terms of nitrogen (N), ash, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and in vitro digestibility of organic matter (IVDOM) concentrations. Intake and average daily live-weight gain were determined for each group. In both pastures, the ADF concentration was higher, while IVDOM concentration was lower at the end compared with the start of the grazing period. For triticale, HGP resulted in lower dietary N, and higher ash and NDF concentrations than MGP or LGP. The DOMI and ADG of lambs at HGP were lower than those on LGP. For ryegrass, dietary N was lower at HGP than LGP, while the NDF concentration was higher (P<0.05) at HGP or MGP than at LGP. However, ADG at HGP was lower than at LGP or MGP for each species. Intake of both pastures declined during the study. The overall diet quality on ryegrass pasture seems better than on triticale, as reflected in higher (P<0.05) N and lower NDF concentrations. Performance of lambs on ryegrass pasture was higher than on triticale pasture, through. | None | Animalia; Lolium; Lolium multiflorum; Ovis aries; Triticosecale; Triticum aestivum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67649982907 | Indoor air quality impacts of an improved wood stove in Ghana and an ethanol stove in Ethiopia | Pennise D., Brant S., Agbeve S.M., Quaye W., Mengesha F., Tadele W., Wofchuck T. | 2009 | Energy for Sustainable Development | 13 | 2 | 10.1016/j.esd.2009.04.003 | Berkeley Air Monitoring Group, 2124 Kittredge Street, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States; EnterpriseWorks Ghana, Box CT4808, Accra, Ghana; Gaia Association Ethiopia, Wereda 17 Kebele 23, Bole Subcity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Pennise, D., Berkeley Air Monitoring Group, 2124 Kittredge Street, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States; Brant, S., Berkeley Air Monitoring Group, 2124 Kittredge Street, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States; Agbeve, S.M., EnterpriseWorks Ghana, Box CT4808, Accra, Ghana; Quaye, W., EnterpriseWorks Ghana, Box CT4808, Accra, Ghana; Mengesha, F., Gaia Association Ethiopia, Wereda 17 Kebele 23, Bole Subcity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tadele, W., Gaia Association Ethiopia, Wereda 17 Kebele 23, Bole Subcity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Wofchuck, T., Gaia Association Ethiopia, Wereda 17 Kebele 23, Bole Subcity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | This study was undertaken to assess the potential of two types of improved cookstoves to reduce indoor air pollution in African homes. An ethanol stove, the CleanCook, was tested in three locations in Ethiopia: the city of Addis Ababa and the Bonga and Kebribeyah Refugee Camps, while a wood-burning rocket stove, the Gyapa, was evaluated in Accra, Ghana. In both countries, kitchen concentrations of PM 2.5 and CO, the two pollutants responsible for the bulk of the ill-health associated with indoor smoke, were monitored in a before and after study design without controls. Baseline ('before') measurements were made in households using a traditional stove or open fire. 'After' measurements were performed in the same households, once the improved stove had been introduced. PM 2.5 was measured using UCB Particle Monitors, which have photoelectric detectors. CO was measured with Onset HOBO Loggers. In Ghana and Kebribeyah Camp, CO was also measured with Gastec diffusion tubes. In Ghana, average 24-hour PM 2.5 concentrations decreased 52% from 650 μg/m 3 in the 'before' phase to 320 μg/m 3 in the 'after' phase (p = 0.00), and average 24-hour kitchen CO concentrations decreased 40% from 12.3 ppm to 7.4 ppm (p = 0.01). Including all three subgroups in Ethiopia, average PM 2.5 concentrations decreased 84% from 1 250 μg/m 3 to 200 μg/m 3 (p = 0.00) and average CO concentrations decreased 76% from 38.9 ppm to 9.2 ppm (p = 0.00). 24-hour average CO levels in households using both the Gyapa and CleanCook stoves met, or nearly met, the World Health Organization (WHO) 8-hour Air Quality Guideline. PM 2.5 concentrations were well above both the WHO 24-hour Guideline and Interim Targets. Therefore, despite the significant improvements associated with both of these stoves, further changes in stove or fuel type or household fuel mixing patterns would be required to bring PM to levels that are not considered harmful to health. © 2009 International Energy Initiative. | Carbon monoxide; Ethanol; Fuel wood; Improved cookstove; Indoor air pollution; Particulate matter | air quality; atmospheric pollution; carbon monoxide; concentration (composition); cooking appliance; health risk; indoor air; measurement method; particulate matter; performance assessment; pollution control; pollution effect; wood; Addis Ababa; Africa; Bonga Forest; East Africa; Ethiopia; Ghana; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892560238 | E-learning's impact on the academic performance of student-teachers: A curriculum lens | Lumadi M.W. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p695 | Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, College of Education, University of South Africa, South Africa | Lumadi, M.W., Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, College of Education, University of South Africa, South Africa | This study was planned to explore the impact of eLearning on the academic performance of student-teachers. The researchers' concern with e-Learning was sanctioned by the need for a teaching and learning strategy that can help institutions of learning address their problems and improve on their outcome. In this respect, the researchers conducted an experiment to find out whether student-teachers taught using the method of e-Learning (blended learning) perform better than studentteachers taught using the traditional method of teaching and learning. Findings offers new evidence that e-Learning has a significant influence on the performance of students as student-teachers taught using eLearning consistently performed better than student-teachers taught using the traditional method. Based on this result, recommendations are made to training institutions to embrace ICTs and become more flexible by adopting learning approaches that are dynamic and multidimensional as problems in education are becoming more complex. | Academic performance; Blended Learning; Competences; E-Learning | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33847110281 | Comparative effects of expository and inquiry instructions on secondary school student's performance in social studies | Iyamu E.O.S., Ukadike J.O. | 2007 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 16 | 2 | None | Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; College of Education, Agbor, Nigeria | Iyamu, E.O.S., Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Ukadike, J.O., College of Education, Agbor, Nigeria | This study was motivated by the continuous quest for the improvement of social studies instruction in Nigerian schools. It sought to find out the relative effectiveness of expository and inquiry methods of teaching social studies using a quasi experimental design. It compared the performances of 80 and 85 social studies students taught with expository and inquiry methods respectively. After six weeks of instruction, a 50-item. multiple-choice test with a reliability coefficient of 0.74 was administered on the subjects and the t-test used to analyze their scores. It was found that students taught with inquiry method performed better and also demonstrated higher retention than those taught with expository method. The study therefore recommended large scale use of inquiry method by social studies teachers as against the prevailing predominance of expository methods as a veritable means of achieving the objectives of social studiesin Nigerian schools. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2005. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84882739924 | Growth performance of Clarias gariepinus fed different levels of agama agama meal diets | Tiamiyu L.O., Ataguba G.A., Jimoh J.O. | 2013 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 12 | 5 | None | Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria | Tiamiyu, L.O., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Ataguba, G.A., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Jimoh, J.O., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria | This study was investigated the utilization of agama lizard meat meal (Agama agama) as dietary protein source in the diets of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings (MW±SE = 33.48 g±0.13). The fingerlings were fed four Isonitrogenous and Isocaloric diets containing blends of agama lizard meal in percentages of 0 (Diet I), 10 (Diet II), 20 (Diet III) and 30% (Diet IV) respectively for 8 weeks at 5% body weight. Mean weight gain (MWG) ranged from 22.85g (Diet I) to 42.80g (Diet III) and Specific Growth Rate (SGR) ranged from 0.93% per day (Diet 1) to 1.46% per day (Diet III). Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) was between 2.61 (Diet III) and 2.96 (Diet IV). There was however no significant differences (p>0.05) in these parameters for all the test diets. Proximate composition of carcass shows significant differences (p<0.05) in moisture and ash contents with no significant differences observed for all the other proximate composition parameters. From the foregoing, agama lizard meal can be included at any level but it is recommended that 20% inclusion level be used. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2013. | Agama lizard; Clarias gariepinus; Protein; Utilization | agama agama; animal experiment; animal food; article; ash; body growth; body weight; carcass; Clarias gariepinus; controlled study; fingerling; fish; growth rate; lizard; lizard meat meal; maize; meat; moisture; nonhuman; protein intake; rice bran; soybean; weight gain | 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 |
| None | None | Evaluation of growth characteristics of parental, F1, F2 and backcross chickens from broiler and Black Australorp stocks in Tanzania | Munisi W.G., Mbaga S.H., Katule A.M. | 2015 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 27 | 12 | None | Tanzania Livestock Research Institute, P.O.Box 202, Mpwapwa, Dodoma, Tanzania; Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, PO Box 3014, Morogoro, Tanzania | Munisi, W.G., Tanzania Livestock Research Institute, P.O.Box 202, Mpwapwa, Dodoma, Tanzania; Mbaga, S.H., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, PO Box 3014, Morogoro, Tanzania; Katule, A.M., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, PO Box 3014, Morogoro, Tanzania | This study was done in central Tanzania to evaluate growth performance of parental, F1, F2 and backcrosses of Broiler (BB) and Black Australorp (AA) stocks. The parental stocks (BB and AA) and the F1 which performed better in phase one of the study (i.e. Single cross between Black Australorp and broiler, AB and its reciprocal, BA) were used in the crossing to produce 11 genetic stocks totaling 396 birds. Birds were fed on nutritionally balanced diets to meet their requirements as per age and physiological stage. Body weights at day old, 4, 8, 12 weeks of age and body weight at sexual maturity (BWSM) as well as livability from day old to 12 weeks were evaluated. The data on growth traits were recorded on individual bird basis and analyzed using general linear models, while frequency was used for livability analysis. Genetic stocks differed in body weight at different weighing periods in both males and females. The broiler parental stocks (BB) were heavier than all other genetic stocks at all stages of growth and sex except at hatching in females. From fourth to 12 weeks of age, the genetic stocks with 75% broiler and 25% Black Australorp (¼A¾B) inheritance were heavier than the genetic stocks with 75% Black Australorp and 25% broiler (¾A¼B). The genetic stocks with 75% broiler and 25% Black Australorp (¼A¾B) inheritance were also heavier than other crosses in body weight at sexual maturity. There were no differences among genetic stocks with respect to livability in both sexes. It is concluded that the backcrosses of broiler performed better than the backcrosses of Black Australorp, F1 and F2 with regard to body weight at different stages of growth including body weight at sexual maturity as well as livability. © 2015, Fundacion CIPAV. All rights reserved. | Backcross; Body weight; Crossbred; Crossbreeding; Genetic stocks; Livability | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649273046 | Impact of Fadama II project on income of tomato farmers in Niger State, Nigeria | Tanko L., Jirgi A.J., Ogundeji A.A. | 2010 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 5 | 15 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension Technology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 65, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Tanko, L., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension Technology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 65, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria; Jirgi, A.J., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension Technology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 65, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria; Ogundeji, A.A., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | This study was designed to quantitatively determine the impact of Fadama II Project on the farm income of tomato producers by utilizing primary data from tomato farmers in Bosso and Mokwa Local Government Areas of Niger State for the year 2009. Production function analysis and Chow's analysis of covariance confirmed significant differences in production functions, heterogeneity in slopes and intercepts and factor bias was observed on the production functions of participating and non- participating farmers respectively. The project exerted a positive significant impact on the incomes of the farmers. The study recommends improvement in irrigation performance, introduction of improved varieties of tomato, strengthening relevant research and extension as well as formation of organized farmer associations. ©2010 Academic Journals. | Fadama II Project; Non-participating farmers; Participating farmers; Tomato | Lycopersicon esculentum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921046644 | Evaluation of the fate and pathological response in the lung and pleura of brake dust alone and in combination with added chrysotile compared to crocidolite asbestos following short-term inhalation exposure | Bernstein D.M., Rogers R.A., Sepulveda R., Kunzendorf P., Bellmann B., Ernst H., Creutzenberg O., Phillips J.I. | 2015 | Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology | 283 | 1 | 10.1016/j.taap.2014.12.012 | Geneva, Switzerland; Rogers Imaging, Needham, MA, United States; GSA Gesellschaft für Schadstoffanalytik mbH, Ratingen, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany; National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg South Africa and Department of Biomedical Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Bernstein, D.M., Geneva, Switzerland; Rogers, R.A., Rogers Imaging, Needham, MA, United States; Sepulveda, R., Rogers Imaging, Needham, MA, United States; Kunzendorf, P., GSA Gesellschaft für Schadstoffanalytik mbH, Ratingen, Germany; Bellmann, B., Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany; Ernst, H., Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany; Creutzenberg, O., Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany; Phillips, J.I., National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg South Africa and Department of Biomedical Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | This study was designed to provide an understanding of the biokinetics and potential toxicology in the lung and pleura following inhalation of brake dust following short term exposure in rats. The deposition, translocation and pathological response of brake-dust derived from brake pads manufactured with chrysotile were evaluated in comparison to the amphibole, crocidolite asbestos. Rats were exposed by inhalation 6. h/day for 5. days to either brake-dust obtained by sanding of brake-drums manufactured with chrysotile, a mixture of chrysotile and the brake-dust or crocidolite asbestos. The chrysotile fibers were relatively biosoluble whereas the crocidolite asbestos fibers persisted through the life-time of the animal. This was reflected in the lung and the pleura where no significant pathological response was observed at any time point in the brake dust or chrysotile/brake dust exposure groups through 365. days post exposure. In contrast, crocidolite asbestos produced a rapid inflammatory response in the lung parenchyma and the pleura, inducing a significant increase in fibrotic response in both of these compartments. Crocidolite fibers were observed embedded in the diaphragm with activated mesothelial cells immediately after cessation of exposure. While no chrysotile fibers were found in the mediastinal lymph nodes, crocidolite fibers of up to 35. μm were observed. These results provide support that brake-dust derived from chrysotile containing brake drums would not initiate a pathological response in the lung or the pleural cavity following short term inhalation. © 2015 . | Brake dust; Chrysotile; Crocdiolite asbestos; Fiber inhalation toxicology; Lung; Pleura | chrysotile; crocidolite; chrysotile; crocidolite; dust; animal experiment; animal tissue; Article; controlled study; diaphragm; dust exposure; inhalation; kinetics; lung; mediastinum lymph node; mesothelium cell; nonhuman; pleura; rat; scanning electron microscopy; analysis; animal; car; drug effects; dust; fibrosis; inhalational drug administration; lung; lymph node; male; metabolism; pathology; pleura; toxicity; Wistar rat; Animalia; Rattus; Administration, Inhalation; Animals; Asbestos, Crocidolite; Asbestos, Serpentine; Automobiles; Diaphragm; Dust; Fibrosis; Lung; Lymph Nodes; Male; Pleura; Rats, Wistar | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953806100 | Mock examination results as a predictor of students' performance in senior secondary school certificate examination results in ogun state, Nigeria | Ajayi K.O., Lawani Abisola O., Muraina Kehinde O. | 2011 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 49 | 3 | None | Department of Educational Management, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu - Ode, Nigeria; Department of Physics and Mathematics, Tai Solarin University of Education Ijagun, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Educational Management, Tai Sola | Ajayi, K.O., Department of Educational Management, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu - Ode, Nigeria; Lawani Abisola, O., Department of Physics and Mathematics, Tai Solarin University of Education Ijagun, Ogun State, Nigeria; Muraina Kehinde, O., Department of Educational Management, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, Nigeria | This study was designed to investigate the predictive validity of Mathematics Mock results of students in the SSCE in Ogun State, Nigeria. Two hundred and sixty students were randomly selected by a simple random sampling technique from ten public secondary schools in two local government areas of Ogun State, Nigeria. An ex-post facto type of research design was used because data were collected from the already existing school records which do not require the manipulation of the independent variables. The data collected were analysed using the statistical software package for social sciences (SPSS). The findings of the study revealed that Mock examination results in Mathematics could be used to predict the success in academic performance of students in SSCE Mathematics. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2011. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876729282 | Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant effect of new mono and diselenides | Stefanello S.T., Prestes A.S., Ogunmoyole T., Salman S.M., Schwab R.S., Brender C.R., Dornelles L., Rocha J.B.T., Soares F.A.A. | 2013 | Toxicology in Vitro | 27 | 5 | 10.1016/j.tiv.2013.03.001 | Departmento de Química, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, CEP 97105-900, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, FUTA Road, Off Ilesha Road, PMB 704 Akure, Ondo State, Nig | Stefanello, S.T., Departmento de Química, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, CEP 97105-900, Brazil; Prestes, A.S., Departmento de Química, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, CEP 97105-900, Brazil; Ogunmoyole, T., Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, FUTA Road, Off Ilesha Road, PMB 704 Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Salman, S.M., Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; Schwab, R.S., Departmento de Química, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, CEP 97105-900, Brazil; Brender, C.R., Departmento de Química, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, CEP 97105-900, Brazil; Dornelles, L., Departmento de Química, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, CEP 97105-900, Brazil; Rocha, J.B.T., Departmento de Química, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, CEP 97105-900, Brazil; Soares, F.A.A., Departmento de Química, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, CEP 97105-900, Brazil | This study was designed to examine the antioxidant activity in vitro of novel mono- and diselenide compounds. We compared whether the formation of p-methyl-selenol from compounds 1-phenyl-3-(p-tolylselanyl)propan-2-amine (C1) and 1,2-dip-tolyldiselenide (C4) and o-methoxy-selenol from compounds 1-(2-methoxyphenylselanyl)-3-phenylpropan-2-amine (C2) and 1,2-bis(2-methoxyphenyl)diselenide (C3) may be involved in their antioxidant effects. The compounds were tested against Fe(II) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain and liver homogenates. Likewise, the antioxidant capacity of the compounds was assessed by their ability to decolorize the DPPH radical as well as the Fe(II) chelating assay through the reduction of molybdenum(VI) (Mo6+) to molybdenum(V) (Mo5+). This colorimetric assay was also used to quantify thiol peroxidase (GPx) and oxidase activity and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity. The results showed that the novel selenide compounds inhibit the thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) induced by different pro-oxidants, but the monoselenides effects were significant only at concentrations higher than the concentrations of the diselenides. Similarly, the total antioxidant activity was higher in the diselenides. Moreover, GPx and TrxR activity was only observed for the diselenides, which indicates that these compounds are more stable selenol molecules than monoselenides. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Glutathione peroxidase; Lipid peroxidation; Organoselenium compounds; Selenol; Thioredoxin reductase | 1 (2 methoxyphenylselanyl) 3 phenylpropan 2 amine; 1 phenyl 3 (4 tolylselanyl)propan 2 amine; 1,2 bis (2 methoxyphenyl)diselenide; 1,2 bis 4 tolyldiselenide; antioxidant; nitroprusside sodium; oxidoreductase; peroxidase; thiobarbituric acid reactive substance; thiol peroxidase; thioredoxin reductase; unclassified drug; animal cell; animal experiment; animal tissue; antioxidant activity; article; brain homogenate; chelation; colorimetry; controlled study; drug effect; enzyme activity; in vitro study; lipid peroxidation; liver homogenate; male; nonhuman; rat; Animals; Antioxidants; Brain; Glutathione Peroxidase; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Male; NADP; Organoselenium Compounds; Oxidation-Reduction; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Thioredoxin Reductase 1; Rattus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952256845 | Proximate composition of aframomum melegueta seeds, garcinia kola seeds and growth performance of broiler chicks treated with powders from these seeds | Ibekwe H.A., Orok E.E. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 12 | 10.3923/ijps.2010.1152.1155 | Department of Animal Science, Cross River University of Technology, Cross River State, Obubra Campus, Nigeria | Ibekwe, H.A., Department of Animal Science, Cross River University of Technology, Cross River State, Obubra Campus, Nigeria; Orok, E.E., Department of Animal Science, Cross River University of Technology, Cross River State, Obubra Campus, Nigeria | This study was designed to evaluate the nutritive value of powdered seeds of two important medicinal plants in West Africa. The proximate analysis of these two set of seeds were carried out prior to bird's treatment so as to throw more light on their nutritional potential. A total of 18 broiler chicks of Anak2000 strain were used in this study. Treatment one (control) received 0% inclusion of these seeds whereas treatment two and three received 10% Aframomum melegueta and Garcinia kola seeds respectively. The treatment was terminated after 5 weeks and live body mass of birds taken. The result obtained showed a non-significant (p>0.05) reduction in the body mass of broiler chicks reflecting their poor proximate composition. This finding may be an indication that these seeds should not be used as non-conventional feed source for poultry production. It however lends credence to their medicinal uses without compromising the body mass of birds. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | A. melegueta; Broilers; G. kola; Growth performance; Proximate composition | Aframomum melegueta; Aves; Garcinia kola | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960775021 | Impact of HealthWise South Africa on polydrug use and high-risk sexual behavior | Tibbits M.K., Smith E.A., Caldwell L.L., Flisher A.J. | 2011 | Health Education Research | 26 | 4 | 10.1093/her/cyr024 | Department of Health Promotion, Social and Behavioral Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6075, United States; Prevention Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States; Department of Recreation, Tourism Management, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States; Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa | Tibbits, M.K., Department of Health Promotion, Social and Behavioral Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6075, United States; Smith, E.A., Prevention Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States; Caldwell, L.L., Department of Recreation, Tourism Management, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States; Flisher, A.J., Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa | This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the HealthWise South Africa HIV and substance abuse prevention program at impacting adolescents' polydrug use and sexual risk behaviors. HealthWise is a school-based intervention designed to promote social-emotional skills, increase knowledge and refusal skills relevant to substance use and sexual behaviors, and encourage healthy free time activities. Four intervention schools in one township near Cape Town, South Africa were matched to five comparison schools (N = 4040). The sample included equal numbers of male and female participants (Mean age = 14.0). Multiple regression was used to assess the impact of HealthWise on the outcomes of interest. Findings suggest that among virgins at baseline (beginning of eighth grade) who had sex by Wave 5 (beginning of 10th grade), HealthWise youth were less likely than comparison youth to engage in two or more risk behaviors at last sex. Additionally, HealthWise was effective at slowing the onset of frequent polydrug use among non-users at baseline and slowing the increase in this outcome among all participants. Program effects were not found for lifetime sexual activity, condomless sex refusal and past-month polydrug use. These findings suggest that HealthWise is a promising approach to HIV and substance abuse prevention. © The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. | None | addiction; adolescent; article; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; ethnology; female; health education; high risk behavior; human; male; organization and management; randomized controlled trial; sex difference; sexual behavior; South Africa; statistics; Adolescent; Female; Health Education; Humans; Male; Risk-Taking; Sex Factors; Sexual Behavior; South Africa; Substance-Related Disorders | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875609147 | Evaluation of haematological changes in Plasmodium-berghei-infected mice administered with aqueous extract of Phyllantus amarus | Kabiru A.Y., Abdulkadir, Gbodi A.T.A., Bello U.M., Makun H.A., Amah D.J., Ogbadoyi E.O. | 2013 | Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences | 16 | 11 | 10.3923/pjbs.2013.510.516 | Trypanosomiasis and Malaria Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Global Institute for Bio-Exploration (GIBEX), Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | Kabiru, A.Y., Trypanosomiasis and Malaria Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Abdulkadir, Trypanosomiasis and Malaria Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Gbodi, A.T.A., Trypanosomiasis and Malaria Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Bello, U.M., Trypanosomiasis and Malaria Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Makun, H.A., Trypanosomiasis and Malaria Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Amah, D.J., Trypanosomiasis and Malaria Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Ogbadoyi, E.O., Trypanosomiasis and Malaria Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria, Global Institute for Bio-Exploration (GIBEX), Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | This study was designed to evaluate the changes in some hematological parameters of P-berghei-infected mice treated with aqueous extract of Phyllantus amarus, a plant that is used traditionally to treat malaria patients in some Nigerian communities. The aqueous extract of the leaves at 200, 400 and 600 mg kg-1 body weight/day dose levels were used to treat the test groups immediately after infection for the suppressive test and 72 hours post infection for the curative test while a standard antimalarial drug, Artesunate, at a dose of 50 mg kg-1 body weight was administered on the positive control group. The negative control group was left untreated. The level of parasitemia, variation in weight, Percentage Packed Cell Volume (% PC V), erythrocytes (RBC) and leukocytes (WBC) counts in the different groups were monitored throughout the period of study. The crude extract was screened for its phytochemical composition. The crude extract at 200, 400 and 600 mg kg-1 body weight/day suppressed parasitemia by 54.67, 61.25 and 61.24% after treating for four days in the suppressive test as against 72.32% for the standard drug while the level of parasitemia was reduced by 64.35, 66.71 and 67.13%, respectively after treating for five days in the curative test as against 71.87% for the standard drug. The variations in the values of Percentage Packed Cell Volume (%PCV), weight, leukocyte and erythrocyte counts for treated groups before and after treatment was not significant (p<0.05). Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, saponin, carbohydrate and phenols were found to be present in the crude extract. The findings of this study show that the use of Phyllantus amarus as antimalaria regimen by local medical practitioners does not adversely affect the weight and the haematological parameters determined. © 2013 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Curative; Erythrocyte; Leukocyte; Phyllantus amarus; Plasmodium berghei; Suppressive | antimalarial agent; artemisinin derivative; artesunate; plant extract; animal; article; blood; body weight; chemistry; comparative study; disease model; dose response; drug effect; erythrocyte count; female; hematocrit; leukocyte count; malaria; male; medicinal plant; mouse; parasitology; pathogenicity; Phyllanthus; phytotherapy; plant leaf; Plasmodium berghei; time; Animals; Antimalarials; Artemisinins; Body Weight; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Erythrocyte Count; Female; Hematocrit; Leukocyte Count; Malaria; Male; Mice; Phyllanthus; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Plants, Medicinal; Plasmodium berghei; Time Factors; Artesunate; Mus; Plasmodium berghei | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957195764 | Evaluation of the genus Treculia for antimycobacterial, anti-reverse transcriptase, radical scavenging and antitumor activities | Kuete V., Metuno R., Keilah P.L., Tshikalange E.T., Ngadjui B.T. | 2010 | South African Journal of Botany | 76 | 3 | 10.1016/j.sajb.2010.04.005 | Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Cameroon; Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon; Department of Plant Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Kuete, V., Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Cameroon; Metuno, R., Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon; Keilah, P.L., Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Cameroon; Tshikalange, E.T., Department of Plant Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Ngadjui, B.T., Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon | This study was designed to evaluate the antimycobacterial, anti-reverse transcriptase, radical scavenging and antitumor activities of the methanol extracts of the twigs and leaves of three plants of the genus Treculia, namely Treculia obovoidea, Treculia africana and Treculia acuminata. The DPPH radical scavenging assay was used for the antioxidant test while the crown gall tumor assay was used for antitumor evaluation. The INT colorimetry and microplate Alamar blue assay (MABA) were used for antimycobacterial investigations. The results of the antimycobacterial assays, showed that the leaf crude extract of the three Treculia species as well as that from the twigs of T. africana were able to prevent the growth of Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The lowest MIC value (19.53μg/ml) was recorded with extract of the leaves of T. africana on M. smegmatis, and those of T. africana and T. acuminata against M. tuberculosis. All studied extracts inhibited at various extents the anti-reverse transcriptase activity at 200μg/ml. The best IC50 values, 31.1μg/ml, 29.5μg/ml and 21.1μg/ml were recorded respectively with the extracts of the leaves of T. obovoidea, T. acuminata and T. africana. Results of the antioxidant activity indicate a dose-dependent ability of sample to scavenge the DPPH radical. The lowest IC50 values were obtained with extracts of the leaves of T. acuminata (56.3μg/ml) and T. obovoidea (55.9μg/ml). Pronounced tumor-reducing activity was observed with the extracts of the leaves of T. africana (89.67%), T. acuminata (92.16%), T. obovoidea (96.67%) and that of the twigs of T. acuminata (87.18%). The overall results provide evidence that plants of the genus Treculia might be potential sources of antitubercular, anti-HIV and antitumor compounds. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. | Anti-reverse transcriptase; Antimycobacterial; Antitumor; Moraceae; Radical scavenging; Treculia species | antimicrobial activity; antioxidant; biochemical composition; dicotyledon; disease control; enzyme activity; methanol; plant extract; tuberculosis; Human immunodeficiency virus; Moraceae; Mycobacterium smegmatis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Treculia; Treculia africana; Treculia obovoidea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052851509 | Quality evaluation of honey produced in gomma woreda of South Western ethiopia | Kinati C., Tolemariam T., Debele K. | 2011 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 23 | 9 | None | Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia | Kinati, C., Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Tolemariam, T., Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Debele, K., Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia | This study was designed to evaluate different honey samples obtained from local market and beekeepers for their quality parameters at Gomma woredas, south west Ethiopia. Sixty samples were collected to evaluate their moisture, pH, acidity, ash, Estimation of Hydroxymethyl Furfural (HMF), water insoluble solids, total reducing sugar and sucrose content. The result showed locally produced honey had moisture, ash, acid, and pH contents ranged between 15.66 to 23.45%, 0.05-0.60, 0.30 and 57.30 meq kg- 1,3.45 and 4.18, respectively, which is within the standard limits. Similarly, the HMF and reducing sugar contents of locally produced honeys ranged from 0.05 to 17.70 mg kg-1 and 61.15 and 77.41%, respectively. The water insoluble material content of the honey samples ranged between 0.01 and 23.82 gm/100gm while the sucrose content ranged between 0.75-6.96 for the tested samples of locally produced honey. The result indicated that moisture content of honey at farmer level is increasing due to harvesting of un ripened honey and improper storage condition, which increases the hygroscopic of honey. Generally, the mean of all samples were found to be in acceptable range of international standards for all of the tested parameters except for water insoluble material indicating its potential for export with few management interventions. | Composition; Farmers; Market | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-62549095843 | Perceived impact of journalism on awareness and spectatorship as indices for sports development in Lagos State, Nigeria | Morakinyo E.O., Agu E.C. | 2009 | Anthropologist | 11 | 1 | None | Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Galaxy Television, Lagos, Nigeria | Morakinyo, E.O., Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Agu, E.C., Galaxy Television, Lagos, Nigeria | This study was designed to determine the perceived impact of journalism on awareness and spectatorship as indices of sports development in Lagos State of Nigeria. The purposive and random sampling techniques were adopted in selecting four hundred and eighty (480) respondents made up of sports journalists and stakeholders in the sports industry, descriptive research design with a self-structured questionnaire (r = b8) was used for data collection. The chi-square (χ2) was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05alpha level. The analysis revealed that the two variables were indices of sports development (Awareness -37.59, p<0.05, 2df; Spectatorship - 12.47, p<0.05, 2df). © Kamla-Raj 2009. | Awareness; Journalism; Perceived impact; Spectatorship; Sports development | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77949876567 | Attitude of academic staff in Nigerian tertiary educational institutions to student evaluation of instruction (SEI): A case study of Cross River State University | Idaka I.I., Joshua M.T. | 2009 | Educational Research and Reviews | 4 | 10 | None | Faculty of Education, Cross River University of Technology, Akamkpa Campus, CRS, Nigeria; Faculty of Education, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria | Idaka, I.I., Faculty of Education, Cross River University of Technology, Akamkpa Campus, CRS, Nigeria; Joshua, M.T., Faculty of Education, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria | This study was designed to assess the attitude of academic staff in Nigerian tertiary educational institutions to student evaluation of instruction (SEI) and to find out the variable factors that influenced the expressed attitude of members of the academic staff, using Cross River State University as a case study. The study was a survey and so a questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. Academic staff in Cross River State University was sampled for the study, using a proportional stratified and simple random technique to select 600 academic staff that took part in the study. Four hypotheses were tested using t-test and ANOVA. The findings were as follows: (i) Cross River State University academic staff displayed a significantly positive attitude to SEI, irrespective of the purposes to be served by the evaluation; although the attitude was more positive under formative than summative purposes; (ii) staff of the Faculties of Education and Arts displayed a significantly more positive attitude than staff from Science-based disciplines. It was concluded that Cross River State University academic staff are the same as their counterparts abroad where faculty evaluation in general and SEI in particular have become part of the school system. It was therefore, recommended that faculty evaluation should be introduced in our tertiary institutions as a way of enhancing the quality of teaching at that level of our education. © 2009 Academic Journals. | Attitude; Faculty evaluation; Instructional effectiveness; Instructor evaluation; Quality teaching; Student evaluation of instruction | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-53749092440 | Training, development and employee performance in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria | Hamilton D.I., Oparanma A.O. | 2008 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 19 | 3 | None | Department of Management, University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 18, UST Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Hamilton, D.I., Department of Management, University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 18, UST Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Oparanma, A.O., Department of Management, University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 18, UST Port Harcourt, Nigeria | This study was designed to ascertain how training and development affects employee performance. Using a nomothetic research design in which data were collected through structured questionnaire and analyzed through frequency distribution and simple percentage. We found that employee performance level is not necessarily determined by the level of training and development nor by the training technique but by the type of training and development employees are exposed to, and by the competence employees develop as a result of training and development. We recommend that training and development programmes be focused on competence building in employees. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2008. | Competence; Development; Performance; Training | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953759638 | The effect of increasing levels of dried leaves of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) on dry matter intake and body weight gain performance of broiler finisher chickens | Tsega W., Tamir B. | 2009 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 21 | 12 | None | Andassa Livestock Research Center, P.O. Box, 27, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Addis Ababa University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ethiopia | Tsega, W., Andassa Livestock Research Center, P.O. Box, 27, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Tamir, B., Addis Ababa University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ethiopia | This study was conducted with the objective of determining the effects of increasing levels of air dried leaves of sweet potato on dry matter intake and body weight gain of Ross broiler finisher chickens. Three hundred chicks with similar body weight of 540 ± 5.28 g and aging 29 days were randomly distributed using completely randomized design in to 15 pens each with 20 chicks and five treatment rations were allocated each with three replications. The five dietary treatments consisted of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% air dried leaves of sweet potato. The experimental feed ingredients as well as the formulated rations were analyzed for dry matter and nutrient contents. The experiment lasted for 28 days during which dry matter intake and body weight change was measured. The laboratory chemical analysis results showed that dried leaves of sweet potato contained 25% crude protein and 2672.44 kcal ME /kg dry matter, indicating its potential to be used as sources of both protein and energy. The dry matter intake and body weight gain of birds fed on diets containing dried leaves of sweet potato up to 10% inclusion was similar with the control group. But, beyond 10% air dried leaves of sweet potato inclusion, the dry matter intake and body weight gain were reduced from the control group. The results of this study suggested that inclusion of air dried leaves of sweet potato up to the level of 10% of the diet dry matter in the finisher ration might be considered as the optimum level of inclusion when birds are sold on live weight basis. | Byproducts; Poultry | Aves; Gallus gallus; Ipomoea batatas | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951738368 | Effect of dietary garlic powder on layer performance, fecal bacterial load, and egg quality | Olobatoke R.Y., Mulugeta S.D. | 2011 | Poultry Science | 90 | 3 | 10.3382/ps.2010-00736 | Department of Animal Science, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mafikeng, 2735, South Africa | Olobatoke, R.Y., Department of Animal Science, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mafikeng, 2735, South Africa; Mulugeta, S.D., Department of Animal Science, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mafikeng, 2735, South Africa | This study was conducted to investigate the potential of garlic powder (GP) in improving production efficiency, egg quality, and gut health of laying hens. A total of seventy-two 30-wk-old Dekalb white strain hens were used. The live weight of the hens ranged between 1.71 and 2.12 kg. Hens were randomly allotted into 3 dietary treatment groups in a complete randomized design experiment. The 3 dietary treatments were control (no garlic addition) and 3 and 5% GP additions to a basal diet on weight:weight ratio basis. Egg production and feed consumption were recorded daily, and hen BW and internal quality of fresh eggs were assessed weekly. Fecal samples were assessed for total bacterial load. The results from this study revealed significant (P < 0.05) increases of 0.81 mm in albumen height and 2.71 Haugh units of fresh eggs at 3% GP addition. Egg and albumen weights increased significantly (P < 0.05) by 2.06 and 1.84 g, respectively, at 5% GP over the control treatment. Egg production decreased significantly at 5% GP following a decrease in feed consumption. Similarly, log bacterial count in feces showed a dose-dependent reduction as dietary GP increased. Organoleptic evaluation of eggs from treatment birds revealed a strong garlic flavor in eggs from 5% GP group compared with the control and 3% GP groups. Results of this study suggest that dietary GP improved egg weight and albumen quality with a strong garlic flavor at high dietary levels. © 2011 Poultry Science Association Inc. | Bacterial load; Egg quality; Garlic powder; Layer; Performance | animal; animal disease; animal food; article; chicken; diet; diet supplementation; egg; egg laying; feces; female; garlic; microbiology; standard; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Chickens; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Eggs; Feces; Female; Garlic; Oviposition; Allium sativum; Aves; Bacteria (microorganisms) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749017033 | Milk yield and reproductive performances of lactating cows as affected by intakes of certain dietary macro minerals in Ethiopia | Tolla N., Vijchulata P. | 2006 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 18 | 9 | None | Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand | Tolla, N., Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia; Vijchulata, P., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand | This study was conducted to investigate the influences of dietary intakes of certain minerals on milk yield and reproductive performances of lactating cows fed on concentrate supplement with/without cottonseed cake and/or bole soil. Thirty-two pregnant Holstein Friesian cows with average body weight of 524±54 kg were blocked by their expected due date of calving as early (B1) and late (B2). Soon after calving animals were assigned in a randomized complete block design to one of the following four dietary treatments: concentrate alone (control) (C), 45% of the concentrate diet by weight substituted with cottonseed cake (C + CSC), concentrate plus 3% bole (lake soil) (C + Bole) and 45% of the concentrate substituted with cottonseed cake plus 3% bole (C + CSC + Bole) for 135 days of data collection. Statistically daily milk yield and FC milk yield were not ifferent among treatments. However, animals fed on the treatment diets of concentrate + CSC, concentrate + Bole and concentrate + CSC + Bole, produced 7.4, 16.3 and 18.2% respectively higher actual milk and 14.3, 24.2 and 25.7% respectively higher 4% fat corrected milk than the control group. Inclusion of bole soil alone as a mineral source or in combination with CSC supported higher daily actual and FC milk production than feeding concentrate diet with CSC alone. Days from calving to first estrus, days open and number of services per conception were not different among treatments. Nevertheless, Shorter intervals of days from calving to first estrus, days open and lowest number of services per conception were recorded for animals fed on concentrate diet with bole soil alone followed by those fed the control diet. Inclusion of 3% bole soil alone appeared to improve both milk yield and reproductive performances of dairy cattle. | Bole soil; Cottonseed cake; Cows; Ethiopia; Milk yield; Minerals; Reproduction | Animalia; Bos taurus; Friesia; Micropus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873470588 | Home influences on the academic performance of agricultural science students in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria | Ndirika M.C., Njoku U.J. | 2012 | Research in Education | 88 | 1 | 10.7227/RIE.88.1.7 | Department of Agricultural Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria | Ndirika, M.C., Department of Agricultural Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria; Njoku, U.J., Department of Agricultural Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria | This study was conducted to investigate the home influences on the academic performance of agricultural science secondary school students in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. The instrument used in data collection was a validated questionnaire structured on a two point rating scale. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 150 students from nine secondary schools. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics: frequency and mean to investigate the influence of students' participation in practical agriculture at home, students' engagement in extra lessons, parental influence and parents' motivation to their children. Results indicated that involvement in practical agriculture at home, having extra lessons at home, having a reading timetable and enough textbooks, parents checking of their children's school work, prompt payment of school fees and intact family positively affect the academic performance of agricultural science students. Recommendations were made among which is the need for students to be involved in extra lessons at home and in practical agriculture. © Manchester University Press. | Academic performance; Agriculture; Home; Influence; Science | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946023855 | Effects of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) seed powder and extract on performance of broiler chickens | Naeemasa M., Alaw Qotbi A.A., Seidavi A., Norris D., Brown D., Ginindza M. | 2015 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 45 | 4 | 10.4314/sajas.v45i4.3 | Department of Animal Science, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran; Department of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, South Africa | Naeemasa, M., Department of Animal Science, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran; Alaw Qotbi, A.A., Department of Animal Science, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran; Seidavi, A., Department of Animal Science, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran; Norris, D., Department of Animal Science, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran; Brown, D., Department of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, South Africa; Ginindza, M., Department of Animal Science, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran | This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seed powder and extract on the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 420 day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were allocated randomly into seven treatments of 60 birds per group. Each treatment had four replicates (15 chicks per replicate). The trial was designed with seven treatments, consisting of a control diet without coriander, this is, the control group (CG); three treatments, which included the control diet plus three levels of coriander extract in water (750, 1000, and 1250 mg/kg); and the another three, which received the control diet plus three levels of coriander powder (1.5%, 2.0% and 2.5%). Performance parameters were monitored throughout the experimental period. At 21 - 42 d old, the inclusion of 952 mg/kg of coriander extract in drinking water maximized weight gain, while the feed intake of the experimental period (1 - 42 d) was maximized at the coriander powder level of 1.2%. Feed conversion ratios improved with the inclusion of coriander powder in the diet throughout the experimental period. These results suggest that coriander powder in the diet and coriander extract in water could replace synthetic antibiotics and could be regarded as natural feed additives and growth promoters in poultry diets. | Additives; Broiler; Herbs; Spices | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952713801 | 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-s2.0-84883875904 | In vivo antimicrobial potentials of garlic against Clostridium perfringens and its promotant effects on performance of broiler chickens | Jimoh A.A., Ibitoye E.B., Dabai Y.U., Garba S. | 2013 | Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences | 16 | 24 | 10.3923/pjbs.2013.1978.1984 | Department of Theriogenology and Animal Production, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Vetemary Teaching Hospital, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria | Jimoh, A.A., Department of Theriogenology and Animal Production, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Ibitoye, E.B., Department of Theriogenology and Animal Production, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Dabai, Y.U., Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Garba, S., Vetemary Teaching Hospital, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria | This study was conducted to investigate in vivo antimicrobial potential of garlic against Clostridium perferinges and resultant promotant effects on performance of the broiler chickens. Garlic powder was used as an alternative to GPAs (Growth Promotant Antibiotics) to prevent subclinical Necrotic Enteritis (NE) due to C. perferinges. 120 day-old broiler chicks were randomly distributed to six treatment groups of 20 chicks each (2 replicates-10 chicks). Six isonutrient diets supplemented with garlic at graded levels of 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 g kg-1 were fed to the birds for seven weeks. Data were collected weekly on performance parameters including feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Also, on the 21 35 and 49th days of the study, two birds per group were randomly selected, slaughtered and dissected, lg of caecal contents per each bird were sampled into labelled sterile sample bottles. The samples were subjected to culturing, bacterial identification and colony counting. All data were subjected to analysis of variance. Results showed that garlic significantly (p>0.05) depressed feed intake (3310 g feed/bird at 1.0 g kg-1 supplementation) but improved FCR. The supplement has no significant effect on weight gam but C. perfringens colony counts in the treated groups, were numerically reduced (lowest count, 0.93x105 cfu g-1 at 1.0 gkg-1 supplementation), as compared to the control. It is therefore concluded that diets could be supplemented with garlic at dose range of 1.0 to 1.5 g kg-1 to prevent subclinical NE and achieve improved performance in birds. © 2013 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Antimicrobial potentials; Broiler; Clostridium perfringens; Garlic; Performance | antiinfective agent; plant extract; animal; animal disease; animal food; article; bird disease; chicken; Clostridium infection; Clostridium perfringens; diet supplementation; drug effect; eating; energy metabolism; garlic; growth, development and aging; medicinal plant; microbiology; nutritional status; nutritional value; phytotherapy; poultry; powder; time; weight gain; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chickens; Clostridium Infections; Clostridium perfringens; Dietary Supplements; Eating; Energy Metabolism; Garlic; Nutritional Status; Nutritive Value; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Poultry; Poultry Diseases; Powders; Time Factors; Weight Gain | None |
| WoS | WOS:000259850000007 | The negative impacts of adolescent sexuality problems among secondary school students in Oworonshoki Lagos | Ajayi, G.,Ashiru, O. A.,Izegbu, M. C.,Oguntola, J. A.,Shittu, L. A. J.,Zachariah, M. P. | 2007 | SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND ESSAYS | 2 | 1 | None | Lagos State Univ, Med Assisted Reprod Ctr MART | None | This study was conducted to focus on the negative health outcomes related to sexual behaviour in adolescents and young adults attending public school in the Oworonshoki region of Lagos, Nigeria, Africa. Since, there is a relative dearth of knowledge on adolescents who face unique and challenging economics, health and education problems in our society. Data on the socio-demographic characteristics, prevalence and knowledge towards STD including HIV/AIDS, prevalence of sexual abuse practice/sexual behaviour, family planning awareness and acceptance including abortion practice were sorted out using self structured questionnaires and administered to 60% of student's population using a stratified random sampling technique. 55.8% lived with both parents. While, 50.3% of the mothers had basic secondary school qualifications, 72.4% of them are traders. 61.5% had sex education were from misinformed friends/peers while 51% had no basic knowledge about sexual behavioral practice and attitude towards STDs/AIDS (HIV). STD has a prevalence of 34 and 41% of boys used condoms for preventing STI/HIV transmission and unwanted pregnancies. One out of every five sexually active teenagers has experienced forced sex, especially among the circumcised girls who were more sexually active than the uncircumcised girls. 60% of girls between ages of 12 and 18 years had more than one unsafe abortion with severe vaginal bleeding (haemorrhage) as the chief complication. However, 65% of the girls did abortion for fear of leaving school and financial hardship as the reasons. | ADOLESCENT,ATTITUDE,KNOWLEDGE,LAGOS,LEGISLATION,SEXUALITY,ABUSE | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-46749110693 | "Coming to town": The impact of urbanicity, cigarette advertising, and network norms on the smoking attitudes of black women in Cape Town, South Africa | Williams C.T., Grier S.A., Marks A.S. | 2008 | Journal of Urban Health | 85 | 4 | 10.1007/s11524-008-9286-7 | School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; American University, Washington, DC, United States; University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Kogod School of Business, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016-8044, United States | Williams, C.T., School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Grier, S.A., American University, Washington, DC, United States, Kogod School of Business, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016-8044, United States; Marks, A.S., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | This study was conducted to examine the effect of urban living on smoking attitudes among black African women in South Africa. We examine how urbanicity affects attitudes toward smoking and how it moderates the relationship between both advertising exposure and network norms on black women's smoking attitudes. Respondents were 975 black women currently living in Cape Town townships, some of which were raised in rural villages or small towns. Respondents completed a cross-sectional survey, which included data on smoking attitudes, norms, and exposure to cigarette advertising. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed with smoking attitudes as the response variable, and urbanicity, cigarette advertising exposure, and network smoking norms as primary explanatory variables. Interactions were tested to determine whether urbanicity modified the effect of advertising exposure and network norms on smoking attitudes. Independent effects of urbanicity, exposure to cigarette advertising, and greater smoking prevalence within women's networks were associated with more favorable smoking attitudes. In addition, urbanicity moderated the relationship between network smoking norms and smoking attitudes, but not cigarette advertising exposure and smoking attitudes. Urbanicity, cigarette advertising, and networks play important roles in women's attitudes toward smoking, and potentially, smoking behavior. Overall, our results suggest that strong and creative anti-smoking efforts are needed to combat the potential for a smoking epidemic among an increasingly urbanized population of black women in South Africa and similar emerging markets. Additional research is warranted. © 2008 The New York Academy of Medicine. | Cigarette advertising; Smoking attitudes; South Africa; Urbanicity; Women's health | adolescent; adult; advertizing; article; attitude to health; cigarette smoking; female; human; major clinical study; prevalence; priority journal; smoking habit; social network; South Africa; urban population; urban rural difference; Adolescent; Adult; Advertising as Topic; African Continental Ancestry Group; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Linear Models; Middle Aged; Questionnaires; Smoking; South Africa; Urban Population; Women's Health | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925484047 | Feed intake, digestibility, growth performance, and blood profile of pigs fed mixtures of dried and ground fig (Ficus sur) fruits and graded levels of maize | Diba D., Mekasha Y., Urge M., Tolera A. | 2014 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 47 | 2 | 10.1007/s11250-014-0725-z | Department of Animal Sciences, Wollega University, P.O. Box 395, Nekemte, Ethiopia; School of Animal and Range Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; School of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Diba, D., Department of Animal Sciences, Wollega University, P.O. Box 395, Nekemte, Ethiopia; Mekasha, Y., School of Animal and Range Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Urge, M., School of Animal and Range Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Tolera, A., School of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia | This study was conducted to examine the effect of feeding a mixture of different proportions of Ficus sur fruits (FSF) and ground maize grain (MG) on intake, digestibility, growth, and blood profile on Yorkshire pigs. Dietary treatments comprised 100 % FSF and 0 % MG (100FSF), 67 % FSF and 33 % MG (67FSF), 33 % FSF and 67 % MG (33FSF), and 0 % FSF and 100 % MG (0FSF). Noug cake and soybean meal were included to meet nutrient requirement of the animals at isonitrogenous (18 % crude protein (CP)) level with graded levels of energy. Twenty pigs with an average initial weight of 27.75 ± 1.4 kg were grouped according to their body weight, and animals from each group were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in dry matter, crude protein, and metabolizable energy intakes among the treatments. Organic matter (P < 0.05), ether extract (P < 0.01), and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) intakes were higher (P < 0.0001) for pigs fed with 0FSF than 100FSF. The digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, and NFE did not differ (P > 0.05) among treatments. However, organic matter digestibility (P < 0.05) was highest for pigs in 0FSF than 100FSF. Conversely, crude fiber digestibility was in the reverse trend. No significant differences were observed in body weight gain among treatments (P > 0.05). The blood counts and sera metabolites of pigs across the treatments fall within the optimum range. Packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin (Hgb) were higher, but creatinine and cholesterol concentrations were lower in 100FSF than 0FSF indicating better health conditions in pigs fed with FSF. It is, therefore, concluded that feeding FSF has comparable effects with MG on the metabolic performance, growth, and blood profile of pigs. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Blood profile; Ficus sur fruits; Growth performance; Maize grain; Pigs | animal; animal food; blood; caloric intake; Ficus; growth, development and aging; maize; male; pig; randomization; weight gain; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Energy Intake; Ficus; Male; Random Allocation; Swine; Weight Gain; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888858013 | Evaluation and demonstration of direct solar potato dryer | Tefera A., Endalew W., Fikiru B. | 2013 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 25 | 12 | None | Bahir Dar Agricultural Mechanization and Food Science Research Centre, P.O. Box 133, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Food, Medicine and Health Care Administration and Control Authority of Ethiopia, P.O. Box 5681, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Tefera, A., Bahir Dar Agricultural Mechanization and Food Science Research Centre, P.O. Box 133, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Endalew, W., Bahir Dar Agricultural Mechanization and Food Science Research Centre, P.O. Box 133, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Fikiru, B., Food, Medicine and Health Care Administration and Control Authority of Ethiopia, P.O. Box 5681, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of two models of direct solar potato dryers and to demonstrate to farmers around potato producing areas, in Amhara Regional State. Wooden box dryer and Pyramid shape dryer models were evaluated. Dryers were compared with open sun drying methods. Temperature, relative humidity as well as the rate of moisture removal as expressed by loss-in-weight were recorded and analyzed. Results showed that on the average there was a 10-20 °C temperature difference between ambient condition and the drying chambers. Besides, the weight of sliced potato which was initially 0.90 kg was reduced to about 0.19 kg within two days. This showed an overall reduction in drying time by 2-3 hours compared to open sun drying. This result, however, was not perceived to be large enough under existing testing condition. But considering other benefits of the driers like protecting the drying material against contaminants, dust, and insects resulting in better quality product, this result is acceptable. On the other hand, comparing the performances of the two driers, Pyramid dryer was found better in creating more conducive drying environment with optimal temperature and lower relative humidity. Moreover, considering manufacturing costs, simplicity in design to manufacture in rural area from almost any kind of available building materials by locally available workmen, Pyramid dryer is better than Box dryer. Demonstration and practical training on the use of solar dryers and methods of food preparation out of the dried potato slices was provided for a group of farmers. Participant farmers actively participated in the potato menu preparation and informal sensory evaluation. They have showed high interest in diversified potato utilization as it enhances their feeding habits. This dryer was found suitable for drying small quantities (10-15 kg) of agricultural products which suits best for household level. Therefore, Pyramid (pyramid shape) dryer models should be recommended for further promotion. | Dried potato; Dryer model; Farmers; Potato processing | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44449163010 | Evaluation of enzyme (Maxigrain®) supplementation of graded levels of palm kernel meal (PKM) on the performance of broiler chickens | Esuga P.M., Sekoni A.A., Omage J.J., Bawa G.S. | 2008 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 7 | 4 | 10.3923/pjn.2008.607.613 | Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Esuga, P.M., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Sekoni, A.A., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Omage, J.J., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Bawa, G.S., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Palm Kernel Meal (PKM) in diets supplemented with or without enzyme (Maxigarin®) as replacement for Maize in broiler diets. Four hundred and five day old Arbor acres broiler chickens were randomly allotted to nine isonitrogeneous diet where PKM was included in the diet at 10, 20, 30, and 40% levels. Four of the diets contain PKM without Maxigrain® while the other four contained PKM with Maxigrain® supplementation. The Maxigrain® was added to the already formulated diet (supplementation) at 0.01% to four of the nine diets. At the starter phase the final body weight, weight gain and average daily weight gain were significantly (P<0.001) higher in 10% and 20% PKM diets Maxigrain® supplementation compared to other treatments. Feed intake was significantly (P<0.001) higher in the control, 10% and 20% PKM diets with Maxigrain®. The feed : gain ratio was significantly (P<0.001) lower in the 10% PKM diet with Maxigrain® compared to all other treatments. All levels of PKM diets with Maxigrain® were significantly (P<0.001) lower than the corresponding levels without Maxigrain®. The feed cost/kg weight gain were significantly (P<0.001) lower in all PKM diets with and without Maxigrain® compared to the control. At the finisher phase, the final weight, weight gain and average daily weight gain were significantly (P<0.001) higher in the 10% and 20% PKM diets with Maxigrain® compared to all other treatments. Feed intake was significantly (P<0.001) higher in all PKM diets with and without Maxigrain® compared with the control. Feed gain ratio and feed cost/kg weight gain (N) were significantly (P<0.001) lower in the control and all PKM diets with Maxigrain® supplementation compared to all PKM diets without Maxigrain®. The results indicate that Maxigrain® supplementation of PKM diets improved the utilization of PKM. Diets with 10 and 20% inclusion of PKM and Maxigrain® were better than the control maize based diets. The dressed weight, neck, liver, lungs, kidney, abdominal fat, pancrease, spleen and length of intestines were significantly (P<0.001) different across treatments. Similarly, the percentage weight of the breast, thigh, heart and the intestines were significantly (P<0.001) different across treatments with no particular trend established. The drumstick, wings, head and gizzard were significantly (P<0.05) different across treatments. No significant difference in the dressing percentage and the back across the treatments. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2008. | Broiler performance; Maxigrain®; PKM; Supplementation | animal experiment; animal food; article; body weight; carcass; chicken; controlled study; cost benefit analysis; diet supplementation; dietary intake; economic aspect; female; food intake; maize; male; nonhuman; nutrient content; nutrient supply; nutrient uptake; nutritional support; organ weight; weight gain; Gallus gallus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052868978 | Growth performance and haematological characteristics of West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep fed graded levels of dietary pigeon pea seed meal | Okah U., Ibeawuchi J.A. | 2011 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 6 | 11 | None | College of Animal Science and Animal Production, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 7267, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | Okah, U., College of Animal Science and Animal Production, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 7267, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Ibeawuchi, J.A., College of Animal Science and Animal Production, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 7267, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary pigeon pea seed meal on the growth performance and haematological characteristics of West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep. Four diets were formulated to contain pigeon pea seed meal (PSM) at 0, 10, 20 and 30% levels, representing diets A, B, C, and D, respectively. Twelve weaned rams averaging 8.57 kg body weight and aged 7-8 months were used in the study. The rams were divided into 4 groups of 3 rams housed singly in pens, and each group assigned to one of the four diets for 8 weeks in a completely randomized design experiment. Data collected included, average daily weight gain (g), daily dry matter intake (g) and feed conversation ratio (g feed /g grain) calculated. Haematological and biochemical characteristics were also evaluated. Average daily weight gain was significantly (P<0.05) better in diet A and C than diet D, but diets A, B and C were similar (P>0.05). Feed conservation ratio differed significantly (P<0.05) among the groups, with diet C recording better conversion ratio than diets A and D, respectively. The PSM diets generally promoted lower PCV and higher WBC values in sheep. Neutrophil and lymphocytes were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the PSM. While neutrophil increased with increasing level of PSM, the converse was true about lymphocytesood glucose, and urea in the animals were also significantly (P<0.05) influenced by PSM, which followed the same pattern as the nuetrophil and lymphocytes respectively. Serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (SGGTP) and serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (SGGT) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in sheep fed on control diet A than in those fed on either diet C or D. Serum creatinine was significantly (P<0.05) higher in sheep fed on control diet than in those on the PSM diets. The results of this study indicated that processed pigeon pea seed could be used as a plant protein resource for sheep, but may not be included beyond 20% for optimum performance and physiological welfare of the animal. | Pigeon pea; Sheep; Weaner rams diet; West african dwarf | Animalia; Cajanus cajan; Ovis aries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857798145 | Reproductive performance of partial gonadectomized male African catfish, Clarias gariepinus broodstocks | Adebayo O.T., Fasakin E.A., Adewumi J.A. | 2012 | Theriogenology | 77 | 6 | 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.09.027 | Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Adebayo, O.T., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Fasakin, E.A., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Adewumi, J.A., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of partial gonadectomy on reproductive performance of male Clarias gariepinus broodstock. Testes from C. gariepinus broodstock were surgically removed; 25% of the testes (Treatment 1), 50% of the testes (Treatment 2), 75% of the testes (Treatment 3), and removal of the sperm from the testes sac using syringe after the abdominal cavity had been cut open (Treatment 4) {control}. The incisions were sutured and the fish kept inside separate concrete tanks for 4 mo. The incisions closed up within 8 to 9 wk of surgery. The postsurgical survival of C. gariepinus was 100%, indicating the efficiency of the surgical procedure. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in sperm production, percentage fertilization, hatchability and survival of the larvae using sperm derived from regenerated testes of the partially gonadectomized C. gariepinus and nongonadectomized C. gariepinus. It also reveals that partial gonadectomy could not alter the quality of sperm production of C. gariepinus. Sperm derived from regenerated testes performed effectively for fertilization of eggs. Based on the results of this study, the removal of 75% of testes during partial gonadectomy proved to be the best as the total number of spermatozoa was more than that of other methods and the sperm was able to fertilize more eggs. Hence the removal of 75% of testis during partial gonadectomy of C. gariepinus is recommended based on the results of this study. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. | Clarias gariepinus; Gonadectomy; Reproductive performance; Sperm quality | animal; animal disease; aquaculture; article; catfish; female; male; physiology; regeneration; semen analysis; sperm retrieval; testis; Animals; Aquaculture; Catfishes; Female; Male; Regeneration; Semen Analysis; Sperm Retrieval; Testis; Clarias gariepinus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957985835 | Biochemical evaluation of combined state fermentation of Canavalia ensiformis (L.) using mixed cultures | Gabriel-Ajobiewe R.A.O. | 2011 | Research Journal of Microbiology | 6 | 2 | 10.3923/jm.2011.105.114 | Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria | Gabriel-Ajobiewe, R.A.O., Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria | This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of mixed cultures on the nutritional and antinutritional content of combined fermented jack beans. The combined role played by individually selected microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) involved in the natural fermentation of jack beans, under controlled environment was investigated. One hundred gramme of ground, samples were inoculated with the mixed cultures under aseptic condition using 1 mL of each inoculum and fermentation allowed to take place under controlled environment of temperature of 40°C for the liquid state fermentation (with bacteria being the inoculum) for 7 days. Thereafter the fungi were inoculated aseptically for the commencement of the solid state phase of the combined fermentation for another 7 days at the temperature of 30°C. The inocula range between 3-7 species in number. Physical sensory changes, fermentation parameters, proximate and antinutritional composition were determined during fermentation. The total titratable acidity values of the multiple starter culture fermenting substrates increased from 0.04-0.43%. While the pH values decreased from 6.5 to 4.3. The higher the number of species used as inoculums, the more acceptable the fermented samples (in terms of sensory properties). Irrespective of the number of species used in the fermentation, there was a significant increase in the crude protein from 26.20-39.82 g/100 g, while the fat (11.95-4.33 g/00 g) and ash content (3.50-2.23 g/100 g) shows a decrease in comparison with the control. The mineral composition showed a significant increase in magnesium (30.07 to 46.77 mg g -1), sodium (18.51 to 34.34 mg g -1), potassium (23.51 to 40.88 mg g -1) and iron (0.00 to 0.08 mg g -1) when compared with the control. Of all the antinutrient content analysed, only phytate (58.66 to 5.08 g/100 g) and canavanine (0.79 to 0.40 mg g -1) has significant decrease in comparison with the control. Hence, it can be deduce from this work that the use of multiple starter culture in combined fermentation can be used to improve the nutritional content of Canavalia ensiformis L. © 2011, Academic Journals Inc. | Antinutritional composition; Bacterial; Fermentation; Fungal isolates; Nutritional | Bacteria (microorganisms); Canavalia; Canavalia ensiformis; Fungi | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951522060 | The effect of dietary ionophores on feedlot performance of lambs | Price M.M., Einkamerer O.B., de Witt F.H., Greyling J.P.C., Fair M.D. | 2009 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 39 | SUPPL. 1 | None | Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Price, M.M., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Einkamerer, O.B., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; de Witt, F.H., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Greyling, J.P.C., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Fair, M.D., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different rumen fermentation modifiers (ionophores) in feedlot finisher diets on the production performance of S.A. Mutton Merino lambs. Monensin (16.4 mg/kg), lasalocid (33.0 mg/kg) or salinomycin (17.5 mg/kg) was incorporated into a commercial high-protein (398 g CP/kg DM) concentrate. Treatment diets consisted of maize meal (650 g/kg), lucerne hay (150 g/kg) and a protein concentrate (200 g/kg; containing an ionophore or not) to supply isonitrogenous (177 g CP/kg DM) total mixed diets during the experimental period. Sixty lambs (29.7 ± 2.5 kg) were randomly allocated to the treatment groups (n = 15/treatment) and each treatment was further subdivided into five replicates (n = 3/replicate). Individual body weight and average feed intake per replicate were recorded weekly and used to calculate the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and average daily gain (ADG). Ionophore treatment had no effect on any of the feedlot performance parameters measured (feed intake: 1379, 1434, 1534 and 1559 g DM/day; ADG: 298, 314, 340 and 329 g/day; FCR: 4.66, 4.58, 4.51 and 4.74 g DM intake/kg live weight gained for the Control, Monensin, Lasalocid and Salinomycin treatments, respectively. The results suggest the efficiency of the different rumen fermentation modifiers to be similar and financial implications and/or animal preference would influence their usage in sheep diets. © South African Society for Animal Science. | Feed efficiency; Ionophores; Lambs; Production | Animalia; Medicago sativa; Ovis aries; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873657521 | Longitudinal neuropsychological test performance among HIV seropositive individuals in Uganda | Sacktor N., Nakasujja N., Okonkwo O., Skolasky R.L., Robertson K., Musisi S., Katabira E. | 2013 | Journal of NeuroVirology | 19 | 1 | 10.1007/s13365-012-0139-5 | Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States; Orthopedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, 4940 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States | Sacktor, N., Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, 4940 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States; Nakasujja, N., Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Okonkwo, O., Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States; Skolasky, R.L., Orthopedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Robertson, K., Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Musisi, S., Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Katabira, E., Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | This study was conducted to evaluate longitudinal neuropsychological testing performance over a 12-month period among HIV + individuals, and to evaluate the impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation on neuropsychological test changes in Uganda. The study examined 77 HIV + individuals recruited from the Infectious Diseases Clinic at Makerere University, Uganda. They underwent detailed sociodemographic, medical history, immune status, functional, neurologic, and neuropsychological evaluations at baseline and 12 months later. Thirty-one individuals initiated ART (ART group) after their baseline visit, whereas 46 individuals were not placed on ART (no-ART group) during those 12 months. Paired samples t-tests were used to evaluate longitudinal changes in neuropsychological test performance for the entire sample, as well as for groups defined by ART initiation and baseline neurocognitive status. The study evaluated 77 HIV individuals (62 % women, mean age = 37 years, mean education = 8 years, mean CD4 count = 235 cells/μl). Both the ART and no-ART groups showed significant improvements in tests of verbal memory, executive functioning, motor, and psychomotor speed performance, as well as depression symptoms. The ART group had significant improvements in CD4 count over the 12-month period (p < 0.001), whereas the no-ART group had no CD4 count improvement. ART use is associated with improvements in cognitive functioning among HIV + individuals in Uganda. However, these improvements did not appear to be higher than those seen among HIV + individuals who did not initiate ART. Possible reasons for this include practice effects among the no-ART group as well as improvements in their mood and overall quality of life. © 2013 Journal of NeuroVirology, Inc. | Dementia; HIV; Neurocognitive; Neuropsychological assessment; Uganda | antiretrovirus agent; efavirenz plus lamivudine plus zidovudine; lamivudine plus nevirapine plus zidovudine; adult; anamnesis; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; cognition; controlled study; demography; depression; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test accuracy study; disease duration; drug efficacy; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; executive function; female; HIV associated dementia; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immune system; longitudinal study; major clinical study; male; motor performance; neurologic examination; neuropsychological test; priority journal; psychomotor activity; quality of life; serodiagnosis; social aspect; symptom; treatment outcome; Uganda; university hospital; verbal memory; Western blotting; Adult; AIDS Dementia Complex; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Female; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Neuropsychological Tests; Uganda | None |
| None | None | Field performance of improved banana Cv. Fhia 17 and Fhia 23 in the Eastern zone of Tanzania | Msogoya T.J., Maerere A.P., Kusolwa P.M., Nsemwa L.T. | 2006 | Journal of Agronomy | 5 | 3 | 10.3923/ja.2006.533.535 | Writtle College, Chelmsford Essex, CM1 3RR, United Kingdom; Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3005, Morogoro, Tanzania; Agricultural Research Institute, Uyole, P.O. Box 400, Mbeya, Tanzania | Msogoya, T.J., Writtle College, Chelmsford Essex, CM1 3RR, United Kingdom; Maerere, A.P., Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3005, Morogoro, Tanzania; Kusolwa, P.M., Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3005, Morogoro, Tanzania; Nsemwa, L.T., Agricultural Research Institute, Uyole, P.O. Box 400, Mbeya, Tanzania | This study was conducted to determine the performance of new improved banana cv. FHIA 17 and FHIA 23 (Musa AAAA hybrids) in the Eastern zone of Tanzania compared to popular local cooking banana cv. Bukoba, Uganda, Embwailuma, Malindi and Mshale and dessert banana cv. Kisukari, Mtwike and Jamaica. Results showed that cv. FHIA 23 and FHIA 17 were more (p<0.05) resistant to black sigatoka disease with infection index (II) of 16.0 and 18.7% compared to local banana cv. Jamaica, Uganda, Bukoba, Mshale, Mtwike, Embwailuma and Malindi with II of 23.3, 23.5, 24.4, 24.5, 27.1, 30.5 and 39.7%, respectively. Moreover, cv. FHIA 17 and FHIA 23 were earlier (p<0.05) maturing with bunches harvested at 360 and 375 days from the date of planting compared to cv. Jamaica, Malindi and Bukoba harvested at 405, 407 and 411 days, respectively. Conversely, the improved cultivars were later maturing than cv. Embwailuma, Uganda and Mshale harvested at 330, 334 and 345 days, respectively. Cultivars FHIA 17 produced bigger (p<0.05) bunch weighing 36.5 kg than all local cultivars while cv. FHIA 23 produced higher bunch yield of 25.0 kg than cv. Kisukari, Uganda, Embwailuma, Mshale and Jamaica with bunch weights of 13.7, 15.6, 16.1, 16.6 and 16.8 kg, respectively. On the contrary, cv. FHIA 23 produced as big (p<0.05) bunch as cv. Malindi with bunch weighing 22.9 kg, but smaller than that of cv. Mtwike of 31.3 kg. The dissemination of these cultivars to farmers in the Eastern zone of the country is highly recommended though further studies are required to determine their suitability for dessert and matoke consumption as perceived by consumers in this zone and urban markets. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Black sigatoka; Eastern zone of Tanzania; Improved banana cultivars; Yield | Musa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879008580 | Free range and deep litter housing systems: Effect on performance and blood profile of two strains of cockerel chickens | Olaniyi O.A., Oyenaiya O.A., Sogunle O.M., Akinola O.S., Adeyemi O.A., Ladokun O.A. | 2012 | Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems | 15 | 3 | None | Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Physiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Olaniyi, O.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oyenaiya, O.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Sogunle, O.M., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Akinola, O.S., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adeyemi, O.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Ladokun, O.A., Department of Animal Physiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | This study was conducted to determine the performance and blood profile of one hundred and fifty cockerel chickens each of Harco Black and Novogen strains raised on deep litter and free range production systems. Each production system was allotted 150 chicks in three replications of 25 chicks per strain. The birds on deep litter production system were fed ad libitum while each of the birds on free range was fed 50 % of its daily feed requirement. The birds were weighed weekly. Blood plasma and serum were collected at the 4th and 12th weeks for laboratory analyses. Data generated were subjected to analysis of variance in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. Novogen strain consumed less feed (P<0.05) on free range and had the best feed: gain (2.72 ± 0.14). At the 4th week, strain significantly (P<0.05) affected the packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cell count, serum total protein, serum albumin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and was evident at the 12th week. In conclusion, Novogen strain should be raised on free range for a better performance in terms of feed: gain but in the blood profile, the two strains of birds could be managed in any of the production systems. | Blood profile; Cockerel chicken; Feed: Gain; Performance; Production system | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-56249123263 | Effect of virginiamycin and monensin supplementation on performance of multiparous Holstein cows | Erasmus L.J., Muya C., Erasmus S., Coertze R.F., Catton D.G. | 2008 | Livestock Science | 119 | 42372 | 10.1016/j.livsci.2008.03.005 | Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Agricultural Research Council, Livestock Business Division, Irene, 0062, South Africa; D. G. Catton Consultants, Irene, 0062, South Africa | Erasmus, L.J., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Muya, C., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Erasmus, S., Agricultural Research Council, Livestock Business Division, Irene, 0062, South Africa; Coertze, R.F., Agricultural Research Council, Livestock Business Division, Irene, 0062, South Africa; Catton, D.G., D. G. Catton Consultants, Irene, 0062, South Africa | This study was conducted to determine the effects of monensin or virginiamycin, or both on the performance of and some energy balance parameters in Holstein cows. Forty multiparous Holstein cows were used in a randomized complete block design experiment. The basal diet was a total mixed ration based on lucerne hay (38% of DM) and ground maize (34% of DM). The experimental treatments were (1) control diet (C); (2) control diet plus 15 ppm of monensin (M); (3) control diet plus 20 ppm of virginiamycin (V), and control plus M (15 ppm) plus V (20 ppm). Cows received 8 kg/d (as fed) of the experimental diets plus ad libitum Eragrostis curvula hay from 3 weeks prepartum and only the experimental diets from calving until 60 days postpartum. Cows were milked twice daily. Dry matter intake did not differ between treatments, but energy corrected milk production was increased (P < 0.10) by supplementing V + M (43.3 kg/d) when compared to treatments M (36.9 kg/d) and V (37.9 kg/d). Change in body weight tended (P = 0.11) to be lower for cows supplemented with V + M (- 8.1 kg/60 d) when compared to cows receiving the control diet (- 34.2 kg/60 d). Both treatments M and V respectively, decreased blood BHBA and treatment M increased blood glucose when compared to the control diet (P < 0.10). Results suggest a complimentary effect between the two additives monensin and virginiamycin when supplemented to early lactation cows. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Energy balance parameters; Lactating dairy cow; Monensin; Virginiamycin | Bos; Eragrostis; Eragrostis curvula; Medicago sativa; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879295293 | Pelletized feed of different particle sizes: Effects on performance, carcass characteristics and intestinal morphology of two strains of broiler chicken | Aderibigbe O.B., Sogunle O.M., Egbeyale L.T., Abiola S.S., Ladokun O.A., Ajayi O.L. | 2013 | Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science | 36 | 2 | None | Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Physiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Ve | Aderibigbe, O.B., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Sogunle, O.M., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Egbeyale, L.T., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Abiola, S.S., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Ladokun, O.A., Department of Animal Physiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Ajayi, O.L., Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | This study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding pelletized feeds of different particle sizes on the performance, carcass characteristics and intestinal morphology of two strains of broiler chickens. A total of one hundred and eighty (180) birds consisting of 90 birds each of Marshal MY and Hubbard strains of broiler chicken were used in the experiment. They were brooded for 14 days and thereafter divided into two treatment groups, namely, fed with feed of different particle sizes of 1 and 2mm. These were further divided into 3 replicates of 15 chicks and the experimental period was 42 days. The performance of the chicks was monitored weekly. At week eight, 3 birds per replicate were randomly selected, weighed, slaughtered via neck slit, defeathered, singed and eviscerated for carcass evaluation. The intestinal morphometry and histomorphometry of the birds were analysed. Data collected were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial layout and subjected to 2-way Analysis of Variance. Significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in the final weight, weight gain and protein efficiency ratio with Hubbard strain having better values than Marshal. Mortality (P<0.05) was lower in the birds fed with feed particle size of 2 mm. In addition, significantly (P<0.05) higher values were obtained in the head, drum stick, shank and keel of birds fed with feed with particle size of 2mm. Meanwhile, the highest (P<0.05) villus height was recorded for Hubbard fed 2mm feed particle size while Marshal had the least value. Hence, pelletized feed of 2mm particle size was recommended for broiler production. © Universiti Putra Malaysia Press. | Carcass characteristic; Hubbard strain; Intestinal morphology; Marshal strain; Particle size; Pelletized feed; Performance | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864475443 | Growth and reproductive performance of African giant catfish, Heterobranchus longifilis Valenciennes 1840 broodstock on ascorbic acid supplementation | Adeebayo O.T., Fawole F.J. | 2012 | Indian Journal of Fisheries | 59 | 2 | None | Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Division of Fish Nutrition, Biochemistry and Physiology, Central Institute of Fisheries Education Versova, Mumbai-400 061, Maharashtra, India | Adeebayo, O.T., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Fawole, F.J., Division of Fish Nutrition, Biochemistry and Physiology, Central Institute of Fisheries Education Versova, Mumbai-400 061, Maharashtra, India | This study was conducted to determine the effects of different levels of ascorbic acid supplementation on growth, reproductive performance and larval quality of Heterobranchus longifilis female broodstock fishes. Five diets were formulated incorporating ascorbic acid at levels of 0 (control), 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg kg-1. Fish averaging 700 ± 2.84 g were randomly fed with the experimental diets for 8 weeks. Fish fed with control diet had lower weight gain than fish fed with ascorbic acid supplemented diets (p>0.05). The total percentage weight gain and specific growth rate in all treatments were significantly different (p<0.05). The best feed gain ratio and protein efficiency ratio was recorded in 150 and 200 mg kg-1 ascorbic acid. The percentage fertilization and hatchability in all the treatments were significantly different. The best percentage fertilization and hatchability was recorded in 200 mg kg-1 ascorbic acid diet. Diet supplemented with 150 mg kg-1 ascorbic acid performed best in terms of weight of eggs and fecundity than all other treatments. The percentage survival of the progeny was also highest in broodstock fed with diet supplemented with 150 mg kg-1 ascorbic acid. Based on the results of this study, we suggest that ascorbic acid needs to be supplemented at 150-200 mg kg-1 in the diet of female Heterobranchus longifilis broodstock. | African giant catfish; Ascorbic acid; Broodstock; Heterobranchus longifilis; Reproductive performance | Heterobranchus longifilis; Pangasiidae; Pisces | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34047177963 | The effect of wattle tannin on intake, digestibility, nitrogen retention and growth performance of goats in South Africa | Bengaly K., Mhlongo S., Nsahlai I.V. | 2007 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 19 | 4 | None | Institut d'Economie Rurale (1ER), BP 258, Bamako, Mali; School of Agricultural Science and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu- Natal, P/Bag X01 Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa | Bengaly, K., Institut d'Economie Rurale (1ER), BP 258, Bamako, Mali; Mhlongo, S., School of Agricultural Science and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu- Natal, P/Bag X01 Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; Nsahlai, I.V., School of Agricultural Science and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu- Natal, P/Bag X01 Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa | This study was conducted to determine the effect of wattle tannin extract (WTE) on protein utilisation by goats in a metabolism and a growth trial. Iso-nitrogenous diets (18% CP) with the following ingredients: filler, sunflower cake, molasses, hominy chop, vitamin-mineral mix and lucerne hay were formulated and mixed with 0,7.5,15,22.5 and 30 g WTE/kg dry matter (DM). The diets were fed to goats supplemented with 20% (w/w) native pasture hay. In the metabolism trial eighteen male (5 Nguni and 13 Boer) goats, within a live weight range of 21.5 to 37.5 kg (with a mean of 28.6, S.D. = 4.88), were blocked by weight and randomly assigned to the five treatment rations. Incremental levels of WTE in the diet resulted to small and non-significant increases (P>0.05) of total intake (g/day) of dry matter (DM) (mean 1089 ±58.6), organic matter (OM) (mean 902 ± 48.3), and nitrogen (N) (mean 32 ± 1.8) but the intake of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (mean 351 ± 17.6) significantly increased linearly (P<0.05) with increasing WTE dosage. The apparent digestibility (g/kg) of DM (mean (661 ± 17.9) did not change (P>0.05)across treatments. Microbial N supply (g/day) and its efficiency of synthesis were similar across dietary treatments. N digestibility was adversely (P<0.05) affected by the levels of WTE. In response to supplementation with WTE, faecal N (mean 8 ± 0.4 g/day) rose while urinary N excretion (mean 13 ± 1.0 g/day) was not affected, and neither was N retention (mean 10 ± 0.7 g/day). In the growth trial, South African indigenous Nguni and Boer goats (n = 26) were used. Goats were about at 8-24 months of age with live weights ranging from 11 to 28 kg (mean 17.8, S.D. = 3.80 kg). Boer goats converted feed significantly more efficiently than Nguni goats (0.21 vs. 0.17 g gain/g feed, P<0.001). These results indicate that WTE given as dietary supplement is unlikely to improve the protein status and therefore growth performance of goats to a considerable degree. Condensed tannin, goat, growth, nutrient digestibility, protein, wattle. | None | Capra hircus; Helianthus; Medicago sativa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921958716 | Comparative quality evaluation of roasted cashew nut kernel: Effect of roasting methods | Kosoko S.B., Oluwole O.B., Daramola A.O., Adepoju M.A., Oyelakin A.J., Tugbobo-amisu A.O., Alagbe G.O., Elemo G.N. | 2014 | Advance Journal of Food Science and Technology | 6 | 12 | None | Department of Food Technology, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria; Department of Production, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial | Kosoko, S.B., Department of Food Technology, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria; Oluwole, O.B., Department of Food Technology, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria; Daramola, A.O., Department of Food Technology, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria; Adepoju, M.A., Department of Food Technology, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria; Oyelakin, A.J., Department of Production, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria; Tugbobo-amisu, A.O., Department of Food Technology, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria; Alagbe, G.O., Department of Food Technology, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria; Elemo, G.N., Department of Food Technology, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria, Department of Production, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria | This study was conducted to determine the effect of two roasting methods on the chemical, microbial as well as the sensory qualities of cashew nut kernels. Raw cashew nut was processed to obtain the plain cashew kernels and was divided into two portions which were subjected to different roasting treatments using conventionalair oven and halogen oven at a temperature of 200°C for 40 min, respectively. Proximate analysis showed that the conventional-oven roasted cashew kernel had higher moisture content, protein and crude fiber values of 4.68%±0.18, 18.34±0.94 and 2.11±0.08, respectively than the roasted sample using halogen-oven. In halogen-oven roasted kernel, the fat, carbohydrate, fatty acid and metabolizeable energy contents were higher (45.62±0.98, 2.53±0.08, 30.04±0.95, 39.23±0.85 and 2480.04±21.00, respectively). The mineral analysis indicated that the halogen-oven roasted kernels had higher values except in the case of Magnesium (Mg), which was higher in the conventional-oven roasted cashew nuts. The microbial assessment of the cashew kernels showed that halogen-oven cashew roasted kernel had a reduced value in all the microbiological analysis carried out with the exception of staphylococcus count. However, E. coli was not present in any of the cashew kernel samples. Based on the sensory rating, halogen-oven roasted cashew kernel had the highest overall acceptability sensory rating. It was observed that chemical parameters of fat, fatty acid and metabolizable energy show positive correlation at both (p<0.01) and (p<0.05) for the sensory attributes of color, taste, crispiness, flavor and overall acceptability while the chemical parameters of moisture content protein and crude fibre showed a negative correlation for all the sensory attributes. The results of this study indicated that halogen-oven will be better option for producing nutritious and wholesome roasted cashew nut kernels with acceptable sensory qualities. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2014. | Cashew nut kernel; Chemical; Conventional-oven; Halogen oven; Microbial; Sensory | Chemical analysis; Chemicals; Escherichia coli; Fatty acids; Moisture; Moisture determination; Ovens; Proteins; Quality control; Cashew nut; Conventional ovens; Metabolizable energies; Microbial; Microbiological analysis; Overall acceptability; Positive correlations; Sensory; Calcination; Anacardium occidentale; Staphylococcus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-53649085404 | Comparison of the performance, carcass characteristics and haematological parameters of broiler chicks reared in cage and floor | Sogunle O.M., Egbeyale L.T., Bajomo T.T., Bamigboje O.V., Fanimo A.O. | 2008 | Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences | 11 | 3 | 10.3923/pjbs.2008.480.483 | Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Sogunle, O.M., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Egbeyale, L.T., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Bajomo, T.T., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Bamigboje, O.V., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Fanimo, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | This study was conducted to determine the effect of housing systems on the performance, carcass characteristics and the haematology of 150 four-week old Anak titan strains of broiler chicks in a completely randomized design. The birds were allocated randomly into two treatment (cage and floor) groups of three replications containing 25 birds per replicate. They were maintained for a period of 4 weeks and data were collected on; final body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed:gain and mortality. At the 56th week, carcass yield, cut-up parts and organs weights as well as some parameters were measured. The results showed that feed intake and feed:gain were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the cage system. Dressing percentage and breast weight were higher (p<0.05) in the floor housing system while drumstick and lung weight were higher in the cage system. No significant (p>0.05) difference was obtained in the haematology. It was then concluded that an improvement in the floor system could result into a better performance and an increased carcass yield. © 2008 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Anak titan chicks; Carcass yield; Haematology; Housing systems | animal; animal husbandry; article; chicken; comparative study; hematology; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Chickens; Hematology; Aves | None |
| None | None | Evaluation of self-care practices and emotional distress among people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in dar es salaam, tanzania | Mosha T.C.E., Rashidi H. | 2009 | Ecology of Food and Nutrition | 48 | 2 | 10.1080/03670240802577457 | Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Clinical Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Mosha, T.C.E., Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Rashidi, H., Department of Clinical Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | This study was conducted to determine self-care practices and diabetes related emotional distress among people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A cross sectional survey-involving 121 Types 2 diabetics was conducted in 4 diabetic clinics located in Dar es Salaam. Anthropometric and biomedical measurements namely weight, height, waist, hip, mid-upper arm circumference, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose were measured. Self-care practices and diabetic related emotion distress were evaluated by using validated instruments. Results revealed that, the average fasting plasma glucose was 11.2 ± 5.5 mmol/l, blood pressure was 134.7/86.1 mm/Hg and the mean BMI for males and females were 25.0 ± 4.3 and 27.0 ± 5.1 kg/m2, respectively. Subject's self-care score for general diet, specific diet, physical exercise, foot-care and medication were 4.6 ± 2.4, 3.7 ± 1.5, 3.4 ± 1.8, 3.6 v 2.8 and 5.5 ± 2.8 days per week, respectively. Self-monitoring of blood glucose was irregular and only 46.3% of the subjects tested their levels of blood glucose at least once in between the appointments (90 days). Low income was the major limitation for complying with the self-care practices related to diet, blood glucose testing and medication. It is recommended that, the Government of Tanzania should in the short run subsidize the prices of diabetes drugs, remove all taxes on the glucose test kits and establish a national diabetes program that would coordinate and oversee provision of the basic services such as screening, glucose testing, medication, counseling and management of the condition. In the long run, the government should establish a preventive public health program in order to curtail the escalation of diabetes. Further research should be conducted to determine how factors such as socio-cultural and demographic, self-care, and psychosocial distress interact to determine biomedical outcomes such as blood pressure, blood glucose and body mass index. | Anthropometric and biomedical measurements; Blood pressure; Emotion distress; Fasting blood glucose; Foot-care; Self-care practices; Type 2 diabetes mellitus | drug; body mass; diabetes; glucose; public health; adult; aged; article; blood glucose monitoring; blood pressure; body mass; cross-sectional study; diet; emotion; exercise; female; glucose blood level; human; male; mental stress; metabolism; middle aged; non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; poverty; psychological aspect; self care; Tanzania; Adult; Aged; Blood Glucose; Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; Blood Pressure; Body Mass Index; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diet; Emotions; Exercise; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Poverty; Self Care; Stress, Psychological; Tanzania; Africa; Dar es Salaam [Tanzania]; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania | None |
| None | None | Paleolimnological investigations of anthropogenic change in Lake Tanganyika: VIII. Hydrological evaluation of two contrasting watersheds of the Lake Tanganyika catchment | Nkotagu H.H. | 2005 | Journal of Paleolimnology | 34 | 1 | 10.1007/s10933-005-2421-5 | Department of Geology, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O Box 35052, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | Nkotagu, H.H., Department of Geology, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O Box 35052, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | This study was conducted to delineate the impact of human activities on stream flow and water chemistry as well as other factors that influence the chemical character of both surface and groundwater in two contrasting watersheds of the Lake Tanganyika catchment. The study sites the Mwamgongo and Mitumba streams along the northern Tanzanian coastline of the lake are representative of disturbed and undisturbed watersheds, respectively, but are quite similar in other characteristics of slope, bedrock geology and size. Separation of stream flow components was undertaken using classical hydrograph analysis along with chemical methods using both Cl and 18O data. All the data show that groundwater accounts for the predominant source of total stream flow in both the Mwamgongo and Mitumba watersheds (65 and 70% respectively). The streams have an average δ18O of about -3.0% and less than 10 mg/l for Cl. The basin recession constants of 9.4×10-3-d-1 and 9.6×10-3-d-1 for Mwamgongo and Mitumba, respectively, indicate existence of both fissured and fractured aquifer systems. The chemical data exhibit low values of all determined ions. This supported the hypothesis that natural processes influence the water chemical character of the study area. An Mg-HCO3 type of water dominates in the two watersheds. Despite their similar size and bedrock character the Mwamgongo watershed has an order of magnitude in sediment transport than the Mitumba one. The data show that the disturbed watershed discharges less groundwater and more sediments, and has a poorer water quality than the forested Mitumba watershed, which lies within the Gombe National Park. The data show that soil erosion processes are more active at Mwamgongo, and that both the surface runoff component of the total stream flow and increased dissolved salt load is greater in the deforested Mwamgongo watershed than in the Mitumba watershed. The chloride and δ18O data complemented each other in delineating the amounts of groundwater in the total stream flow as the results using both data differed insignificantly. It may be concluded that the undisturbed watershed has a higher retention of good quality water and traps more sediments than the disturbed one. In addition, the groundwater component plays a dominant role in the total annual stream flow at each watershed. © Springer 2005. | Baseflow; Hydrograph; Stable isotopes; Surface runoff; Types of water; Watersheds | anthropogenic effect; deforestation; paleolimnology; soil erosion; watershed; Africa; East African Lakes; Eastern Hemisphere; Lake Tanganyika; Sub-Saharan Africa; World | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874675805 | Evaluation of nutritive value of leaves of tropical tanniferous trees and shrubs | Yisehak K., Janssens G.P.J. | 2013 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 25 | 2 | None | Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P. O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium | Yisehak, K., Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P. O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Janssens, G.P.J., Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium | This study was conducted to compare the nutritive value of indigenous fodder trees and shrubs (IFTS) and assess the relationship between farmers' IFTS preference, the perception of their characteristics, and analyzed nutritional value at two distinct altitudes within the same area (high altitude and low altitude). Results were based on laboratory analyses of plant samples and a diagnostic survey of randomly selected 360 livestock farmers. Fifty IFTS were identified and examined for proximate and fibre components, in vitro digestibility, digestible nutrients, energy and condensed tannins (CT). Farmers scored the identified IFTS on a scale of 1 to 4 on nutritive value, growth rate, biomass, compatibility and multifunctionality. Nutritive value ranged widely among IFTS from 66 to 242 g CP/kg dry matter (DM), 185 to 502 g neutral detergent fibre (NDF)/kg DM, 0.1 to 228 g CT/kg DM, 478 to 745 g total carbohydrate (CHO)/kg DM, 332 to 963 g total digestible nutrients (TDN)/kg DM and 5 to 15 MJ ME/kg DM. Trees showed higher CP contents than shrubs though CHO was higher for shrubs, especially at high altitude (P<0.05). Farmers' scores for nutritive value were positively correlated with CP content of IFTS (r = 0.36; P<0.05). Even though the association was negative for CHO content (P<0.01; r = -0.32), these scores were higher at high altitude (P<0.05). A negative relationship was observed between CT and TA, CP, DMD, OMD, ME and TDN (P<0.05). It was concluded that although variation within shrubs and within trees was high - CP was higher in trees than in shrubs and lower CHO in trees than shrubs, therefore warranting further research in the added value for ranging ruminants' nutritional status of providing fodder tree material instead of only access to pasture and shrubs. Farmers' perception of nutritive value of IFTS was partly associated with protein content, but other unidentified factors were contributing to their preference. Geographical differences exert shifts in the perceived and analyzed nutritive value of IFTS, thus care should be taken when developing recommendations for the use of IFTS in an entire region. | Fodder trees and shrubs; In vitro digestibility; Nutritive value; Tannin; Total digestible nutrients | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82855179478 | Reproductive, growth performance and nutrient utilization of Heterobranchus bidorsalis (Geoffroy, 1809) and its hybrid "Clariabranchus" induced with synthetic hormone and pituitary gland of Heterobranchus bidorsalis | Owodeinde F.G., Ndimele P.E., Anetekhai M.A. | 2011 | International Journal of Zoological Research | 7 | 5 | 10.3923/ijzr.2011.345.357 | Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria | Owodeinde, F.G., Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Ndimele, P.E., Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Anetekhai, M.A., Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria | This study was conducted to assess the reproductive performance, growth rate and nutrient utilization capacities of pure breed Heterobranchus bidorsalis (H. bidorsalis ♀ x H. bidorsalis ♂) and its hybrid (H. bidorsalis ♀ x C. gariepinus ♂) (Clariabranchus) induced with synthetic hormone (ovaprim) and pituitary of male and female Heterobranchus bidorsalis. In this study, 3 female Heterobranchus bidorsalis, 3 male Heterobranchus bidorsalis and 3 male Clarias gariepinus were used for the experiment. One female H. bidorsalis induced with ovaprim produced eggs which were divided into two equal halves. Each half was fertilized separately by milt from H. bidorsalis and C. gariepinus to produce pure breed and hybrid, respectively. A similar crossing was done for the female H. bidorsalis induced with Male Pituitary Extract (MPE) and Female Pituitary Extract (FPE). Percentage fertilization and hatching rate of pure breed induced with ovaprim were significantly (p<0.05) higher than the other genetic crosses. The highest values for weight gain (5.46±1.58 g), average daily growth (0.39±0.11 g) and specific growth rate (1.04±0.16%/day) occurred in pure breed induced with MPE. The lowest values for these growth parameters were obtained in the hybrid induced with FPE. Feed intake, protein intake, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio varied significantly (p<0.05) among the treatments. This study has shown that the pure breeds and hybrids induced with ovaprim and MPE performed better than those induced with FPE. Therefore, they are recommended for commercial aquaculture. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc. | Catfish; Feed utilization; Growth parameters; Induced breeding; Ovaprim; Pituitary extract | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903935462 | Impact of microfinance bank loan on aquaculture development in Ogun State, Nigeria | Jacob O.O., Christianah O.O. | 2013 | Pertanika Journal of Social Science and Humanities | 21 | 3 | None | Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre, University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Jacob, O.O., Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre, University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Christianah, O.O., Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | This study was conducted to assess the impacts of microfinance bank loan on beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries aquaculturists in Ogun state, Nigeria. A total of eighty aquaculturists (40 beneficiaries and 40 non-beneficiaries) were randomly selected from four agricultural extension zones, as classified by Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP). Data collected were scored and the percentages of the parameters were calculated appropriately. The types of loan disbursed to beneficiaries revealed that 27.5% was in kind, 7.5% in cash, and the remaining 65% was both in cash and kind. The credit package ranged between N50,000 and N250,000, with 40% of them ranging between N 100,001 and N150,000 were approved, and 70% of the loans were released timely. The results obtained from the membership of cooperative showed that 87.5% of the beneficiaries and 37.5% of the non-beneficiaries were cooperators. Meanwhile, 65% of the beneficiaries earned a higher income (N62,500), while only 42.5% of the non-beneficiaries earned this amount per respondent. Major constraints hindering aquaculture development in the study area include high cost of feeding, poor marketing channel, lack of adequate capital and high cost of investment. Lastly, recommendations are made for the financial institutions, government and other lending institutions on how to improve the livelihood of the aquaculturists, i.e. by increasing the loans that are usually granted. © Universiti Putra Malaysia Press. | Aquaculture; Constraints; Loan and microfinance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866181215 | Assessment of impacts of tsetse and trypanosomosis control measures on cattle herd composition and performance in southern region, Ethiopia | Taye M., Belihu K., Bekana M., Sheferaw D. | 2012 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 44 | 7 | 10.1007/s11250-012-0134-0 | College of Agriculture, Arba-Minch University, P.O. Box 21, Arba-Minch, Ethiopia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre-Zeit, Ethiopia; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, P. O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia | Taye, M., College of Agriculture, Arba-Minch University, P.O. Box 21, Arba-Minch, Ethiopia; Belihu, K., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre-Zeit, Ethiopia; Bekana, M., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre-Zeit, Ethiopia; Sheferaw, D., Department of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, P. O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia | This study was conducted to assess the impact of tsetse and trypanosomosis control measures on cattle herd size and composition, herd dynamics, and milk yield in Wolaita and Gamogofa Zones, southern Ethiopia. The study showed that the average number of cattle herd size in tsetse challenged areas was significantly higher than those in tsetse-controlled areas. The number of non-pregnant dry cows, bulls and oxen were significantly higher in tsetse challenged areas than the other two study areas. The rate of cattle addition to and disposal from the herd were significantly higher in tsetse challenged areas. Cows in Southern Tsetse Eradication Project (STEP) and community tsetse controlled areas were able to give 26-27 %, 25-29 % and 17-21 % more daily milk yield at the beginning, middle and end of lactation, respectively, than those in tsetse-challenged areas. In addition, cows in STEP and community tsetse controlled areas had lactation length longer by 1. 20 to 1. 35 months; age at first calving was shorter by 5. 30 to 5. 10 months; and calving interval was shorter by 4. 20 to 3. 20 months than cows in tsetse-challenged area, respectively. Hence, tsetse and trypanosomosis control both by the community and project would play key role in the improvement of cattle productivity. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Ethiopia; Herd dynamics; Trypanosomosis; Tsetse | animal; animal husbandry; article; case control study; cattle; cross-sectional study; dairying; Ethiopia; female; Glossinidae; insect control; longitudinal study; male; milk; nagana; parasitology; pathophysiology; population density; questionnaire; reproduction; secretion (process); Animal Husbandry; Animals; Case-Control Studies; Cattle; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dairying; Ethiopia; Female; Insect Control; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Milk; Population Density; Questionnaires; Reproduction; Trypanosomiasis, Bovine; Tsetse Flies; Bos; Glossina (genus) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-66349115310 | Evaluation of growth and carbon storage as influenced by soil chemical properties and moisture on teak (Tectona grandis) in Ashanti region, Ghana | Watanabe Y., Masunaga T., Owusu-Sekyere E., Buri M.M., Oladele O.I., Wakatsuki T. | 2009 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 7 | 2 | None | Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Matsue 690-8504, Japan; Forest Research Institute of Ghana, University Box 63, Kumasi, Ghana; Soil Research Institute, Kwadaso, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Agricultural Economics, Education and Extension, Botswana College of Agriculture, University of Botswana, P/Bag 0027, Gaborone, Botswana; Faculty of Agriculture, Kinki University, Nara 332-7204, Japan | Watanabe, Y., Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Matsue 690-8504, Japan; Masunaga, T., Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Matsue 690-8504, Japan; Owusu-Sekyere, E., Forest Research Institute of Ghana, University Box 63, Kumasi, Ghana; Buri, M.M., Soil Research Institute, Kwadaso, Kumasi, Ghana; Oladele, O.I., Department of Agricultural Economics, Education and Extension, Botswana College of Agriculture, University of Botswana, P/Bag 0027, Gaborone, Botswana; Wakatsuki, T., Faculty of Agriculture, Kinki University, Nara 332-7204, Japan | This study was conducted to assess the growth and carbon storage of Tectona grandis (Verbenaceae) and to evaluate the influence of chemical properties and moisture of soil on teak (Tectona grandis) growth in Afrensu Brohuma Forest Reserve, Ghana. Teak growth was classified as good (1), medium (2) and poor growth (3) and aboveground biomass and carbon storage were estimated. The aboveground carbon storage and chemical properties of soils in the study sites and those of other teak plantations and different tree species were compared and the relationships between the volumetric water content of soils and growth class of teak were determined. Precipitation seemed to influence height and aboveground biomass of teak. The soil total N and exchangeable K in the study sites were lower than those in other teak plantations in the region. The volumetric water content in soils of most Class 1 sites was significantly higher than that in Class 2 sites. Consequently, teak growth was probably affected by some chemical properties and moisture status of soils in the present study sites. It is therefore necessary to preserve the teak plantation on long term to achieve efficient carbon storage in a plantation for carbon projects. | Biomass; Carbon storage; Growth class; K; N; Plantation; Soil chemical properties; Soil moisture; Teak; Tectona grandis; Tree growth | carbon; nitrogen; potassium; water; article; biomass; carbon storage; comparative study; controlled study; forest; Ghana; nonhuman; plant growth; plant height; plantation; precipitation; soil chemistry; soil moisture; species; tectona grandis; Verbenaceae; volumetry; water content; Tectona grandis; Verbenaceae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953415633 | Impact of heavy metal contamination of Akaki river of Ethiopia on soil and metal toxicity on cultivated vegetable crops | Prabu P.C. | 2009 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 8 | 9 | None | Assistant Professor and PG Coordinator (Env.Science), Ambo University College, Ambo, Ethiopia | Prabu, P.C., Assistant Professor and PG Coordinator (Env.Science), Ambo University College, Ambo, Ethiopia | This study was conducted to assess the extent of heavy metal contamination of vegetables due to irrigation with polluted Akaki River water, Ethiopia on agricultural land. Samples of water, soil and different vegetables grown using Akaki River water have been analysed for seven heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe and Ni using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results show that the heavy metals in Akaki water were higher than the natural elemental levels in freshwater. The heavy metals content in soil was higher than vegetable samples and the reason might be due to their strong adsorptive nature in soil (vertisol). The concentration of Cr in all vegetables was more than the maximum limit. The Cd accumulation was more in leafy vegetables than other vegetables under study. Metal transfer factors from soil to vegetables were significant for Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe and Cd and accumulation of Cr and Ni was comparatively less while that of Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn is more in vegetable plants. | Akaki water; Heavy metals; Soil; Vegetables and transfer factor | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051611450 | Conceptions and practices in teaching and learning: Implications for the evaluation of teaching quality | Zerihun Z., Beishuizen J., van Willem O.S. | 2011 | Quality in Higher Education | 17 | 2 | 10.1080/13538322.2011.582793 | Department of Psychology, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Center for Educational Training, Assessment and Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands | Zerihun, Z., Department of Psychology, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Beishuizen, J., Department of Psychology, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; van Willem, O.S., Center for Educational Training, Assessment and Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands | This study was conducted in two public universities in Ethiopia to assess the impact of conceptions of teaching and learning on the evaluation of teaching quality. Students' and teachers' approaches to teaching and learning and their conceptions of the meaning of teaching have been examined. Results indicated that both teachers and students predominantly perceive teaching as transmitting knowledge and assessment as recall of factual knowledge. For the students, the mean values for teaching as transmitting knowledge and assessment as recall of facts were significantly correlated. The experiences and conceptions of both teachers and students reflect a teacher-focused approach to teaching and learning. The teaching evaluation questionnaire also reflects teacher performance as indicator of effectiveness. Improving the measure should be considered as a means of changing teachers' and students' conceptions of teaching and learning. © 2011 Taylor & Francis. | Feedback from students; Feedback to students; Higher education; Quality; Teaching and learning conceptions; Teaching evaluation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70350271441 | Milk yield and reproductive performance of dairy cattle under smallholder management system in North-eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia | Abraha S., Belihu K., Bekana M., Lobago F. | 2009 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 41 | 7 | 10.1007/s11250-009-9352-5 | Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | Abraha, S., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Belihu, K., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Bekana, M., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Lobago, F., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | This study was conducted in South Wollo Zone of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, to assess the milk yield and reproductive performance of indigenous and crossbred cattle under smallholder management conditions. Questionnaire survey was used to collect retrospective data on the performance of dairy cattle in 186 households. Thirty two postpartum cows (16 indigenous and 16 crossbred) were selected purposively and monitored for five months and milk samples were collected twice per week from each cow to determine postpartum ovarian activity using ELISA techniques. Daily milk yields at all stages of lactation were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in crossbred than indigenous cows. Crossbred cows had significantly (P < 0.01) longer lactation length and shorter age at first calving, while calving interval was significantly shorter in cows that gave previous calves during the wet season than the dry season. Only six cows (18.8%) showed heat signs on an average of 136 days postpartum of which one was a crossbred and five were indigenous. While, 11 cows (34.3%) resumed ovarian activity until 150 th day postpartum among which three were crossbred and eight were indigenous. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V 2009. | Dairy cattle; Ethiopia; Milk yield; Reproductive performance; Smallholder | progesterone; animal; animal husbandry; article; cattle; chemistry; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; Ethiopia; female; fertility; genetics; lactation; methodology; milk; physiology; questionnaire; reproduction; socioeconomics; statistics; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Cattle; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Ethiopia; Female; Fertility; Lactation; Milk; Progesterone; Questionnaires; Reproduction; Socioeconomic Factors; Bos | None |
| None | None | Evaluation of botanical products as stored grain protectant against maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamays (L.) on maize | Mulungu L.S., Lupenza G., Reuben S.O.W.M., Misangu R.N. | 2007 | Journal of Entomology | 4 | 3 | None | Pest Management Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Crop Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3005, Morogoro, Tanzania; Pest Management Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3110, Morogoro, Tanzania | Mulungu, L.S., Pest Management Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania, Pest Management Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3110, Morogoro, Tanzania; Lupenza, G., Department of Crop Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3005, Morogoro, Tanzania; Reuben, S.O.W.M., Department of Crop Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3005, Morogoro, Tanzania; Misangu, R.N., Department of Crop Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3005, Morogoro, Tanzania | This study was conducted in order to evaluate leaf powder botanical products of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha F. Muell), pawpaw (Carica papaya L.), neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) and lantana (Lantana camara L.) against the infestation of maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamays (L.) on stored maize grains. These botanicals were compared with synthetic chemical (Actellic Super Dust) and without insecticides application as controls. All tested plant products performed well in the reduction of live insects during maize storage as compared to the no insecticide application. However, pawpaw leaf powder was the most effective in reducing the number of live insects. Similarly, number of damaged maize seeds was relatively less in grains treated with pawpaw leaf powder. This also reflects on the weight loss where the maize grains treated with pawpaw leaf powder were lowest. The weight loss was also less in grains treated with neem and eucalyptus leaf powders. This study suggests that pawpaw, neem and eucalyptus leaf powders can be used as good alternatives to synthetic pesticides against S. zeamays. © 2007 Academic Journals. | Botanical product; Maize protectant; Sitophilus zeamays | Asimina triloba; Azadirachta indica; Carica papaya; Eucalyptus; Eucalyptus macrorhyncha; Hexapoda; Lantana; Lantana camara; Sitophilus; Sitophilus zeamais; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33644510772 | Evaluation of the abortifacient properties of chloroform extract of Carica papaya L. seed in female albino rats | Raji Y., Morakinyo A.O., Akinsomisoye O.S., Oloyo A.K., Esegbue-Peters P.R.C., Kunle-Alabi O.T. | 2006 | International Journal of Pharmacology | 2 | 1 | 10.3923/ijp.2006.20.23 | Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Physiology, Olabisi On | Raji, Y., Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Morakinyo, A.O., Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Akinsomisoye, O.S., Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Oloyo, A.K., Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Esegbue-Peters, P.R.C., Department of Physiology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ikenne, Nigeria; Kunle-Alabi, O.T., Department of Physiology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ikenne, Nigeria | This study was carried out to investigate the impact of oral administration of chloroform extract of Carica papaya seed (CPE) on implantation and pregnancy in female albino rats. The study was divided into three experimental sections. Each section was subdivided into 4 groups treated, respectively with 25, 50 and 100 mg kg-1 b.w CPE and 2.5% tween 80 in normal saline (vehicle for CPE; control). Rats in section 1 were treated with CPE for two weeks before mating (pre-coital). Rats in section 2 were administered CPE from day 1 of pregnancy till term (post coital) while rats in section 3 received the extract for two weeks before mating and thereafter throughout term (pre and post-coital). Implantation sites and resorptions were determined in some of the pregnant rats after laparotomy. The gestation period, litter size and fetal weight were recorded in the remaining rats. The litters were also observed for any morphological alterations. The extract treated rats had significant decreases in litter size and implantation count (p<0.01). The percentage resorptions increased in a dose dependent manner while the fetal weight and morphology remain unchanged when compared with the normal untreated control groups. The percentage resorptions were high in CPE treated rats when compared with the control group. None of the 100 mg kg-1 b.w CPE treated female rats had litters. The results suggest that the chloroform extract of Carica papaya seed has anti-implantation and abortifacient properties in female albino rats. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Abortion; Carica papaya seed; Implantation; Pregnancy | abortive agent; Carica papaya extract; chloroform; animal experiment; animal model; article; breeding; controlled study; dose response; embryo resorption; female; fetus; fetus weight; gestation period; herbal medicine; laparotomy; litter size; mating; morphology; nidation; nonhuman; papaya; plant seed; rat | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951663028 | Impact of economic depression on the education of male and female undergraduates in Nigeria | Sola A., Iyiomo O.A., Okaima O.G. | 2009 | Social Sciences | 4 | 6 | None | Department of Educational Management, Lagos State University, Ojo, Nigeria | Sola, A., Department of Educational Management, Lagos State University, Ojo, Nigeria; Iyiomo, O.A., Department of Educational Management, Lagos State University, Ojo, Nigeria; Okaima, O.G., Department of Educational Management, Lagos State University, Ojo, Nigeria | This study was carried out to examine the challenges of economic depression on the education of male and female undergraduates in Nigeria. As a descriptive research design, it made use of some indicators for measuring the state of the Nigerian economy such as exchange rate, inflation rate, GDP per capital growth rate, foreign direct investment and consumer price index. Four public universities were selected through simple random sampling for the study. The participants were made up of 225 male and 225 female undergraduates, while reliability coefficient of the validated instrument was found to be 0.75. Data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics tools. The findings revealed that there was no significant difference between the effects of economic hardship on male and female undergraduates in Nigeria (t-cal 0.249 <t-value = 0.819; df = 6, p>05). The implication of this study proved that gender discrimination in the country was not tied to economic hardship, but ecosystemic thinking of the society, which is presently decreasing with reference to tertiary institutions enrolment. © Medwell Journals, 2009. | Budgetary allocations education; Economic disequilibrium; Ecosystemic thinking; Under funding | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650995038 | Calf survival and reproductive performance of Holstein-Friesian cows in central Ethiopia | Yalew B., Lobago F., Goshu G. | 2011 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 43 | 2 | 10.1007/s11250-010-9697-9 | Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Production Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34 Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | Yalew, B., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Production Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34 Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Lobago, F., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Production Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34 Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Goshu, G., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Production Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34 Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | This study was carried out to evaluate the reproductive performance and calves survival rate of Holstein-Friesian (HF) herd in Holeta, central highland of Ethiopia. A retrospective analysis of 26 years data was carried out, from which records of 724 age at first calving (AFC), 2,022 calving intervals (CI), 2,971 breeding efficiencies (BE), 260 abortions, 111 stillbirths were derived from 795 cows. Moreover, 738 female calves' records were also included for survival rate study. The overall least squares means of AFC, CI, and BE were 40.9 ± 0.33 months, 475 ± 2.84 days, 81.9 ± 0.26%, respectively, while the incidence rates of abortion, stillbirth, and female calves survival rate for this herd were 8.0%, 3.4%, and 77.5%, respectively. The effects of parity number and year of birth/calving on CI and BE were significant (P<0.001). Moreover, birth year had significant (P<0.001) effect on AFC and calves survival rate, while calving season had significant effect on BE. The reproductive performance found in this study was lower than the performance reported in many tropical regions and the genetic potential of HF breed in their origins. Moreover, higher loss due to calf mortality was observed. Thus, the centre should consider appropriate measures to improve its herd reproductive performance and calves survival rate for attaining its aspired objectives. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Calf survival; Ethiopia; Holstein-Friesian herd; Reproductive performance | animal; animal disease; animal husbandry; article; cattle; cattle disease; Ethiopia; female; male; mortality; physiology; reproduction; retrospective study; stillbirth; veterinary abortion; Abortion, Veterinary; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Ethiopia; Female; Male; Mortality; Reproduction; Retrospective Studies; Stillbirth; Friesia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952601356 | Chemical evaluation of the nutritive quality of pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] | Akande K.E., Abubakar M.M., Adegbola T.A., Bogoro S.E., Doma U.D. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 1 | None | Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B0248, Bauchi State, Nigeria | Akande, K.E., Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B0248, Bauchi State, Nigeria; Abubakar, M.M., Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B0248, Bauchi State, Nigeria; Adegbola, T.A., Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B0248, Bauchi State, Nigeria; Bogoro, S.E., Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B0248, Bauchi State, Nigeria; Doma, U.D., Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B0248, Bauchi State, Nigeria | This study was carried out to evaluate the proximate and amino acid compositions of samples of raw and roasted pigeon pea seeds. The following range of values were obtained for dry matter (95.89-96.34%), crude protein (21.03-21.07%), crude fat (4.43-5.96%), crude fibre (7.16-7.52%) and ash (3.76-4.02%) respectively for the raw and roasted seeds of pigeon pea. While values for nitrogen free extract ranged from 57.77-59.51% for the roasted and raw pigeon pea seeds respectively. Results from the amino acid analysis revealed that some amino acids like arginine, aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, alanine, leucine and tyrosine had their concentration in the seeds increased with heat processing, while other amino acids were not. On the whole, the concentration of glutamic acid was found to be the highest in the pigeon pea, with a value of 14.21 g/16 gN for the roasted seeds. Lysine showed the highest concentration among the indispensable amino acids (7.79 g/16 gN for the raw seeds and 7.55 g/16 gN for the roasted seeds). Pigeon pea seed was found to be deficient in the sulphur-containing amino acids (cystine and methionine). © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Amino acid; Composition; Evaluation; Pigeon pea; Proximate | Cajanus cajan | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876259526 | Effects of beak amputation and sex on the pecking rate damage and performance parameters of Turkey | Allinson I.B., Ekunseitan D.A., Ayoola A.A., Iposu S.O., Idowu O.M.O., Ogunade I.M., Osho S.O. | 2013 | Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences | 16 | 19 | 10.3923/pjbs.2013.1022.1027 | Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Allinson, I.B., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ekunseitan, D.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ayoola, A.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Iposu, S.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Idowu, O.M.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ogunade, I.M., Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Osho, S.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of sex and beak trimming on pecking and the performance of turkeys. Five hundred and forty unsexed, day old British United Turkey poults were was divided into 3 treatments based on beak trimming at 0, 1/4, 1/3 measured from the tip of the beak inwards with 3 replicates of 60 poults each experiment 1 while 480 turkeys (240 each of male and female) were transferred and allotted to 4 treatment groups of 120 birds each and 4 replicates of 30 turkeys each in experiment 2. Data on performance response and severity of pecking were taken and subjected to one-way analysis of variance in a completely randomised design (experiment 1) and 2x2 factorial layout (factors were sex and beak trimming). Results showed that beak trimming had no significant (p>0.05) effect on all the performance parameters of turkey poults except feed intake while sex and beak trimming had significant (p<0.05) effect on performance indices of turkey. Debeaked male and female recorded higher feed intake, protein intake and feed conversion ratio. There was higher rate of aggressive pecking among the Toms than in the Hens and severity of damage was higher in undebeaked turkeys than the debeaked. Beak trimming can greatly reduce the severity of damage caused by aggressive pecking and should be done twice (6 and 14th week) at 1/4 measured from the tip of the beak. © 2013 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Beak trimming; Pecking rate damage; Performance; Sex; Turkeys | amputation; animal; animal behavior; animal food; article; beak; body weight; eating; feeding behavior; female; male; methodology; physiology; randomization; turkey (bird); Amputation; Animal Feed; Animals; Beak; Behavior, Animal; Body Weight; Eating; Feeding Behavior; Female; Male; Random Allocation; Turkeys; Aves; Meleagris gallopavo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80655146436 | Evaluation of different processing methods on the nutrient composition of broiler litter and its utilization by weaner pigs in the tropics | Akinfala E.O., Komolafe O.B. | 2011 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 23 | 11 | None | Department of Animal Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria | Akinfala, E.O., Department of Animal Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria; Komolafe, O.B., Department of Animal Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria | This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different processing methods on the nutrient composition of broiler litter and its replacement value with palm kernel cake in the diets of weaner pigs on the performance, hematological indices and economics of production of growing pigs for eight weeks. Four experimental diets were formulated. Diet 1 which had 0% processed broiler litter served as the control, while diets 2, 3 and 4 contained 20% of ensiled, composted and sun-dried broiler litter respectively. A total of about ten weeks old sixteen weaner pigs (large white x Hampshire) with an initial mean body weight of 8.41 + 2.59kg were used in this study in a completely randomized design. There were four pigs per treatment and each pig represents a replicate. The results of this study showed that the different processing methods of ensiling, composting and sun drying affected (p < 0.05) the nutrient composition of broiler litter especially at the level of crude protein and crude fibre. The results further showed that average final body weight (20.0 - 21.2kg) and feed/gain ratio (2.35 - 2.64) were not affected (p > 0.05) by the dietary treatments. The average daily gain (218 - 246g) with highest value occurring in diet 1 and lowest in diet 4 and average daily feed intake (560 - 578g) with highest value in diet 1 and lowest value in diet 3 were affected (p < 0.05) by the dietary treatments. The hematological indices such as packed cell volume (29 - 33%), red blood cell (6.70 - 7.00 x 10 6/mol 3) and white blood cell (9,600 - 11,800 x 10 3ul) were not affected (p>0.05) by the dietary treatments. The economics of production results obtained showed that it was more economical to raise pigs using broiler litter at 20% of the diet. The results obtained from this study showed that processing methods such as ensiling, composting and sun-drying improved the nutrient composition of broiler litter and more over, processed broiler litter can be included up to 20% in the diet of growing pigs without any deleterious affect on the performance, hematological indices and economics of production in the diet of growing pig in the tropics. | Broiler litter; Experimental animals; Experimental diets; Hematology; Heterotrophic bacteria; Nutrient composition; Performance; Processed broiler litter; Weaner pigs | Animalia; Bacteria (microorganisms); Pieris brassicae; Suidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863193070 | Biochemical and histological impact of Vernonia amygdalina supplemented diet in obese rats | Atangwho I.J., Edet E.E., Uti D.E., Obi A.U., Asmawi M.Z., Ahmad M. | 2012 | Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences | 19 | 3 | 10.1016/j.sjbs.2012.05.003 | Department of Biochemistry, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univers | Atangwho, I.J., Department of Biochemistry, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Nigeria, Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria; Edet, E.E., Department of Biochemistry, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Nigeria; Uti, D.E., Department of Biochemistry, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Nigeria; Obi, A.U., Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria; Asmawi, M.Z., School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800, Penang, Malaysia; Ahmad, M., School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800, Penang, Malaysia | This study was carried out to evaluate the anti-obesity effect of Vernonia amygdalina Del. (VA) supplemented diet. VA leaf powder was fed at 5% and 15% to diet-induced obese rats for 4. weeks and its effect compared with orlistat (5.14. mg/kg p.o.), an anti-obesity drug. Food intake, body and organ weights, total body fat, some lipid components and amino transaminase activities in serum, hepatocytes and brain; as well as serum glucose, were measured during or at end of the study. Result showed respective decrease of 12.78% and 38.51% in body weight gain, of VA fed rats against 17.45% of orlistat at end of study (P< 0.05); but with no effect on food intake. Total body fat was lowered by 28.04% and 30.02% vs. obese control rats (CDC) (P< 0.05). Furthermore, serum triacylglycerol (TG), serum and brain total cholesterol (TCHOL), were down regulated at 15% VA supplementation (P< 0.05). Serum glucose which increased in obese rats by 46.26% (P< 0.05) vs. NC, indicating intolerance, was restored by VA (38.75% and 34.65%) and orlistat (31.80%) vs. CDC (P< 0.05). VA diet also exerted hepato-protection, via lowering serum alanine amino transaminase (ALT) (41.35% and 27.13%) and aspartate amino transaminase (AST) (17.09% and 43.21%) activities (P< 0.05). Orlistat had no effect on these enzymes. Histology of adipose tissue corroborated the changes on total body fat. We concluded that, diet supplemented with VA can attenuate dietary obesity as well as ameliorates the potential risks of hepato-toxicity and glucose intolerance associated with obesity. © 2012 King Saud University. | Adipose tissue; Diet-induced obesity; Glucose intolerance; Histology; Lipid profile; Total body fat; Vernonia amygdalina Del. | Gymnanthemum amygdalinum; Rattus; Vernonia amygdalina | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052825092 | Evaluation of ginger (Zingiber officinale) as a feed additive in broiler diets | Mohammed A.A., Yusuf M. | 2011 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 23 | 9 | None | Department of Animal Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria | Mohammed, A.A., Department of Animal Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Yusuf, M., Department of Animal Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria | This study was carried out to evaluate ginger (Zingiber officinale) as a feed additive in broiler diets. Thus, eighty four day old Anak strain broiler chicks were fed on various levels of supplemental ginger in addition to a control diet (treatment1) without ginger inclusion. The treatments had 250g, 500g and 750g supplemental ginger inclusion per 100 kg diet respectively. There were no differences among treatments in all the performance parameters observed. Further studies should be carried out on the use of ginger as a feed additive in broiler diets. | Antibiotics; Broiler; Diets; Feed additives; Pro-nutrients | Zingiber officinale | None |
| None | None | Reproductive and lactation performances of Ayrshire and Boran crossbred cattle kept in smallholder farms in Mufindi district, Tanzania | Chenyambuga S.W., Mseleko K.F. | 2009 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 21 | 7 | None | Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O.Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania | Chenyambuga, S.W., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O.Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Mseleko, K.F., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O.Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania | This study was carried out to determine the reproduction and lactation parameters of Ayrshire x Boran F1 crosses kept by small-scale farmers in Mufindi district, Tanzania. The study involved 48 small-scale dairy farmers located in six villages. The mean (± s.e.) herd size of the selected farmers was 3.7 ± 0.3. Data on breeding dates, calving dates, drying off dates, daily milk yield and deaths of calves were obtained from records kept by the selected farmers from 1997 to 2007. The data were used to compute age at first calving, calving interval, days open, number of services per conception, calf mortality, lactation milk yield, lactation length and dry period. The overall mean for age at first calving (AFC) was 38.4 ± 0.5 months and for calving interval was 402.6 ± 3.0 days. The AFC was significantly (P ≤ 0.001) influenced by the season of birth while calving interval was significantly (P ≤ 0.001) affected by the year of calving and parity. The overall mean length of the days open period was 100.7 ± 3.6 days. Year of calving, season of calving and parity significantly (P≤ 0.05) affected the length of the days-open period. The number of services per conception was between 2 and 3. The overall calf mortality rate was 18.2% and was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influenced by year of birth and sex of the animal. The overall mean lactation length was 287.7 ± 2.5 days. Lactation milk yield increased with parity from 1260.6 to 1760.5 litres in the first and fourth parity, respectively. Lactation length and lactation milk yield were significantly (P≤ 0.05) affected by year of calving and parity. The overall mean dry period was 107.5 ± 4.5 days. The dry period was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by year of calving, season of calving and parity. It is concluded that the performance of the Boran x Ayrshire crossbred cows in the study area is unsatisfactory due to advanced age at first calving, prolonged calving intervals, shorter lactation length, lower lactation milk yield and high calf mortality rate. | Age at first calving; Calf mortality; Calving interval; Lactation length; Milk yield | Animalia; Bos | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878515033 | Effect of sun-dried, soaked and cooked wild cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) meal on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of broilers | Adejoro F.A., Ijadunola T.I., Odetola O.M., Omoniyi B.A. | 2013 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 25 | 6 | None | Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ikole Campus, Nigeria; Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan, Nigeria | Adejoro, F.A., Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ikole Campus, Nigeria; Ijadunola, T.I., Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan, Nigeria; Odetola, O.M., Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan, Nigeria; Omoniyi, B.A., Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ikole Campus, Nigeria | This study was carried out to determine the performance of broilers fed diets containing wild cocoyam meal (WCM) using sun drying, soaking or cooking as processing methods to improve its nutritive value as a replacement for maize in broiler diets. Seven experimental diets were formulated with diet 1 (control) containing 0% WCM, while diets 2 to 7 contained sun dried (Su), soaked (So) or cooked (Co) wild cocoyam meal each at 10% and 20% inclusion levels respectively. Two hundred and fifty two (252) one-day old broiler chicks sourced from a commercial hatchery were allocated into 7 treatments of 12 birds in 3 replicates in a completely randomised design and dietary treatment lasting 56days. Soaking and cooking significantly reduced the anti-nutritional factors in wild cocoyam meal better than sun drying. Final body weight, average weight gain and average daily weight gain were significantly different (P<0.05) among the treatments. Control, So10, Co10 and Co20 showed better utilisation of feed than Su10, Su20 and So20. However, total feed consumption and average daily feed intake were not significantly different among the treatments. There were no significant differences in the overall carcass characteristics between the control diets and the varying levels of inclusion. It can be concluded that soaking and cooking were adequate to remove toxic phytochemicals in wild cocoyam meal to tolerable levels for broiler diets and inclusion up to 20% is advisable. At this level, growth and carcass characteristics were not significantly affected compared to the control diet. However, sun drying may be used as a treatment method when inclusion level is limited to 10% of total ration. | Anti-nutritional factors; Oxalate; Tannins; Taro; Toxicity | Aves; Colocasia esculenta; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646446481 | Impact of segregation and inclusive education at the basic education level on children with low vision in Ghana | Agbeke W.K. | 2005 | International Congress Series | 1282 | None | 10.1016/j.ics.2005.05.039 | Department of Special Education, University of Education, P.O. Box 25, Winneba, Ghana | Agbeke, W.K., Department of Special Education, University of Education, P.O. Box 25, Winneba, Ghana | This study was carried out to determine the impact that both segregation and inclusive education at the Basic Level have on children with low vision in Ghana. In all, 54 participants were involved in the study. The instruments used in the collection of data for this study were a semi-structured interview schedule and a questionnaire. Both interview and questionnaire items were based on, academic performance, orientation and mobility, activities of daily living, social interaction and the challenges and prospects of the two programmes. The results showed that visually impaired children from both programmes have problems with movement initially but overcome it after a year. Socially, children from inclusive programmes better participated in family and community activities than their counterparts in the special school. There was no significant difference in the academic performance of children from the two programmes. The two programmes have challenges but the prospects of inclusive education looks brighter. There is a balance in terms of academic performance and socialization. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Education; Ghana; Inclusive education; Segregation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-49249094503 | Growth performance of grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) eating leaf and stem fractions of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) | Annor S.Y., Kagya-Agyemang J.K., Abbam J.E.Y., Oppong S.K., Agoe I.M. | 2008 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 20 | 8 | None | Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana | Annor, S.Y., 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; Abbam, J.E.Y., Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana; Oppong, S.K., Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana; Agoe, I.M., Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana | This study was carried out to determine the growth performance of grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus) when fed on leaf and stem fractions of guinea grass. Eighteen (18) three month old male grasscutters were randomly assigned in equal numbers to three treatment diets consisting of Guinea Grass Leave fraction (GGL), Guinea Grass Stem fraction (GGS) and Whole Plant of Guinea Grass (GGW). The results of the chemical analysis of the treatment diets indicated that the nutritive value of the GGL was better than that of GGS and GGW. There were no significant differences between treatments for mean daily feed intake (P>0.05). However, animals fed GGL performed better than those fed GGS and GGW in terms of total weight gain, mean daily weight gain and feed efficiency (P<0.05). Animals fed GGS produced better lean meat compared to those on GGL and GGW (P<0.05). The mean dressing percentage of animals fed GGL was significantly higher than those on GGW and GGS (P<0.05). The results of this work suggest that the leaf portion of elephant grass is more nutritious than the stem portion. This implies that the current practice in Ghana whereby farmers cut off the leaves of the grass and feed only the stem fraction to the animals is a waste of feed resources, and should be discouraged. | Carcass characteristics; Feed efficiency; Feed intake; Nutritive value; Weight gain | Animalia; Panicum maximum; Pennisetum purpureum; Thryonomys swinderianus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897585708 | Genetic parameters and factors affecting reproductive performance of White Fulani cattle in southwestern, Nigeria | Olawumi S.O., Salako A.E. | 2010 | Global Veterinaria | 5 | 5 | None | Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, P.M.B. 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Olawumi, S.O., Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, P.M.B. 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Salako, A.E., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | This study was carried out to determine the effects of sex of calf, age of cow and season of calving on calf birth weight in a herd of White Fulani cattle. The breed is dual purpose and trypano-toleramt. Data on 148 calves comprising of 66 males and 82 females were taken into account in this analysis. Average birth weight recorded for the calves was 23.82kg. Sex of calves significantly (P<0.05) influenced birth weight with male calves having superior values than females. The mean values were 24.54±0.51 and 23.19±0.48kg for males and females, respectively. Season of calving and age of cow had no significant effect on birth weight. Low repeatability estimate (R=0.28±0.01) was reported for birth weight in this herd. This implies that more records will be required per cow before any culling could be done in order to improve the herd's future performance. © IDOSI Publications, 2010. | Birth; Calf; Repeatability; Season; Sex | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878769150 | Radiologic evaluation of clavicular morphology in southern Nigerians [Evaluación radiólogica de la morfología clavicular en Nigerianos del Sur] | Udoaka A.I., Nwokediuko A.U. | 2013 | International Journal of Morphology | 31 | 1 | 10.4067/S0717-95022013000100014 | Department of Anatomy, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Udoaka, A.I., Department of Anatomy, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Nwokediuko, A.U., Department of Anatomy, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | This study was carried out to derive empirical values and indices for which clavicles on a radiograph can be correctly sexed. 1000 radiographic left clavicles of adults of both sexes (500 males and 500 females) ranging from ages 25 - 60 yrs collated from the Radiology departments of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and The General Hospital Calabar, all in Southern Nigeria, were used in this study. The values obtained in this study showed that, the males had Sternal head length of 2.52±0.33 cm, Acromial head length of 1.66±0.25 cm, a mid shaft diameter of 2.01 cm and body length of 15.28±0.66 cm. The female Sternal head length was 2.18±0.37 cm, Acromial head length was 1.65±0.22 cm, mid shaft diameter was 1.48 cm and the mean body length was 14.56±0.51 cm. The sternal head of the males was significantly longer than the females (P<0.001) but the body and acromial head lengths were not. The length / mid shaft diameter ratio and the product of the length and mid shaft diameter were also derived. The use of the demarking point analysis to identify sex showed very low percentages in all the parameters studied. | Clavicle; Demarking point; Radiographs | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-28344443375 | The impact of access to animal health services on donkey health and livelihoods in Ethiopia | Curran M.M., Feseha G., Smith D.G. | 2005 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 37 | None | 10.1007/s11250-005-9008-z | Villardi Consulting, Singapore; Donkey Sanctuary, Veterinary Faculty, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Department of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX, United Kingdom | Curran, M.M., Villardi Consulting, Singapore; Feseha, G., Donkey Sanctuary, Veterinary Faculty, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Smith, D.G., Department of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX, United Kingdom | This study was carried out to assess the impact of animal healthcare services on poor donkey owners in Ethiopia. The services provided by the Donkey Sanctuary were used as a case study. A questionnaire survey was designed and carried out in the areas around Debre Zeit in the Highlands of Ethiopia. The staff carried out a survey at 10 sites. Six of these were in Donkey Sanctuary project areas and four were in control areas. The results showed that in project areas donkeys were significantly healthier and more productive than in non-project areas. Donkey owners in project sites felt better off for having access to animal healthcare services; donkey owners in non-project sites were less confident about their incomes and the health of their animals. © 2005 Springer. | Donkey; Ethiopia; Health services; Livelihood | agriculture; animal; animal welfare; article; Ethiopia; female; horse; human; male; questionnaire; socioeconomics; veterinary medicine; Agriculture; Animal Welfare; Animals; Equidae; Ethiopia; Female; Humans; Male; Questionnaires; Socioeconomic Factors; Veterinary Medicine; Animalia; Equus asinus | None |
| None | None | The indigenous cattle of the Southern Highlands of Tanzania: Distinct phenotypic features, performance and uses | Msanga Y.N., Mwakilembe P.L., Sendalo D. | 2012 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 24 | 7 | None | Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, P.O. Box 9152, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Uyole Livestock research Centre, P.O. Box 400 Mbeya, Tanzania; National Livestock research Institute, P.O. Box 202 Mpwapwa, Tanzania | Msanga, Y.N., Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, P.O. Box 9152, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mwakilembe, P.L., Uyole Livestock research Centre, P.O. Box 400 Mbeya, Tanzania; Sendalo, D., National Livestock research Institute, P.O. Box 202 Mpwapwa, Tanzania | This study was carried out in the Southern Highlands zone of Tanzania which is in the southwestern part of the country. The study considered two cattle strains which have been raised by the indigenous people for many years. The study areas have a similar farming system in which cattle play a very important role. The strains of cattle studied were Ufipa and Iringa Red. The main objective of this study was to characterize the phenotypic features, the production system, the traits of cattle that are of special interest to the community that keep them and the risky status of the cattle strains. For the Ufipa cattle the study was conducted in February 2007 and covered Sumbawanga rural, Sumbawanga urban and Nkasi districts of Rukwa region. Results showed that the Ufipa cattle are in reasonable number and have got uniform features of body size and conformation, horn size, orientation and spacing. The cattle have both Zebu and Sanga features though the Zebu features dominate. Their coat colour varies and may range from black, brown, and red, to grey. The horns are long with majority of animals showing forward orientation. The results also showed that Ufipa cattle are mainly kept for draft power such that about 35 % of the cattle herd composition is made of castrates. The number of the Ufipa cattle is fairly large and its risky status fall under need to monitor and what puts it at risk is nonselective castration leading to poor breeding bulls. The Iringa Red cattle are found in Iringa region in the South Western part of Tanzania. The study for Iringa Red cattle strain was conducted in two phases, in 2005 it covered Iringa rural and Kilolo districts and in 2007 it covered Mufindi district. The distinguishing features of the Iringa Red cattle are the red coat colour, darkish red and few are brown with white pied or spotted. The colour of the muzzle is brown and none pigmented. The hump is thoracic medium to large and mostly hanging in males. The cattle are of medium body size when compared to other strains of the Tanzania Shorthorn Zebu. In Mufindi district, about 70% of the cattle in the herds belong to the Iringa Red strain. The farmer' main preferences on the Iringa Red cattle are tolerance to disease and better draft power. Unlike the Ufipa cattle there is some selection on bulls to be used for breeding. The major risk factor facing this strain of cattle is introduction of other cattle stains from pastoralists who are moving into the traditional lands of the Iringa red cattle. | Animal genetic resources; Breeding management; Draft power; Iringa red; Tanzania Shorthorn Zebu; Ufipa cattle | Animalia; Bos; Bos indicus; Sanga | None |
| WoS | WOS:000283087500005 | Approaches to the Evaluation and Assessment of Students in Clothing Practical Work in Colleges of Agriculture in Northern Nigeria | Usman, V. A. | 2010 | JOURNAL OF HOME ECONOMICS RESEARCH | 12 | None | None | Coll Agr | None | This study was carried out in Northern Nigeria to determine the general clothing construction skills and processes to be evaluated and evaluation procedures and techniques used by teachers of clothing. Six out of thirteen Colleges of Agriculture were randomly selected for the study. The entire 52 clothing teachers in the department of Home and Rural Economics were involved in the study. This consists of 32 lecturers and 18 instructors. Structured questionnaire was used for the data collection. Data were analyzed using mean scores and t-test at 0.05 level of significance. The major findings include 13 clothing construction skills and processes always evaluated and 11 evaluation procedures and techniques always used by the teachers of clothing in Colleges of Agriculture in Northern Nigeria. Based on these findings, recommendations were made. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36448936420 | Evaluation of some factors affecting milk composition of indigenous goats in Nigeria | Zahraddeen D., Butswat I.S.R., Mbap S.T. | 2007 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 19 | 11 | None | Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B.0248, Bauchi, Nigeria | Zahraddeen, D., Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B.0248, Bauchi, Nigeria; Butswat, I.S.R., Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B.0248, Bauchi, Nigeria; Mbap, S.T., Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B.0248, Bauchi, Nigeria | This study was carried out at the Research Farm of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria (October 2003 - May 2006) to evaluate some factors (breed, season, stage of lactation and parity) affecting goat milk composition. The results showed that per cent crude protein, fat, lactose and total solid contents were significantly (P<0.05) affected by breed; with pH and ash contents differed non-significantly in the three breeds. The percentages of crude protein, fat and lactose contents were significantly (P<0.001) different in the four stages of lactation (colostrum, early, mid and late), while the differences in the total solid, pH and ash contents were not affected by the lactation stages. There were seasonal (P<0.001) variations in the per cent fat and lactose contents; with crude protein, total solid, pH and ash contents being not influenced by the two seasons (dry and wet). Similarly, fat and lactose contents showed significant (P<0.001) parity effects; with the crude protein, total solid, pH and ash values differed non-significantly in the three parities (first, second and third). It is therefore concluded that the goat milk composition studied is comparable to the levels obtained in improved goats reported elsewhere. It is therefore suggested that improvement in the goat milk composition of the local breeds can be made through improved management and cross-breeding with higher-yielding local or exotic goats. | Breed; Lactation stage; Parity; Season | Capra hircus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937861738 | Evaluation of social marketing objectives: A case study of the effectiveness of operation gcin’amanzi in Soweto, South Africa | Phiri M.A., Khumalo D. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 4CONT5 | None | School of Management, Information Technology and Governance, College of Law and Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Phiri, M.A., School of Management, Information Technology and Governance, College of Law and Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Khumalo, D., University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | This study was aimed at investigating the effectiveness of the social marketing goal in the implementation of Operation Gcin’amanzi (OGM) in Mofolo North, Soweto, South Africa. The paper is based on a quantitative in nature, although qualitative data was collected to confirm and clarify issues identified in the survey questionnaire. A process-based research approach was pursued in order to measure the impact of social marketing as a phenomenon that has been explored in changing consumer behaviour for the public good. Due to unsuccessful telephone calls to the Johannesburg Water’s communication centre (JW) there is a lack of information from them on specific studies or surveys conducted specifically on OGM since its inception. It is anticipated that the findings from this study will add value to the knowledge in the public sector by elevating the significant role of social marketing in the delivery of basic services projects. These projects are complex in nature as issues of equity, access and the impact on development have to be considered, unlike in traditional marketing approaches where it is the benefit and satisfaction of an individual consumer that is key. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Project Management; Service Delivery; Social Marketing | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84960220579 | Evaluation of physiologic pain in relation to pain substances in healthy subjects | Ogedengbe J.O., Adelaiye A.B., Mohammed A., Ayo J.O., Odili A.N., Adeyemi O.M., Akeju S., Peter P. | 2015 | Pathophysiology | 22 | 4 | 10.1016/j.pathophys.2015.08.001 | Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria; Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Phys | Ogedengbe, J.O., Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria, Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Adelaiye, A.B., Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria, Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Mohammed, A., Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Ayo, J.O., Department of Veterinary Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Odili, A.N., Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria; Adeyemi, O.M., Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria; Akeju, S., Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria; Peter, P., Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria | This study was aimed at finding a relationship between pain modulators in the blood and physiological pain in apparently healthy Nigerians. It also aimed at establishing a pilot study for finding reference values for plasma levels of substance P, serotonin and tryptophan for the first time among Nigerians. Volunteers were made up of 110 residents of Abuja, aged between 21 and 50 years. Cold pressor test was used to induce pain assessing pain intensity, threshold and tolerance. ELISA was used to assay for plasma substance P, serotonin and tryptophan. Pain parameters from cold pressor test were correlated with plasma pain modulators measured. Results from cold pressor test revealed pain intensity to be 5.79 ± 0.25 cm, pain threshold 28.77 ± 2.32 s and pain tolerance 143.62 ± 24.39 s. Blood plasma level of substance P was 116.52 ± 20.53 pg/mL, serotonin 454.18 ± 30.16 ng/mL and tryptophan 12.77 ± 0.67 μg/mL. There was negative correlation between pain threshold and plasma substance P, pain tolerance and plasma substance P and pain threshold and plasma serotonin. There was however a positive correlation between pain intensity and plasma serotonin. In conclusion, the regression formulas may aid in using cold pressor test to predict blood substance levels of the measured pain modulators in a low resource setting like Nigeria where ELISA test is very expensive. © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. | Pain intensity; Pain threshold; Pain tolerance; Serotonin; Substance P | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960682565 | Sensorimotor performance deficits induced by chronic chlorpyrifos exposure in wistar rats: Mitigative effect of vitamin C | Ambali S.F., Ayo J.O. | 2011 | Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry | 93 | 6 | 10.1080/02772248.2011.585991 | Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Ambali, S.F., Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Ayo, J.O., Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | This study was aimed at evaluating the ameliorative effect of vitamin C on chlorpyrifos-induced sensorimotor changes involving postural reflex, limb placing, and vibrissae touch in Wistar rats. Forty adult Wistar rats of either sex were divided into 4 groups of 10 animals in each group. Group I was administered soya oil (2mLkg -1) while group II was given vitamin C (100mg kg -1); group III was dosed with chlorpyrifos (10.6 mgkg -1, i.e. ~1/8th of the LD 50); group IV was administered vitamin C (100mg kg -1) and then exposed to chlorpyrifos (10.6 mgkg -1), 30 min later. The regimens were administered by gavage once daily for a period of 17 weeks. Neurobehavioral parameters involving postural reflex, limb placing, and vibrissae touch responses measured at various intervals revealed a deficit in postural reflex, limb placing, and vibrissae touch responses in the CPF group, which was mitigated by vitamin C pretreatment. The neuronal and glial cell degeneration, increased brain malonaldehyde concentration, and decrease in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and acetylcholinesterase activities recorded in the group given chlorpyrifos were ameliorated by vitamin C. Therefore, vitamin C was shown to mitigate chlorpyrifos-induced sensorimotor deficits partly due to its antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase restoration properties. © 2011 Taylor & Francis. | Chlorpyrifos; Limb placing; Oxidative stress; Postural reflex; Vibrissae touch; Vitamin C | Chlorpyrifos; Limb placing; Postural reflex; Vibrissae touch; Vitamin C; Aldehydes; Animals; Brain; Cell death; Oxygen; Rats; Vitamins; aldehyde; antioxidant; ascorbic acid; biochemistry; brain; chlorpyrifos; enzyme activity; neurology; pollution effect; pollution exposure; rodent; Animalia; Glycine max; Rattus norvegicus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872823235 | Evaluation of response patterns in somatic and otolith features of laboratory-reared and wild Clarias gariepinus exposed to industrial effluent | Adeogun A.O., Babatunde T.A., Chukwuka A.V. | 2013 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 5 | 2 | None | Hydrobiology and Fisheries Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Biology Department, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua University, Katsina, Nigeria; Ecology and Environmental Biology Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibad | Adeogun, A.O., Hydrobiology and Fisheries Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Babatunde, T.A., Biology Department, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua University, Katsina, Nigeria; Chukwuka, A.V., Ecology and Environmental Biology Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | This study was aimed at comparing the responses of somatic and otolith features in Clarias gariepinus under chronic exposure conditions to industrial effluents in the laboratory for 60 days and in the wild for 6 months. Fish were collected upstream and downstream bi-monthly from a river receiving composite mixtures of industrial effluent while laboratory-reared C. gariepinus were exposed to the same effluent mixtures in 60 days static renewal/bioassay using concentrations of 6.11, 3.05 and 2.23%, respectively and control series. A total of 21 variables representing saggital otolith and somatic data from both wild and laboratory fish were subjected to factor analysis. For laboratory reared fish, PC 1 indexed as 'otolith factor', PC 2 indexed as 'condition factor' and PC 3 indexed as 'paired fin factor' accounted for 26.15, 19.01 and 12.55% of the total variance, respectively. For wild fish, otolith factor (PC 1) and condition factor (PC 2) accounted for 38.24 and 22.69% of the variance respectively. The first 3 components and the first 2 components for laboratory and wild fish accounted for more than 50% of total variance in data. Reliability index (Cronbach's alpha (a>0.70) showed that the 'otolith factor' had strong internal consistency and is reliable as a primary and viable index of stress for both laboratory and wild fish. The complementary role of condition factor in stress detection was also highlighted. The emergence of paired features (otolith, pectoral and pelvic fins) as sensitive parameters in toxicity responses may be an indication of the onset of asymmetry in these structures. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2013. | Clarias gariepinus; Condition factor; Industrial effluents; Otolith factor; Paired fin factor; Reliability index | Clarias gariepinus; Condition factor; Industrial effluent; Otolith factor; Paired fin factor; Reliability Index; Computer system firewalls; Fins (heat exchange); Fish; Rivers; Sewage; Laboratories | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877578447 | Impact of climate change on streamflow in selected river basins in Ghana [Impact du changement climatique sur les débits de plusieurs bassins au Ghana] | Kankam-Yeboah K., Obuobie E., Amisigo B., Opoku-Ankomah Y. | 2013 | Hydrological Sciences Journal | 58 | 4 | 10.1080/02626667.2013.782101 | CSIR Water Research Institute, PO Box AH 38, Achimota, Ghana | Kankam-Yeboah, K., CSIR Water Research Institute, PO Box AH 38, Achimota, Ghana; Obuobie, E., CSIR Water Research Institute, PO Box AH 38, Achimota, Ghana; Amisigo, B., CSIR Water Research Institute, PO Box AH 38, Achimota, Ghana; Opoku-Ankomah, Y., CSIR Water Research Institute, PO Box AH 38, Achimota, Ghana | This study uses the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and downscaled climate projections from the ensemble of two global climate models (ECHAM4 and CSIRO) forced by the A1FI greenhouse-gas scenario to estimate the impact of climate change on streamflow in the White Volta and Pra river basins, Ghana. The SWAT model was calibrated for the two basins and subsequently driven by downscaled future climate projections to estimate the streamflow for the 2020s (2006-2035) and 2050s (2036-2075). Relative to the baseline, the mean annual streamflow estimated for the White Volta basin for the 2020s and 2050s showed a decrease of 22 and 50%, respectively. Similarly, the estimated streamflow for the 2020s and 2050s for the Pra basin showed a decrease of 22 and 46%, respectively. These results underscore the need to put in place appropriate adaptation measures to foster resilience to climate change in order to enhance water security within the two basins. © 2013 Copyright 2013 IAHS Press. | climate change; Ghana; hydrological modelling; LARS-WG; Pra basin; SWAT; White Volta basin | Ghana; Hydrological modelling; LARS-WG; Pra basin; SWAT; Volta basin; Stream flow; Watersheds; Climate change; climate change; climate effect; climate modeling; global climate; hydrological modeling; river basin; streamflow; Ghana; Pra Basin; Volta Basin | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70450255099 | The impact of AIDS on intergenerational support in South Africa: Evidence from the cape area panel study | Ardington C., Case A., Islam M., Lam D., Leibbrandt M., Menendez A., Olgiati A. | 2010 | Research on Aging | 32 | 1 | 10.1177/0164027509348143 | University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States; Population Studies Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, United States; University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States | Ardington, C., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Case, A., Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Islam, M., Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States; Lam, D., Population Studies Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, United States; Leibbrandt, M., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Menendez, A., University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Olgiati, A., Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States | This study uses panel data from Cape Town to document the role played by aging parents in caring for grandchildren who lose parents due to illnesses such as AIDS. The authors quantify the probabilities that older adults and their adult children provide financial support to orphaned grandchildren. The authors find significant transfers of public and private funds to older adults caring for orphans. Perhaps because of these transfers the authors find no differences in expenditure patterns between households with orphans and other older adult households. They also find no impact of either the death of a child or taking in orphaned grandchildren on adult well-being as measured by ability to work, depression, or self-reported health. Findings suggest that the combined public and private safety net in South Africa mitigates many of the consequences older adults could suffer when an adult child dies and leaves behind grandchildren needing care. © The Author(s) 2010. | AIDS; Intergenerational support; Orphans; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904745861 | Quantifying the impact of weather extremes on global food security: A spatial bio-economic approach | Gbegbelegbe S., Chung U., Shiferaw B., Msangi S., Tesfaye K. | 2014 | Weather and Climate Extremes | 4 | None | 10.1016/j.wace.2014.05.005 | International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Kenya Office, PO Box 1041, Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya; International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Apdo. Postal 6-641, CP 06600 Mexico DF, Mexico; International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington, DC, United States; International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Ethiopia Office, PO Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Gbegbelegbe, S., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Kenya Office, PO Box 1041, Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya; Chung, U., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Apdo. Postal 6-641, CP 06600 Mexico DF, Mexico; Shiferaw, B., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Kenya Office, PO Box 1041, Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya; Msangi, S., International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington, DC, United States; Tesfaye, K., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Ethiopia Office, PO Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | This study uses a spatial bio-economic modelling framework to estimate the impact of the 2012 weather extreme in the USA on food security in the developing world. The study also quantifies the potential effects of a similar weather extreme occurring in 2050 under climate change. The study results indicate that weather extremes that affect maize productivity in key grain baskets can negatively affect food security in vulnerable countries. The 2012 weather extreme which occurred in the USA reduced US and global maize production by 29% compared to trend; maize consumption in the country decreased by 5% only and this resulted in less surplus maize for exports from the largest maize exporter in the world. Global maize production decreased by 6% compared to trend. The decrease in global maize production coupled with a reduction in the volume of global maize exports worsened food insecurity in eastern Africa, the Caribbean and Central America and India. The effects of the weather extreme on global food security would be worse, if the latter were to occur under climate change in 2050, assuming no climate change adaptation worldwide over the years. In addition, the hardest-hit regions would remain the same, whether the weather extreme occurs in 2012 instead of 2050: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), South Asia and the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region. However, sustained growth in per capita income across world economies between 2000 and 2050 would allow few countries in SSA and the LAC region to virtually eliminate hunger within their borders. In these countries, per capita income would be high enough by 2050 to completely offset the negative effect of the weather extreme. The study results are also consistent with USDA's estimates on US and global maize production and consumption in 2012 after the weather extreme. Some discrepancy is found on the volume of global maize trade; this implies that the bio-economic model likely overestimates the effect of the weather extreme on food insecurity. However, the trends from the analysis are likely to be valid. Further research would involve using a CGE model that can capture the net effects of weather extremes. © 2014 The Authors. | Developing world; Food security; IMPACT; Spatial bio-economic modelling; Weather extreme | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67651111694 | Economic impact of climate change on crop production in ethiopia: Evidence from cross-section measures | Deressa T.T., Hassan R.M. | 2009 | Journal of African Economies | 18 | 4 | 10.1093/jae/ejp002 | Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa (CEEPA), University of Pretoria, Agric. Annexe, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Deressa, T.T., Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa (CEEPA), University of Pretoria, Agric. Annexe, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Hassan, R.M., Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa (CEEPA), University of Pretoria, Agric. Annexe, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | This study used the Ricardian approach that captures farmer adaptations to varying environmental factors to analyze the impact of climate change on crop farming in Ethiopia. By collecting data from farm households in different agro-ecological zones of the county, net crop revenue per hectare was regressed on climate, household and soil variables. The results show that these variables have a significant impact on the net crop revenue per hectare of farmers under Ethiopian conditions. The seasonal marginal impact analysis indicates that marginally increasing temperature during summer and winter would significantly reduce crop net revenue per hectare whereas marginally increasing precipitation during spring would significantly increase net crop revenue per hectare. Moreover, the net crop revenue impact of predicted climate scenarios from three models (CGM2, HaDCM3 and PCM) for the years 2050 and 2100 indicated that there would be a reduction in crop net revenue per hectare by the years 2050 and 2100. Moreover, the reduction in net revenue per hectare by the year 2100 would be more than the reduction by the year 2050 indicating the damage that climate change would pose increases with time unless this negative impact is abated through adaptation. Additionally, results indicate that the net revenue impact of climate change is not uniformly distributed across the different agro-ecological zones of Ethiopia. © The author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Centre for the Study of African Economies. All rights reserved. | None | agroecology; climate change; crop damage; crop production; crop yield; cross section; economic impact; environmental factor; nature-society relations; precipitation (climatology); spring (season); temperature anomaly; temperature effect; Africa; East Africa; Ethiopia; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926613321 | Constructionist career counseling of undergraduate students: An experimental evaluation | Obi O.P. | 2015 | Journal of Vocational Behavior | 88 | None | 10.1016/j.jvb.2015.03.009 | Department of Educational Foundations, College of Agricultural and Science Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria | Obi, O.P., Department of Educational Foundations, College of Agricultural and Science Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria | This study used a pretest-posttest control group design to examine the effectiveness of a six-session constructionist career counseling intervention (Savickas, 2011). It was hypothesized that relative to pre-intervention scores, the participants would demonstrate decreases in their indecision, anxiety, uncertainty, and insecurity about their career choices. Participants consisted of 50 undergraduates ranging in age from 19 to 25. They completed the Undergraduate Career Choice Survey (UCCS) and then were evenly divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received six sessions of constructionist career counseling. Each session was approximately 45. min with a total of 4. h, 30. min approximately for the six sessions. Both groups then took the UCCS again. Analyses of the data using t-tests revealed significant reductions in indecision, anxiety, uncertainty, and insecurity for the intervention group but not for the control group. The intervention group took the UCCS again eight weeks later. An ANOVA indicated that the reductions in indecision, anxiety, uncertainty, and insecurity were slightly yet significantly greater. Limitations and directions for further research were pointed out. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. | Career indecision; Constructionist career counseling; Narrative career counseling | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901927249 | The impact of effective inventory control management on organisational performance: A study of 7up bottling company Nile Mile Enugu, Nigeria | Ogbo A.I., Victoria O.I., Ukpere W.I. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 10 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n10p109 | University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Department of Industrial Psychology and people Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa | Ogbo, A.I., University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Victoria, O.I., University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Ukpere, W.I., Department of Industrial Psychology and people Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa | This study took into consideration the relationship between effective system of inventory management and organization performance in the seven-up bottling company, Nile Mile Enugu. The researchers were motivated to embark on this study, in order to bring to fore the importance of effective inventory control system on organizational performance as it relates to the bottling company. A total of eighty-three respondent constitute the sample for the study. Four research questions and Four hypotheses were generated and tested at 10% (that is 0.10) significant level using descriptive statistics and non-parametric test (chi-square that is,χ2). The result of the analysis showed that flexibility in inventory control management is an important approach to achieving organizational performance. It was found that organizations benefits from inventory control management by way of easy storage and retrieval of material, improved sales effectiveness and reduced operational cost. The study also found that there is a relationship between operational feasibility, utility of inventory control management in the customer related issues of the organization and cost effectiveness technique are implemented to enhance the return on investment in the organization. Effective inventory control management is recognized as one of the areas management of any organization should acquire capability. It is recommended that organizations should adopt the inventory keeping method that best suit their operations. | Inventory control; Management; Organization performance | None | None |
| None | None | Performance of four-year-old Australian and Papua New Guinean Acacia species/provenances at Kongowe, Kibaha, Tanzania | Kindo A., Mndolwa M.A., Edward E., Chamshama S.A.O. | 2010 | Southern Forests | 72 | 1 | 10.2989/20702620.2010.481077 | Forestry and Beekeeping Division, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, PO Box 426, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Tanzania Forestry Research Institute, PO Box 30021, Kibaha, Tanzania; Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation, Sokoine University of Agriculture, PO Box 3010, Morogoro, Tanzania | Kindo, A., Forestry and Beekeeping Division, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, PO Box 426, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mndolwa, M.A., Tanzania Forestry Research Institute, PO Box 30021, Kibaha, Tanzania; Edward, E., Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation, Sokoine University of Agriculture, PO Box 3010, Morogoro, Tanzania; Chamshama, S.A.O., Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation, Sokoine University of Agriculture, PO Box 3010, Morogoro, Tanzania | This study to compare performance of three Australian-Papua New Guinean Acacia species/provenances (A. mangium, A. auriculiformis, A. crassicarpa) and A. julifera was conducted at Kongowe, Kibaha, Tanzania. Species/provenances were evaluated for survival, growth (diameter, height and volume), wood basic density and wood biomass. The trial was laid out using a randomised complete block design with three replications of 22 treatments (species/provenances). Data for survival, diameter at breast height and height was collected at ages 2 and 4 years from the nine inner-plot trees. Six defect-free trees from each treatment were selected at random for volume, wood basic density and biomass measurements. Results showed significant differences in survival, height and diameter growth among species/provenances at all assessment occasions. Average untransformed survival at 4 years ranged from 16.0% to 93.3%. Acacia crassicarpa from Bensbach, Papua New Guinea (PNG), had the largest diameter (13.9 cm) and A. crassicarpa from Bimadebum, PNG, had the largest height (12.6 m). Volume production and wood biomass differed significantly (p < 0.001) among species/provenances. Acacia crassicarpa from Bensbach, PNG, had the highest volume (58.7 m 3 ha -1) and wood biomass (53.4 t ha -1) while A. mangium from Kongowe, Tanzania, had the lowest height (4.6 m), volume (1.92 m 3 ha -1) and wood biomass (2.7 t ha -1). Acacia mangium from Claudie River, Queensland, had the highest basic density (610.6 kg m -3) while the accession from Bituri, PNG, had the lowest (375.2 kg m -3). Ordinal ranking indicated that the three best-performing Australian-PNG Acacia species/ provenances were A. crassicarpa from Bimadebum, PNG; A. crassicarpa from Bensbach, PNG; and A. auriculiformis from south of Coen, Cape York. The three poorest species/provenances were A. mangium from Kongowe, Kibaha, Tanzania; A. julifera subsp. julifera from Ipswich, Queensland; and A. mangium from Balimo, PNG. The best-performing species/ provenances are recommended for planting in Kongowe and other areas with similar ecological conditions. © NISC (Pty) Ltd. | Australian-papua new guinean acacias; Biomass; Performance; Tanzania | Acacia; Acacia auriculiformis; Acacia crassicarpa; Acacia julifera; Acacia mangium | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897569197 | Evaluation of groundwater recharge estimates in a partially metamorphosed sedimentary basin in a tropical environment: Application of natural tracers | Oteng Mensah F., Alo C., Yidana S.M. | 2014 | The Scientific World Journal | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/419508 | Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, United States; Department of Earth Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana | Oteng Mensah, F., Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, United States; Alo, C., Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, United States; Yidana, S.M., Department of Earth Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana | This study tests the representativeness of groundwater recharge estimates through the chloride mass balance (CMB) method in a tropical environment. The representativeness of recharge estimates using this methodology is tested using evaporation estimates from isotope data, the general spatial distribution of the potential field, and the topographical variations in the area. This study suggests that annual groundwater recharge rates in the area ranges between 0.9% and 21% of annual precipitation. These estimates are consistent with evaporation rates computed from stable isotope data of groundwater and surface water in the Voltaian Basin. Moreover, estimates of groundwater recharge through numerical model calibration in other parts of the terrain appear to be consistent with the current data in this study. A spatial distribution of groundwater recharge in the area based on the estimated data takes a pattern akin to the spatial pattern of distribution of the hydraulic head, the local topography, and geology of the terrain. This suggests that the estimates at least qualitatively predicts the local recharge and discharge locations in the terrain. © 2014 Felix Oteng Mensah et al. | None | deuterium; ground water; oxygen 18; rain; stable isotope; surface water; article; calibration; chloride mass balance technique; ecological procedures; ecosystem; evaluation study; evaporation; geology; methodology; precipitation; prediction; sediment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958129745 | Bubbles in South African house prices and their impact on consumption | Das S., Gupta R., Kanda P.T. | 2011 | Journal of Real Estate Literature | 19 | 1 | None | CSIR Built Environment, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Das, S., CSIR Built Environment, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Gupta, R., University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Kanda, P.T., CSIR Built Environment, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | This study tests for house price bubbles in the South African housing market using quarterly data from 1969:Q2 to 2009:Q3, based on the unit root test developed by Phillips, Wu, and Yu (2010). The findings indicate house price bubbles in the aggregate, large, medium, and small-middle segments, but not in the luxury and affordable segments. Next, symmetric and asymmetric versions of an Error Correction Model (ECM) are used to investigate the spillover effects from the housing sector onto consumption. Results indicate significant and asymmetric spillovers, with consumption responding significantly to house price deceleration, although there is no evidence of the effect being higher during the bubble period. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65549152351 | Parent-community involvement in school governance and its effects on teacher effectiveness and improvement of learner performance: A study of selected primary and secondary schools in Botswana | Nana Adu-Pipim Boaduo F.R.C., Milondzo K.S., Adjei A. | 2009 | Educational Research and Reviews | 4 | 3 | None | Faculty of Education, Department of Curriculum Studies, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Department of Curriculum Studies, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Department of Geography, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Nana Adu-Pipim Boaduo, F.R.C., Faculty of Education, Department of Curriculum Studies, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Milondzo, K.S., Department of Curriculum Studies, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Adjei, A., Department of Geography, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus, Bloemfontein, South Africa | This study surveyed 45 selected primary and secondary schools in Botswana which aimed to identify how parent and community involvement in the governance of schools affect teacher effectiveness and improvement of learner performance. The study started from January 2005 to December 2006. Literature review, administration of questionnaires, interview schedules and local conferencing at the chiefs' palaces (kgotla) and in churches were used to gather data. The conclusion that could be drawn is that in schools where parents and community involvement is visible, teachers are highly effective and this contributes to learners' positive behaviour and improvement in their performance. © 2009 Academic Journals. | Governance of schools; Improvement; Learner performance; Parent-community involvement; Teacher effectiveness | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892539989 | Decision making and job satisfaction as correlates of teachers' job performance in junior secondary schools in Abia state, Nigeria | Uba-Mbibi F.O. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 8 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n8p107 | Department of Agricultural/Home Ec onomics Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria | Uba-Mbibi, F.O., Department of Agricultural/Home Ec onomics Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria | This study specifically sought to determine decision making and job satisfaction as correlates of teachers' job performance in junior secondary schools in Abia state, Nigeria. Two research questions were posed and two hypotheses formulated to guide the investigation, which was carried out ex-post factor, using a descriptive survey design. A sample of 541 junior secondary schools was drawn from a population of 1082 in the 230 junior secondary schools in Abia state. Data were collected using the researcher's self constructed questionnaire from the respondents titled involvement of teachers in decision making and job satisfaction as correlates of teachers' job performance in junior secondary schools (ITDMJSTJPQ). To ensure face validity of the instrument, two experts in Educational Administration and Planning of Abia State College of Education were consulted. There expert comments were used to modify the final copy of the questionnaire used for the study. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, ad mean rating to answer the two research questions posted while the Z-test statistic was used to test the hypotheses formulated. Results indicated that although the teachers were involved in decision making but some decisions reached were not implemented by the school principals. As a result of this, there was lack of job satisfaction and low job performance among junior secondary school teachers in the junior secondary schools. The test of hypothesis one shows that there was no significant difference between teachers' decision making and job performance. Based on the findings, it was recommended that principals should involve and implement teachers' decisions in schools to enhance their job performance for uplifting of educational standard in Nigeria. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-73349120931 | Predictive performance of renal function equations among Ghanaians presenting with chronic kidney disease | Owiredu W.K.B.A., Ephraim R.K.D., Amidu N., Eghan Jr. B.A., Quaye L. | 2008 | Journal of Medical Sciences | 8 | 5 | 10.3923/jms.2008.491.497 | Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Laboratory, Regional Hospital, Bolgatanga, Ghana; Department of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Owiredu, W.K.B.A., Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Ephraim, R.K.D., Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Amidu, N., Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Eghan Jr., B.A., Department of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Quaye, L., Department of Laboratory, Regional Hospital, Bolgatanga, Ghana | This study specifically evaluate the predictive performance and accuracy of the six renal function equations in patients presenting with CKD in our community. The results of these predictive equations for 50 patients using stage of CKD and/or with serum creatinine >200 μmol L-1 were compared with the recommended methods (4v-MDRD and CG). Another 55 subjects with similar age group and sex distributions but without kidney pathology were studied as control. The most accurate results were obtained with the reference equations (4v-MDRD and CG) with CG having a slight edge over 4v-MDRD equation. The sensitivity and specificity of the 4v-MDRD equation to detect Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) values < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were 67.3 and 63.9%, respectively; that of CG was 62.9 and 71.3%, respectively. These results suggest that measurement of GFR with predictive equations might be a prudent strategy for the assessment of renal function among the CKD population. | BUN; Chronic kidney disease; Creatinine; GFR; Ghana; Predictive equations | creatinine; nitrogen; urea; accuracy; adult; article; chronic glomerulonephritis; chronic kidney disease; clinical article; controlled study; creatinine blood level; diabetic nephropathy; female; Ghana; glomerulus filtration rate; human; kidney disease; kidney function; kidney polycystic disease; male; proteinuria; sensitivity and specificity; urea nitrogen blood level; urinalysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907292137 | The unemployment impact of immigration in South Africa | Chamunorwa W., Mlambo C. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 20 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p2631 | Department of Economics, University of Fort Hare, South Africa | Chamunorwa, W., Department of Economics, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Mlambo, C., Department of Economics, University of Fort Hare, South Africa | This study sought to investigate the impact of immigrant labour on unemployment in South Africa. for the period 1980-2010.This relationship was examined using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method. Unemployment was regressed againstimmigration, the Gross Domestic Product, inflation and education. The research aimed to establish whether immigrant labourcontributes to unemployment in the manner suggested by the econometric model. The result showed a positive relationshipbetween immigration and unemployment in South Africa. © MCSER-Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. | Immigrant labour; Ordinary least squares; South africa; Unemployment | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892589655 | Identification of health and safety performance improvement indicators for small and medium construction enterprises: A delphi consensus study | Agumba J.N., Haupt T.C. | 2012 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 3 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2012.v3n3p545 | Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa | Agumba, J.N., Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa; Haupt, T.C., Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa | This study sought to identify and validate a comprehensive set of health and safety (H&S) leading indicator metrics that will enable small and medium construction enterprises (SMEs) personnel to monitor the level of H&S performance in their projects. The Delphi approach was used where the opinion of H&S experts, academics and industry practitioners were canvassed on 64 potential indicator metrics, categorized in 10 elements or leading indicators that will enable H&S performance improvement e.g. reduction in accidents, injuries, diseases but to name a few. The experts rated each indicator metric on a 10-point Likert scale of impact, where 1= no major impact or 10% impact and 10 = major impact or 100% impact. Consensus was reached on 32 indicator metrics after four successive rounds of Delphi if the indicators attracted final scores of, percentage median impact of 90% to 100% which is 9.00 to 10.00 median rating and over 50% of respondents rating the indicator metrics in the band of 9.00 to 10.00 or 90% to 100% impact to improve H&S performance. The experts had the opportunity to reconsider their scores informed by the group median score in rounds 2, 3 and 4. The limitation of the study was the reliance of a structured questionnaire in the first round as experts were not allowed to add any new indicators, until the fourth round. This study contributes to the H&S body of knowledge where no consensus has been reached pertaining to the indicator metrics that have major impact to improve H&S performance at project level of construction SMEs in South Africa. | Experts; Health and safety; Performance improvement; Proactive indicators | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875979357 | Outsourced contracts, buyer-supplier trust, support opportunistic behavior and supplier performance inugandan public procuring and disposing entities (PDEs) | Ahimbisibwe A., Muhwezi M., Nangoli S. | 2012 | Journal of Public Procurement | 12 | 4 | None | Victoria University of Wellington, Makerere University, Public Procurement and Contract Management, Uganda; Department Procurement and Logistics Management, Makerere University, Contract management and project management, Uganda; Makerere University, Strategic management, project management, Public procurement and general management, Uganda | Ahimbisibwe, A., Victoria University of Wellington, Makerere University, Public Procurement and Contract Management, Uganda; Muhwezi, M., Department Procurement and Logistics Management, Makerere University, Contract management and project management, Uganda; Nangoli, S., Makerere University, Strategic management, project management, Public procurement and general management, Uganda | This study sought to examine the extent to which outsourced contracts, buyer-supplier trust and supplier opportunistic behavior explain supplier performance in Ugandan Public Procuring and Disposing Entities (PDEs). This study was prompted by reports of long lead times, failure to match specifications, late deliveries, poor quality of services delivered, contract violations, and increased supplier cheating. Cross sectional data from 116 central government PDEs concerning outsourced contracts was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Hierarchical regression was used to indicate what happens to a model that was developed as part of this research as different predictor variables are introduced. The findings revealed that outsourced contracts, buyer-supplier trust, and supplier opportunistic behavior are significant predictors of supplier performance. The study has both managerial and policy implications which are discussed in this paper. © 2012 by PrAcademics Press. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892547658 | Assessing the impact of support structures and initiatives to youth entrepreneurship development in a selected township in the Western Cape province of South Africa | Gwija S.A., Eresia-Eke C., Iwu C.G. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 1 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n1p61 | Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa; Department of Business Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Gwija, S.A., Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa; Eresia-Eke, C., Department of Business Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Iwu, C.G., Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | This study sought to determine the role of government support structures and initiatives in the development of youth entrepreneurship in Khayelitsha, in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The data was collected by way of questionnaires, whereby 132 participants were randomly drawn from the population of 200 youth entrepreneurs who were registered on the database of a local organisation for youth entrepreneurs in Khayelitsha. According the findings, there was no evidence to show that government support structures/initiatives were contributing in the development of youth entrepreneurship in this township. Recommendations to improve the current standard of youth entrepreneurship in the research setting were made. This paper provides an insight into the role of youth entrepreneurship support structures and initiatives in Khayelitsha, particularly to stakeholders such as government structures, which seek to advance youth entrepreneurship in Khayelitsha and others townships, in Western Cape. | Khayelitsha; South Africa; Support structures and initiatives; Western Cape; Youth development; Youth entrepreneurship | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892479381 | Modelling the impacts of reforestation on the projected hydroclimatology of Niger River Basin, West Africa | Oguntunde P.G., Abiodun B.J., Lischeid G., Merz C. | 2014 | Ecohydrology | 7 | 1 | 10.1002/eco.1343 | Institute of Landscape Hydrology, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Müncheberg, Germany; Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Soil, Water and Environment Section, Department of Agricultural Engineering, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Oguntunde, P.G., Institute of Landscape Hydrology, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Müncheberg, Germany, Soil, Water and Environment Section, Department of Agricultural Engineering, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Abiodun, B.J., Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Lischeid, G., Institute of Landscape Hydrology, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Müncheberg, Germany; Merz, C., Institute of Landscape Hydrology, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Müncheberg, Germany | This study simulates the impacts of reforestation on hydroclimatology of Niger River Basin (NRB) under enhanced greenhouse gases (GHGs). A regional climate model (RegCM3) was used to dynamically downscale hydroclimatological variables of NRB for present-day (PRS), and for future climate scenarios (with and without reforestation). The data were further analysed to detect changes in water balance components and the moisture recycling ratios. Under A1B scenario, warmer climate was projected over the entire basin in all seasons, a drier climate during the rainy season, and a wetter climate during the dry season. Reforestation along NRB (GBR) reduces the GHG warming over the basin both seasons, but increases it north-east of the basin in July-September (JAS). Both reforestation scenarios could enhance rainfall over the reforested area. With reforestation over Sahel (GSR), seasonal evapotranspiration increases between 3·6% and 14·4%; but with GBR, evapotranspiration reduces between -12·4% and -4·3%. The GSR option offsets the projected annual GHG effects on moisture recycling over the basin. Evaporation coefficient decreased by about 5% under elevated CO2 while runoff coefficient increased. Reforestation reduces the projected warming and drying over the reforested zones because of its influence on the monsoon flow (reduction in speed). Hence, with reforestation in summer, the onset of monsoon delays in bringing in the cool moist air over the area located downwind of the reforested zone; this increases the temperature and reduces rainfall amount over the area. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Climate change; Hydroclimatology; Mitigation; Niger River Basin; Reforestation | Evaporation coefficients; Future climate scenarios; Hydro climatologies; Mitigation; Regional climate models (RegCM3); River basins; Seasonal evapotranspirations; Water balance components; Atmospheric thermodynamics; Carbon dioxide; Climate change; Evapotranspiration; Greenhouse gases; Moisture; Rain; Water recycling; Watersheds; Reforestation; climate change; climate modeling; climatology; dry season; evapotranspiration; future prospect; hydrometeorology; reforestation; water budget; Niger Basin | NRF, Neurosurgical Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938702208 | Utilization of law library collections for improving academic performance by undergraduate law students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka | Onwudinjo O.T.U., Ogbonna U.A., Nwadiogwa O.J. | 2015 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2015 | 1 | None | Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria; Digital Library, Festus Nwako Library, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria | Onwudinjo, O.T.U., Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria; Ogbonna, U.A., Digital Library, Festus Nwako Library, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria; Nwadiogwa, O.J., Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria | This study showcases the law library collections and their utilization by the undergraduate students of Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The objectives of the study were to determine the extent of the use being made of the resources by the undergraduate law students of the university, the types of law library resources, benefits derived and the frequency of use. The research method was a descriptive survey. The population consisted of the law undergraduate students of the university in the 2013/2014 academic session which had 550 registered users of the library. The sample was 132 students made up of 100 to 500 levels. 132 questionnaire were administered randomly to the students. Out of this number, 132 was returned representing 100% rate of response. Data collected were analysed using frequency count and simple percentage. The study shows that greater number of law students use law library at least twice a week for preparing for examinations. In the light of this, the study recommended that the law library should be adequately stocked with current and relevant law resources, as well as improving the reading environment so as to make it more conducive for learning and research. | Faculty of law; Frequency of use; Law journals; Law library collections; Law reports; Law statutes | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052094161 | Developing a large stone asphalt mix to improve the performance of asphalt surfacing | Geldenhuys J.R. | 2011 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 58 | 1 | None | Jeffares and Green (Pty) Ltd. Engineering and Environmental Consulting Menlo Park, Pretoria, South Africa | Geldenhuys, J.R., Jeffares and Green (Pty) Ltd. Engineering and Environmental Consulting Menlo Park, Pretoria, South Africa | This study sets out to investigate the possibility of increasing the stone size and volume in an asphalt mixture to enhance the performance of the asphalt mixture. The study will focus on the asphalt mixes for surfacings with the viewpoint to the coal haulage industry. An increase in axle loads of traffic on roads has deteriorated the image and performance of roads. This has promoted the opportunity to investigate this option and provide a possible solution to the problem. Generally the underlying layers of a pavement can cope with the increase in loads, it is when there is breakage in the surfacing that problems occur. Water washes out fines and the pavement under the crack collapse as time goes on. An improvement in the performance of asphalt surfacing to withstand an increase in axle loads will eliminate the presence of potholes on roads. © 2011 EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. | Asphalt; Deformation; Fatigue; Large Stone; Rut Resistance; Surfacing | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78149497773 | Impact of prolonged rainy seasons on food crop production in Cameroon | Yengoh G.T., Tchuinte A., Armah F.A., Odoi J.O. | 2010 | Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change | 15 | 8 | 10.1007/s11027-010-9241-2 | Department of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences, Division of Physical Geography and Ecosystems Analysis, Lund University, Sölvegatan 12, SE-223 62 Lund, Sweden; National Service of Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Yaounde, Cameroon; Department of Environmental Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Nature Today, A 25 Standard Estates, Sakumono, Osu, P.O. Box OS 1455, Accra, Ghana | Yengoh, G.T., Department of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences, Division of Physical Geography and Ecosystems Analysis, Lund University, Sölvegatan 12, SE-223 62 Lund, Sweden; Tchuinte, A., National Service of Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Yaounde, Cameroon; Armah, F.A., Department of Environmental Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Odoi, J.O., Nature Today, A 25 Standard Estates, Sakumono, Osu, P.O. Box OS 1455, Accra, Ghana | This study set out to examine why agricultural production in differing agro-ecological zones of the same country responds differently to a common environmental event (an extension of the rainy season). We find that the heavy reliance of farmers in the drier agro-ecological zones on seasonal cycles make them more vulnerable to an extension of the rainy season than those in regions where rainfall is less relied on. Effects in these vulnerable regions include significant damage to crops as well as a shortage in local markets, which raises prices of basic food commodities. The difference between prices in low and high food producing periods is low for crops that can easily be preserved during rains (such as cassava at 58% from an average of 20% in previous years and yams at 82% from 65%). Crops that depend on sunshine for preservation experience greater differences between low and high periods (maize at 92% from an average of 31% in previous years, sorghum at 180% from 53%, and beans at 68% from 42%). In zones with a history of unreliable dry seasons, farmers are more adapted to coping with an extension of the rainy season and possess technology and skills which can be made available to others in vulnerable zones through inter-regional knowledge transfer of knowledge and skills. This study further reinforces the understanding that isolated climate shocks could be important in understanding and managing vulnerability. Also, vulnerability is quite variable even among communities in the same country, in which people practice the same economic activity and are exposed to the same shock. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Agriculture; Agro-ecological zones; Effects; Rainfall; Seasons; Small-scale farming | commodity; crop damage; crop production; ecological impact; economic analysis; farming system; legume; maize; market system; rainfall; season; sorghum; vulnerability; Cameroon; Manihot esculenta; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938510013 | The effects of knowledge sharing and knowledge application on service recovery performance | Boateng H., Agyemang F.G. | 2015 | Business Information Review | 32 | 2 | 10.1177/0266382115587852 | University of Ghana Business School, Ghana; Spiritan University College, Ghana | Boateng, H., University of Ghana Business School, Ghana; Agyemang, F.G., Spiritan University College, Ghana | This study set out to discover the effects of knowledge sharing (KS) and knowledge application (KA) on service recovery performance (SRP) through survey-based research. The population of the study consisted of front-line employees of hotels in Accra. The study found significant and positive effects of both KS and KA on SRP. Data were analysed using linear and multiple regression. © 2015, © The Author(s) 2015. | Hospitality sector; knowledge application; knowledge management; knowledge sharing; service recovery performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77958455506 | Impact of soluble metal salts and crude oil contaminants on water retention capacity of soil and protein content of Zea mays | Ezeonu C.S. | 2010 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 9 | 5 | None | Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | Ezeonu, C.S., Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | This study seek to maintain what is observable in a real environmental deteriorative field involving medium to large scale of metal salts applicable when in excess in an agricultural land as well as spillage of crude oil. Specifically, calculated quantities of soluble metal salts and crude oil were used in the contamination of a given quantity of soil microcosm consisting of 8 grams per group, and certain biotic and abiotic components (protein content and percentage water retention capacity) investigated after duplication of each soil microcosm. The study groups include: unspiked soil (Control A), spiked soil (Control B) as well as treatments of 5, 10 and 20% w/w (Petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC)/soil).The result of the study was quite informative, illustrating the fact that crude oil reduces the amount of protein produced in Zea mays. The spiked soil also showed that soluble metal salt when in excess can reduce the amount of protein produced in Zea mays although not as much as crude oil. Crude oil contamination also increased the percentage of water retained in the soil more than soils containing spike metal salts. The unspiked soil had the highest protein production in Zea mays and the least percentage water retaining ability. | Contaminated soil; Controls; Crude oil; Experimental groups; Percentage water retention; Petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC); Protein content; Soluble metal salts; Spiked soil; Unspiked soil | Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930274972 | Growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology and carcass traits of broiler chickens fed dry, wet and fermented-wet feed | Akinola O.S., Onakomaiya A.O., Agunbiade J.A., Oso A.O. | 2015 | Livestock Science | 177 | None | 10.1016/j.livsci.2015.04.016 | Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ni | Akinola, O.S., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Onakomaiya, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Agunbiade, J.A., McPherson University Seriki-Satayo, Km 96 Lagos-Ibadan Expressway P.M.B. 2094, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Oso, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | This study seeks to investigate the growth performance, intestinal morphology, carcass traits and apparent nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed with dry, wet and fermented-wet feed. Three experimental diets were formulated in this study. Diet 1 was dry mash feed. Diet 2 was wet mash feed in a 1:1.3 mix with water. Diet 3, was fermented-wet mash feed in a 1:1.3 mix with water which was fermented for 24. h in sealed plastic polythene bags prior to feeding. A total of 192 two-weeks-old broilers (Marshal strain) were randomly assigned to the experimental diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment group was replicated four times with 16 birds per replicate. Each dietary treatment was fed immediately to the birds after re-constitution. Fermentation of the feed reduced (P<0.05) the pH from 6.61 to 4.37. Birds fed fermented-wet and wet mash recorded higher (P<0.05) final live weight and weight gain. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not affected (P>0.05) by wet and fermented-wet fed birds compared to the dry fed birds. Mortality was not affected by dietary treatment imposed. Apparent organic matter digestibility was higher (P<0.05) in birds fed fermented-wet feed when compared to birds fed with dry and wet feed. Intestinal villus morphology and carcass measurement were not affected (P>0.05) by the treatment imposed. However, birds fed wet feed showed lower (P<0.05) gizzard weight when compared to birds fed fermented-wet feed. Birds fed with fermented-wet mash recorded higher (P<0.05) abdominal fat than those fed with dry mash. The results of this study indicated fermented-wet feeding improved apparent organic matter digestibility with a resultant improved growth performance of broiler chicken. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Broiler chicken; Carcass; Fermented-wet feed; Intestinal morphology; Performance; Wet feed | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900523512 | The impact of e-learning on student performance: A case study of an entry-level module at a South African University | Sibanda M., Donnelly S. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 9 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n9p478 | School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Sibanda, M., School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Donnelly, S., School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | This study seeks to establish the impact of introducing an online learning platform, using an entry-level module, on student performance. Measures of central location and dispersion are used to analyze the secondary data for three consecutive periods of which the most recent is the year in which an online learning platform was introduced. The results show that there were no noticeable changes in the overall pass rate during the year in which the online learning platform was introduced. However, there were improvements in the distribution and dispersion of the marks in that year. When the class is segmented into racial groups, results show that the African students were the most adversely impacted by the introduction of online learning, while the Indian students benefited the most from the implementation of the online learning tool. Furthermore, the fulltime mainstream students realized an improvement in the pass rate compared to full-time evening students. These findings imply that in spite of marginal changes in the student performance it is essential for institutional mechanisms to provide online support to entry-level students in order to realize the full benefits of online learning platforms in universities in developing countries. This may be done through the promotion of student engagement and by introducing some 'stick and carrot' initiatives into e-learning activities. | Entry level; Higher education; Online learning; Success rate | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052775609 | Thermo-mechanical fatigue damage and failure of modern high performance diesel pistons | Floweday G., Petrov S., Tait R.B., Press J. | 2011 | Engineering Failure Analysis | 18 | 7 | 10.1016/j.engfailanal.2011.02.002 | Sasol Advanced Fuels Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Origen Engineering Solutions, Cape Town, South Africa | Floweday, G., Sasol Advanced Fuels Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Petrov, S., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Tait, R.B., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Press, J., Origen Engineering Solutions, Cape Town, South Africa | This study resulted from an engineering failure investigation related to diesel engine piston failures which occurred during a bench dynamometer engine durability test programme. The test programme aimed at evaluating the effects of various fuel types on the durability of fuel system components in passenger car diesel engines. A number of unexpected cylinder head, turbocharger and piston failures were experienced during the course of the test programme. This study focused on the cause of the piston failures experienced during these tests.Analyses of the fractured pistons revealed that thermo-mechanical fatigue initiation occurred as a result of primary silicon phase cracking and subsequent micro-crack formation due to excessive thermo-mechanical loading. Progressive formations of such micro-cracks lead to flaws that were of sufficient magnitude to initiate propagation by high cycle fatigue mechanisms.The investigation also revealed that the excessive thermo-mechanical piston loading was caused by over-fuelling and a combination of elevated and poorly controlled post intercooler air temperature. There was no evidence to suggest that the failures were related to the test fuel formulations. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Cracking; Failure; Fatigue; Fracture; Piston | Air temperature; Cylinder head; Damage and failure; Engine durability; Engineering failures; Fuel formulation; Fuel types; High cycle fatigue; Intercoolers; Microcrack formation; Modern high performance; Piston failure; Primary silicon; System components; Test programme; Thermo-mechanical; Thermo-mechanical loading; Thermomechanical fatigue; Automobiles; Cracks; Diesel engines; Durability; Engines; Fatigue damage; Fracture; Fuels; Pistons; Engine pistons | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950023263 | Vegetation history and climate fluctuations on a transect along the Dead Sea west shore and their impact on past societies over the last 3500 years | Neumann F.H., Kagan E.J., Leroy S.A.G., Baruch U. | 2010 | Journal of Arid Environments | 74 | 7 | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2009.04.015 | Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Steinmann-Institute for Geology, Mineralogy and Palaeontology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 8, 53115 Bonn, Germany; Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa; Geological Survey of Israel, 30 Malkhei Israel Street, Jerusalem, 95501, Israel; Institute of Earth Sciences, Givat Ram, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel; Institute for the Environment, Brunel University, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, West London, United Kingdom; 99 Hashalom street, Mevasseret Ziyyon, 90805, Israel | Neumann, F.H., Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa, Steinmann-Institute for Geology, Mineralogy and Palaeontology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 8, 53115 Bonn, Germany, Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa; Kagan, E.J., Geological Survey of Israel, 30 Malkhei Israel Street, Jerusalem, 95501, Israel, Institute of Earth Sciences, Givat Ram, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel; Leroy, S.A.G., Institute for the Environment, Brunel University, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, West London, United Kingdom; Baruch, U., 99 Hashalom street, Mevasseret Ziyyon, 90805, Israel | This study represents the vegetation history of the last 3500 years and conducts an analysis of the climatic fluctuations on a 75 km long transect on the western Dead Sea shore. Palynological and sedimentological data are available from six cores near Mount Sedom, Ein Boqueq, and Ein Gedi and from outcrops near Ze'elim and Ein Feshkha. The comparison of the pollen data with the lake levels shows synchronous trends. During the Middle Bronze Age, Iron Age and Hellenistic to Byzantine Period the high lake level of the Dead Sea signals an increase in precipitation. Contemporaneously, values of cultivated plants indicate an increase in agriculture. Lake level is low during the Late Bronze Age, within the Iron Age and at the end of the Byzantine period, indicating dry periods when all pds show a decrease of cultivated plants. Forest regeneration led by drought-resistant pines is observed in all pollen diagrams (pds) following the agricultural decline in the Byzantine period and, in the pds near Ein Boqeq, Ze'elim and Ein Feshkha, during the late Iron Age. The modern vegetation gradient is reflected in the palaeo-records: a stronger expansion of Mediterranean vegetation and cultivated plants in the northern sites is recognisable. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Holocene; Israel; Palynology; Vegetation transect | agricultural change; climate change; coastal zone; coniferous tree; drought resistance; historical geography; Holocene; paleoenvironment; palynology; precipitation intensity; regeneration; sedimentology; vegetation history; Dead Sea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949599715 | Development and in vivo evaluation of an implantable nano-enabled multipolymeric scaffold for the management of AIDS dementia complex (ADC) | Harilall S.-L., Choonara Y.E., Tomar L.K., Tyagi C., Kumar P., Du Toit L.C., Modi G., Naidoo D., Iyuke S.E., Danckwerts M.P., Pillay V. | 2015 | International Journal of Pharmaceutics | 496 | 2 | 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2015.10.025 | Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Neurology, Division of Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Harilall, S.-L., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Choonara, Y.E., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tomar, L.K., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tyagi, C., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kumar, P., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Du Toit, L.C., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Modi, G., Department of Neurology, Division of Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Naidoo, D., Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Iyuke, S.E., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Danckwerts, M.P., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pillay, V., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa | This study reports the use of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers for the formulation and design of an implantable multipolymeric drug delivery device (MDDD) for the management of AIDS dementia complex (ADC), a debilitating condition affecting the cognitive, motor and behavioral systems in HIV+ individuals. A 3-factor Box-Behnken statistical design was employed for the optimization of nanoparticle and multipolymeric scaffold formulations. Fifteen formulations were generated using the Box-Behnken template, which were assessed for physicochemical and physicomechanical characterization. The optimised nanoparticle formulation yielded nanoparticles measuring 68.04 nm in size and zeta potential (ZP) of -13.4 mV was calculated for the colloidal system. In an attempt to further retard drug release and to formulate a device for implantation in the frontal lobe of the brain, nanoparticles were dispersed within a multipolymeric matrix. Matrix erosion was calculated at 28% for multipolymeric scaffold and a matrix resilience of 4.451% was observed 30 days post exposure to PBS, indicating slow degradation of the MDDD. In vivo studies showed 12.793 ng/mL and 35.225 ng/mL AZT level in plasma and CSF. In view of the physicomechanical properties, in vitro and in vivo drug release kinetics of MDDD makes it a potential candidate for the management of the ADC. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | AIDS dementia complex management; Implantable device; Nanoparticles; Polymeric scaffold | molecular scaffold; placebo; polymer; zidovudine; animal experiment; animal model; animal tissue; antiviral therapy; Article; brain tissue; colloid; controlled study; drug delivery device; drug release; equipment design; frontal lobe; HIV associated dementia; implantable multipolymeric drug delivery device; in vitro study; in vivo study; male; mechanics; nanofabrication; nanopharmaceutics; nonhuman; particle size; physical chemistry; priority journal; process optimization; rat; weight reduction; zeta potential | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931281448 | Evaluation of N-terminated siloxanes grafted onto lignocellulose as adsorbent for the removal of phenol red from water | Vala R.M.K., Tichagwa L., Dikio E.D. | 2015 | International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology | 12 | 8 | 10.1007/s13762-014-0679-8 | Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Applied Chemistry and Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Vaal University of Technology, P. O. Box X021, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Vala, R.M.K., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa, Applied Chemistry and Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Vaal University of Technology, P. O. Box X021, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Tichagwa, L., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Dikio, E.D., Applied Chemistry and Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Vaal University of Technology, P. O. Box X021, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | This study reports the chemical modification of lignocellulose (from Kikuyu grass) with N-terminated siloxanes and its utilisation as adsorbent for the removal of phenol red from aqueous media. The stability of the bond between lignocellulose and siloxane was assessed after Soxhlet extraction of unreacted siloxanes in tetrahydrofuran for 5 h, as well as soaking the materials in water for 24 h. Adsorption tests showed the prepared materials to be good candidate for the removal of phenol red (dye) from water, with adsorption capacity from 1.454 to 3.312 mg of phenol red adsorbed per gram of adsorbent. The kinetics of adsorption was found to follow a pseudo-second-order equation indicating chemisorption rather than simple forces of association. The linearised form of adsorption isotherms matched with the Langmuir model. © 2014, Islamic Azad University (IAU). | Adsorption; Chemical modification; Isotherms; Kinetics; Lignocellulose; N-terminated siloxane; Phenol red | Adsorbents; Adsorption; Cellulose; Chemical modification; Driers (materials); Dyes; Enzyme kinetics; Isotherms; Lignin; Phenols; Silicon compounds; Adsorption capacities; Adsorption tests; Langmuir models; Lignocellulose; Phenol red; Pseudo-second-order equations; Soxhlet extraction; Tetra-hydrofuran; Chemicals removal (water treatment); adsorption; aqueous solution; cellulose; chemical alteration; chemical bonding; experimental apparatus; grafting; grass; heterocyclic oxygen compound; isotherm; kinetics; laboratory method; organometallic compound; phenolic compound; water treatment; Pennisetum | None |
| None | None | Participatory monitoring of changes in coastal and marine biodiversity | Wagner G.M. | 2005 | Indian Journal of Marine Sciences | 34 | 1 | None | Department of Aquatic Environment and Conservation, Faculty of Aquatic Sciences and Technology, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Wagner, G.M., Department of Aquatic Environment and Conservation, Faculty of Aquatic Sciences and Technology, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | This study reports results obtained from participatory monitoring conducted in Tanzania in two types of keystone ecosystems, mangrove forests and coral reefs. The report also analyses participatory monitoring as an effective tool in environmental conservation and management. Participatory monitoring data collected from three mangrove areas subjected to different levels of human impacts, low, moderate and high, clearly indicated the effects on mangrove basal area and species diversity. Participatory coral reef monitoring clearly showed degradation due to human impacts in one are and definite positive trends over time due to management interventions in another area. Participatory monitoring produces large amounts of informative data in a short time at low cost. Moreover, it has profound positive impact on the participants in terms of enhancing their environmental awareness, creating a feeling of "ownership" of the environment and motivating them to protect and restore the ecosystems they monitor. However, in order for participatory monitoring to be successful, there should be proper selection of participants, adequate training and on-going supervision by experts. | Biodiversity; Coastal/marine; Keystone ecosystems; Participatory monitoring | Anthozoa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748526198 | UV-visible and electrochemical monitoring of carbon monoxide release by donor complexes to myoglobin solutions and to electrodes modified with films containing hemin | Obirai J.C., Hamadi S., Ithurbide A., Wartelle C., Nyokong T., Zagal J., Top S., Bedioui F. | 2006 | Electroanalysis | 18 | 17 | 10.1002/elan.200603571 | Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris, Unité de Pharmacologie Chimique et Génétique, UMR CNRS 8151/U INSERM 640, 11 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231, Paris Cedex 05, France; Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Facultad de Química Y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Casilla 40, Correo 33, Santiago, Chile; Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris, Laboratoire de Chimie et Biochimie des Complexes Moléculaires, UMR CNRS 7576, 11 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France | Obirai, J.C., Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris, Unité de Pharmacologie Chimique et Génétique, UMR CNRS 8151/U INSERM 640, 11 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231, Paris Cedex 05, France, Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Hamadi, S., Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris, Unité de Pharmacologie Chimique et Génétique, UMR CNRS 8151/U INSERM 640, 11 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231, Paris Cedex 05, France; Ithurbide, A., Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris, Unité de Pharmacologie Chimique et Génétique, UMR CNRS 8151/U INSERM 640, 11 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231, Paris Cedex 05, France; Wartelle, C., Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris, Unité de Pharmacologie Chimique et Génétique, UMR CNRS 8151/U INSERM 640, 11 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231, Paris Cedex 05, France; Nyokong, T., Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Zagal, J., Facultad de Química Y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Casilla 40, Correo 33, Santiago, Chile; Top, S., Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris, Laboratoire de Chimie et Biochimie des Complexes Moléculaires, UMR CNRS 7576, 11 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France; Bedioui, F., Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris, Unité de Pharmacologie Chimique et Génétique, UMR CNRS 8151/U INSERM 640, 11 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231, Paris Cedex 05, France | This study reports on the evaluation of the CO donating behavior of tricarbonyl dichloro ruthenium(II) dimer ([Ru(CO)3Cl 2]2) and 1,3-dimethoxyphenyl tricarbonyl chromium (C 6H3(MeO)2Cr(CO)3) complex by UV-visible technique and electrochemical technique. The CO release was monitored by following the modifications of the UV-visible features of MbFe(II) in phosphate buffer solution and the redox features of reduced Hemin, HmFe(II), confined at the surface of a vitreous carbon electrode. In the latter case, the interaction between the hemin-modified electrode and the released CO was seen through the observation of an increase of the reduction current related to the FeIII/FeII redox process of the immobilized porphyrin. While the ruthenium-based complex, ([Ru(CO)3Cl2] 2), depended on the presence of Fe(II) species to release CO, it was found that the chromium-based complex released spontaneously CO. This was facilitated by illuminating and/or simple stirring of the solution containing the complex. © 2006 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. | Carbon monoxide; Chromium CO-releasing complex; Cyclic voltammetry; Hemin modified electrode; Myoglobin; Ruthenium complex; UV-visible spectrophotometry | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748854390 | Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of four organic materials as nutrient resources for maize in the Nigerian savanna | Daudu C.K., Uyovbisere E., Amapu I.Y., Onyibe J.E. | 2006 | Journal of Agronomy | 5 | 2 | 10.3923/ja.2006.220.227 | Department of Soil Science, Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; National Agricultural Extension Research and Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Daudu, C.K., Department of Soil Science, Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, National Agricultural Extension Research and Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Uyovbisere, E., Department of Soil Science, Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Amapu, I.Y., Department of Soil Science, Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Onyibe, J.E., National Agricultural Extension Research and Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | This study reports on the evaluation of four organic materials as key ecosystem resources for maize intensification in the Nigerian savanna. Two aspects are examined, first the qualitative value of the organic materials as sources of nutrients and secondly the quantitative significance of the organic materials within the context of the Nigerian savanna. The results showed that cow dung, M. pruriens vines and L. leucocephala pruning contained sufficient nutrients to meet the N and K requirements of a maize crop at an application rate of 5 t ha-1. Phosphorus contents of maize stover and L. leucocephala pruning were not in sufficient quantities to meet crop demand. The calcium and magnesium requirements can be adequately met by this rate for all the organic amendments used. When the organic materials were evaluated based on the contents of nutrients and deduced ratios, cow dung, M. pruriens vines and L. leucocephala pruning were characterized as high quality materials, while maize stover was considered to be a low quality material. Based on their nutrient concentrations and deduced ratios, cow dung, M pruriens vines and L. leucocephala pruning were characterized as high quality materials. Maize stover may be considered as a low quality material. This grouping of the organic materials was confirmed using principal component and correlation analysis. The study also indicated that there are insufficient amounts of organic materials available to support crop production at a scale wider than small on-farm levels. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Maize; Nutrient quality; Organic materials; Savanna; Soil fertility | Zea mays | None |
| WoS | WOS:000209023700016 | An Evaluation of a Helping Skills Training Program for Intern Psychometrists | du Preez, Jani,Jorgensen, Lene I. | 2012 | JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY IN AFRICA | 22 | 1 | 10.1080/14330237.2012.10874530 | North West University - South Africa | "du Preez, Jani: North West University - South Africa","Jorgensen, Lene I.: North West University - South Africa" | This study reports on the effectiveness of a helping skills training program for intern psychometrists. A randomised pretest-posttest comparison group design was used to evaluate the training program. Participants (N = 22; 82% = female, and Afrikaans-speaking = 95%) were selected from the psychometrist-in-training program from a tertiary institution. Three helping skills development measuring instruments were administered before and after the training program. Data were quantitatively analysed to examine training effects on empathy, respect and genuineness, as well as the participants' ability to respond to content and personalise meaning. At the conclusion of the training, participants appeared to have evidently developed a heightened sense of purpose in life. | evaluation,HELPING,"helping skills",psychometrists | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958214641 | Pilot scale evaluation of SANI® process for sludge minimization and greenhouse gas reduction in saline sewage treatment | Lu H., Wu D., Tang D.T.W., Chen G.H., Van Loosdrecht M.C.M., Ekama G. | 2011 | Water Science and Technology | 63 | 10 | 10.2166/wst.2011.342 | Department of Civil Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong; Drainage Services Department, HKSAR Government, Revenue Tower, Wanchai, Hong Kong; Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, NL-2628 BC Delft, Netherlands; Water Research Group, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | Lu, H., Department of Civil Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong; Wu, D., Department of Civil Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong; Tang, D.T.W., Drainage Services Department, HKSAR Government, Revenue Tower, Wanchai, Hong Kong; Chen, G.H., Department of Civil Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong; Van Loosdrecht, M.C.M., Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, NL-2628 BC Delft, Netherlands; Ekama, G., Water Research Group, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | This study reports on a pilot trial of the SANI® process (Sulfate reduction, Autotrophic denitrification and Nitrification Integrated process) in Hong Kong. A pilot-scale SANI plant treating saline sewage at 10 m 3/day was scaled-up from a lab-scale system treating synthetic saline sewage. The plant consisted of a sulfate reduction up-flow sludge bed (SRUSB), an anoxic bioreactor (BAR1) for autotrophic denitrification utilizing dissolved sulfide produced by the SRUSB and an aerobic bioreactor (BAR2) for nitrification. The SANI® pilot plant was successfully operated for 225 days and achieved average COD, TSS, TN removal of 87, 87, and 57%, respectively. The ratio of MLVSS to MLSS in the SRUSB was stable at 0.7 and the average sludge volume index (SVI) was constantly below 110 ml/g. No sludge was purposely withdrawn from the plant during 225-day plant operation. This was attributed to a very low observed sludge yield (0.02 kgVSS/kgCOD removed) of the SRUSB reactor. DNA extraction, PCA amplification results revealed that no methanogens were detected in the SRUSB. SANI® can reduce 90% sludge production, 35% energy and 36% GHG compared to conventional biological nutrient removal (CBNR) process. © IWA Publishing 2011. | CO2 emission; Energy consumption; Pilot scale; Saline sewage; SANI® process; Sludge reduction | Aerobic bioreactors; Autotrophic denitrification; Biological nutrient removal; Dissolved sulfide; DNA extraction; Greenhouse gas reductions; Hong-kong; Integrated process; Pilot scale; Pilot scale evaluation; Plant operations; Saline sewage; Sludge production; Sludge reduction; Sludge volume index; Sludge yield; Sulfate reduction; Anoxic sediments; Bioreactors; Carbon dioxide; Denitrification; Energy utilization; Global warming; Greenhouse gases; Nitrification; Oxidation; Pilot plants; Principal component analysis; Sewage; Sewage treatment; carbon dioxide; sulfate; sulfide; autotrophy; bioreactor; carbon emission; chemical oxygen demand; denitrification; DNA; emission control; energy use; greenhouse gas; laboratory method; methanogenic bacterium; pollutant removal; reduction; salinity; sewage treatment; sludge; sulfate; sulfide; activated sludge; article; bioreactor; chemical oxygen demand; denitrification; greenhouse gas; nitrification; sewage treatment; sewage treatment plant; sludge treatment; sulfate reduction up flow sludge bed bioreactor; Autotrophic Processes; Carbon Dioxide; Denitrification; DNA; Greenhouse Effect; Nitrification; Pilot Projects; Seawater; Sewage; Sulfates; Waste Management; Water Pollutants, Chemical; China; Hong Kong | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874984673 | Impacts of climate-induced changes on the distribution of pesticides residues in water and sediment of Lake Naivasha, Kenya | Otieno P.O., Owuor P.O., Lalah J.O., Pfister G., Schramm K.-W. | 2013 | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment | 185 | 3 | 10.1007/s10661-012-2743-5 | Department of Chemistry, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333, 40105 Maseno, Kenya; Helmholtz Center Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Molecular EXposomics (MEX), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; TUM, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan fuer Ernaehrung und Landnutzung, Department fuer Biowissenschaften, Weihenstephaner Steig 23, 85350 Freising, Germany; Department of Chemical Sciences and Technology, Kenya Polytechnic University College, P.O. Box 42528, 00200-City Square Nairobi, Kenya | Otieno, P.O., Department of Chemistry, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333, 40105 Maseno, Kenya, Helmholtz Center Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Molecular EXposomics (MEX), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Owuor, P.O., Department of Chemistry, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333, 40105 Maseno, Kenya; Lalah, J.O., Department of Chemical Sciences and Technology, Kenya Polytechnic University College, P.O. Box 42528, 00200-City Square Nairobi, Kenya; Pfister, G., Helmholtz Center Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Molecular EXposomics (MEX), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Schramm, K.-W., Helmholtz Center Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Molecular EXposomics (MEX), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, TUM, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan fuer Ernaehrung und Landnutzung, Department fuer Biowissenschaften, Weihenstephaner Steig 23, 85350 Freising, Germany | This study reports evidence of increased chlorpyrifos contamination in sediment and water in Lake Naivasha following its intensive application in the horticultural farms in the catchment area. Analytical results show that levels of chlorpyrifos residues were influenced by climate-induced rainfall pattern with higher levels reported during period of heavy precipitation with significant decrease during low rainfall. On average, the levels ranged between 14.8 and 32.8 ng g-1 in sediment during rainy season compared to a range of 8.5-16.6 ng g-1 in the dry season. Additionally, the mean concentration of chlorpyrifos in water ranged between 8.61 and 22.4 μg L -1 during rainy season and below detection limit (bdl) -13.6 μg L-1 in dry season as quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Meanwhile, independent t test analysis indicated that there was significant difference in concentration at p ≤ 0.05 between the seasons with respect to sediment and water samples. This demonstrated that climate-induced variations had considerable influence on contamination. While diazinon and carbofuran were equally applied intensively, their levels were below the detection limit in the all the samples analyzed. ELISA results were validated by the capillary-HPLC photodiode-array detector instrument analysis, and statistical comparison showed no significant difference between them. It was evident that chlorpyrifos residues determination in water and sediment by ELISA can be a useful strategy in environmental management and monitoring program, and a complimentary analytical tool to high performance liquid chromatography. Levels of chlorpyrifos detected in sediment and water were found to exceed recommended criteria for protection of aquatic life and preservation of water quality and may be hazardous if not regularly monitored. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Climate; Contamination; ELISA; Pesticides; Sediment; Water | Climate; ELISA; Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; Mean concentrations; Pesticides residues; Photodiode array detectors; Significant differences; Statistical comparisons; Catchments; Contamination; Drought; Environmental management; High performance liquid chromatography; Lakes; Pesticides; Rain; Sediments; Water; Water quality; Sedimentology; carbofuran; chlorpyrifos; dimpylate; pesticide residue; rain; chlorpyrifos; pesticide residue; agricultural emission; chlorpyrifos; climate effect; environmental management; enzyme activity; horticulture; lacustrine deposit; lake pollution; lake water; liquid chromatography; pesticide; pollution monitoring; quantitative analysis; sediment pollution; spatial distribution; strategic approach; article; catchment; climate; controlled study; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; high performance liquid chromatography; intermethod comparison; Kenya; lake; limit of detection; precipitation; seasonal variation; sediment; water pollution; chemistry; climate change; environmental monitoring; lake; risk assessment; water pollutant; Kenya; Lake Naivasha; Rift Valley; Chlorpyrifos; Climate Change; Environmental Monitoring; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Geologic Sediments; Kenya; Lakes; Pesticide Residues; Risk Assessment; Water Pollutants, Chemical | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-68649121425 | The impact of life design counselling on adolescents | Maree J.G., Pollard Z. | 2009 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 19 | 2 | None | Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa | Maree, J.G., Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa; Pollard, Z. | This study records a process of heightening self-awareness within a semi-structured 'life design counselling' process. The research was conducted on the basis of a case study designed to facilitate co-constructive conversation with a purposefully selected youth. The participant was enabled to reconstruct a preferred and meaningful future that could change as different experiences, challenges and needs arose. The study suggested that the postmodern techniques that were implemented enhanced the involvement of the participant in the study. The participant revealed heightened self-insight into his personal experiences, a 'changed' attitude to certain aspects of his life context and pro-active behaviour with regard to the challenges he was facing. We (the researchers) concluded that life design counselling could be a promising strategy that could have a lasting effect on adolescents. Copyright © 2009. | Adolescent; Impact; Life design counselling | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-20144361977 | Valuing the impacts of climate change on protected areas in Africa | Velarde S.J., Malhi Y., Moran D., Wright J., Hussain S. | 2005 | Ecological Economics | 53 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2004.07.024 | Alternatives to Slash-and-Burn Programme, World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Land Economy, Scottish Agricultural College, Kings Buildings, West Main Rd., Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom; Department of Geography, University of Southampton, United Kingdom | Velarde, S.J., Alternatives to Slash-and-Burn Programme, World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; Malhi, Y., School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Moran, D., Land Economy, Scottish Agricultural College, Kings Buildings, West Main Rd., Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom; Wright, J., Department of Geography, University of Southampton, United Kingdom; Hussain, S., Land Economy, Scottish Agricultural College, Kings Buildings, West Main Rd., Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom | This study quantifies the economic costs of climate change impacts on protected areas in Africa. Downscaled results from four Global Circulation Models (GCMs) are used to classify different ecosystems in accordance with the Holdridge Life Zone (HLZ) system. A benefits transfer approach is then used to place an economic value on the predicted ecosystem shifts resulting from climate change in protected areas. The results provide approximations for the impacts on biodiversity in Africa under the "business-as-usual" scenario established by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for the middle and end of the 21st century. The geographical analysis shows that there are twenty HLZs in Africa and all of them are represented in the protected area network. Three of these HLZs do not change in extent as a result of climate change. Assuming initially that the willingness to pay (WTP) values and the preferences for different ecosystem services remain constant, three of the GCM models show an (undiscounted) negative economic impact of climate change for protected areas in Africa for the year 2100. The worst-case damage scenario totals USD 74.5 million by 2100. However, the model for the year 2065 shows a higher undiscounted value than the present. The finding of positive net impacts from warming is consistent with the predictions of other macro models that show potential gains from warming scenarios. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | African protected areas; Benefits transfer; Climate change; Ecosystem shifts; Holdridge life zones | climate change; economic impact; environmental impact; protected area; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; World | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905228469 | Impact of season on the fatty acid profiles of male and female blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi) muscles | Neethling J., Britz T.J., Hoffman L.C. | 2014 | Meat Science | 98 | 4 | 10.1016/j.meatsci.2014.06.030 | Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa | Neethling, J., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa, Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa; Britz, T.J., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Hoffman, L.C., Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa | This study quantified the impact of season on fatty acid profiles of male and female blesbok muscles (longissimus thoracis et lumborum, biceps femoris, semimembranosus, semitendinosus, infraspinatus, and supraspinatus). Eight mature blesbok were harvested per season (winter and spring). Gender and muscle type influenced (p. <. 0.05) the fatty acid profiles of blesbok muscles, while season only influenced the C18:3ω3 (α-linolenic acid, ALA) percentages and therefore the total omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (total ω3 PUFA). Female muscles had higher C16:0 (palmitic acid) (21.01% ± 0.256 vs. 19.05% ± 0.296) and total MUFA percentages, while male muscles had higher (p. <. 0.05) C18:2ω6c, C20:5ω3, total ω3 PUFA (11.08% ± 0.382 vs. 8.50% ± 0.367), and total PUFA (43.03% ± 0.904 vs. 29.59% ± 1.164) percentages, contributing to higher poly-unsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratios (PUFA:SFA ratios). Differences in fatty acid profiles were attributed more to gender and anatomical location of muscles, than seasonal differences in diets. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Blesbok; Fatty acid; Game; Muscle; Season; Venison | Fatty acids; Muscle; Saturated fatty acids; Muscle; Anatomical locations; Blesbok; Fatty acid profiles; Game; Linolenic acids; Season; Seasonal differences; Venison; Unsaturated fatty acids; Fatty acids; fatty acid; analysis; animal; antelope; diet; female; male; meat; metabolism; procedures; season; sex difference; skeletal muscle; South Africa; veterinary; Animals; Antelopes; Diet; Fatty Acids; Female; Male; Meat; Muscle, Skeletal; Seasons; Sex Factors; South Africa; Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi | 84633, NRF, Neurosurgical Research Foundation |
| None | None | Challenges in performance of food safety management systems: A case of fish processing companies in Tanzania | Kussaga J.B., Luning P.A., Tiisekwa B.P.M., Jacxsens L. | 2014 | Journal of Food Protection | 77 | 4 | 10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-13-254 | Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Coupure Links, 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3006, Morogoro, Tanzania; Food Quality and Design, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, 6708 WG Wageningen, Netherlands | Kussaga, J.B., Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Coupure Links, 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium, Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3006, Morogoro, Tanzania; Luning, P.A., Food Quality and Design, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, 6708 WG Wageningen, Netherlands; Tiisekwa, B.P.M., Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3006, Morogoro, Tanzania; Jacxsens, L., Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Coupure Links, 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium | This study provides insight for food safety (FS) performance in light of the current performance of core FS management system (FSMS) activities and context riskiness of these systems to identify the opportunities for improvement of the FSMS. A FSMS diagnostic instrument was applied to assess the performance levels of FSMS activities regarding context riskiness and FS performance in 14 fish processing companies in Tanzania. Two clusters (cluster I and II) with average FSMS (level 2) operating under moderate-risk context (score 2) were identified. Overall, cluster I had better (score 3) FS performance than cluster II (score 2 to 3). However, a majority of the fish companies need further improvement of their FSMS and reduction of context riskiness to assure good FS performance. The FSMS activity levels could be improved through hygienic design of equipment and facilities, strict raw material control, proper follow-up of critical control point analysis, developing specific sanitation procedures and company-specific sampling design and measuring plans, independent validation of preventive measures, and establishing comprehensive documentation and record-keeping systems. The risk level of the context could be reduced through automation of production processes (such as filleting, packaging, and sanitation) to restrict peoplés interference, recruitment of permanent highskilled technological staff, and setting requirements on product use (storage and distribution conditions) on customers. However, such intervention measures for improvement could be taken in phases, starting with less expensive ones (such as sanitation procedures) that can be implemented in the short term to more expensive interventions (setting up assurance activities) to be adopted in the long term. These measures are essential for fish processing companies to move toward FSMS that are more effective. Copyright © International Association for Food Protection. | None | analysis; animal; cluster analysis; food contamination; food handling; food industry; food safety; human; medical device contamination; microbiology; procedures; safety; sanitation; sea food; standards; Tanzania; Animals; Cluster Analysis; Equipment Contamination; Food Contamination; Food Handling; Food Safety; Food-Processing Industry; Humans; Safety Management; Sanitation; Seafood; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84255167783 | Reproductive performance of sows in rural communities of Busia and Kakamega Districts, Western Kenya | Mutua F.K., Dewey C.E., Arimi S.M., Schelling E., Ogara W.O., Levy M. | 2011 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 6 | 31 | 10.5897/AJAR11.822 | University of Nairobi, Department of Public Health, P. O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; University of Guelph, Department of Population Medicine, ONT N1G 2W1, Canada; International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya; Swiss Tropical Institute, Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, P. O. Box Basel, Switzerland | Mutua, F.K., University of Nairobi, Department of Public Health, P. O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya, International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya; Dewey, C.E., University of Guelph, Department of Population Medicine, ONT N1G 2W1, Canada; Arimi, S.M., University of Nairobi, Department of Public Health, P. O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Schelling, E., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya, Swiss Tropical Institute, Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, P. O. Box Basel, Switzerland; Ogara, W.O., University of Nairobi, Department of Public Health, P. O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Levy, M., University of Guelph, Department of Population Medicine, ONT N1G 2W1, Canada | This study provided baseline performance of breeding pigs information on local sow productivity that was previously lacking. The objective was to investigate performance of breeding pigs in rural smallholder communities of Western Kenya. A random sample of 288 smallholder farms in Busia and Kakamega districts was selected pigs. The farms were visited three times in the course of the study period, 2006 to 2008. Data on management and productivity were gathered by means of questionnaires administered to sow owners. The average number of sows owned per farm was 1.3±0.6. Sows were bred for an average of 2.18±1.08 days during one estrus. Sows were 12.1±4.5 months old when they farrowed for the first time. They were bred 1.9±1.6 month after piglets were weaned. Sources of breeding boars included borrowed boars from the neighbourhood (77%), farmers' own boars (14%), group-owned boars (0.4%) and those that were free roaming (2%). The average litter size was 7.8±2.6 while the average number weaned was 6.8±3.1. Piglets were weaned at 5.4±3.3 weeks of age. Piglets were reportedly cheaper in Busia (USD 6.36±0.71) than they were in Kakamega (USD 9.71±2.18) (p<0.05). Factors that are likely to influence performance of both sows and boars in the villages are discussed. © 2011 Academic Journals. | Litter size; Piglet mortality; Smallholder pig farms; Sow production; Western Kenya | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952600239 | Scale economies and performance evaluation of insurance market in Nigeria | Usman O.A. | 2009 | Social Sciences | 4 | 1 | None | Department of Management Science, Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Usman, O.A., Department of Management Science, Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | This study probed into optimal production scale and specifically assesses the significance of entrepreneurial price on the business performance in the Nigerian insurance industry. The study makes use of Cobb-Douglas cost and profit functional models to investigate performance of randomly selected insurance firms. The outcome of this study suggests that a few insurance firms in Nigeria mostly do not pay claims, therefore, establishing possible reasons why there is apathy for insurance services among insuring public. Labour price is significant in this study,but shows an inverse relationship with business performance. © Medwell Journals, 2009. | Claims payment; Insurence business performance; Scale economics | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871019951 | The impact of organised crime on state social control: Organised criminal groups and local governance on the cape flats, Cape Town, South Africa | Lambrechts D. | 2012 | Journal of Southern African Studies | 38 | 4 | 10.1080/03057070.2012.749060 | Department of Political Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Lambrechts, D., Department of Political Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | This study primarily investigates the power dynamics between organised crime, the state and society in order to assess the impact of organised crime on social control by the state. Using the Cape Flats community of Manenberg as a case study, this article examines the interaction of organised criminal gangs with the South African state at the level of local government to provide a descriptive analysis of the power dynamics between the local state, the community and criminal groups. It is argued that organised criminal groups act as a rival social organisation and have acquired forms of social control lost by the state. As a result, the state is not regarded as the most prominent organisation in Manenberg but, rather, as only one actor functioning in a system of local power dynamics. The position of actors within that system can shift and change as configurations of power change dynamically. Nor are the elements of this system necessarily in conflict with each other: state, society and organised crime can sometimes function in a mutually supportive relationship that works in favour of all three. Accordingly, new configurations of power are continually being established and reshaped. © 2012 Copyright The Editorial Board of the Journal of Southern African Studies. | None | crime; local government; social organization; Cape Flats; South Africa; Western Cape | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247274198 | Evaluation of the performance of the automated NucliSENS easyMAG and EasyQ systems versus the Roche AmpliPrep-AMPLICOR combination for high-throughput monitoring of human immunodeficiency virus load | Stevens W., Horsfield P., Scott L.E. | 2007 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 45 | 4 | 10.1128/JCM.01540-06 | Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa | Stevens, W., Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Horsfield, P., Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Scott, L.E., Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa | This study presents the data of an evaluation of the automated Nuclisens easyMAG and EasyQ systems versus the Roche AmpliPrep-AMPLICOR combination for testing of high-volume human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) load. This represents a follow-up of a previous study investigating the performance of the real-time Nuclisens assay using the semiautomated NucliSENS miniMAG extraction procedure. Three hundred eighteen patient samples were analyzed using both methods. The easyMAG-EasyQ HIV type 1 system has a higher sensitivity and broader dynamic range than the Cobas AmpliPrep-AMPLICOR system when the standard Roche assay is used alone, 25 to 3,000,000 IU/ml versus 400 to 750,000 HIV RNA copies/ml, respectively. There was significant correlation between the assays (0.93; P < 0.0001), with good accuracy (percent similarity mean μ = 96%), good precision (percent similarity standard deviation = 4.97%), and overall good agreement with a low percent similarity coefficient of variation of 5.17 to 6.11%. Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the AMPLICOR assay generated higher values than the EasyQ combination, with 95% of results within clinically acceptable limits. The throughput of samples was greatly improved using the easyMAG-EasyQ system, allowing 144 samples to be processed within 6 h. The potential for contamination has been dramatically reduced using the automated extraction system. Additional negative controls have been added to the kit to monitor for contamination based on the South African experience. This assay thus presents a real option for monitoring HIV load assays in high-volume testing environments. Copyright © 2007, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | virus RNA; article; automation; controlled study; follow up; high throughput screening; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; nonhuman; patient monitoring; priority journal; South Africa; virus load; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Reproducibility of Results; RNA, Viral; Sensitivity and Specificity; Viral Load; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957098598 | Performance assessment of a class of industrial fans with substantial process variability for on-condition monitoring and control system design | Obinabo E.C., Ikpotokm F.O. | 2009 | International Journal of Systems Signal Control and Engineering Application | 2 | 04-Mar | 10.3923/ijssceapp.2009.51.55 | Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, P.M.B. 14, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; Department of Computer Science, Ambrose Alli University, P.M.B. 14, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria | Obinabo, E.C., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, P.M.B. 14, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; Ikpotokm, F.O., Department of Computer Science, Ambrose Alli University, P.M.B. 14, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria | This study presents a statistical quality control study for on-condition monitoring of draught fans in a steelmaking process. The study proposes a procedure for obtaining consistent estimates of peak vibration levels for performance assessment the machines based on independent measurements of the variable assuming the time between successive occurrences of the peak vibration were distributed with a probability density function. © Medwell Journals, 2009. | Experimental design and modelling; Nigeria; On-condition performance assessment; Probability density function; Statistical quality control; Vibration monitoring | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957069513 | On the performance assessment of a class of industrial fans with substantial process variability for on-condition monitoring and control system design | Ochonogor C.U., Obinabo E.C. | 2009 | International Journal of Systems Signal Control and Engineering Application | 2 | 04-Mar | 10.3923/ijssceapp.2009.40.44 | Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Petroleum Training Institute, P.M.B. 20, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria; Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Ambrose Alli University, P.M.B. 14 Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria | Ochonogor, C.U., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Petroleum Training Institute, P.M.B. 20, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria; Obinabo, E.C., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Ambrose Alli University, P.M.B. 14 Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria | This study presents a statistical quality control study for on-condition monitoring of draught fans in a steelmaking process. The study proposes a procedure for obtaining consistent estimates of peak vibration levels for performance assessment the machines based on independent measurements of the variable assuming the time between successive occurrences of the peak vibration were distributed with a probability density function. © Medwell Journals, 2009. | Experimental design and modelling; Machine; Nigeria; Probability density function; Statistical quality control; Vibration monitoring | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919780943 | Flow unit characterization: Key to delineating reservoir performance in “Aqua-Field”, Niger Delta, Nigeria | Mode A.W., Anyiam O.A., Onwuchekwa C.N. | 2014 | Journal of the Geological Society of India | 84 | 6 | 10.1007/s12594-014-0181-4 | Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Mode, A.W., Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Anyiam, O.A., Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Onwuchekwa, C.N., Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This study presents a cost effective and quantitative method for the characterization of flow units and prediction of hydrocarbon recovery of the reservoirs in wells D and E, “Aqua field”, Niger Delta. It involves petrophysical evaluation of well log data in order to obtain porosity and permeability values which were useful in identifying and characterizing flow units with the help of the Stratigraphic Modified Lorenz Plot (SMLP). This plot was then used to identify the number of flow units, key flow unit characteristics and anticipated production performance of the hydrocarbon bearing reservoir and the data subjected into a numerical simulator that allows better resolution characteristics of the well. The D-1 reservoir interval has five flow units, which comprise both speed zones and baffle intervals. Reservoirs E-1 to E-4 also have a total of 21 flow units. High values of flow unit speed and high angle flow capacity inflexion indicate speed zones which are prone to sharp decline, while baffles of low value flow unit speed and low angle flow capacity show shallow to steady production decline with time. A better understanding of the fluid flow variations within the reservoir intervals helps in the accurate design of reservoir simulation model for effective hydrocarbon recovery and management. © 2014, Geological Society of India. | Flow capacity; Flow unit; Nigeria; Reservoir heterogeneity | flow modeling; fluid flow; hydrocarbon reservoir; oil production; oil well; permeability; porosity; reservoir characterization; reservoir rock; Niger Delta; Nigeria; Human echovirus 1 | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860467020 | Nutritional evaluation of marula (Sclerocarya birrea) seed cake as a protein supplement for goats fed grass hay | Mlambo V., Dlamini B.J., Nkambule M.T., Mhazo N., Sikosana J.L.N. | 2011 | Tropical Agriculture | 88 | 1 | None | Department of Food Production, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; Faculty of Agriculture, University of Swaziland, P. O. Luyengo, M205, Swaziland; Matopos Research Station, Department of Agricultural Research and Extension, P. Bag K5139, Matopos, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | Mlambo, V., Department of Food Production, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; Dlamini, B.J., Faculty of Agriculture, University of Swaziland, P. O. Luyengo, M205, Swaziland; Nkambule, M.T., Faculty of Agriculture, University of Swaziland, P. O. Luyengo, M205, Swaziland; Mhazo, N., Faculty of Agriculture, University of Swaziland, P. O. Luyengo, M205, Swaziland; Sikosana, J.L.N., Matopos Research Station, Department of Agricultural Research and Extension, P. Bag K5139, Matopos, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | This study presents a comparative in vivo nutritional evaluation of oil-extracted marula (Sclerocarya birrea subspecies caffra) seed cake (MSC) as a protein supplement for goats fed a basal diet of mixed grass hay. MSC and commercial protein supplements (soya bean meal (SBM) and sunflower cake (SC)), were analysed for fibre (aNDFom and ADFom) and nitrogen (N) contents. SC had the highest (P < 0.05) aNDFom (289.0 g/kg DM) and ADFom (216.8 g/kg DM) contents. N content was highest (P < 0.05) in MSC (68.9 g/kg DM) and lowest in SC (56.6 g/kg DM). Grass hay intake, nutrient digestibility and N retention were measured in a nutrient balance trial in which goats were supplemented with MSC, SBM and SC. Goats on SBM had the highest (P < 0.05) grass hay intake (232.2 g/d) and OM digestibility (650.3 g/kg DM). SC and MSC supplemented goats did not differ (P > 0.05) in terms of grass hay intake and its digestibility. Digestibility of OM was low in MSC supplemented goats but did not differ (P > 0.05) from SC supplemented goats. The same trend was observed with ADF digestibility which was lowest in the MSC supplemented group but did not differ (P > 0.05) from the SC supplemented group. NDF digestibility was lowest in the MSC supplemented group and differed (P < 0.05) from all other diets. Urinary N output did not differ (P > 0.05) between SBM and SC supplemented goats but was lower (P < 0.05) in the MSC supplemented group. However, the negative control group had the least urinary N output (2.1 g/day). MSC supplemented goats retained the most N (2.75 g/d) (P > 0.05) compared to all other protein supplements. Unsupplemented and SC supplemented goats were in negative N balance of -0.64 and -0.81 g/day, respectively. It was concluded that MSC is as good as SBM, but better than SC as a protein supplement for goats fed grass hay as the basal diet. © 2011 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad). | Apparent digestibility; Chemical composition; Mixed grass hay; N retention; Protein supplements | Capra hircus; Glycine max; Helianthus; Sclerocarya birrea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894523719 | Effects of buck and doe size on the growth performance and survival of their progeny | Kugonza D.R., Stalder K.J., Rothschild M.F. | 2014 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 26 | 3 | None | Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States | Kugonza, D.R., Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States; Stalder, K.J., Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States; Rothschild, M.F., Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States | This study on the effects of paternal and maternal goat size on kid growth and survival was conducted by grouping bucks and does into big/elite and small/control categories and mating between the sub-groups to create four progeny groups whose body weight and mortality rate were assessed for fixed and variable effects at birth, 10, 20, and 30 weeks of age. Big sized bucks and does had progeny that were heavier than those of small sized parents at all ages except at birth. The mean body weight of the progeny at 30 weeks was 15.1±0.6 kg for elite bucks and 13.2±0.8 kg for control bucks. Due to sexual dimorphism, male progeny were heavier than their female counterparts at birth, 20 weeks and at 30 weeks. Birth type had the most profound effect on both live weight and survival of goats. Single kids weighed 2.2 ± 0.05 kg at birth compared to 2.0± 0.03 kg for twins, and the margin of superiority widened to 3.5 kg at 30 weeks. Over 85% of the kids that died between birth and 30 weeks were born as a twin which effectively negated the advantage that is normally thought of for twinning in such a goat flock. It is concluded that paternal and maternal size influences the weight of progeny at birth and through to maturity. Birth type and sex of kids also have profound effects on kid weight as well as on survival. However, the advantage of elite parentage appears to get diminished unless diet improvements are incorporated. In general, using elite bucks does have potential financial benefits for Mubende goat farmers. | Goats; Maternal effect; Mubende breed; Selection; Sire effect | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866786657 | Design, construction and performance evaluation of a modified cassava milling machine | Nwaigwe K.N., Nzediegwu C., Ugwuoke P.E. | 2012 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 4 | 18 | None | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Energy Commission of Nigeria, National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Nwaigwe, K.N., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Nzediegwu, C., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Ugwuoke, P.E., Energy Commission of Nigeria, National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This study on the design and construction of a modified cassava milling machine was done, owing to the inability of existing mills to meet the demand of cassava flour in bakery industries. Rational design by drawing and calculations and fabrication in the Centre for Industrial Studies (CIS) FUTO were used to bring this mill to reality. The modified cassava milling machine has a milling efficiency of 82.3%, it is dust free and self-cleaning and due to proper air circulation does not destroy the cassava flour produced by overheating. The cassava flour produced was found to have a fineness modulus (fm) of 0.31, Uniformity index (U) of 0: 1: 9 (coarse: medium: fine) and effective size (D 10) of 0.075 mm which is better than that produced by an existing mill (hammer mill) of fineness modulus (fm) 2.32, uniformity index (U) of 4:1:5 and effective size (D 10) of 0.085 mm. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2012. | Cassava; Flour; Hammer mill; Milling machine | Air circulation; Bakery industry; Cassava; Cassava flour; Design and construction; Effective size; Fineness modulus; Flour; Hammermills; Performance evaluation; Rational design; Uniformity index; Design; Grinding mills; Milling machines; Plants (botany) | None |
| WoS | WOS:000266192600134 | The impact of oil exploration on the inhabitants of the oil producing areas of Nigeria | Omotor, Douglason G. | 2009 | JOURNAL OF FOOD AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT | 7 | 2 | None | None | None | This study modestly assails to measure the impact of the oil industry on the inhabitants of the oil producing areas of Nigeria by adopting an analysis of variance (ANOVA) methodology to test various hypotheses using six socio-economic indicators (education, health, housing, power, roads and water supply). The results revealed that the overall impact of oil on the selected socio-economic fundamentals was only significant during the oil boom era. The oil industry significantly impacted more on the development of these indicators in non-oil producing areas than in oil producing areas. This might had awoken the consciousness of inhabitants of oil producing area; therefore triggering the crisis now ravaging the Niger Delta. The study suggests community participation in equity holding; what is more, a sum equal to 50 percent of proceeds of royalty or rent from extraction of natural resources be paid to the host region. | "natural resource curse","NIGER DELTA",NIGERIA,"OIL EXPLORATION",socio-economic | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884515371 | Modelling the potential impact and cost of scaling-up male circumcision in resource poor settings: A case of Uganda | Tumwesigyea N.M., Wabwire-Mangena F., Bagendaa D., Ssengoobab F., Opioc A., Nalwaddab C.K., Bollinger L., Stoverd J. | 2013 | African Journal of AIDS Research | 12 | 1 | 10.2989/16085906.2013.815416 | Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Mulago National Referral Hospital Complex Mulago Hill, PO Box 7071, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, PO Box 7071, Kampala, Uganda; Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Plot 6 Lourdel Road, Nakasero Kampala, Uganda; Futures Institute, Glastonbury, CT, United States | Tumwesigyea, N.M., Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Mulago National Referral Hospital Complex Mulago Hill, PO Box 7071, Kampala, Uganda; Wabwire-Mangena, F., Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Mulago National Referral Hospital Complex Mulago Hill, PO Box 7071, Kampala, Uganda; Bagendaa, D., Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Mulago National Referral Hospital Complex Mulago Hill, PO Box 7071, Kampala, Uganda; Ssengoobab, F., Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, PO Box 7071, Kampala, Uganda; Opioc, A., Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Plot 6 Lourdel Road, Nakasero Kampala, Uganda; Nalwaddab, C.K., Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, PO Box 7071, Kampala, Uganda; Bollinger, L., Futures Institute, Glastonbury, CT, United States; Stoverd, J., Futures Institute, Glastonbury, CT, United States | This study modelled estimates of the cost and impact of male circumcision (MC) under different scenarios using the Decision Maker's Program Planning Tool on data from Uganda. Results showed that the number of new adult HIV infections could be reduced by 23 000 if MC could be increased from the current 25% to 80% by 2015. The incidence of HIV could be reduced by 0.2 percentage points over the same period. If a scale up programme is to meet a target of 80% by 2015 then the annual number of MCs performed should be over twice as many as those performed in 2011. The discounted net cost per infection averted would be US$559 for the period 2011-2015 and the country would save US$6 841 per infection. A scale up of MC will reduce HIV prevalence and incidence substantially and it would be highly cost effective. The government should mobilise funding to meet high MC targets that would deliver the desired reduction in prevalence and incidence in a short period of time. Copyright © NISC (Pty) Ltd. | Adult hiv infection; Decision maker's program planning tool; Health economics; Male circumcision | adolescent; adult; article; circumcision; cost benefit analysis; cost control; cost effectiveness analysis; female; health care cost; health care planning; health program; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; infection prevention; male; medical personnel; prevalence; scale up; surgeon; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859044666 | Impact of Agricultural Extension Services on Cocoyam Production in Ogun State, Nigeria | Olagunju F.I., Adesiji G.B. | 2011 | Journal of Agricultural and Food Information | 12 | 04-Mar | 10.1080/10496505.2011.588937 | Department of Agricultural Economics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Olagunju, F.I., Department of Agricultural Economics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Adesiji, G.B., Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | This study measured the impact of extension services on cocoyam production in Ogun State by comparing the output of farmers visited by extension workers (FV) with those not visited (FNV). A multistage sampling technique was used to select 90 farmers. Data were analyzed by means of both descriptive and inferential statistics. The regression result for the cocoyam production model revealed that FNV also enjoyed the benefits of extension services through their interaction with FV or cooperative societies in the study area in what could be termed a "trickle down" effect. These findings suggest that extension can help to close the gap between the output attainable with existing technologies and those actually realized by farmers. © 2011 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | cocoyam farmers; cocoyam production; extension; Nigeria | Colocasia esculenta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940949166 | Social media network participation and academic performance in senior high schools in Ghana | Mingle J., Adams M. | 2015 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2015 | 1 | None | Lancaster University Ghana, Ghana; Department of Information Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | Mingle, J., Lancaster University Ghana, Ghana; Adams, M., Department of Information Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | This study looks at social media network participation and academic performance in senior high schools. The study was aimed at identifying social media network sites and their usage among students, how students networked and participated on social media networks, time invested by students on social networks, the effects of social media on students' grammar and spelling as well as the effects of social network participation on the student's academic performance within the context of the social learning and the use and gratification theories. To achieve the objectives of the research, the study used a mixed method approach which involved the survey of students in four senior high schools and interviews of heads of the senior high schools. The study revealed that majority of respondents used Whatsapp and Facebook for making friends and chatting. In addition, majority of respondents experienced negative effects such as poor grammar and spelling, late submission of assignment, less study time and poor academic performance due to the heavy participation on social media networks. Furthermore, there was a high addiction rate among students in the usage of social media networks. Nevertheless, there were cases where others experienced improvement in their readings skills as a result of participation on social media networks. Also, respondents shared ideas, discussed and shared examination questions among themselves on social media networks. The study recommended the strict enforcement of Ghana Education Service rule on electronic devices usage in schools, promotion of social media usage for academic purpose, counselling for addicted students and the use of the right grammar and spelling when participating on social networks. | Academic performance; Addiction; Social media networks; Students | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349498823 | Evaluation of simple methods of arsenic removal from domestic water supplies in rural communities | Awuah E., Morris R.T., Owusu P.A., Sundell R., Lindstrom J. | 2009 | Desalination | 248 | 42372 | 10.1016/j.desal.2008.05.036 | Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Division for Engineering Sciences, Physics and Mathematics, Karlstads University, Sweden | Awuah, E., Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Morris, R.T., Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Owusu, P.A., Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Sundell, R., Division for Engineering Sciences, Physics and Mathematics, Karlstads University, Sweden; Lindstrom, J., Division for Engineering Sciences, Physics and Mathematics, Karlstads University, Sweden | This study looked at two arsenic removal technologies, method Bucket Treatment Unit and removal using citrus lime, lemon and filter. The method Bucket Treatment Unit used zero-valent iron and removal using citrus lime, lemon and filter used photochemical oxidation of arsenic. The citrus lime, lemon and filter setup was found to be ineffective with its current design. The results reviewed that the method Bucket Treatment Unit was more effective and appropriate, but with clogging problems. The method Bucket Treatment Unit had between 68% and 100% arsenic removal efficiency with a 36 L/day flow rate of filtrate. The removal using photochemical oxidation of arsenic only had 8% removal efficiency. The study also reviewed that groundwater resources in the Ashanti Region of Ghana were contaminated with arsenic above the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. © 2009. | Drinking water treatment; Ghana; Indigenous technology | Arsenic removal; Arsenic removal technology; Domestic water supply; Drinking water treatment; Ghana; Indigenous technology; Photochemical oxidation; Removal efficiencies; Rural community; SIMPLE method; Treatment units; World Health Organization; Zero-valent iron; Air filters; Arsenic; Groundwater; Groundwater pollution; Groundwater resources; Hydrogeology; Lime; Oxidation; Potable water; Water supply; Chemicals removal (water treatment); arsenic; drinking water; filter; oxidation; pollutant removal; rural area; water treatment; Africa; Ashanti; Ghana; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Citrus; Citrus limon | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900435320 | Implementation challenges of performance management system in the South African mining industry | Job Seotlela R.P., Miruka O. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 7 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n7p177 | Graduate School of Business and Government Leadership, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa | Job Seotlela, R.P., Graduate School of Business and Government Leadership, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa; Miruka, O., Graduate School of Business and Government Leadership, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa | This study looked at the general understanding of employees regarding PMS, planning prior to implementation of the system, challenges encountered during implementation and general employees perceptions. Implementation of PMS is seen as an efficient vehicle to successfully deliver on the strategic objectives and goals for many organisations. However, various studies conducted on the implementation of any new system or change initiatives revealed that it leads to challenges for many organisations. This study has investigated implementation challenges encountered during the implementation of PMS. The researcher used single method qualitative case study approach. Primary data was collected through key informants and focus groups interviews and secondary data through internal documents analysis. The researcher used non-probability quota sampling in order to select 24 participants for the 4 focus groups. Senior managers were also interviewed as key informants. The data gathered was analysed against literature reviewed. The study identified various challenges and key factors that were negatively impacting on the successful implementation of PMS. The researcher has established that that the major hindrance regarding successful implementation of PMS was failure from the management to start with change management process and training of employees prior to implementation of the system. | None | None | 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 |
| WoS | WOS:000344366200005 | Impact of cost sharing on utilization of primary health care Services: providers versus household perspectives | Mushi, D. P. | 2014 | MALAWI MEDICAL JOURNAL | 26 | 3 | None | Univ Dar Es Salaam Tanzania | None | This study is set to match and compare results of the analysis of impacts of cost sharing on households with those on health-care providers in two selected districts in Tanzania. The setting is intended to establish and compare concurrently the impact of cost sharing on health-care utilization as viewed from both the providers and beneficiary households.
The findings of the study indicate that quality of primary health care has improved as a result of the introduction of cost sharing. Attendance and hence utilization in health facilities has also increased. Mortality rate, at least for one district has not worsened. By implication then, cost sharing appears to have a positive impact on the provision of primary health care, except for a few cases that fail to consult because of the fees. An appropriately managed exemption facility is likely to eliminate the negative impact. | ,FEES,KENYA,"USER CHARGES" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943621072 | Impact of fiscal policy variables on economic growth in Nigeria (1970-2012): A managerial economics persperctive | Igwe A., Emmanuel E.C., Ukpere W.I. | 2015 | Investment Management and Financial Innovations | 12 | 2 | None | Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Economics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria; Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, Faculty of Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Igwe, A., Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Emmanuel, E.C., Department of Economics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria; Ukpere, W.I., Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, Faculty of Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | This study is set out to investigate the impact of fiscal policy variables (capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure and direct income tax) on economic growth in Nigeria. The study adopts a growth accounting framework that specifies economic growth as a function of the fiscal policy variables. Using a time series data for the period 1970-2012, the study tests for the presence of unit root test, using the augmented Dickey-Fuller test for stationarity. It is discovered that all the variables are integrated at I(1). The Johansen cointegration reveals the presence of a long run relationship between economic growth and all the dependent variables (CX, RX and TX). The VECM analysis indicates that capital expenditure and recurrent expenditure are positively related and statistically significant in determining economic growth in the long run. As expected, direct income tax is inversely related and statistically significant in determining economic growth in the long run. A 1% increase in capital expenditure leads to an increase of 3.94% in income. A 1% increase in recurrent expenditure leads to an increase of 3.22% in income. On the other hand, a 1% increase in direct income tax leads to a fall of 6.83% in national output. Moreover, only tax determines economic growth in the short run, as a 1% in direct income tax causes national output to fall by 0.39%. These results meet apriori expectations with respect to their signs. GDP adjusts to its long run equilibrium when there is a shock at a slow speed of 3.07%. The pairwise granger causality indicates that causality relationship does not exist between any of the fiscal policy variables and economic growth. Based on these results, the study recommends the adoption of tax policies that would spur growth instead of retarding growth with a wide margin, as has been observed from the study. Efforts should be made to skew the pattern of public spending towards capital expenditure as it leads to higher growth than recurrent expenditure. © Anthony Igwe, Edeh Chukwudi Emmanuel, Wilfred I. Ukpere, 2015. | Capital; Economic growth; Fiscal policy; Government; Taxation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-45949110251 | Evaluation of the nutrient and sensory properties of multimixes and porridges made from maize, soybean, and plantain for use as complementary food | Nnam N.M., Baiyeri G.T. | 2008 | Ecology of Food and Nutrition | 47 | 1 | 10.1080/03670240701615374 | Department of Home Science, Nutrition, and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Nnam, N.M., Department of Home Science, Nutrition, and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Baiyeri, G.T., Department of Home Science, Nutrition, and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This study is part of a series of exploratory works on the use of cheap and locally available staples to improve the Nigerian traditional complementary foods. The proximate, some mineral, and vitamin compositions of composite flours formulated from maize, soybean, and plantain landrace or hybrid were evaluated. The processing included sprouting maize for 48 h, boiling soybean for 1 h, and hand peeling plantain to obtain the pulp. The samples were dried and milled into fine flours. The flours were combined in ratios of 70:30:0, 65:30:5, 60:30:10, and 55:30:15 (protein basis) of maize, soybean, and plantain landrace or hybrid. Standard assay methods were used to evaluate the composites for nutrient composition. The nutrient levels of the composites were compared with Codex Alimentarius Commission Guidelines for formulated supplementary foods for older infants and young children. "Ogi" flour and Nutrend served as the controls. Porridges made from the composites were evaluated for sensory properties. The boiled soybean contained appreciable quantities of protein (42.18%) and lipid (18.60%). The energy levels of the flour blends and the protein levels of some of the composites (maize, soybean, and plantain landrace or hybrid, 60:30:10) were comparable to that of Nutrend and met the Codex Alimentarius Commission Guidelines. The composites showed nutritional superiority over "ogi" flour in terms of protein, lipid, ash, and iron nutriture. The porridges made from the composites were accepted slightly by the judges. Further work is currently underway in our laboratory to improve the nutrient composition of the composites and the acceptability of their porridges. | Acceptability; Complementary food; Composite flour; Nutrients; Porridges | food consumption; food quality; maize; nutrient; nutritive value; soybean; vitamin; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Glycine max; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926149109 | Prototype design and performance analysis of a sieving machine for improved food-slurry processing in Nigeria | Simolowo O.E., Adeniji O.O. | 2011 | Indian Journal of Science and Technology | 4 | 12 | 10.17485/ijst/2011/v4i12/30299 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Simolowo, O.E., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adeniji, O.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | This study is on the modification and improvement of an "Ogi" (ground corn slurry) sieving machine that was earlier designed based on suction principle. A vibration machine for the sieving of a major staple food and primary infant diet in many countries in Africa popularly known as "Ogi" has been fabricated in this work. Experimental performance tests were carried out using the modified machine and the results were compared with the conventional or manual sieving process. In Nigeria, and many African countries, the domestic and medium-scale processing of various food slurry such as those for corn, sorghum, soya beans and millet have been done manually over the years with little or no technological development. These manual processes are associated with obvious constraints such as excessive length of time, tedium and boredom coupled with inherent unhygienic conditions surrounding these processes. Results showed that the newly designed vibration sieving machine was more efficient than the manual process. It had an average filtration rate of 1.6×10-5 m3/s against 8.68×10-6 m3/s for the manual method, thereby bringing about over 82% improvement over the manual sieving process. Hence, this work presents a remarkable contribution to the processing of various staple foods in Nigeria and Africa as a whole by applying the principles of vibration to the design of new sieving equipment. © Indian Society for Education and Environment (iSee). | Design-modification; Food-slurry; Performance-analysis; Sieving | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892557393 | Effect of multiple taxation on the performance of small and medium scale business enterprises. (A study of West African Ceremics Ajeokuta, Kogi State) | Adebisi J.F., Gbegi D.O. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 6 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n6p323 | Nigerian college of Accountancy, Jos, Nigeria; Department of Accounting, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria | Adebisi, J.F., Nigerian college of Accountancy, Jos, Nigeria; Gbegi, D.O., Department of Accounting, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria | This study is on the effect of multiple taxation on the performance of small and medium scale enterprises. Over the years, small and medium scale enterprises have been an avenue of job creation and the empowerment of Nigeria's citizen, providing about 50% of all jobs in Nigeria and also for local capital formation. However, the mortality rate of these small firms is very high. Among the factors responsible for these untimely close-ups are tax related issues, ranging from multiple taxation to enormous tax burdens. The study therefore examines the effect of multiple taxation on SMEs survival. The study involved a survey research design with a population of 91. The researchers derived their sample size to arrive at 74 and a self administered questionnaire was used to collect data. These data was quantitatively analyzed with simple percentages and tested the research hypothesis with ANOVA. Findings revealed that multiple taxation has negative effect on SMEs' survival and the relationship between SMEs' size and its ability to pay taxes is significant. We therefore recommends that government should come up with a uniform tax policies that will favour the development of SMEs in Nigeria and government should put into consideration the size of SMEs when setting tax policies. | Economic growth; Multiple taxations; SMEs mortality; SMEs performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943816086 | Impact of non-oil sector on economic growth: A managerial economic perspective | Igwe A., Edeh C.E., Ukpere W.I. | 2015 | Problems and Perspectives in Management | 13 | 2 | None | Department of Management, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Economics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria; Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, Faculty of Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Igwe, A., Department of Management, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria; Edeh, C.E., Department of Economics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria; Ukpere, W.I., Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, Faculty of Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | This study is motivated by the need to examine the impact of non-oil export to economic growth in Nigeria for the period 1981-2012. The study adopted the export-led growth hypothesis as the framework of study. A production function which specified economic growth as a function of capital stock, labor and non-oil export is formulated to express the relationship between the dependent and the independent variables. The econometric techniques of Johansen cointegration and the vector error correction model are chosen to ascertain the impact and the long run relationship between the dependent and the explanatory variables. Also, the Granger causality technique is used to investigate a causality relationship between economic growth and the independent variables. Findings from the VEC analysis reveal that in both the short and long runs, non-oil export determines economic growth. Also, the cointegration analysis indicates a long run relationship between non-oil export and economic growth over the period under study. These two findings agree with the theory of export-led growth hypothesis. However, the Granger causality analysis indicates no causality relationship between non-oil export and economic growth. A uni-directional causality relationship runs from capital stock to economic growth. Also, a uni-directional causality relationship runs from economic growth to labor force. | Development; Economic growth; Export; Non-oil sector | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864351893 | Saccharomyces cerevisiae oxidative response evaluation by cyclic voltammetry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry | Castro C.C., Gunning C., Oliveira C.M., Couto J.A., Teixeira J.A., Martins R.C., Ferreira A.C.S. | 2012 | Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 60 | 29 | 10.1021/jf300389v | IBB-Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade Do Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, CBQF, Universidade Cato.lica Portuguesa, Rua Dr. Anto.nio Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; Departamento de Quimica and QOPNA, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; BioInformatics Molecular and Environmental Biology Centre, Universidade Do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Castro, C.C., IBB-Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade Do Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Gunning, C., Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, CBQF, Universidade Cato.lica Portuguesa, Rua Dr. Anto.nio Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; Oliveira, C.M., Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, CBQF, Universidade Cato.lica Portuguesa, Rua Dr. Anto.nio Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal, Departamento de Quimica and QOPNA, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Couto, J.A., Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, CBQF, Universidade Cato.lica Portuguesa, Rua Dr. Anto.nio Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; Teixeira, J.A., IBB-Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade Do Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Martins, R.C., BioInformatics Molecular and Environmental Biology Centre, Universidade Do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Ferreira, A.C.S., Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, CBQF, Universidade Cato.lica Portuguesa, Rua Dr. Anto.nio Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa | This study is focused on the evaluation of the impact of Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolism in the profile of compounds with antioxidant capacity in a synthetic wine during fermentation. A bioanalytical pipeline, which allows for biological systems fingerprinting and sample classification by combining electrochemical features with biochemical background, is proposed. To achieve this objective, alcoholic fermentations of a minimal medium supplemented with phenolic acids were evaluated daily during 11 days, for electrochemical profile, phenolic acids, and the volatile fermentation fraction, using cyclic voltametry, high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection, and headspace/solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (target and nontarget approaches), respectively. It was found that acetic acid, 2-phenylethanol, and isoamyl acetate are compounds with a significative contribution for samples metabolic variability, and the electrochemical features demonstrated redox-potential changes throughout the alcoholic fermentations, showing at the end a similar pattern to normal wines. Moreover, S. cerevisiae had the capacity of producing chlorogenic acid in the supplemented medium fermentation from simple precursors present in the minimal medium. © 2012 American Chemical Society. | Bioanalytical methods; chemometrics; electrochemical sensors; mass spectrometry | 2-phenylethanol; Alcoholic fermentation; Antioxidant capacity; Bioanalytical; Bioanalytical methods; Chemometrics; Chlorogenic acids; Chromatography-mass spectrometry; Cyclic voltametry; Electrochemical features; Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; Headspaces; Isoamyl acetate; Liquid chromatography-diode array detection; Metabolic variability; Microextraction; Phenolic acids; Redoxpotential; S.cerevisiae; Sample classification; Similar pattern; Acetic acid; Cyclic voltammetry; Electrochemical sensors; Ethanol; Fermentation; Gas chromatography; High performance liquid chromatography; Mass spectrometry; Metabolism; Organic acids; Phenols; Yeast; antioxidant; article; electrochemical analysis; fermentation; high performance liquid chromatography; mass fragmentography; metabolism; metabolomics; oxidation reduction reaction; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; wine; Antioxidants; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Electrochemical Techniques; Fermentation; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Metabolomics; Oxidation-Reduction; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Wine; Saccharomyces cerevisiae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-63049104608 | Evaluation of dough sensory properties impacted by yeasts isolated from cassava | Boboye B., Dayo-Owoyemi I. | 2009 | Journal of Applied Sciences | 9 | 4 | None | Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | Boboye, B., Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Dayo-Owoyemi, I., Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | This study is focused on isolating and identifying yeasts found in cassava as well as assessing the dough fermenting abilities of the isolates in term of leavening. A total of seven yeasts were isolated from the liquor of a four days fermented cassava. These are Geotrichum lactis, Saccharomyces ellipsoideus, Candida tropicalis, C. robusta, C. intermidia. Debaryomyces hansenii and Zygosaccharomyces bailii. They were used to ferment wheat flour doughs in order to test the fermentative ability of the isolates. The fermented doughs were baked and organoleptic analysis was carried out using some physical parameters namely: leavening. texture, aroma, taste and appearance. The analysis showed that Saccharomyces ellipsoideus, Geotrichum lactis and Candida robusta were best in leavening the flour doughs. Each of these isolates scored between 55 and 60% in all the attributes tested. In the sensory attributes applied, statistical analysis using ANOVA (p<0.05) and Duncan Multiple Range Test showed tb4t about 71 and 80% of the tested isolates compared favourably with the commercial baker's yeasts STK Royal and Saf-instant used. © 2009 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Cassava yeasts; Fermentation; Flour dough; Sensory properties | Candida tropicalis; Debaryomyces hansenii; Duncan multiple range test; Flour doughs; Physical parameters; Sensory attributes; Sensory properties; Wheat-flour dough; Candida; Fermentation; Plants (botany); Yeast | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65249084958 | Sensitivity of performance to capital structure | Akintoye I.R. | 2008 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 7 | 1 | None | Department of Economics, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Akintoye, I.R., Department of Economics, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | This study is borne out of the need to establish the presence or otherwise of the responsiveness of EBIT, EPS and DPS as performance indicators to turnover, which is a measure of leverage, with respect to selected Food and Beverages companies in Nigeria. We computed the degree(s) of Leverage(s) ratios - i.e the DOL, DFL, DCL, as well as the percentage change in DPS relative to percentage change in EBIT inorder to achieve our study's objective. Our results reveal that performance indicators used in our study are significantly sensitive to the capital structure, for most of the companies considered in our study. Our findings reveal the followings: • Most of the companies used have their EBIT, EPS and DPS sensitive to turnover, which is in support of the apriori expectation. • Results from Nigerian Bottling Company Plc, negate the apriori expectation, as an increase in its turnover in year 2004, does not result in a corresponding increase in its EBIT, let alone EPS and DPS, rather a loss of 44.9% was recorded. • Results from Nestle Nig. Plc, Cadbury Nig. Plc and 7-Up Bottling Co Plc, also support the apriori expectation of a positive relationship between performance indicators and turnover. We also discovered that shareholders in most of the companies considered enjoy double benefits of dividend declaration and wealth creation; hence, the study disputes the present dividend theory which believes that organizations shareholders either support dividend declaration or wealth creation and not the two. Our study shows that both dividend declaration and wealth creation could be relevant to shareholders. We therefore conclude based on our findings, that irrespective of the dividend policy adopted by an organization, the rate of change in capital structure is a major influence on what organisations behaviour is likely to be. In addition this study lend credence to developing a third school of thought in dividend theory, to provide a place for the relevance of both dividend declaration and wealth creation to shareholders as against the present dividend theory which provides for either, of these two schools. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000248543300004 | A process evaluation of a school-based adolescent sexual health intervention in rural Tanzania: the MEMA kwa Vijana programme | Hayes, R. J.,Makokha, A.,Mazige, B. C.,Mshana, G.,Obasi, A. I. N.,Plummer, Mary L.,Ross, D. A.,Todd, J.,Wamoyi, J.,Wight, D. | 2007 | HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH | 22 | 4 | 10.1093/her/cyl103 | University of London, MRC, NIMR AMREF LSHTM Collaborat Projects | None | This study is a process evaluation of the school component of the adolescent sexual health programme MEMA kwa Vijana (MkV), which was implemented in 62 primary schools in rural Mwanza, Tanzania from 1999 to 2001. The MkV curriculum was a teacher-led and peer-assisted programme based on the Social Learning Theory. Process evaluation included observation of training sessions, monitoring and supervision, annual surveys of implementers, group discussions and 158 person-weeks of participant observation. Most teachers taught curriculum content well, but sometimes had difficulty adopting new teaching styles. Peer educators performed scripted dramas well, but were limited as informal educators and behavioural models. The intervention appeared successful in addressing some cognitions, e.g. knowledge of risks and benefits of behaviours, but not others, e.g. perceived susceptibility to risk. MkV shared the characteristics of other African school-based programmes found to be successful, and similarly found significant improvements in self-reported behaviour in surveys. However, a substantial proportion of MkV survey self-reports were inconsistent, there was no consistent impact on biological markers and extensive process evaluation found little impact on several key theoretical determinants of behaviour. Improvements in self-reported survey data alone may provide only a very limited-and perhaps invalid-indication of adolescent sexual health programme success. | ,"ABUSE PREVENTION","AFRICAN YOUTH","AIDS EDUCATION-PROGRAM",COMMUNITY,FIDELITY,HIV/AIDS,"HIV PREVENTION",IMPLEMENTATION,"NORTHERN TANZANIA","PEER EDUCATION" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878852594 | 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-s2.0-39749110190 | The influence of temperament style on a student's choice of and performance in a computer programming course | Blignaut P., Naude A. | 2008 | Computers in Human Behavior | 24 | 3 | 10.1016/j.chb.2007.03.005 | Department of Computer Science and Informatics, University of the Free State, South Africa | Blignaut, P., Department of Computer Science and Informatics, University of the Free State, South Africa; Naude, A., Department of Computer Science and Informatics, University of the Free State, South Africa | This study is an attempt to determine whether it is necessary to include temperament style when compiling an instrument to predict a student's chances of success in a computer programming course. Temperament style is seen as the combination of qualities which constitute the natural disposition of an individual and which affect actions, thinking and emotions. The DISC model, as adapted by Boyd [Boyd, C. F. (1994). Different children, different needs: the art of adjustable parenting. Oregon: Questar Publishers Inc.], views people as behaving along two orthogonal dimensions: the speed at which a person moves through life, and his/her general focus when doing things, i.e. on people or on tasks. This study proved that both of these dimensions have an influence on the performance of students in a computer programming course while one of them also has an influence on a student's choice to pursue a programming course. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Human factors; Psychology; Training | Curricula; Mathematical models; Personnel training; Psychology computing; Students; Human factors; Natural disposition; Temperament style; Computer programming | None |
| WoS | WOS:000265567000026 | The univariate and bivariate impact of HIV/AIDS on the quality of life: A cross sectional study in the Hubei Province-Central China | Bapumiia, Mustaafa,Jackson, Felicia Williams,Kobelo, Theresia M.,Liu, LI,Mkangara, Ommari Baaliy,Mweri, Saumu Tobbi,Nie, Shaofa,Wang, Chongjian,Xiang, Hao,Xu, Yihua | 2009 | JOURNAL OF HUAZHONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MEDICAL SCIENCES | 29 | 2 | 10.1007/s11596-009-0226-x | Agakhan Hosp, Hondros Coll, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Huazhong Univ Sci & Technol | None | This study is aimed to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) for individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Hubei province-central China by using WHOQOL-BREF instrument (Chinese version). One hundred and thirty six respondents (HIV/AIDS individuals) attending out-patient department of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese CDC) were administered a structured questionnaire developed by investigators. QOL was evaluated by using WHOQOL-BREF instrument (Chinese version). The results showed that the mean score of overall QOL on a scale of 0-100 was 25.8. The mean scores in 4 domains of QOL on a scale of 0-100 were 82.9 (social domain), 27.5 (psychological domain), 17.7 (physical domain) and 11.65 (environmental domain). The significant difference of QOL was noted in the score of physical domain between asymptomatic (14.6) and early symptomatic individuals (12) (P=0.014), and between patients with early symptoms (12) and those with AIDS (10.43) (P < 0.001). QOL in psychological domain was significantly lower in early symptomatic (12.1) (P < 0.05) and AIDS patients (12.4) (P < 0.006) than in asymptomatic individuals (14.2). The difference in QOL scores in the psychological domain was significant with respect to the income of patients (P < 0.048) and educational status (P < 0.037). Significantly better QOL scores in the physical domain (P < 0.040) and environmental domain (P < 0.017) were noted with respect to the occupation of the patients. Patients with family support had better QOL scores in environmental domain. In our research, QOL for HIV/AIDS individuals was associated with education, occupation, income, family support and clinical categories of the patients. It was concluded that WHOQOL-BREF Chinese version was successfully used in the evaluation of QOL of HIV/AIDS individuals in Chinese population and proved to be a reliable and useful tool. | AIDS,BIVARIATE,"CENTRAL CHINA",HIV,IMPACT,univariate,"WHOQOL-Bref Chinese version",DISEASE,"SOCIAL SUPPORT" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84255173329 | Evaluation of absorbed dose during hysterosalpingography in a nigerian hospital | Okeji M.C., Udoh B.E., Chiaghanam N.O. | 2011 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 67 | 1 | None | Department of Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nigeria; Department of Radiography and Radiological Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe Universit | Okeji, M.C., Department of Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nigeria; Udoh, B.E., Department of Radiography and Radiological Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria; Chiaghanam, N.O., Department of Radiography, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria | This study is aimed at determining the absorbed dose by patients undergoing hysterosalpingography in a Nigerian hospital. Dosimetric evaluations were carried out by measuring Entrance Surface Dose [ESD] using Thermoluminiscent Dosimeters [TLD] placed on the regions of interest. The radiation dose to ninety one [91] patients [mean age 29] who underwent the HSG was evaluated and presented. The mean ESD for the patients was 5.87±4.56mGy with range of 0.02 to 13.08mGy. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2011. | Hysterosalpingography absorbed dose; Nigeria; Thermoluminiscent dosimeter | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60649115420 | Valuing the Guinea current large marine ecosystem: Estimates of direct output impact of relevant marine activities | Chukwuone N.A., Ukwe C.N., Onugu A., Ibe C.A. | 2009 | Ocean and Coastal Management | 52 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2008.12.008 | Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development Research, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Water Management Unit, Energy and Cleaner Production Branch, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, VIC Box 300, A-1400 Vienna, Austria; Bioresources Development and Conservation programme (BDCP), Abuja, Nigeria; Interim Guinea Current Commission, 1 Akosombo Street, Airport Residential Area, Accra, Ghana | Chukwuone, N.A., Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development Research, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Ukwe, C.N., Water Management Unit, Energy and Cleaner Production Branch, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, VIC Box 300, A-1400 Vienna, Austria; Onugu, A., Bioresources Development and Conservation programme (BDCP), Abuja, Nigeria; Ibe, C.A., Interim Guinea Current Commission, 1 Akosombo Street, Airport Residential Area, Accra, Ghana | This study is a first step towards valuing the Guinea Current Large Marine Ecosystem (GCLME), one of the five world's most productive marine areas that are rich in fishery resources, petroleum production, and an important global region of marine biological diversity. The area is highly degraded and thus demands urgent attention to recover and sustain depleted fisheries; restore degraded habitats; and reduce land and ship-based pollutions. Achieving this goal would be a mirage if the actual value of the ecosystem's contribution to the society is not known. Valuation can help identify the main beneficiaries of conservation and the magnitude of benefits they receive, and help design measures to capture some of these benefits and contribute to financing of conservation. Hence this study used the direct output approach to estimate the value of relevant marine activities in the area. The result shows that the total value of output in GCLME when some outputs namely, marine fishery, offshore oil production, NTFP (periwinkle) and mining, are considered as $49,941.4 million. Among these uses, offshore oil production has the highest value accounting for 59.79% of the total estimate. These estimates provides sufficient evidence to show that GCLME provide enormous value and should be managed appropriately to sustain the gains if the economic development would be guaranteed especially considering that most countries in the GCLM depend on natural resources for their survival. Evolving a well defined property rights regime and an efficient governance system for management is recommended. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | None | Ecosystems; Fisheries; Ocean currents; Offshore oil fields; Biological diversities; Design measures; Economic development; Fishery resources; Global regions; Governance systems; Large marine ecosystems; Marine areas; Marine fisheries; Offshore oil productions; Petroleum productions; Property rights; Total values; Offshore oil well production; anthropogenic effect; biodiversity; conservation; human activity; marine ecosystem; marine pollution; Africa; Guinea; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Catharanthus roseus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-32344440641 | The impact of participatory and non-participatory evaluations on meeting project objectives | Niba M., Green J.M. | 2005 | African Journal of AIDS Research | 4 | 2 | None | Department of Community Resources, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Niba, M., Department of Community Resources, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Green, J.M., Department of Community Resources, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | This study investigates the value of participation on meeting a project's objectives by comparing the impact of participatory and non-participatory evaluation frameworks. We assessed HIV/AIDS projects that shared similarities in terms of objectives and implementation strategies, but differed in their evaluation strategies, in order to identify differences in the outcome of the projects on the beneficiaries. The study concentrated on documentary and interview evidence of communication-based HIV/AIDS projects. The results highlight that in spite of socio-demographic differences, consistent use of a participatory methodology created an enabling environment, in terms of implementation, for meeting a project's objectives (particularly improved group awareness, knowledge, attitude, empowerment, functioning and sustainability); and, in terms of evaluation, a participatory methodology better enabled the internalisation of those objectives, through activities such as focus group discussions. Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd. | Africa; Behaviour; Community empowerment; HIV/AIDS interventions; Monitoring and evaluation | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; attitude to illness; demography; documentation; empowerment; evidence based practice; health care delivery; health care planning; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; information processing; interpersonal communication; interview; medical information; methodology; outcome assessment; participatory management; social aspect; sustainable development | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892515673 | The impact of government spending on economic growth: Case South Africa | Chipaumire G., Ngirande H., Method M., Ruswa Y. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 1 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n1p109 | University of Fort Hare, Department of Economics, Private Bag x9083, East London, 5200, South Africa; University of Limpopo, Department of Business Management, School of Economics and law, Private Bag x1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; University of Fort Hare, Department of Economics, Private Bag x9083, East London, 5200, South Africa; University of Western Cape, Department of Economics and Management Science, Robert Sebukwe Road, Bellville 7535, South Africa | Chipaumire, G., University of Fort Hare, Department of Economics, Private Bag x9083, East London, 5200, South Africa; Ngirande, H., University of Limpopo, Department of Business Management, School of Economics and law, Private Bag x1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Method, M., University of Fort Hare, Department of Economics, Private Bag x9083, East London, 5200, South Africa; Ruswa, Y., University of Western Cape, Department of Economics and Management Science, Robert Sebukwe Road, Bellville 7535, South Africa | This study investigates the validity of the Keynesian macroeconomic framework and the Classical perspective of a long run relationship and causality between government expenditure and economic growth in South Africa using the quarterly data from 1990-2010. A specific country study was used to investigate the long-run relationship between the former and the later on nation's output. Testing for unit roots and co-integration was performed first before we engage in ganger causality for testing the causality relationship between government spending and growth. Unit root tests were conducted so as to avoid the generation of the spurious regression results and co-integration determines the existence of a long run relationship among the variables. ADF(Augmented-Dickey Fuller) and the Philips-Perron tests techniques were engaged to test for stationarity. This study applies the Johansen Maximum Likelihood test techniques using both the trace technique and the more powerful eigen maximum value test. Both procedures found that certainly a long run relationship exists between government spending and growth in South Africa. Using the results obtained from the study, increased government spending in South Africa has not led to a meaningful development of the economy of the country which is inconsistent of the Keynesian stance. | Classical perspective; Economic growth; Government expenditure; Inefficiency; Keynesian framework; Long-run relationship | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951259985 | Characterisation of South African equity unit trusts using the active share measure as a performance indicator | Hirschel P., Krige J.D. | 2010 | Journal for Studies in Economics and Econometrics | 34 | 1 | None | University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa | Hirschel, P., University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Krige, J.D., University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa | This study investigates the relationship between the active share, tracking error and investment performance of South African general equity and large cap unit trusts for the period 2003 to 2007. Active share reflects the amount of deviation of a unit trust's equity holdings from a benchmark. The development of active share over time amongst unit trusts is investigated, as well as the relationship between active share, tracking error, fund size, number of equities in a unit trust and systematic risk as measured by beta. It was found that outperformance, as measured by Jensen's α and the Omega ratio, was statistically significant for unit trusts in the highest active share quintiles. The relationship between tracking error quintiles and performance was less consistent. A slight increase with time in the active share value was observed-possibly as a result of a move away from resources and large cap shares, which are concentrated in the JSE indices. High active share was found to be associated with a larger number of active positions, a beta against the benchmark of less than one and low numbers of stocks. No relationship between active share and size was found. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861765177 | Gendered Play and Evaluation of Computer Video Games by Young South Africans | Amory A., Molomo B. | 2012 | Gender, Technology and Development | 16 | 2 | 10.1177/097185241201600203 | Department of Mathematics, Science, Technology and Computer Education, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa | Amory, A., Department of Mathematics, Science, Technology and Computer Education, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa; Molomo, B., Department of Mathematics, Science, Technology and Computer Education, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa | This study investigates the preferences and attitudes of young South Africans who play and evaluate computer video games. The quantitative data reported here is part of a partially mixed concurrent quantitative/qualitative research design. Seventy-eight participants (14 to 24 years old) took part in game play workshops that lasted for five days, after which they answered a survey. Results show that young South African women and men like similar games, identify with female game characters, dislike cognitively challenging games, and rate their competitiveness in a similar way. It is argued that participants performed their gendered stereotypes based on prior social experiences in and expectations of the patriarchal and heteronormative masculine South African society. The study also discusses the implications for the use of games in the classroom. © 2012 Asian Institute of Technology. | computer video games; game play and evaluation; Games for teaching and learning; gender performativity; hegemonic masculinity | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867099092 | Modeling the impacts of reforestation on future climate in West Africa | Abiodun B.J., Adeyewa Z.D., Oguntunde P.G., Salami A.T., Ajayi V.O. | 2012 | Theoretical and Applied Climatology | 110 | 02-Jan | 10.1007/s00704-012-0614-1 | Climate System Analysis Group, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Meteorology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Engineering, Fed | Abiodun, B.J., Climate System Analysis Group, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Adeyewa, Z.D., Department of Meteorology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Oguntunde, P.G., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Salami, A.T., Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Ajayi, V.O., Department of Meteorology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | This study investigates the potential impacts of reforestation in West Africa on the projected regional climate in the near two decades (2031-2050) under the SRES A1B scenario. A regional climate model (RegCM3) forced with a global circulation model (ECHAM5) simulations was used for the study. The study evaluates the capability of the regional model in simulating the present-day climate over West Africa, projects the future climate over the region and investigates impacts of seven hypothetical reforestation options on the projected future climate. Three of these reforestation options assume zonal reforestation over West Africa (i. e., over the Sahel, Savanna and Guinea), while the other four assume random reforestation over Nigeria. With the elevated GHGs (A1B scenario), a warmer and drier climate is projected over West Africa in 2031-2050. The maximum warming (+2. 5°C) and drying (-2 mm day -1) occur in the western part of the Sahel because the West Africa Monsoon (WAM) flow is stronger and deflects the cool moist air more eastward, thereby lowering the warming and drying in the eastern part. In the simulations, reforestation reduces the projected warming and drying over the reforested zones but increases them outside the zones because it influences the northward progression of WAM in summer. It reduces the speed of the flow by weakening the temperature gradient that drives the flow and by increasing the surface drag on the flow over the reforested zone. Hence, in summer, the reforestation delays the onset of monsoon flow in transporting cool moist air over the area located downwind of the reforested zone, consequently enhancing the projected warming and drying over the area. The impact of reforesting Nigeria is not limited to the country; while it lowers the warming over part of the country (and over Togo), it increases the warming over Chad and Cameroon. This study, therefore, suggests that using reforestation to mitigate the projected future climate change in West Africa could have both positive and negative impacts on the regional climate, reducing temperature in some places and increasing it in others. Hence, reforestation in West Africa requires a mutual agreement among the West African nations because the impacts of reforestation do not recognize political boundaries. © 2012 Springer-Verlag. | None | air temperature; atmospheric circulation; climate change; climate modeling; greenhouse gas; monsoon; reforestation; regional climate; temperature gradient; Cameroon; Chad; Guinea; Nigeria; Sahel [Sub-Saharan Africa]; Togo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896710001 | The socioeconomic impact of the phasing out of plantations in the Western and Southern Cape regions of South Africa | de Beer M.C., Ham C., Längin D.W., Theron F. | 2014 | Southern Forests | 76 | 1 | 10.2989/20702620.2013.870386 | Department of Forest and Wood Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Mondi, Forestry Operations, PO Box 39, Pietermaritzburg 3200, South Africa; School of Public Leadership, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | de Beer, M.C., Department of Forest and Wood Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Ham, C., Department of Forest and Wood Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Längin, D.W., Mondi, Forestry Operations, PO Box 39, Pietermaritzburg 3200, South Africa; Theron, F., School of Public Leadership, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | This study investigates the possible socioeconomic impact of the phasing out of nearly 22 500 ha of plantations within the Southern and Western Cape regions of South Africa as a result of a decision made by government in 2000. Data was collected in 2007 from three plantations (one near Grabouw in the Western Cape, and two near George in the Southern Cape) managed by Mountain to Ocean Forestry (Pty) Ltd (currently Cape Pine Investment Holdings Ltd), among three different plantation stakeholder groups. These groups are (1) forest-dependent communities, (2) stakeholders among the forestry value chain and (3) indirect stakeholders. This study indicates that there are significant differences between the potential impacts of the phasing-out process within the Southern and Western Cape regions. Communities and secondary processing companies in the Southern Cape are much more dependent on forestry than those in the Western Cape region. The study highlights three aspects related to the phasing-out process that need urgent attention. These are (1) to increase public awareness and community participation among local beneficiaries and companies to be impacted on by the phasing-out process, (2) provide appropriate training and capacity-building and thus increased skills level of workers who face unemployment and (3) the identification of alternative employment opportunities for the unemployed affected by the phasing-out process. © 2014 Copyright © NISC (Pty) Ltd. | communities; phasing out; plantations; socioeconomic impact | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955979613 | Investigation into the performance of bamboo using the notched and the un-notched specimen | Gyansah L., Kwofie S. | 2011 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 3 | 4 | None | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana; Department of Materials Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana | Gyansah, L., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana; Kwofie, S., Department of Materials Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana | This study investigates the performance of bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) using the notched and the un-notched specimen. Double v-notched bamboo and un-notched bamboo specimens were used to carry out the experiment. Notched- angles of 20, 30, 60, 80 and 90° were made on each specimen. These were done to ascertain the effect of the notched-angle on the performance of the bamboo. Each specimen was placed in a Uniaxial Compression Machine and was crushed with respect to time. The results are plotted as crushing load against time. The results from the notched bamboo were compared with an un-notched bamboo to predict the effect of stress concentration. Microstructures of the bamboo were also analysed with the aid of an Electronic Microscope. It was observed that the variation in the notched angles had significant effect on the crushing strength of the bamboo. The higher the notched angle the lower the crushing loads. The variation in the notched angles also had significant effect on the crushing time. Therefore, the crushing time decreases with increases with the notched angle. Results also show that stress concentration had significant effect on the performance of bamboo. Results further show that a notched-angle of 20, 30, 60, 80 and 90° gave a crushing load of 8.0, 5.55, 3.33, 1.33 and 0.93 kN respectively and a crushing time of 42.46, 35.78, 21.89, 18.02 and 10.30 s, respectively. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2011. | Bamboo; Bambusa vulgaris; Crushing strength; Notched-angle; Performance; Stress concentration | Bambusa vulgaris; Crushing load; Electronic microscopes; Notched-angle; Performance; Uni-axial compression; Vulgaris; Compressive strength; Crushing; Stress concentration; Bamboo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57749087742 | Health and safety management efforts as correlates of performance in the Nigerian construction industry | Idoro G.I. | 2008 | Journal of Civil Engineering and Management | 14 | 4 | 10.3846/1392-3730.2008.14.27 | Dept. of Building, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Idoro, G.I., Dept. of Building, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | This study investigates the level of efforts made by Nigerian contractors to maintain a healthy and safe work environment. The objectives are to determine the level of management efforts made by contractors on H&S and their correlation with H&S performance. To achieve these objectives, a field survey involving a sample of 40 contractors selected by stratified random sampling from the contractors registered with the Federation of Construction Industry of Nigeria was carried out. For the study, 6 H&S management variables and 7 H&S performance variables were selected. The H&S management variables are in compliance with H&S regulations, provision of H&S facilities, structures for managing H&S in head and site offices, provision of PPE and H&S incentives, while the H&S performance variables are respondents' assessment of the performance of structures for managing H&S in head and site offices, accident, injury, accident per worker, injury per worker and injury per accident rates. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed by mean and Spearman correlation test. The results reveal that contractors' efforts on structures for managing H&S on site are the best correlates of H&S performance, but their level is low. The levels of contractors' efforts in provision of PPE, compliance with H&S regulations are high, but these efforts are not correlates of H&S performance. The levels of contractors' efforts in structures for managing H&S in head office and provision of H&S incentives are low and they have low correlation with H&S performance. The study considers these results as indication that the management efforts made by Nigerian contractors to ensure a healthy and safe work environment are yet to have meaningful impact. It suggests increased efforts on local H&S regulations, structures for managing H&S in both head and site offices and provision of H&S incentives as measures for improving safety in the Nigerian construction industry. | H&S management efforts; Objective H&S performance measurement; Subjective H&S performance measurement | Accidents; Construction industry; Contractors; Employment; Human engineering; Management; Occupational risks; Office buildings; Statistical tests; Surveys; Accident rates; Field surveys; Health and safeties; Low correlations; Nigeria; Nigerians; On sites; Performance variables; Spearman correlations; Stratified random samplings; Work environments; Contracts | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33847650072 | Location of secondary schools as a factor in determining academic performance of students in Oyo State Nigeria | Akinwumi F.S. | 2006 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 3 | 2 | None | Department of Educational Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Akinwumi, F.S., Department of Educational Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | This study investigates the influence of the location of secondary schools on academic performance of students in Oyo State using a descriptive survey research design. The Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) sampling method was used to select 100 secondary schools from among 318 secondary schools in twelve out of the existing thirty-three local government areas in the state. Four hypotheses were formulated and tested using chi-square (X2) and T-test statistical tools and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS/PC+). The study established a significant relationship between location of secondary schools and academic performance of students in Oyo State (X2 = 6.25, df =2, P<0.05). A significant difference in the academic performance of students was 0.05) found in SSCE English Language (t-cal.2.14 >t-crit. 200, df= 98.P<0.05) in urban and rural secondary schools. The study also found no significant influence of journey to school on academic performance of students in urban and rural secondary schools in Oyo State (X2=0.124, table value = 3.85, df= 1,P< 0.05). The following recommendations were made: government should evolve effective and strategic planning method before establishing new schools, government should also develop more useful and reliable policies for the distribution of educational facilities and resources in the state. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897381711 | The influence of students' perceptions on mathematics performance. A case of a selected high school in South Africa | Mutodi P., Ngirande H. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n3p431 | Department of Maths, Science and Technology, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), South Africa; Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), South Africa | Mutodi, P., Department of Maths, Science and Technology, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), South Africa; Ngirande, H., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), South Africa | This study investigates the influence of students' perceptions on mathematics performance at a selected South African secondary school. The influence of factors such as strength and weaknesses in mathematics, teacher support/learning material, family background and support, interest in mathematics, difficulties or challenges in doing mathematics, selfconfidence and myths and beliefs about mathematics were identified as constructs of perceptions that influence students' performance. Five of the seven constructs were found to be influential on students' performance in mathematics. Quantitative methods were used to analyse the data collected from a questionnaire which was administered to randomly selected secondary school students (n=124) in Polokwane, South Africa. From the regression analysis of the data, the following hierarchy of themes emerged as components of students' perceptions of mathematics. These were (i) weaknesses in mathematics (ii) family background and support, (iii) interests in mathematics, (iv) self-confidence in mathematics, (v) myths and beliefs about mathematics (vi) teacher /learning material support, (vii) difficulties in learning mathematics. Results from ttests, Anova and suggest that there were significant differences in the perceptions and beliefs about mathematics between males and females, between mature and juvenile students and among students from different language backgrounds respectively. Correlation analysis results showed strong positive relationships between performance and perception constructs such as self-confidence, interests in mathematics, teacher and learning support material as well as myths and beliefs.The respondents tend to view lack of proficiency in mathematics as a challenge, and attribute success in mathematics to effort and perseverance. Students also perceive difficulty in mathematics as an obstacle, and attribute failure to their own lack of inherited mathematical ability. These findings suggest that differences in (i) myths and beliefs about mathematics success, ((ii) motivation given by mathematics teachers and parents, (iii) mathematics teachers' teaching styles and learning materials and (iv) self confidence in mathematics may lead to differences in perceptions about mathematics. These in turn may lead to differences in attitudes towards mathematics and learning mathematics which have a bearing on performance. | Attitudes; Beliefs; Mathematics achievement; Perceptions; Secondary school students | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955012756 | The impact of recapitalization and consolidation on banks costs of equity in Nigeria | Aregbeyen O., Olufemi J. | 2011 | International Business Management | 5 | 3 | 10.3923/ibm.2011.159.165 | Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Aregbeyen, O., Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Olufemi, J., Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | This study investigates the impact of the impact of the bank recapitalization and consolidation program on the cost of equity capital of banks in Nigeria. On the strength of the analysis done and the result obtained, the study concludes that the consolidation and recapitalization programme has brought about considerable reduction in the cost of equity capital of the sampled banks. © Medwell Journals, 2011. | Bank; Consolidation; Cost of equity; Cupital; Nigeria; Recapitalization | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000301868800006 | The impact of reducing financial barriers on utilisation of a primary health care facility in Rwanda | Bonds, Matthew H.,Dhillon, Ranu S.,Fraden, Max,Ndahiro, Donald,Ruxin, Josh | 2012 | GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH | 7 | 1 | 10.1080/17441692.2011.593536 | Columbia University, University of Rwanda, Millennium Villages Project | "Bonds, Matthew H.: University of Rwanda","Dhillon, Ranu S.: Columbia University","Fraden, Max: Columbia University","Ruxin, Josh: Columbia University", | This study investigates the impact of subsidising community-based health insurance (mutuelle) enrolment, removing point-of-service co-payments, and improving service delivery on health facility utilisation rates in Mayange, a sector of rural Rwanda of approximately 25,000 people divided among five 'imidugudu' or small villages. While comprehensive service upgrades were introduced in the Mayange Health Centre between April 2006 and February 2007, utilisation rates remained similar to comparison sites. Between February 2007 and April 2007, subsidies for mutuelle enrolment established virtually 100% coverage. Immediately after co-payments were eliminated in February 2007, patient visits levelled at a rate triple the previous value. Regression analyses using data from Mayange and two comparison sites indicate that removing financial barriers resulted in about 0.6 additional annual visits for curative care per capita.
Although based on a single local pilot, these findings suggest that in order to achieve improved health outcomes, key short-term objectives include improved service delivery and reduced financial barriers. Based on this pilot, higher utilisation rates may be affected if broader swaths of the population are enrolled in mutuelle and co-payments are eliminated. Health leaders in Rwanda should consider further studies to determine if the impact of eliminating co-payments and increasing subsidies for mutuelle enrolment as seen in Mayange holds at greater levels of scale. Broader studies to better elucidate the impact of enrolment subsidies and co-payment subsidies on utilisation, health outcomes, and costs would also provide policy insights. | "community-based health insurance",Mayange,mutuelle,RWANDA,"USER FEES",ACCESS,AFRICA,COST,INSURANCE,POVERTY,SERVICES,UGANDA,"USER FEES" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864076490 | Impact of petroleum revenue and the economy of Nigeria | Ogbonna G.N., Ebimobowei A. | 2012 | Social Sciences (Pakistan) | 7 | 3 | 10.3923/sscience.2012.405.411 | Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Department of Accounting, Faculty of Business Education, Bayelsa State College of Education, Okpoama, Brass Island, Yenagoa, Nigeria | Ogbonna, G.N., Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Ebimobowei, A., Department of Accounting, Faculty of Business Education, Bayelsa State College of Education, Okpoama, Brass Island, Yenagoa, Nigeria | This study investigates the impact of petroleum revenue and the economy of Nigeria for the period 1970-2009. To achieve this objective, primary and secondary data were used. The primary data was generated from a well structured questionnaires administered to 150 oil and gas and non oil and gas workers in Rivers and Bayelsa states, respectively. The secondary data was culled from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin 1970-2009. The data collected were analysed using Pearson product correlation coefficient, Ordinary Least Square Regression and descriptive statistics. The results of the analysis suggests that petroleum revenue affects the gross domestic product and per capital income of Nigeria positively. However, the relationship between petroleum revenue and inflation rate was negative. Therefore, the research conclude that the revenue generated from petroleum exploration in Nigeria contributes to the gross domestic product and per capita income, hence proper management and utilization to achieve long run growth and development of the country. Useful recommendations were provided to improve the revenue generation effort and usage of the oil wealth in Nigeria. © Medwell Journals, 2012. | Economy; GDP; Inflation; Nigeria; Per capita income; Petroleum; Revenue | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930091797 | The short-term impact of price shocks on food security-Evidence from urban and rural Ethiopia | Matz J.A., Kalkuhl M., Abegaz G.A. | 2015 | Food Security | 7 | 3 | 10.1007/s12571-015-0467-4 | Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, Bonn, Germany; Ethiopian Economics Association/Ethiopian Economic Policy Research Institute and International Food Policy Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Matz, J.A., Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, Bonn, Germany; Kalkuhl, M., Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, Bonn, Germany; Abegaz, G.A., Ethiopian Economics Association/Ethiopian Economic Policy Research Institute and International Food Policy Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | This study investigates the impact of food price changes on food security in urban and rural Ethiopia. Using a quarterly household survey panel dataset and price data collected directly at markets, a negative effect of high cereal prices on some, but not all considered indicators of food security was found, controlling for unobserved heterogeneity across households. The results indicate that increases in cereal prices are generally, but not always, associated with households having a lower number of meals and switching to less preferred foods. Diet diversity and calorie consumption, however, show no clear response to grain price changes. Only partly in line with existing notions, our results suggest that the aggregate effect is negative for both the urban and rural populations (with the strongest among the urban poor) but that even poor households are able to maintain their basic food consumption through periods of moderate price changes. © 2015, The Author(s). | Ethiopia; Food and nutrition security; Food price inflation | food consumption; food policy; food security; household survey; price dynamics; socioeconomic conditions; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904639711 | Performance of the South African banking sector since 1994 | Ifeacho C., Ngalawa H. | 2014 | Journal of Applied Business Research | 30 | 4 | None | University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus, South Africa; University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, South Africa | Ifeacho, C., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus, South Africa; Ngalawa, H., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, South Africa | This study investigates the impact of bank-specific variables and selected macroeconomic variables on the South African banking sector for the period 1994-2011 using the capital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings, and liquidity (CAMEL) model of bank performance evaluation. The study employs data in annual frequency from South Africa's four largest banks, namely, ABSA, First National Bank, Nedbank, and Standard Bank. These banks account for over 70% of South Africa's banking assets. Using return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) as measures of bank performance, the study finds that all bank-specific variables are statistically significant determinants of bank performance. Specifically, the study shows that asset quality, management quality, and liquidity have a positive effect on both measures of bank performance, which is consistent with a priori theoretical expectations. Capital adequacy, however, exhibits a surprising significant negative relationship with ROA, while its relationship with ROE is significant and positive as expected. Except for interest rates (in the ROA model), unemployment rate (in the ROA model), and the rate of inflation (in the ROE model), the rest of the macroeconomic variables are statistically insignificant. The study reveals that bank performance is positively related to interest rates and negatively related to unemployment rates and interest rates. | Bank performance; CAMEL; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859883302 | Influence of orientation on the performance of a photovoltaic conversion system in Nigeria | Okundamiya M.S., Nzeako A.N. | 2011 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 3 | 12 | None | Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Ambrose Alli University, P.M.B. 14, Ekpoma-310006, Nigeria; Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka-410001, Nigeria | Okundamiya, M.S., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Ambrose Alli University, P.M.B. 14, Ekpoma-310006, Nigeria; Nzeako, A.N., Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka-410001, Nigeria | This study investigates the effects of orientation of photovoltaic surface and proposes the optimum tilt angle for a photovoltaic array oriented due south in three cities in Nigeria (Abuja, Benin City and Katsina). Three optimization methods (monthly based, seasonal based and annual based) are implemented. The inclination of the surface is assumed to be varying from 0° to 90° with an increment of 1°, and the total global solar radiation on the tilted surface is estimated using the Hay-Davis-Klucher-Reindl (HDKR) Model. Analysis indicates that the photovoltaic (PV) surface positioned at monthly optimized tilt angles will generate an increase exceeding 10% of its annual total irradiance. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2011. | Global solar irradiance; HDKR model; Nigeria; Optimum tilt angle; Orientation; Photovoltaic | Global solar irradiances; Global solar radiation; Nigeria; Optimization method; Photovoltaic; Photovoltaic arrays; Photovoltaic conversion; Tilt angle; Tilted surface; Crystal orientation; Photovoltaic cells; Solar radiation; Sun; Photovoltaic effects | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879701310 | Information technology and the performance of accountants in the Nigerian oil and gas industry | Ogbonna G.N., Ebimobowei A. | 2013 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 6 | 2 | None | Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Department of Accounting, Faculty of Business Education, Bayelsa State College of Education Okpoama, Brass Island, Yenagoa, Nigeria | Ogbonna, G.N., Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Ebimobowei, A., Department of Accounting, Faculty of Business Education, Bayelsa State College of Education Okpoama, Brass Island, Yenagoa, Nigeria | This study investigates the effects of information technology on the performance of duties of Nigerian Accountants in the oil and gas industry. The 2 variables involved in the hypothesis tested are the performance of the duties of Nigerian Accountants which is the dependent variable and information technology which is the independent variable. The performance of the duties of Nigerian Accountants is operationally measured as the level of work performance assigned by primary data provided by 1423 respondents, where 347 accountants do not have any IT knowledge, 542 with minimal knowledge and 534 with sound IT knowledge and Z-test statistical tool was used to test the difference between 2 population means. Each respondent provided a pair of performance level for each group of Nigerian Accountants in oil and gas industry. The result shows that there is significant difference between the performance of duties of the Nigerian Accountants with IT knowledge and those without IT knowledge in the oil and gas industry. That is, those with IT knowledge perform better. It also shows that there is positive relationship between the performance of the duties of the Nigerian Accountants and IT. Based on these findings, the study concludes that IT exerts a great deal of impact on the performance of the duties of Nigerian Accountants and recommends that Nigerian Accountants should intensify their efforts in acquiring IT knowledge and skill, especially by method of on the-job IT training and re-training. The various oil and gas organizations and government where Nigerian Accountants work should as a matter of policy provide them with latest IT facilities that will improve their performance in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2013. | Accountants; Information technology; Nigeria; Oil and gas | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893077280 | The Impact of Aid and Public Investment Volatility on Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa | Museru M., Toerien F., Gossel S. | 2014 | World Development | 57 | None | 10.1016/j.worlddev.2013.12.001 | University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Museru, M., University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Toerien, F., University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Gossel, S., University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | This study investigates the effects of aid inflows and the volatility of public investment on economic growth in 26 Sub-Saharan African countries over the period from 1992 to 2011. Three volatility variables comprising aid, government revenue, and public investment are incorporated into an aid-growth model to test for their effect on economic growth. Using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique and averaged data for five four-year sub-periods, we show that although foreign aid has a positive impact on growth once potential endogeneity has been accounted for, aid effectiveness may have been eroded by volatility in public investment. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Aid; Economic growth; Public investment; Sub-Saharan Africa; Volatility | aid flow; economic growth; international aid; investment; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881543915 | The influence of solvent properties on the performance of polysulfone/β-cyclodextrin polyurethane mixed-matrix membranes | Adams F.V., Nxumalo E.N., Krause R.W.M., Hoek E.M.V., Mamba B.B. | 2013 | Journal of Applied Polymer Science | 130 | 3 | 10.1002/app.39378 | Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, California NanoSystems Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1593, United States | Adams, F.V., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; Nxumalo, E.N., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; Krause, R.W.M., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; Hoek, E.M.V., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, California NanoSystems Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1593, United States; Mamba, B.B., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa | This study investigates the effect of solvent properties on the structural morphology and permeation properties of polysulfone/β-cyclodextrin polyurethane (PSf/β-CDPU) mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs). The membranes were prepared by a modified phase-inversion route using four different casting solvents [dimethyl formamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), dimethyl acetamide (DMA), and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)]. While DMSO-based membranes demonstrated particularly high permeability (ca 147 L/m2h.bar), their crystallinity was low compared to MMMs prepared using DMA, DMF and NMP due to the formation of thin active layers on their surfaces. Cross-sectional morphology revealed that the MMMs have a dense top skin with finger-like inner pore structures. Membranes prepared using NMP displayed the highest hydrophilicity, porosity, and crystallinity due to the low volatility of NMP; DMF membranes exhibited superior mechanical and thermal stability due to its (DMF) high hydrogen bonding (δH) values. Thus, the morphological parameters, bulk porosity, and flux performance of MMMs have a significant inter-relationship with the solubility properties of each solvent (i.e., δH, density, volatility, solubility parameter). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | blends; membranes; morphology; polyurethanes; properties and characterization | Cross-sectional morphology; Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); Mixed-matrix membranes; Morphological parameters; N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone; Permeation properties; Solubility parameters; Structural morphology; Blending; Cyclodextrins; Dimethyl sulfoxide; Hydrogen bonds; Morphology; Organic solvents; Polyurethanes; Porosity; Solubility; Solvents; Membranes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-83355164167 | Analysis of the economic impacts of cultural festivals: The case of calabar carnival in Nigeria | Esu B.B., Arrey V.M.-E., Basil G., Eyo E.E. | 2011 | Tourismos | 6 | 2 | None | University of Calabar, Department of Marketing, Calabar, Nigeria; Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria | Esu, B.B., University of Calabar, Department of Marketing, Calabar, Nigeria; Arrey, V.M.-E., Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria; Basil, G., University of Calabar, Department of Marketing, Calabar, Nigeria; Eyo, E.E., University of Calabar, Department of Marketing, Calabar, Nigeria | This study investigates the economic impacts of the Calabar Carnival Festival in Nigeria. A convenience sample of 464 attendees was used for the study. A semistructured, self-administered questionnaire was employed in collecting relevant social and economic data from respondents. The result supported the claim that event tourism has positive economic impacts on the host community. © University of the Aegean. | Attractions; Calabar; Destination; Economic impacts; Event tourism; Festival; Participants; Spectators | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247483432 | Bacterial wilt and drought stresses in banana production and their impact on economic welfare in Uganda: Implications for banana research in East African Highlands | Abele S., Pillay M. | 2007 | Journal of Crop Improvement | 19 | 02-Jan | 10.1300/J411v19n01_09 | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.O. Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda | Abele, S., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.O. Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda; Pillay, M., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.O. Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda | This study investigates the economic impact of banana Xanthomonas wilt (bxw) and drought on banana production in Uganda. The objective of this research is to determine the benefits of targeted research to avoid economic losses. In the worst-case scenarios, spread of bxw at a rate of 8% per annum, or drought at 50% yield losses in a five-year interval, results in significant losses for both consumers and producers. These losses would not only seriously jeopardize food security, but also affect overall macro-economic performance in Uganda. More likely scenarios with lower bxw and drought losses still show high economic losses, but they are mainly occurring on the consumers' side. Producers benefit from price increases at small production losses. This implies that research has to focus on public goods that can be delivered at no cost to farmers, as farmers under these circumstances are not likely to adopt costly preventive management measures. The best bet in this case would be publicly financed breeding, plant material multiplication and dissemination. Other options may be quarantine or trade restrictions, however, research on linkages between trade and the spread of bxw is yet to be done. © 2007 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved. | Banana markets; Breeding; Impact; Musa; Uganda; Xanthomonas wilt | Bacteria (microorganisms); Musa; Xanthomonas | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883465046 | The impact of a labour-intensive road construction programme in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province | Musekene E.N. | 2013 | Development Southern Africa | 30 | 3 | 10.1080/0376835X.2013.817301 | Monitoring and Evaluation, South African Social Security Agency, SASSA House, Cnr Beatrix and Pretorius Streets, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa | Musekene, E.N., Monitoring and Evaluation, South African Social Security Agency, SASSA House, Cnr Beatrix and Pretorius Streets, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa | This study investigates the distributional impacts of labour-intensive projects under the Gundo Lashu programme in the Limpopo province. The aim was to evaluate infrastructure effectiveness of the Extended Public Works Programme, focusing on the interface between road investment and economic development as the central premise. The objective was to evaluate the impact of the programme on the participants and their communities. Specific areas of impacts investigated are mobility, income, work opportunities, poverty reduction, sustainable livelihoods and opening of access to market opportunities. A matched case-control study design was adopted. The study found that the programme had achieved its objectives related to the total number of jobs created and the total road length constructed. However, the programme showed mixed results on communities' socio-economic outcomes and the impacts of the programme on poverty and sustainable livelihoods. © 2013 Copyright Development Bank of Southern Africa. | economic development; Extended Public Works Programme; impact evaluation; labour-intensive methods; road construction; transport infrastructure | economic development; income; mobility; poverty alleviation; road construction; road transport; socioeconomic impact; sustainability; transportation infrastructure; Limpopo; South Africa; Vhembe | None |
| WoS | WOS:000277591100005 | Residents' perceptions of the environmental impacts of tourism in the Lake Bosomtwe Basin, Ghana | Amuquandoh, Francis Eric | 2010 | JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM | 18 | 2 | 10.1080/09669580903298531 | University of Cape Coast | None | This study investigates residents' perceptions of tourism's physical impacts in the Lake Bosomtwe Basin in Ghana. Data were based on a resident survey conducted in the basin in January 2006. Residents perceived both positive and negative impacts of tourism development, but were more inclined to the positive side. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the district assemblies in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism should start managing the impacts, and also educate the local population on the dangers of underestimating the negative impacts of tourism on the environment. | "Bosomtwe Basin","ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS","Ghana tourism","residents' perceptions",ATTITUDES | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922069104 | Quantifying quality management system performance in order to improve business performance | Smith R.A., Bester A., Moll M. | 2014 | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering | 25 | 2 | None | Department Industrial and Systems Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | Smith, R.A., Department Industrial and Systems Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa; Bester, A., Department Industrial and Systems Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa; Moll, M., Department Industrial and Systems Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | This study investigates current methods of measuring quality management system (QMS) performance. It introduces a methodology to quantify QMS performance in order to provide a reference point for improved QMS performance and, in turn, the business’s performance. By introducing metadata into historical or current QMS internal audit data, the study shows that it is possible, over time, to extract various levels of value-adding data, ranging from high-level, strategic, direction-oriented insight, to process effectiveness and implementation-level guidance. This is accomplished by a repeatable process of infusing cause and effect theming data and process-consequence severity data into the QMS auditfindings data, and subsequently analysing the additional metadata. © 2014 South African Institute of Industrial Engineering. All rights reserved. | None | Metadata; Business performance; Cause and effects; Internal audit; Process effectiveness; Quality management systems; Reference points; Quality management | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949524892 | Empirical investigation of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) performance in hospital buildings in Nigeria | Stephen Nimlyat P., Zin Kandar M., Sediadi E. | 2015 | Jurnal Teknologi | 77 | 14 | 10.11113/jt.v77.6445 | Department of Architecture, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia UTM, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Department of Architecture, University of Jos, Nigeria | Stephen Nimlyat, P., Department of Architecture, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia UTM, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, Department of Architecture, University of Jos, Nigeria; Zin Kandar, M., Department of Architecture, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia UTM, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Sediadi, E., Department of Architecture, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia UTM, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia | This study investigates and summarises the results of physical measurement of the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in hospital building wards in Plateau State, Nigeria comparing two hospital settings. The results indicate that the mean indoor air temperature in the case study hospital ward buildings exceeded the range of 23-26 °C as recommended by international standards. The temperature levels in the teaching hospital ward buildings were relatively lower than what was obtained in the specialist hospital whose ward buildings lack proper ventilation. The amount of daylight requirement on an average were below 300Lux in the specialist hospital whose façade orientation and window-wall-ratio (WWR) could not allow for maximum sunlight penetration, while it was above 300Lux in the teaching hospital. However, the sound intensity level in both hospital ward buildings ranged between 52.7dBA and 71.3dBA. This study therefore recommend that, hospital building design or retrofitting should employed common strategies towards increasing ventilation and daylight with minimal energy consumption. © 2015 Penerbit UTM Press. All rights reserved. | Environmental quality; Hospital buildings; Indoor; Measurement; Parameters | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868197201 | Impact of age on the importance of systolic and diastolic blood pressures for stroke risk: The MOnica, Risk, Genetics, Archiving, and Monograph (MORGAM) Project | Vishram J.K.K., Borglykke A., Andreasen A.H., Jeppesen J., Ibsen H., Jørgensen T., Broda G., Palmieri L., Giampaoli S., Donfrancesco C., Kee F., Mancia G., Cesana G., Kuulasmaa K., Sans S., Olsen M.H. | 2012 | Hypertension | 60 | 5 | 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.112.201400 | Cardiovascular Research Unit, Cardiovascular Department of Internal Medicine, Denmark; Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Glostrup University Hospital, Building 84-85, Nordre Ringvej 57, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark; Division of Cardiology, Holbk University Hospital, Holbk, Denmark; Department of Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Prevention, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland; Cerebro and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, National Centre of Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Promotion of Health, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy; United Kingdom Clinical Research Collaboration Centre of Excellence for Public Health Research, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom; Clinica Medica e Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Research Centre on Chronic Degenerative Diseases Osp. S. Gerardo, Monza, Italy; National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Institute of Health Studies, Department of Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Hypertension in Africa Research Team, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Vishram, J.K.K., Cardiovascular Research Unit, Cardiovascular Department of Internal Medicine, Denmark, Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Glostrup University Hospital, Building 84-85, Nordre Ringvej 57, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark; Borglykke, A., Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Glostrup University Hospital, Building 84-85, Nordre Ringvej 57, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark; Andreasen, A.H., Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Glostrup University Hospital, Building 84-85, Nordre Ringvej 57, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark; Jeppesen, J., Cardiovascular Research Unit, Cardiovascular Department of Internal Medicine, Denmark; Ibsen, H., Division of Cardiology, Holbk University Hospital, Holbk, Denmark; Jørgensen, T., Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Glostrup University Hospital, Building 84-85, Nordre Ringvej 57, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark; Broda, G., Department of Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Prevention, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland; Palmieri, L., Cerebro and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, National Centre of Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Promotion of Health, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy; Giampaoli, S., Cerebro and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, National Centre of Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Promotion of Health, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy; Donfrancesco, C., Cerebro and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, National Centre of Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Promotion of Health, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy; Kee, F., United Kingdom Clinical Research Collaboration Centre of Excellence for Public Health Research, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom; Mancia, G., Clinica Medica e Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Cesana, G., Research Centre on Chronic Degenerative Diseases Osp. S. Gerardo, Monza, Italy; Kuulasmaa, K., National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Sans, S., Institute of Health Studies, Department of Health, Barcelona, Spain; Olsen, M.H., Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark, Hypertension in Africa Research Team, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | This study investigates age-related shifts in the relative importance of systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures as predictors of stroke and whether these relations are influenced by other cardiovascular risk factors. Using 34 European cohorts from the MOnica, Risk, Genetics, Archiving, and Monograph (MORGAM) Project with baseline between 1982 and 1997, 68 551 subjects aged 19 to 78 years, without cardiovascular disease and not receiving antihypertensive treatment, were included. During a mean of 13.2 years of follow-up, stroke incidence was 2.8%. Stroke risk was analyzed using hazard ratios per 10-mm Hg/5-mm Hg increase in SBP/DBP by multivariate-adjusted Cox regressions, including SBP and DBP simultaneously. Because of nonlinearity, DBP was analyzed separately for DBP <71 mm Hg and DBP <71 mm Hg. Stroke risk was associated positively with SBP and DBP <71 mm Hg (SBP/DBP <71 mm Hg; hazard ratios: 1.15/1.06 [95% CI: 1.12-1.18/1.03-1.09]) and negatively with DBP <71 mm Hg (0.88[0.79-0.98]). The hazard ratio for DBP decreased with age (P<0.001) and was not influenced by other cardiovascular risk factors. Taking into account the age×DBP interaction, both SBP and DBP <71 mm Hg were significantly associated with stroke risk until age 62 years, but in subjects older than 46 years the superiority of SBP for stroke risk exceeded that of DBP <71 mm Hg and remained significant until age 78 years. DBP <71 mm Hg became significant at age 50 years with an inverse relation to stroke risk. In Europeans, stroke risk should be assessed by both SBP and DBP until age 62 years with increased focus on SBP from age 47 years. From age 62 years, emphasis should be on SBP without neglecting the potential harm of very low DBP. © 2012 American Heart Association, Inc. | age; blood pressure; epidemiology; risk factors; stroke | cholesterol; adult; age; aged; antihypertensive therapy; article; body mass; cardiovascular risk; cerebrovascular accident; cholesterol blood level; cohort analysis; controlled study; diastolic blood pressure; Europe; female; follow up; hazard ratio; human; incidence; major clinical study; male; mean arterial pressure; prediction; priority journal; proportional hazards model; pulse pressure; risk assessment; systolic blood pressure; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Blood Pressure; Cohort Studies; Europe; Female; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Proportional Hazards Models; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Stroke; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-76849109526 | Performance and economic benefit of broilers fed palm kernel cake-based diet supplemented with probiotic | Ezema C., Eze D.C. | 2009 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 8 | 10 | 10.3923/ijps.2009.1003.1005 | Department of Animal Heath and Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Ezema, C., Department of Animal Heath and Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Eze, D.C., Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This study investigated the weight gain performance and economic benefit of probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation in PKC based broiler diet. The ideal level of inclusion for optimum broiler productivity was also determined. A total of 140 broiler chicks were randomly distributed into seven groups of 20 birds each. Each group was subdivided into four replicates of five birds each. Groups 1-5 were placed on experimental diet made of 70% basal diet and 30% PKC. Groups 1-4 had probiotic (yeast) supplement at levels of 0.4 gm yeast/kg, 0.8 gm yeast/kg, 1.2 gm yeast/kg and 1.6 gm yeast/kg of feed respectively. Group 5 had no yeast (control 1). Group 6 had no PKC but had yeast (1.2 gm yeast/kg diet). Group 7 had no PKC and no yeast (control 2). All the groups were fed ad libitum. Daily feed intake and weekly weight gain were determined. The duration of the study was 10 weeks. There was no significant difference in feed intake. All the supplemented groups (groups 1-4 and 6) had higher weight gain and higher feed efficiency than the controls (groups 5 and 7). Group 2 had mean weight gain of 2.695±0.086 kg/bird which was significantly heavier (p<0.05) than the rest. Group 2 performed significantly better than others in weight gain and efficiency of feed utilization. The cost of feed to produce 1 kg live weight gain was cheapest in group 2 (N87.62/kg) and most costly in group 7 (N138.83/kg). Probiotic inclusion level of 0.8 gm yeast/kg diet was therefore recommended for optimum broiler production and maximum economic gain. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2009. | Broiler; Economic benefit; Probiotic; Weight gain | Aves; Saccharomyces cerevisiae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953666872 | Confidence versus performance as an indicator of the presence of alternative conceptions and inadequate problem-solving skills in mechanics | Potgieter M., Malatje E., Gaigher E., Venter E. | 2010 | International Journal of Science Education | 32 | 11 | 10.1080/09500690903100265 | Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Department of Education, South Africa; Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Centre for Evaluation and Assessment, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Potgieter, M., Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Malatje, E., Department of Education, South Africa; Gaigher, E., Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Venter, E., Centre for Evaluation and Assessment, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This study investigated the use of performance-confidence relationships to signal the presence of alternative conceptions and inadequate problem-solving skills in mechanics. A group of 33 students entering physics at a South African university participated in the project. The test instrument consisted of 20 items derived from existing standardised tests from literature, each of which was followed by a self-reported measure of confidence of students in the correctness of their answers. Data collected for this study included students' responses to multiple-choice questions and open-ended explanations for their chosen answers. Fixed response physics and confidence data were logarithmically transformed according to the Rasch model to linear measures of performance and confidence. The free response explanations were carefully analysed for accuracy of conceptual understanding. Comparison of these results with raw score data and transformed measures of performance and confidence allowed a re-evaluation of the model developed by Hasan, Bagayoko, and Kelley in 1999 for the detection of alternative conceptions in mechanics. Application of this model to raw score data leads to inaccurate conclusions. However, application of the Hasan hypothesis to transformed measures of performance and confidence resulted in the accurate identification of items plagued by alternative conceptions. This approach also holds promise for the differentiation between over-confidence due to alternative conceptions or due to inadequate problem-solving skills. It could become a valuable tool for instructional design in mechanics. © 2010 Taylor & Francis. | Alternative conceptions; Confidence; Mechanics; Performance; Rasch model | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860282569 | Techno-economic evaluation of a micro-hydropower plant for rural electrification in South Africa | Kusakana K., Munda J.L., Jimoh A.A., Monchusi B.B. | 2011 | International Review on Modelling and Simulations | 4 | 5 | None | Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Kusakana, K., Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Munda, J.L., Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Jimoh, A.A., Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Monchusi, B.B., Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, South Africa | This study investigated the techno-economic viability of micro-hydropower generation in the electrification of a rural area in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The proposed scheme is composed of a squirrel cage induction machine running as a generator and directly coupled to a Kaplan hydro-turbine. Mathematical models were developed and simulations performed using MATLAB/SIMULINK software to highlight the characteristics of the output power supplied to consumers for varying water flow rate. A small-scale experimental model based on a DC machine as a turbine driving a self-excited induction generator was developed to validate the designed model. Economic and environment analyses were performed using HOMER software to assess the possibility of using the proposed stand-alone micro-hydropower system for low-cost electricity production and supply for the specific site. The MATLAB/SIMULINK model developed and the laboratory experiments demonstrated the technical viability of using a Kaplan turbine and a self-excited induction generator in micro-hydropower generation. The economic and environmental results highlight the cost-effectiveness character and the reduction of gas pollutant emissions achieved by the plant. The micro-hydropower plant is a technically and economically viable and environmentally friendly means for rural electrification. © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved. | Micro-Hydropower; Rural Power Supply; Techno-Economic Analysis | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856284354 | Computer-based science simulations, guided-discovery and students performance in chemistry | Udo M.E., Etiubon R.U. | 2011 | Modern Applied Science | 5 | 6 | 10.5539/mas.v5n6p211 | Department of Science Education, Univeristy of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria | Udo, M.E., Department of Science Education, Univeristy of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria; Etiubon, R.U., Department of Science Education, Univeristy of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria | This study investigated the relative effectiveness of computer-based science simulations on students' achievement in chemistry at the secondary school level when compared with guided-discovery and the traditional expository teaching methods. The study used non- randomized pre-test - post-test control group design. The study sample was 89 Senior Secondary II (SSII) chemistry students drawn from Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa lbom State, Nigeria. Criterion sampling technique was used for sampling. Two hypotheses were tested. The instrument used in collecting data was a researcher-developed 25-item 4-option multiple choice test - the Chemistry Achievement Test (CAT) - designed to measure students' achievement in the area of chemical combination. The test had a reliability index of 0.72 determined using test-retest approach. The results of data analysis using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) showed that students taught by computer-based science simulations performed significantly better than those taught using the traditional expository method, (mean diff = 4.34; sig. = 032), but had comparable performance with those taught with guided-discovery approach (mean diff = 85; sig = 869). That is, computer based simulation method is as effective as guided-discovery, but significantly better than the traditional expository method; and that gender is not a strong determinant of students' performance in chemistry. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that chemistry teachers should adopt computer-based simulation technique in teaching chemistry concepts in view of its high facilitative effect on students' performance. | Computer-based science simulations; Expository method; Guided-discovery; Students achievement | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650089171 | Influence of sex and location on relationship between student problems and academic performance | Bosede A.F. | 2010 | Social Sciences | 5 | 4 | 10.3923/sscience.2010.340.345 | Department of Guidance and Counselling, Faculty of Education, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Bosede, A.F., Department of Guidance and Counselling, Faculty of Education, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | This study investigated the relationship between male and female student problems and academic performance. It also examined the relationship between students problems and academic performance among rural and urban students. A descriptive research design was adopted for the study, a total of 300 JSS 3 students in 6 schools from Akure north and akure south local government areas were used as sample. The instrument used was a standardized self report inventory called Student Problem Inventory (SPI). The validity and reliability of the instrument were already established by the maker. However, the test-retest reliability obtained by the researcher was 0.77. The statistical techniques used to analyse the data generated was pearson product moment correlation. The results of the analysis showed that there was a significant negative relationship between student problems and academic performance among male, female, rural and urban students. Based on the findings, it was recommended that counsellors, parents and teachers should help the students to deal with their problems and teach problem solving skills, also parents should adopt good child rearing techniques. © Medwell Journals, 2010. | Child rearing techniques; Frustration; Nigeria; Relationshipes; SPI; Students problems | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959987568 | The impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy on activities of daily living in HIV-infected adults in South Africa | Kakinami L., De Bruyn G., Pronyk P., Mohapi L., Tshabangu N., Moshabela M., McIntyre J., Martinson N.A. | 2011 | AIDS and Behavior | 15 | 4 | 10.1007/s10461-010-9776-y | Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, University of Rochester, Box 644, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, United States; Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States | Kakinami, L., Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, University of Rochester, Box 644, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, United States; De Bruyn, G., Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pronyk, P., Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mohapi, L., Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tshabangu, N., Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Moshabela, M., School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; McIntyre, J., Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Martinson, N.A., Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States | This study investigated the relationship between highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) among two clinical cohorts in South Africa. Between 2003 and 2008 structured questionnaires were administered to HIV-positive patients attending outpatient clinics at an urban hospital (Soweto, n = 3,081) and a rural hospital (Acornhoek, n = 1,247). Among those receiving help, an average of 4.8 and 5.1 h of assistance with IADLs daily was reported (rural and urban participants, respectively), with the patient's mother and children assisting the most. Participants on HAART were 17 and 41% less likely to receive assistance with IADLs in the rural and urban cohorts, respectively, after adjusting for demographic characteristics, healthcare utilization, and CD4 counts. HAART significantly decreased the IADL assistance among patients in South Africa. Alongside clinical benefits, HAART has the potential to reduce the burden of HIV-related care, potentially extending wider social and economic gains to other family members. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | Antiretroviral therapy; Family; HIV; Household economy; Indirect benefits; Instrumental activities of daily living; South Africa | adult; aged; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; cohort analysis; daily life activity; female; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; male; middle aged; outpatient department; quality of life; questionnaire; rural population; socioeconomics; South Africa; treatment outcome; urban population; virology; virus load; Activities of Daily Living; Adult; Aged; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cohort Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Questionnaires; Rural Population; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa; Treatment Outcome; Urban Population; Viral Load; Young Adult | 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-s2.0-84863796414 | Prevalence of malnutrition and its effects on the academic performance of students in some selected secondary schools in Sokoto metropolis | Essien E., Haruna M.J., Emebu P.K. | 2012 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 11 | 7 | None | Department of Community Medicine, Nutrition and Dietetic Unit, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 5252, Sokoto, Nigeria; Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokot | Essien, E., Department of Community Medicine, Nutrition and Dietetic Unit, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 5252, Sokoto, Nigeria; Haruna, M.J., Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, Nigeria; Emebu, P.K., Department of Biochemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria | This study investigated the prevalence of malnutrition and its effect on the academic performance of students in some selected secondary schools in Sokoto metropolis of Sokoto State, Nigeria. The study population was drawn from secondary school students attending Federal Government College and State Government-owned schools. Well tested and validated questionnaires were used to elicit information from the students. Purposive sampling technique was used for the selection of respondents. The selected schools were: Federal Government College (FGC), Sani Dingyadi Secondary School (SDUSS), Nagarta Secondary School (NSS) and Army Day Secondary School (ADSS). A total of two hundred and forty (240) secondary school students comprising 168 males (70%) and 72 females (30%) participated in the study. The result revealed a high prevalence of malnutrition of 35.4% among the selected secondary school students, using BMI as index. Prevalence of malnutrition was significantly higher in SDUSS (43.3%) followed by NCS (35%), ADSS (33.3%) and FGCS (30%). The study recorded a total mean performance score of 44.3% for all the selected schools. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in the mean performance score of the secondary school students. Students of FGCS recorded the highest mean score of 60.3% which was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of the other selected schools. SDUSS had the lowest mean performance score of 29.6%. Malnutrition was negatively and significantly related with the academic performance (r = -0.154, p<0.01). It was further observed that SDUSS with the highest prevalence of malnutrition has the poorest performance, while FGC with the least prevalence of malnutrition had the best academic performance. Hence, activities to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition should be encouraged. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2012. | Academic performance; Anthropometry; Malnutrition; Nutritional status; Secondary school | academic achievement; adolescent; adult; article; body mass; child; female; high school; high school student; human; major clinical study; male; malnutrition; Nigeria; nutritional status; prevalence; questionnaire; sampling; school child; scoring system | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924340806 | Evaluation of analgesic property of petroleum ether/ethyl acetate stem bark extract and fractions of Maerua angolensis in murine models of pain | Iliya H.A., Woode E. | 2015 | Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science | 5 | 2 | 10.7324/JAPS.2015.50214 | Department of Pharmacology, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Iliya, H.A., Department of Pharmacology, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Woode, E., Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | This study investigated the possible antinociceptive action of the petroleum ether/ethyl acetate extract and fractions prepared from the stem barks of Maerua angolensis. The acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, formalin-induced nociception, prostaglandin E2-induced mechanical hyperalgesia, bradykinin- and epinephrineinduced thermal hyperalgesia tests as well as Paw withdrawal test using Hargreaves thermal hyperalgesia model were used to assess the antinociceptive effects of the extract and the fractions after oral administration in rodents. Diclofenac and morphine were used as reference analgesic agents. Mice were submitted to the rotarod test in order to assess any non-specific muscle-relaxant effect of the extract and the fractions. The petroleum ether/ethyl acetate extract and the fractions of Maerua angolensis produced significant (P < 0.05) and dose-dependent antinociceptive effects in the acetic acid, formalin, prostaglandin E2, bradykinin, epinephrine and paw withdrawal tests. The extract and the fractions of Maerua angolensis (3 and 10 mg/kg) did not compromise the motor coordination of animals in the rotarod test, suggesting lack of central depressant effect. The petroleum ether/ethyl acetate extract and fractions of Maerua angolensis stem bark produced dose-dependent antinociception in murine models of chemical, mechanical and thermal nociception suggesting peripheral and central analgesic action. © 2015 Hosea Azi Iliy and Eric Woode. | Analgesic property; Fractions; Hyperalgesia; Maerua angolensis | None | 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-s2.0-84861130274 | Performance and kinetics of Pt-CNT catalyst electrodes in a PEM fuel cell | Afolabi A.S., Abdulkareem A.S., Iyuke S.E., Pienaar H.C.V.Z. | 2012 | Journal of Materials Research | 27 | 11 | 10.1557/jmr.2012.71 | Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Florida 1710, Johannesburg, South Africa; Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Institute of Applied Electronics, Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark 1900, South Africa | Afolabi, A.S., Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Florida 1710, Johannesburg, South Africa; Abdulkareem, A.S., Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Florida 1710, Johannesburg, South Africa; Iyuke, S.E., Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pienaar, H.C.V.Z., Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Institute of Applied Electronics, Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark 1900, South Africa | This study investigated the performance of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) fabricated with various loadings of platinum catalyst on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and sulfonated membrane at constant conditions of duration, temperature and pressure. The fabricated MEA was tested in a single proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell unit using hydrogen and oxygen as fuel and oxidant gases respectively. The results obtained show that the performance of the MEA in the cell improves with increase in loading of the catalyst on the electrodes. The results obtained on kinetics of the fuel cell indicate that the MEA samples fabricated with 30 and 40 wt% Pt catalyst electrodes conform to the Tafel equation whereas the remaining MEA fabricated with 10 and 20 wt% catalyst samples do not obey the Tafel equation due to large values of their overpotential. Hirschenhofer and Tafel equations were used to model the performance of the catalyst electrodes in the cell and the simulated voltage obtained from the former showed better conformity with the experimental voltage than the latter. © Materials Research Society 2012. | None | Catalyst-electrodes; Constant conditions; Membrane electrode assemblies; Overpotential; PEM fuel cell; Platinum catalysts; Pt catalysts; Sulfonated membranes; Tafel equation; Computer simulation; Electrodes; Fabrication; Hydrogen; Loading; Platinum; Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC); Catalysts | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84951947214 | Institutional proxy voting in South Africa: Process, outcomes and impact | Viviers S., Smit E.Vdm. | 2015 | South African Journal of Business Management | 46 | 4 | None | Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville, South Africa | Viviers, S., Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Smit, E.Vdm., University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville, South Africa | This study investigated the nature of institutional shareholder activism in South Africa with a particular focus on proxy voting as a public form of shareholder discontent. A total of 24 510 votes cast by 17 local investment management companies in 2013 were analysed. Interviews were also conducted with selected investment managers to gain more insight into the proxy voting process at their companies. Based on this data, it was concluded that investment managers preferred to engage with investee companies in private and viewed proxy voting as the last link in the shareholder activism chain. As a result, only 6.6 per cent of all votes were 'against' resolutions tabled by 347 JSE-listed companies in 2013. Resolutions regarding shareholders' endorsement of companies' remuneration policies; the election and re-election of directors, particularly those serving on audit committees; and the issuance of ordinary shares elicited the most opposition. Companies that were excluded from the JSE's Socially Responsible Investment Index in 2013 attracted significantly more opposition than their counterparts who were included in the index when seeking shareholder approval on the election and re-election of directors and the placing of shares under the control of directors. The same applied to companies that had low environmental, social and governance disclosure scores in 2013 as regards the issuance of shares. It is recommended, amongst others, that shareholder activism in South Africa be promoted by enhancing investor education and effecting some regulatory changes. | None | None | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897604165 | Influence of regression model and initial intensity of an incremental test on the relationship between the lactate threshold estimated by the maximal-deviation method and running performance | Santos-Concejero J., Tucker R., Granados C., Irazusta J., Bidaurrazaga-Letona I., Zabala-Lili J., Gil S.M. | 2014 | Journal of Sports Sciences | 32 | 9 | 10.1080/02640414.2013.862844 | UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Physical Education and Sport, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Physiology, Leioa, Spain | Santos-Concejero, J., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Physical Education and Sport, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Tucker, R., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Granados, C., University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Physical Education and Sport, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Irazusta, J., University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Physiology, Leioa, Spain; Bidaurrazaga-Letona, I., University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Physical Education and Sport, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Zabala-Lili, J., University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Physical Education and Sport, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Gil, S.M., University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Physical Education and Sport, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain | This study investigated the influence of the regression model and initial intensity during an incremental test on the relationship between the lactate threshold estimated by the maximal-deviation method and performance in elite-standard runners. Twenty-three well-trained runners completed a discontinuous incremental running test on a treadmill. Speed started at 9 km · h-1 and increased by 1.5 km · h-1 every 4 min until exhaustion, with a minute of recovery for blood collection. Lactate-speed data were fitted by exponential and polynomial models. The lactate threshold was determined for both models, using all the co-ordinates, excluding the first and excluding the first and second points. The exponential lactate threshold was greater than the polynomial equivalent in any co-ordinate condition (P < 0.001). For both models, the lactate threshold was lower when all co-ordinates were used than when the first and the first and second points were excluded (P < 0.001). 10-km race pace was correlated with both the exponential and polynomial lactate thresholds for all the co-ordinate conditions (r ≥ 0.75, P < 0.001 and r ≥ 0.56, P < 0.05, respectively). The results suggest that the exponential lactate threshold should be used instead of the polynomial equivalent since it is more strongly associated with performance and is independent of the initial intensity of the test. © 2013 © 2013 Taylor & Francis. | exponential-plus-constant; maximal deviation method; predictor; testing; third-order polynomial | lactic acid; anaerobic threshold; article; athletic performance; blood; exercise test; human; male; physiology; running; statistical model; young adult; Anaerobic Threshold; Athletic Performance; Exercise Test; Humans; Lactic Acid; Logistic Models; Male; Running; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952650623 | Influence of motivation on students' academic performance | Christiana I.O. | 2009 | Social Sciences | 4 | 1 | None | Institude of Education, University of Ambrose Alli, Expoma, Edo State, Nigeria | Christiana, I.O., Institude of Education, University of Ambrose Alli, Expoma, Edo State, Nigeria | This study investigated, the influence of motivation on students' academic performance. Four research questions and 4 hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study employed the survey design. The sample comprised of 720 respondents comprising of 640 students and 80 teachers randomly drawn from 16 secondary schools and 15 people from different walks of life. Researcher's self-developed motivational questionnaire (IMOAP) on influence of motivation on academic performance for secondary school students and teachers duly vetted by specialists in educational measurement and evaluation, guidance and counselling and educational psychology were used to obtained information from the respondents. Data collected were analysed using the simple percentage. The results of data analysis showed that: Motivation of students is very important for better output in the academic pursuit. Students' motivation has high positive correlation in their academic performance. There is significant relationship between school environment and structure and students' motivation. Based on the findings some relevant educational implications were highlighted and some recommendations were made. © Medwell Journals, 2009. | Influence; Motivation; Secondary school; Students academic performance; Teachers | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927123062 | Evaluation of the impact of asbestos wastes on soils in Emene-Enugu, Southeastern Nigeria | Igwe O., Omonona O.V., Onwuka O.S., Nnebedum O.D. | 2014 | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment | 186 | 12 | 10.1007/s10661-014-3987-z | Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Physics/Geology/Geophysics, Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ikwo, Nigeria | Igwe, O., Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Omonona, O.V., Department of Physics/Geology/Geophysics, Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ikwo, Nigeria; Onwuka, O.S., Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Nnebedum, O.D., Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This study investigated the impacts of asbestos wastes on soils in Emene-Enugu, southeastern Nigeria, generated by the activities of a major asbestos products manufacturing company in southeastern Nigeria. The methods of investigation included vertical electrical sounding (VES), 2-D horizontal resistivity profiling (HRP), induced polarization (IP) survey, chemical analysis of plant tissues and standard penetration tests of soil samples. The 2-D HRP and IP identified six closed waste pits alongside the two active pits. The VES revealed four geoelectrical layers in the area: from bottom to top; the inferred lithologies included dark shale, clay, gravel and recent sands. The geochemical data results revealed that Cd concentration of the soils of the waste pits is above the contaminated land exposure assessment soil guideline value for residential and allotment land uses. The geochemical pollution indices classified the soils as “unpolluted” to “extremely polluted”. Bioconcentration factor of Pb in plant tissues was found to be above recommended limits of 0.045. The geotechnical parameters indices revealed that the soils varied from “very soft” to “stiff” and “very loose” to “medium”. Soils of the active pits have very low strength and bearing capacity while closed pits have high strength and bearing capacity. It may be safe, therefore, to conclude that as the wastes are completely turned into soils, they will assume geotechnical properties similar to those of natural soils. © 2014, Springer International Publishing Switzerland. | Asbestos; Emene-Enugu; Enrichment factor; Geoaccumulation index; Pollution; Standard penetration test; Waste dump pit | Asbestos; Bearing capacity; Cadmium; Chemical analysis; Electric prospecting; Geochemistry; Histology; Land use; Pollution; Soil testing; Soils; Tissue; Emene-Enugu; Enrichment factors; Geo-accumulation index; Standard penetration test; Waste dumps; Soil pollution; asbestos; soil; soil pollutant; analysis; chemistry; environmental monitoring; Nigeria; plant; pollution; soil; soil pollutant; statistics and numerical data; Asbestos; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollution; Nigeria; Plants; Soil; Soil Pollutants | 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-s2.0-21544456925 | The impact of incident and prevalent herpes simplex virus-2 infection on the incidence of HIV-1 infection among commercial sex workers in South Africa | Ramjee G., Williams B., Gouws E., Van Dyck E., De Deken B., Karim S.A. | 2005 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 39 | 3 | 10.1097/01.qai.0000144445.44518.ea | HIV-1 Prevention Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa; Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa, Genève, Switzerland; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; University of Natal, Durban, South Africa; Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; 16 rue de la Canonnière, 1202 Genève 27, Switzerland | Ramjee, G., HIV-1 Prevention Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa; Williams, B., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa, Genève, Switzerland, 16 rue de la Canonnière, 1202 Genève 27, Switzerland; Gouws, E., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa, Genève, Switzerland; Van Dyck, E., Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; De Deken, B., Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Karim, S.A., University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States | This study investigated the impact of prevalent and incident HSV-2 infection on the incidence of HIV-1 infection in a cohort of female commercial sex workers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Prior to a vaginal microbicide trial, 416 women were screened for antibodies to HIV-1 and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) infections and a questionnaire was used to establish behavioral, social, and demographic characteristics. A total of 187 HIV-1-seronegative women were followed up at monthly intervals when blood was drawn and used to detect HIV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies. The median duration of follow-up was 2.2 years. At screening 50% of the women were HIV-1 seropositive and 84% were HSV-2 seropositive. The hazards of HIV-1 among women who were HSV-2 seropositive or seronegative throughout, or among those who seroconverted during the study, were not significantly different. When HSV-2 seroconversion was analyzed as a time-dependent covariate, the hazard ratio for HIV-1 seroconversion was 6.0 (95% CI: 2.6-14.0) times greater among women with incident than among women with prevalent HSV-2 infections. Drawing on other recent studies these data suggest that incident HSV-2 infection increases the risk of HIV-1 infection; the effect wanes with time since infection; and the effect is significantly greater for men than it is for women. Copyright © 2005 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | AIDS; Herpes simplex virus; HIV; Incidence; Sex worker; South Africa | herpes simplex virus antibody; Human immunodeficiency virus antibody; unclassified drug; virus antibody; adult; antibody detection; article; clinical article; cohort analysis; female; herpes simplex; Herpes simplex virus 2; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; infection risk; male; prevalence; priority journal; prostitution; seroprevalence; South Africa; Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Infective Agents; Female; Herpes Genitalis; Herpesvirus 2, Human; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; HIV-1; Humans; Middle Aged; Nonoxynol; Proportional Hazards Models; Prostitution; Risk Factors; South Africa; Time Factors; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858960683 | Impact of marketing practices on the performance of small business enterprises: Empirical evidence from Nigeria | Oyedijo A., Idris A.A., Aliu A.A. | 2012 | European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences | None | 46 | None | Department of Business Admin. and Management Technology, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria | Oyedijo, A., Department of Business Admin. and Management Technology, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Idris, A.A., Department of Business Admin. and Management Technology, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Aliu, A.A., Department of Business Admin. and Management Technology, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria | This study investigated the impact of marketing practices on organizational performance of small business enterprises (SBEs) in Lagos State, Nigeria. The purpose of the study is to contextually validate recent findings as to the efficacy of marketing practices in developing economies. Within a survey design, data were obtained from 545 business owners and senior marketing personnel using structured questionnaire and analyzed using factor analysis, ANOVA and other relevant statistical tools in the predictive analysis software (version 19). The findings implicated marketing mix factors and product strategy issues as the most important and impacting factors in the marketing practices of small businesses in Nigeria while advertising and marketing research appears neglected. The study found a strong positive relationship between the marketing practices of Nigerian SBEs and organizational performance indicants. The paper proposes a model that can be used to explain the influence of marketing practices on the performance of small business enterprises. It also makes some recommendations for marketing practitioners and suggests areas for future research. © EuroJournals, Inc. 2012. | Market orientation; Marketing models; Marketing orientation; Marketing practices; Nigeria; Performance; Small business enterprises | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-76349122758 | Performance measurement: Does education impact productivity? | Larbi-Apau J.A., Sarpong D.B. | 2010 | Performance Improvement Quarterly | 22 | 4 | 10.1002/piq.20069 | 384 College of Education, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States; Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana | Larbi-Apau, J.A., 384 College of Education, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States; Sarpong, D.B., Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana | This study investigated the impact of managers' educational levels on productivity in the commercial poultry industry in Ghana. The level of education of 33 production managers of the poultry farms were factored into a Cobb-Douglas production function with other explanatory variables. The computed percentage change in productivity due to higher education relative to secondary education was 10%. The interaction terms of basic education, experience, and extension visits were positive and not statistically significant. Targeting management education could increase productivity in the commercial poultry industry. Educated managers have a higher propensity to adopt technology and alternative production mix for effectiveness and efficiency. This study concludes that higher educational level had a positive impact on productivity in the commercial poultry industry and should be harnessed for improved performance in the domestic and global market. © 2010 International Society for Performance Improvement. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054759793 | Mangrove litter biomass input in a forest impacted by human physical disturbance, Gazi Bay, Kenya | Kihia C.M., Mathooko J.M., Ruwa R.K., Shivoga A.W. | 2010 | Ecotropica | 16 | 2 | None | Department of Biological Science, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton, Kenya; Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P.O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya | Kihia, C.M., Department of Biological Science, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton, Kenya; Mathooko, J.M., Department of Biological Science, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton, Kenya; Ruwa, R.K., Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P.O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya; Shivoga, A.W., Department of Biological Science, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton, Kenya | This study investigated the impact of human physical disturbance on litter yield in a mangrove forest by comparing amount and composition of litterfall between disturbed and relatively undisturbed sites in Gazi mangrove forest. Litter was trapped using littertraps suspended from trees at the upper and lower intertidal zones of the four sites. Litterfall material was collected fortnightly from October 2001 to June 2003, and dry weight of components determined and compared using ANOVA. Physical disturbance reported from the forest include tree cutting, digging for bait, and trampling by man and vehicles which were more prevalent at the disturbed sites than comparable undisturbed sites. Annual litter production in the Gazi forest was 4.3 t ha-1 yr-1 and was dominated by leaves of Rhizophora mucronata, which constituted 39% of litter components. Disturbed sites recorded significantly lower litterfall than corresponding undisturbed sites (ANOVA, P < 0.01), an increase (10%) in litter yield of Avicennia marina leaves, and 20% and 30% declines respectively in R. mucronata leaf and flower productivity. The decline in litter biomass and its changing composition were attributed to changes in predominant mangrove species as a result of size, site, and species selection by harvesters and the competitive ability of regenerating and uncut trees. © Society for Tropical Ecology. | Composition; Harvesting; Litterfall; Selectivity; Species change | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952506138 | The impact of Age, Gender and social factors on the Vocational Choice among Nigerian adolescents | Basil N.M. | 2011 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 19 | 4 | None | Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Basil, N.M., Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This study investigated the impact of age, gender and social factors on the vocational choice among Nigerian adolescents. Eight hundred (800) male and female secondary school students sampled from eight secondary schools in Abuja Municipality participated. Participants were 400 junior secondary three (200 males and 200 females, 13-15 years), with a mean age of 14 years; and 400 senior secondary three (200 males and 200 females, 16-18 years) with a mean age of 17 years. Vocational Choice Scale (VCS) was used to test the vocational choice of the students. Results showed, there was significant age impact on adolescents' vocational choice, F (1,790) =30.6P<.001, Gender was significant, F (2,790) =305:7P<.0001. On the interaction effect, age x social factors was significant F (2,790)0020=24.02 P<.001. Gender x social factors was significant F (2,790) =15.28 P<.001. Age x gender x social factors were significant F (2,790) =15.28 P<.001. Age x gender x social factors were significant. F (2,790) =46. 8P<.001 Scheffe test showed that family factors scored the highest in the social factor impact on the vocational choice among students. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867364082 | The effect of dried sweet orange (Citrus sinesis) fruit peel mweal on the growth performance and haematology of rabbits | Ojabo L.D., Adenkola A.Y., Odaudu G.I. | 2012 | Veterinary Research | 5 | 2 | 10.3923/vr.2012.26.30 | Department of Animal Health and Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, | Ojabo, L.D., Department of Animal Health and Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Adenkola, A.Y., Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Odaudu, G.I., Department of Animal Health and Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria | This study investigated the feed value of dried sweet orange (Citrus sinesis) peel as a replacement for maize in rabbit det. Twenty mixed breed male rabbit were used and randomly assigned to dets T1 (O%), T2 (20%), T3 (30%), T4 (40%) in whch sweet orange peel replaced maize at 0, 20,30 and 40%, respectively at the rate of five rabbits per dietaq group. The rabbit were fed and provided drinking water ad libitum for the 8 weeks experimental duration. Feed intake and live weights were recorded weekly for each replicate and the relative cut-up parts were also determined. Feed conversion ratio from the data as quantity of feed per unit weight gain over the same period. At the end of the trial, the animals were slaughtered by the cut-throat method and dressed to determine the dressing percentage. During slaughtering 4 mL of blood sample was collected into bijou bottles containing the anticoagulant, disodium salt of ethylene daminetetra-acetic acid at the rate of 2 mg mL -1 of blood forthe determination of Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) total erythrocyte count and total leucocyte count and erythrocyte osmotic fragility. The performance indices, feed intake, body weight and feeds conversion ratio was not affected significantly (p<0.05) except water consumption and water feed ratio. None of the hematological parameters were significantly (p>0.05) affected. The performance and hematology of rabbits fed on sweet orange were not depressed. The study has shown that sun dried sweet orange peel can be used as a replacement feedstuff for maize in the ration of grower rabbit at a level of 40%, its optimal replacement level can only be determined by evaluating its effect at hgher level of maize replacement in subsequent studes. © Medwell Journals, 2012. | Dried sweet orange (citrus sinesis) peel; Effect; Growth performance; Haematological parameters; Performance; Rabbit | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649247964 | Computer efficacy, use and phobia: Contributions to Nigerian undergraduates' academic performance in a computer graphics course | Agbatogun A.O., Banjo B.O. | 2010 | Meridian | 13 | 1 | None | University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom; University of Lagos, Nigeria; Instructional Technology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria; University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria | Agbatogun, A.O., University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, University of Lagos, Nigeria, Instructional Technology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria; Banjo, B.O., University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria | This study investigated the extent to which computer efficacy, computer use, and computer phobia predicted the level of students' academic performance in a Computer Graphics course. One hundred eighty-nine undergraduates of the Faculty of Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria, served as the sample for this study. The study sample responded to four instruments: Computer Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES), Computer Use Scale (CUS), Computer Phobia Scale (CPS) and Computer Performance Test (CPT). Pearson Product Moment Correlation, Multiple Regression and Analysis of Variance statistical tools were used to investigate the predictive capacity of the independent on the dependent variables. The findings revealed the three independent variables, when taken together, were effective in predicting students' academic performance in a Computer Graphics course. Meanwhile, each of the variables also contributed to the prediction of students' academic performance in a Computer Graphics course with computer use making the highest and a significant contribution to the prediction of the outcome measure (students' academic performance in a Computer Graphics course). On the basis of these findings, it was suggested higher education institutions in developing countries should make a major paradigm shift from the traditional instructional environment to promoting paperless classrooms and facilitate students' intense use of computer technologies by making assignments and projects writing, seminar presentations, display of course outlines and reference materials, and academic enquiries more computer-oriented. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903473830 | Effects of three cooperative learning strategies on the performance of secondary school students in physics | Gambari I.A., Yusuf M.O. | 2014 | Chemistry | 23 | 3 | None | Department of Science Education, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Department of Educational Technology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Gambari, I.A., Department of Science Education, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Yusuf, M.O., Department of Educational Technology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | This study investigated the effects of three co-operative learning strategies on the performance of secondary students in physics. It also examined whether the performance of the students would vary with gender and achievement levels. Purposive sampling technique was used to select two senior secondary (SSS II) physics students from two intact classes in the selected four secondary schools in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. The students were in STAD (n = 48), Jigsaw II (n = 42), TAI (n = 41), and ICI (n = 38) groups. Computer-Assisted Learning Package (CALP) and Physics Achievement Test (PAT) were used as treatment and test instruments respectively. Analysis of Covariance and Scheffe test were used for data analysis. Findings indicated that there was significant difference in the performance of the groups. In addition, students' gender had no influence on their performances. Also, achievement levels had significant influence on students' performance in cooperative settings. Based on the findings, it was recommended among other that teachers should be encouraged to use computer-supported cooperative strategies in the classroom for teaching physics concepts. | Achievement level; Computer in education; Gender; ICI; Jigsaw II; STAD; TAI | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745470983 | Neuromuscular factors determining 5 km running performance and running economy in well-trained athletes | Nummela A.T., Paavolainen L.M., Sharwood K.A., Lambert M.I., Noakes T.D., Rusko H.K. | 2006 | European Journal of Applied Physiology | 97 | 1 | 10.1007/s00421-006-0147-3 | KIHU - Research Institute for Olympic Sports, Rautpohjankatu 6, 40700 Jyväskylä, Finland; Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland | Nummela, A.T., KIHU - Research Institute for Olympic Sports, Rautpohjankatu 6, 40700 Jyväskylä, Finland; Paavolainen, L.M., KIHU - Research Institute for Olympic Sports, Rautpohjankatu 6, 40700 Jyväskylä, Finland; Sharwood, K.A., Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Lambert, M.I., Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Noakes, T.D., Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Rusko, H.K., KIHU - Research Institute for Olympic Sports, Rautpohjankatu 6, 40700 Jyväskylä, Finland, Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland | This study investigated the effects of the neuromuscular and force-velocity characteristics in distance running performance and running economy. Eighteen well-trained male distance runners performed five different tests: 20 m maximal sprint, running economy at the velocity of 4.28 m s-1, 5 km time trial, maximal anaerobic running test (MART), and a treadmill test to determine VO2max. The AEMG ratio was calculated by the sum average EMG (AEMG) of the five lower extremity muscles during the 5 km divided by the sum AEMG of the same muscles during the maximal 20 m sprinting. The runners' capacity to produce power above VO2max (MART VO2gain) was calculated by subtracting VO2max from the oxygen demand of the maximal velocity in the MART (VMART). Velocity of 5 km (V5K) correlated with VMART (r=0.77, p<0.001) and VO2max (r=0.49, p<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that MART VO2gain and VO2max explained 73% of the variation in V5K. A significant relationship also existed between running economy and MART VO2gain (r=0.73, p<0.01). A significant correlation existed between V5K and AEMG ratio during the ground contact phase at the 3 km (r=0.60, p<0.05) suggesting that neural input may affect distance running performance. The results of the present study support the idea that distance running performance and running economy are related to neuromuscular capacity to produce force and that the VMART can be used as a determinant of distance-running performance. © Springer-Verlag 2006. | Distance running performance; EMG; Ground contact time; Running economy; Stride length | adolescent; adult; anaerobic exercise; analysis of variance; article; athlete; correlation analysis; electromyogram; exercise physiology; exercise test; human; human experiment; leg muscle; male; multiple linear regression analysis; muscle force; muscle function; muscle strength; neuromuscular function; normal human; oxygen consumption; physical capacity; priority journal; running; task performance; Adult; Electromyography; Exertion; Humans; Male; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Skeletal; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Endurance; Psychomotor Performance; Running | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940960972 | Population Growth and Its Impact on the Design Capacity and Performance of the Wastewater Treatment Plants in Sedibeng and Soshanguve, South Africa | Teklehaimanot G.Z., Kamika I., Coetzee M.A.A., Momba M.N.B. | 2015 | Environmental Management | 56 | 4 | 10.1007/s00267-015-0564-3 | Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Water Care Unit, TUT, Private Bag X680, 175 Nelson Mandela Drive, Arcadia Campus, Pretoria, South Africa | Teklehaimanot, G.Z., Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Water Care Unit, TUT, Private Bag X680, 175 Nelson Mandela Drive, Arcadia Campus, Pretoria, South Africa; Kamika, I., Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Water Care Unit, TUT, Private Bag X680, 175 Nelson Mandela Drive, Arcadia Campus, Pretoria, South Africa; Coetzee, M.A.A., Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Water Care Unit, TUT, Private Bag X680, 175 Nelson Mandela Drive, Arcadia Campus, Pretoria, South Africa; Momba, M.N.B., Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Water Care Unit, TUT, Private Bag X680, 175 Nelson Mandela Drive, Arcadia Campus, Pretoria, South Africa | This study investigated the effects of population growth on the performance of the targeted wastewater treatment plants in Sedibeng District and Soshanguve peri-urban area, South Africa. The impact of population growth was assessed in terms of plant design, operational capacity (flow rate) and other treatment process constraints. Between 2001 and 2007, the number of households connected to the public sewerage service increased by 15.5, 17.2 and 37.8 % in Emfuleni, Lesedi and Midvaal Local Municipalities, respectively. Soshanguve revealed a 50 % increment in the number of households connected to the sewerage system between 1996 and 2001. Except for Sandspruit (−393.8 %), the rate of influent flows received by Meyerton increased by 6.8 ML/day (67.8 %) and 4.7 ML/day (46.8 %) during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The flow rate appeared to increase during the wet season by 6.8 ML/day (19.1 %) in Leeuwkuil and during the dry season by 0.8 ML/day (3.9 %) in Rietgat. Underperformance of the existing wastewater treatment plants suggests that the rapid population growth in urban and peri-urban areas (hydraulic overloading of the wastewater treatment plants) and operational constraints (overflow rate, retention time, oxygen supply capacity of the plants and chlorine contact time) resulted in the production of poor quality effluents in both selected areas. This investigation showed that the inefficiency of Meyerton Wastewater Treatment Plant was attributed to the population growth (higher volumes of wastewater generated) and operational constraints, while the cause of underperformance in the other three treatment plants was clearly technical (operational). © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media New York. | Nitrification; Population growth; Wastewater treatment; Water pollution | Chemicals removal (water treatment); Effluents; Flow rate; Nitrification; Oxygen supply; Population statistics; Reclamation; Sewage pumping plants; Sewers; Toxicity; Urban growth; Water pollution; Water treatment; Water treatment plants; Dry and wet seasons; Operational capacity; Operational constraints; Population growth; Rapid population growth; Sewerage services; Treatment process; Wastewater treatment plants; Wastewater treatment; chlorine; nitrate; phosphate; phosphorus; storm water; absorption; activated sludge; aeration; aquatic environment; Article; bacterial growth; chemical oxygen demand; chlorination; climate; concentration (parameters); controlled study; denitrification; disinfection; environmental sanitation; Escherichia coli; flow rate; health hazard; household; human; nitrification; nonhuman; oxidation; oxygenation; population growth; population size; public health; seasonal variation; sedimentation rate; sewage effluent; South Africa; suspended particulate matter; waste water management; waste water treatment plant; water pollution | 87310, NRF, National Research Foundation of Korea |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-76449105471 | Effects of computer assisted instruction (CAI) on secondary school students' performance in biology | Yusuf M.O., Afolabi A.O. | 2010 | Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology | 9 | 1 | None | Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Centre for Educational Technology, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, Nigeria | Yusuf, M.O., Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Afolabi, A.O., Centre for Educational Technology, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, Nigeria | This study investigated the effects of computer assisted instruction (CAI) on secondary school students' performance in biology. Also, the influence of gender on the performance of students exposed to CAI in individualised or cooperative learning settings package was examined. The research was a quasi experimental involving a 3 x 2 factorial design. The sample for the study comprised 120 first year senior secondary school students (SSS I) sampled from three private secondary schools, in Oyo State, Nigeria. The students' pre-test and post test scores were subjected to Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The findings of the study showed that the performance of students exposed to CAI either individually or cooperatively were better than their counterparts exposed to the conventional classroom instruction. However, no significant difference existed in the performance of male and female students exposed to CAI in either individual or cooperative settings. Based on the research findings recommendations were made on the need to develop relevant CAI packages for teaching biology in Nigerian secondary schools. Copyright © The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921522796 | Impact of appearance on degree of liking and eating quality expectations of selected apple cultivars | van der Merwe A., Muller M., van der Rijst M., Labuschagné I.F., Næs T., Steyn W.J. | 2015 | International Journal of Food Science and Technology | 50 | 2 | 10.1111/ijfs.12640 | Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa; ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch, South Africa; NOFIMA, Osloveien 1, Ås, Norway; Department of Horticultural Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa; HORTGRO Science, PO Box 12789, Die Boord, South Africa | van der Merwe, A., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Muller, M., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa; van der Rijst, M., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Labuschagné, I.F., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Næs, T., NOFIMA, Osloveien 1, Ås, Norway; Steyn, W.J., Department of Horticultural Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa, HORTGRO Science, PO Box 12789, Die Boord, South Africa | This study investigated the effect of taste expectations based on cultivar recognition on the preference for apple-eating quality. Consumer preference for eating quality was assessed using three levels of product information, viz. (i) no visual information, (ii) a photograph depicting the typical appearance of the specific cultivar and (iii) an incorrect photograph, misleadingly depicting a different cultivar. Consumers scored the eating quality of 'Pink Lady™' served with the correct photograph significantly higher compared with presentation without pictorial information, suggesting a positive image for this trademark cultivar. Conversely, consumers had lower eating quality expectations for 'Starking' and 'Golden Delicious' indicated by lower scores when supplied with matching photos. Cultivar developers and researchers should be mindful of the confounding effect of fruit appearance on the hedonic assessment of eating quality. The order of presentation (matching or wrong photograph first) affected the preference scores and should be considered in future studies. © 2014 Institute of Food Science and Technology. | Apple consumer preference; Apple cultivar familiarity; Peel colour; Sensory quality expectations; Taste associations | Photography; Apple cultivars; Consumer preferences; Eating quality; Product information; Sensory qualities; Visual information; Fruits; Malus x domestica | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868622336 | Effect of cottonseed oilcake inclusion on ostrich growth performance and meat chemical composition | Dalle Zotte A., Brand T.S., Hoffman L.C., Schoon K., Cullere M., Swart R. | 2013 | Meat Science | 93 | 2 | 10.1016/j.meatsci.2012.08.027 | Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy; Elsenburg Institute for Animal Production, Western Cape, Department of Agriculture, Private Bag XI, Elsenburg 7606, South Africa; Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa | Dalle Zotte, A., Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy; Brand, T.S., Elsenburg Institute for Animal Production, Western Cape, Department of Agriculture, Private Bag XI, Elsenburg 7606, South Africa, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa; Hoffman, L.C., Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa; Schoon, K., Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa; Cullere, M., Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy; Swart, R., Elsenburg Institute for Animal Production, Western Cape, Department of Agriculture, Private Bag XI, Elsenburg 7606, South Africa | This study investigated the effect of replacing dietary soybean oilcake meal with increasing levels of cottonseed oilcake meal (CSOCM) on the growth performance and meat (Iliofibularis muscle) chemical composition of ostriches in order to decrease total feed costs. A total of 105 ostriches were divided into five feeding groups according to the CSOCM inclusion level in the whole diet: Control (0% CSOCM), 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% CSOCM (of the whole diet), and fed with experimental diets from 6 to 13. months of age. As a result of feeding CSOCM, the final live weight and the average daily gain significantly increased in the 12% CSOCM group. The proximate composition, cholesterol content, mineral and fatty acid profile of the meat remained unaffected. Thus CSOCM may be used as an alternative protein source to the more expensive soybean oilcake meal in ostrich nutrition. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Cottonseed oilcake; Feeding; Growth performance; Meat quality; Ostrich | Chemical compositions; Cholesterol content; Cottonseed oilcake; Fatty acid profiles; Feeding group; Growth performance; Meat quality; Ostrich; Protein sources; Proximate compositions; Feeding; Meats; Nutrition; Oilseeds; Glycine max; Micropus; Struthioniformes; cholesterol; cotton seed oil; fatty acid; trace element; animal; animal food; article; body composition; body weight; diet; food quality; growth, development and aging; meat; metabolism; ostrich; soybean; statistical model; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Body Composition; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Cottonseed Oil; Diet; Fatty Acids; Food Quality; Linear Models; Meat; Soybeans; Struthioniformes; Trace Elements | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930482270 | Growth performance and cost benefit of weaner rabbits fed diet supplemented with probiotic in the tropics | Ezema C., Eze D.C. | 2015 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 14 | 1 | 10.3923/pjn.2015.47.49 | Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Ezema, C., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Eze, D.C., Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This study investigated the effect of probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on growth rate and evaluated the economic benefit of this supplementation in growing rabbits. Twenty male crossed-bred weaner rabbits were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) of five rabbits each. Each rabbit served as a replicate. They were fed pelleted grower mash and groups A to C had probiotic supplementation at varied levels of 0.08, 0.12 and 0.16 g/kg of diet, respectively. Group D had no yeast (control). Feed and water were given ad libitum. Daily feed intake was determined and the rabbits were weighed weekly. The study lasted thirteen weeks. Results showed that all the probiotic supplemented groups had higher but not statistically significant (p>0.05) feed intake and significantly (p<0.05) higher weight gain than the control. Cost of experimental diet per kilogram of live weight gain was cheapest (N69.68) in group B (0.12 g yeast/kg diet) than other groups. Group B (0.12 g probiotic/kg of diet) was thus recommended for maximum weight gain and optimum economic benefit in rabbit production. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2015. | Economic benefit; Feed; Growth rate; Probiotic; Rabbit | probiotic agent; Article; body growth; body weight; controlled study; cost benefit analysis; diet supplementation; economic aspect; food intake; male; nonhuman; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; weight gain; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Saccharomyces cerevisiae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879524493 | The effect of brewers dried grains supplemented by enzyme on performance of Isa-Brown laying hens [Utjecaj sušenoga pivskoga ječma s dodatkom enzima na produktivnost Isa-Brown nesilica] | Olajide R., Akinsoyinu A.O., Iyayi E.A., Afolabi K.D. | 2013 | Poljoprivreda | 19 | 1 | None | Department of Animal Science and Production, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, P.M.B, 5006, Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Olajide, R., Department of Animal Science and Production, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, P.M.B, 5006, Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria; Akinsoyinu, A.O., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Iyayi, E.A., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Afolabi, K.D., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | This study investigated the effect of dietary inclusion of Brewers Dried Grains (BDG) supplemented with Grandizyme® enzyme as a partial substitute for maize in layers diets. One hundred and twenty Isa-Brown laying hens were randomly allotted to three diets formulated with 0 (control), 10% and 20% BDG, and fed for 12 weeks. There were 4 replicates of 10 birds each in a dietary treatment. Feed intake, hen day production and net profit generated from the sales of eggs were significantly (p<0.05) highest for diet 3. Cost of feed /kg significantly (p<0.05) reduced from N{strok}35.50 (€0.17) for diet 1 to N{strok}33.69 (€0.16) and N{strok}31.38 (€0.15) respectively for diets 2 and 3. Substitution of maize with 20% BDG supplemented with Grandizyme® enzyme resulted in better performance and gave a higher net profit compared with other treatments; and could be adopted to alleviate the problem of high cost of maize. | Brewers dried grains; Enzyme supplementation; Laying hen; Performance; Profitability | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33644518381 | Performance optimization of coagulant/flocculant in the treatment of wastewater from a beverage industry | Amuda O.S., Amoo I.A., Ajayi O.O. | 2006 | Journal of Hazardous Materials | 129 | 03-Jan | 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2005.07.078 | Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Amuda, O.S., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Amoo, I.A., Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Ajayi, O.O., Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | This study investigated the effect of coagulation/flocculation treatment process on wastewater of Fumman Beverage Industry, Ibadan, Nigeria. The study also compared different dosages of coagulant, polyelectrolyte (non-ionic polyacrylamide) and different pH values of the coagulation processes. The effect of different dosages of polyelectrolyte in combination with coagulant was also studied. The results reveal that low pH values (3-8), enhance removal efficiency of the contaminants. Percentage removal of 78, 74 and 75 of COD, TSS and TP, respectively, were achieved by the addition of 500 mg/L Fe2(SO 4)3·3H2O and 93, 94 and 96% removal of COD, TSS and TP, respectively, were achieved with the addition of 25 mg/L polyelectrolyte to the coagulation process. The volume of sludge produced, when coagulant was used solely, was higher compared to the use of polyelectrolyte combined with Fe2(SO4)3·3H2O. This may be as a result of non-ionic nature of the polyelectrolyte; hence, it does not chemically react with solids of the wastewater. Coagulation/ flocculation may be useful as a pre-treatment process for beverage industrial wastewater prior to biological treatment. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Beverage wastewater; Coagulation; pH control; Polyelectrolyte; Sludge | Beverages; Chemical reactions; Flocculation; Optimization; pH effects; Polyelectrolytes; Sewage sludge; Wastewater treatment; Beverage wastewater; Biological treatment; PH control; Sludge; Coagulation; coagulating agent; polyelectrolyte; proton; sulfur oxide; Beverages; Chemical reactions; Coagulation; Flocculation; Optimization; pH effects; Polyelectrolytes; Sewage sludge; Wastewater treatment; wastewater; article; beverage; chemical analysis; chemical reaction; flocculation; food contamination; pH; sludge; waste water management; wine industry; Beverages; Flocculation; Fruit; Industrial Waste; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Waste Management; Water Pollutants, Chemical | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748936111 | The impact of the use of COL-1492, a nonoxynol-9 vaginal gel, on the presence of cervical human papillomavirus in female sex workers | Marais D., Carrara H., Kay P., Ramjee G., Allan B., Williamson A.-L. | 2006 | Virus Research | 121 | 2 | 10.1016/j.virusres.2006.04.009 | Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; HIV Prevention Research Unit, Medical, Research Council, Durban, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Services, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa | Marais, D., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Carrara, H., Department of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Kay, P., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Ramjee, G., HIV Prevention Research Unit, Medical, Research Council, Durban, South Africa; Allan, B., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Williamson, A.-L., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Services, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa | This study investigated the effectiveness of a nonoxynol-9 (52.5 mg, 3.5%), vaginal gel (Advantage S), in the prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in female sex workers. We showed by HPV DNA determination in cervico-vaginal rinses a significant increase in multiple (>1) HPV infection in HIV-1 seropositive women compared with HIV-1 seronegative women (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.3-11.9). We also demonstrated a significant increase in multiple HPV infections in HIV-1 seronegative women using nonoxynol-9 compared with HIV-1 seronegative women using placebo (OR 3.5 95% CI 1.0-11.8). We conclude that the use of nonoxynol-9 did not prevent genital HPV infection and could increase the virus' ability to infect or persist. © 2006. | HIV; Human papillomavirus; Nonoxynol-9; Vaginal microbicides | nonoxinol 9; adolescent; adult; article; comparative study; controlled study; DNA determination; drug efficacy; female; gel; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; infection risk; major clinical study; prevalence; priority journal; prostitution; virus infection; Wart virus; Administration, Intravaginal; Cervix Uteri; Cohort Studies; Confounding Factors (Epidemiology); DNA, Viral; Female; HIV Seropositivity; HIV-1; Humans; Nonoxynol; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Prostitution; South Africa; Spermatocidal Agents; Treatment Outcome; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human papillomavirus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922987630 | Bank savings and bank credits in Nigeria: Determinants and impact on economic growth | Anthony O. | 2012 | International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues | 2 | 3 | None | Department of Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Anthony, O., Department of Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This study investigated the determinants of bank savings in Nigeria as well as examined the impact of bank savings and bank credits on Nigeria’s economic growth from 1970- 2006. We adopted two impact models; Distributed Lag-Error Correction Model (DL-ECM) and Distributed Model. The empirical results showed a positive influence of values of GDP per capita (PCY), Financial Deepening (FSD), Interest Rate Spread (IRS) and negative influence of Real Interest Rate (RIR) and Inflation Rate (INFR) on the size of private domestic savings. Also a positive relationship exists between the lagged values of total private savings, private sector credit, public sector credit, interest rate spread, exchange rates and economic growth. We therefore recommend, among others, that government’s effort should be geared towards improving per capita income by reducing the unemployment rate in the country in a bid to accelerate growth through enhanced savings. © 2012, Econjournals. All rights reserved. | Bank; Credit; Economic growth; Financial sector; Saving | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884554632 | Cultural dimension of workplace diversity in Ibadan Nigeria: Implications on people and performance | Adewole A.O. | 2013 | International Journal of Social Sustainability in Economic, Social and Cultural Context | 8 | 3 | None | Glorious Vision International College, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | Adewole, A.O., Glorious Vision International College, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | This study investigated the cultural dimension of workplace diversity in Ibadan, Nigeria in order to ascertain the implications of cultural dimension of workplace diversity on employees, and their performances in multicultural work organizations. Data for the study was generated through a multi-stage sampling technique, with a questionnaire administered to 250 participants randomly selected from selected work organizations in Ibadan, Nigeria. Out of 250 respondents, 238 turned in their completed questionnaires (male = 151, female = 87, mean = 2.89, standard deviation = 1.15). A 20-item questionnaire was developed by the researcher, and was tested on a 5 point Likert-type scale that ranges from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5). The hypotheses generated for the study were tested at 0.05 alpha levels using a chi-square statistical method. The findings from the study revealed that a significant relationship exists between cultural diversity and employees' job performances, and the overall organizational performance. The finding further showed that although majority of the employees often perceived themselves as different from others due to the differences in their cultural orientations, there is no significant relationship between the way employees perceive themselves and their job performance. Based on the findings from the study, it was recommended that employers and all stake holders in human resource management, in today's multicultural business community, should not only be aware of the cultural diversity among employees, but must also ensure effective workforce diversity management principles that best fit into their work organizations so as to harness the rich benefits of cultural diversity for the good of the organizations they serve. Crosscultural education that could bring employees in contact with other cultures represented at the workplace should be introduced to promote cooperation, effective communication and harmonious work relationships among employees. © Common Ground, Adejare Olufemi Adewole, All Rights Reserved. | Culture; Employee; Multiculturalism; Performance; Workplace | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953132065 | Effects of computer-assisted instruction on performance of senior high school biology students in Ghana | Owusu K.A., Monney K.A., Appiah J.Y., Wilmot E.M. | 2010 | Computers and Education | 55 | 2 | 10.1016/j.compedu.2010.04.001 | Department of Science and Mathematics Education, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; School of Biological Sciences, Department of Entomology and Wildlife, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | Owusu, K.A., Department of Science and Mathematics Education, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Monney, K.A., School of Biological Sciences, Department of Entomology and Wildlife, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Appiah, J.Y., Department of Science and Mathematics Education, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Wilmot, E.M., Department of Science and Mathematics Education, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | This study investigated the comparative efficiency of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and conventional teaching method in biology on senior high school students. A science class was selected in each of two randomly selected schools. The pretest-posttest non equivalent quasi experimental design was used. The students in the experimental group learned science concepts (cell cycle) through the CAI, whereas the students in the control group were taught the same concepts by the conventional approach. The conventional approach consisted of lecture, discussions and question and answer teaching methods. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze students' pretest and posttests scores. The results indicated that students that were instructed by the conventional approach performed better on the posttest than those instructed by the CAI. However, the performance of low achievers within the experimental group improved after they were instructed by the CAI. Even though the CAI group did not perform better than the conventional approach group, the students in the CAI group perceived CAI to be interesting when they were interviewed. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Achievement; Cell cycle; Computer-assisted instruction; Conventional approach; ICT and senior high school | Cell cycle; Computer Assisted Instruction; Control groups; Conventional approach; Experimental design; Experimental groups; High school; High school students; Mann-Whitney U test; Teaching methods; Computer crime; Students; Computer aided instruction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904544970 | Pre-breeding blood urea nitrogen concentration and reproductive performance of Bonsmara heifers within different management systems | Tshuma T., Holm D.E., Fosgate G.T., Lourens D.C. | 2014 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 46 | 6 | 10.1007/s11250-014-0608-3 | Department of Production Animal Studies, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X 04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa | Tshuma, T., Department of Production Animal Studies, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X 04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Holm, D.E., Department of Production Animal Studies, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X 04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Fosgate, G.T., Department of Production Animal Studies, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X 04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Lourens, D.C., Department of Production Animal Studies, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X 04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa | This study investigated the association between pre-breeding blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration and reproductive performance of beef heifers within different management systems in South Africa. Bonsmara heifers (n = 369) from five herds with different estimated levels of nitrogen intake during the month prior to the commencement of the breeding season were sampled in November and December 2010 to determine BUN concentrations. Body mass, age, body condition score (BCS) and reproductive tract score (RTS) were recorded at study enrolment. Trans-rectal ultrasound and/or palpation was performed 4-8 weeks after a 3-month breeding season to estimate the stage of pregnancy. Days to pregnancy (DTP) was defined as the number of days from the start of the breeding season until the estimated conception date. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards survival analysis were performed to estimate the association of pre-breeding BUN concentration with subsequent pregnancy and DTP, respectively. After stratifying for herd and adjusting for age, heifers with relatively higher pre-breeding BUN concentration took longer to become pregnant when compared to those with relatively lower BUN concentration (P = 0.011). In the herd with the highest estimated nitrogen intake (n = 143), heifers with relatively higher BUN were less likely to become pregnant (P = 0.013) and if they did, it was only later during the breeding season (P = 0.017), after adjusting for body mass. These associations were not present in the herd (n = 106) with the lowest estimated nitrogen intake (P > 0.500). It is concluded that Bonsmara heifers with relatively higher pre-breeding BUN concentration, might be at a disadvantage because of this negative impact on reproductive performance, particularly when the production system includes high levels of nitrogen intake. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Beef cattle; Blood urea nitrogen; Nitrogen supplementation; Reproductive performance | Bos; nitrogen; age; animal; animal food; animal husbandry; blood; body constitution; body weight; Bovinae; breeding; female; physiology; pregnancy; procedures; proportional hazards model; reproduction; South Africa; statistical model; urea nitrogen blood level; Age Factors; Animal Husbandry; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Body Constitution; Body Weight; Breeding; Cattle; Female; Logistic Models; Nitrogen; Pregnancy; Proportional Hazards Models; Reproduction; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892526590 | Relationship between staff development and job performance among personnel in branch libraries, university of Maiduguri, Nigeria | Saka K.A., Haruna I. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 5 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n5p9 | Department of Library and Information Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Department of Library and Information Science, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria | Saka, K.A., Department of Library and Information Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Haruna, I., Department of Library and Information Science, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria | This study investigated Staff development as a motivating factor in job performance among personnel in branch libraries, University of Maiduguri. The study aimed at determining the relationship between staff development programmes and job performance. It was a survey research method involving 47 (professional, paraprofessional and non- professional) staff in 15 branch libraries. The entire population of 47 staff was adopted for the study and so there was no sampling. Questionnaire was the only research instrument used in data collection. Questionnaire was divided into six sections (Demographic variables of respondents, formal education, seminars/Conferences, workshop attendance, and job performance). The instrument also comprises 15 items within the six sections. The 47 copies of questionnaire were administered and retrieved by the researchers. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze demographic variables of respondents. While inferential statistic i. e Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to test the four formulated hypotheses, while Multiple Regression Analysis was used to test one (1) hypothesis on the joint relationships between staff development programme and job performance at 0.05 level of significance. Response rate showed that out of the forty seven (47) copies of questionnaire administered, 34 (72%) copies were returned and found usable. Majority of the respondents were males while professional staff were the majority of respondents. Hypotheses tested revealed that formal education does not enhance job performance of staff. On the other hand Seminars/conferences and workshop attendance enhances job performance of staff. As the staff development programmes collectively increases, the job performance of staff tends to be higher. Conclusion was that there was indiscipline on the part of staff and that there was no enforcement of discipline by the management despite opportunities for formal education in the university. The increase in opportunities for the various staff development programmes increase higher job performance on the part of staff in branch libraries. Among the recommendations include strict enforcement of discipline on staff and creating opportunities for staff development by the University management. | Branch libraries; Job performance; Motivation; Relationship; Staff development; University of Maiduguri | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903301767 | Predictors of academic performance of seminarians in Catholic Major Seminaries in the South-West Region of Nigeria | Adubale A.A., Aluede O. | 2014 | British Journal of Guidance and Counselling | 42 | 4 | 10.1080/03069885.2014.886671 | Department of Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Department of Guidance and Counselling, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | Adubale, A.A., Department of Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Aluede, O., Department of Guidance and Counselling, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | This study investigated predictors of seminarians' academic performance. The study employed a correlational research design. Two hundred and thirty two seminarians constituted the sample for the study. Bakare's modified version of student problem inventory was used to collect the data of the study. The findings indicated that time management and lack of concentration significantly predicted the academic performance of seminarians. Based on the findings, the study recommended intervention programmes, such as workshop on techniques of managing external distractions and unresolved personal crises that interfere with the seminarians' concentration level and workshop on time management skills; and that counselling units should be established in the Catholic Major Seminaries in the South-West Region of Nigeria since there is none at the moment. © 2014 Taylor & Francis. | academic achievement; academic success; Catholic Church; Catholic Seminarians; counsellor education programme; school success | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947901818 | Perceptions on climate change and its impact on livelihoods in Hwange district, Zimbabwe | Nhemachena C., Mano R., Mudombi S., Muwanigwa V. | 2015 | Jamba: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies | 6 | 1 | 10.4102/jamba.v6i1.123 | Human Sciences Research Council, 134 Pretorius St, Pretoria, South Africa; Humanitarian Information Facilitation Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe; Institute for Economic Research on Innovation, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa | Nhemachena, C., Human Sciences Research Council, 134 Pretorius St, Pretoria, South Africa; Mano, R., Humanitarian Information Facilitation Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mudombi, S., Institute for Economic Research on Innovation, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa; Muwanigwa, V., Humanitarian Information Facilitation Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe | This study investigated perceptions of rural communities on climate change and its impacts on livelihoods. The research was conducted in the semi-arid Hwange district in Matebeleland North province of Zimbabwe. The perceptions were compared with empirical evidence from climatic studies on trends on temperature and rainfall, and impacts on livelihoods in the country and region. The findings from the current study are generally in agreement with those of other studies that indicate changes in the climate, especially in terms of rainfall. This largely applies to short-term periods; however, for long-term periods it is difficult to accurately relate rural community perceptions to changes in rainfall over time. Despite perceived changes and impacts of climate change on local livelihood activities, mainly agriculture, there are multiple stressors that the communities face which also affect their livelihoods. Further evidence-based research is required to disentangle climate change impacts on livelihoods, including livelihood impacts arising from interactions of climate and non-climatic factors. © 2014. The Authors. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857860375 | Evaluation of organic matter stability in wood compost by chemical and thermogravimetric analysis | Nada W.M., Van Rensburg L., Claassens S., Blumenstein O., Friedrich A. | 2012 | International Journal of Environmental Research | 6 | 2 | None | Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Potsdam University, Karl-Liebknecht Strasse 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany; School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | Nada, W.M., Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Van Rensburg, L., School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Claassens, S., School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Blumenstein, O., Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Friedrich, A., Potsdam University, Karl-Liebknecht Strasse 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany | This study investigated maturation and stability levels during composting of Quercus robur (QR) woodchips mixed with different nitrogen sources (horse manure, HM and lake mud, LM) for potential agronomic utilisation. The woodchips were mixed with HM and LM, respectively, at mixing ratios of 1QR:2HM or 1QR:2LM. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse over 100 days. During composting, organic carbon and its fractioning and humification constituents were quantified. In the final compost product, pH, organic matter (OM), cation exchange capacity (CEC) and selected available nutrients were measured. Thermostability of compost, compared with that of soil and compost mixed with charcoal were also quantified. Results showed OM evolution during the composting process with total organic and extractable carbons and humification indices decreasing, while the degree of humification increased. Compost produced from the 1QR:2HM mix resulted in the highest available nutrients, CEC and OM content values in the final product. Thermogravimetric profiles indicated that compost OM thermostability was higher than that in soil and higher for the 1QR:2HM than the 1QR:2LM mix. Application of charcoal revealed no additional stabilising effect of OM in wood compost. | Earthworms; Humification; Maturity; Vermicompost; Woodchips | chemical analysis; composting; earthworm; fractionation; humification; ion exchange; organic matter; thermogravimetry; wood; Equidae; Quercus robur | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903304326 | Psychological well-being and resilience as predictors of first-year students' academic performance | Kotzé M., Kleynhans R. | 2013 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 23 | 1 | 10.1080/14330237.2013.10820593 | UFS Business School, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, 9300 Bloemfontein, South Africa | Kotzé, M., UFS Business School, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, 9300 Bloemfontein, South Africa; Kleynhans, R., UFS Business School, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, 9300 Bloemfontein, South Africa | This study investigated aspects of psychological well-being (burnout and engagement) and resilience as predictors of the academic performance of a group of first-year students at a higher education institution. Participants included 789 first-year students at a South African university (females = 43%, majority ethnicity Black African = 58%). They completed measures of burnout, engagement and resilience. Data were analysed using stepwise multiple regression to determine whether burnout, engagement and resilience were statistically significant predictors of first year students' academic performance. The results indicated that burnout (specifically Emotional Exhaustion and Cynicism) and resilience (specifically Religion) were statistically significant predictors of academic performance. Students with lower levels of cynicism, who are emotionally and cognitively more involved in their studies, seem to perform better. Surprisingly, students who reported being emotionally more exhausted performed well in their studies. Those students who seem to have strong spiritual/religious beliefs also fared better with regard to academic performance than those of lower religious faith. Strong spiritual/religious anchors and continuous cognitive and emotional involvement in academic work are valuable resources to students in their academic performance. | Burnout in students; Engagement; First-year students; Psychological well-being; Resilience | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931559925 | Evaluation of antioxidant potentials of Morinda morindoides leaf extract | Akinloye D.I., Sunmonu T.O., Omotainse S.O., Balogun E.A. | 2015 | Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry | 97 | 2 | 10.1080/02772248.2015.1031667 | Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Biological Sciences, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Pathology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Departmen | Akinloye, D.I., Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Sunmonu, T.O., Department of Biological Sciences, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria; Omotainse, S.O., Department of Veterinary Pathology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Balogun, E.A., Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | This study investigated antioxidant status of animals given aqueous extract of Morinda morindoides leaves using the levels of reduced glutathione, total-thiol, vitamin C, and vitamin E as well as malondialdehyde concentrations as indices, and its in vitro antioxidant capacity. Thirty rats divided into five groups were used. Group A served as control and were administered distilled water while groups B, C, D, and E were given 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg per kilogram body weight of water-extracted constituents of M. morindoides for 28 days. Total phenolic compounds amounted to 83.6 ± 5.9 mg g−1 gallic acid equivalent, while total flavonoid content was 9.5 ± 0.9 mg g−1 pyrocathecol equivalent. Malondialdehyde in plasma was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner, ranging from 21% in groups B and C to 84% in groups D and E. Vitamins C and E were significantly increased, in group E by 91% and 17% compared with control. Total thiols and glutathione in plasma were significantly increased, with group E having 2.5-fold and 4.2-fold higher values than control. © 2015 Taylor & Francis. | antioxidant; evaluation; leaf extract; Morinda morindoides | Aldehydes; Peptides; Antioxidant capacity; Antioxidant potential; Dose-dependent manner; evaluation; Leaf extracts; Morinda morindoides; Total flavonoid contents; Total phenolic compounds; Antioxidants; antioxidant; aqueous solution; concentration (composition); dicotyledon; dose-response relationship; leaf; phenolic compound; plant extract; plasma; Animalia; Morinda morindoides; Rattus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646161927 | Ecosystem approach to mitigate impacts of sedimentation on the hydrological cycle and aquatic ecosystem | Yamashiki Y., Nakamura T., Kurosawa M., Matsui S. | 2006 | Hydrological Processes | 20 | 6 | 10.1002/hyp.6089 | Department of Civil Engineering, College of Science and Technology, 1-8 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8308, Japan; Division of GEF Coordination, United Nations Environment Programme, PO Box 30552, Nairobi, Kenya; Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Graduate School of Global Environment Studies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan | Yamashiki, Y., Department of Civil Engineering, College of Science and Technology, 1-8 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8308, Japan; Nakamura, T., Division of GEF Coordination, United Nations Environment Programme, PO Box 30552, Nairobi, Kenya; Kurosawa, M., Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Matsui, S., Graduate School of Global Environment Studies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan | This study illustrates the importance of sedimentation control on a global scale by introducing general concepts developed locally through field observations in eutrophic bay in Lake Biwa in Japan, and in Dongting Lake in China. The phosphorus concentration of suspended solids in water columns and in the bottom sediment during soil puddling before the transplanting of rice seedlings have been measured analytically. We have estimated the gross phosphorus loads and the economical loss of losing fertilizer from rice paddy fields in the whole Lake Biwa basin during the same period. Additionally, the discussions and conclusions made in the session 'Ecosystem approach to water monitoring and management' organized during the Third World Water Forum held in Kyoto, are introduced. The importance of sediment control in carrying out overall water quality programmes has been emphasized not only for watersheds with severe land degradation, but also for basins where the sedimentation impacts are considered rather small, and there is a need to reverse the long-term water quality trend in shallow reservoirs in international river basins, such as La Plata River basin in South America. Establishing international standards and regulations for controlling fine sediments, making an effective economic evaluation of the impacts induced by sedimentation applicable to local farmers, as well as developing an effective project focusing on treating sedimentation to improve nutrient control should be initiated on a global scale, as with the Global Environmental Facility project. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Eutrophication; Lake Biwa; Sedimentation; WWF3 | Economics; Environmental impact; Hydrology; Lakes; Management; Rivers; Sediments; Water quality; Watersheds; Aquatic ecosystems; Hydrological cycle; Sedimentation control; Water management; Water monitoring; Ecosystems; Economics; Ecosystems; Environmental impact; Hydrology; Lakes; Management; Rivers; Sediments; Water quality; Watersheds; aquatic ecosystem; ecosystem approach; hydrological cycle; phosphorus; sedimentation; water quality; Asia; Biwa Lake; China; Dongting Lake; Eurasia; Far East; Honshu; Hunan; Japan; Kinki; Shiga | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920935484 | The application of chromatographic gas ratio analysis in reservoir fluid evaluation of “Beta” field in the Congo basin | Mode A.W., Anyiam O.A., Egbujie B.C. | 2014 | Journal of the Geological Society of India | 84 | 3 | 10.1007/s12594-014-0133-z | Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Mode, A.W., Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Anyiam, O.A., Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Egbujie, B.C., Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This study illustrates how real time chromatographic analysis of light hydrocarbons can provide effective fluid characterisation as the reservoir is being penetrated. For the analysis, gas chromatographic data of Methane to Pentane (C1–C5) were collected from the reservoir sections of three wells (A, B and C) in the “Beta Field”, onshore Congo basin. These gas values were plotted on the Pixler plot for the individual wells. Also, the values of their wetness, character and balance ratios were evaluated. The results obtained were compared with the fluid type standard values of the gas ratios, to identify the type of fluid in the formation. The fluid types indicated by these results were then compared with the results obtained through the analysis of the resistivity values from the three wells. These results show that both the chromatographic gas ratio analysis and the resistivity results indicate the same fluid type (oil) in the three wells. © 2014, Geological Society of India. | Congo basin; Fluid identification; Formation evaluation; Gas chromatography | formation mechanism; gas chromatography; gas well; hydrocarbon reservoir; methane; Congo Basin | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903997913 | The impacts of small business on poverty reduction in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa | Akinwale O., Ogundiran O. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 15 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n15p156 | Department of Development Studies, University of Fort Hare, 1 King Williams Town Road, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Agricultural Extension, University of Fort Hare, Eastern Cape, South Africa | Akinwale, O., Department of Development Studies, University of Fort Hare, 1 King Williams Town Road, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Ogundiran, O., Agricultural Extension, University of Fort Hare, Eastern Cape, South Africa | This study identifies the impacts of small business in poverty reduction. Small business plays a major role in rural livelihood. Even in the developed countries, small business contributes more to the economic growth. The study was carried out in Alice, in Eastern Cape provide of South Africa, where people seems to live under the pressure of poverty. Structured questionnaires were administered on twenty-five community members who operate small business. The result shows that small business makes important impacts on livelihoods and thereby serves as an eyes opener for those who view small business as merely a survival strategy. Small business operators have plotted their way out of the bondage of poverty even though it has been though due to many challenges. Conclusively, small businesses have helped to improve the standard of living. If better platform is given, their performance will be better than the present. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67650792456 | Determinants of family employee work performance and compensation in family businesses | Van Der Merwe S.P. | 2009 | South African Journal of Business Management | 40 | 1 | None | Potchefstroom Business School, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa | Van Der Merwe, S.P., Potchefstroom Business School, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa | This study highlighted the importance of establishing clear work roles and responsibilities in the family business, the measurement of family employee work performance and regular feedback on their performance and fair and market-based compensation of family employees in family businesses. An Oblimin oblique rotation was performed on the principal components of the exploratory factor analysis. In this study three factors describing the theoretical dimensions of family employee work performance, clear work roles and responsibilities and family employee compensation in family businesses were extracted. Although statistical significant differences were found between the perceptions of male and female as well as between senior and younger generation family employees regarding the constructs, these differences were not practically significant. This study, however, confirms the important role that an effective family employee work performance management and compensation strategy plays to ensure harmonious family relationships and at the end the sustainability of the family business. Practical recommendations are suggested to improve the effectiveness of family employee work performance and compensation in family businesses. Recommendations are also offered to utilise the questionnaire as a diagnostic tool. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846933528 | Quantitative evaluation of minerals in coal deposits in the Witbank and Highveld Coalfields, and the potential impact on acid mine drainage | Pinetown K.L., Ward C.R., van der Westhuizen W.A. | 2007 | International Journal of Coal Geology | 70 | 1-3 SPEC. ISS. | 10.1016/j.coal.2006.02.013 | CSIRO Petroleum, P. O. Box 136, North Ryde, NSW 1670, Australia; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia; Department of Geology, University of the Free State, P. O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | Pinetown, K.L., CSIRO Petroleum, P. O. Box 136, North Ryde, NSW 1670, Australia; Ward, C.R., School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia; van der Westhuizen, W.A., Department of Geology, University of the Free State, P. O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | This study has investigated the quantitative distribution of minerals in coals and other lithological units in the coal-bearing successions of the Witbank and Highveld Coalfields in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, using low-temperature oxygen-plasma ashing (LTA), high temperature ashing, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry techniques. Mineral matter makes up approximately 8 to 35 wt.% of the coal samples. SiO2 concentrations in the coal vary between 0.0 and 35.0 wt.%, Al2O3 between 0.5 and 16.0 wt.%, Fe2O3 between 0.03 and 10.0 wt.%, and S between 0.15 and 8.0 wt.%. Minor concentrations of CaO (0.0 to 8.0 wt.%) and MgO (0.0 to 1.0 wt.%) are also present. P2O5 occurs in concentrations of 0.0 to 3.5 wt.% and K2O is in the order of 0.0 to 1.3 wt.%. Na2O varies between 0.0 and 0.45 wt.%, with the Highveld coals showing an enrichment in Na2O (0.0 to 0.51 wt.%) in comparison with the Witbank coals. The minerals in the coals are dominated by quartz and kaolinite, with varying proportions of calcite, dolomite and pyrite, as well as accessory phosphate phases. Higher (normalised) K2O and Na2O concentrations are present in the sandstones than in the associated siltstones and carbonaceous shales, partly reflecting the presence of feldspars and clay minerals such as illite. Acid-base accounting was used to investigate the potential of the coal and coal-bearing units to produce acid mine drainage conditions. According to the screening criteria, all the coal and coal-bearing units, except the unit between the No. 1 and No. 2 coal seams, are potentially acid generating. The average Net Neutralising Potential (NNP) values suggest that the No. 5 coal seam, the No. 4 Upper coal seam, and the unit between the No. 4 and No. 2 coal seams are potentially acid generating. With such techniques it is possible to predict the types of situations that might arise concerning groundwater quality, and implement proper prevention or remediation programs. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Acid mine drainage; Coal mineralogy; Low-temperature ashing; X-ray diffraction; X-ray fluorescence | Acid mine drainage; Coal mineralogy; Low-temperature oxygen-plasma ashing; Clay minerals; Coal mines; Feldspar; Geochemistry; Lithology; Mineralogy; Quartz; Sandstone; X ray diffraction analysis; Coal deposits; acid mine drainage; coal mine; coal seam; lithology; mineral deposit; mineralogy; phosphate; quantitative analysis; spectrometry; X-ray diffraction; Africa; Highveld Coalfield; Mpumalanga; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Witbank Coalfield | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944457091 | The economy wide impact of investment on infrastructure for electricity in ethiopia: A recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium approach | Borojo D.G. | 2015 | International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy | 5 | 4 | None | Department of Economics, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, Ethiopia | Borojo, D.G., Department of Economics, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, Ethiopia | This study has applied a recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium model to examine the economic impact of investment on infrastructure for electricity using an updated 2009/10 social accounting matrix. Three simulations (foreign saving, domestic household and enterprises saving and mix of foreign and domestic saving to finance the investment) in combination with total factor productivity of industrial and service sectors are used. The findings of the study have shown the improvement of the real gross domestic product (GDP), output of industrial and service sectors in all simulations. Nonetheless, mixed effects have found on household consumption and trade balance. The highest growth of real GDP is registered when the investment on electricity is fully financed by domestic household and enterprise saving. However, household consumption expenditure has grown at negative rate worsening the welfare of households. Investment on electricity fully financed by foreign saving is resulted in lower growth rate of real GDP due to worsening of net export. In addition, it has benefits for households as it increases their welfare. But it is to be repaid in the future that would increase indebtedness of the country. So, financing the investment partly by domestic household saving and foreign saving would be worthwhile. © 2015, Econjournals. All rights reserved. | Economy; Electricity infrastructure; Recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium model | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901376632 | The impact of board structure on the financial performance of listed South African companies | Meyer E., de Wet J.H.V.H. | 2013 | Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition | 9 | 3 | None | University of Pretoria, Lynnwood road, Pretoria, South Africa | Meyer, E., University of Pretoria, Lynnwood road, Pretoria, South Africa; de Wet, J.H.V.H., University of Pretoria, Lynnwood road, Pretoria, South Africa | This study focuses on the role of the corporate board of directors and the relationship between the dynamics of board structure and the financial performance of listed South African companies. The research results found that the proportion of independent non-executive directors had a significant positive effect on firm performance as measured by earnings per share and enterprise value, but had no significant effect on Tobin's Q ratio. Board ownership had a significant negative correlation with firm performance as measured by earnings per share, enterprise value and Tobin's Q ratio. The number of directors serving on the corporate board had a significant positive effect on firm performance as measured by earnings per share, enterprise value and Tobin's Q ratio. The study suggests that greater independent non-executive director representation, lower board share-ownership and larger board sizes should be encouraged to enhance firm performance. | Board composition; Board ownership; Board size; Corporate governance; Earnings per Share; Enterprise value; Independent non-executive directors; Tobin's Q ratio | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940192013 | Impact of globalisation on higher education curriculum restructuring in India : Comparing the trends in Kerala and Tamil Nadu | David S.A., Wildemeersch D. | 2014 | Indian Journal of Social Work | 75 | 4 | None | British University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; University of Johannesberg, South Africa; Kathoiieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium | David, S.A., British University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, University of Johannesberg, South Africa; Wildemeersch, D., Kathoiieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium | This study focuses on the implications of globalisation on higher education curriculum restructuring. Recent industrial developments in India, particularly the massive growth of Information and Communication Technology, and the job market has a strong influence on curriculum restructuring. A comparative analysis on the trends in Kerala and Tamil Nadu reveal that the curriculum in Tamil Nadu has been restructured much in line with the above arguments, while the developments in Kerala seem to be cautious even though similar approaches are evident. The six selected higher educational institutions deal with higher education curriculum restructuring differently, given the nature of governance, strategies and priorities of these Universities. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874958796 | Evaluation of the high-resolution CMORPH satellite rainfall product using dense rain gauge observations and radar-based estimates | Habib E., Haile A.T., Tian Y., Joyce R.J. | 2012 | Journal of Hydrometeorology | 13 | 6 | 10.1175/JHM-D-12-017.1 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA, United States; African Climate Policy Center, UNECA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States; NOAA Climate Prediction Center, Camp Springs, MD, United States | Habib, E., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA, United States; Haile, A.T., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA, United States, African Climate Policy Center, UNECA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tian, Y., Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States; Joyce, R.J., NOAA Climate Prediction Center, Camp Springs, MD, United States | This study focuses on the evaluation of the NOAA-NCEP Climate Prediction Center (CPC) morphing technique (CMORPH) satellite-based rainfall product at fine space-time resolutions (1 h and 8 km). The evaluation was conducted during a 28-month period from 2004 to 2006 using a high-quality experimental rain gauge network in southern Louisiana, United States. The dense arrangement of rain gauges allowed for multiple gauges to be located within a single CMORPH pixel and provided a relatively reliable approximation of pixel-average surface rainfall. The results suggest that the CMORPH product has high detection skills: the probability of successful detection is ;80% for surface rain rates >2 mm h-1 and probability of false detection <3%. However, significant and alarming missed-rain and false-rain volumes of 21% and 22%, respectively, were reported. The CMORPH product has a negligible bias when assessed for the entire study period. On an event scale it has significant biases that exceed 100%. The fine-resolution CMORPH estimates have high levels of random errors; however, these errors get reduced rapidly when the estimates are aggregated in time or space. To provide insight into future improvements, the study examines the effect of temporal availability of passive microwave rainfall estimates on the product accuracy. The study also investigates the implications of using a radar-based rainfall product as an evaluation surface reference dataset instead of gauge observations. The findings reported in this study guide future enhancements of rainfall products and increase their informed usage in a variety of research and operational applications. © 2012 American Meteorological Society. | Algorithms; In situ atmospheric observations; Radars/Radar observations; Satellite observations | algorithm; error analysis; image resolution; radar; rainfall; raingauge; satellite data; Louisiana; United States | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858316120 | Evaluation of high-resolution satellite rainfall products through streamflow simulation in a hydrological modeling of a small mountainous watershed in Ethiopia | Bitew M.M., Gebremichael M., Ghebremichael L.T., Bayissa Y.A. | 2012 | Journal of Hydrometeorology | 13 | 1 | 10.1175/2011JHM1292.1 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States; Rubenstein School of Environmental Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States; Department of Civil Engineering, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Bitew, M.M., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States; Gebremichael, M., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States; Ghebremichael, L.T., Rubenstein School of Environmental Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States; Bayissa, Y.A., Department of Civil Engineering, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | This study focuses on evaluating four widely used global high-resolution satellite rainfall products [the Climate Prediction Center's morphing technique (CMORPH) product, the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) near-real-time product (3B42RT), the TMPA method post-real-time research version product (3B42), and the Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN) product] with a spatial resolution of 0.25° and temporal resolution of 3 h through their streamflow simulations in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrologic model of a 299-km 2 mountainous watershed in Ethiopia. Results show significant biases in the satellite rainfall estimates. The 3B42RT and CMORPH products perform better than the 3B42 and PERSIANN. The predictive ability of each of the satellite rainfall was examined using a SWAT model calibrated in two different approaches: with rain gauge rainfall as input, and with each of the satellite rainfall products as input. Significant improvements in model streamflow simulations are obtained when the model is calibrated with input-specific rainfall data than with rain gauge data. Calibrating SWAT with satellite rainfall estimates results in curve number values that are by far higher than the standard tabulated values, and therefore caution must be exercised when using standard tabulated parameter values with satellite rainfall inputs. The study also reveals that bias correction of satellite rainfall estimates significantly improves the model simulations. The best-performing model simulations based on satellite rainfall inputs are obtained after bias correction and model recalibration. © 2012 American Meteorological Society. | Africa; Hydrologic models; Rainfall; Satellite observations; Streamflow | calibration; hydrological modeling; numerical model; parameterization; precipitation intensity; raingauge; satellite imagery; spatial resolution; streamflow; temporal variation; TRMM; watershed; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-41049111949 | Herder perceptions on impacts of range enclosures, crop farming, fire ban and bush encroachment on the rangelands of Borana, Southern Ethiopia | Angassa A., Oba G. | 2008 | Human Ecology | 36 | 2 | 10.1007/s10745-007-9156-z | Noragric, Department of International Environment and Development Studies, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 5003, Ås N-1432, Norway; College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, Awassa, Ethiopia | Angassa, A., Noragric, Department of International Environment and Development Studies, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 5003, Ås N-1432, Norway, College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, Awassa, Ethiopia; Oba, G., Noragric, Department of International Environment and Development Studies, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 5003, Ås N-1432, Norway | This study focuses on community-based knowledge to analyze the impacts of range enclosures, crop farming, fire suppression and bush encroachment on the communal rangelands of Borana, southern Ethiopia. The knowledge of local herders is the basis for decision making in the utilization and management of grazing lands. We used Borana oral history associated with the period of the gada system to reconstruct environmental change that spans a period of 48 years. Our results show that the use of communities' perceptions as a basis for evaluating the impacts of land use change on the environment makes an important methodological contribution. Communities' responses to changing land use resulted in the development of range enclosures, the expansion of crop farming and the fragmentation of the communal rangelands, while the suppression of fire contributed to the expansion of bush encroachment. The overall impact was forage scarcity and greater vulnerability of stock during drought years. We conclude that policymakers could use communities' knowledge of environmental change to improve the use of the rangelands. We propose that sustainable use of the southern rangelands in the future will require a greater focus on regulating the expansion of enclosures, crop farming and ranching, as well as reintroducing fire where necessary, to control the expansion of bush cover. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2007. | Bush encroachment; Community perception; Environmental history; Fire ban; Land use Policy; Rangeland development | crop production; decision making; environmental change; environmental history; farmers knowledge; fire; grazing management; land use change; perception; rangeland; Africa; Borana; East Africa; Ethiopia; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84957538919 | Enhancing students’ reading comprehension performance through think and search questions. A study of selected secondary schools in Kaduna, Nigeria | Yusuf H. | 2015 | Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology | 2015 | None | None | Department of Educational Foundations and Curriculum, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Yusuf, H., Department of Educational Foundations and Curriculum, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | This study focused on using “think and search” questions to enhance student’s performance in reading comprehension. A sample of sixty (60) senior secondary schools from Kaduna metropolis was used for the study. Quasi experimental research design was used for the study. Government Secondary School, Kigo Road was used as the experimental school, while Government Secondary School Ungwan Muazu was used as the control school. Senior secondary two (i.e SS2) students were used for the study. Thirty (30) students (intact class) from each of the schools were used for the study. Both groups were exposed to six (6) weeks of teaching. Prior to teaching, both groups were exposed to pretest to establish the homogeneity of the two groups of students. Both groups were assessed after six (6) weeks of teaching using reading comprehension test. T-test was used to test the hypothesis raised in the study. The findings revealed significant differences in the performance of students taught reading comprehension using “think and search” questions. Teachers are encouraged to enhance students’ performance in reading comprehension by engaging students in “think and search” questions during reading comprehension lessons. Curriculum planners and text book writers are equally encouraged to provide think and search questions for students before during and after every reading comprehension passage as a means of evaluating each reading task. © The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology. | Enhance student’s | None | None |
| 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-s2.0-67049096368 | Mechanistic evaluation of alginate-HEC gelisphere compacts for controlled intrastriatal nicotine release in Parkinson's disease | Choonara Y.E., Pillay V., Khan R.A., Singh N., Du Toit L.C. | 2009 | Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences | 98 | 6 | 10.1002/jps.21590 | Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Industrial Chemistry, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India | Choonara, Y.E., 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; Khan, R.A., Department of Industrial Chemistry, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India; Singh, N., 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 | This study focused on elucidating a mechanistic understanding in support of the multiple mechanisms which govern the formation of crosslinked alginate-hydroxyethylcellulose (Alg-HEC) gelispheres intended for the controlled intrastriatal release of nicotine as a neuroprotectant in Parkinson's Disease. HEC was incorporated as a reinforcing "protective" colloidal polymer to induce interactions between the free carboxyl groups of alginate with hydroxylated HEC monomers. Gelispheres were compressed within an external poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) matrix to further prolong the release of nicotine. Sol-gel interconversion mechanisms, matrix deformability moduli, matrix fracture energies and chemometric models of the associated energy paradigms were analyzed for their influence on the mechanism and extent of nicotine release. Textural profiling demonstrated higher fracture energies (7.94-26.69×10-4 J) and lower deformability moduli (12.24-58.36 N/mm) when gelispheres were cured in 2 MHCl as a postcuring step. Ba 2+ crosslinked gelispheres resulted in superiorly compact matrices with an increase in volume of 201-329% as compared to the Ca2+ and Zn2+ crosslinked matrices. The order of matrix compactness was as follows: Zn2+<Ca2+<Ba2+. Molecular mechanisms of formation, interaction, conversion, and stability of sol-gel transitions depended on the type of crosslinker, crosslinking time, energy transactions, and interactions with molecules of the hydration medium. Ba 2+ crosslinked gelispheres released nicotine slower than Ca 2+ and Zn2+ crosslinked gelispheres due to the higher energy requirement for interconversion to sol while the energy requirements for Ca2+ and Zn2+ was at a lower demand. Ba2+ crosslinked gelispheres within PLGA matrices therefore retarded nicotine release in a pseudo-zero-order manner over 21 days. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association. | Bioavailability; Biomaterials; Blood-brain barrier; Controlled release; Crosslinking; Gelispheres; Parkinson's disease; Polymers; Sol-gel interconversion; Targeted drug delivery; Textural profiling | alginic acid; barium; calcium; hydroxyethylcellulose; monomer; nicotine; polyglactin; transferase; zinc; article; chemometric analysis; controlled drug release; controlled study; cross linking; drug release; energy; gel; hydration; neuroprotection; Parkinson disease; solid; surface property; Alginates; Cellulose; Cross-Linking Reagents; Drug Delivery Systems; Elasticity; Gels; Glucuronic Acid; Hexuronic Acids; Humans; Neuroprotective Agents; Nicotine; Parkinson Disease; Phase Transition; Surface Properties; Time Factors; Water | 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-s2.0-58149387883 | The performance of value stocks and growth stocks: The Hong Kong stock market 1981-2005 | Bo L., Krige J.D. | 2008 | Journal for Studies in Economics and Econometrics | 32 | 1 | None | Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Bo, L., Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Krige, J.D., Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | This study finds that value stocks outperformed growth stocks in the case of the Hong Kong market over the period 1981 to 2005. It also finds that this is the case for the two sub-periods before and after the Asian financial crisis in 1997. Value stocks continued to outperform growth stocks after allowing for the firm size effect. The difference in return between value stocks and growth stocks increased when equally weighted portfolio returns were compared with value-weighted returns. The results were mixed when comparing risk adjusted returns using standard deviation as risk measure. The results of this study are in line with a number of international as well as South African studies. | None | None | None |
| None | None | Long-term performance following rights issues and open offers in the UK | Ngatuni P., Capstaff J., Marshall A. | 2007 | Journal of Business Finance and Accounting | 34 | 42371 | 10.1111/j.1468-5957.2006.00653.x | Open University of Tanzania, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Strathclyde, 100 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 OLN, United Kingdom | Ngatuni, P., Open University of Tanzania, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Capstaff, J., University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom, Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Strathclyde, 100 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 OLN, United Kingdom; Marshall, A., University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom | This study finds evidence of significant long-term underperformance following rights issues made during 1986-95 in the UK. The findings are resilient to a number of methodological controls. In contrast, our results for a smaller sample of open offers made during 1991-95 show strong positive performance over a 5-year post-issue period, implying that firms making open offers had better growth prospects than firms making rights issues. During 1986-90, a period when open offers were rarely used, firms appeared to be making rights issues to exploit overvaluation. However, this was not evident for rights issues made during 1991-95, a period when open offers were more commonly used. © 2007 The Authors Journal compilation © 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Long-term performance; Open offers; Rights issues | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-61449107995 | What contributes to the enhanced use of customer, competition and technology knowledge for product innovation performance?. A survey of multinational industrial companies' subsidiaries operating in China | Zhang J., Hoenig S., Di Benedetto A., Lancioni R.A., Phatak A. | 2009 | Industrial Marketing Management | 38 | 2 | 10.1016/j.indmarman.2008.12.007 | Department of Marketing, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong; School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Marketing, Fox School of Business and Management, Temple University, 523 Alter Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States | Zhang, J., Department of Marketing, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong; Hoenig, S., School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Di Benedetto, A., Department of Marketing, Fox School of Business and Management, Temple University, 523 Alter Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States; Lancioni, R.A., Department of Marketing, Fox School of Business and Management, Temple University, 523 Alter Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States; Phatak, A., Department of Marketing, Fox School of Business and Management, Temple University, 523 Alter Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States | This study extends an emerging research area in knowledge management to new product development by empirically examining the factors associated with the use of different types of knowledge flows from various sources and product innovation performance (i.e., market success of new products) in the multinational companies' subsidiaries in China. The findings seem to indicate the vitality of considering a broad spectrum of knowledge management related variables such as a subsidiary's product development strategy, market conditions it faces, its knowledge capacity and knowledge support structure. Furthermore, we found that subsidiaries with better performance are generally excel in the use of competition knowledge flow, the development of moderate innovative products, communication among different functional departments or product development groups, the codification of knowledge, and a supportive culture. © 2008. | China; Knowledge flow; Knowledge management; Product innovation performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33244492442 | Work ethic, locus of control and salesforce task performance | Ntayi J.M. | 2005 | Journal of African Business | 6 | 02-Jan | 10.1300/J156v06n01_09 | Makerere University Business School, P.O. Box 1337, Kampala, Uganda | Ntayi, J.M., Makerere University Business School, P.O. Box 1337, Kampala, Uganda | This study explores the relationship between work ethic, locus of control and salesforce task performance. Using data from Uganda retail firms, this study finds that work ethic was a significant positive predictor of salesforce task performance. Further, there was a significant relationship between the different behavioural families of work-related activity work withdrawal behaviours, organizational retaliation behaviours and salesforce task performance. Results from regression analysis indicate that organizational retaliation behaviours and work withdrawal behaviours are important factors for explaining declining performance of salespeople in Uganda retail firms. Managers aiming to improve salesforce task performance should recruit individuals with a strong work ethic. Additionally, retail managers need to reduce work withdrawal and organizational retaliation behaviours so as to increase salesforce task performance. © 2005 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved. | Job withdrawal behaviours; Locus of control; Organizational retaliation behaviours; Work ethic; Work withdrawal behaviours | ethics; performance assessment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84889660056 | Determinants of hotels' environmental performance: Evidence from the hotel industry in Accra, Ghana | Mensah I., Blankson E.J. | 2013 | Journal of Sustainable Tourism | 21 | 8 | 10.1080/09669582.2013.776058 | Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | Mensah, I., Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Blankson, E.J., Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | This study explores the factors that account for the environmental performance of hotels in the special context of a developing country, Ghana. It also examined the socio-demographic characteristics of managers and organizational characteristics that determine the environmental performance of Ghanaian hotels. A stratified random sampling method was employed to survey 200 hotel managers from different categories of hotels in Accra. Ninety-four per cent were independent, and Ghanaian-owned. Sixty-seven per cent had fewer than 20 rooms; only 45 had more than 100 rooms. Only 11.6% were affiliated to foreign multinational companies in any way. Six key factors that accounted for the environmental performance were extracted from a factor analysis. They included, in order of most practised, the environmental education and training for staff, measures to support for the host community, conservation project support, compliance with environmental regulations, waste management, and voluntary programmes. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that larger size and better class of hotels, as well as those with membership of the national hotel trade association, had better environmental performance as did hotels with better paid managers. Affiliation to foreign multinational chains did not predict better performance. A series of suggestions are made to improve the environmental performance of Ghana's hotels. © 2013 Taylor & Francis. | Accra; environment; environmental performance; hotel; organizational characteristics; socio-demographic characteristics | developing world; environmental impact; factor analysis; leisure industry; management; performance assessment; Accra; Ghana; Greater Accra | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955261225 | The impact of ART scale upon health workers: Evidence from two South African districts | George G., Atujuna M., Gentile J., Quinlan T., Schmidt E., Tobi P., Renton A. | 2010 | AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV | 22 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1080/09540120903544439 | Health Economics and HIV, AIDS Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; School of Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Institute for Health and Human Development, University of East London, London, United Kingdom | George, G., Health Economics and HIV, AIDS Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Atujuna, M., Health Economics and HIV, AIDS Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Gentile, J., School of Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Quinlan, T., Health Economics and HIV, AIDS Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Schmidt, E., Institute for Health and Human Development, University of East London, London, United Kingdom; Tobi, P., Institute for Health and Human Development, University of East London, London, United Kingdom; Renton, A., Institute for Health and Human Development, University of East London, London, United Kingdom | This study explores the effects of antiretroviral treatment (ART) programmes on health-care human resources in South Africa. The study included two parts, a questionnaire-based survey of 269 health workers published earlier and a qualitative study of 21 purposively selected health practitioners involved in ART scale up. Contrary to what has been presented in literature, our survey showed that health workers in ART programmes experienced higher levels of morale, lower stress, lower sickness absenteeism and higher levels of job satisfaction. This paper uses qualitative data to provide insights into the working environment of ART workers and examines some possible explanations for our survey findings. The key factors that contribute to the different perception of working environment by ART workers identified in this study include bringing hope to patients, delaying deaths, acquiring training and the ability to better manage and monitor the disease. © 2010 Taylor & Francis. | ART; health workers; HIV/AIDS; South Africa | antiretrovirus agent; absenteeism; article; health care personnel; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; job stress; priority journal; questionnaire; South Africa; work environment; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Attitude of Health Personnel; Developing Countries; Health Personnel; Health Services Accessibility; HIV Infections; Humans; Job Satisfaction; Qualitative Research; Questionnaires; South Africa; Workload | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649428165 | Exploring the impacts of field interactions on an integrated assessment of terraced crop systems in the Peruvian Andes | Claessens L., Stoorvogel J., Antle J. | 2010 | Journal of Land Use Science | 5 | 4 | 10.1080/1747423X.2010.500687 | CIP, Nairobi, Kenya; Land Dynamics Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands; Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States | Claessens, L., CIP, Nairobi, Kenya; Stoorvogel, J., Land Dynamics Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands; Antle, J., Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States | This study explores a modelling approach to investigate the interactions between terracing, water availability, and land use decisions and farmers' incomes in a study area in the Peruvian Andes. We tested the hypothesis that these interactions affect the simulated spatial distribution of impacts because of technology changes as well as aggregate impacts. To do this a model simulating water redistribution at the catchment scale is linked to a site-specific model of land use and management, using the trade-off analysis modelling system. The results indicate that the interactions do not affect the aggregate impacts but they do result in different spatial patterns of land use and farm income in the study area. The simulated effects of terraces on productivity are affected by the spatial patterns of terracing. These findings suggest that, although field-level interactions may average out in aggregate analysis, the effects they have on the spatial pattern of land use allocation and income may be relevant for analysis of environmental impact and equity studies in which the spatial distribution of effects is important. © 2010 Taylor & Francis. | Agriculture; Catchment hydrology; Integrated assessment; Peru; Trade-offs; Water availability | agricultural management; catchment; crop improvement; environmental impact; integrated approach; land use; simulation; spatial distribution; technological change; trade-off; water availability; Peru | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886018578 | Pre-school children's performance on repeat-pattern tasks | Hutchinson E., Pournara C. | 2014 | Education as Change | 18 | 1 | 10.1080/16823206.2013.847015 | Parkmore Nursery School, South Africa; University of Witwatersrand, South Africa | Hutchinson, E., Parkmore Nursery School, South Africa; Pournara, C., University of Witwatersrand, South Africa | This study explored the performance of eight pre-school children on a range of tasks involving repeat patterns. Task-based interviews were conducted where children were required to produce their own pattern, to copy and extend a given pattern, and to complete missing parts of a pattern. The findings show that most children were able to copy and extend a repeat pattern, but few could produce their own repeat pattern. While most children tended to focus on 'what comes next', some children paid attention to pattern structure, but were not able to isolate the pattern element. Evidence is provided of inconsistent performance by individual children across tasks, which provides new insights into children's developing sense of repeat patterns. © 2013 © 2013 The University of Johannesburg. | early childhood numeracy; mathematical patterns; pattern element; repeat patterns | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879250731 | Nutrient and organoleptic evaluation of cereal and legume based cookies | Madukwe E.U., Edeh R.I., Obizoba I.C. | 2013 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 12 | 2 | None | Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Madukwe, E.U., Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Edeh, R.I., Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Obizoba, I.C., Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This study explored the nutrient and organoleptic potentials of wheat/ bambara groundnut based cookies. Bambara Groundnut (BG) (Voandeia Subterranean Thouars) and Wheat (W) (Triticum spp.) were purchased from Ogige market in Nsukka, Enugu state, Nigeria. Chemical composition, iron and zinc and phytochemical contents were analyzed using standard techniques. Wheat and bambara groundnut flours were blended in a ratio of 70:30 to provide 10% protein in cookies. The nutrient composition and sensory evaluation of the cookies were conducted. A panel of 38 judges and a 9-point hedonic scale were selected for use. Bambara groundnut complemented Wheat Cookies (BWC) contained 5.4% moisture, 9.85% protein, 19.7% fat and 10.32mg/100g iron which is much more than those of the 100% wheat based cookies. However, 100% wheat based cookies (WC) had six times ash and three times zinc content (1.2% and 23.28mg/100g) than those of the complemented (BWC) cookies. Nutrient composition of 100% wheat cookies (WC) could be improved when Bambara Groundnut (BG) blends it. The bambara groundnut-wheat cookies (BWC) were nutrient dense and culturally acceptable. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2013. | Bambara groundnut; Cereal; Cookies; Legume; Nutrient; Organoleptic; Wheat | iron; plant medicinal product; protein; zinc; article; bambara groundnut; bambara groundnut cookie; bambara groundnut wheat cookie; chemical composition; controlled study; cookie; flour; food; legume; moisture; Nigeria; nutrient; organoleptic property; protein content; wheat; wheat cookie; Bambara; Triticum; Triticum aestivum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34249336446 | The impacts of sustained heavy grazing on plant diversity and composition in lowland and upland habitats across the Kamiesberg mountain range in the Succulent Karoo, South Africa | Anderson P.M.L., Hoffman M.T. | 2007 | Journal of Arid Environments | 70 | 4 | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2006.05.017 | Leslie Hill Institute for Plant Conservation, Department of Botany, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Anderson, P.M.L., Leslie Hill Institute for Plant Conservation, Department of Botany, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Hoffman, M.T., Leslie Hill Institute for Plant Conservation, Department of Botany, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This study explored the impacts of sustained heavy grazing in six vegetation types across an altitudinal and rainfall gradient in the Kamiesberg mountain range in Namaqualand. The study was carried out across the fence separating the Leliefontein communal area and surrounding privately owned farms. The communal area has been stocked over decades at approximately twice the government recommended stocking rate, while adjacent privately owned farms have generally adhered to recommended rates. Plant community data were collected from 66, 0.1 ha modified Whittaker plots and analysed for diversity and compositional changes. Consideration of community-wide responses through NMDS ordination showed that heavy grazing did not result in the dominance of a few wide-spread, weedy species in communal areas. Species richness at the 0.1 ha scale was also not affected by different land use practices. However, there was a significant compositional shift away from large woody and succulent shrubs, and an associated increase in dwarf shrubs and herbaceous perennial plants on the communal areas. This shift was only evident on the sandy lowland habitats, while a reduction in perennial grass was recorded in the rocky upland habitats on the communal areas. Compositional shifts towards smaller and more ephemeral species in the communal area are indicative of a system more closely dependent on rainfall. This has implications for people's livelihoods in the region, particularly in light of predicted climate change. © 2006. | Communal areas; Grazing impacts; Plant composition; Succulent Karoo; Upland habitats | community structure; grazing; habitat type; lowland environment; plant community; species diversity; species richness; sustainability; upland region; vegetation type; Africa; Kamiesberge; Karoo; Namaqualand; Northern Cape; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892489874 | The impact of rewards on job satisfaction and employee retention | Terera S.R., Ngirande H. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 1 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n1p481 | Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop campus, Private Bag 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa | Terera, S.R., Department of Industrial Psychology, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Ngirande, H., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop campus, Private Bag 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa | This study explored the impact of rewards on job satisfaction and employee retention among nurses. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of rewards on employee retention, to establish whether there is a relationship between rewards and job satisfaction, to establish the relationship between job satisfaction and employee retention and to make recommendations to the policy makers in the organization on possible ways/strategies to improve employee retention based on the research findings. The study utilized a quantitative research design and 180 nurses were randomly selected as research participants. Self-administered questionnaires were administered to participants/respondents. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20.0. Hypotheses were formulated to test the relationships between the independent variable and the dependent variable. The study revealed that employee rewards lead to employee retention but however, they do not result in job satisfaction. | Employee retention; Human resource management; Impact; Job satisfaction; Rewards | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872489237 | Monitoring Perceptions of the Causes of Poverty in South Africa | Davids Y.D., Gouws A. | 2013 | Social Indicators Research | 110 | 3 | 10.1007/s11205-011-9980-9 | Population Health, Health Systems and Innovation (PHHSI), Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), 12th Floor, Plein Park Building, 69-83 Plein Street, Cape Town, South Africa; Political Science Department, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag x1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Davids, Y.D., Population Health, Health Systems and Innovation (PHHSI), Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), 12th Floor, Plein Park Building, 69-83 Plein Street, Cape Town, South Africa; Gouws, A., Political Science Department, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag x1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | This study explored how people perceive the causes of poverty. Literature revealed that there are three broad theoretical explanations of perceptions of the causes of poverty, namely individualistic explanations, where blame is placed squarely on the poor themselves; structural explanations, where poverty is blamed on external social and economic forces; and fatalistic explanations, which attribute poverty to factors such as bad luck or illness. To examine South Africans perceptions according to these dimensions secondary analysis was employed on one of the Human Sciences Research Council's (HSRC) national representative client surveys. Approximately 3,498 respondents across South Africa were surveyed between 18 April and 30 May 2006. The bivariate analysis revealed that South Africans in general attribute poverty to structural over individualistic and fatalistic dimensions of poverty. Ordinary least square regressions revealed that these perceptions of poverty interacted with a host of socio-demographic and economic variables such as race and peoples' lived experiences of poverty. In this regard, all three ordinary least square regressions showed that lived poverty had a significant impact in predicting respectively structural, individualistic and fatalistic perceptions of the causes of poverty. The second regression predicted individualistic perceptions and showed that being white was the most significant predictor. The third regression predicted fatalistic perceptions and established that being coloured was the most significant predictor. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Causes of poverty; Fatalistic; Individualistic; Perceptions of poverty; South Africa; Structural | least squares method; perception; poverty; regression analysis; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908037623 | Firms' performance and corporate social disclosures: Cross-sectional evidence of Nigerian firms | Moses O., Jatau U.V., Ande J.O.M., Okwoli A.A. | 2014 | International Journal of Management Practice | 7 | 4 | 10.1504/IJMP.2014.065231 | Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria | Moses, O., Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria; Jatau, U.V., Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria; Ande, J.O.M., Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria; Okwoli, A.A., Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria | This study examines the relationship that exists between Firms' Financial Performance (FFP) and Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosures (CSRD) on one hand and the extent to which firms in Nigeria are involved in transparent corporate social responsibility disclosures on the other hand. A modified 25-theme Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) disclosure index and firms' Earnings Per Share (EPS) along with the Companies Annual Turnover (CAT) was used to determine the impact CSRD has on FFP. The finding of the study shows that firms in Nigeria have a positive insignificant relationship between CSRD and CAT and their EPS. The extent of CSRD by quoted companies in Nigeria was found to be at a 53% threshold; which falls below the 75% global benchmark for excellent disclosure. The study recommends among others the use of legislations to elicit detailed disclosures and the need for separate tracking of social responsibility costs in annual accounts of companies. Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Corporate social responsibility disclosures; Disclosure index; Firm financial performance; Transparent reporting | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860833710 | Corporate Boards, Ownership Structure and Firm Performance in an Environment of Severe Political and Economic Crisis | Mangena M., Tauringana V., Chamisa E. | 2012 | British Journal of Management | 23 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1111/j.1467-8551.2011.00804.x | Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham Business School, Burton Street, Nottingham NG1 4BU, United Kingdom; Bournemouth University, Business School, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB, United Kingdom; Department of Finance and Tax, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | Mangena, M., Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham Business School, Burton Street, Nottingham NG1 4BU, United Kingdom; Tauringana, V., Bournemouth University, Business School, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB, United Kingdom; Chamisa, E., Department of Finance and Tax, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | This study examines the relationship between board and ownership structures and firm performance in an environment of severe political and economic crisis using panel data from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange for the period 2000-2005. The period is split into the pre-presidential election period (2000-2002) (a relatively stable political and economic period) and the post-presidential election period (2003-2005) (a hostile political and economic period) to capture the differences in the political and economic landscape. It is found that board size, ownership concentration and executive directors' share ownership increased, while the proportion of non-executive directors fell in the post-presidential election period. Employing a system generalized method of moments approach, the study finds that performance is positively related to board size and ownership concentration in the post- (but not in the pre-) presidential election period. The results also show that performance is negatively related to executive directors' share ownership in the post-presidential election period, but positively related in the pre-presidential election period. The relationship between performance and the proportion of non-executive directors is negative and significant in both periods. These findings support the notion that the effects of board and ownership structures depend on the nature of the firm's environment, and therefore have important implications for policy-makers. © 2011 The Author(s). British Journal of Management © 2011 British Academy of Management. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84948745070 | Assessing the potential impact of the marikana incident on south african mining companies: An event method study | Hill N., Maroun W. | 2015 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 18 | 4 | 10.17159/2222-3436/2015/v18n4a10 | School of Accountancy, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Hill, N., School of Accountancy, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Maroun, W., School of Accountancy, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | This study examines the potential impact of industrial unrest and the outbreak of violence at Marikana on 16 August 2012 on the share prices of mining companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) using an event methodology. Contrary to expectations, the Marikana incident does not appear to have had a widespread and prolonged effect on the South African mining sector. This may be the result of the strike action already having been discounted into the price of mining shares, implying that the market was only reacting to the unusually violent (but short-lived) protest. Alternately, the results could be indicative of investor confidence in the corporate social responsibility initiatives of the South African mining industry as a whole. This paper is the first to examine the potential impact of the Marikana incident on the share prices of mining companies listed on the JSE. It should be of interest to both academics and practitioners wanting to understand how share prices react to exogenous events. It is also relevant for corporate-governance researchers concerned with the relevance of social and governance practices in a South African setting. This research is faced with the limitations associated with most statistical research: that causality cannot be ascribed to tested relationships. Notwithstanding these limitations, it is argued that these findings are important, given the significant coverage of the Marikana incident and the ongoing debate on the need for corporate social responsibility. © University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. | Corporate governance; Corporate social responsibility; Event method; Marikana; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879687751 | Evaluation of performance of stress-absorbing membrane interlayer (SAMI) using accelerated pavement testing | Ogundipe O.M., Thom N.H., Collop A.C. | 2013 | International Journal of Pavement Engineering | 14 | 6 | 10.1080/10298436.2012.742193 | Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ekiti-State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti-State, Nigeria; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Faculty of Technology, De Montfort University, Leicest | Ogundipe, O.M., Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ekiti-State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti-State, Nigeria; Thom, N.H., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Collop, A.C., Faculty of Technology, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom | This study examines the performance of stress-absorbing membrane interlayer (SAMI) under traffic loading. Accelerated pavement test facility at the University of Nottingham was used for the study. It involves construction and trafficking of a pavement with sections having SAMI and without SAMI. The study indicates that the SAMI is able to delay reflective cracking. It shows that the performance of the SAMI depends on the thickness of the SAMI and the interface bonding between the overlay and the SAMI. Also, it reveals that when SAMI is used between an existing cracked pavement and an overlay, the interface shear stiffness of the overlay and SAMI plays a role in isolating the overlay from the relative deflection of the cracked underlying layer due to traffic loading. © 2013 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | crack; overlay; reflective cracking; SAMI; traffic | Accelerated pavement testing; Interface bonding; Interface shear; overlay; Reflective cracking; SAMI; Underlying layers; University of Nottingham; Pavements; Telecommunication traffic; Traffic surveys; Cracks | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953865840 | Performance optimization of oilfield decanting centrifuges | Philips O.J., Barinaadaa Thaddeus L.A. | 2011 | Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences | 6 | 2 | 10.3923/jeasci.2011.127.129 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Philips, O.J., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Barinaadaa Thaddeus, L.A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | This study examines the performance of oilfield decanting centrifuges. Performance parameters that affect the operation and selection of decanting centrifuges used for solids control in drilling mud treatment and dewatering were identified. These are G-force, fluid viscosity, pond depth, feed rate, differential RPM and particle size. Experimental work using Guinard D4KBX decanting centrifuge on oil based mud at specific gravities of 1.20, 1.45 and 1.65 gave optimal performance values of 5 m3 h-1 feed flow rate, bowl RPM of 3000 and low fluid viscosity at mud relative density of 1.20. © Medwell Journals, 2011. | Centrifuge; Decanting; Mechanical separation; Nigeria; Oilfield; Performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880689687 | Perceived social impacts of disease outbreak among livestock farmers along border villages of South Africa and Namibia | Oladele O.I., Antwi M.A., Kolawole A.E. | 2013 | Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances | 12 | 2 | 10.3923/javaa.2013.168.172 | Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2735 Mmabatho, South Africa | Oladele, O.I., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2735 Mmabatho, South Africa; Antwi, M.A., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2735 Mmabatho, South Africa; Kolawole, A.E., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2735 Mmabatho, South Africa | This study examines the perceived social impacts of disease outbreak among livestock farmers along border villages of South Africa and Namibia. This was due to the high volume of trans-boundary activities particularly with respect to animals. The Northern Cape shares boundary with Namibia. The population of study is all livestock producers in border villages along Northern Cape provinces, a mix of purposive and random sampling were used to select 140 respondents for the study. Data were collected through the use of questionnaires, on farmers personal and farm characteristics and farmers perceived social impacts of disease outbreak. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze farmers personal and farm characteristics. Regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between livestock farmers' perceived social impacts of disease outbreak and other study variables. The results show that 32% of the livestock farmers fall within the age 61 years and above 83.6% of the farmers are male, 56.4% of the farmers are married; most of the farmers are literate, 67.9% of the respondents have less than five dependents, 97.9% of the farmers have livestock based farming system, 70% reported that they have no contact with extension agent, 89.3% have access to market. Significant determinant of perceived social impacts of disease outbreak are marital status (t = 3.753), farm size (t = -1.82), farming experience (t = -1.836). ©Medwell Journals, 2013. | Disease outbreak; Farm; Livestock farmers; Perception; Social impacts | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84957051334 | Climate change: Impacts and threats on freshwater aquaculture | Anyanwu C.N., Osuigwe D.I., Adaka G.S. | 2014 | Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science | 9 | 5 | 10.3923/jfas.2014.419.424 | Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria | Anyanwu, C.N., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Osuigwe, D.I., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Adaka, G.S., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria | This study examines the major effects of climate charge on aquaculture, especially on the freshwater ecosystem. Aquaculture as established is not practiced evenly across the world. Therefore, the study highlights the current aquaculture practices within the regions and across the different environments to ascertain the major effects of climate variations on the freshwater ecosystem and aquaculture practices in particular. The main elements of climate change that would impact on aquaculture production, such as sea level and temperature rise, changes is Monsoon patterns and extreme climatic events and water stress, among others were properly looked at and the reasons for their effects addressed. The different elements of climate change that are experienced in varying degrees can be either positive or negative or directly or indirectly depending on the different culture systems that are practiced. It is in the process of our study that we brought out the complex attributes of climate change as it affects aquaculture productivity and the possible roles that the society can play to ameliorate the harsh effects of this ugly monster, referred to as “Climate change and the consequent global warming trends”. © 2014 Academic Journals Inc. | Aquaculture; Climate; Freshwater; Global warming | aquaculture production; climate change; climate effect; freshwater ecosystem; global warming | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67649920810 | Product development strategy, product innovation performance, and the mediating role of knowledge utilization: Evidence from subsidiaries in China | Zhang J., Di Benedetto C.A., Hoenig S. | 2009 | Journal of International Marketing | 17 | 2 | 10.1509/jimk.17.2.42 | Department of Marketing, Hong Kong Baptist University, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Marketing and Senior Washburn Reserch Fellow, Fox School of Business, Temple University, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Marketing, School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of Witwater-srand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Zhang, J., Department of Marketing, Hong Kong Baptist University, Johannesburg, South Africa; Di Benedetto, C.A., Department of Marketing and Senior Washburn Reserch Fellow, Fox School of Business, Temple University, Johannesburg, South Africa; Hoenig, S., Department of Marketing, School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of Witwater-srand, Johannesburg, South Africa | This study examines the interplay of product development strategy, knowledge utilization, and product innovation performance in the context of Chinese subsidiaries of multinational companies. When firms strive to develop highly innovative products (breakthrough focus), the amount of resources allocated has a U-shaped relationship to subsequent product innovation performance (i.e., market rewards of new products). When the aim of product development activity is to reinforce and maintain moderately innovative products (platform focus), increased resource allocation shows a positive relationship to product innovation performance. The amount of resources allocated to minor revisions (incremental focus) shows no significant relationship to product innovation performance. Knowledge utilization is an important predictor of the benefits of developing highly and moderately innovative products. Moreover, it helps to mitigate the drawbacks of a breakthrough focus and strengthens the positive impact of a platform focus. © 2009, American Marketing Association. | China; Knowledge utilization; Product development strategy; Product innovation performance; Subsidiaries | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864565956 | Impacts of ionospheric scintillations on GPS receivers intended for equatorial aviation applications | Akala A.O., Doherty P.H., Carrano C.S., Valladares C.E., Groves K.M. | 2012 | Radio Science | 47 | 4 | 10.1029/2012RS004995 | Institute for Scientific Research, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States; Department of Physics, University of Lagos, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Air Force Research Laboratory, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, United States | Akala, A.O., Institute for Scientific Research, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States, Department of Physics, University of Lagos, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Doherty, P.H., Institute for Scientific Research, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States; Carrano, C.S., Institute for Scientific Research, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States; Valladares, C.E., Institute for Scientific Research, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States; Groves, K.M., Air Force Research Laboratory, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, United States | This study examines the impacts of ionospheric scintillations on GPS receivers that are intended for equatorial or transequatorial aviation applications. We analyzed GPS data that were acquired at Ascension Island during the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) campaign of the solar maximum year of 2002. Strong scintillations impacted the receiver-satellite geometry, leading to poor dilution of precisions and positioning accuracy. In addition, deep signal fades (>20 dB-Hz), leading to navigation outages were observed during most of the nights of the campaign. Under quiescent conditions, the C/No of satellites fluctuated slowly between 50 dB-Hz and 35 dB-Hz baselines for both L1 (1.5754 GHz) and L2 (1.2276 GHz) signals, depending on the satellite's elevation angle. The satellite's elevation angle and the effective scan velocity of the satellite's ionospheric penetration point (IPP) with respect to the magnetic field and plasma drift influenced the rate of fading of satellite signals. © 2012. American Geophysical Union. | None | Air Force Research Laboratory; Aviation application; Dilution of precision; Elevation angle; GPS data; GPS receivers; Ionospheric scintillation; Penetration point; Plasma drifts; Positioning accuracy; Quiescent conditions; Satellite signals; Scan velocity; Solar maxima; Strong scintillations; Aviation; Ionospheric measurement; Satellites; Global positioning system | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77958100850 | Impact of trade reform on Nigeria's trade flows | Adewuyi A.O., Akpokodje G. | 2010 | International Trade Journal | 24 | 4 | 10.1080/08853908.2010.513642 | Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Economic Development Division, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, Nigeria | Adewuyi, A.O., Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Akpokodje, G., Economic Development Division, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, Nigeria | This study examines the impact of trade liberalization on Nigeria's trade flow. It covers the period from 1973 to 2006 and employs the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) techniques. Results reveal among other findings that all categories of export except oil perform better during the trade liberalization period than before the trade liberalization period. Further analysis suggests that while the impact is significant enough to produce positive growth of manufactured exports, it is not so in the case of agricultural and aggregate non-oil exports. The results indicate that all categories of import experience improved performance during trade liberalization compared to the preliberalization period. However, the result suggests that in most cases the impact is not strong enough to turn the mean growth of imports positive. The study concludes that trade liberalization has not produced an impact that is significant enough to boost Nigeria's trade flows. | Exports; Imports; Nigeria; Trade flows; Trade liberalization | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864591014 | Case Study: The Impact of the ACU-PAL Scheme for the Provision of Journal Subscriptions to Libraries in Developing Countries | Ahenkorah-Marfo M., Senyah Y. | 2012 | Serials Librarian | 63 | 2 | 10.1080/0361526X.2012.700776 | University Library, KNUST, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana | Ahenkorah-Marfo, M., University Library, KNUST, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana; Senyah, Y., University Library, KNUST, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana | This study examines the impact of the Association of Commonwealth Universities-Protecting the African Library (ACU-PAL) scheme for the provision of journal subscriptions to libraries of developing economies, using the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology library in Kumasi, Ghana as a case study. The history of the scheme is outlined and subscription outcomes between 2006 and 2009 are critically examined. The mode of selecting and ordering of the journals is also discussed. The scheme has been found to have met the core journal needs of faculty and students to a greater extent, and this success could be enhanced further if the challenges identified are addressed. Recommendations are made to improve on the scheme and advice is provided for non-participating members to take advantage of the scheme. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | academic publishers Commonwealth Universities; journal subscription; low-cost journals | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052835277 | Impact of improved rice technology (NERICA varieties) on income and poverty among rice farming households in Nigeria: A local average treatment effect (LATE) approach | Nguezet P.M.D., Diagne A., Okoruwa V.O., Ojehomon V. | 2011 | Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture | 50 | 3 | None | University of Ibadan and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria; Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) ex WARDA/ADRAO, Cotonou, Benin; University of Ibadan, Nigeria; National Cereals Research Institute, Bida, Nigeria | Nguezet, P.M.D., University of Ibadan and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria; Diagne, A., Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) ex WARDA/ADRAO, Cotonou, Benin; Okoruwa, V.O., University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Ojehomon, V., National Cereals Research Institute, Bida, Nigeria | This study examines the impact of the adoption of New Rice for Africa varieties (NERICAs) on income and poverty among Nigerian rice farming households. It used instrumental variables estimators to estimate the Local Average Treatment Effect (LATE) of adopting NERICA on income and poverty reduction, using the crosssectional data of 481 farmers from the upland, lowland and irrigated rice ecologies The findings reveal a robust, positive and significant impact of NERICA variety adoption on farm household income and welfare measured by per capita expenditure and poverty reduction. The empirical results suggest that adoption of NERICA varieties helped raise household per capita expenditure and income by averages of 49.1% and 46.0%, respectively, thereby reducing the probability of adoptive households falling below the poverty line. The study suggests that increased investment in NERICA dissemination, with complementary measures, is a reasonable policy instrument to raise incomes and reduce poverty among rice farming households. | Impact; Income; Local average treatment effect; Nerica varieties; Nigeria; Poverty | empirical analysis; expenditure; farming system; household income; investment; poverty alleviation; rice; welfare provision; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955875625 | Evaluating the economic impact of national sporting performance:Evidence from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange | Smith B.K., Krige J.D. | 2010 | South African Journal of Business Management | 41 | 3 | None | University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa | Smith, B.K., University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Krige, J.D., University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa | This study examines the impact of South Africa's national soccer, rugby and cricket teams' performances in international matches on returns on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Match results constitute a mood proxy variable hypothesised to affect stock returns through its influence on investor mood. The unconditional mean return on the JSE All Share index for a 131/2 year period from September 1995 to February 2009 was compared to the mean return after wins, draws and losses by the national sport teams. An event study approach was followed and four different statistical tests were conducted in order to test for a relationship. The results of the tests indicate the existence of a moderate win effect, with mean returns after wins being statistically significantly higher for the categories all sports combined, cricket and soccer. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053340045 | Impact of selected landuse types on surface water quality downstream of asa dam in Kwara State, Nigeria | Ayeni A., Balogun I., Adeaga O. | 2005 | Journal of Environmental Systems | 32 | 3 | 10.2190/ES.32.3.c | University of Lagos, Nigeria | Ayeni, A., University of Lagos, Nigeria; Balogun, I., University of Lagos, Nigeria; Adeaga, O., University of Lagos, Nigeria | This study examines the impact of selected land use types on surface water quality downstream of Asa dam in Ilorin, Southwestern Nigeria. Water samples were collected at seven points (including a control, 0.50 km from Asa dam). Four-sampling points fall within agricultural land use area, two within light industrial/residential area, and the control was within an undisturbed natural environment. The level/concentration of 10 physico-chemical parameters, color, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, total hardness (CaCO3), calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, chloride, calcium, and nitrate were determined using standard procedures. GIS was used to determine the extent of land cover by Asa dam and its downstream environment including the length of River Asa in respect to sampling points. This was achieved through the map generated from satellite imageries and the use of GPS. This article presents and discusses the results of laboratory analyses undertaken, spatial variability in the level/concentration of the water quality parameters, as well as the consequences of sustained use of River Asa water without treatment for domestic purposes. The results show that the quality of River Asa downstream of the dam was impaired to different degrees using WHO standards for the selected parameters and land use types. Consequently, using the water for domestic purposes, in particular as currently obtained in the area, portends grave danger to human health and the situationwill be worse in the near future if necessary control is not put in place. | None | Agricultural land use; Domestic purpose; Human health; Laboratory analysis; Land cover; Land use type; Natural environments; Nigeria; Physicochemical parameters; Sampling points; Spatial variability; Standard procedures; Total dissolved solids; Water quality parameters; Water samples; Chlorine compounds; Dams; Dissolved oxygen; Hardness; Land use; Magnesium; Rivers; Satellite imagery; Water quality; Water treatment; Biochemical oxygen demand | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884813613 | The impact of rural electrification on rural micro-enterprises in niger delta, nigeria | Akpan U., Essien M., Isihak S. | 2013 | Energy for Sustainable Development | 17 | 5 | 10.1016/j.esd.2013.06.004 | Sustainability, Policy, Innovative Development Research (SPIDER) Solutions Nigeria, 15 Etim Umana Street, Eniong Offot, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria | Akpan, U., Sustainability, Policy, Innovative Development Research (SPIDER) Solutions Nigeria, 15 Etim Umana Street, Eniong Offot, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; Essien, M., Sustainability, Policy, Innovative Development Research (SPIDER) Solutions Nigeria, 15 Etim Umana Street, Eniong Offot, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; Isihak, S., Sustainability, Policy, Innovative Development Research (SPIDER) Solutions Nigeria, 15 Etim Umana Street, Eniong Offot, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria | This study examines the impact of rural electrification through extension of existing grid on rural micro-enterprises in Niger Delta, Nigeria. The study used purposive sampling and obtained data using structured questionnaires and personal interviews with the owners of the micro-enterprises. From the data, summary information was obtained and the impact of connection to grid-electricity on the micro-enterprises was examined using a log-linear regression model. The result shows that although not statistically significant, on average, enterprises in communities connected to the electricity grid are 16.2% more profitable than enterprises in communities not connected to the grid, and the use of generating sets in providing back-up electricity makes micro-enterprises more profitable. The study also observed that micro-enterprise owners are fully aware of the importance of electricity access to the profitability of their businesses and those who can afford to buy generating sets willingly do so. Incidentally, the total expenditure on generating sets by some enterprises is up to three times (3. ×) the tariff for grid-electricity in rural areas. The high cost of self-generated electricity increases the total cost of doing business in rural areas thus reducing the profit margin of the micro-enterprises. In conclusion, for rural electrification to be more effective in improving the living standard of rural dwellers, the larger problem of increasing the national generating capacity and the availability of grid-electricity should be tackled, and rural electrification programs should be carried out alongside other programs that reduce the barriers to establishing micro-enterprises like the creation of rural agricultural co-operatives to promote the productive use of electricity. © 2013 International Energy Initiative. | Impact; Micro-enterprises; Niger Delta; Nigeria; Rural areas; Rural electrification | cooperative sector; expenditure; microenterprise; profitability; regression analysis; rural area; rural electrification; rural energy; tariff structure; Niger Delta; Nigeria | None |
| WoS | WOS:000324368300002 | The Impact of Participatory Forest Management on Local Community Livelihoods in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, Kenya | Caleb, Mireri,Callistus, Ogol,Matiku, Paul | 2013 | CONSERVATION & SOCIETY | 11 | 2 | 10.4103/0972-4923.115724 | Kenyatta University, Nat Kenya | "Caleb, Mireri: Kenyatta University","Callistus, Ogol: Kenyatta University", | This study examines the impact of participatory forest management (PFM) on forest-adjacent household livelihoods in the Arabuko-Sokoke forest in Kenya. It compares the impacts on households near PFM forests (PFM zones) with those near forests with no participatory management (non-PFM zones). The study questions were: does conservation of the Arabuko-Sokoke forest result in net household incomes?; does PFM increase net household benefits?; and are household benefits uniformly distributed within the 5 km PFM intervention zone? The hypotheses tested were: forest conservation benefits exceed forest conservation costs; PFM zones have higher household benefits than non-PFM zones; and benefits and costs reduce with distance from forest edge. In the year 2009, we collected data on household benefits and costs in PFM and non-PFM zones. Data were collected along 10 km transects at 1 km intervals, sampling 600 households up to 5 km away from the forest. The results show varied household dependence on the Arabuko-Sokoke forest. The forest benefits exceed costs in PFM zones but the forest is a cost in non-PFM zones, and costs and benefits reduce with distance from forest edge. The study concludes that, though not cheap, PFM is a tool that can help the Arabuko-Sokoke forest win the support of the adjacent local communities. | Arabuko-Sokoke,"Forest resources","household livelihoods","participatory forest management",BIODIVERSITY,CONSERVATION,"EXTRACTIVE RESERVES","INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL-MANAGEMENT",STRATEGIES | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869119375 | The impact of inflation on financial sector development: Experience from Zambia | Odhiambo N.M. | 2012 | Journal of Applied Business Research | 28 | 6 | None | University of South Africa, South Africa | Odhiambo, N.M., University of South Africa, South Africa | This study examines the impact of inflation on financial development in Zambia during the period between 1980 and 2011. The study attempts to answer two critical questions: 1) Is there a long-run relationship between inflation and financial sector development in Zambia? 2) Does inflation in Zambia have any negative effect on financial sector development? The study uses the recently developed ARDL-bounds testing approach to examine this linkage. In order to address the problem of omission of variable bias, the study incorporates other variables, such as government expenditure, trade volume and GDP per capita in the financial development model, alongside inflation - thereby, creating a simple multivariate model. Using the domestic credit to the private sector as a proxy for financial development, the study finds that there is a long-run relationship between inflation and financial development in Zambia. The study also finds that there is a distinctively negative relationship between inflation and financial development. The results apply, irrespective of whether the model is estimated in the short run or in the long run. © 2012 The Clute Institute. | Africa; Financial sector development; Inflation; Zambia | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942198979 | The impact of financial integration in Botswana | Mmolainyane K.K., Ahmed A.D. | 2015 | Journal of Policy Modeling | 37 | 5 | 10.1016/j.jpolmod.2015.03.015 | Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia; University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; College of Business, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia | Mmolainyane, K.K., Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Ahmed, A.D., College of Business, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia | This study examines the impact of financial integration in Botswana. Direct and indirect transmission channels to growth are investigated. Financial integration commonly influences growth through encouraging cross border capital flows, transferring technologies and managerial expertise and promoting risk sharing. These market developments that are realized translate into enhanced access to finance as intermediation channels improve. Our empirical results are in line with previous literature in that financial depth does occur in the wake of the financial integration era and positively influences growth in Botswana. Not withholding, our results reveal that market depth has not promoted access to private sector's credit in Botswana so far. To a larger extent, a negative impact of financial integration on growth is observed as there could be short-term risks associated with increased financial openness. Nonetheless, an indirect, significant and positive influence from financial integration through financial access to growth is also observed. This indirect transmission demonstrates that financial integration increases financial innovation which in turn fosters growth in the country. Financial innovation enhances service delivery and improves access to financial services. We observe a positive influence from macroeconomic and institutional variables implying prevalence of sound and prudent supervisory structure and the rule of law in Botswana. Policy wise, there is still need and scope for greater financial integration, financial development and financial access which can contribute to national development goals of sustainable economic growth, diversification, employment creation and poverty reduction in Botswana. © 2015 Society for Policy Modeling. | Botswana; Economic growth; Financial access; Financial integration | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919837780 | Impact of culture on perceptions of landscape names | Zhang C., Gursoy D., Deng Z., Gao J. | 2015 | Tourism Geographies | 17 | 1 | 10.1080/14616688.2014.959991 | School of Tourism Management, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; School of Hospitality Business Management, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States; School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Zhang, C., School of Tourism Management, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Gursoy, D., School of Hospitality Business Management, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States, School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Deng, Z., School of Tourism Management, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Gao, J., School of Tourism Management, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China | This study examines the impact of culture on landscape-name perceptions of tourists from China, United States, and Europe utilizing both Hofstede's and Hall's cultural typologies. Data for this study were collected from visitors to two national parks in China. Culture is found to have a significant impact on both sub-dimensions of understanding (legibility and coherence) and involvement (mystery and diversity). Findings suggest that tourists from different cultures are likely to interpret landscape names differently. Those from cultures with a high power distance and low individualism would prefer landscape names that are mystical, dreamy, fictive, ingenious, original, and poetic, while those from cultures with a lower power distance and high individualism would prefer names that simply describe the landscape. © 2014, © 2014 Taylor & Francis. | cultural difference; destination branding; destination image; high context vs. low context; landscape naming; landscape perceptions; landscape preferences | culture; landscape; perception; tourist destination; China; Europe; United States | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943813495 | The role of age and business size on small business performance in the South African small enterprise sector | Radipere S., Dhliwayo S. | 2014 | Problems and Perspectives in Management | 12 | 4 | None | South Africa | Radipere, S., South Africa; Dhliwayo, S., South Africa | This study examines the effect that age and business size have on business performance. A structured research instrument was used to collect data from 500 SMEs in retail industry through interviewer administrated and self-administrated survey and 93% of questionnaires were returned. The results show that there is no statistical significant difference between the means of business size and business performance. There is no significant difference between the age categories; under one year and 20 years and more and business performance. Age is no longer a significant factor in a company's performance after twenty years. Life cycle approach of the company or industry could be an appropriate basis for analysis. Effective use of employees will increase business performance. It is important that employees are well trained to use the necessary technology and understand the importance of technology in the business. © Simon Radipere, Shepherd Dhliwayo, 2014. | Business age; Business performance; Business size | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650330818 | Do export status and export intensity increase firm performance? | Abor J. | 2011 | Thunderbird International Business Review | 53 | 1 | 10.1002/tie.20386 | University of Ghana Business School, Legon; and Researcher, African Economic Research Consortium, Ghana | Abor, J., University of Ghana Business School, Legon; and Researcher, African Economic Research Consortium, Ghana | This study examines the effects of export status and export intensity on the performance of firms in Ghana. Our measures of performance include productivity and profitability. Using the Regional Project on Enterprise Development (RPED) dataset covering the period 1991-2002, the results of this study indicate that export status and export intensity have positive effects on productivity, confirming the learning-by-exporting hypothesis. Competition on the international market exposes exporting firms to new technologies, and this has the potential of increasing their productivity. Thus, economic policy initiatives should be directed at encouraging firms to enter the export market. Existing exporters should also be motivated to intensify their exporting efforts by exporting more of their output to foreign markets. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892177582 | Does volatility in crude oil price precipitate macroeconomic performance in Nigeria? | Omojolaibi J.A. | 2013 | International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy | 3 | 2 | None | Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Omojolaibi, J.A., Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | This study examines the effects of crude oil price changes on economic activity in an oil dependent economy-Nigeria. A small open economy structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) technique is employed to study the macroeconomic dynamics of domestic price level, economic output, money supply and oil price in Nigeria. The sample covers the data from 1985:q1 to 2010:q4. The Impulse Response Functions (IRFs) and the Forecast Error Variance Decompositions (FEVDs) results suggest that domestic policies, instead of oil-boom should be blamed for inflation. Also, oil price variations are driven mostly by oil shocks, however, domestic shocks are responsible for a reasonable portion of oil price variations. | Fiscal policy; Inflation; Monetary policy; Nigeria; Oil price | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891627675 | Impacts of convection schemes on simulating tropical-temperate troughs over southern Africa | Tozuka T., Abiodun B.J., Engelbrecht F.A. | 2014 | Climate Dynamics | 42 | 42371 | 10.1007/s00382-013-1738-4 | Department of Earth and Planetary Science, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan; Climate System Analysis Group, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, Climate Studies, Modelling and Environmental Health, Pretoria, South Africa | Tozuka, T., Department of Earth and Planetary Science, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan; Abiodun, B.J., Climate System Analysis Group, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Engelbrecht, F.A., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, Climate Studies, Modelling and Environmental Health, Pretoria, South Africa | This study examines southern African summer rainfall and tropical temperate troughs (TTTs) simulated with three versions of an atmospheric general circulation model differing only in the convection scheme. All three versions provide realistic simulations of key aspects of the summer (November-February) rainfall, such as the spatial distribution of total rainfall and the percentage of rainfall associated with TTTs. However, one version has a large bias in the onset of the rainy season. Results from self-organizing map (SOM) analysis on simulated daily precipitation data reveals that this is because the occurrence of TTTs is underestimated in November. This model bias is not related to westerly wind shear that provides favorable conditions for the development of TTTs. Rather, it is related to excessive upper level convergence and associated subsidence over southern Africa. Furthermore, the model versions are shown to be successful in capturing the observed drier (wetter) conditions over the southern African region during El Niño (La Niña) years. The SOM analysis reveals that nodes associated with TTTs in the southern (northern) part of the domain are observed less (more) often during El Niño years, while nodes associated with TTTs occur more frequently during La Niña years. Also, nodes associated with dry conditions over southern Africa are more (less) frequently observed during El Niño (La Niña) years. The models tend to perform better for La Niña events, because they are more successful in representing the observed frequency of different synoptic patterns. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Atmospheric general circulation model; Convection scheme; El Niño-Southern Oscillation; Southern Africa; Tropical-temperate trough | atmospheric convection; atmospheric general circulation model; precipitation (climatology); precipitation assessment; rainfall; westerly; wind shear; Southern Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924677174 | Impacts of oil foreign direct investment on environment and poverty level in niger delta oil producing region: A structural equation modeling approach | Kareem S.D., Oke D.M., Enoho D.V., Sakiru O.K., Adesina B.D. | 2014 | International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy | 4 | 4 | None | Department of Economics, Lagos State University, Nigeria; Department of Human Resource Development, Unversiti Putra, Malaysia; Department of Banking and Finance, Yaba College Technology, Nigeria | Kareem, S.D., Department of Economics, Lagos State University, Nigeria; Oke, D.M., Department of Economics, Lagos State University, Nigeria; Enoho, D.V., Department of Economics, Lagos State University, Nigeria; Sakiru, O.K., Department of Human Resource Development, Unversiti Putra, Malaysia; Adesina, B.D., Department of Banking and Finance, Yaba College Technology, Nigeria | This study examines impacts of oil foreign direct investment on the environment and welfare of people of Niger delta oil producing communities, using structural equation models. Overall, it was found that oil foreign direct investment has consistent impact on the environment than the wellbeing of the community, which results in high levels of poverty. The implication is that there is environmental diseconomies and widespread of poverty in the area. Thus, there is need for fostering sustainable partnership between the oil foreign direct investors and the host communities by suitable consideration of the issues of mitigation of environmental problems that will reduce the poverty level of the people. The environmental and socioeconomic system should be developed to maintain an intensity of biodiversity that will give assurance to the buoyancy of the ecosystems on which human consumption and production depend. © 2014, Econjournals. All rights reserved. | Environmental degradation; Foreign direct investment; Poverty; Structural equation modeling | None | None |
| None | None | The impact of training on performance of micro and small enterprises served by microfinance institutions in Tanzania | Kessy S., Temu S.S. | 2010 | Research Journal of Business Management | 4 | 2 | 10.3923/rjbm.2010.103.111 | Department of General Management, P.O. Box 35046, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Accounting, University of Dar es Salaam Business School, P.O. Box 35046, Dares Salaam, Tanzania | Kessy, S., Department of General Management, P.O. Box 35046, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Temu, S.S., Department of Accounting, University of Dar es Salaam Business School, P.O. Box 35046, Dares Salaam, Tanzania | This study examines differences in business performance between two specific groups of micro finance clients; the enterprises whose owners have received business and entrepreneurship training against those who had never. The analysis is centred on the premise that microfinance institutions enable their clients (mainly micro and small enterprises) to enhance their income earning capacity, attain firms' growth and improve owners' living standards. A total of 225 micro and small enterprises who are micro credit recipients was involved in the study. The performance analysis employed three growth indicators, namely sales revenue, employees number and firms assets value. An independent t-test was used in the comparative analysis. Prior to the test, the survey data was subjected to an application of natural logarithm to enable pulling of the highly skewed observations to a normal distribution. The comparison between the two groups was important in examining the impact of training in changing behavior and characteristics of businesses and the owners. The results of t-test revealed that micro credit client-enterprises owned by recipients of business training have higher level of assets and sales revenue compared to enterprise owned by non-recipients of training while insignificant differential impact on employment creation was demonstrated. Implications from the study is that training in business skills for Tanzanian micro and small entrepreneurs is vital for firms performance, growth and improved owners living standards in addition to credit access. Microcredit providers should therefore consider products modifications or work closely with training providers to achieve greater impact from micro finance services and poverty alleviation. © 2010 Academic Journals Inc. | Impact; Micro/small enterprises; Microfinance; Performance; Training | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874078832 | Capital structure, corporate financial performance and shareholders' investment decisions: A survey of selected nigerian companies | Bassey B.E., Inah E.U. | 2012 | European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences | None | 54 | None | Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B.1115, Calabar, 8037983154, Nigeria | Bassey, B.E., Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B.1115, Calabar, 8037983154, Nigeria; Inah, E.U., Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B.1115, Calabar, 8037983154, Nigeria | This study examines capital structure, corporate financial performance and shareholders' investment decisions. The greatest issue striving against the management of any firm in Nigeria and the world over is how to minimize cost of capital and maximize shareholders wealth. To achieve this major objective, financial managers of firms need to understand the source of capital to finance the growth of the firm and also the efficient use of the available capital. The study made use of an ex-post facto design and the data collected through the use of questionnaires were analyzed using the ordinary least square (OLS) method. The results therefore revealed that capital structure have a significant relationship with corporate financial performance and shareholders' investment decisions. Based on the findings obtained the study therefore concluded that capital structure ratios significantly influence investment decisions in companies, with most investors preferring to invest in companies with a smaller debt/equity ratio. Finally, it was recommended that retained earnings should be the first source of financing a business venture before considering debt and equity. Where extra fund is needed, the company should preferably go for equity capital as the risk would be shared among the different investors. © EuroJournals, Inc. 2012. | Debt; Debt/equity; Dividend per share; Earnings per share; Equity; Return on asset; Return on equity | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000310316200030 | Divinity and Distress: The Impact of Religion and Spirituality on the Mental Health of HIV-Positive Adults in Tanzania | Kershaw, Trace,Mosha, John S.,Ng, Reuben,Steglitz, Jeremy | 2012 | AIDS AND BEHAVIOR | 16 | 8 | 10.1007/s10461-012-0261-7 | Yale University, Primary Hlth Care Inst Iringa | "Ng, Reuben: Yale University", | This study examined the relationship between religiosity, spirituality and mental health in the context of a stress-coping framework. Participants were 135 rural, low-income HIV-positive adults in Iringa, Tanzania. The relationships between religiosity, spirituality, coping responses, social support, and psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) were examined using structural equation modeling. Religiosity was related to decreased avoidant coping and increased social support, which in turn were related to psychological distress. Spirituality was positively related to active coping and social support. Results suggest that coping strategies and social support may mediate the relationship between religiosity and spirituality and psychological distress. Interventions to reduce psychological distress among HIV-positive individuals in Tanzania might incorporate strategies to reduce avoidant coping and increase social support. According to the present findings, this may be accomplished through faith-based approaches that incorporate religious and spiritual activities into HIV prevention programs. | COPING,HIV/AIDS,"PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS",religiosity/spirituality,Tanzania,ADOLESCENTS,"COPING STYLE",HIV/AIDS,INFECTION,"LIFE STRESSORS",LONG,"PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS","SOCIAL SUPPORT",STRATEGIES,WOMEN | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82755182066 | 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-s2.0-33746092916 | Categorical imperatives for alleviating the problems militating against organizational performance in Nigeria | Aluko M.A.O. | 2006 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 13 | 4 | None | Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Aluko, M.A.O., Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | This study examined the problems militating against organizational performance in Nigeria and then proceeded by suggesting the necessary categorical imperatives for alleviating the identified problems. Data were collected using both qualitative and quantitative methods. In all, 630 respondents who were selected via multiple sampling techniques were used for the study. The data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric statistics. The findings reveal that the problems' militating against organizational performance is multidimensional and comprises of economic, technological, political, social and management issues. On the basis of these findings, the paper made some categorical imperatives, which will be of immense benefits in the area of policy formulation in the quest to alleviate these problems so that organizations can contribute their quota to national development. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2006. | Capacity utilization; Collectivistic; Downsizing; Industrializing; Liberalization; Materialistic | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80655140359 | Self-perceived competencies assessment and human resource performance of zonal extension managers in northern Nigeria | Ogunlade I., Idowu Oladele O., Agboga F.I. | 2011 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 9 | 04-Mar | None | Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Northwest University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X 2046, Mmabatho 2735, South | Ogunlade, I., Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Idowu Oladele, O., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Northwest University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X 2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Agboga, F.I., Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | This study examined the perceptions of Zonal Extension Managers (ZEMs) in Agricultural Development Projects (ADP) of the northern states in Nigeria regarding their human resource management competence and performance of human resources management activities. A simple random sampling procedure was used to select 13 out of 19 ADPs in northern Nigeria. A total of 52 questionnaires were mailed to the respondents but 42 were returned which made a return rate of 80%. The data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, rank and multiple correlations. The results show that the ZEMs were all males with mean age of 49.7 years-old, married (92.9%) and 26.2% had B.Sc/B.Agric. The highest human resource management competencies perceived by the ZEM were knowledge of organization (mean=4.69, SD=0.52), interpersonal relations (mean=4.57, SD=0.63) and engagement (mean=4.43, SD=0.70). The human resource management activities for which the ZEM indicated highest means were ability to understand the history, philosophy and contemporary nature of extension (mean=3.81, SD=0.89) and technical proficiency that enhances individual and organizational effectiveness (mean=3.76, SD=0.43). There is a significant positive relationship between human resource management activities, tenure in extension services and human resource management competencies (r=0.57, r=0.11, p=0.05), respectively. The findings revealed the training needs of ZEM in terms of human resource management. | Human resources management competencies; Human resources management performance; Nigeria; Work-related characteristics; Zonal Extension Managers | adult; agriculture; article; attitude; female; human; human relation; leadership; male; manager; Nigeria; philosophy; professionalism; questionnaire; resource management; training | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855502332 | Motivation and job performances among nurses in the Ekiti state environment of Nigeria | Awosusi O.O., Osamede A. | 2011 | International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences | 2 | 2 | None | Department of sociology Department of geography and planning science, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, P.m.b 5363, Ado-ekiti, Ekiti state, Nigeria | Awosusi, O.O., Department of sociology Department of geography and planning science, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, P.m.b 5363, Ado-ekiti, Ekiti state, Nigeria; Osamede, A., Department of sociology Department of geography and planning science, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, P.m.b 5363, Ado-ekiti, Ekiti state, Nigeria | This study examined the motivation and job performances among nurses in the Ekiti State environment of Nigeria. Nurses care for individuals, who are healthy and ill, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, and who have physical, emotional, psychological, intellectual, social, and spiritual needs. Data for this study were collected from primary sources. A total number of three hundred (300) questionnaires were administered in this research and the chi-square statistical method of data analysis was adopted in the analysis of the data collected. Results from this study showed that the nurses in the study area were poorly remunerated and motivated, compared to the level of their work performance, working environment, poor working condition of nurses, problems of nurses in the study area affect negatively the level of their job performance in the area. This study therefore recommends that government at all levels should improve the general welfare and remuneration of nurses in the study area. For this will improve the level of job performance of nurses. | Job; Motivation; Nurses; Performance; Recommendations | article; clinical research; conceptual framework; controlled study; cultural factor; emotionality; environmental factor; government; health care delivery; health care personnel; health care quality; human; intellect; job performance; motivation; Nigeria; nurse; nursing care; nursing shortage; psychological aspect; quality of life; questionnaire; religion; remuneration; social aspect; welfare; work environment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925957503 | Fear of Negative Evaluation as a Mediator of the Relation between Academic Stress, Anxiety and Depression in a Sample of Ghanaian College Students | Nonterah C.W., Hahn N.C., Utsey S.O., Hook J.N., Abrams J.A., Hubbard R.R., Opare-Henako A. | 2015 | Psychology and Developing Societies | 27 | 1 | 10.1177/0971333614564747 | Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, United States; University of North Texas, Texas, United States; University of Illinois, Chicago, United States; University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | Nonterah, C.W., Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, United States; Hahn, N.C., Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, United States; Utsey, S.O., Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, United States; Hook, J.N., University of North Texas, Texas, United States; Abrams, J.A., Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, United States; Hubbard, R.R., University of Illinois, Chicago, United States; Opare-Henako, A., University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | This study examined the mediator effects of the fear of negative evaluation (FNE) on the relation between academic stress and psychological symptoms in a sample of Ghanaian college students (N = 431). A multi-step structural equation modelling (SEM) procedure was used to test the specified mediator model and several fit indices were calculated to assess how well the model fit the data. In addition, path coefficients were calculated to determine whether mediation had been established. The results indicated that the specified model produced a good fit to the data. Moreover, the findings revealed that FNE partially mediated the relation between academic stress and the psychological symptoms of anxiety and depression. Implications for the study’s findings are discussed and recommendations for future research are presented. © 2015 Department of Psychology, University of Allahabad | academic stress; college students; Culture; fear of negative evaluation; Ghana | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863750707 | The influence of Process Approach on English as second language Students' performances in essay writing | Akinwamide T.K. | 2012 | English Language Teaching | 5 | 3 | 10.5539/elt.v5n3p16 | Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria | Akinwamide, T.K., Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria | This study examined the influence of Process Approach on English as second language Students' performances in essay writing. The purpose was to determine how far this current global approach could be of assistance to the writing skill development of these bilingual speakers of English language. The study employed the pre-test post-test control quasi-experimental research design. The sample consisted of 80 senior secondary school final year students. The research material included the senior secondary school English Language recommended textbook, National Examination Council (NECO) and West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC) English Language Syllabi, Federal Ministry of Education English Language Curriculum, English-Language Teachers' Lesson Notes and Students Essay Writing Exercise books. The West African Examinations Council's (WAEC) English Language Essay Question as an adapted instrument was used to gather data. The data generated were subjected to statistical analysis and the results of the analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the pre-test scores of both the Control and the Experimental group which indicated the homogenous state of both Control and Experimental groups. There was significant difference in the post-test scores of the Experimental and the Control groups. There was no significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of the students in Control group. As evident from the out-come of the research, the Process Approach (which presents writing in multiple drafts before the final writing) had significant effect on students' overall performance in essay writing. | English as a Second Language; Essay writing; Process approach; Product approach; Students' performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955993153 | The influence of mode of test administration on test performance | Bhoola-Patel A., Laher S. | 2011 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 21 | 1 | None | Department of Psychology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, 2050, South Africa | Bhoola-Patel, A., Department of Psychology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, 2050, South Africa; Laher, S., Department of Psychology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, 2050, South Africa | This study examined the influence of mode of test administration (paper based or computer-based) on anxiety leveis and test performance. Participants were 44 learners (males = 22, females = 22) from three schools in Johannesburg, South Africa who completed both a computer and paper version of the Differential Aptitude Test - Form K Non-Verbal Reasoning test, the Computer Attitude Scale, the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale and Sarason's Test Anxiety Scale. Test anxiety was significantly related to both computer and paper based testing. Copyright © 2011 Journal of Psychology in Africa. | Computer anxiety; Computer attitudes; Computerised testing; Paper-and-pencil testing; Test anxiety | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873440926 | Impact of financial development on manufacturing output: The Nigerian evidence | Ekor M., Adeniyi O. | 2012 | Economics Bulletin | 32 | 3 | None | Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), South Africa | Ekor, M., Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), South Africa; Adeniyi, O., Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), South Africa | This study examined the influence of financial deepening on manufacturing output in Nigeria, Using the vector autoregression (VAR) based Johansen cointegration technique and an eventual least squares (OLS) estimator on annual data spanning 1970 to 2010. we find insignificant coefficients for credit to the manufacturing sector, banking efficiency and the non-oil trade balance. This suggests a fundamental disconnect between the real and financial sectors of the Nigerian economy. Policymakers should therefore innovate with productivity enhancing reforms which are better tailored to the needs of the manufacturing sector. This should work to boost growth prospects for the aggregate economy. | None | None | 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-s2.0-84910072636 | Impact of village savings and loans associations on the nutritional status of under-five children: A case study in the Sissala West District of Upper West Region | Abubakari A., Sadik B.B., Keisan Y. | 2014 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 13 | 7 | 10.3923/pjn.2014.390.396 | Department of Community Nutrition, University for Development Studies, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1883, Tamale, Ghana | Abubakari, A., Department of Community Nutrition, University for Development Studies, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1883, Tamale, Ghana; Sadik, B.B., Department of Community Nutrition, University for Development Studies, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1883, Tamale, Ghana; Keisan, Y., Department of Community Nutrition, University for Development Studies, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1883, Tamale, Ghana | This study examined the impact of Village Savings and Loans Associations introduced by PLAN Ghana in the Sissala West District on the nutritional status of under-five children in the area. The study was carried out in six randomly selected communities (Silbelle, Buoti, Kandia, Zini, Nimoro and Buo), within which this Savings Programme is in operation. The focus areas of the study were; how food is accessed in the study area, contribution of women to household nutrition, nutrition situation in the VSLA households since the inception of the programme, factors that affect nutritional status and also to ascertain the knowledge, beliefs and practices of beneficiary communities on food production, preparations and consumption. Data collected was both quantitative and qualitative and was obtained using semi-structured interview and anthropometry measurement. The result suggested that the institution of Village Savings and Loans Associations has resulted in better nutrition and health of children in the beneficiaries' households. It is recommended that the NGO (PLAN GHANA) should expand the coverage of the programme to more communities in the district. The recommendations also implored policy makers to design favourable policies on microfinance programmes in general. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2014. | Africa; Food insecurity; Health; Nutrition | adolescent; adult; anthropometric parameters; Article; female; food industry; food insecurity; food intake; food processing; Ghana; health economics; health program; human; information processing; male; malnutrition; nutritional status; questionnaire; sampling; semi structured interview | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36349008165 | The impact of onset controllability on stigmatization and supportive communication goals toward persons with HIV versus lung cancer: A comparison between Kenyan and U.S. participants | Miller A.N., Fellows K.L., Kizito M.N. | 2007 | Health Communication | 22 | 3 | None | Communication Department, Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Communication Studies, University of North Carolina Wilmington, United States; c/o University of North Carolina Wilmington, Department of Communication Studies, Leutze Hall No. 226, 601 S. College Rd., Wilmington, NC 28403-5933, United States | Miller, A.N., Communication Department, Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya; Fellows, K.L., Department of Communication Studies, University of North Carolina Wilmington, United States, c/o University of North Carolina Wilmington, Department of Communication Studies, Leutze Hall No. 226, 601 S. College Rd., Wilmington, NC 28403-5933, United States; Kizito, M.N., Communication Department, Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya | This study examined the impact of controllability of onset (i.e., means of transmission), disease type (HIV and lung cancer), and culture (Kenya and U.S.) on stigmatizing attitudes and goals for supportive communication. Four hundred sixty-four Kenyan students and 526 American students, and 441 Kenyan nonstudents and 591 American nonstudents were randomly assigned to 1 of 12 hypothetical scenario conditions and asked to respond to questions regarding 3 different types of stigmatizing attitudes and 6 types of supportive communication goals with respect to the character in the scenario. Means of transmission had a strong effect on the blame component of stigma, but none on cognitive attitudes and social interaction components. Similarly, although an effect for means of transmission emerged on intention to provide "recognize own responsibility" and "see others' blame" types of support, no effect was evident for most other supportive interaction goals. Although effects for culture were small, Kenyan participants, student and nonstudent alike, were not as quick as American participants to adopt goals of communicating blame in any direction. Implications for measurement of stigma in future research are discussed. Copyright © 2007, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. | None | adolescent; adult; aged; article; attitude to health; comparative study; control; cultural factor; educational status; epidemiology; female; health behavior; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Kenya; lung tumor; male; middle aged; psychological aspect; questionnaire; social psychology; social support; student; United States; university; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Attitude to Health; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Educational Status; Female; Health Behavior; HIV Infections; Humans; Internal-External Control; Kenya; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Precipitating Factors; Prejudice; Questionnaires; Social Support; Stereotyping; Students; United States; Universities | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940834960 | Impact of modified laboratory learning environment on transformative biology process skills among secondary school students in Osun State, Nigeria | Salami M.O. | 2015 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 6 | 5S1 | 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n5s1p84 | Department of Special Education and Curriculum Studies, Obafemi Awolowo UniversityIle-Ife Osun State, Nigeria | Salami, M.O., Department of Special Education and Curriculum Studies, Obafemi Awolowo UniversityIle-Ife Osun State, Nigeria | This study examined the impact a modified laboratory learning environment (MLLE) has on the Biology process skills of secondary school students. It compared the process skills of high and low achievers when taught in a modified laboratory learning environment and also determined how MLLE can improve achievement of students and their retention ability in Biology. 274 senior secondary class one (SSI) students were randomly selected from six intact classes for the study. A pre-test post-test quasi experimental design was adopted for the study. The students were taught plant and animal nutrition for six weeks. An Observation Checklist/Rating Scale containing 22-item exercises was used to assess the students’ process skills in an on-going manner during practical exercises. The instrument was adapted from the one used in the Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria for assessing student-teachers’ teaching skills during teaching practice. It was found that the process skills of the students improved when they were taught under a modified laboratory learning environment. It was also found that the biology process skills of low achievers improved significantly and the students’ retention was also significant. The study concluded that a modified biology laboratory environment is an effective way of improving students’ biology process skills, achievement and retention. © 2015 Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34447530889 | Effects of shade provision on some physiological parameters, behavior and performance of pack donkeys (Equinus asinus) during the hot-dry season | Minka N.S., Ayo J.O. | 2007 | Journal of Equine Science | 18 | 2 | 10.1294/jes.18.39 | College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B 2134, Mando Kaduna, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Minka, N.S., College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B 2134, Mando Kaduna, Nigeria; Ayo, J.O., Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | This study examined the effects of shade provision on some physiological parameters and draft performance of pack donkeys (Equinus asinus) during the packing period of the hot-dry season. Ten donkeys provided with shelter in the form of an open-sided shade after packing work served as the experimental animals. Another ten donkeys not provided with shade served as the control. Rectal temperature (RT, °C), heart rate (HR, beats per minute) and respiratory rate (RR, breaths per minute) recorded pre- and post- packing indicated that unshaded donkeys had significantly (P<0.05) higher values than shaded donkeys pre- and post-packing. The frequency of lying bouts per unshaded donkey was higher in the (P<0.05) pre- and post-packing periods; while the time spent by the donkeys lying down was lower (P<0.01) in unshaded donkeys than the shaded donkeys, apparently due to the high (53.5 ± 0.1-55.2 ± 0.3°C) soil temperature. The percent change in RT, HR, RR and liveweight loss values was higher (P<0.05) in unshaded donkeys. The change rate in behavioral values, except for the frequency of lying down and the donkeys speed, was not different (P>0.05) between the shaded and unshaded donkeys. The pack load and the distance covered by the donkeys in both groups were not significantly (P>0.05) different. The speed of shaded donkeys was significantly (P<0.05) faster than that of the unshaded donkeys during packing. Packing increased (P<0.05) the time spent by the donkeys in eating and drinking in both groups. In conclusion, the provision of shade during the hot-dry season alleviates work and heat stress and enhances work productivity in pack donkeys. | Pack donkeys; Performance; Physiological parameters; Shading | Animalia; Equus asinus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38349113448 | Enhancing Nigerian business students' interests and performance in office management through the cooperative learning approach | Koko M.N. | 2007 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 19 | 1 | None | Business Education Department, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Koko, M.N., Business Education Department, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | This study examined the effect of Cooperative Learning Approach (CLA) as an enhancement tool for Business students' interests and performance in Office Management in Nigeria. The sample consisted of 98 final-year students who offered BED 431 in the (2004/2005 academic session) selected through the simple random sampling technique and divided into control and experimental group using balloting. The OMIS and OMAT were the instruments used for data collection. The quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design was adopted in the study. The results revealed that the experimental group, exposed to the Cooperative Learning Approach, exhibited higher interest and performance in Office Management than the Control group taught through the traditional method. It was therefore concluded that Cooperative Learning Approach enhances students' interest and performance and should therefore be adopted by educationists at all levels of education in Nigeria. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2007. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957606832 | Motivational variables and academic performance of urban and rural secondary school students in Oyo state, Nigeria | Adepoju T.L. | 2008 | KEDI Journal of Educational Policy | 5 | 2 | None | Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria | Adepoju, T.L., Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria | This study examined the degree of relationship among motivational variables and academic performance of students in secondary school certificate examinations (SSCE) in Oyo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. 100 secondary schools and 1000 senior school students were selected using probability proportional to size and simple random sampling methods respectively. Data collected were analyzed using percentages, multiple regression and t-test statistics. The study showed among other thingsthat there was an enhanced relationship of each of the motivational variables in respect to academic performance with the provision of learning materials (X2) as the most predictor variable, followed by employment of private teachers (X3) and conducive school environment (X7), respectively. Suggestions were made to improve the performances of students in schools. © Korean Educational Development. | Academic performance; Motivational variables; Rural schools; School certificate; Urban schools | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-43049133208 | The effect of pH and anoxia on the performance of Phoslock®, a phosphorus binding clay | Ross G., Haghseresht F., Cloete T.E. | 2008 | Harmful Algae | 7 | 4 | 10.1016/j.hal.2007.12.007 | Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; ARC Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, School of Engineering, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia | Ross, G., Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Haghseresht, F., ARC Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, School of Engineering, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Cloete, T.E., Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | This study examined the adsorption of phosphate by Phoslock, a lanthanum modified clay, by investigating the effect of solution pH and presence of algal mass on its kinetic behavior. In addition, the effect of anoxic conditions on its ability to retain the adsorbed phosphate was studied. It was found that Phoslok® was most effective at pH values between 5 and 7, and the adsorption capacity decreased above pH 9. The adsorption capacity was lower in algae-containing lake water than in prepared reverse osmosis water solutions. The phosphorus was not released from the Phoslock® under anoxic conditions. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Adsorption capacity; Anoxia; Kinetics; pH; Phoslock® | algae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67049158407 | The impact of blood glucose and cholesterol levels on the manifestation of psychiatric disorders | Owiredu W.K.B.A., Appiah-Poku J., Adusei-Poku F., Amidu N., Osei Y. | 2009 | Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences | 12 | 3 | 10.3923/pjbs.2009.252.257 | Department of Molecular Medicine; Department of Behavioural Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kumasi, Ghana | Owiredu, W.K.B.A., Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Behavioural Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kumasi, Ghana; Appiah-Poku, J., Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Behavioural Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kumasi, Ghana; Adusei-Poku, F., Department of Molecular Medicine; Amidu, N., Department of Molecular Medicine; Osei, Y., Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Behavioural Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kumasi, Ghana | This study examined possible association of fasting glucose and lipid abnormalities in psychiatric patients on conventional antipsychotic medications. A total of 305 subjects were used for the study, comprising 203 clinically diagnosed psychiatric patients and 102 non-psychiatric subjects used as control at the psychiatric clinic at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Questionnaires were administered, blood pressure and anthropometric measurements undertaken. Fasting blood samples were taken for glucose and total cholesterol. The patients included those treated with conventional antipsychotic agents. It was noted, that there were higher rates of diabetes (22.17%) and lipid abnormalities (42.43%) with lower rate of hypertension (5.91%) and obesity (5.91%) across the sample as compared to control. This finding suggests that the high prevalence of diabetes and lipid abnormalities, in a young, psychiatrically ill population makes the case for aggressive screening. © 2009 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Diabetes; Hypercholesterolemia; Obesity; Psychiatric disorder; Risk factors | cholesterol; adolescent; adult; anthropometry; article; blood; child; comorbidity; female; Ghana; glucose blood level; human; male; mental disease; metabolism; middle aged; pathophysiology; risk factor; Adolescent; Adult; Anthropometry; Blood Glucose; Child; Cholesterol; Comorbidity; Female; Ghana; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960110966 | The impacts of timber harvesting on residual trees and seedlings in a tropical rain forest ecosystem, southwestern Nigeria | Adekunle V.A.J., Olagoke A.O. | 2010 | International Journal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystems Services and Management | 6 | 04-Mar | 10.1080/21513732.2010.534976 | Forest Ecology Research Unit, Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Adekunle, V.A.J., Forest Ecology Research Unit, Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Olagoke, A.O., Forest Ecology Research Unit, Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | This study examined logging damage to non-targeted neighbouring plant species and the forest ecosystem in a tropical forest in Ondo State, southwest Nigeria. Tree growth variables were recorded before and after felling, as was the number of crosscut logs. All plant species damaged during harvesting were enumerated and identified and the nature and level of the damage was also determined. Data providing demographic information, causes of damage to residual plants and measures to reduce the damage were obtained from the loggers using questionnaires. Data were collected on selective logging of 41 tree species. Despite selective logging practices, during felling, plants were damaged, soil compacted and the ecosystem disturbed. The observed damage to residual trees and seedlings ranged from 5% to 70% and it is therefore concluded that reduced impact logging and training of loggers is necessary to minimise the impacts. © 2010 Taylor & Francis. | Logging; Ondo State; Reduced impact logging | data set; demography; forest ecosystem; growth rate; harvesting; questionnaire survey; rainforest; seedling; selective logging; species diversity; timber harvesting; tropical region; Nigeria; Ondo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901591426 | Rhodinol-based incense testiculotoxicity in albino rats: Testicular histology, spermatogenic and biochemical evaluations | Akingbade A.M., Saalu L.C., Oyebanji O.O., Oyeniran D.A., Akande O.O., Akunna G.G. | 2014 | Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology | 9 | 2 | 10.3923/jpt.2014.68.81 | Department of Anatomy, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Anatomy, Federal University Nudfu-Alike Ikwo, Ebony State, Nigeria | Akingbade, A.M., Department of Anatomy, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Saalu, L.C., Department of Anatomy, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Oyebanji, O.O., Department of Anatomy, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Oyeniran, D.A., Department of Anatomy, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Akande, O.O., Department of Anatomy, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Akunna, G.G., Department of Anatomy, Federal University Nudfu-Alike Ikwo, Ebony State, Nigeria | This study evaluates the testicular degeneration induced by Rhodinol-based incense using testicular histology, sperm characteristics, as well as testicular oxidative status bio-markers. Twenty four male adult albino rats (10-12 weeks old) weighing 200-230 g were divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) of six rats each. Group A served as the control group and the animals in this group were exposed to 1 g of natural solid air freshner. Groups B, C and D, were exposed to 1, 2 and 3 g of rhodinol-based incense smoke, respectively for 30-40 min every day for 62 days. All the exposures were via whole body inhalation. The animals were sacrificed 24 h after. The results obtained from this study showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the gross anatomical parameters of absolute and relative testicular weights in rats exposed to 2 g and 3 g rhodinol based incense when compared to the control group. The rhodinol-based incense exposed groups of rats also demonstrated a reduction of basal seminiferous epithelia, testicular atrophy, germinal aplasia and hypo-spermatozoa formation. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease in sperm count, sperm motility, normal sperm morphology and a significant (p<0.05) increase in total abnormal sperm morphology in group of animals exposed to 2 and 3 g rhodinol-based incense when compared to the control group. In addition, groups of animals exposed to 2 and 3 g rhodinol-based incense demonstrated a derangement in their oxidative status when compared to the control group as evidence by the significant (p<0.05) decreased in activities of superoxide peroxidase, catalase, glutathione, reduced glutathione and significant (p<0.05) increase malondialdehyde (a product of lipid perioxidation). Taken together, it was concluded that rhodinol-based incense produces testicular derangement in testicular histology, sperm parameters and oxidative status in albino rats. This derangement may be mediated at least in part through the oxidative pathway. © 2014 Academic Journals Inc. | Histology; Infertility; Oxidative stress; Rats; Rhodinol | catalase; endocrine disruptor; glutathione; malonaldehyde; rhodinol; superoxide dismutase; unclassified drug; animal experiment; animal tissue; article; biochemistry; controlled study; enzyme activity; histology; male; nonhuman; oxidative stress; rat; seminiferous tubule epithelium; spermatogenesis; spermatozoon count; spermatozoon motility; testiculotoxicity; testis atrophy; testis weight; toxicity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953247795 | Evaluation of rheological properties of beneficiated locally sourced mud using factorial design | Salam K.K., Adeleye O.J., Arinkoola A.O. | 2010 | International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology | 3 | 2 | 10.1504/IJOGCT.2010.033561 | Petroleum Engineering Unit, Department of Chemical Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Mineral Resources Technology, University of Mine | Salam, K.K., Petroleum Engineering Unit, Department of Chemical Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Adeleye, O.J., Department of Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Mineral Resources Technology, University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana; Arinkoola, A.O., Petroleum Engineering Unit, Department of Chemical Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria | This study evaluates the rheological properties of beneficiated mud using factorial design. Four-speed rheometer was used to determine the shear stress at different shear rates from which rheological properties were determined. The effect of increase in concentration of Gum Arabic and sodium carbonate on apparent viscosity at different mass of clay sample was investigated. Simultaneous increase in concentration of sodium carbonate and Gum Arabic at 22.5 g, 30 g and 40 g mass of clay sample lead to a tremendous increase in apparent viscosity in the range: 4.2 and 8.8 cp for 22.5 g; 5.25 and 13.7 for 30 g; as well as 5.25 and 28.8 for 40 g of sample. Result of the investigation show that there is a close agreement between the experimental and predicted data which are interpreted from the adjusted R-squared values of 0.994, 0.865 and 0.990 gotten for apparent viscosity, plastic viscosity and yield point models respectively. Copyright © 2010 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Beneficiation; Mud; Rheological properties | Apparent viscosity; Concentration of; Different mass; Factorial design; Gum arabic; Mud; Plastic viscosity; Rheological property; Shear rates; Sodium carbonate; Yield points; Adhesives; Beneficiation; Concentration (process); Lead; Light polarization; Shear deformation; Sodium; Viscosity; Rheology | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649253726 | Post-occupancy evaluation and residents satisfaction with public housing in Lagos, Nigeria | Ilesanmi A.O. | 2010 | Journal of Building Appraisal | 6 | 2 | 10.1057/jba.2010.20 | Department of Architecture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Ilesanmi, A.O., Department of Architecture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | This study evaluates the residential environments of five low-income and three medium-income public housing estates in Lagos, Nigeria. The specific objectives were: to appraise the physical characteristics of residential buildings in the estates; to examine the socio-economic characteristics of the residents; to determine the relative levels of residents satisfaction; and to analyse the relationship between the physical characteristics and residents satisfaction. The methodology involves an expert rating appraisal conducted by four evaluators and a survey of residents satisfaction. Ten performance criteria were developed and used in assessing the characteristics of the residential environments. Data relating to residents satisfaction were obtained by means of structured questionnaire administered on a systematic sample of 806 household heads, from a sampling frame of 8060 housing units. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed a gap in quality between the medium- and low-income estates. The results also showed that 62 per cent of the physical characteristics of the residences are highly correlated with residents satisfaction (r0.62). This buttresses the significance of the physical characteristics of residences in determining the level of residents satisfaction. Such information will enhance the skills of architects and housing administrators to ascertain specific actions that can maximize more satisfactory housing provisions and minimize dissatisfaction as much as possible. © 2010 Macmillan Publishers Ltd. | Lagos; Nigeria; post-occupancy evaluation; public housing; residents; satisfaction | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84961327393 | Relationships among internal stakeholders in construction projects: A cognitive evaluation for sustainable team integration in Nigeria | Ujene A.O., Edike U.E. | 2015 | International Journal of Construction Management | 15 | 1 | 10.1080/15623599.2015.1012142 | Department of Building, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria; Department of Building Technology, Bells University of Technology, Otta, Nigeria | Ujene, A.O., Department of Building, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria; Edike, U.E., Department of Building, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria, Department of Building Technology, Bells University of Technology, Otta, Nigeria | This study evaluates the relationships among internal stakeholders in the Nigerian construction industry. The objectives are to evaluate the factors influencing good working relationships, with priority placed on relationship indicators and variation in effect/priority among groups of relationships. A survey of 95 purposively sampled stakeholders resulted in 72 valid structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using mean score and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The study concludes that unitary relationships are more associated with professionals; coercive relationships more associated with contractors; while mutuality relationships are least prevalent. The influence of factors promoting/hindering good relationships do not significantly vary among the internal stakeholders (p-values = 0.665 and 0.468), while significant variation exists in the priority placed on relationship-oriented indicators (p-value = 0.015). The study recommends encouragement of mutual relationships, clear/regular communication, trust/respect for contractual conditions, cooperation/collaboration, adequate job descriptions and good job attitudes. Priority should be placed on seamless/collaborative operation, collective understanding and gain/pain-sharing, which encourage team integration. ©2015 Taylor & Francis. | construction; internal stakeholders; projects; relationship; team integration | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870236203 | Impact of conservation agriculture on catchment runoff and soil loss under changing climate conditions in May Zeg-zeg (Ethiopia) | Lanckriet S., Araya T., Cornelis W., Verfaillie E., Poesen J., Govaerts B., Bauer H., Deckers J., Haile M., Nyssen J. | 2012 | Journal of Hydrology | 475 | None | 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2012.10.011 | Ghent University, Department of Geography, B-9000 Gent, Belgium; Mekelle University, Department of Crop and Horticultural Science, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Ghent University, Department of Soil Management, B-9000 Gent, Belgium; KULeuven, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium; International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), 06600 México, DF, Mexico; Mekelle University, Department of Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle, Ethiopia | Lanckriet, S., Ghent University, Department of Geography, B-9000 Gent, Belgium; Araya, T., Mekelle University, Department of Crop and Horticultural Science, Mekelle, Ethiopia, Ghent University, Department of Soil Management, B-9000 Gent, Belgium; Cornelis, W., Ghent University, Department of Soil Management, B-9000 Gent, Belgium; Verfaillie, E., Ghent University, Department of Geography, B-9000 Gent, Belgium; Poesen, J., KULeuven, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Govaerts, B., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), 06600 México, DF, Mexico; Bauer, H., KULeuven, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Deckers, J., KULeuven, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Haile, M., Mekelle University, Department of Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Nyssen, J., Ghent University, Department of Geography, B-9000 Gent, Belgium | This study evaluates the practice of conservation agriculture (CA) in the May Zeg-zeg catchment (MZZ; 187ha) in the North Ethiopian Highlands as a soil management technique for reducing soil loss and runoff, and assesses the consequences of future large-scale implementation on soil and hydrology at catchment-level. The study of such practice is important especially under conditions of climate change, since EdGCM (Educational Global Climate Model) simulation predicts by 2040 an increase in precipitation by more than 100mmyr-1 in the study area. Firstly, field-saturated infiltration rates, together with soil texture and soil organic carbon contents, were measured. The relation with local topography allows to generate a pedotransfer function for field-saturated infiltration rate, and spatial interpolation with Linear Regression Mapping was used to map field-saturated infiltration rates optimally within the catchment. Secondly, on several farmlands, CA was checked against plain tillage (PT) for values of field-saturated infiltration rates, soil organic carbon, runoff and soil loss. Results show no significant differences for infiltration rates but significant differences for runoff and soil loss (as measured in the period 2005-2011). Runoff coefficients were 30.4% for PT and 18.8% for CA; soil losses were 35.4tha-1yr-1 for PT and 14.4tha-1yr-1 for CA. Thirdly, all collected information was used to predict future catchment hydrological response for full-implementation of CA under the predicted wetter climate (simulation with EdGCM). Curve Numbers for farmlands with CA were calculated. An area-weighted Curve Number allows the simulation of the 2011 rainy season runoff, predicting a total runoff depth of 23.5mm under CA and 27.9mm under PT. Furthermore, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation management factor P was calibrated for CA. Results also show the important influence of increased surface roughness on water ponding, modeled with a hydrologic conservation balance. By coupling this model with the infiltration rate map, a 'ponding map' of the catchment was established. Finally, a sediment budget for a full future implementation scenario of CA has been estimated, predicting a large impact of CA on sheet and rill erosion rates, since total soil loss due to sheet and rill erosion in cropland would become 581tyr-1 instead of 1109tyr-1, if CA would be practiced in MZZ. Simulation of several policy scenarios shows that especially under a future wetter North-East-African climate, CA would be a beneficial alternative for the current plain tillage, as it will increase infiltration and keep runoff coefficients under control. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Curve Number; Infiltration; Organic carbon; Permanent bed; Ponding; Water conservation | Changing climate; Conservation agricultures; Curve numbers; Ethiopia; Global climate model; Hydrological response; Infiltration rate; Local topography; Pedotransfer functions; Permanent bed; Policy scenario; Rainy seasons; Regression mapping; Revised universal soil loss equations; Rill erosion; Runoff coefficients; Runoff depth; Sediment budgets; Soil loss; Soil management; Soil organic carbon; Soil organic carbon content; Soil textures; Spatial interpolation; Study areas; Water ponding; Agricultural machinery; Agronomy; Catchments; Climate change; Erosion; Farms; Forecasting; Infiltration; Organic carbon; Ponding; Sediment transport; Soil conservation; Soils; Surface roughness; Water conservation; Agricultural runoff; catchment; climate change; climate modeling; conservation tillage; hydrological response; infiltration; interrill erosion; organic carbon; pedotransfer function; pond; runoff; sediment budget; sheet erosion; soil carbon; soil management; soil texture; spatial analysis; topography; Universal Soil Loss Equation; water storage; Ethiopia; Ethiopian Highlands | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885919422 | Potential impacts of increasing average yields and reducing maize yield variability in Africa | Kostandini G., La Rovere R., Abdoulaye T. | 2013 | Food Policy | 43 | None | 10.1016/j.foodpol.2013.09.007 | Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, 221 Stuckey Building, Griffin, GA 30223-1797, United States; International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; International I | Kostandini, G., Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, 221 Stuckey Building, Griffin, GA 30223-1797, United States; La Rovere, R., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Abdoulaye, T., International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Kano, Nigeria | This study evaluates the potential impacts of investing in Drought Tolerant Maize (DTM) in 13 countries of East, South and West Africa. The analysis utilizes geo-referenced production data at the regional and household levels and employs a model that estimates both the conventional mean yield gains and the additional benefits from yield stability gains of DTM varieties as well as impacts on poverty. The results indicate that by 2016, adoption of DTM can generate between US$ 362. million and US$ 590. million in cumulative benefits to both producers and consumers. Yield variance reductions stand to generate considerable benefits, especially in high drought risk areas. These benefits translate into poverty reductions in the range of 0.01-4.29% by 2016. Significant benefits are also found among different types of households living in drought risk areas of Kenya, Ethiopia and Nigeria. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Africa; Drought; Maize; Poverty; Technology adoption; Yield stability | agricultural technology; crop production; crop yield; drought resistance; investment; maize; poverty alleviation; technology adoption; East Africa; South Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897610834 | Evaluation of the crude methanolic seed extract of datura metel L as a potential oral anaesthetic in dogs | Babalola S.A., Suleiman M.M., Hassan A.Z., Adawa D.A.Y. | 2014 | Global Veterinaria | 12 | 3 | 10.5829/idosi.gv.2014.12.03.82340 | Department of Veterinary Surgery and Theriogenology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Be | Babalola, S.A., Department of Veterinary Surgery and Theriogenology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Suleiman, M.M., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Hassan, A.Z., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Adawa, D.A.Y., Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria | This study evaluates the methanolic crude extract of Datura metel L. seeds (family Solanacease) as a potential oral anaesthetic in dogs. Following the oral acute toxicity study to determine the median lethal dose (LD50) of the extract in twelve (12) mice, the extract was relatively safe since when administered at the highest dose (5,000 mg/kg) no sign of toxicity and no death was recorded. In the in vivo sedative and anaesthetic study of the effect of Datura metel L in this work, the observed pharmacological effect of the extract administered orally to five (5) dogs separately at a dose rate of 0.6, 1.2, 1.5, 2 and 2.4 g/kg respectively during establishment of a suitable pilot oral anaesthetic doses, showed a graded dose response relationship. The extract at an oral dose of 2.4 g/kg induced surgical anaesthesia in dogs with increased heart and respiratory rates (107 to 205 bpm and 36.33 to 41.33 cpm) respectively, normal rectal temperature (37.83 °C), adequate tissue perfusion, good muscle relaxation but poor analgesia, loss of anal sphincter tone and loss of pupillary reflex. The dogs recovered without any complications. This study has shown that the seed extract of Datura metel L. is relatively safe, induced sleep similar to that of thiopentone sodium anaesthesia with good anaesthetic indices at the oral dose rate of 2.4 g/kg in dogs. © IDOSI Publications, 2014. | Anaesthetic; Datura metel L; Dogs; Seed extract; Surgical anaesthesia | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897890664 | Evaluation of the crude methanolic seed extract of Datura metel L. as a potential oral anaesthetic in dogs | Babalola S.A., Suleiman M.M., Hassan A.Z., Adawa D. | 2014 | Global Journal of Pharmacology | 8 | 2 | 10.5829/idosi.gjp.2014.8.2.82281 | Department of Veterinary Surgery and Theriogenology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Surgery and Ra | Babalola, S.A., Department of Veterinary Surgery and Theriogenology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Suleiman, M.M., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Hassan, A.Z., Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Adawa, D., Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria | This study evaluates the methanolic crude extract of Datura metel L. seeds (family Solanacease) as a potential oral anaesthetic in dogs. Following the oral acute toxicity study to determine the median lethal dose (LD50) of the extract in twelve (12) mice, the extract was relatively safe since when administered at the highest dose (5,000 mg/kg) no sign of toxicity and no death was recorded. In the in vivo sedative and anaesthetic study of the effect of Datura metel L in this work, the observed pharmacological effect of the extract administered orally to five (5) dogs separately at a dose rate of 0.6, 1.2, 1.5, 2 and 2.4 g/kg respectively during establishment of a suitable pilot oral anaesthetic doses, showed a graded dose response relationship. The extract at an oral dose of 2.4 g/kg induced surgical anaesthesia in dogs with increased heart and respiratory rates (107 to 205 bpm and 36.33 to 41.33 cpm) respectively, normal rectal temperature (37.83°C), adequate tissue perfusion, good muscle relaxation but poor analgesia, loss of anal sphincter tone and loss of pupillary reflex. The dogs recovered without any complications. This study has shown that the seed extract of Datura metel L. is relatively safe, induced sleep similar to that of thiopentone sodium anaesthesia with good anaesthetic indices at the oral dose rate of 2.4 g/kg in dogs. © IDOSI Publications, 2014. | Anaesthetic; Datura metel L; Dogs; Seed extract; Surgical anaesthesia | alkaloid; anesthetic agent; Datura metel extract; flavonoid; glycoside; methanol; plant extract; resin; tannin derivative; terpenoid derivative; unclassified drug; acute toxicity; animal experiment; anus sphincter; article; breathing rate; controlled study; Datura metel; dog; dose response; drug isolation; drug safety; drug screening; heart rate; mouse; muscle relaxation; nonhuman; plant seed; pupil reflex; rectum temperature; sedation; sleep induction; tissue perfusion | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894095197 | Evaluation of the crude methanolic seed extract of Datura metel l. As a potential oral anaesthetic in dogs | Babalola S.A., Suleiman M.M., Hassan A.Z., Adawa D.A.Y. | 2013 | Veterinary Research | 6 | 5 | None | Department of Veterinary Surgery and Theriogenology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary S | Babalola, S.A., Department of Veterinary Surgery and Theriogenology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Suleiman, M.M., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Hassan, A.Z., Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Adawa, D.A.Y., Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | This study evaluates the methanolic crude extract of Datura metel L. seeds (family Solanaceae) as a potential oral anaesthetic in dogs. Following the oral acute toxicity study to determine the median Lethal Dose (LD50) of the extract in twelve (12) mice, the extract was relatively safe since when administered at the highest dose (5,000mg kg-1) no sign of toxicity and no death was recorded. In the in vivo sedative and anaesthetic study of the effect of Datura metel L. in this research, the observed pharmacological effect of the extract administered orally to 5 dogs separately at a dose rate of 0.6, 1.2, 1.5, 2 and 2.4g kg-1, respectively during establishment of a suitable pilot oral anaesthetic doses, showed a graded dose response relationship. The extract at an oral dose of 2.4g kg-1 induced surgical anaesthesia in dogs with increased heart and respiratory rates (107-205 bpm and 36.33-41.33 cpm), respectively, normal rectal temperature (37.83°C), adequate tissue perfusion, good muscle relaxation but poor analgesia, loss of anal sphincter tone and loss of pupillary reflex. The dogs recovered without any complications. This study has shown that the seed extract of Datura metel L. is relatively safe, induced sleep similar to that of thiopentone sodium anaesthesia with good anaesthetic indices at the oral dose rate of 2.4g kg-1 in dogs. © Medwell Journals, 2013. | Anaesthetic; Datura metel L.; Dogs; Oral dose; Seed extract; Surgical anaesthesia | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000306771400008 | Impacts of Community-driven Development Programs on Income and Asset Acquisition in Africa: The Case of Nigeria | Kato, Edward,Mogues, Tewodaj,Nkonya, Ephraim,Pender, John,Phillip, Day | 2012 | WORLD DEVELOPMENT | 40 | 9 | 10.1016/j.worlddev.2012.04.028 | International Food Policy Research Institute, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), International Food Policy Research Institute, Int Food Policy Res Inst, Nasarawa State Univ, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) | "Kato, Edward: International Food Policy Research Institute","Mogues, Tewodaj: International Food Policy Research Institute","Nkonya, Ephraim: International Food Policy Research Institute","Pender, John: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)", | This study evaluates the impacts of a community-driven development (CDD) project on household income and acquisition of productive assets in Nigeria. Using recall data, difference-in-differences, and propensity score matching approaches, the study finds that the project succeeded in targeting the poor and women farmers in its productive asset acquisition component. Participation in the project also increased the mean income of beneficiaries by about 40-60% but the impact of the project on income of the poorest beneficiaries was not statistically significant. Additionally, sustainability of this achievement is uncertain since the project did not involve rural credit services. The large cash transfer through its productive asset acquisition component is also unsustainable. Future studies should be undertaken using longer-term panel data to capture the pattern and trend of the impact of this project. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Africa,assets,"community-driven development","impact evaluation",INCOME,NIGERIA,POVERTY,TARGETING,CAUSAL,"ELITE CAPTURE","GINI COEFFICIENT","NEGATIVE INCOME","PROPENSITY SCORE" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000272533500003 | The Impact of the African Youth Alliance Program on the Sexual Behavior of Young People in Uganda | Ali, Disha,Colvin, Charlotte E.,Karim, Ali Mehryar,Patykewich, Leslie,Posner, Jessica,Rutaremwa, Gideon,Williams, Timothy | 2009 | STUDIES IN FAMILY PLANNING | 40 | 4 | None | Makerere University, PATH | "Rutaremwa, Gideon: Makerere University", | This study evaluates the impact of the African Youth Alliance (AYA) program on the sexual behavior of young people aged 17-22 in Uganda. Between 2000 and 2005, the comprehensive multicomponent AYA program implemented behavior-change communication and youth-friendly clinical services, and it coordinated policy and advocacy. The program provided institutional capacity building and established coordination mechanisms between agencies that implemented programs for young people. The analysis of findings from both a self-reported exposure design and a static group comparison design indicated that AYA had a positive impact on sexual behavior among young females but not among young males. AYA-exposed girls were at least 13 percentage points more likely to report having used a condom at last sex, at least 10 percentage points more likely to report that they had consistently used condoms with their current partner, at least 10 percentage points more likely to have used contraceptives at last sex, and 13 percentage points more likely to have had fewer sex partners during the past 12 months, compared with girls who were not exposed to the AYA program. Scaling up the AYA program in Uganda could, therefore, be expected to improve significantly the sexual and reproductive health of young women. Effective strategies for promoting safer sexual behaviors among boys and young men must be identified, however. | ,"ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT",CAUSAL,COMMUNICATION,"CONTRACEPTIVE USE","HIV-1 PREVALENCE",PROMOTION,"PROPENSITY SCORE","PROTECTIVE FACTORS","REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH-RISK",TANZANIA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890419515 | Prospective cohort study of the impact of antiretroviral therapy on employment outcomes among HIV clients in Uganda | Linnemayr S., Glick P., Kityo C., Mugyeni P., Wagner G. | 2013 | AIDS Patient Care and STDs | 27 | 12 | 10.1089/apc.2013.0139 | RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica CA 90407, United States; Joint Clinical Research Center, Kampala, Uganda | Linnemayr, S., RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica CA 90407, United States; Glick, P., RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica CA 90407, United States; Kityo, C., Joint Clinical Research Center, Kampala, Uganda; Mugyeni, P., Joint Clinical Research Center, Kampala, Uganda; Wagner, G., RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica CA 90407, United States | This study evaluates the impact of antiretroviral treatment (ART) on employment-related outcomes using prospective, longitudinal analysis. Starting in January 2008, 602 treatment-naïve clients in one rural clinic and in one clinic in the capital Kampala were interviewed about their medical history, and psychosocial and socioeconomic adjustment at baseline and at months 6 and 12. Half of the sample was eligible to receive ART, while the other half was also in HIV care, but not yet eligible for ART, therefore providing a comparison group that is similar to the treatment group in that its members are HIV-positive and have made the decision to enroll in HIV care. We found improvements in general health, reduction in the incidence of pain and health interfering with work, as well as improvements in work-related self-efficacy for both groups over time, but significantly more so for the group receiving ART treatment. At baseline, less than half of the people in the ART group worked, but after 6 months more than three quarters of them were working, surpassing the fraction of people working in the control group after 1 year. Another key finding of the study was the importance of mental health as a key mediator for employment-related outcomes. These data indicate that ART clients experience greater improvements compared to pre-ART clients, and not only with regard to general health, but also in restoring confidence in their ability to work, as well as actual work status. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. | None | anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; adult; antiretroviral treatment; antiviral therapy; article; clinical trial; cohort analysis; employment; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; prospective study; self concept; Uganda; Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Employment; Female; Follow-Up Studies; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Socioeconomic Factors; Treatment Outcome; Uganda; Young Adult | Rockefeller Foundation; HE 007, Rockefeller Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956171320 | Economic performance of small ruminants in mixed-farming systems of Southern Ethiopia | Legesse G., Siegmund-Schultze M., Abebe G., Zárate A.V. | 2010 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 42 | 7 | 10.1007/s11250-010-9603-5 | Department of Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics, Hohenheim University, D-70593 Stuttgart, Germany; Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, Box 05, Awassa, Ethiopia; Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, 12 Dafoe Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada | Legesse, G., Department of Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics, Hohenheim University, D-70593 Stuttgart, Germany, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, Box 05, Awassa, Ethiopia, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, 12 Dafoe Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; Siegmund-Schultze, M., Department of Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics, Hohenheim University, D-70593 Stuttgart, Germany; Abebe, G., Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, Box 05, Awassa, Ethiopia; Zárate, A.V., Department of Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics, Hohenheim University, D-70593 Stuttgart, Germany | This study evaluates the household income contribution and the profitability of traditional small ruminant enterprises in two mixed-farming systems of southern Ethiopia (viz. Adilo and Kofele). Small ruminant production is an integral part of mixed systems in the Ethiopian highlands. The assessment of the current economic performance of small ruminants indicates production-related opportunities and constraints and provides baseline data against which the success of future interventions can be measured. Detailed information on economic parameters was gathered through a 1-year period of flock and household monitoring (155 households) between September 2005 and August 2006. Structured surveys were conducted with the participating households to elicit information on incomeexpense details of small ruminant and other agricultural enterprises. Small ruminants contributed considerably to cash income and to a limited extent to human nutrition especially when other sources were in short supply. The annual profit per animal ranged from 20 to 37 Ethiopian Birr. The return to capital was 17% in Kofele and 29% in Adilo, with both values vastly exceeding the national interest rate. The sale of small ruminants contributed to 39% and 23% of total farm cash income among small ruminant keepers in Adilo and Kofele, respectively. Sale prices are highest before holidays. Researches should target at how to use available feed resources in a timely and cost-effective fashion to make use of the seasonal market opportunities. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Economic performance; Enterprise budgeting; Ethiopia; Marketing; Mixed farming; Small ruminants | animal; animal husbandry; article; commercial phenomena; cost; economics; Ethiopia; family size; goat; human; income; methodology; season; sheep; statistics; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Commerce; Costs and Cost Analysis; Ethiopia; Family Characteristics; Goats; Humans; Income; Seasons; Sheep; Animalia; Bovidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928583727 | Modelling the impacts of climate variability on crop yields in Nigeria: Performance evaluation of RegCM3-GLAM system | Matthew O.J., Abiodun B.J., Salami A.T. | 2015 | Meteorological Applications | 22 | 2 | 10.1002/met.1443 | Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Climate System Analysis Group (CSAG), Department of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Matthew, O.J., Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Abiodun, B.J., Climate System Analysis Group (CSAG), Department of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Salami, A.T., Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | This study evaluates the capability of a Climate-Crop Modelling System (RegCM3-GLAM) in simulating the regional climate and crop yields (maize, rice, cowpea, and groundnut) over Nigeria. Daily climatic data obtained from a Regional Climate Model (RegCM3) simulation was used as the input data in the General Large Area Model (GLAM) to simulate the crop yields for 11years (1999-2009), and a series of sensitivity experiments were performed to test and optimize the GLAM parameters over the region. The results show that RegCM3 gives a realistic simulation of the Nigerian climate. The correlation coefficients obtained between the observed and simulated climatic variables are between 0.72 and 0.96 at p < 0.01. However, the model slightly underestimates rainfall and maximum temperature in the wet season (April to October) and overestimates rainfall and maximum temperature in the dry season (November to March). GLAM also gives a realistic simulation of the mean and spatial distribution of crop yields in Nigeria. The root mean square errors of the simulations are generally less than 36% of the observed yields. The performance evaluation of the model varies with ecological zones. The model shows the best performance in simulating maize and the worst performance in simulating cowpea over the Savannas. Sensitivity experiments reveal that simulated crop yield is sensitive to model parameters (harvest index, extinction coefficient, optimum temperature, and transpiration efficiency), with both extinction coefficient and transpiration efficiency showing more significant impact. It has been concluded that the performance of GLAM over the country can be further improved by enhancing the quality of meteorological input data. © 2015 Royal Meteorological Society. | Climate variability; Crop yield; GLAM; Performance evaluation; RegCM3; Sensitivity | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886264096 | Assessment of the performance of CORDEX regional climate models in simulating East African rainfall | Endris H.S., Omondi P., Jain S., Lennard C., Hewitson B., Chang'a L., Awange J.L., Dosio A., Ketiem P., Nikulin G., Panitz H.-J., Büchner M., Stordal F., Tazalika L. | 2013 | Journal of Climate | 26 | 21 | 10.1175/JCLI-D-12-00708.1 | University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Tanzania Meteorological Agency, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Western Australian Centre for Geodesy and the Institute for Geoscience Research, Curtin University, Perth, Australia; European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra, Italy; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Rossby Centre, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, Norrköping, Sweden; Institut für Meteorologie und Klimaforschung, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, Karlsruhe, Germany; Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Potsdam, Germany; University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Uganda Meteorological Department, Kampala, Uganda | Endris, H.S., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Omondi, P., IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; Jain, S., University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Lennard, C., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Hewitson, B., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Chang'a, L., Tanzania Meteorological Agency, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Awange, J.L., Western Australian Centre for Geodesy and the Institute for Geoscience Research, Curtin University, Perth, Australia; Dosio, A., European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra, Italy; Ketiem, P., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Nikulin, G., Rossby Centre, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, Norrköping, Sweden; Panitz, H.-J., Institut für Meteorologie und Klimaforschung, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, Karlsruhe, Germany; Büchner, M., Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Potsdam, Germany; Stordal, F., University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Tazalika, L., Uganda Meteorological Department, Kampala, Uganda | This study evaluates the ability of 10 regional climate models (RCMs) from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) in simulating the characteristics of rainfall patterns over eastern Africa. The seasonal climatology, annual rainfall cycles, and interannual variability of RCM output have been assessed over three homogeneous subregions against a number of observational datasets. The ability of the RCMs in simulating large-scale global climate forcing signals is further assessed by compositing the El Ninõ-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) events. It is found that most RCMs reasonably simulate the main features of the rainfall climatology over the three subregions and also reproduce the majority of the documented regional responses to ENSO and IOD forcings. At the same time the analysis shows significant biases in individual models depending on subregion and season; however, the ensemble mean has better agreement with observation than individual models. In general, the analysis herein demonstrates that the multimodel ensemble mean simulates eastern Africa rainfall adequately and can therefore be used for the assessment of future climate projections for the region. © 2013 American Meteorological Society. | Climate models; Climatology; ENSO; Interannual variability; Model comparison; Rainfall | ENSO; Future climate projections; Indian ocean dipoles; Interannual variability; Model comparison; Rainfall climatologies; Regional climate models; Southern oscillation; Atmospheric pressure; Climate change; Climate models; Climatology; Rain; annual variation; climate forcing; climate modeling; climatology; comparative study; downscaling; El Nino-Southern Oscillation; rainfall; regional climate; East Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908345408 | Evaluation of coupled model forecasts of ethiopian highlands summer climate | Jury M.R. | 2014 | Advances in Meteorology | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/894318 | University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa; Physics Department, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, PR, United States | Jury, M.R., University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa, Physics Department, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, PR, United States | This study evaluates seasonal forecasts of rainfall and maximum temperature across the Ethiopian highlands from coupled ensemble models in the period 1981-2006, by comparison with gridded observational products (NMA + GPCC/CRU3). Early season forecasts from the coupled forecast system (CFS) are steadier than European community medium range forecast (ECMWF). CFS and ECMWF April forecasts of June-August (JJA) rainfall achieve significant fit (r 2 = 0.27, 0.25, resp.), but ECMWF forecasts tend to have a narrow range with drought underpredicted. Early season forecasts of JJA maximum temperature are weak in both models; hence ability to predict water resource gains may be better than losses. One aim of seasonal climate forecasting is to ensure that crop yields keep pace with Ethiopia's growing population. Farmers using prediction technology are better informed to avoid risk in dry years and generate surplus in wet years. © 2014 Mark R. Jury. | 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-s2.0-84938831483 | Evaluation of the use of University Library resources and services by the students of Paul University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria | Nkamnebe E.C., Udem O.K., Nkamnebe C.B. | 2014 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2014 | 1 | None | University Library, Paul University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria; Department Of Library And Information Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria | Nkamnebe, E.C., University Library, Paul University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria; Udem, O.K., Department Of Library And Information Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria; Nkamnebe, C.B., University Library, Paul University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria | This study evaluated the use of library resources and services by students of Paul University, Awka in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey research method and employed a structured questionnaire and observations as instruments for data collection. The entire population of 276 students of Paul University Awka was involved in the study. The study was guided by 6 research questions. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics which include percentages, frequencies and mean rating. Findings revealed that students fairly use the library for their studies. Observation shows that they use the library most during examination periods. It also revealed that resources currently available are fairly adequate and fairly accessible to the students. Furthermore, the study revealed that users are satisfied with the services and facilities provided by the library. Problems militating against effective use of the University Library by the students were identified and solutions were proffered. It was recommended among others that the habit of using the Library should be inculcated into students through avenues such as organizing library display, library exhibition, library orientation, and inclusion of use of library as a course in the University's curriculum so as to attract students to the Library. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897585604 | Evaluation of fermented mango (Mangifera indica) seed meal in the practical diet of nile tilapia, (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings [Upotreba sjemena fermentiranog manga (mangifera indica) u hranidbi mlad{stroke}itilapije (Oreochromis niloticus)] | Obasa S.O., Alatise S.P., Omoniyi I.T., Alegbeleye W.O., George F.A. | 2013 | Ribarstvo, Croatian Journal of Fisheries | 71 | 3 | 10.14798/71.3.660 | Federal University of Agriculture, Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; National Institute of Freshwater Research, New Busa, Niger State, Nigeria | Obasa, S.O., Federal University of Agriculture, Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Alatise, S.P., National Institute of Freshwater Research, New Busa, Niger State, Nigeria; Omoniyi, I.T., Federal University of Agriculture, Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Alegbeleye, W.O., Federal University of Agriculture, Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; George, F.A., Federal University of Agriculture, Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | This study evaluated the use of fermented mango (Mangifera indica) seed meal (FMS) to substitute yellow maize in the practical diet for Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings (4.76±0.32 g). Five iso-nitrogeneous (35% crude protein) and approximately iso-energetic (3400 ME Kcal/kg) dietsin which yellow maize was replaced by FMSat 0% (FMS0/Control diet), 25% (FMS25), 50% (FMS50), 75% (FMS75) and 100% (FMS100) levels were formulated. The fish were fed on the diets at 5% body weight for 84 days. Alkaloids were mghest (2.32%) among the anti-nutritional factors analyzed in FMS, while oxalate (0.84%) was lowest. Potassium was highest (8.91 mg/g) among the minerals, while copper was lowest (0.01 mg/g). Weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio were similar (p>0.05) in fish fed diets FMS0 and FMS50. The fish fed diet FMS0 had the highest protein efficiency ratio (1.88). Protein digestibility decreased (p<0.05) as dietary FMS increased, while carbohydrate digestibility gave an inverse relationship. Results obtained show that FMS could replace yellow maize at 50% level without affecting growth, nutrient utilization and apparent protein digestibility in diets for Nile tilapia fingerlings. | Anti-nutritional factors; Fermentation; Mango seed; Nile tilapia; Nutrient digestibility | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-45749120377 | Sociocultural impediments to male factor infertility evaluation in rural South-east Nigeria | Umeora O.U.J., Ejikeme B.N., Sunday-Adeoye I., Umeora M.C. | 2008 | Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology | 28 | 3 | 10.1080/01443610802044908 | Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria; St.Vincent's Hospital, Ndubia, Igbeagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria; P.O. Box 980, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State 480001, Nigeria | Umeora, O.U.J., Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria, St.Vincent's Hospital, Ndubia, Igbeagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, P.O. Box 980, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State 480001, Nigeria; Ejikeme, B.N., Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria, St.Vincent's Hospital, Ndubia, Igbeagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria; Sunday-Adeoye, I., Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria; Umeora, M.C., Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria | This study evaluated the rate and factors influencing male uptake of infertility investigations. Infertility constituted 11.2% of all new gynaecological consultations in the centre during the study period. A total of 61 (70.1%) males consented to seminal fluid studies without much hesitation, 12.4% after much persuasion, while the remainder (17.5%) refused. Obliging doctor's recommendation was the primary motivation for those who willingly had seminal fluid studies while the claim to be healthy and not being responsible for infertility were the commonest barriers for reluctance or refusal to be investigated. Fears of exposure of semen so obtained to witchcraft and rituals were also contributory. Gynaecologists working in rural South-east Nigeria should through systematic public enlightenment dispel misconceptions of necessary medical intervention. © 2008 Informa UK Ltd. | Barrier; Culture; Evaluation; Infertility; Offspring; Rural | adult; article; attitude to health; consultation; controlled study; cultural factor; environmental exposure; environmental factor; evaluation; fear; human; major clinical study; male; male infertility; Nigeria; priority journal; ritual; rural area; seminal plasma; social class; sperm; witchcraft; Adult; Age Distribution; Attitude to Health; Cohort Studies; Cultural Characteristics; Developing Countries; Female; Humans; Incidence; Infertility, Male; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Patient Compliance; Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Rural Population; Socioeconomic Factors; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903203974 | Psychometric evaluation of the utrecht work engagement scale (UWES) and oldenburg burnout inventory (OLBI) within a cement factory | Lekutle M., Nel J.A. | 2012 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 22 | 4 | 10.1080/14330237.2012.10820580 | School of Human Resource Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa | Lekutle, M., School of Human Resource Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa; Nel, J.A., School of Human Resource Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa | This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) within a cement factory. Respondents were 187 employees (males =168, females =19) from a cement factory in the North West province of South Africa. Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the structure of the measure and concurrent validity of the measures was also examined. Both measures were two dimensional in structure. Concurrent validity of the instruments was consistent with the theory behind the measures. Copyright © 2012 Journal of Psychology in Africa. | Burnout; Cement industry; Oldenburg Burnout Inventory; Psychometric evaluation; Utrecht Work Engagement Scale; Work engagement | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943147298 | The effect of diet and feeding system on the on-farm performance of local chickens during the early growth phase | Nakkazi C., Kugonza D.R., Kayitesi A. | 2015 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 27 | 10 | None | Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, (CAES) Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI), P. O. Box 96, Tororo, Uganda; Department of Animal Production and Range Management, Gulu University, P.O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda | Nakkazi, C., Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, (CAES) Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Kugonza, D.R., Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, (CAES) Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda, National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI), P. O. Box 96, Tororo, Uganda, Department of Animal Production and Range Management, Gulu University, P.O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda; Kayitesi, A., Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, (CAES) Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda | This study evaluated the performance of local chickens on three diets and two feeding systems under on-farm conditions. The diets used were formulated from local feedstuffs that had been identified in a baseline survey and analyzed for chemical composition in the laboratory. Based on the laboratory results, two diets were formulated containing 20% CP and 2900Kcal ME/kg (D20) and 23% CP; 3200KcalME/kg (D23). A commercial diet (D18) containing 18% CP; 2800 Kcal ME/kg was obtained from a local feed supplier to be used as a control. The three diets were then used in conducting growth trials with chicks under two different systems of feeding. The first system involved feeding the birds intensively. The three diets were feed separately to four replicate groups of ten chicks each. This system used 120 un-sexed day old local chicks that were obtained from a local hatchery and brooded artificially. The second system involved feeding the experimental diets to semi-scavenging chicks brooded by their mother hens in confinement cages from 6.00 am to 12.00 noon, after which they were let out to scavenge. A weighed amount of feed was given to each batch and left over feed was weighed and recorded each week to compute feed consumption. In both experiments birds were weighed in batches on day one and thereafter weekly for six weeks. The data revealed no difference in the growth rate and final live body weight of chicks under the three dietary treatments. Chickens that were fed intensively exhibited better growth and survival rates than those that were fed from 6.00 am to 12.00 noon then let out to scavenge. Hence it was concluded that that a diet containing 18% CP and 2800Kcal ME/kg is sufficient for rearing local chickens during the early growth phase (0-6 weeks) on-farm. Also intensive feeding of local chickens results into better growth and survival than the semi-scavenging system. © 2015, Fundacion CIPAV. All rights reserved. | Chicks; Dietary-energy; Growth rate; Semi-scavenging | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892664600 | Impact of process parameters on removal of Congo red by graphene oxide from aqueous solution | Debnath S., Maity A., Pillay K. | 2014 | Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering | 2 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jece.2013.12.018 | Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesberg, Johannesberg, South Africa; Smart Polymers Group, Materials Science and Manufacturing (MSM), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, University of South Africa (UNISA), South Africa | Debnath, S., Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesberg, Johannesberg, South Africa; Maity, A., Smart Polymers Group, Materials Science and Manufacturing (MSM), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, University of South Africa (UNISA), South Africa; Pillay, K., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesberg, Johannesberg, South Africa | This study evaluated the performance of graphene oxide in the removal of Congo red (CR) dye from aqueous solution. The adsorbent, graphene oxide (GO), was prepared from graphite and was characterized using FTIR, SEM and XRD. Batch sorption studies were carried out to determine the effect of pH, contact time, initial concentration of CR and temperature on the adsorption of CR onto GO. Circumneutral pH was found to be favorable for the adsorption of CR onto GO. The equilibrium data fitted well with the Redlich-Peterson model and characterized by a Langmuir type isotherm. The kinetics of the adsorption data was analyzed using four kinetic models viz. pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich model and intra-particle diffusion models. The results from the kinetic studies indicated that the rate of adsorption follows a pseudo-first-order with respect to the CR solution concentration and that in general the order of data fit is pseudo-first-order > pseudo-second-order > Elovich equation. The kinetic parameters obtained from the kinetic studies suggested that the adsorption process is film-diffusion-controlled. The results obtained from thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption process is endothermic in nature as well as the feasibility and spontaneity of CR adsorption onto GO. The values of ΔH and ΔS of the adsorption process were 8.19 kJ mol-1 and 0.10 kJ mol-1, respectively. The low value of ΔH (<40 kJ mol-1) indicated that adsorption process occurs mainly through a physical means. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Batch adsorber; Congo red; Graphene oxide; Isotherm; Kinetics; Thermodynamics | Adsorbers; Congo red; Graphene oxides; Initial concentration; Intra-particle diffusion; Redlich-Peterson models; Solution concentration; Thermodynamic studies; Azo dyes; Dyes; Enzyme kinetics; Graphene; Isotherms; Kinetic parameters; Kinetic theory; Thermodynamics; Adsorption | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953010709 | Impact of environmental cadmium, lead, copper and zinc on quality of goat meat in Nigeria | Okoye C.O.B., Ugwu J.N. | 2010 | Bulletin of the Chemical Society of Ethiopia | 24 | 1 | None | Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | Okoye, C.O.B., Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Ugwu, J.N., Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | This study evaluated the levels of cadmium, lead, copper and zinc in the muscles and edible offal's of goat bred from Nigeria. The samples were digested with a 3:1 mixture of HCl and HNO3 and analysed with a Unicam Solar 32 AAS. The results obtained expressed in mgkg-1 showed that kidney had the highest mean concentration of 0.83 ranging from 0.07-3.08 for cadmium, 0.53 from nd-0.63 for lead; while liver had 134.02 ranging from 26.36-398.16 for copper and muscle 131.55 from nd-417.00 for zinc. Most of the samples studied were found to have these metals above the permissible limits set by some regulatory bodies. Pearson's correlation analysis showed significant correlation (p < 0.01) between the metal levels in the heart and kidney, an indication of common source of contamination. The meat quality was found to be impaired by high levels of Zn, Cu and Cd and Indicates widespread contamination of the environment by these trace metals. © 2010 Chemical Society of Ethiopia. | Edible offal's; Environmental impact; Goat muscles; Heavy metals | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054895639 | Evaluation of growth and body traits of snailets obtained from the crossbreeding of black skinned × white skinned snails (Archachatina marginata (S)) in the niger delta area of Nigeria | Ibom L.A., Okon B., Adinya I.B. | 2011 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 6 | 21 | None | Department of Animal Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Agric. Economics and Extension, Cross River University of Technology, Obubra Campus, Nigeria | Ibom, L.A., Department of Animal Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria; Okon, B., Department of Animal Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Adinya, I.B., Department of Agric. Economics and Extension, Cross River University of Technology, Obubra Campus, Nigeria | This study evaluated the growth and body traits of snailets or juveniles obtained from the hatching of eggs resulting from the crossbreeding of black skinned x white skinned snails. The indices used were body weight, shell length, shell width, 'mouth' length and 'mouth' width. The results showed that all measured traits expressed progressive increase from hatch to week four. However, the differences observed among the mating groups for these traits were not significantly different. The results also showed that the product of the crossing was a mixture of black and white skinned snailets. This further confirms the possibility of mating between the black and white skinned snails. Interested snail farmers are encouraged to rear both black and white skinned snails. ©2011 Academic Journals. | Crossbreeding; Economic traits; Growth; Niger delta; Snails | Archachatina marginata; Gastropoda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903301490 | Efficacy evaluation of a leadership development assessment centre for managers | Jorgensen L.I., Els B. | 2013 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 23 | 1 | 10.1080/14330237.2013.10820603 | School of Human Resource Management Sciences, Workwell Research Unit, Economic and Management Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa | Jorgensen, L.I., School of Human Resource Management Sciences, Workwell Research Unit, Economic and Management Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa; Els, B., School of Human Resource Management Sciences, Workwell Research Unit, Economic and Management Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa | This study evaluated the efficacy of a leadership development intervention using an assessment centre approach. Participants were 72 managers and peer workers (50%) with a steel manufacturing organisation from the Gauteng province of South Africa (females = 17% and males = 83%). A randomised group design was used to evaluate the programme. The intervention involved a leadership development assessment centre which included simulations to develop a leader. Pre-post intervention data were collected using the New Leadership Behaviour Inventory - Version 2 (LBI - 2). The results indicate that the leadership development intervention was effective in developing the key competencies of a leader. The most significant increase was found between the pre- and post-test for the competency, and articulating vision. Leaders should have a vision for themselves and the company and should share a dream and direction which their subordinates and peers wish to share and follow. | Development assessment centre; Efficacy; Intervention; Leadership; Manager | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885477854 | Evaluation of parameters affecting modified atmosphere packaging engineering design for pomegranate arils | Caleb O.J., Mahajan P.V., Manley M., Opara U.L. | 2013 | International Journal of Food Science and Technology | 48 | 11 | 10.1111/ijfs.12220 | Postharvest Technology Research Laboratory, South African Research Chair in Postharvest Technology, Faculty of AgricSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa; Department of Food Science, Faculty of AgricSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa; UMR 1208 Ingénierie des Agropolymères et Technologies Emergentes, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, CIRAD, Université Montpellier 2, UMR IATE - Bat 35, 2, pl Viala, Montpellier, F-34000, France | Caleb, O.J., Postharvest Technology Research Laboratory, South African Research Chair in Postharvest Technology, Faculty of AgricSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa, Department of Food Science, Faculty of AgricSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa; Mahajan, P.V., UMR 1208 Ingénierie des Agropolymères et Technologies Emergentes, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, CIRAD, Université Montpellier 2, UMR IATE - Bat 35, 2, pl Viala, Montpellier, F-34000, France; Manley, M., Department of Food Science, Faculty of AgricSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa; Opara, U.L., Postharvest Technology Research Laboratory, South African Research Chair in Postharvest Technology, Faculty of AgricSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa, Department of Food Science, Faculty of AgricSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa | This study evaluated the effects of passive modified atmosphere packaging design parameters as a function of the amount of product (g), temperature (°C) and time (days) on two pomegranate cultivars. Arils (75, 100 and 125 g) were packed in trays, heat sealed with polylid film and stored at 5, 10 and 15 °C for 14 days, and analysed for physicochemical parameters viz headspace gas composition, weight loss, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, anthocyanin, aerobic-mesophilic bacterial and fungal load (log CFU g-1). At the highest temperature and weight, O2 concentration continuously decreased below the critical limit (2%) after 4 days, while at 5 °C, this lower limit was not reached. Shelf life of arils was limited to 10, 7 and 3 days by fungal growth ≥2 log CFU g-1 at 5, 10 and 15 °C, respectively. Using unsteady-state equation, a good agreement was found between simulated and experimental gas composition data. © 2013 Institute of Food Science and Technology. | Fruits; Microorganisms; Modified atmosphere packaging; Postharvest | Evaluation of parameters; Highest temperature; Modified atmosphere; Physicochemical parameters; Postharvest; Titratable acidity; Total soluble solids; Unsteady-state equation; Equations of state; Fruits; Microorganisms; Modified atmosphere packaging; Plants (botany); Product design; Bacteria (microorganisms); Fungi; Lythraceae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883151389 | Evaluation of the effect of different growth media and temperature on the suitability of biofilm formation by Enterobacter cloacae strains isolated from food samples in South Africa | Nyenje M.E., Green E., Ndip R.N. | 2013 | Molecules | 18 | 8 | 10.3390/molecules18089582 | Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, PMB X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Box 63, Buea, Cameroon | Nyenje, M.E., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, PMB X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Green, E., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, PMB X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Ndip, R.N., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, PMB X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Box 63, Buea, Cameroon | This study evaluated the effects of growth medium, temperature, and incubation time on biofilm formation by Enterobacter cloacae strains. The ability to adhere to a surface was demonstrated using a microtiter plate adherence assay whereas the role of cell surface properties in biofilm formation was assessed using the coaggregation and autoaggregation assays. The architecture of the biofilms was examined under scanning electron microscope (SEM). All the strains adhered to the well of the microtiter plate when incubated for 48 h, irrespective of the growth medium and incubation temperature. It was also noted that 90% and 73% of strains prepared from nutrient broth and cultured in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth and tryptic soy broth (TSB), respectively, were able to form biofilms, in contrast to 73% and 60% strains from nutrient agar and cultured in BHI and TSB respectively grown under similar conditions. However, no statistically significant difference was observed when the two methods were compared. The coaggregation index ranged from 12% to 74%, with the best coaggregate activity observed when partnered with Streptococcus pyogenes (54%-74%). The study indicates the suitability of BHI and TSB medium for the cultivation of E. cloacae biofilms, however, temperature and incubation time significantly affect biofilm formation by these bacteria. © 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. | Autoaggregation; Biofilm; Coaggregation; Enterobacter cloacae; Growth medium; Temperature | article; biofilm; culture medium; drug effect; Enterobacter cloacae; food control; growth, development and aging; South Africa; temperature; biofilm; culture medium; drug effects; Enterobacter cloacae; growth, development and aging; pharmacology; Biofilms; Culture Media; Enterobacter cloacae; Food Microbiology; South Africa; Temperature; culture medium; Biofilms; Culture Media; Enterobacter cloacae; Food Microbiology; South Africa; Temperature | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247122846 | Evaluation of crude oil contaminated soil on the mineral nutrient elements of maize (Zea mays L.) | Agbogidi O.M., Eruotor P.G., Akparobi S.O., Nnaji G.U. | 2007 | Journal of Agronomy | 6 | 1 | None | Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Delta State, Nigeria | Agbogidi, O.M., Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Delta State, Nigeria; Eruotor, P.G., Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Delta State, Nigeria; Akparobi, S.O., Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Delta State, Nigeria; Nnaji, G.U., Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Delta State, Nigeria | This study evaluated the effects of crude oil contaminated soil on the mineral nutrient elements of maize. The study was conducted in Asaba and Ozoro locations of Delta State during the 2003 and 2004 planting seasons. Open pollinated AMATZBR y maize variety was used for the study. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design replicated four times. Five crude oil concentrations (0, 5.2, 10.4, 20.8 and 41.6 mL) applied (ring application) at five weeks after planting (5 WAP) constituted treatments. The study location formed the main plot and the oil levels, the sub-plots. Grains were harvested at 14 WAP, shelled and analysed for mineral nutrient contents. Soil chemical properties were also analysed. The results showed that while total carbon, organic carbon, C/N ratio, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and pH were significantly higher (p<0.05) in soils amended with crude oil, crude oil application to soil significantly reduced (p<0.05) electrical conductivity, total nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen in both locations. The highest values of 23.49 and 16.67 were recorded for C/N ratio in soils with 41.6 mL of oil while the lowest values of 8.83 and 9.72 were obtained in soils without oil treatment in Asaba and Ozoro locations, respectively. Significant differences (p = 0.05) were observed in the nutrient contents of maize seeds grown in soils amended with crude oil when compared with those grown in the uncontaminated sub-plots. The present study has demonstrated that crude oil contamination can improve soil content of some nutrient elements including Mg2+, K+, P, Na+ and exhibit a highly significant effect of reducing the chemical composition of maize seeds. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Chemical composition; Crude oil; Maize; Nutrient elements; Soil contamination | Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873740371 | Climate change impacts on sugarcane attainable yield in southern Brazil | Marin F.R., Jones J.W., Singels A., Royce F., Assad E.D., Pellegrino G.Q., Justino F. | 2013 | Climatic Change | 117 | 42371 | 10.1007/s10584-012-0561-y | Embrapa Agricultural Informatics, Av. André Tosello, 209 - Barão Geraldo, CP 6041- 13083-886 Campinas, SP, Brazil; Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, PO Box 110570, Gainesville, FL, United States; South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Private Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa; Departamento de Engenharia Agricola, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil | Marin, F.R., Embrapa Agricultural Informatics, Av. André Tosello, 209 - Barão Geraldo, CP 6041- 13083-886 Campinas, SP, Brazil; Jones, J.W., Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, PO Box 110570, Gainesville, FL, United States; Singels, A., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Private Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa; Royce, F., Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, PO Box 110570, Gainesville, FL, United States; Assad, E.D., Embrapa Agricultural Informatics, Av. André Tosello, 209 - Barão Geraldo, CP 6041- 13083-886 Campinas, SP, Brazil; Pellegrino, G.Q., Embrapa Agricultural Informatics, Av. André Tosello, 209 - Barão Geraldo, CP 6041- 13083-886 Campinas, SP, Brazil; Justino, F., Departamento de Engenharia Agricola, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil | This study evaluated the effects of climate change on sugarcane yield, water use efficiency, and irrigation needs in southern Brazil, based on downscaled outputs of two general circulation models (PRECIS and CSIRO) and a sugarcane growth model. For three harvest cycles every year, the DSSAT/CANEGRO model was used to simulate the baseline and four future climate scenarios for stalk yield for the 2050s. The model was calibrated for the main cultivar currently grown in Brazil based on five field experiments under several soil and climate conditions. The sensitivity of simulated stalk fresh mass (SFM) to air temperature, CO2 concentration [CO2] and rainfall was also analyzed. Simulated SFM responses to [CO2], air temperature and rainfall variations were consistent with the literature. There were increases in simulated SFM and water usage efficiency (WUE) for all scenarios. On average, for the current sugarcane area in the State of São Paulo, SFM would increase 24 % and WUE 34 % for rainfed sugarcane. The WUE rise is relevant because of the current concern about water supply in southern Brazil. Considering the current technological improvement rate, projected yields for 2050 ranged from 96 to 129 t ha-1, which are respectively 15 and 59 % higher than the current state average yield. © 2012 The Author(s). | None | Air temperature; Average yield; Climate change impact; Climate condition; Field experiment; Future climate scenarios; General circulation model; Growth models; Harvest cycles; Rainfall variation; Rainfed; Southern Brazil; Sugarcane yield; Technological improvements; Water usage; Water use efficiency; Atmospheric temperature; Climate change; Climate models; Geologic models; Rain; Water supply; Carbon dioxide; air temperature; atmospheric general circulation model; carbon dioxide; climate change; climate effect; crop yield; cultivar; growth modeling; harvesting; irrigation system; rainfed agriculture; sugar cane; technological development; water supply; yield response; Brazil; Precis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930484345 | Probiotic effect of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on hen-day egg performance, serum and egg cholesterol levels in laying chicken | Ezema C., Eze D.C. | 2015 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 14 | 1 | 10.3923/pjn.2015.44.46 | Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Ezema, C., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Eze, D.C., Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This study evaluated the effect of varied levels of probiotc (Saccharomyces cereviae) on total serum and egg cholesterol levels in laying birds. The impact of this probiotic on hen-day egg performance was also studied. A total of 100 layers were randomly divided into 4 groups (A, B, C and D) of 25 layers each. The diets for groups A, B and C were supplemented with probiotic at varied levels of 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 g/kg of feed, respectively. Group D diet had no probiotic (Control). The layers were given 120 g of feed per bird per day in two divided doses (morning and afternoon). Eggs were collected three times daily (morning, afternoon and evening). All the eggs collected from each group were weighed and recorded daily. Five birds were randomly selected from each group and 5.0 ml of blood was collected from each bird. The blood samples were allowed to clot in a sample bottle and serum harvested was used to determine the total serum cholesterol content with the aid of a commercial kit. Five eggs were also randomly collected from each group and used to determine the total egg cholesterol content following standard procedure. The result showed that the probiotic fed groups had a significant (p<0.05) reduction in serum cholesterol levels than the control (group “D”). The least mean serum cholesterol level was group “A” (108.33±9.28 mg/dl) followed by group “C” (112.67±7.88 mg/dl) and group “B” (115.00±14.34 mg/dl). Group “D” (control) had a significantly higher mean serum cholesterol level of 166.67±8.82 mg/dl. Group “C” had a significantly higher (p<0.05) hen-day egg performance of 85.00±10.00%, followed by group “B” with 70.00±9.35% hen-day egg performance. Group “A” had a hen-day egg performance of 68.00±8.93% while group “D” (the control) had the least hen-day egg performance of 65.00±5.00%. Probiotic inclusion of 1.0 g/kg of feed was therefore recommended for effective reduction in serum and egg cholesterol levels and optimum hen-day egg performance. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2015. | Cholesterol; Eggs; Feed; Layers; Probiotic | cholesterol; probiotic agent; Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein; Article; blood level; controlled study; diet supplementation; egg laying; egg production; female; hen; nonhuman; Aves; Saccharomyces; Saccharomyces cerevisiae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052452794 | Effect of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine on neonatal birth weight and perceptions on its impact on malaria in pregnancy in an intermittent preventive treatment programme setting in Offinso District, Ghana | Tutu E.O., Browne E., Lawson B. | 2011 | International Health | 3 | 3 | 10.1016/j.inhe.2011.04.002 | Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Community Health, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Tutu, E.O., Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, Department of Community Health, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Browne, E., Department of Community Health, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Lawson, B., Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | This study evaluated the effect of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) use in intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) on birth weights of neonates in a stable malaria transmission area of Ghana, Offinso District. Routine delivery data from six health facilities over the period January 2005 to October 2007 were reviewed. In-depth interviews were conducted for health staff of these facilities to assess the effect of SP use in IPTp in pregnancy. SP-IPTp improved the birth weight of neonates and the effects of age, parity, term of pregnancy and sex of neonate also had significant influence on the birth weight (P<0.0001). The variation in birth weight of the neonates, however, did not show significant difference (OR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.8-1.1, P ≥0.26) over the period and seasonal variations had no effect on birth weight (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.7-1.1, P ≥0.18). Health personnel attested to the fact that SP-IPTp had reduced the burden of malaria cases in pregnancy and improved birth weight of neonates. This study, thus, shows that successful implementation of the SP-IPTp strategy will improve the birth weight of neonates, and consequently reduce neonatal mortality. © 2011 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. | Birth Weight; Intermittent preventive treatment; Malaria; Neonates; Pregnancy; Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine | pyrimethamine plus sulfadoxine; adult; age; article; birth weight; drug effect; female; gender; Ghana; health care facility; human; major clinical study; malaria; male; newborn; newborn mortality; pregnancy; priority journal; seasonal variation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870589404 | Probiotic effect of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on haematological parameters and growth performance of pullets fed palm kernel cake-based diet | Ezema C., Ihedioha O.C., Ihedioha J.I., Okorie-Kanu C.O., Kamalu T.N. | 2012 | Comparative Clinical Pathology | 21 | 6 | 10.1007/s00580-011-1250-3 | Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, N | Ezema, C., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ihedioha, O.C., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ihedioha, J.I., Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Okorie-Kanu, C.O., Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Kamalu, T.N., Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This study evaluated the effect of probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on weight gain, haematological parameters and the onset of egg laying in pullets fed palm kernel cake-based diet. After brooding, 100 pullets were randomly selected and divided into four groups (A-D) of 25 birds each. Diets for groups A to C were supplemented with probiotic at varied levels of 0. 6, 0. 8 and 1. 0 g/kg of feed, respectively. Group D diet had no probiotic (control). The feed for all the groups was isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Daily feed intake was determined, and the birds were weighed weekly. At the 9th and 15th weeks of age, five birds were randomly selected from each group and about 3 ml of blood was collected from each for haematological analysis following the standard procedures. The result showed that the packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly (P < 0. 05) higher in group C (28. 78 ± 0. 061%) than the other groups. All the probiotic supplemented groups had higher total leukocyte and absolute lymphocyte count than the control. Results also showed significantly higher (P < 0. 05) weight gain among the probiotic supplemented groups compared with the control between the 6th and 10th weeks of age. The results revealed that at the point of lay (18th week) group C had higher final mean live weight (1. 48 ± 0. 02 kg/bird) than group D (unsupplemented control; 1. 40 ± 0. 09 kg/bird). Group B was the first to drop egg at the 18th week, followed by groups A and C at the 20th week, while the control started laying at the 22nd week. In conclusion, probiotic supplementation improved weight gain, increased PCV, haemoglobin concentration, total leukocyte count and absolute lymphocyte count. The probiotic also reduced time of onset of egg laying. Probiotic (S. cerevisiae) inclusion level of 1. 0 g/kg of diet was recommended for optimum pullet development. However, there is a need for further studies to determine the effect of this probiotic on hen-day performance and egg quality. © 2011 Springer-Verlag London Limited. | Haematological parameters; Palm kernel; Probiotic; Pullets; Saccharomyces cerevisiae | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878753482 | Evaluation of glucosamine and snail mucin on the progression of experimental knee osteoarthritis in dogs [Evaluación de la glucosamina y mucina de caracol en la progresión de la osteoartritis experimental de rodilla en perros] | Ajadi A.R., Oladele S.G., Ebenezer B.O., Olajide B.K. | 2013 | International Journal of Morphology | 31 | 1 | 10.4067/S0717-95022013000100044 | Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Biological Sciences, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN, United States; Department of Veterinary Pathology, Federal University of Agr | Ajadi, A.R., Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Oladele, S.G., Department of Biological Sciences, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN, United States; Ebenezer, B.O., Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Olajide, B.K., Department of Veterinary Pathology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | This study evaluated the effect of oral glucosamine and intramuscular injection (IM) of snail mucin on the progression of experimental osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. Twenty adult mongrels with mean body weight (12.4±1.8 kg) were used. Experimental OA was induced surgically using the groove model. The dogs were randomly divided into three groups following radiographic evidence of OA. Group one (control) comprised of ten dogs treated with normal saline twice weekly for four weeks following OA. Group two comprised of five dogs treated with 10mg/kg of oral glucosamine daily for four weeks. Group three comprised of five dogs treated with 5mg/kg intramuscular injection of 5% solution of snail mucin twice weekly for four weeks. Blood was obtained from the cephalic vein before surgical arthrotomy, after surgical arthrotomy, immediately after radiographic confirmation of OA (Week 0) and at two weeks interval up to 4 weeks of treatment. Efficacy of the drugs was assessed by changes in plasma IL-6 and MMP-3, while safety was determined using the changes in packed cell volume (PCV), total white blood cell counts (WBC) and observable adverse reactions associated with the administration of the drugs. In this study, the PCV and WBC did not differ significantly (P> 0.05) from the control group. Plasma IL-6 and MMP-3 were significantly (P< 0.05) lower both in glucosamine-treated and snail mucin-treated dogs up to week 4 of treatment when compared with the control group. However, there were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in IL-6 and MMP-3 between the two treatment groups. In addition, painful swelling at the site of injection was observed in dogs treated with snail mucin, while no adverse reaction was observed in dogs treated with oral glucosamine. It was therefore concluded that both oral glucosamine and IM injection of snail mucin comparably modified the progression of OA. However, owing to the adverse reaction noted with IM injection of snail mucin, further study is required to determine the most appropriate route of administration. | Dogs; Glucosamine; Interleukin; Matrix metalloproteinase; Osteoarthritis; Snail mucin | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860343597 | The dynamics of urban expansion and its impacts on land use/land cover change and small-scale farmers living near the urban fringe: A case study of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Haregeweyn N., Fikadu G., Tsunekawa A., Tsubo M., Meshesha D.T. | 2012 | Landscape and Urban Planning | 106 | 2 | 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2012.02.016 | Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori 680-0001, Japan; Department of Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia | Haregeweyn, N., Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori 680-0001, Japan, Department of Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia; Fikadu, G., Department of Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia; Tsunekawa, A., Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori 680-0001, Japan; Tsubo, M., Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori 680-0001, Japan; Meshesha, D.T., Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori 680-0001, Japan | This study evaluated the dynamics of urban expansion and its impacts on land use/land cover change and livelihoods of small-scale farmers living near the urban fringe of Bahir Dar in northwest Ethiopia. Aerial photos for the years 1957, 1984, and 1994 as well as field mapping using GPS for the year 2009 were employed and analyzed using GIS. Heads of 271 households affected by the expansion were interviewed to evaluate the impacts of expansion and compensation modalities in practice. Results showed that the urban area expanded annually by about 12%, 14% and 5% during the periods: 1957-1984, 1984-1994 and 1994-2009, respectively. The area showed an overall annual increment of 31%, from 279. ha in 1957 to 4830. ha in 2009. Built-up areas increased as a result of horizontal expansion, from 80. ha in 1957 to 848. ha in 1994, but also due to intensification at the expense of agricultural areas, from 80 to 155. ha, during the same period. A total of 242.2. ha of farmland was expropriated from 271 households between 2004 and 2009, and 96% of those interviewed believed that the compensation was insufficient, as the decision is influenced by the government's land ownership system. We predict that the current urban area will double by 2024. This will have far-reaching ecological, socio-economic and environmental impacts. A better understanding of the dynamics of urban growth and its associated impacts in the urban fringe can help form a basis for sustainable planning of future developments of areas experiencing urban expansion. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Ethiopia; Expropriation; Horizontal expansion; Intensification; Urban expansion; Urban fringe | Ethiopia; Expropriation; Horizontal expansion; Intensification; Urban expansion; Urban fringe; Agriculture; Crystal orientation; Dynamics; aerial photography; agricultural intensification; agricultural land; agricultural worker; GIS; GPS; land cover; land use change; land use planning; landownership; urban growth; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33947420822 | Evaluation of cooking energy cost, efficiency, impact on air pollution and policy in Nigeria | Anozie A.N., Bakare A.R., Sonibare J.A., Oyebisi T.O. | 2007 | Energy | 32 | 7 | 10.1016/j.energy.2006.07.004 | Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, P.O. Box 013, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Technology Planning and Development Unit, Obafemi Awolowo University, P.O. Box 013, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Anozie, A.N., Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, P.O. Box 013, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Bakare, A.R., Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, P.O. Box 013, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Sonibare, J.A., Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, P.O. Box 013, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Oyebisi, T.O., Technology Planning and Development Unit, Obafemi Awolowo University, P.O. Box 013, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | This study evaluated the cooking energy costs and efficiencies, the air pollution impacts of cooking energy consumption and the impact of the energy policy in the cooking energy sector in Nigeria. Water boiling and cooking experiments using the common cooking energy sources (fuel wood, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and electricity) and common food items (water, yam and beans) were carried out. Energy surveys were carried out to determine the cooking energy use patterns in the urban and rural areas. It was found that fuel wood is the least expensive cooking energy source and LPG is the most expensive. Energy use efficiencies for boiling water were estimated at 25%, 46%, 73%, 79%, 66% and 90% for fuel wood, kerosene, gas, electric immersion coil, electric heating coil and electric hot plate, respectively. Energy intensity was found to be a comparative measure of energy efficiency. The impacts of air pollution from household cooking suggested a possibility of significant air pollutants contribution to the ambient environment using any of the energy carriers considered except electricity. The cooking energy use patterns showed that fuel wood is the predominant energy source for cooking in the rural areas while kerosene is the predominant energy source in the urban areas, revealing that the energy policy in the country had made no impact in the cooking energy sector. Recommendations for improving the energy supply situation were given and for removing the barriers that prevent the implementation of the recommendations. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Cooking energy; Cost; Efficiency; Impact on air pollution; Policy | Energy efficiency; Energy policy; Energy utilization; Kerosene; Liquefied petroleum gas; Air pollutants; Cooking energy; Energy carriers; Air pollution; Air pollution; Energy efficiency; Energy policy; Energy utilization; Kerosene; Liquefied petroleum gas; atmospheric pollution; energy conservation; energy efficiency; energy policy; fuel consumption; fuelwood; household energy; liquefied petroleum gas; rural area; urban area; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Dioscorea alata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940219584 | Chemical evaluation of unripe plantain dishes commonly consumed by type 2 diabetics attending the university of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa lbom state, Nigeria | Onuoha O.N., Eme P.E., Ekpo U.E. | 2014 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 13 | 6 | 10.3923/pjn.2014.331.334 | Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Onuoha, O.N., Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Eme, P.E., Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ekpo, U.E., Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This study evaluated the chemical composition of unripe plantain dishes commonly consumed by Type-2 diabetics attending the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Akvva lbom, Nigeria. Groups of type 2 diabetic patients were engaged in a focus group discussion to identify the plantain dishes commonly prepared and their recipes. The groups mentioned many plantain dishes but five of them were randomly selected for preparation. The ingredients for preparation of the unripe plantain dishes were purchased from a market in Uyo. The proximate, mineral and antinutrient composition of the dishes were analyzed using standards methods. Means and standard deviation of the triplicate determination was determined and analysis of variance was used to separate the means. The results showed that Unripe plantain flour had the highest carbohydrate content (76.96%) while unripe plantain flour meal with vegetable soup had the highest protein and ash content. All the plantain dishes had low levels of minerals. The saponin (2.54%) and tannin (0.08%) levels of the unripe plantain flour was the highest when compared with the other plantain dishes. There is need to educate the diabetics on the nutrient content of plantain based dishes and encourage them to diversify their diets. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2014. | Chemical; Diabetics; Dishes; Evaluation; Plantain-based | carbohydrate; mineral; protein; saponin; tannin; article; ash; banana; chemical analysis; diet; food composition; human; Nigeria; non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; nonhuman; nutrient | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-81555195731 | Evaluation of antioxidant activity of Tetracarpidium conophorum (Müll. Arg) Hutch & Dalziel leaves | Amaeze O.U., Ayoola G.A., Sofidiya M.O., Adepoju-Bello A.A., Adegoke A.O., Coker H.A.B. | 2011 | Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity | None | None | 10.1155/2011/976701 | Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria | Amaeze, O.U., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria; Ayoola, G.A., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria; Sofidiya, M.O., Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria; Adepoju-Bello, A.A., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria; Adegoke, A.O., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria; Coker, H.A.B., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria | This study evaluated the antioxidant activity as well as bioflavonoid content of the methanol and ethanol-water extracts of the fresh and dried leaves of Tetracarpidium conophorum. Antioxidant activity was determined by spectrophotometric methods using DPPH free radical, nitric oxide radical inhibition and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. In addition, total phenolics, flavonoids and proanthocyanidin content were also determined. The ethanol: water extract of the dried leaves had the highest antioxidant activity with a 50 inhibition of DPPH at a concentration of 0.017mg/mL compared to the standards, Vitamin C and Vitamin E with inhibition of 0.019 and 0.011mg/mL, respectively. This extract also showed nitric oxide radical inhibition activity comparable to that of rutin, 54.45 and 55.03 for extract and rutin, respectively, at 0.1mg/mL. Ferric reducing power was also comparable to that of ascorbic acid (281 and 287M Fe (11)/g, resp.) at a concentration of 1mg/mL. The methanol extract of both the dried and the fresh leaves had higher phenolic, flavonoids and proanthocyanidin content than the ethanol:water extract. The study reveals that T. conophorum can be an interesting source of antioxidants with their potential use in different fields namely food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. © 2011 O. U. Amaeze et al. | None | Antioxidant activities; Ascorbic acids; Dalziel; Dried leaves; Ethanol-water; Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay; Fresh leaves; Inhibition activity; Methanol extract; Proanthocyanidins; Reducing power; Spectro-photometric method; Total phenolics; Vitamin C; Vitamin-E; Water extracts; Agents; Ethanol; Flavonoids; Free radicals; Ketones; Methanol; Nitric oxide; Organic acids; Phenols; Spectrophotometers; Spectrophotometry; Solvent extraction; 1,1 diphenyl 2 picrylhydrazyl; alpha tocopherol; antioxidant; ascorbic acid; flavonoid; iron; nitric oxide; phenol derivative; plant extract; proanthocyanidin; rutoside; Tetracarpidium conophorum extract; unclassified drug; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; antioxidant; biphenyl derivative; picric acid; antioxidant activity; article; Euphorbia; nonhuman; phytochemistry; plant leaf; Tetracarpidium conophorum; walnut; chemistry; Euphorbiaceae; plant leaf; Tetracarpidium conophorum; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biphenyl Compounds; Euphorbiaceae; Picrates; Plant Leaves; Vitamin E | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960161803 | The evaluation of the analgesic activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Jatropha curcas (Linn) in experimental animals | Yusuf O.S., Maxwell E.I. | 2011 | International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology | 6 | 2 | 10.1504/IJBET.2011.041124 | Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umu | Yusuf, O.S., Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria; Maxwell, E.I., Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria | This study evaluated the analgesic activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Jatropha curcas (Linn) in-vivo using analgesic models viz. hot plate method in mice, tail flick or immersion method in rats and the acetic acid-induced writhing reflex model in mice. In all the models, Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) was used as the reference drug. In the hot plate and tail flick models, the oral administration of J. curcas extract at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg and the reference drug ASA (400 mg/kg) showed potent analgesic effects by significantly (P < 0.001) increasing the Pain Reaction Time (PRT) dose dependently in mice and rats. Also the reference drug and the extract of J. curcas significantly (P < 0.0001) decreased the number of the abdominal Keywords: Jatropha curcas; hot plate; tail flick; writhing reflex; ASA; acetylsalicylic acid. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Yusuf, O.S. and Maxwell, E.I. (2011) 'The evaluation of the analgesic activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Jatropha curcas (Linn) in experimental animals', Int. J. Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Vol. 6, No. 2, pp.200-207. Biographical notes: Omeh S. Yusuf is a Lecturer in Biochemistry and has BSc and MSc degrees, with specialisation in Medical/Plant Biochemistry. He is pursuing his PhD in Lipid Biochemistry, which is nearing completion. He is involved in research concerning medicinal plants. contortions in the acetic acid-induced writhing reflex in mice and increased the percentage protection in a dose dependent manner. In conclusion, this study indicates that the methanolic leaf extract of Jatropha curcas has significant analgesic properties and may be acting through both peripheral and central pain mechanisms. © 2011 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Acetylsalicylic acid; ASA; Hot plate; Jatropha curcas; Tail flick; Writhing reflex | Acetyl salicylic acid; ASA; Hot plates; Jatropha curcas; Tail flick; Writhing reflex; Acetic acid; Biochemistry; Biomedical engineering; Drug dosage; pH; Rats; Animals | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878070243 | Evaluation of rheology and moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures modified with low density polyethylene | Bagampadde U., Kaddu D., Kiggundu B.M. | 2013 | International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology | 6 | 3 | 10.6135/ijprt.org.tw/2013.6(3).217 | School of Engineering, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda | Bagampadde, U., School of Engineering, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Kaddu, D., School of Engineering, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Kiggundu, B.M., School of Engineering, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda | This study evaluated rheological properties of low density polyethylene (LDPE) modified asphalts using conventional methods (penetration, softening point and rotational viscosity) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). In addition, Marshall Properties and moisture damage of mixtures from these asphalts and four aggregates were studied using ASTM D1559 and ASTMD4867. LDPE modification improved asphalt temperature susceptibility. Practical LDPE dosages obtained were 2.5% and 3.0% (w/w) for 60/70 and 80/100 asphalts, respectively. LDPE addition slowed down approach of asphalt to a pure viscous liquid while increasing complex modulus at high temperature. The modified asphalts exhibited pseudo-plasticity and LDPE reduced shear susceptibilities of 60/70 and 80/100 asphalts by 16% and 34%, respectively. Modified mixtures exhibited stability increase to a maximum followed by a decrease possibly because of stretching of asphalt by LDPE. The total voids in mix remained within 3-5% for LDPE dosages between 0 and 3%. Limestone mixtures resisted moisture damage, while pumice behavior was asphalt specific. Neat granite and quartzite mixtures did not resist moisture damage though LDPE made them resistant. © Chinese Society of Pavement Engineering. | Aggregate; Asphalt; Moisture; Polyethylene; Rheology | Conventional methods; Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA); Low density polyethylene(LDPE); Modified asphalts; Moisture susceptibility; Rheological property; Rotational viscosity; Temperature susceptibility; Aggregates; Asphalt; Elasticity; Mixtures; Moisture; Polyethylenes; Rheology; Asphalt mixtures | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873245871 | Yield and agronomic performance of maize hybrids resistant to the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) | Tefera T., Demissie G., Mugo S., Beyene Y. | 2013 | Crop Protection | 46 | None | 10.1016/j.cropro.2012.12.010 | International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF House, UN Avenue, Gigiri, PO Box 1041, 00621 Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya; Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Bako National Maize Research Project, Po Box 2003, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia | Tefera, T., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF House, UN Avenue, Gigiri, PO Box 1041, 00621 Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya; Demissie, G., Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Bako National Maize Research Project, Po Box 2003, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia; Mugo, S., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF House, UN Avenue, Gigiri, PO Box 1041, 00621 Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya; Beyene, Y., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF House, UN Avenue, Gigiri, PO Box 1041, 00621 Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya | This study evaluated improved maize hybrids (Zea mays L.) with varying level of resistance to the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, for yield and agronomic traits for two seasons. A total of 22 improved maize hybrids and three commercial standards were tested. Out of the 22 tested, two hybrids CKPH08035 (7.4-9.9 t ha-1) and CKPH08039 (7.3-9.8 t ha-1) significantly out yielded the commercial standards WH505 (8.8 t ha-1) and BH140 (5.5 t ha-1). In addition to yield, the improved hybrids also possess desirable traits including good plant height, good plant and ear aspects and good husk cover. The hybrid CKPH08004 had the lowest Dobie index of susceptibility and was regarded as resistant to S. zeamais. Weevils fed with the resistant hybrids produced low numbers of F1 generation weevils, had a high median developmental time and a low percentage of grain damage and grain weight loss. An increasing number of F1 generation resulted in an increasing grain damage and grain weight loss. We found an inverse relationship between the susceptibility index and percent mortality. However, the numbers of F1 generation, percent grain damage and grain weight loss were positively correlated with the susceptibility index. The use of resistant maize hybrids should be promoted in managing S. zeamais in stored maize under subsistence farming conditions in Africa. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Grain yield; Host resistance; Maize; Postharvest loss; Sitophilus zeamais | agronomy; beetle; crop damage; crop yield; hybrid; index method; mortality; performance assessment; pest resistance; pest species; plant-herbivore interaction; Coleoptera; Curculionidae; Sitophilus zeamais; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904577996 | Evaluation of bovine rumen contents as a feed for lambs | Olafadehan O.A., Okunade S.A., Njidda A.A. | 2014 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 46 | 6 | 10.1007/s11250-014-0590-9 | Department of Animal Science, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production Technology, Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, Bayero University, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria | Olafadehan, O.A., Department of Animal Science, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria; Okunade, S.A., Department of Animal Production Technology, Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Nigeria; Njidda, A.A., Department of Animal Science, Bayero University, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria | This study evaluated effects of increasing levels of dried rumen contents (DRC) on voluntary intake, growth performance, digestibility, nutritive value, N utilization, microbial protein supply (MPS), and purine derivatives excretion (PDE) of lambs fed with Afzelia africana basal forage. Sixteen lambs (13.7 ± 0.1 kg body weight (BW)) were randomly assigned to one of the four eight diets containing 0, 200, 400 and 600 g DRC/kg dry matter (DM) in a completely random design. Intakes of concentrate, DM, crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), digestible CP (DCP), digestible OM (DOM), digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME), CP and OM digestibility, DOM, DCP, DE, ME, N intake and retention, weight gain, cost/kg BW gain, MPS and PDE increased with increasing DRC level up to 400 g/kg DRC and declined at 600 g/kg DRC (P < 0.05; 0.01). Feed conversion ratio and DM digestibility declined as DRC level increased from 0 to 400 g/kg and peaked at 600 g/kg DRC (P < 0.05; 0.01). Forage intake and DE/DCP ratio decreased (P < 0.05; 0.01) progressively with increasing DRC level. Results indicate that DRC can be incorporated up to 400 g/kg in a compounded ration for sheep. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Lambs; Microbial protein; N utilization; Nutritive value; Rumen content; Weight gain | Afzelia africana; Bovinae; Ovis aries; nitrogen; analysis; analysis of variance; animal; animal food; animal food; animal husbandry; Bovinae; chemistry; controlled study; cost benefit analysis; diet; digestion; domestic sheep; growth, development and aging; metabolism; Nigeria; nutritional value; physiology; procedures; randomized controlled trial; ruminant stomach; stomach juice; veterinary; weight gain; Analysis of Variance; Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Cattle; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Diet; Digestion; Gastrointestinal Contents; Nigeria; Nitrogen; Nutritive Value; Rumen; Sheep, Domestic; Weight Gain | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77949570369 | Quality evaluation of beef patties formulated with bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean L.) seed flour | Alakali J.S., Irtwange S.V., Mzer M.T. | 2010 | Meat Science | 85 | 2 | 10.1016/j.meatsci.2009.12.027 | Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | Alakali, J.S., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Irtwange, S.V., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Mzer, M.T., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | This study evaluated composite beef-bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean L.) seed flour patties to determine the effect of bambara groundnut flour (BGF) inclusion on the quality and acceptability of the products. The effect of different levels of BGF (0%, 2.5%, 5.0% and 7.5%) on the proximate composition and pH indicate that BGF had no significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on moisture, protein and carbohydrate of raw patties except ash and pH whereas there was significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on all the parameters for the cooked patties. BGF significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced the shrinkage of the cooked patties from 9.13% to 6.76%, while percentage cooking yield, moisture retention, and fat retention increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with increasing BGF levels from 79.1% to 87.2%, 67.51% to 78.05% and 73.51% to 88.34%, respectively. The use of BGF significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the pH of cooked patties from 6.16 to 6.23. Beef patties extended with BGF up to 5% addition exhibited good quality attributes most acceptable to the consumers. The pH of the 0% BGF-beef patties decreased significantly during storage, up to day 14, and increased thereafter. However, the pH of the patties with BGF consistently decreased significantly up to day 21. The TBA values of both (0% and 5% BGF-beef patties) increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from 0.054 to 0.25 and from 0.05 to 0.24 mg malonaldehyde/kg, respectively. All sensory attributes decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) as storage time progressed. The physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of the patties were found to be acceptable after 21 days refrigerated storage. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Bambara groundnuts; Beef patties; Evaluation; Quality | animal; article; cattle; cooking; economics; food preservation; freezing; legume; male; meat; pH; plant seed; principal component analysis; standard; Animals; Cattle; Cookery; Fabaceae; Food Preservation; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Meat; Principal Component Analysis; Refrigeration; Seeds; Arachis hypogaea; Bambara; Vigna subterranea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67650021890 | The school library development programme in Pallisa District, Uganda: An impact study | Magara E., Batambuze C. | 2009 | IFLA Journal | 35 | 2 | 10.1177/0340035209105670 | East African School of Librar y and Information Science, Makerere University, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; National Book Trust of Uganda, PO Box 25412, Kampala, Uganda | Magara, E., East African School of Librar y and Information Science, Makerere University, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Batambuze, C., National Book Trust of Uganda, PO Box 25412, Kampala, Uganda | This study establishes the impact of the School Library Development Programme (SLDP) of the East African Book Development Association (EABDA) on the beneficiary schools in Pallisa District. The study was financed with funds provided by the Guust van Wesemael Literacy Prize, awarded by IFLA to the National Book Trust of Uganda in 2007. Data were collected from implementers and participants in the Pallisa District project including teachers, children, head teachers, teacher librarians and the District Education Office. It was established that there was significant utilization of (a) the skills acquired from the training and (b) the donation of books, in the management of collections and use of the library. Although schools had put in place strategies for enabling children to borrow and read books, the absence of purpose-built libraries with adequate seating facilities and space has limited children's abilities to use the library and enjoy reading in schools. There is a need for a comprehensive school library development programme to guide interventions for stocking school libraries with relevant books and promoting reading practices. Copyright © 2009 Author. | Children's reading; East African Book Development Association; Impact studies; School libraries; School Library Development Programme; Uganda | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876405182 | Modeling used engine oil impact on the compaction and strength characteristics of a lateritic soil | Ojuri O.O., Ogundipe O.O. | 2012 | Electronic Journal of Geotechnical Engineering | None | None | None | Department of Civil Engineering Science, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | Ojuri, O.O., Department of Civil Engineering Science, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Ogundipe, O.O., Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | This study entails simulating an oil contaminated site by mixing predetermined amounts of used engine oil with lateritic soil samples collected in Akure, south-western Nigeria. Geotechnical testing performed on the studied soils include basic index property tests, compaction tests and strength tests. Soil samples collected from the surrounding of the Engineering Workshop (Machine Shop) building in the Federal University of Technology, Akure were mixed with 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% of used engine oil by dried weight of the soil. The oil contaminated soils indicated lower Maximum Dry Density (MDD), optimum moisture content (OMC), unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) compared to the uncontaminated soil. Regression models for the estimation of compaction and strength characteristics for this type of ferrallitic lateritic soils were established. © 2012 ejge. | Ferrallitic laterite; Land pollution; Regression models; Soil bearing capacity; Waste oil | Ferrallitic laterite; Land pollution; Regression model; Soil bearing capacity; Waste oil; Compaction; Compressive strength; Lubricating oils; Machine shops; Regression analysis; Soil pollution; Soil surveys; Soils; Soil testing; bearing capacity; compaction; compressive strength; dry density; laterite; modeling; moisture content; numerical model; oil pollution; regression analysis; soil pollution; soil strength; soil test; Akure; Nigeria; Ondo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-68649084455 | The impact of constitutional principles on the administration of justice in United Kingdom | Fabunmi M., Araromi M. | 2009 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 33 | 1 | None | Department of Educational Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Fabunmi, M., Department of Educational Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Araromi, M., Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | This study entails an analysis of the impact of the constitutional principles of parliamentary sovereignty, rule of law and separation of powers on administration of justice in the United Kingdom, a country which is noted for judicial impartiality in the administration of justice. The Dicey's rules of parliamentary sovereignty, rule of law and the separation of powers served as the basis for analysis. He was a professor of law at Oxford University. References were made to other relevant theories, statutes and cases. Parliamentary sovereignty deals with the relationship between the Parliament and the law. The rule of law is concerned with the relationship between the government and the law. It was argued that there should be separation of the legislative and executive (which then included the judiciary) functions of government. Later theorists argued for an independent judiciary. The application of the doctrines often creates tension, which is often resolved. It was concluded that the operation of the constitutional principles of the sovereignty of Parliament, the rule of law and separation of powers has positive impact on the administration of justice in United Kingdom. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2009. | Administration of justice; Constitutional principles; Parliamentary sovereignty; Rule of law; Separation of powers | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33744454929 | Structure and performance evaluation of cocoa marketing institutions in South-Western Nigeria: An economic analysis | Folayan J.A., Daramola G.A., Oguntade A.E. | 2006 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 4 | 2 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria | Folayan, J.A., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria; Daramola, G.A., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria; Oguntade, A.E., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria | This study employs various measures of parameters of market structure such as concentration ratio, Gini Coefficients and Herfindahl Index and Market performance such as cost and return and multiple regression analyses in an attempt to examine empirically structural performance of cocoa marketing institutions in South-Western Nigeria using cross sectional data collected from 140 cocoa marketers in the study area. The empirical results revealed that based on the outcome of various parameters measure of market concentration indexes, cocoa market was found to be perfectly competitive. Also, the result of market performance analysis revealed that cocoa marketing is profitable while the postulated regressors explained about 96 percent variation in the quantity of cocoa purchased in the study area. | Exporters; Licensed buying agents; Warehousing market structure and performance | Theobroma cacao | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859460950 | Impacts of climate change on rice agriculture in Nigeria | Ajetomobia J., Abiodunb A., Hassanc R. | 2011 | Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems | 14 | 2 | None | Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, PMB 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Dept. of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Ajetomobia, J., Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, PMB 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Abiodunb, A., Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, PMB 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Hassanc, R., Dept. of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This study employed the Ricardian approach to test the relative importance of climate normals (average long-term temperature and precipitation) in explaining net revenue from Nigerian rice agriculture under irrigation and dry land conditions. A survey was done by interviewing 1200 rice farmers from 20 rice producing states in Nigeria. The states covered all the six geopolitical zones in the country. The results showed that increase in temperature will reduce net revenue for dry land rice farms while net revenue rises with increase in temperature for irrigated rice farms. Precipitation had similar effects on rice net revenue. Increase in precipitation will cause reduction in revenue for dry land rice farms whereas it will cause increase in revenue for irrigated farms. The results clearly demonstrate irrigation as a significant techniques used by the farmers to adapt to the climate change. Other adaptation options include Keeping of livestock, engaging in off farm works and the use of different market channels. | Climate change; Irrigation; Net revenue; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897143998 | The impact of financial structure on profitability of firms: A cross-sectional industry analysis of Nigerian quoted firms | Ekumankama O.O. | 2011 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 9 | 1 E | None | Banking and Finance Department, Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, African Institute of Applied Economics, Nigeria | Ekumankama, O.O., Banking and Finance Department, Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, African Institute of Applied Economics, Nigeria | This study empirically examines the impact of financial structure decision on the profitability of Nigerian quoted firms. Cross-sectional time series data of 72 Nigerian quoted firms were collated and analysed. Two hypotheses were proposed for the study, while the ordinary least square (OLS), fixed effects (FE) and the gerneralised least square (GLS) regression were used on pooled and panel data to estimate the relationship between financial leverage and the different measures of profitability in Nigeria quoted firms. In determining the extent of the influence of leverage on the dependent variables, most of the industrial groups showed evidence of sizable positive influence of leverage on profitability and earnings yield. This was significant and robust with all the measures of leverage. | Cross-sectional analysis; Finance; Listed firms; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958810394 | Empirical analysis of impact of capital market development on Nigeria's economic growth (1981-2008) (case study: Nigerian stock exchange) | Obiakor R.T., Okwu A.T. | 2011 | DLSU Business and Economics Review | 20 | 2 | None | Babcock University, Nigeria | Obiakor, R.T., Babcock University, Nigeria; Okwu, A.T., Babcock University, Nigeria | This study empirically examined the impact of capital market development on economic growth in Nigeria for the period 1981-2008. The major tool we employed for empirical analysis is a multiple regression analysis model specified on the basis of hypothesized functional relationship between capital market development and economic growth. For capital market development indicators, we considered ratios of value of shares traded, market capitalization, gross capital formation and foreign private investment, to gross domestic product, as explanatory variables, while we used growth rate of gross domestic product as the dependent variable. We introduced an error correction term to capture the flexibility in adjustment to long-run equilibrium. We estimated the model via the ordinary least squares (OLS) techniques. Further, we evaluated the model using relevant statistics. The results showed that while market capitalization, gross capital formation, and foreign private investment individually exerted statistically significant impact on growth of the economy, value of shares traded exerted positive but statistically insignificant impact during the review period. However, the variables jointly exerted statistically significant impact on growth of the economy. In addition, the model exhibited a very high explanatory power and high flexibility in adjustment to long-run equilibrium. The variables time series were stationary at second difference, showed existence of long-run relationship between the two sets of variables, and exhibited stability for the study period. Based on the findings, the study recommended, among others, sustainable development of the capital market to enhance faster rates of capital accumulation for greater productivity gains and economic growth as well as the need to complement market development with real sector macroeconomic policy thrust like significant reduction in lending rates to stimulate investment and manufacturing activities in the real sector and translate capital market gains to real sector output growth. © 2011 De La Salle University, Philippines. | Capital market; Development; Economic growth | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957609037 | Influence of blood meal type on reproductive performance of the malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae s.s. (Diptera: Culicidae) | Olayemi I.K., Ande A.T., Danlami G., Abdullahi U. | 2011 | Journal of Entomology | 8 | 5 | 10.3923/je.2011.459.467 | Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Department of Zoology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Olayemi, I.K., Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Ande, A.T., Department of Zoology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Danlami, G., Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Abdullahi, U., Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | This study elucidated the influence of blood meal type on reproductive performance of Anopheles gambiae s.s. Starting from three days old, An. gambiae mosquitoes, from a laboratory colony maintained following1 standard anopheline rearing techniques, were offered seven different blood meal types, through an artificial membrane. Thereafter, the mosquitoes were monitored for pre-larval and immature stage reproductive attributes. The results indicated that except for Embryony Period (EP) and Pupal Stage Duration (PSD), all attributes investigated varied significantly (p<0.05) among blood meals. While Blood Feeding Rate (BFR) was significantly highest and least in groups of mosquitoes fed with human (Mean = 94.69±3.36%) and pig (Mean = 48.54±10.13%) blood meals, respectively; the shortest Pre-oviposition Period (POP) were recorded among mosquitoes given human and cattle blood meals (Mean = 3.96±0.88 and 4.30±1.25 days, respectively). Also, human blood meal was the most ideal for Oviposition Rate (OR) (Mean = 79.20±12.39%) while chicken and pig blood meals were the least favourable (Mean = 46.80±9.55 and 48.05±6.34%, respectively). Fecundity (F) had similar distribution pattern as BFR while Egg Hatching Rate (HER) was generally low (<60%), irrespective of blood meal type. While Total Immature Stage Duration (TISD) varied widely among blood meal types, Total Larval Stage Duration (TLSD) was only significantly (p<0.05) longest in mosquitoes fed with pig blood meal (12.33±1.63 days). The epidemiological implications of these results were highlighted and discussed. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc. | Blood feeding rate; Egg hatching rate; Embryony period; Fecundity; Larvaldevelopment | Anopheles gambiae; Bos; Culicidae; Diptera; Suidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887592587 | Preparation of well-defined dendrimer encapsulated ruthenium nanoparticles and their evaluation in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol according to the langmuir-hinshelwood approach | Antonels N.C., Meijboom R. | 2013 | Langmuir | 29 | 44 | 10.1021/la402885k | Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland-Park 2006, South Africa | Antonels, N.C., Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland-Park 2006, South Africa; Meijboom, R., Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland-Park 2006, South Africa | This study discusses the preparation of various sized dendrimer encapsulated ruthenium nanoparticles (RuDEN) with the use of the generation 4 (G4), generation 5 (G5), and generation 6 (G6) hydroxyl-terminated poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM-OH) dendrimers as templating agents. The size of the nanoparticles ranges from 1.1 to 2.2 nm. These catalysts were fully characterized using UV/vis spectrophotometry, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The RuDEN catalysts were evaluated in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4NP) in the presence of sodium borohydride (BH4-) for various concentrations of either. The kinetic data obtained were modeled to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood equation. The model allows the relation of the apparent rate constant to the total surface area S of the nanoparticle, the kinetic constant k which is related to the rate-determining step, and the adsorption constants K4NP and KBH4 for 4NP and borohydride, respectively. These parameters were calculated for each of the RuDENs, proving the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model to be suitable for the kinetic evaluation of RuDENs in the catalytic reduction of 4NP. © 2013 American Chemical Society. | None | Apparent rate constant; Langmuir Hinshelwood equation; Langmuir-Hinshelwood; Langmuir-Hinshelwood models; Rate determining step; Ruthenium Nanoparticles; Sodium boro hydrides; UV/vis spectrophotometry; Catalysts; Kinetics; Metal nanoparticles; Phenols; Rate constants; Transmission electron microscopy; Dendrimers | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749617437 | Integrated ecological economics accounting approach to evaluation of inter-basin water transfers: An application to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project | Matete M., Hassan R. | 2006 | Ecological Economics | 60 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2005.12.010 | Department of Agricultural Economics, National University of Lesotho, P.O. Roma, 180, Lesotho; Center for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa | Matete, M., Department of Agricultural Economics, National University of Lesotho, P.O. Roma, 180, Lesotho; Hassan, R., Center for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa | This study developed a generalised analytical framework that can be applied to integrating environmental sustainability aspects into economic development planning in the case of exploiting water resources through inter-basin water transfers (IBWT). The study developed and applied a multi-country ecological social accounting matrix (MC-ESAM) for Lesotho and SA to evaluate the ecological implications of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) and their consequent economic costs and benefits for the two countries. The study further used the developed MC-ESAM multipliers to analyse the impact of lost ecological services downstream the LHWP dams in Lesotho on the wellbeing of households directly affected by the project in Lesotho and the general economies of Lesotho and SA. The results revealed that while the LHWP has significant direct and indirect benefits in terms of social and economic development in Lesotho and SA, the project has serious unintended impacts on ecological resources and services, with deleterious wellbeing implications for populations residing within the reaches of the LHWP rivers and downstream the LHWP dams in Lesotho. The empirical analysis results showed relatively small impacts in general, but were significant for groups of people directly affected by the project in Lesotho. An important limitation of the empirical contributions of the study relates to the inability to measure and include in the analyses values of critical other ecosystem services of affected freshwater resources. Nevertheless, the study demonstrated the importance of integrated ecological economic accounting for comprehensive assessment of IBWT projects' impacts. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Ecological social accounting matrix (ESAM); Human wellbeing; Inter-basin water transfers (IBWT); Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP); Riparians | ecological economics; economic development; social development; sustainability; water resource; Africa; Lesotho; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866026785 | Modelling relationship marketing and performance of Nigerian banks | Asikhia O. | 2012 | International Journal of Business Innovation and Research | 6 | 5 | 10.1504/IJBIR.2012.048784 | 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 | This study determines the effect of relationship marketing on performance of Nigerian banks. This paper presents primary data collected by self-administered questionnaires involving a sample of 472 respondents; 363 bank customers and 109 bank management staffs from the two major cities that house the banks headquarters in Nigeria, i.e. Abuja and Lagos. The data were subjected to correlation, regression and structural equation modelling. This study reveals that relationship marketing has a positive and statistically significant relationship with performance and relationship marketing contributed differently to the variations in the various performance variables. The empirical evidence of this paper affects major aspects of bank management and relevant recommendations are made. Copyright © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Business innovation; Customer loyalty; Customer satisfaction; Customer service; Growth; Nigeria; Performance; Relationship marketing; Sustainable competitive advantage | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921000981 | Environmental impact assessment of coal mining at Enugu, Nigeria | Ogbonna P.C., Nzegbule E.C., Okorie P.E. | 2015 | Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal | 33 | 1 | 10.1080/14615517.2014.941711 | Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Department of Forestry and Environmental Management, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P. | Ogbonna, P.C., Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Nzegbule, E.C., Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Okorie, P.E., Department of Forestry and Environmental Management, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | This study determined the views of respondents in Akwuke and Iva mine communities concerning the impact of coal mining activities on animal and plant species, pattern of settlement, pollution effect and health of people living in these two mined areas in Enugu, Nigeria. Data were generated through sample survey using a well-structured questionnaire and personal observation in the field. Khaya ivorensis (mahogany) was the major tree species that had gone extinct (72% of respondents), and Geochelone sulcata (tortoise) was the major animal species that has gone extinct (80% of respondents) in the two mined areas. Sixty-five percent of the respondents said that water pollution was most severe environmental impact of mining in Akwuke. The major health hazard caused by mining in Akwuke (55% of respondents) and Iva (65% of respondents) was blindness. Indeed, 82.5% of respondents indicated that mining affected the pattern of settlement in the two mined areas. Emphatically, coal mining affected negatively some of the socio-economic activities of the inhabitants of the mined area through removal of vegetation to access coal deposit vis-à-vis blasting, quarrying and crushing of coal. © 2015, © 2014 IAIA. | animal species; coal mining; health effect; pattern of settlement; pollution impact; tree species | animal; coal mining; environmental impact assessment; health impact; human activity; tree; water pollution; Enugu [Nigeria]; Nigeria; Animalia; Geochelone sulcata; Iva; Khaya ivorensis; Swietenia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879304642 | The impact of micro financing on poverty levels of rural women farm households in Abia State, Nigeria; implication for policy intervention | Ezeh C.I., Anyiro C.O. | 2013 | Journal of Central European Agriculture | 14 | 2 | 10.5513/JCEA01/14.2.1245 | Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension Abia State University, Umuahia Campus, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | Ezeh, C.I., Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension Abia State University, Umuahia Campus, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Anyiro, C.O., Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension Abia State University, Umuahia Campus, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | This study determined the impact of micro-finance on poverty level of rural women farm households in Abia State, Nigeria: Implication for policy intervention. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select the local government areas, communities and respondents in the three (Aba, Ohafia and Umuahia) agricultural zones of the State. The sample size was 240 (120 a piece for rural women farmer borrowers and non borrowers). Instrument of data collection was a set of structured and pre-tested questionnaire administered on both groups of rural women farmers. The result indicated that incidence of poverty or head count ratio was 0.558 for the rural women farmers borrowers and 0.933 for the rural women farmer non borrowers; poverty gap otherwise known as income short fall was 0.4547 for the rural women farmer borrowers and 0.6995 for the rural women farmer non borrowers. The result of the paired t-test showed that micro-finance impacted significantly on annual farm income, farm size and fertilizer use level of rural women farmer borrowers at given levels of significance. It was however, recommended that increased subsidy policy on agro-inputs and increased funding by the micro-finance will significantly aim at reducing the poverty levels of these women. | Impact; Micro-financing; Poverty levels; Rural women farm households | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879079917 | Evaluating the growth performance of local Kei chickens and their F 1-crosses with Rhode Island Red and Fayoumi breeds in watershed areas of Guraghe administrative zone, southern Ethiopia | Alewi M., Melesse A. | 2013 | Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems | 16 | 1 | None | Debrezeit Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 32, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia | Alewi, M., Debrezeit Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 32, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Melesse, A., Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia | This study describes the on-farm performance of local Kei chicken and its F1 crosses with Fayoumi and Rhode Island Red (RIR) breeds in Beresa watershed of Guraghe administrative zone, southern Ethiopia. The Kei paternal line was mated with maternal lines of Fayoumi and RIR chickens to produce F1-crosses. Body weight developments and feed intake were determined on weekly basis. Then body weight gain and feed efficiency ratios (FER, weight gain: feed) were calculated. Hatchability was 59.0% and 73.7%, 54.7% for Kei, Fayoumi-crosses and RIR-crosses, respectively. In male chicks, the mean day-old weight ranged from 28.8 to 40.1 g and in female chicks from 26.2 to 35.8 g. The average body weight of matured male and female RIR-crosses was 1682 and 1227 g, respectively. The corresponding values for Fayoumi-crosses were 1310 and 1054 g and that of local Kei 1273 and 987 g. During the brooding period, the average daily feed intake was 25.9, 27.0 and 24.4 g for Kei, Fayoumi-crosses and RIR-crosses, respectively. The mean FER was 0.197, 0.213 and 0.243 g for Kei, Fayoumi-crosses and RIR-crosses, respectively. The average age at sexual maturity for Kei, Fayoumi-crosses and RIR-crosses was 183, 154 and 162 days, respectively. The results of the present study suggest that both F 1-crosses showed a significant improvement in body weight, weight gain and FER under farmers' management condition of the watershed areas suggesting the suitability of both genetic combinations with local Kei chickens for on-farm chicken productivity. | F1-crosses; Farmers' management; Fayoumi chicken; Growth performance; Local Kei chicken; Rhode Island Red chicken | Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77249163163 | Mobility and speciation of heavy metals in soils impacted by hazardous waste | Ogundiran M.B., Osibanjo O. | 2009 | Chemical Speciation and Bioavailability | 21 | 2 | 10.3184/095422909X449481 | Analytical/Environmental Chemistry Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Ogundiran, M.B., Analytical/Environmental Chemistry Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Osibanjo, O., Analytical/Environmental Chemistry Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | This study describes the mobility and chemical fractionation of heavy metals (HMs) from a site impacted by auto battery slag that was generated from secondary lead smelting operations. Samples were collected from the waste pile and from the immediate surrounding soil at four depths to assess the migration and potential bioavailability of Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn. Total levels of the HMs and their fractionation were determined. The results indicate that highest levels of HMs are present in the uppermost layer with significant migration down the depth, thereby posing a threat to groundwater quality. In the fractions, the concentrations of the metals follow this sequence: Pb>Zn>Cd>Cr>Ni. The chemical fractions of Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn in the samples, expressed as mean concentrations of the sum of the individual chemical fractions, demonstrate that the HMs exist mainly in the non-residual fractions. For instance, the percentage of non-residual fractions of lead in the waste pile and the surrounding soil ranged from 48.9 to 95.6% and 69.4 to 98.3% respectively. The mobility factors of the heavy metals are significantly high indicating high potential mobility and bioavailable forms of these HMs. The high concentrations of the HMs particularly Pb in the non-residual fractions, as observed in this study, shows the impact of anthropogenic activities on enrichment of natural soil with bioavailable HMs. Consequently, there is a need to be cautious in the way waste that is generated from heavy metals projects is added to natural soil. | Bioavailability; Contamination; Fractionation; Heavy metals; Mobility factor | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-49449103021 | Racial identity and social interaction: The impact of 'diversity' on the structural dimension of organisational social capital | Tagliapietra G. | 2008 | International Journal of Management and Decision Making | 9 | 5 | 10.1504/IJMDM.2008.019786 | Department of People Management and Development, Tshwane University of Technology, Faculty of Economic Sciences, Private Bag X680, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa | Tagliapietra, G., Department of People Management and Development, Tshwane University of Technology, Faculty of Economic Sciences, Private Bag X680, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa | This study describes and analyses the impact of racial identity diversity on the structural dimension of social capital within multicultural organisations. Using data collected form multiple respondents of randomly sampled organisations operating in the municipality area of Tshwane (RSA), this study identifies as to what extent historically disadvantaged and advantaged identity groups interact socially within their companies. With the help of a self-administered questionnaire, many insights have been gained confirming some previous assumptions in regard to social identity processes in the workplace. Indeed, the structural dimension of social capital revealed to be highly affected by differences in racial category membership. © 2008, Inderscience Publishers. | Bonding and bridging; Knowledge workers; Organisational social capital; Racial identity; Social interaction; Social psychological theory; South Africa | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000240681100014 | Impact of a communication programme on female genital cutting in eastern Nigeria | Agbasimalo, Ada,Babalola, Stella,Brasington, Angela,Helland, Anna,Nwanguma, Edith,Onah, Nkechi | 2006 | TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH | 11 | 10 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2006.01701.x | Johns Hopkins University, HCP FGC, Natl Assoc Women Journalists, Save Children, Women Act Res Org | None | This study describes a female genital cutting (FGC) elimination communication programme in Enugu State and assesses its impact in changing relevant knowledge, attitudes and behavioural intentions.
The FGC programme combined a community mobilization component with targeted advocacy and mass media activities. Data for assessing the impact of the programme derived from baseline and follow-up surveys in three intervention local government areas (LGA) in Enugu State and three comparison LGAs in Ebonyi State. An ideation model of behaviour change guided the analyses of the impact of the programme on personal advocacy for FGC, perceived self-efficacy to refuse pressure to perform FGC, perceived social support for FGC discontinuation, perceived benefits of FGC, perceived health complications of FGC and intention not to perform FGC on daughters. The analytical methods include comparing change in pertinent outcome variables from baseline to follow-up in the two study states and using logistic regression on follow-up data for the intervention state to assess the link between programme exposure and the relevant outcome indicators.
The data show that while the pertinent ideational factors and the intention not to perform FGC either worsened or remained stagnant in Ebonyi State, they improved significantly in Enugu State. The logistic regression results show that programme exposure is associated with the expected improvements in all the pertinent indicators.
The multimedia communication programme has been effective in changing FGC-related attitudes and promoting the intention not to perform FGC. | COMMUNICATION,"community action cycle","female genital cutting",ideation,NIGERIA,BEHAVIOR,BURKINA-FASO,CIRCUMCISION,IDEATION,"LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS",MUTILATION | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-56949097859 | Subpixel monitoring of the seasonal snow cover with MODIS at 250 m spatial resolution in the Southern Alps of New Zealand: Methodology and accuracy assessment | Sirguey P., Mathieu R., Arnaud Y. | 2009 | Remote Sensing of Environment | 113 | 1 | 10.1016/j.rse.2008.09.008 | School of Surveying, University of Otago. PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand; CSIR-NRE Earth Observation Research Group, Building 33, PO Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; IRD-Great Ice, Laboratoire de Glaciologie et Géophysique de l'Environnement, 54 Rue Molière, 38402 Saint Martin d'Heres cedex, France | Sirguey, P., School of Surveying, University of Otago. PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand; Mathieu, R., School of Surveying, University of Otago. PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand, CSIR-NRE Earth Observation Research Group, Building 33, PO Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Arnaud, Y., IRD-Great Ice, Laboratoire de Glaciologie et Géophysique de l'Environnement, 54 Rue Molière, 38402 Saint Martin d'Heres cedex, France | This study describes a comprehensive method to produce routinely regional maps of seasonal snow cover in the Southern Alps of New Zealand (upper Waitaki basin) on a subpixel basis, and with the MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The method uses an image fusion algorithm to produce snow maps at an improved 250 m spatial resolution in addition to the 500 m resolution snow maps. An iterative approach is used to correct imagery for both atmospheric and topographic effects using daily observations of atmospheric parameters. The computation of ground spectral reflectance enabled the use of image-independent end-members in a constrained linear unmixing technique to achieve a robust estimation of subpixel snow fractions. The accuracy of the snow maps and performance of the algorithm were assessed carefully using eight pairs of synchronic MODIS/ASTER images. 'Pixel-based' metrics showed that subpixel snow fractions were retrieved with a Mean Absolute Error of 6.8% at 250 m spatial resolution and 5.1% after aggregation at 500 m spatial resolution. In addition, a 'feature-based' metric showed that 90% of the snowlines were depicted generally within 300 m and 200 m of their correct position for the 500-m and 250-m spatial resolution snow maps, respectively. A dataset of 679 maps of subpixel snow fraction was produced for the period from February 2000 to May 2007. These repeated observations of the seasonal snow cover will benefit the ongoing effort to model snowmelt runoff in the region and to improve the estimation and management of water resources. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Image fusion; MODIS; Mountainous terrain; Snow; Spectral unmixing; Subpixel snow fraction | Agglomeration; Atmospherics; Conformal mapping; Data fusion; Fusion reactions; Hydraulic models; Image fusion; Maps; Optical projectors; Spectrometers; Water management; Water resources; Accuracy assessments; Atmospheric parameters; Comprehensive methods; End-members; Fusion algorithms; Iterative approaches; Linear unmixing; Mean absolute errors; Moderate resolution imaging spectro radiometers; MODIS; MODIS/ASTER; Mountainous terrain; New zealand; Regional maps; Robust estimations; Seasonal snow covers; Snowmelt runoffs; Spatial resolution.; Spatial resolutions; Spectral reflectances; Spectral unmixing; Sub pixels; Subpixel snow fraction; Topographic effects; Precipitation (meteorology); accuracy assessment; algorithm; alpine environment; environmental monitoring; mapping method; MODIS; pixel; snow cover; spatial resolution; Australasia; New Zealand; South Island; Southern Alps | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859998523 | Performance and loading of domestic wastewater treatment plants receiving aquaculture processing effluent | Govere S., Mahlatini P., Ndabaningi A. | 2011 | International Journal of Engineering and Technology | 3 | 5 | None | Department of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe; Batsirai Group, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe | Govere, S., Department of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe; Mahlatini, P., Department of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe; Ndabaningi, A., Batsirai Group, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe | This study dealt with the loading and performance of a domestic wastewater treatment plant when receiving combined influent from an aquaculture processing factory and an urban settlement in Kariba town, Zimbabwe. The methodological framework was a case study approach involving a local aquaculture factory and two treatment plants. In the study effluent from Nyamhunga treatment plant, which receives both domestic and aquaculture effluent, acted as the treatment. Effluent from a similarsized plant, Mahombekombe treatment plant, which only receives domestic wastewater acted as the control. Influent and effluent samples from both plants were collected over a 6 months period. Effluent samples were also taken from the aquaculture factory. The samples were analyzed for Chloride, Total Nitrogen, Biological Oxygen Demand and Fats, Oils and Grease using standard laboratory techniques. Research findings show that Mahombekombe treatment plant was more efficient than Nyamhunga treatment plant. Nyamhunga treatment plant effluent registered significantly higher concentrations for all tested parameters compared to Mahombekombe treatment plant. Effluent from the aquaculture factory significantly increased the wastewater load received by Nyamhunga treatment plant, in both volume and composition. The findings of the study suggests that coupling treatment plants to aquaculture processing facilities might not be a good practise since the former increases the load and concentrations of wastewater significantly affecting performance. | Aquaculture processing; Domestic wastewater treatment plants | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872939579 | Performance evaluation of some steels as extrusion die on AA6063-type Al-Mg-Si alloy | Fayomi O.S.I., Gbenebor O.P., Abdulwahab M., Popoola A.P.I. | 2012 | Indian Journal of Engineering and Materials Sciences | 19 | 6 | None | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, P.M.B. 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, P.M.B. X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Fayomi, O.S.I., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, P.M.B. 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, P.M.B. X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Gbenebor, O.P., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, P.M.B. 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Abdulwahab, M., Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, P.M.B. X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Popoola, A.P.I., Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, P.M.B. X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | This study deals with the performance evaluation of mild and tool steels, their microstructure and extrusion property associated with changes in induced dies of entry angles 15°, 45° and 75° on AA 6063-type Al-Mg-Si alloy. Based on the service requirement in extrusion operations, microhardness and wear properties are used as criteria. The extrusion operation reveals the formation of clusters, surface modification occurring as a result of various ranges of die angles. The effect of extrusion pressure, sample elongation, hardness and die speed angle are systematically studied using microhardness tester, optical microscope (OPM), scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The mild steel die enables slips and dislocation movement of the sample to take place with ease than the tool steel dies at 45° elongation. Formation of Mg2Si and AlFeSi on mild steel extrusion has significantly influenced its mechanical properties as a result of response to increasing grain boundary which serves as nucleation site for the precipitates. The microhardness and wear resistance of extruded mild steel increased by 90%. Extrusion of the aluminum by the tool steel led to the formation of clusters and stretched along the slip directions. | AA6063-type Al-Mg-Si alloy; Die entry angles; Dislocation; Extrusion; Microstructure | Al-Mg-Si alloys; Dislocation movement; Extrusion operation; Extrusion pressure; Microhardness tester; Optical microscopes; Scanning Electron Microscope; Service requirements; Alloy steel; Aluminum; Carbon steel; Cerium alloys; Dies; Dislocations (crystals); Energy dispersive spectroscopy; Grain boundaries; Mechanical properties; Microhardness; Microstructure; Scanning electron microscopy; Silicon; Silicon alloys; Tool steel; Extrusion | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864311887 | Environmental pollutants and diseases of sexual development in humans and wildlife in South Africa: Harbingers of impact on overall health? | Riana Bornman M.S., Bouwman H. | 2012 | Reproduction in Domestic Animals | 47 | SUPPL.4 | 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02094.x | Department of Urology, University of Pretoria Centre for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Pretoria and Potchefstroom, South Africa; School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Riana Bornman, M.S., Department of Urology, University of Pretoria Centre for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Pretoria and Potchefstroom, South Africa; Bouwman, H., School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | This study deals with disorders of sexual development in humans, wildlife and animals in an urban nature reserve (RNR) and a currently DDT-sprayed malarial area. High levels of oestrogenic chemical residues in water, sediment and tissue; skewed sex ratios; reduced biodiversity; gonadal malformations in sharptooth catfish and freshwater snails; intersex in catfish; and impaired spermatogenesis in catfish and striped mouse are of serious concern in the RNR. Persistent eggshell thinning in African darter eggs, intersex in male Mozambican tilapia, follicular atresia in females and impaired spermatogenesis in males following laboratory exposure of parent fish to environmentally relevant DDT and DDE concentrations, and abnormalities in freshwater snails were found in the DDT-sprayed area. Human studies related to DDT exposure indicated impaired semen quality, a weak association with sperm chromatin defects and higher risks for external urogenital birth defects in those who were born to mothers whose houses were sprayed and those who were homemakers (stay at home mother) instead of being employed. These findings indicate that diseases of sexual development occurred in both human and wildlife populations exposed to environmental endocrine disruptor chemicals in South Africa. The chemical mixtures, possibly related to disorders of sexual differentiation (DSD), were very different between the two. However, DSD occurred concurrently in the malarial area, possibly indicating that humans and wildlife shared exposures. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of suspecting disease in the other when disease is found in either human or wildlife populations. © 2012 Blackwell Verlag GmbH. | None | chlorphenotane; insecticide; animal; animal disease; antelope; article; bird; bird disease; chemically induced disorder; drug effect; energy conservation; female; fish; fish disease; human; male; oocyte; pollutant; sex differentiation disorder; South Africa; urogenital tract malformation; water pollution; wild animal; Animals; Animals, Wild; Antelopes; Bird Diseases; Birds; Conservation of Energy Resources; DDT; Disorders of Sex Development; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Fish Diseases; Fishes; Humans; Insecticides; Male; Ovum; South Africa; Urogenital Abnormalities; Water Pollution; Anhinga rufa; Animalia; Basommatophora; Clarias gariepinus; Tilapia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888353954 | Investigation of the crystalline phase morphology of a β-nucleated impact polypropylene copolymer | Motsoeneng T.S., Luyt A.S., Van Reenen A.J. | 2014 | Journal of Applied Polymer Science | 131 | 4 | 10.1002/app.39923 | Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State (Qwaqwa Campus), Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa; Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Motsoeneng, T.S., Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State (Qwaqwa Campus), Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa; Luyt, A.S., Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State (Qwaqwa Campus), Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa; Van Reenen, A.J., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | This study covers the preparation and the characterization of β-nucleated impact polypropylene copolymer (NA-IPC). Calcium stearate (CaSt), as well as pimelic (Pim) and adipic (Adi) acids, were doped into IPC as mono- or bicomponent nucleating agents (NAs) at varying mass ratios. Possible chemical interactions between the NAs and with IPC, as well as the effect of the NAs on the crystallization behavior and nonisothermal crystallization kinetics, were investigated. DSC and XRD results revealed that IPC nucleated with Pim and Pim-CaSt nucleants induced up to 90% β-crystals, whereas Adi and Adi-CaSt formed only about 17% β-crystals. This was associated with the strong nucleation efficiency of Pim. The nonisothermal crystallization kinetics showed that the crystallization of IPC and NA-IPC followed a three-dimensional growth with athermal nucleation mechanism. FTIR showed that none of the NAs chemically reacted with IPC, and the chemical structure of the polymer was thus intact during the treatment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | copolymers; crystallization; differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); kinetics; X-ray | Chemical interactions; Crystallization behavior; Impact polypropylene copolymer; Nonisothermal crystallization kinetics; Nucleation efficiency; Nucleation mechanism; Structure of the polymers; Three-dimensional growth; Copolymers; Crystallization; Differential scanning calorimetry; Enzyme kinetics; Isotherms; Kinetics; Nucleation; X rays; Polypropylenes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900401297 | Factors affecting performance in the kenya certificate of primary education a case of kirinyaga west district Kenya | Wakori K.S. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 5 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n5p | School of Education, Mount Kenya University, Kenya | Wakori, K.S., School of Education, Mount Kenya University, Kenya | This study covers the main factors affecting performances of Kenya certificate of Primary Education in Kirinyaga west district, Kirinyaga County. Eshiwan, (1993) found that the school based factors that influence performance of pupils include availability of teaching and learning materials, school and class sizes, time utilization, syllabus coverage and the efficiency of the school administration. Ngaroga (2007) agrees that school physical facilities such as classroom, laboratories, desks and books have a direct bearing on good performance among student in developing countries. This research critically examined school management, teaching and learning resources, teacher-pupil ratio and syllabus coverage which has direct bearing on how pupils perform in K.C.P.E. The study was conducted in twelve sampled public primary schools in Kirinyaga West District. Comparison of annual K.C.P.E results was done in order to identify the trends of the past five years. This study borrowed alot from famous educationists and psychologists like J.B Watson, Lefranciois (1994) and Mbiti M. David (1984). The performance of K.C.P.E is seen to depend mainly on how an efficient school Administration is able to allocate resources and ensure a thorough coverage of subject syllabus. Survey method of collecting quantitative and qualitative data was used. Kirinyaga West District has a population of 41 public primary schools. Twelve public primary schools were stratified and randomly selected for the study. The data was collected through questionnaires, document analysis, interviews and discussions. The data then was analyzed and presented in tables, pie charts and bar graphs while references are provided. The study found out that teaching and learning materials and teachers were not adequate. School management practices were wanting and coverage of syllabus was not thorough. Lack of capacity among school management committee was a major challenge. The study recommend that more teaching and learning materials be provided, employment of additional teachers and capacity building be enhanced to school management; supervision of school be intensified and parents be fully involved in educational programmes. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901455920 | Impact of mobile phone-based money transfer services in agriculture: Evidence from Kenya | Kirui O.K., Okello J.J., Nyikal R.A., Njiraini G.W. | 2013 | Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture | 52 | 2 | None | Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany; University of Nairobi, Kenya | Kirui, O.K., Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany; Okello, J.J., University of Nairobi, Kenya; Nyikal, R.A., University of Nairobi, Kenya; Njiraini, G.W., Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany | This study contributes to pioneering literature on the impact of mobile phone-based money transfer, especially in agriculture. It provides information regarding financial intermediation to the excluded through the use of new generation Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools, especially the mobile phone. The study employs propensity score matching technique to examine the impact of MMT services on household agricultural input use, agricultural commercialization and farm incomes among farm households in Kenya. It uses cross-sectional data collected from 379 multi-stage randomly selected households in three provinces of Kenya. The study found that use of mobile phone-based money transfer services significantly increased level of annual household input use by $42, household agricultural commercialization by 37% and household annual income by $224. We conclude that mobile phone-based money transfer services in rural areas help to resolve a market failure that farmers face; access to financial services. We discuss implications for policy and practice. | Impact; Kenya; M-PESA; Mobile phones; Money transfer; Smallholder farmers | agricultural economics; agricultural technology; agricultural worker; commercialization; financial policy; financial services; household income; information and communication technology; mobile communication; rural finance; smallholder; Kenya | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877353707 | First evaluation of unfermented and fermented rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) in preventing lipid oxidation in meat products | Cullere M., Hoffman L.C., Dalle Zotte A. | 2013 | Meat Science | 95 | 1 | 10.1016/j.meatsci.2013.04.018 | Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy; Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa | Cullere, M., Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy; Hoffman, L.C., Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa; Dalle Zotte, A., Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy | This study consisted of two trials aiming to evaluate, for the first time, the antioxidant potential of rooibos in meat products. With this purpose, the first trial evaluated three unfermented (green) rooibos forms (dried leaves, water extract, freeze-dried extract) added at 2% inclusion level to ostrich meat patties on an 8-day shelf-life trial. A Control group without green rooibos inclusion was also considered. The second trial evaluated the addition of different concentrations (0%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 1%) of a fermented rooibos extract to nitrite-free ostrich salami. The 2% green rooibos inclusion considerably lowered the TBARS content of ostrich patties, in this way extending their shelf-life. The fermented form (0.5% and 1%) was also effective in delaying lipid oxidation in ostrich salami until 15 days of ripening. The antioxidant potential of both green and fermented forms of rooibos in meat products was confirmed, even if its effect on lipid oxidation requires further study and long-term effects are not yet fully understood. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Lipid oxidation; Ostrich meat; Rooibos; Salami; TBARS | Lipid oxidation; Ostrich meats; Rooibos; Salami; TBARS; Oxidation; Meats; antioxidant; plant extract; thiobarbituric acid reactive substance; animal; article; Aspalathus; chemistry; color; drug effect; fermentation; lipid metabolism; meat; ostrich; oxidation reduction reaction; pH; plant leaf; analysis; Aspalathus; drug effects; lipid metabolism; meat; oxidation reduction reaction; Animals; Antioxidants; Aspalathus; Color; Fermentation; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Lipid Metabolism; Meat Products; Oxidation-Reduction; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Struthioniformes; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Animals; Antioxidants; Aspalathus; Color; Fermentation; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Lipid Metabolism; Meat Products; Oxidation-Reduction; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Struthioniformes; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943752905 | Delayed impacts of tropical cyclones Irene 2011 and Isaac 2012 in the Caribbean Antilles | Jury M.R. | 2015 | Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology | 54 | 5 | 10.1175/JAMC-D-15-0021.1 | Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico; University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa | Jury, M.R., Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa | This study considers tropical cyclones Irene in Puerto Rico from 2011 and Isaac in the Dominican Republic from 2012. Impacts trailed more than a day after the storm in both cases. Irene passed Puerto Rico on 22 August 2011, yet bands of heavy rainfall caused floods and disruption on 23 August. In the second case, Isaac passed Hispaniola on 24 August 2012, but stormy weather continued on 25 August. Onshore winds, 4-m waves, and associated tides and river outflow closed the harbor of Santo Domingo. Emergency managers and maritime operators should be aware of the delayed impacts of tropical cyclones in the Caribbean Sea region. © 2015 American Meteorological Society. | Emergency response; Subtropics; Tropical cyclones | Hurricanes; Rain; Tropics; Caribbean Sea; Emergency response; Heavy rainfall; Onshore winds; Puerto Rico; River outflow; Subtropics; Tropical cyclone; Storms; climate effect; flooding; Hurricane Irene 2011; precipitation intensity; subtropical region; tropical cyclone; Atlantic Ocean; Caribbean Sea; Dominican Republic; Puerto Rico; Santo Domingo [Dominican Republic] | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861502765 | The impact of agricultural innovation system interventions on rural livelihoods in Malawi | Mapila M.A.T.J., Kirsten J.F., Meyer F. | 2012 | Development Southern Africa | 29 | 2 | 10.1080/0376835X.2012.675699 | Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Mapila, M.A.T.J., Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Kirsten, J.F., Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Meyer, F., Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This study, conducted in central Malawi, assessed the way a research intervention using an agricultural innovation system affected rural livelihoods. Propensity score matching was used to establish one village as a control, against which the impact of the intervention on two study villages [0]could be measured. Using the Enabling Rural Innovation intervention as a case study, it was established that rural livelihood outcomes pertaining to crop and livestock production, household income, asset ownership and fertiliser use were significantly improved by this intervention. In-depth analysis, however, demonstrated that although the participating households had more robust livelihoods during the intervention, when the research programme was phased out the effect was reduced. The authors recommend that local agricultural extension officers should receive more capacity building and budgetary support to ensure proper understanding of agricultural innovation systems concepts and correct application so as to sustain their positive effects. © 2012 Copyright Development Bank of Southern Africa. | agricultural innovation systems; enabling rural innovation; impact evaluation; Malawi; rural livelihoods | capacity building; crop production; farming system; innovation; livestock farming; rural area; Malawi | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866315692 | Comparative Evaluation of Adolescents' Use of Public Libraries in the Nigerian States of Osun and Oyo | Bamise O.F., Oyedapo R.O. | 2012 | Public Library Quarterly | 31 | 3 | 10.1080/01616846.2012.707110 | Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Bamise, O.F., Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Oyedapo, R.O., Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | This study compares the utilization by adolescents age 12-17 of public libraries in Osun and Oyo States in Nigeria. The study utilized interviews and a checklist as data-gathering techniques. Some 414 volunteer adolescent users were selected, with males predominating. Of the respondents, 51.7 percent were in the libraries to read their own books. Of the respondents from Oyo State Public Library, 99 percent were aware of library Internet services compared to only 22 percent from Osun State. Users specified two major problems: no good display of library materials and lack of up-to-date materials on subjects in which students were interested. The authors suggest several policy changes to improve adolescent services in the two libraries. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | adolescent use of libraries; children's services; Nigerian libraries; student use of public libraries; youth services | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862839070 | Comparing the planning and performance of direct labour and design-bid-build construction projects in Nigeria | Idoro G.I. | 2012 | Journal of Civil Engineering and Management | 18 | 2 | 10.3846/13923730.2012.671283 | Department of Building, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | Idoro, G.I., Department of Building, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | This study compares the levels of planning and the outcome of projects procured by direct labour and traditional contract procurement options. For this comparison, a survey of 130 projects was carried out. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using percentage, mean and t-test. The study discovers that whereas the levels of conception and overall planning done in projects procured by the two options are the same, the levels of design and construction planning done in DBB and DL projects differ. The study also discovers that the time-overruns of projects procured by the two methods differ but their cost-overruns are the same. The study concludes that projects procured by DBB and DL options differ in planning and time-overrun and suggests improved planning at the design stage when DL option is adopted and improved planning at the construction stage when DBB option is adopted. Copyright © 2012 Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU) Press Technika. | Design-bid-build; Direct labour; Nigeria; Project planning and project performance | Construction projects; Construction stages; Cost-overruns; Design and construction; Design stage; Design-bid-build; Direct labour; Nigeria; Project performance; Construction industry; Surveys; Design | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921029684 | Statistical evaluation of CMIP5 climate change model simulations for the Ethiopian highlands | Jury M.R. | 2015 | International Journal of Climatology | 35 | 1 | 10.1002/joc.3960 | University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa; Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico | Jury, M.R., University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa, Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico | This study compares Climate Research Unit version 3 reference observations in the period 1980-2009 with Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Five (CMIP5)-simulated climate patterns and trends over the Ethiopian highlands (7-14N, 36-40E) using the rcp6 scenario. Three metrics are used in a stepwise statistical evaluation: (1) mean annual cycle of area-averaged rainfall (R) and maximum temperature (Tx), (2) spatial pattern of R and Tx over Ethiopia and (3) interannual (1.5-6 years) R and Tx variability. Those models passing the first step by simulating a unimodal annual cycle reaching 28 °C in March-May and 9 mm day-1 in July-August are then evaluated for their ability to represent the cool, wet 'island' pattern over the highest elevation. Finally, the models' ability to follow observed area-averaged R and Tx anomalies from 1980 to 2009 is analysed by correlation. The stepwise metrics are designed to improve confidence in the use of CMIP5 models for future resource management and development planning across the Ethiopian highlands. The models with optimal performance in the most categories include the HAD, CCSM and GFDL. © 2014 Royal Meteorological Society. | CMIP5 simulations; Comparison metrics; Ethiopian highlands; Statistical evaluation | Climate change; Rain; Climate change modeling; CMIP5 simulations; Comparison metrics; Coupled Model Intercomparison Project; Development planning; Ethiopian highlands; Resource management; Statistical evaluation; Climate models | 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-s2.0-34250783208 | Performance of the Women-In-Agriculture project in Borno State during and after World Bank support | Elizabeth S. | 2007 | Journal of Applied Sciences | 7 | 8 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Adamawa State University, PMB 25, Mubi, Nigeria | Elizabeth, S., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Adamawa State University, PMB 25, Mubi, Nigeria | This study compared the performance of the Women-In-Agriculture (WIA) programme in Borno State, Nigeria during and after World Bank funding, 1989-1995 and 1996-2003, respectively. Structured questionnaires were administered to 20 randomly selected WIA agents of Borno State Agricultural Development Programme. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The analysis revealed that most of the WIA activities during the World Bank funding period recorded a high performance index, such as establishment of Small Plot Adoption Techniques (SPAT) (73.10%), establishment of cottage industries (75%) and number of field visits made by the WIA agents (68%). However, after the World Bank funding period, most target set were not achieved, recording (0) achievement rate in (5) activities, such as establishment of cottage industries and equipment of the fortnightly training centers. Based on these findings, it is recommended that funding of the WIA project by the World Bank, Federal, State and Local government should be reactivated. The government should ensure access of women farmers to extension services, inputs and training opportunities. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Borno state; Performance index; Women farmers; World Bank | Agricultural development; Borno state; Cottage industries; Inferential statistics; Local government; Performance indices; Women farmers; World bank; Finance; Surveys; Agriculture | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79551651319 | Impact of birth weight on the nutritional status and academic performance of school age children | Odenigbo U.M., Nkwoala C.C., Okpala O.C. | 2010 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 9 | 12 | 10.3923/pjn.2010.1157.1161 | Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Michael Okpala University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria | Odenigbo, U.M., Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Michael Okpala University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria; Nkwoala, C.C., Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Michael Okpala University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria; Okpala, O.C., Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Michael Okpala University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria | This study compared the nutritional status and academic performance of Low Birth Weight (LBW) and Normal Birth Weight (NBW) school-aged population in Nigeria. A total of 119 subjects were involved in this study from a purposely selected one rural and one urban school in Abia state. Pre tested and validated questionnaires were used in data collection. Academic performance was obtained from their school records, while birth weights and ages were obtained from health/immunization cards. SPSS version 15.0 was used for data analysis. The subjects comprised of 57.1% males and 42.9% females, of 9-12 years old. Low prevalence (14.3%) of LBW was found. All three indicators used for nutritional status assessment (weight for age; height for age; BMI) showed more than 50% of study population as having normal nutritional status (96.64, 74.79 and 63.03% respectively). Stunting was 10.08%, overweight 2.52% and 6.72%, while obesity was 0.84%. This study revealed a significant (p<0.05) influence of birth weight on nutritional status with the use of BMI and weight for age indicators. The only child found underweight (<-2SD weight for age) had a LBW. The NBW group had higher percent of normal nutritional status than LBW group (Weight for age: 98.04% Vs 88.24%, BMI 65.69% Vs 47.06%). Stunted was found among 11.77% of the LBW and 9.80% of NBW groups (p>0.05). The subjects' birth weight had no significant (p>0.05) influence on their academic performance. The findings of this study emphasize more attention to children born with LBW for improvement in their growth and academic performance. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Academic performance; Children; LBW; Nutritional status | academic achievement; article; body height; body mass; body weight; child; child nutrition; controlled study; female; human; low birth weight; male; Nigeria; nutritional assessment; nutritional status; obesity; questionnaire; school child; stunting | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876286004 | The effects of a self-selected nap opportunity on the psychophysiological, performance and subjective measures during a simulated industrial night shift regimen | Davy J., Göbel M. | 2013 | Ergonomics | 56 | 2 | 10.1080/00140139.2012.751459 | Department of Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Davy, J., Department of Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Göbel, M., Department of Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | This study compared the effects of a 1 h self-selected recovery period to those of a standard night shift arrangement (with a total break time of 1-h) over a simulated three-day night shift schedule in a laboratory setting. Results showed that the inclusion of the flexible nap scheme resulted in higher performance output, improvements in physiological strain responses and reduced sleepiness during each night shift and generally over the three-night cycle. Certain variables also revealed the impact of napping compared with the standard rest break condition on the circadian rhythm. The sleep diary records show that the inclusion of the current intervention did not significantly reduce daytime recovery sleep. The results suggest that the potential benefits of flexible napping may outweigh the logistical effort it requires in a workplace environment.Practitioner summary: Consensus on appropriate napping strategies for shift work remains a challenge. This simulated night shift laboratory study sought to determine the effects of a 1-h self-selected nap opportunity relative to a normal shift set-up. The nap improved performance and decreased sleepiness, without affecting daytime sleep. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | fatigue; napping; performance; shift work | Circadian rhythms; Laboratory studies; napping; performance; Physiological strains; Potential benefits; Recovery periods; Shift work; Ergonomics; Fatigue of materials; Physical therapy; Sleep research; arousal; article; attention; circadian rhythm; critical flicker fusion; female; heart rate; human; male; neuropsychological test; perceptive threshold; psychomotor performance; reaction time; sleep; thermoregulation; work schedule; young adult; Arousal; Attention; Body Temperature Regulation; Circadian Rhythm; Female; Flicker Fusion; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Neuropsychological Tests; Psychomotor Performance; Reaction Time; Sensory Thresholds; Sleep; Work Schedule Tolerance; Young Adult; Arousal; Attention; Body Temperature Regulation; Circadian Rhythm; Female; Flicker Fusion; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Neuropsychological Tests; Psychomotor Performance; Reaction Time; Sensory Thresholds; Sleep; Work Schedule Tolerance; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874697837 | Comparison of economic impact of alternative constraint control measures in indigenous chicken production in Nyanza province, Kenya | Olwande P.O., Ogara W.O., Bebora L.C., Okuthe S.O. | 2013 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 25 | 2 | None | Government of the Republic of Kenya, Ministry of Livestock Development, Department of Veterinary Services, P.O. Box 258-40222, Rachuonyo South District, Oyugis, Kenya; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PHPT department, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Pathology department, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya; FAO-E CTAD, Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases, eastern Africa, FAO, P.O. Box 25599-00100, Nairobi, Kenya | Olwande, P.O., Government of the Republic of Kenya, Ministry of Livestock Development, Department of Veterinary Services, P.O. Box 258-40222, Rachuonyo South District, Oyugis, Kenya; Ogara, W.O., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PHPT department, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya; Bebora, L.C., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Pathology department, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya; Okuthe, S.O., FAO-E CTAD, Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases, eastern Africa, FAO, P.O. Box 25599-00100, Nairobi, Kenya | This study compared the costs and benefits of six alternative control measures on the indigenous chicken productivity constraints with an aim of identifying the most desirable mitigation measure; for improved productivity of the birds. The study was conducted in Migwa and Kagak villages in Kasipul division of Rachuonyo South district. The study first used rapid rural appraisal (RRA) tools as described by Chamber (1994); to prioritize the constraints limiting indigenous chicken production in the study area. A twelve month set of controlled intervention trials in 80 study households, were designed into six intervention and one control groups, was later carried out to test for effects of the mitigation measures on the prioritized constraints that were: diseases (Newcastle, Gumboro and fowl pox), predations (in chicks) and inadequate nutrition, in order of importance, respectively. Productivity parameters and rates that included clutch sizes and numbers, flock sizes and structures, mortality, hatchability and chick survival rates were monitored during the entire study period. The data was obtained by actual measurement, on spot observation, interview of household members directly responsible for the care of the indigenous chickens, community group discussions, post mortem examination on sick and fresh dead birds and laboratory sample analysis (from sick and dead birds). Benefits and costs analysis technique was then applied to identify the most desirable mitigation measures by comparing the net present values (NPVs) of the six alternative intervention approaches. The study identified integrated intervention, which included concurrent control, by vaccinations, of important indigenous chicken diseases (Newcastle, Gumboro and fowl pox), prevention of predations (especially in chicks by confinement) and improvement of the birds' nutrition by consistently providing maize grains and chicken left over supplementations; as the most appropriate and sustainable technology, for the improvement of productivity of the indigenous chickens. | Chick confinement; Grain supplementations; Indigenous chicken vaccinations | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-56549124864 | Evaluation of different strategies of intercropping maize (Zea mays L.) and soya bean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) under small-holder production in sub-humid Zimbabwe | Mudita I.I., Chiduza C., Richardson-Kageler S., Murungu F.S. | 2008 | Journal of Agronomy | 7 | 3 | 10.3923/ja.2008.237.243 | Department of Crop Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Agronomy, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | Mudita, I.I., Department of Crop Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Chiduza, C., Department of Agronomy, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Richardson-Kageler, S., Department of Crop Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Murungu, F.S., Department of Agronomy, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | This study compared in-row intercropping practiced by some small-holders in Chinyika in Zimbabwe with various options of strip intercropping with the aim of increasing crop diversification and stability of cereal based cropping systems. Other intercropping patterns studied include 1 maize: 1 soya bean; 2 maize: 5 soya bean; 4 maize: 4 soya bean and 5 maize: 2 soya bean rows. Both maize and soya bean were adversely affected by intercropping as shown by partial equivalent ratios (PLER). The adverse effect of competition was greater under low rainfall conditions, but irrigation and high rainfall tended to improve productivity of intercrop systems. Overall, results indicated that intercropping maize with soya bean was more efficient than sole cropping with regard to Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) and income. Strip intercropping was more productive than in-row intercropping but is used by farmers because of perceived advantages of mechanical weeding. The results suggest that from a biological point of view, greater efficiency would be achieved by adopting a strip intercropping arrangement of 5 maize: 2 soya bean rows as a cropping pattern. This arrangement was more productive than sole cropping in a season with 426 mm of rainfall when all other intercropping treatments evaluated achieved LER <1.00. © 2008 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Income; Intercropping; Land equivalent ratios; Maize; Soya bean | Glycine max; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-73249144782 | Performance of HSV-2 type specific serological tests in men in Kenya | Ng'ayo M.O., Friedrich D., Holmes K.K., Bukusi E., Morrow R.A. | 2010 | Journal of Virological Methods | 163 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jviromet.2009.10.009 | Kenya Medical Research Institute, Lumumba Health Center, CMR-UCSF Building, Box 614 - 40100, Kisumu, Kenya; Seattle Children's, MailstopW8814, Seattle, WA 98105 - 0371, United States; Center for AIDS, STD, University of Washington, Box 356355 Seattle, WA 98195 - 6355, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Box 1976 - 00202, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Box 358080, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, United States | Ng'ayo, M.O., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Lumumba Health Center, CMR-UCSF Building, Box 614 - 40100, Kisumu, Kenya; Friedrich, D., Seattle Children's, MailstopW8814, Seattle, WA 98105 - 0371, United States; Holmes, K.K., Center for AIDS, STD, University of Washington, Box 356355 Seattle, WA 98195 - 6355, United States; Bukusi, E., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Lumumba Health Center, CMR-UCSF Building, Box 614 - 40100, Kisumu, Kenya, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Box 1976 - 00202, Nairobi, Kenya; Morrow, R.A., Seattle Children's, MailstopW8814, Seattle, WA 98105 - 0371, United States, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Box 358080, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, United States | This study compared five serological tests with Western blot from University of Washington to determine the most accurate method for detecting antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in a male population in Kisumu, Kenya. A random sample of 250 fishermen from 18 beaches along Lake Victoria underwent serological testing by two generations of the HerpeSelect HSV-2 ELISA ("Focus Gen 1" and "Focus Gen 2"), Kalon HSV-2 ELISA ("Kalon"), Biokit HSV-2 Rapid Test ("Biokit"), and HerpeSelect Express Rapid HSV-2 ("Express") against the Western blot test ("WB") as the "gold standard". Sensitivity and specificity of tests in this population with a high prevalence of HSV-2 (58% by WB) were: Focus Gen 1: 98.6% and 63.5%; Focus Gen 2: 99.3% and 52.3%; Biokit: 66% and 90.9%; Express: 99.3% and 44.3% and Kalon: 98.6% and 85.7%. Increasing the positive cut-off value improved the specificity of the Focus Gen 2-84.9% and Kalon to 92.2%. Focus Gen 2 offered no improvement in specificity over that of Focus Gen 1. Neither rapid assay could be recommended as either a stand-alone assay or as a confirmatory test. The results of Kalon using a cut-off of 1.5 were the most concordant with those of WB for all the approaches tested. However, low positive Kalon test results should be interpreted with caution as they could reflect early seroconversion or false positive results. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. | Fishermen in Kenya; HSV-2; Serology; Test performance | adult; antibody detection; article; cost effectiveness analysis; diagnostic accuracy; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; fisherman; Herpes simplex virus 2; human; intermethod comparison; Kenya; male; nonhuman; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; seroconversion; serology; Western blotting; Adolescent; Adult; Antibodies, Viral; Herpes Genitalis; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Humans; Kenya; Male; Sensitivity and Specificity; Serologic Tests; Young Adult; Human herpesvirus 2 | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899828181 | Characterization of rice hull ash and its performance in turbidity removal from water | Adams F.V., Ikotun B.D., Patrick D.O., Mulaba-Bafubiandi A.F. | 2014 | Particulate Science and Technology | 32 | 4 | 10.1080/02726351.2013.867001 | Department of Metallurgy, Mineral Processing and Technology Research Centre, University of Johannesburg, Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, Jo | Adams, F.V., Department of Metallurgy, Mineral Processing and Technology Research Centre, University of Johannesburg, Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, Johannesburg, South Africa; Ikotun, B.D., Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa; Patrick, D.O., Department of Chemical Engineering, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria; Mulaba-Bafubiandi, A.F., Department of Metallurgy, Mineral Processing and Technology Research Centre, University of Johannesburg, Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, Johannesburg, South Africa | This study characterizes the locally obtained samples of rice hull ash and investigates its performance on turbidity removal from water. Four samples of this material were studied, namely, unwashed parboiled rice hull ash (UPRHA), washed parboiled rice hull ash (WPRHA), unwashed unparboiled rice hull ash (UUPRHA), and washed unparboiled rice hull ash (WUPRHA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffractometer (XRD), and Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were carried out to characterize these samples. A filtration process was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of the rice hull ash medium in removing water turbidity. The XRD results showed the silica, which is present in the ashes, to be cristobalite, quartz, and tridymite. The silica contents of the UUPRHA and WUPRHA were observed to be 77.10% and 98.24%, respectively, while those of UPRHA and WPRHA were 79.07% and 94.97%, respectively. The SEM images showed agglomeration of ash particles after the ashes were washed. The washed RHA samples showed improved pH, a good percentage of turbidity removal (<5 NTU) from water sample. Washing RHA with distilled water increased the efficiency of RHA in turbidity removal from water and regulated water pH to an acceptable range. © 2014 Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Chemical composition; rice hull ash; SEM; turbidity; XRD | Infrared spectroscopy; Quartz; Scanning electron microscopy; Silicate minerals; Chemical compositions; Distilled water; Filtration process; Rice hull ash; Turbidity removal; Water turbidity; X ray diffractometers; XRD; Turbidity; aluminum oxide; calcium oxide; iron oxide; magnesium oxide; manganese oxide; oxide; phosphorus pentoxide; potassium derivative; silicon dioxide; sodium derivative; titanium dioxide; water; article; ash; chemical composition; chemical structure; filtration; infrared spectroscopy; mineralogy; pH; priority journal; rice; scanning electron microscopy; turbidity; turbidity removal; unwashed parboiled rice hull ash; unwashed unparboiled rice hull ash; washed parboiled rice hull ash; washed unparboiled rice hull ash; water pollutant; water treatment; X ray diffraction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954921215 | The impact of trade liberalisation on South African agricultural productivity | Teweldemedhin M.Y., van Schalkwyk H.D. | 2010 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 5 | 12 | None | Department of Agriculture, Polytechnic of Namibia, Namibia; North West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa | Teweldemedhin, M.Y., Department of Agriculture, Polytechnic of Namibia, Namibia; van Schalkwyk, H.D., North West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa | This study attempts to examine the empirical relationship between trade and Total Factor Producitvity (TFP) in the agricultural sector using both cross-sectional (across nine agricultural commodities) and time-series analysis. The Error Correction Model of Ordinary Least Square (OLS) results from the cross-sectional analysis confirm that export shares and capital formation were significant and postivly related; whereas, import shares and real exchange rate were found to be negatively related. However, the net effect of export and import shares was positive implies that trade liberalisation causes productivity gains, The findings from the time-series analysis followed in the same direction as the cross-sectional results, indicating a robust relationship between a TFP, degree of openness, and capital formation. Debt was found to be inversely related, this implies that agricultural industries/farmers lack debt management skills. © 2010 Academic Journals. | Ordinary least square (OLS); Total factor producitvity (TFP); Trade liberalisation or degree of openness and capital formation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-83255162531 | Openness, resilience and economic performance in Nigeria: An empirical investigation | Udah E.B. | 2011 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 26 | 4 | None | Department of Economics, University of Calabar, Nigeria | Udah, E.B., Department of Economics, University of Calabar, Nigeria | This study attempted using OLS estimation technique to investigate the open macroeconomic variables that could be applied as policy instruments to make the Nigerian economy more resilient to adverse effects of participation in international trade. To test for unit root and the existence of long-run relationship among the variables under scrutiny, the study employed the Ng and Perron (2001) modified unit root test and the Engle and Granger two step procedure/Error correction approach. The parsimonious results showed that the variables of interest were statistically significant and conform to a priori economic expectations. These include the export diversification index, external reserves, government expenditure on economic and social services and financial sector variables. The result revealed that for Nigeria to strengthen her resilience to external and domestic distortions, she needs to deepened her financial markets, strengthen government expenditures on economic and social services, diversify her export portfolio of goods and also strengthen the external reserves. The external reserves could be applied to projects that enhance economic growth and development during period of economic and financial crises and stabilize aggregate demand without having to fear any future cuts in public expenditures or a rise in tax rates. Therefore, it would be advantageous in the long-run for the country to stop the current practice of sharing the proceeds from 'excess crude oil account' among the three tiers of government and maintain fiscal discipline. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2011. | F43; Openness; Resilience and economic performance JEL Classification Codes: F41 | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905964986 | Impact of financial liberalization on stock market volatility in Nigeria | Imegi J.C. | 2014 | Journal of Business and Retail Management Research | 8 | 2 | None | Rivers State University of Science/Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Imegi, J.C., Rivers State University of Science/Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | This study attempted to investigate the impact of financial liberalization on stock market volatility in Nigeria. This purpose was achieved by hypothesizing that financial liberalization has a significant impact on stock market volatility in Nigeria. This was supported by a review of theoretical and empirical literature on the subject-matter. A longitudinal survey design which covers the period of 1981 - 2012 was employed in generating data on financial liberalization and stock market volatility from the central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin. The data generated were analysed using the regressing analysis. The findings revealed that financial liberalization has a negative but insignificant impact on stock market volatility in Nigeria. It was therefore recommended that a good knowledge of financial liberalization is needed to enable financial experts and economy analysts effectively predict stock prices in order to stabilize the stock market. | Capital accumulation; Financial liberalization; Investors; Stock market; Volatility | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862224502 | Impact of Migrant Remittances on the Welfare of Arable Crop Farm Households in South Eastern Nigeria | Nwaru J.C., Iheke O.R., Onyenweaku C.E. | 2011 | Human Ecology Review | 18 | 2 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria | Nwaru, J.C., Department of Agricultural Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Iheke, O.R., Department of Agricultural Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Onyenweaku, C.E., Department of Agricultural Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria | This study attempted to examine the impact of migrant remittances on the welfare of arable crop farm households. Primary data were collected from a random sample of 120 respondents comprising 60 each of migrants' remittance receiving and non-remittance receiving households through the cost route method. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, regression analysis and Chow's test statistic. Results of the analyses show that sex of household head, household size, household age composition, income and sector of employment were the significant factors influencing the welfare of the remittance receiving households while sex, years of education, composition of household work force and sector of employment were the significant factors influencing the welfare of the non-remittance receiving households. The Chow's test revealed that the remittance receiving households have higher welfare status than their non remittance receiving counterparts. Therefore, policies for enhancing migrant remittances and their optimum channeling and use were recommended. © Society for Human Ecology. | Farm Households; Migrant Remittances; Welfare | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84914703697 | Factors impacting on the knowledge transfer of foreign african doctors practicing in south african provincial hospitals | Lutakwa J.N., Parumasur S.B. | 2012 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 9 | 2 Continued 4 | None | School of Management, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa | Lutakwa, J.N., School of Management, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa; Parumasur, S.B., School of Management, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa | This study assesses the perceptions of foreign African doctors, practicing in South African provincial hospitals, of the impact of individual culture, language and communication and interpersonal relations on knowledge transfer. A sample of 62 foreign African doctors who obtained their degrees at medical schools outside South Africa and who are now living and practicing in South African provincial hospitals was drawn using snowball sampling. Data was collected using a self-developed, self-administered questionnaire whose psychometric properties were statistically determined. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicate that language and communication has the greatest impact on knowledge transfer, negligibly followed by interpersonal relations and then individual culture. Recommendations are made in attempts to reduce the negative impact of these dimensions on the transfer of knowledge and to enhance knowledge sharing. © 2014 Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Foreign african doctors; Individual culture; Interpersonal relations; Knowledge transfer; Language and communication | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866166515 | The Long-Term Fertility Impact of the Navrongo Project in Northern Ghana | Phillips J.F., Jackson E.F., Bawah A.A., Macleod B., Adongo P., Baynes C., Williams J. | 2012 | Studies in Family Planning | 43 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1728-4465.2012.00316.x | Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, P and S Box 043, 60 Haven Avenue, B-2, New York, NY 10032, United States; Computer Science, University of Southern Maine, United States; Department Head, Department of Social and Behavioral Science, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Ghana; Navrongo Health Research Center, Ghana | Phillips, J.F., Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, P and S Box 043, 60 Haven Avenue, B-2, New York, NY 10032, United States; Jackson, E.F., Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, P and S Box 043, 60 Haven Avenue, B-2, New York, NY 10032, United States; Bawah, A.A., Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, P and S Box 043, 60 Haven Avenue, B-2, New York, NY 10032, United States; Macleod, B., Computer Science, University of Southern Maine, United States; Adongo, P., Department Head, Department of Social and Behavioral Science, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Ghana; Baynes, C., Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, P and S Box 043, 60 Haven Avenue, B-2, New York, NY 10032, United States; Williams, J., Navrongo Health Research Center, Ghana | This study assesses the long-term fertility impact of the Community Health and Family Planning Project of the Navrongo Health Research Centre in Ghana and addresses policy debates concerning the role of family planning programs in rural Africa. Conducted in a remote traditional area on Ghana's northern border, the study tests the hypothesis that convenient family planning service delivery can induce and sustain reproductive change in a societal context that would not be expected to foster demographic transition. By 1999, results indicated that significant fertility decline arose in the early years of the project, associated with the combination of services provided by community nurses and social mobilization activities focused on men. When project strategies were scaled up, social mobilization components were neglected. As a consequence, the long-term impact of scaled-up operations was negligible. Results suggest that initial effects met the need for child spacing without introducing a sustained demographic transition. © 2012 The Population Council, Inc. | None | demographic transition; family planning; fertility; adolescent; adult; article; attitude to health; birth rate; community care; cultural factor; demography; family planning; female; Ghana; health; health care policy; health services research; human; male; middle aged; organization and management; Adolescent; Adult; Birth Rate; Community Health Services; Cultural Characteristics; Demography; Family Planning Services; Female; Ghana; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Policy; Health Services Research; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Rural Health; Ghana; Navrongo; Upper East Region | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929430951 | Evaluation of artisan training in metal silo construction for grain storage in Africa: Impact on uptake, entrepreneurship and income | Ndegwa M.K., De Groote H., Gitonga Z.M. | 2015 | International Journal of Educational Development | 43 | None | 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2015.04.012 | University of Nairobi, College of Education and External Studies, Nairobi, Kenya; International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Socioeconomics Program (SEP), P.O. Box 1041-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; CIMMYT, SEP, Nairobi, Kenya; International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya | Ndegwa, M.K., University of Nairobi, College of Education and External Studies, Nairobi, Kenya, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya; De Groote, H., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Socioeconomics Program (SEP), P.O. Box 1041-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; Gitonga, Z.M., CIMMYT, SEP, Nairobi, Kenya | This study assesses the impact of training sheet metal workers in Kenya on their uptake of learned skills and their income. Fifty-eight artisans trained in the construction of metal silos for hermetic grain storage were compared to a random sample of 123 untrained artisans. Results show that two-thirds of the trained artisans were making the silos, half of these in their own workshops and half as employees. The probability of using the skills learned declined with age but increased with previous experience in technical work. The training did not significantly increase the income of employed artisans, but increased the annual income of those who made the silos in their own workshops by KSh315,173 (about US$3,600). The overall impact could be improved by better targeting of trainees, by using apprenticeships as an alternative mode of training, and by encouraging entrepreneurship through business training and provision of credit. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Africa; Artisan; Impact; Metal silos; Vocational training | construction; entrepreneur; food storage; income; silo; skilled labor; training; vocational education; assessment method; metal; Kenya | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947867679 | Impact of the productive safety net program on farmers' investments in sustainable land management in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia | Adimassu Z., Kessler A. | 2015 | Environmental Development | 16 | None | 10.1016/j.envdev.2015.06.015 | International Water Management Institute (IWMI), PO Box: 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Wageningen University and Research Center, Soil Physics and Land Management (SLM) Group, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, Wageningen, Netherlands | Adimassu, Z., International Water Management Institute (IWMI), PO Box: 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Kessler, A., Wageningen University and Research Center, Soil Physics and Land Management (SLM) Group, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, Wageningen, Netherlands | This study assesses the impact of the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) on farmers' investments in sustainable land management (SLM) practices in the Central Rift Valley (CRV) of Ethiopia. Primary data were collected using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire for a sample of 159 households (82 PSNP participants and 77 non-participants) in four kebeles (the lowest administrative unit in Ethiopia) of two weredas (districts). Using a cross-sectional household survey, propensity score matching (PSM) was used to assess the impact of PSNP on households' investments in soil erosion control and soil fertility management. The PSM results show that the control group of households (non-participants in PSNP) invested more in soil erosion control measures as compared to the treated group of households (participants in PSNP). On the contrary, however, the treated group of households significantly invested more in soil fertility management practices (e.g. inorganic fertilizer and compost) as compared to the control group of households. The negative impact of PSNP on households' investments in soil erosion control in the treated group of farmers is related to their high labor investment in public works, which is not the case for the non-participants in PSNP. This implies that PSNP should pay more attention to capacity building and awareness raising, which requires a restructuring of the program that would benefit long-term and more sustainable impact on reducing food insecurity and enhancing natural resources in the CRV of Ethiopia. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Central Rift Valley; Food security; Productive Safety Net; Propensity score matching; Sustainable land management | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868463375 | Climate change and impacts on the hydrology of the Congo Basin: The case of the northern sub-basins of the Oubangui and Sangha Rivers | Tshimanga R.M., Hughes D.A. | 2012 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | None | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2012.08.002 | Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Department of Natural Resources Management, University of Kinshasa, P.O. Box 117, Kinshasa, KIN XI, Democratic Republic Congo | Tshimanga, R.M., Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa, Department of Natural Resources Management, University of Kinshasa, P.O. Box 117, Kinshasa, KIN XI, Democratic Republic Congo; Hughes, D.A., Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa | This study assesses the hydrological response of the Congo Basin's runoff to future changes of climatic conditions. The study is carried out at the sub-basin scale in the northern part of the Congo Basin for which downscaled GCM data have been obtained. In order to assess the impacts of climate change scenarios on water resources availability of the Congo Basin, three downscaled and bias corrected GCMs were used to drive a semi-distributed rainfall-runoff model which was initially established for the whole Congo Basin through manual calibration and physically-based a priori parameter estimation approaches. The analysis focuses on the variables of the hydrological processes such as rainfall, interception, potential evapotranspiration, soil moisture store, surface runoff, soil moisture runoff, and recharge. In general terms, the study shows that there is a decrease in runoff for the near-future projections in the northern part of the Congo Basin which has a tropical transition regime. For the three GCMs used in this study, there is very little change in rainfall from the historical conditions. The major change is observed in evapotranspiration, due to an increase in air temperature. There is a clear indication of the translation of climate signal into flows. There is more than 10% decrease in total runoff, which is a consequence of relatively little increase in rainfall and a consistent increase in potential evapotranspiration. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Climate change; Congo Basin; GCMs; Hydrology | Air temperature; Climate change scenarios; Climate signals; Climatic conditions; Congo basins; GCMs; Hydrological process; Hydrological response; Manual calibration; Potential evapotranspiration; Priori parameter estimation; Rainfall-runoff models; Sub-basin scale; Subbasins; Surface runoffs; Tropical transition; Water resources availability; Digital storage; Evapotranspiration; Hydrology; Parameter estimation; Rain; Runoff; Soil moisture; Water supply; Climate change; climate change; climate effect; downscaling; evapotranspiration; general circulation model; hydrological response; interception; parameterization; rainfall-runoff modeling; resource availability; runoff; soil moisture; Congo Basin; Ubangi River | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888115601 | The impact of HRIS on organizational efficiency: Random or integrated and holistic? | Aswanth Kumar N., Brijball Parumasur S. | 2013 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 11 | 1 G | None | School of Management, Information Technology and Governance, College of Law and Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa | Aswanth Kumar, N., School of Management, Information Technology and Governance, College of Law and Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Brijball Parumasur, S., School of Management, Information Technology and Governance, College of Law and Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa | This study assesses the extent to which the HRIS enhances organizational efficiency in an interrelated and holistic manner (as determined by its impact on areas of HR, time management, cost management and managerial satisfaction with the system). A sample of 101 managers was drawn from a Municipality in South Africa using cluster sampling. Data was collected using a self-developed, closed-ended questionnaire comprising of 28 items, the psychometric properties (validity, reliability) of which was statistically assessed using Factor Analysis and Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha respectively. Data was analyzed using inferential statistics. The results indicate that HRIS significantly enhances overall organizational efficiency and its sub-dimensions (HR functions, time management, cost management and managerial satisfaction with the system) in an inter-related and holistic manner, though in varying degrees. Hence, the implementation of a proper HRIS has the potential to bring about operational effectiveness and enhance the realisation of the HR and corporate strategy, thereby ensuring organizational effectiveness. | Cost management; Human resource functions; Integrated and holistic human resource information system (HRIS); Managerial satisfaction; Organizational efficiency; Time management | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937817165 | Impact of predicted changes in rainfall and atmospheric carbon dioxide on maize and wheat yields in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia | Muluneh A., Biazin B., Stroosnijder L., Bewket W., Keesstra S. | 2015 | Regional Environmental Change | 15 | 6 | 10.1007/s10113-014-0685-x | Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, Wageningen, Netherlands; School of Biosystems and Environmental Engineering, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 150372, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Muluneh, A., Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, Wageningen, Netherlands, School of Biosystems and Environmental Engineering, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Biazin, B., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Stroosnijder, L., Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, Wageningen, Netherlands; Bewket, W., Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 150372, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Keesstra, S., Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, Wageningen, Netherlands | This study assesses potential impacts of climate change on maize and wheat yields in the Central Rift Valley (CRV) of Ethiopia. We considered effects of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO<inf>2</inf>) and changes in rainfall during the main (Kiremt) and the short (Belg) rainfall cropping seasons during the two future periods (2020–2049 and 2066–2095). The MarkSimGCM daily weather generator was used to generate projected rainfall and temperature data using the outputs from ECHAM5 general circulation model and ensemble mean of six models under A2 (high) and B1 (low) emission scenarios. Crop yield simulations were made with the FAO’s AquaCrop model. The projected rainfall during Kiremt increases by 12–69 % while rainfall during Belg decreases by 20–68 %. The combined effect of elevated CO<inf>2</inf> and projected climate factors increases maize yield by up to 59 % in sub-humid/humid areas of the CRV, but could result in a decrease of up to 46 % in the semiarid areas under ECHAM5 model. However, the maize yield increases in all parts of the CRV under the ensemble mean of models. Wheat yield shows no significant response to the projected rainfall changes, but increases by up to 40 % due to elevated CO<inf>2</inf>. Our results generally suggest that climate change will increase crop yields in the sub-humid/humid regions of the CRV. However, in the semi-arid parts the overall projected climate change will affect crop yields negatively. © 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Belg; Climate change; Crop yield; Elevated CO<inf>2</inf>; Kiremt; Rainfall | Cowbone Ridge virus; Triticum aestivum; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951976730 | Evaluation of lead and mercury neurotoxic health risk by resident children in the Obuasi municipality, Ghana | Obiri S., Dodoo D.K., Armah F.A., Essumang D.K., Cobbina S.J. | 2010 | Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology | 29 | 3 | 10.1016/j.etap.2010.01.001 | CSIR - Water Research Institute, P.O. Box AH 38, Achimota Accra, Ghana; Centre for Environmental Impact Analysis, P.O. Box AD 738, Cape Coast, Ghana; Department of Environmental Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Environmental Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; CSIR - Water Research Institute, P.O. Box TL 695, Tamale, Ghana | Obiri, S., CSIR - Water Research Institute, P.O. Box AH 38, Achimota Accra, Ghana, Centre for Environmental Impact Analysis, P.O. Box AD 738, Cape Coast, Ghana; Dodoo, D.K., Environmental Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Armah, F.A., Centre for Environmental Impact Analysis, P.O. Box AD 738, Cape Coast, Ghana, Department of Environmental Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Essumang, D.K., Environmental Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Cobbina, S.J., CSIR - Water Research Institute, P.O. Box TL 695, Tamale, Ghana | This study assesses neurotoxic effects associated with exposure to lead and mercury in borehole, tap and surface water by resident children in the Obuasi municipality in accordance with USEPA risk assessment guidelines. From the results of the study, the hazard quotient for oral ingestion of mercury in tap water in Obuasi is 7.4 and 15 respectively via both central tendency exposure (CTE) and reasonable maximum exposure (RME) parameters, respectively. This means that approximately 7 and 15 (by both CTE and RME parameters, respectively) resident children in Obuasi are likely to show neurologic effects associated with exposure to mercury and lead such as increased nervousness, loss of memory and/or decrease in concentration, impaired writing ability and tremor. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. | Ghana; Hazard quotient; Lead; Mercury; Neurotoxicity; Obuasi municipality; Resident children | lead; mercury; surface water; tap water; amnesia; article; concentration loss; controlled study; disease association; environmental exposure; fluid intake; Ghana; health hazard; lead poisoning; mercurialism; nervousness; neurotoxicity; priority journal; quality control; risk assessment; tremor; water sampling; writing | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953355255 | Climatic variability and its impacts on agricultural income and households' welfare in Southern and Northern Nigeria | Oyekale A.S. | 2009 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 8 | 1 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Oyekale, A.S., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | This study assessed variability in some weather variables and its impacts on agricultural incomes in northern and southern Nigeria. To achieve these, we combined time series weather variables obtained from some meteorological stations in Nigeria with household cross-sectional data collected by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The descriptive and regression methods were used to analyze the data. The results show high variability in some weather with rainfall exhibiting the highest variability between 1971 and 2003. Impacts of climatic changes on agricultural income and welfare were modeled with climaterelated variables like variability indices of annual for 1971-2003, actual annual rainfall data in 2003, time for gathering fuel wood, time for fetching water and season of interview. It was found that agricultural income and welfare in northern part of Nigeria will be more negatively affected by climatic changes than southern part. The study recommended development of alternative energy sources, promotion of irrigate agriculture and skill development for combating adverse climatic changes, among others. | Agricultural; Climatic variability; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899501565 | Does information and communication technologies contribute to organization performance? Evidence from Nigerian universities | Binuyo A.O., Brevis-Landsberg T. | 2014 | Problems and Perspectives in Management | 12 | 1 | None | Department of Business Management, College of Economics and Management Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa | Binuyo, A.O., Department of Business Management, College of Economics and Management Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa; Brevis-Landsberg, T., Department of Business Management, College of Economics and Management Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa | This study assessed the relationship between ICT investments in relation to organizational performance with specific focus on knowledge-imbibed organizations - universities. The study focusses on drawing possible relationships between ICT investment and ICT cost efficiency and, various indicators of organization performance such as return on capital employed, net profit margin and return on assets. The study uses data generated from the annual report of 37 universities in South West Nigeria over the period between 2001 and 2010 in dynamic panel environment. Controlling for structural differences and time-varying dynamics among these universities, the analyses show varying effects of ICT investment on performance. The findings indicate that ICT investment and ICT cost efficiency have positive and significant relationship with performance indicators. The study recommends that ICT investment should be guided in order to stimulate organizational performance. © Adekunle Oluwole Binuyo, Tersia Brevis-Landsberg, 2014. | Firm performance; ICT cost efficiency; ICT investment; Resource-based theory; South West Nigeria; University business unit | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-24644481320 | Assessing the potential impact of biological control of Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth) in cabbage production in Kenya | Macharia I., Löhr B., De Groote H. | 2005 | Crop Protection | 24 | 11 | 10.1016/j.cropro.2005.02.005 | International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), P.O. Box 25171, Nairobi, Kenya | Macharia, I., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Löhr, B., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; De Groote, H., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), P.O. Box 25171, Nairobi, Kenya | This study assessed the potential economic impact of the introduction of Diadegma semiclausum, an exotic parasitoid of the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella, DBM), on cabbage production in Kenya. The study first established yield losses caused by DBM through two methods: measurements from farmer-managed fields and through farmers' interviews. Crop losses were calculated at 31% from farmer-managed fields, and at 36% from farmer interviews. With a crop loss of 31%, yield loss was estimated at 6.8 tons/ha or US$ 452.9/ha, and at US$ 7.9 million per year for the whole country. Control costs as provided from the interviews, amounted to US$ 118.9/ha. The project costs amount to a net present value of US$ 1.2 million. Based on an annual cabbage production of 256,524 tons, a cabbage price of US$ 66.3/ton, a 30% abatement of yield losses, a 7.9% reduction in cost of production, a supply and a demand elasticity of 0.9 and -1.4 respectively, and an annual increase of consumption of 2.6%, the economic surplus produced by the release of the parasitoid was estimated at US$ 28.3 million for 25 years. Consumers were estimated to get 58% of the benefit and producers 42%. The benefit-cost ratio was estimated at 24:1, with an internal rate of return of 86%, indicating a high return to the investment. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Biological control; Diamondback moth; Economic impact; Parasitoid | biological control; crop damage; economic impact; yield; Africa; East Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Kenya; Sub-Saharan Africa; World; Brassica oleracea var. capitata; Diadegma semiclausum; Lepidoptera; Plutella xylostella | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938305048 | Performance evaluation of residential buildings in public housing estates in Ogun State, Nigeria: Users' satisfaction perspective | Ibem E.O., Opoko A.P., Adeboye A.B., Amole D. | 2013 | Frontiers of Architectural Research | 2 | 2 | 10.1016/j.foar.2013.02.001 | Department of Architecture, Covenant University, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Architecture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State, Nigeria | Ibem, E.O., Department of Architecture, Covenant University, Ogun State, Nigeria; Opoko, A.P., Department of Architecture, Covenant University, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adeboye, A.B., Department of Architecture, Covenant University, Ogun State, Nigeria; Amole, D., Department of Architecture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State, Nigeria | This study assessed the performance of residential buildings in public housing estates in urban areas of Ogun State Southwest Nigeria. It was based on the notion that users' satisfaction with dwelling units is a measure of the performance of residential buildings in meeting their needs and expectations. A cross sectional survey of 452 household heads in nine public housing estates was conducted in the study area. Data were obtained using structured questionnaire and observation schedule; and were subjected to descriptive statistics and factor analysis. A mean satisfaction score of 3.21 was observed; indicating that the respondents were generally satisfied with the performance of the different components of the buildings. Satisfaction levels were generally higher with privacy and sizes of living and sleeping areas than the availability of water and electricity in the buildings. The type, location and aesthetic appearance as well as size of main activity areas were the most predominant factors that determined satisfaction and indeed the performance of the buildings in meeting users' needs and expectations. The paper highlights critical areas where attention is needed in order to improve the performance of residential buildings and users' satisfaction with public housing projects in Nigeria. © 2013 Higher Education Press Limited Company. | Building performance; Ogun State; Residential buildings; Urban areas; User satisfaction | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67650340002 | Impact of internship training on faculty of agriculture undergraduates of the obafemi awolowo university, ile-ife, Nigeria | Ajayi A.O., Okorie V.O., Yusuf O.J. | 2008 | Journal of Agricultural and Food Information | 9 | 2 | 10.1080/10496500802173988 | Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University O.A.U., P.O. Box 1979, Postal Code 220005, | Ajayi, A.O., Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University O.A.U., P.O. Box 1979, Postal Code 220005, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Okorie, V.O., Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Yusuf, O.J., Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | This study assessed the impact of internship training on undergraduates of agriculture in the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The job aspirations and attitudes of preinternship and postinternship undergraduates toward studying agriculture and toward participating in internship training were compared and the students' preferred courses and reasons for studying agriculture were identified. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select an equal number of respondents from both preinternship and postinternship students; a pretested and validated structured questionnaire was used to elicit qualitative information from 130 respondents; frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used to describe the data; one-way-ANOVA test was used to test the hypotheses in order to make deductions from the data. The result of ANOVA revealed that at P 0.05 significance level, there were significant differences in the preinternship and postinternship students' attitudes toward studying agriculture and toward participating in internship training. However, at P 0.05 significance level, there was no significant difference in the job aspirations of preinternship and postinternship students. It was, therefore, concluded that the internship training changed only the attitude of postinternship students toward studying agriculture and participating in internship training, with no significant impact on the job aspirations of the students. Hence, the study recommended overhauling the internship training program through adequate funding, logistics, and curriculum revision; so as to enable it to attain its goals and promote improvement and retention of educated and able-bodied youth in the agricultural sector. © 2008 by The Haworth Press. All rights reserved. | Agricultural development; Attitude; Internship training; Job aspiration; Labor depletion | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897395164 | An assessment of the impact of government intervention projects on poverty alleviation/reduction in Ekiti State, Nigeria | Opafunso Z.O., Okhankhuele O.T. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 4 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n4p273 | School of Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Project Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Opafunso, Z.O., School of Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Okhankhuele, O.T., Department of Project Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | This study assessed the impact of Ekiti State Government's intervention projects on poverty alleviation/reduction in Ekiti State, Nigeria, from 2007-2011. The paper identified some intervention projects/programmes executed in six Local Government Areas in the three Senatorial Districts selected for this study, identified the providers of these projects, and assessed the extent to which the projects impacted on poverty alleviation of the people. The study attempted finding answers to research questions by using survey design and judgemental sampling technique to collect data from 630 respondents with the aid of a 25-item structured questionnaire and personal interview. The respondents comprised of civil servants, farmers, and traders/artisans within the communities. Data for this study were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square (X2) was used to test the hypothesis posed for the research at 5% significant level. The findings revealed that developmental projects were implemented by the State, local government and international/non-governmental agencies within the study area during the study period. Also there was an impact of government's intervention projects on poverty alleviation in Ekiti State within the study period but, the impact was insignificant. The study recommended proper coordination of efforts of all parties towards the poverty alleviation intervention programmes in Ekiti State in order to avoid duplication of efforts, implementation of a well-planned and concerted policy framework, projects/programmes, and provision of an adequate budget towards poverty alleviation/reduction in Ekiti State by the Federal and Ekiti State governments, and the involvement of the community members in the conceptualization, and implementation of projects. | Intervention projects/programmes; Life uplift; Poverty; Poverty alleviation/reduction | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000286937000013 | An evaluation of the impact of a community-based adherence support programme on ART outcomes in selected government HIV treatment sites in South Africa | Ebrahim, R.,Grimwood, A.,Igumbor, J. O.,Jason, A.,Scheepers, E. | 2011 | AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV | 23 | 2 | 10.1080/09540121.2010.498909 | North West University - South Africa, Absolute Return Kids, Kheth Impilo | "Igumbor, J. O.: North West University - South Africa", | This study assessed the impact of a community-based adherence support service on the outcomes of patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). The evaluation was a retrospective study based on patient clinical records. This study noted that a significantly higher proportion of patients with a community-based adherence supporter (also known as a patient advocate, PA) had viral load (VL) of less than 400 copies/ml at six months of treatment (70%, p = 0.001); a significantly higher proportion of patients with PAs (89%) attained a treatment pickup rate of over 95% (67%; p = 0.021). Patients at health facilities with PA services maintained a suppressed VL for a longer period as opposed to patients at health facilities without PA services (p = 0.001), also patients at health facilities with PA services remained in care for longer periods (p = 0.001). Therefore, the study concludes that integrated community-based adherence support is crucial in ensuring that patients remain in care, regularly pickup their treatment from ART clinics and are virologically suppressed. The study also underscores the importance of access to health services and the presence of an enabling environment in the treatment of AIDS. | ADHERENCE,AIDS,"antiretroviral therapy (ART)","community-based support",HIV,"patient advocates (PA)","ACTIVE ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",EFFICACY,INTERVENTION,"MEDICATION ADHERENCE",PREDICTORS,"PROTEASE INHIBITORS",SURVIVAL | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957836221 | 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-s2.0-77955618059 | Logging impacts in tropical lowland humid forest on tree species diversity and environmental conservation | Adekunle V.A.J., Olagoke A.O., Ogundare L.F. | 2010 | Journal of Sustainable Forestry | 29 | 5 | 10.1080/10549811.2010.489923 | Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Forestry and Wildlife Services, Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry And Fisheries, Akure, Nigeria | Adekunle, V.A.J., Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Olagoke, A.O., Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Ogundare, L.F., Department of Forestry and Wildlife Services, Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry And Fisheries, Akure, Nigeria | This study assessed the effects of exploitations in natural forest ecosystems on tree species diversity and environmental conservation. This was achieved by comparing tree species diversity and yield in an unlogged forest (Strict Nature Reserve) and a forest reserve where active logging is in progress in Ondo State, Nigeria. Eight plots (20 m × 20 m) were assessed in each site using systematic sampling techniques. All living trees with dbh >10 cm were identified, categorized into families with their diameter at breast height (dbh) measured in each plot. Shannon-Weiner and species evenness indices were used to assess and compare tree species diversity and abundance. The results show that the tropical humid forest is very rich in tree species, as a total of 54 different tropical hardwood species from 23 families were encountered in both forest types. There were 46 species distributed among 21 families in the unlogged forest and 24 species in 14 families in the logged forest. Shannon-Weiner diversity index of 3.16 and 3.03 and evenness index of .83 and .81 were also obtained for the unlogged and logged forest, respectively. Every variable computed had a higher value in the unlogged forest relative to the logged forest. In the unlogged forest, the species with the highest number of occurrence was Mansonia altissima A. Chev. (80 stems/ha). Caesalpinoidae and Sterculiaceae families had the highest number of species (6). In the logged forest, Triplochiton scleroxylon K. Schum. (18 stems/ha) had the highest frequency and Caesalpinoidae family has the highest number of species (4). The study concludes that exploitation has affected species diversity in the ecosystem and subsequently, the roles of trees in environmental conservation are affected. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | deforestation; exploitation; Strict Nature Reserve; systematic sampling technique; unlogged | Diameter-at-breast heights; Diversity index; Environmental conservation; exploitation; Forest reserves; Forest type; Logging impacts; Natural forest ecosystems; Nature reserves; Nigeria; Number of species; Species diversity; Species evenness; Systematic sampling; Tree species; Tree species diversity; Tropical hardwood; Tropical humid forests; unlogged; Conservation; Deforestation; Ecosystems; Environmental protection; Hardwoods; Tropics; Biodiversity; diversity index; ecosystem response; exploitation; forest ecosystem; humid tropics; logging (timber); lowland environment; nature conservation; nature reserve; sampling; species diversity; species evenness; tropical forest; Conservation; Deforestation; Ecosystems; Forests; Hardwoods; Nigeria; Triplochiton; Tropics; Nigeria; Ondo; Malvaceae; Mansonia altissima; Triplochiton scleroxylon | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937395866 | Energy consumption, institutional quality and the performance of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria (1999-2013) | Edame G.E., Oko O.B. | 2015 | International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy | 5 | 3 | None | Department of Economics, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria | Edame, G.E., Department of Economics, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Oko, O.B., Department of Economics, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria | This study assessed the effect of energy consumption and institutional quality, on the performance of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria between 1999 and 2013 through the use of the ordinary least square technique. The study used three measures of institutional quality: Economic freedom index, corruption perception index and contract intensive money. On the other hand, the industrial sector consumption of electricity (CSL), the total consumption of gas (GCS) and the total consumption of petroleum (PCN) were used as proxies for the consumption of energy. The results of the study show that industrial sector consumption of electricity, petroleum and gas do not have a significant impact on manufacturing sector performance. The results also indicated that the level of corruption perception has a significant effect on the performance of the manufacturing sector. Based on this, the study makes several recommendations including: the improvement in the country’s capacity to refine petroleum products; the maintenance of the current policy stand in the electricity industry by the new government; the removal of executive interference in the operations of the country’s institutions. © 2015, Econjournals. All right resurved. | Energy consumption; Ordinary least squares; İnstitutional quality | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953129061 | Assessment of health impacts of vehicular pollution on occupationally exposed people in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria | Adeleke M.A., Bamgbose J.T., Oguntoke O., Itua E.O., Bamgbose O. | 2011 | Trace Elements and Electrolytes | 28 | 2 | 10.5414/TEP28128 | Department Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Adeleke, M.A., Department Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Bamgbose, J.T., Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oguntoke, O., Department Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Itua, E.O., Department Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Bamgbose, O., Department Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | This study assessed the concentration of Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), Sulphur Oxide (SOx), Carbonmonoxide (CO), Benzene, Toluene, MP-Xylene and O-xylene (BTEX,) Total Suspended Particulate, (TSP) and Particulate Matter (PM; PM10 and PM2.5) in the ambient air at selected locations in Lagos, Nigeria. The health impact of these pollutants was investigated among exposed group of people (especially CarbonmonoxyHemoglobin (COHb), and pulmonary function). The health profile of the general populace was also examined for cases of ailments related to air pollution. The mean level of TSP was lowest at Unilag (130.6 ± 44.5 ug/m3) the control, while the highest concentration was measured at Mazamaza (1171.7 ± 355.1 ug/m3) throughout the study period. The CO level measured was in the order of Ikotun (3.40 ± 1.3 ppm) > Ikeja (1.70 ± 0.4 ppm) > Unilag (0.10 ± 0.0 ppm). Mean SO2 concentration ranged with a highest value at Oshodi (116.3 ± 27.3 ppb) to a lowest level at Unilag (9.40 ± 0.9 ppb) while the NO2 concentration ranged from a highest value of (138.6 ± 78.4 ppb) for Oshodi to a lowest value of (8.76 ± 3.0 ppb) for Unilag. The concentration of gaseous pollutants that are linked with cancers; benzene, Toluene, MP-Xylene and O-xylene showed the highest level at Mazamaza. At this location, the concentrations of the pollutants were in the order of 17.58 ± 8.8, 36.92 ± 19.6, 21.57 ± 10.5 and 8.03 ± 3.9 (ppb), respectively. On the other hand, Unilag had the lowest level of each of these pollutants (3.47 ± 3.84, 5.3 ± 6.0; 3.37 ± 3.4 and 1.27 ± 1.5 ppb). ANOVA result showed that each pollutant varied significantly among the selected locations (p < 0.05). The broad-profile of diagnosed health problems among residents that visited public hospitals showed high prevalence of upper respiratory tract infection (45.3%) followed by asthma (18.9%), broncho-pneumonia (14.8%) and pneumonia (5.6%). Formore than 30% of the occupationally exposed, exposure had lasted 6 - 10 y, accounting for the higher concentration of CO (1.18 ± 0.43 ppm) in their breath compared to the control (0.63 ± 0.59 ppm). ©2011 Dustri-Verlag Dr. K. Feistle. | Air pollution; COHb; Health impact; Respiratory diseases; Vehicle emission | benzene; carbon monoxide; carboxyhemoglobin; nitrogen oxide; ortho xylene; sulfur oxide; toluene; xylene; acute sinusitis; adult; air pollution; air quality; article; asthma; bronchitis; bronchopneumonia; chronic bronchitis; controlled study; disease association; health hazard; human; lung function; major clinical study; neoplasm; Nigeria; obstructive airway disease; occupational exposure; particulate matter; pleura effusion; pneumonia; priority journal; suspended particulate matter; tonsillitis; upper respiratory tract infection | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-61449209745 | The combined impact of mine drainage in the Ankobra River Basin, SW Ghana | Akabzaa T.M., Jamieson H.E., Jorgenson N., Nyame K. | 2009 | Mine Water and the Environment | 28 | 1 | 10.1007/s10230-008-0057-1 | Department of Geology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada; Department of Geology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark | Akabzaa, T.M., Department of Geology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Jamieson, H.E., Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada; Jorgenson, N., Department of Geology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Nyame, K., Department of Geology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | This study assessed the combined effects of seven large-scale gold mines, one manganese mine, and scattered artisanal gold mining sites on the quality of water in the Ankobra Basin in a geologically complex terrain. Water samples from streams, boreholes, hand dug wells, and mine spoil were analysed. Scatter plots of trends among measured parameters were used to assess drainage quality and differential impacts. Drainage quality exhibits wide seasonal and spatial variations; the geology strongly influences the water chemistry. Areas with low pH (<5.5), and high sulphate ions and trace ions are suggestive of acid mine drainage while sites with high pH (>7.5), HCO3 -, subdued SO4 2-, and high trace ions are suggestive of sites where acid neutralization is effective. High metal sources are largely confined to mining operations in the Birimian formation with ores containing more than 2% sulphides. However, restricted high metal regimes are observed in drainage in the Tarkwaian formation associated with scatted sulphide-bearing dolerite dykes in the operational areas of the Tarkwa and Damang mines. Earlier studies disputed sulphides in the Tarkwaian formation until recently, when acid-generating dykes were discovered in operating pits. The most degraded waters emanate from the Prestea and Iduapriem mines, and to a lesser extent, the Nsuta mine sites, all mining Birimian rocks. The Tarkwa mine showed minimal metal loading. Zn, Cu, Ni, As, SO4, pH, and specific conductance are essential and adequate parameters in determining if acid drainage is taking place at these sites, and are recommended for routine mine environmental monitoring. | Ankobra River; Drainage; Ghana; Mine; Water | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908210702 | Patterns and Impact of Public Expenditure on Agriculture: Empirical Evidence from Benue State, Nigeria | Ani D.P., Biam C.K., Kantiok M. | 2014 | Journal of Agricultural and Food Information | 15 | 4 | 10.1080/10496505.2014.958933 | Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | Ani, D.P., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Biam, C.K., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Kantiok, M., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | This study assessed the budgetary allocation to agriculture in Benue State. Secondary data were collected for 10 years from Annual Reports of the Accountant General, Central Bank of Nigeria statistical publications, and Benue State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (BNARDA). Descriptive statistics and regression were used to analyze the data. The result revealed that the Nigerian Government allocates only 8% of its annual budget to the agricultural sector, with the crop subsector being the most preferred (77.34%). The result of the regression analysis indicated a negative and nonsignificant (−3.3610) contribution to agricultural production. The Government should not only raise the fund allocation to the agricultural sector but devise adequate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure increased productivity. © 2014, Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887937873 | Evaluation of biomass of some invasive weed species as substrate for oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) cultivation | Mintesnot B., Ayalew A., Kebede M. | 2014 | Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences | 17 | 2 | 10.3923/pjbs.2014.213.219 | Haramaya University, School of Biology, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; School of Plant Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 241, Ethiopia | Mintesnot, B., Haramaya University, School of Biology, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Ayalew, A., School of Plant Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 241, Ethiopia; Kebede, M., Haramaya University, School of Biology, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | This study assessed the bioconversion of Agriculture wastes like invasive weeds species (Lantana camara, Prosopis juliflora, Parthenium hysterophorus) as a substrate for oyster mushroom (Pleurotus species) cultivation together with wheat straw as a control. The experiment was laid out in factorial combination of substrates and three edible oyster mushroom species in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Pleurotus ostreatus gave significantly (p<0.01) total yield of 840 g kg-1 on P. hysterophorus, Significantly (p<0.01) biological efficiency (83.87%) and production rate of 3.13 was recorded for P. ostreatus grown on P. hysterophorus. The highest total ash content (13.90%) was recorded ioxP.florida grown on L. camara. while the lowest (6.92%) was for P. sajor-caju grown on the P. juliflora. Crude protein ranged from 40.51-41.48% ioxP. florida grown onf. hysterophorus andL. camara. Lowest crude protein content (30.11%) was recorded for P. ostreatus grown on wheat straw. The crude fiber content (12.73%) of P. sajor-caju grown on wheat straw was the highest. The lowest crude fiber (5.19%) was recorded for P. ostreatus on P. juliflora. Total yield had a positive and significant correlation with biological efficiency and production. Utilization of the plant biomass for mushroom cultivation could contribute to alleviating ecological impact of invasive weed species while offering practical option to mitigating hunger and malnutrition in areas where the invasive weeds became dominant. © 2014 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Biological efficiency; Invasive weed species; Mushroom cultivation; Pleurotus spp.; Total yield | fungal protein; agriculture; article; biomass; culture medium; growth, development and aging; introduced species; metabolism; Pleurotus; weed; wheat; Agriculture; Biomass; Culture Media; Fungal Proteins; Introduced Species; Plant Weeds; Pleurotus; Triticum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945277254 | Impact of land cover changes and topography on soil quality in the Kasso catchment, Bale Mountains of southeastern Ethiopia | Warra H.H., Ahmed M.A., Nicolau M.D. | 2015 | Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography | 36 | 3 | 10.1111/sjtg.12124 | Department of Geography, Madawalabu University, Bale, Ethiopia; Department of Geography, University of South Africa, Gauteng, South Africa; Geography and Environmental Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Warra, H.H., Department of Geography, Madawalabu University, Bale, Ethiopia, Department of Geography, University of South Africa, Gauteng, South Africa; Ahmed, M.A., Geography and Environmental Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Nicolau, M.D., Department of Geography, University of South Africa, Gauteng, South Africa | This study assessed land cover change and topographic elevation on selected soil quality parameters in the Kasso catchment, southeastern Ethiopia. Twenty-seven soil samples collected from 0-30cm depth under four land cover types across three elevation gradients were analysed for selected soil quality parameters. Results indicated that soil particle size distribution is different (p<0.001) in the catchment because of the effect of land cover change and elevation. Most cultivated lands occupy lower elevations where clay accumulates as a result of its movement from higher to lower elevations. Ploughing accentuates weathering, making cultivated lands richer in finer materials. Cation exchange capacity and exchangeable magnesium and potassium negatively correlated with elevation, total nitrogen and available phosphorous. Conversion of natural vegetation to cropland contributed to changes in pH (p<0.05), exchangeable calcium (p<0.01), potassium (p<0.001), available phosphorous (p<0.01) and nitrogen (p<0.01) contents. Parameter soil degradation index results showed that soil organic carbon, nitrogen, available phosphorous and exchangeable potassium contents declined and bulk density increased because of the land cover change. This negative effect on agricultural development and environmental health of the catchment makes an integrated land resource management approach indispensable for sustaining agricultural productivity and the environmental health of the Kasso catchment. © 2015 Department of Geography, National University of Singapore and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd. | Land use/cover; Resource management; Soil quality; Soil quality parameter; Spatial variation; Topographic elevation | cation exchange capacity; erosion rate; land cover; particle size; plowing; size distribution; soil degradation; soil erosion; soil quality; spatial variation; topographic effect; vegetation dynamics; Bale Mountains; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548743570 | Effects of landrace legumes-velvet bean, lima bean and African yam bean-on the performance of yam, cassava based crop mixtures | Ibeawuchi I.I., Ofoh M.C., Nwufo M.I., Obiefuna J.C. | 2007 | Journal of Plant Sciences | 2 | 4 | None | Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria | Ibeawuchi, I.I., Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Ofoh, M.C., Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Nwufo, M.I., Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Obiefuna, J.C., Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria | This study appraised the effects of landrace legumes, velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens Var. utilis) Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) and African yam bean (Stenostylis sternocarpa) on the performance of yam, cassava based crop mixtures. The three-landrace legumes were intercropped with tuber based cropping system. The 18 treatments comprising yam/maize/mucuna, yam/maize/lima, yam/maize/African yam bean, yam/maize cassava/maize/mucuna, cassava/maize/lima, cassava/maize/African yam bean, cassava/maize, yam/maize/cassava/mucuna, yam/maize/cassava/mucuna, yam/maize/cassava/ African yam bean, yam/maize/cassava, yam, cassava, maize, Mucuna, Lima bean and African yam beans were laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. The research was canied out at the training and research farm of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, located at latitude 5° 20′N and 5° 29′N, longitude 7°E and 7°02′E in the humid rainforest zone of southeastern Nigeria. Growth and yield data were collected and statistically analysed. The heavy canopy cover of mucuna in all crop combination associated with it coupled with high number of component crops per plot reduced maize and cassava plant heights as well as maize grain yield, fresh cassava roots and fresh yam tubers. However, crop mixtures with lima bean and or African yam bean did not significantly p≥ 0.05 affect maize and cassava plant heights nor depressed fresh cassava roots, maize grain and fresh yam tuber yields. All the legume crops performed well in sole cropping system than in mixture of more than three component crops as a result of competition for the necessary growth resources. © 2007 Academic Journals Inc. | Cassava based crop mixtures; Landrace legumes; Yam | Dioscorea alata; Manihot esculenta; Mucuna; Mucuna pruriens var. utilis; Phaseolus lunatus; Sphenostylis stenocarpa; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858774220 | Tipping Practices and Policies in Zimbabwe's Hotel Industry: Impacts on Restaurant Waiters' Service Delivery and Work Relationships | Mkono M. | 2011 | Journal of Foodservice Business Research | 14 | 4 | 10.1080/15378020.2011.624054 | Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe | Mkono, M., Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe | This study analyzes tipping practices and policies in Zimbabwe's hotel industry from the perspective of restaurant waiters. The majority of respondents reported that discretionary tipping, as opposed to service charges, is the norm and that most hotels have a tip-pooling system. The findings show that guests who are expected to tip well, based largely on stereotypes as well as past tipping behavior, get better service treatment from waiters. Among themselves, waiters said that the culture of tipping has a huge impact on their work relationships. Most waiters presumed the pooling of tips to be an unfair practice. © 2011 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | Hotels; Service Delivery; Tipping; Waiters; Work relationships | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927962459 | Collaboration costs and new product development performance | Parker H., Brey Z. | 2015 | Journal of Business Research | 68 | 7 | 10.1016/j.jbusres.2015.02.013 | Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, Portswood Road, Cape Town, South Africa; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, South Africa | Parker, H., Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, Portswood Road, Cape Town, South Africa; Brey, Z., Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, South Africa | This study analyzes the relationships between governance in new product development collaboration, collaboration costs, and new product development performance. Data from new technology-based firms indicate that comprehensiveness in formal contractual governance has a stronger negative association with collaboration costs than relational governance does. In addition, collaboration costs relate negatively to new product development performance. This study contributes to understanding transaction costs within collaborative arrangements and the role of relational and formal governance in these arrangements. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. | Alliances; Collaboration; Collaboration costs; Contracts; New product development performance; Relational governance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891596740 | The performance of a high paraffin reservoir under non-isothermal waterflooding | Orodu O.D., Tang Z. | 2014 | Petroleum Science and Technology | 32 | 3 | 10.1080/10916466.2011.565295 | Reservoir Characterization and Engineering Research Group, Department of Petroleum Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Faculty of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China | Orodu, O.D., Reservoir Characterization and Engineering Research Group, Department of Petroleum Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Tang, Z., Faculty of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China | This study analyzes the performance of a high paraffin reservoir under cold waterflooding for 17 years using a 3-D finite difference simulator and analytical solution of injection wellbore temperature profile to upgrade reservoir management strategies. The reservoir has been marked by injectivity issues, early injection rate decline by half initial values and low incremental recovery, hence subject to alternate developmental schemes. The influence of cold waterflooding is assessed from simulated temperature maps due to nonisothermal injection and solution of injection well temperature profile. © 2014 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | non-isothermal waterflooding; paraffin precipitation; pour point; reservoir simulation; Shen-95 | Management strategies; Nonisothermal; Nonisothermal injection; Pour points; Reservoir simulation; Shen-95; Temperature maps; Wellbore temperature; Early injections; Management strategies; Nonisothermal; Nonisothermal injection; Pour points; Reservoir simulation; Shen-95; Wellbore temperature; Injection (oil wells); Isotherms; Paraffins; Petroleum reservoirs; Temperature control; Water injection; Well flooding; Injection (oil wells); Isotherms; Paraffins; Petroleum reservoirs; Reservoir management; Temperature control; Well flooding; Oil well flooding; Water injection | None |
| WoS | WOS:000343746400012 | Impact of Individual, Household and Community Characteristics on Children's Nutritional Indicators | Mokgatlhe, Lucky,Nnyepi, Maria S. | 2014 | JOURNAL OF HEALTH POPULATION AND NUTRITION | 32 | 2 | None | University of Botswana | "Mokgatlhe, Lucky: University of Botswana","Nnyepi, Maria S.: University of Botswana" | This study analyzed WHO-standardized nutritional indicators of children from selected households within communities that were sampled from all districts of Botswana. Data from the 2007 Botswana Family Health Survey were fitted into multilevel models that seek to account for variability due to the macro- and micro-units that have been hierarchically selected. This allowed for estimation of different levels of intraclass correlations while simultaneously assessing the model-fit by accounting for the influence on the nutritional indicators due to the fixed variables attributable to these macro- and micro-units. The results show that variation in nutritional status of under-five children in Botswana is a function of characteristics of the households and communities within which they live. As much as 17% of variation is due to differences in the communities and households. Economic status of households holds an important key in predicting the nutritional status of children. | BOTSWANA,COMMUNITY,"fixed effect","intra-class correlation","multilevel analysis","MULTISTAGE CLUSTER SAMPLING","RANDOM EFFECT",DETERMINANTS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881218581 | Wind profile characteristics and turbine performance analysis in Kano, north-western Nigeria | Ajayi O.O., Fagbenle R.O., Katende J., Aasa S.A., Okeniyi J.O. | 2013 | International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering | 4 | 1 | 10.1186/2251-6832-4-27 | Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, P. M. B. 1023, Ota, Nigeria; Mechanical Engineering Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria; College of Engineering and Technology, Botswana International University of Science and T | Ajayi, O.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, P. M. B. 1023, Ota, Nigeria; Fagbenle, R.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria; Katende, J., College of Engineering and Technology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Gaborone, Botswana; Aasa, S.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 | This study analyzed the electricity generation potential from wind at Kano, Nigeria (12.05°N; 08.2°E; altitude 472.5 m; air density 1.1705 kg/m3). Twenty one years (1987 to 2007) monthly mean wind speed data at a height of 10 m were assessed from the Nigeria Meteorological Department, Oshodi. The data were subjected to different statistical tests and also compared with the two-parameter Weibull probability density function. The outcome shows that the average monthly wind speed ranged from 6.6 to 9.5 m/s. Seasonally, average wind speeds ranged between 6.6 to 8.5 m/s and 7.4 to 9.5 m/s for dry (October to March) and wet (April to September) seasons, respectively. Also, estimated monthly wind power ranged between 3.6 and 12.5 MWh/m2. The most probable and maximum energy carrying wind speeds were also determined and the two parameters of the Weibull statistics were found to lie between 2.1 ≤ k ≤ 4.9 and 7.3 ≤ c ≤ 10.7, respectively. These results indicate that wind speeds at Kano may be economically viable for wind-to-electricity at and above the height of 10 m. In addition, five practical turbine models were assessed for the site's wind profile, with results suggesting strong economic viability. © 2013 Ajayi et al. | Kano; Nigeria; Renewable energy; Weibull; Wind power | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873738800 | Trade credit and performance of firms in Nigeria | Ojenike J.O., Asaolu T.O., Olowoniyi A.O. | 2013 | European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences | None | 56 | None | Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Ojenike, J.O., Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Asaolu, T.O., Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Olowoniyi, A.O., Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | This study analyzed the effect of trade credit on firm's performance. Panel data framework was fitted to the secondary data obtained from 70 sampled firms for the period 2000-2009. Data collected were analyzed using panel econometric approach of fixed effect, random effect and Hausman test. The result indicates that trade credit positively influenced Net Profit Margin (NPM), return on investment (ROI) and return on capital employed (ROCE) by firms. The finding implied that trade credit financing is an integral part of doing business for firms especially those that find raising funds from the credit market difficult and could not generate adequate internal funds for their working capital requirements. © EuroJournals, Inc. 2012. | NPM; ROA; ROCE; ROI; Trade credit | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79954579971 | Characterization of wastewater from an Abattoir in Rwanda and the impact on downstream water quality | Muhirwa D., Nhapi I., Wali U.G., Banadda N., Kashaigili J.J., Kimwaga R. | 2010 | International Journal of Ecology and Development | 16 | S10 | None | Faculty of Applied Sciences, National University of Rwanda, Box 117, Butare, Rwanda; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, Box MP167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Uganda Industrial Research Institute, P.O. Box 7086, Kampala, Uganda; Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3003 Morogoro, Tanzania; University of Dar Es Salaam, Box 35131, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | Muhirwa, D., Faculty of Applied Sciences, National University of Rwanda, Box 117, Butare, Rwanda; Nhapi, I., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, Box MP167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Wali, U.G., Faculty of Applied Sciences, National University of Rwanda, Box 117, Butare, Rwanda; Banadda, N., Uganda Industrial Research Institute, P.O. Box 7086, Kampala, Uganda; Kashaigili, J.J., Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3003 Morogoro, Tanzania; Kimwaga, R., University of Dar Es Salaam, Box 35131, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | This study analyzed processes and products at Nyabugogo Abattoir in Kigali, Rwanda, and investigated how they can be optimized for environmental safety. The average capacity of the abattoir is 566 cattle and 1,512 goats and sheep slaughtered per week. The study assessed the quantity and quality of different raw materials, by-products and wastewater streams and the potential impacts of applying cleaner production principles in abattoir processes. The samples were collected fortnightly, and analyzed using Standard Methods. The analysis emphasized on nutrients, biologically active constituents, and receiving water impacts. The data were processed for trends and variance using SPSS computer package. The wastewater parameters analyzed are temperature, salinity, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen pH, TSS, TDS, BOD5, COD, fat oils and grease, NO3-N, TKN, total phosphorus, chloride, calcium and total coliforms. The findings showed that the abattoir wastewater streams' total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) ranged from (7,533±723) for evisceration to (23,778±1,673) mgl-1 from slaughtering step and the discharge into Mpazi River increased its TCOD from (213±29) to (852±94) mgl-1. The TSS varied between 2,452±51 from the slaughter process and 5,252±174 mgl-1 for the effluent from the goat and sheep slaughter section. Results from the bacteriological analysis showed that the average abattoir wastewater discharge count was (560±81)105 cfu/100ml of total coliforms which increased from (2.8±0.58)105 to (8.2±0.86)105 cfu/100 ml. It was concluded that the current effluent quality is not suitable for discharge into watercourses. It was recommended that further treatment of the effluent is required coupled with the application of cleaner production principles. © 2010 IJED (CESER Publications). | Abattoir effluent; Cleaner production; Rwanda; Sustainability; Wastewater management | Bos; Capra hircus; Ovis aries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908702550 | Impact of micro credit and training on efficiency of small-scale entrepreneurs: Evidence from national directorate of employment (NDE) loan/training programmes in Nigeria | Akinrinola O.O., Fasoranti M.M., Aturamu O.A. | 2014 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 12 | 04-Mar | None | Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Economics, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo, Nigeria; Ekiti State College of Education, Ikere, Ekiti, Nigeria | Akinrinola, O.O., Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria; Fasoranti, M.M., Department of Economics, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo, Nigeria; Aturamu, O.A., Ekiti State College of Education, Ikere, Ekiti, Nigeria | This study analyses the impact of micro-credit and training on efficiency of small-scale entrepreneurs, using the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) programme as a case study. National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has been found to be functioning effectively in its training services. However, in the area of credit provision and utilization, there is no empirical evidence to support its efficiency. In order to evaluate the link between the loan/training programmes of the Directorate and the level of efficiency of micro-entrepreneurs in the state, we estimate technical efficiencies and identify significant policy variables influencing efficiency of selected micro enterprises, using the stochastic frontier production function. Results indicate that there are intra and inter group variations in the efficiency of bakers, furniture makers and burnt-brick makers, showing that there is possibility of improving the level efficiency of these entrepreneurs. The most significant determinants of technical efficiencies of bakers, furniture makers and burnt-brick makers are the level of education, business experience, age of operators, credit access, training experience and level of working capital and initial capital outlay. © 2014 World Food Ltd. and WFL Publishers. All rights reserved. | Employment; Entrepreneurs; Loan; Micro credit; Small scale | accounting; Article; commercial phenomena; education; enterpreneur; funding; furniture; human; loan; mathematical model; micro credit; named groups of persons; productivity; program efficacy; stochastic model; training; work experience | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892547829 | The impact of exchange rate expectations and interest rate differentials on trade in South Africa: An econometric analysis | Sitima I., Hlatywayo C.K. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 2 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n2p671 | University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa | Sitima, I., University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa; Hlatywayo, C.K., University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa | This study analyses the impact of exchange rate expectations and interest rate differentials between South Africa and its major trading partners and its effects on trade balances and employment in the exporting sector employment, using quarterly South African data covering the period 1977 to 2008. An empirical model linking the real exchange rate and interest rate differential is instigated to its theoretical determinants is then specified. The study utilizes the VECM methodology to provide both the long run and short run dynamic effects on the trade balance movements. Variables under investigation, (TOT, REER, IR, and IRS) were found to be statistically significant with the trade balance. The VECM model found 3 cointegrating equations and the most interesting result that came from this analysis is the co-movements of real effective exchange rate and interest rates differentials among the 3 cointegrating equations. | Interest rate differentials; Real effective exchange rate; Trade balance; VECM | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867698555 | Macroeconomic impact of Eskom's six-year capital investment programme | Seymore R., Akanbi O.A., Abedian I. | 2012 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 15 | 2 | None | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Economics, University of South Africa, South Africa; GIBS, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Seymore, R., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Akanbi, O.A., Department of Economics, University of South Africa, South Africa; Abedian, I., GIBS, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This study analyses the impact of an increase in Eskom's capital expenditure on the overall macro and sectoral economy using both a Time-Series Macro-Econometric (TSME) model and a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model. The simulation results from the TSME model reveal that in the long run, major macro variables (i.e. household consumption, GDP, and employment) will be positively affected by the increased investment. A weak transmission mechanism of the shock on the macro and sectoral economy is detected both in the short run and long run due to the relatively small share of electricity investment in total investment in the economy. On the other hand, the simulation results from the CGE reveal similar but more robust positive impacts on the macro economy. Most of the short-run macroeconomic impacts are reinforced in the long run. | Capital expenditure; General equilibrium modelling; Macroeconomic variables | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858311071 | Performance assessment of Nigerian banks pre and post consolidation: Evidence from a Bayesian approach | Assaf A.G., Barros C., Ibiwoye A. | 2012 | Service Industries Journal | 32 | 2 | 10.1080/02642069.2010.529135 | Isenberg School of Management, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States; Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão, Technical University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Actuarial Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Assaf, A.G., Isenberg School of Management, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States; Barros, C., Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão, Technical University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal; Ibiwoye, A., Department of Actuarial Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | This study analyses the cost-efficiency of Nigerian banks pre and post the consolidation period. The researchers account for bank heterogeneity using the Bayesian random frontier model, which in this context provides a better fit than the traditional stochastic frontier model. From the efficiency inferences, it is shown that the cost-efficiency of Nigerian banks has increased post the consolidation period to reach its highest average of 91.21% in 2007. The study discusses the potential impact of consolidation on the efficiency results and provides direction for future research. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | banking consolidation; Bayesian random frontier; cost-efficiency; heterogeneity; Nigeria | banking; Bayesian analysis; heterogeneity; performance assessment; stochasticity; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956507919 | Firms' Performance and Lending Constraints in Nigeria | Obamuyi T.M. | 2010 | Journal of Entrepreneurship | 19 | 2 | 10.1177/097135571001900205 | Department of Banking and Finance, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria | Obamuyi, T.M., Department of Banking and Finance, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria | This study analyses how banks' lending affects firms' performance and identifies some of the factors that have constrained finance to the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector, both on the supply and demand sides. The article is based on the case study of sample of 260 SMEs and interviews with managers of commercial banks in Ondo State, Nigeria. The results show that the firms that received bank loans performed better than those without loans. The study reveals that firms were reluctant to obtain loans from the banks because of high interest rates and stringent lending policies. The banks were also constrained due to the poor credit worthiness of the firms. The government should formulate policies that will compel banks to relax their stringent regulations which discourage borrowings. There should be entrepreneurial education for the entrepreneurs on financial recordings and business management. | firm performance; lending constraints; SMEs in Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953799754 | Empirical analysis of school plant planning as a determinant of secondary school students' academic performance | Ijaduola K.O., Oni J., Muraina K.O. | 2011 | Academic Leadership | 9 | 1 | None | Department of Educational Management, College of Applied Education and Vocational Technology, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Nigeria | Ijaduola, K.O., Department of Educational Management, College of Applied Education and Vocational Technology, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Nigeria; Oni, J.; Muraina, K.O. | This study analysed the relationship between school plant planning and students' academic performance in secondary schools in Ogun State, Nigeria. 800 classroom teachers, purposively selected from schools in the four geo-political zones of the state, participated in the study. A questionnaire called: School Plant Planning and academic Performance Questionnaire (SPPAPQ) was used for data collection. Three hypotheses were generated and tested at 0.05 level of significance while the research instrument has a clrombach alpha of 0.84. The reason product moment correlation coefficient was employed for data analysis. It was established that significant relationship exists between school plant planning and students' academic performance. As a result, it was suggested among others that there is need for more provision of school plants and maintenance culture should be improved so as to enhance the educational performance of secondary school students. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928239277 | Asymmetric impacts of the determinants of energy intensity in Nigeria | Adom P.K. | 2015 | Energy Economics | 49 | None | 10.1016/j.eneco.2015.03.027 | Centre for Environmental and Resource Economics (CERE), Department of Forest Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Umeå, Sweden; Department of Banking and Finance, University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana | Adom, P.K., Centre for Environmental and Resource Economics (CERE), Department of Forest Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Umeå, Sweden, Department of Banking and Finance, University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana | This study analysed the problem of energy intensity determinants in Nigeria based on the fully modified OLS and canonical cointegration regressions. These methods were preferred since they are able to deal effectively with the second-order bias problems, an often characteristics of time series data. The impacts of price of crude oil, FDI, trade openness and industry structure are asymmetric which suggests the presence of structural effects in parameters. The impact of crude oil price is negative but becomes stronger post-1989 saving .126% more in energy consumption relative to pre-1989. Also, the impacts of FDI and trade openness are negative and significant but become stronger post-1989 saving 11.2% and 0.8% more in energy consumption relative to the baseline, respectively for every one percentage point increase in FDI and trade openness. The impact of industry value-added is positive and significant but weakens after 1989 consuming 1.8% less in energy for every one percentage point increase in industry value-added relative to the baseline. The energy reducing effect of industry value-added post-1989 reflects improvements in the technical characteristics of industrial sector in Nigeria. Last, the result showed that the absorptive capability and industry characteristics of Nigeria are important determinants of how FDI affects energy intensity. This implies that a more integrated FDI programme (considering the country characteristics) rather than a 'one-fit-all' programme is preferable. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Absorptive capability; Asymmetric effects; Energy intensity; Nigeria | Commerce; Crude oil; Oil shale; Absorptive capability; Asymmetric effects; Energy intensity; Industrial sector; Industry characteristics; Industry structures; Nigeria; Percentage points; Energy utilization; consumption behavior; crude oil; energy market; foreign direct investment; industrial structure; price dynamics; regression analysis; time series; trade; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-32644447881 | Impacts of the women-in-agriculture (WIA) extension programme on women's lives; implications for subsistence agricultural production of women in Imo State, Nigeria | Odurukwe S.N., Matthews-Njoku E.C., Ejiogu-Okereke N. | 2006 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 18 | 2 | None | Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | Odurukwe, S.N., Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Matthews-Njoku, E.C., Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Ejiogu-Okereke, N., Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | This study analysed the impacts of the WIA programme on the lives of women in Imo State Nigeria, with the view of strengthening their subsistence agricultural production. Data were collected from 160 women from both urban and rural areas of the State. Data analysis was achieved using rankings, descriptive statistics and ordinary least square regression models. The results of the findings show that packages as cassava processing into pancake, and cassava flour, processing and utilization of soybean into flour paste, and soy-meal, cocoyam processing into cocoyam flour, and processing of fresh tomatoes into tomato paste; which recorded high awareness values had low adoption rates. Transferred WIA technologies as cassava processing and utilization - into; odorless fufu, gari, and tapioca (93.16%); processing of maize, into corn meal, and pap (79.77%), processing and storage of fresh tomatoes into tomato paste (86.46%), and dry season vegetable gardening (66.38%) recorded high response from the women as being very relevant to their socioeconomic wellbeing. However, such technologies as cassava processing and utilization into pancake and cassava flour (83.27%), processing of maize into maize flour, and malted maize drink (75.08%) were reported as not relevant. Positive impacts of women adoption of WIA packages were most on the women than the men and the children. It ensured family food security and enhanced children's education and women financial and socioeconomic status. Primary occupation, annual income, household size and membership of women's group showed a positive and very significant relationship with the adoption of the WIA technologies by the women. Among the problems to effective achievement of set objectives is lack of access to land, non-coverage of agricultural production activities. It is recommended among others that the WIA programme should include women agricultural production needs in its programme of activities, in addition to increasing its' clientele coverage. | Imo State; Impacts on Women's live; Nigeria; Women-in-Agriculture Programme | Colocasia esculenta; Gari; Glycine max; Lycopersicon esculentum; Manihot esculenta; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900398756 | Student teachers' views of the impact of school experience programme on their perceptions of the teaching profession | Mushoriwa T.D., Mavuso M.P. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 8 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n8p336 | University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, East London, South Africa | Mushoriwa, T.D., University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, East London, South Africa; Mavuso, M.P., University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, East London, South Africa | This study analysed the impact of the School Experience (SE) programme on rural student teachers' perceptions of the teaching profession. This was done through investigating the views of Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Bachelor of Education (BEd) fourth year students which were randomly selected. A qualitative and quantitative survey through semi- structured questionnaire with closed and open - ended items and structured interviews was conducted. The majority of student teachers (86%) felt that school experience positively socialised them into the teaching profession by providing them with the needed work-based experience. Most of the student teachers in the study felt that a student teacher's experiences during SE mediate their beliefs, opinions, views and convictions about the teaching profession, making them like or dislike the profession. Ten percent were ambivalent and still an insignificant number (4%) decided against the teaching profession. One of the major recommendations of the study is that since the SE programme is critical in the formation of one's perceptions about and commitment to the teaching profession, teacher training institutions should design appropriate SE programmes and closely monitor them to ensure they continue achieving the intended goals. | Impact; Institutions; Monitor; Perceptions; Rural student teachers; School experience; Social participation; Socialise; Teaching practice; Teaching profession | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874444327 | Impacts of forest management on liana abundance and liana-tree relationships in a tropical forest in Malaysia and implications for conservation | Addo-Fordjour P., Rahmad Z.B., Asyraf M. | 2013 | International Journal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystems Services and Management | 9 | 1 | 10.1080/21513732.2012.714798 | School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia; Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana | Addo-Fordjour, P., School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia, Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana; Rahmad, Z.B., School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia; Asyraf, M., School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia | This study analysed the impact of the Malayan Uniform management System (MUS) on liana abundance and their relationship with trees in the Bukit Panchor Forest Reserve, Malaysia. Two types of MUS-treated forest, medium-term MUS (M-MUS) and long-term MUS (L-MUS), were identified based on the management time span (19 and 42 years, respectively). Trees with diameter at breast height ≥ 10 cm were identified and examined for liana presence (diameter ≥ 2 cm) in ten 40 m × 40 m plots within each forest. Tree seedling and sapling abundance were also determined in a randomly selected 20 m × 20 m subplot within each plot. Liana abundance and infestation rates were significantly higher in the untreated forest than under the M-MUS, although they did not differ from those under the L-MUS. Tree diameter related significantly with liana load and basal area in all the forests except the M-MUS, which contained relatively more uniform diameter trees. Reduction in liana abundance and infestation in the treated forests favoured natural regeneration of the trees. Liana cutting was effective in reducing liana abundance and infestation in the medium term but not in the long term. Therefore, further liana cutting in the long term may be needed to control lianas. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | abundance; forest management; infestation rates; liana-tree relationships; silvicultural treatment | abundance; cutting; deciduous forest; forest management; long-term change; sapling; seedling; silviculture; tropical forest; Malaysia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879727663 | The impact of foreign debt on economic growth in Malawi | Tchereni B.H.M., Sekhampu T.J., Ndovi R.F. | 2013 | African Development Review | 25 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1467-8268.2013.12015.x | School of Economics, North-West University, South Africa; Malawi Polytechnic, Blantyre, Malawi; North-West University, South Africa; Accountant General, Blantyre, Malawi | Tchereni, B.H.M., School of Economics, North-West University, South Africa, Malawi Polytechnic, Blantyre, Malawi; Sekhampu, T.J., North-West University, South Africa; Ndovi, R.F., Accountant General, Blantyre, Malawi | This study analysed the impact of foreign debt on economic growth in Malawi using time series. Data for the period 1975-2003 from the Reserve Bank of Malawi, the IMF and the National Statistical Office was regressed in basic time series analysis. The dependent variable was economic growth and independent variables included level of foreign debt as the main variable. Other variables considered are the inflation rate, exchange rate and the prime lending rate, private and public investment. The results show a statistically insignificant and negative relationship between foreign debt and economic growth for the case of Malawi. The country should strive to provide incentives to local manufacturers who would want to export rather than relying on borrowing for growth inducement. Of interest was the relationship between inflation and economic growth which was positive. © 2013 The Authors. African Development Review © 2013 African Development Bank. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | None | debt; economic growth; economic impact; exchange rate; inflation; investment; lending behavior; time series analysis; Malawi | None |
| None | None | Collective action initiatives to improve marketing performance: Lessons from farmer groups in Tanzania | Barham J., Chitemi C. | 2009 | Food Policy | 34 | 1 | 10.1016/j.foodpol.2008.10.002 | Department of Agriculture, Marketing Services Branch, Washington, DC, United States; Faida Market Link Company Limited, Arusha, Tanzania | Barham, J., Department of Agriculture, Marketing Services Branch, Washington, DC, United States; Chitemi, C., Faida Market Link Company Limited, Arusha, Tanzania | This study aims to examine the extent to which certain characteristics and asset endowments of smallholder farmer groups facilitate collective action initiatives to improve group marketing performance. This is approached through an evaluation of a government-led programme in Tanzania, which is attempting to increase smallholder farmers' incomes and food security through a market-oriented intervention. Findings suggest that more mature groups with strong internal institutions, functioning group activities, and a good asset base of natural capital are more likely to improve their market situation. Gender composition of groups also affects group marketing performance, as an enabling factor for male-dominated groups. Structural social capital in the form of membership in other groups and ties to external service providers, and cognitive social capital in the form of intra-group trust and altruistic behaviour are not significant factors in a group's ability to improve its market situation. | Agricultural marketing; Collective action; Farmer groups; Planned change initiatives; Social capital; Tanzania | collective action; farming system; food market; institutional framework; marketing; performance assessment; smallholder; social capital; state role; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860123192 | Groundwater quality and its health impact: An assessment of dental fluorosis in rural inhabitants of the Main Ethiopian Rift | Rango T., Kravchenko J., Atlaw B., McCornick P.G., Jeuland M., Merola B., Vengosh A. | 2012 | Environment International | 43 | 1 | 10.1016/j.envint.2012.03.002 | Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90227, Durham, NC 27708, United States; Duke Cancer Institute, Duke School of Medicine, Duke University, 2424 Erwin Road, Box 2732, Durham, NC 27705, United States; Jimma University, College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Ethiopia; International Water Management Institute, PO Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Sanford School of Public Policy and Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 188 Rubenstein Hall, 302 Towerview Drive, Box #90239, Durham, NC 27708-0239, United States | Rango, T., Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90227, Durham, NC 27708, United States; Kravchenko, J., Duke Cancer Institute, Duke School of Medicine, Duke University, 2424 Erwin Road, Box 2732, Durham, NC 27705, United States; Atlaw, B., Jimma University, College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Ethiopia; McCornick, P.G., International Water Management Institute, PO Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Jeuland, M., Sanford School of Public Policy and Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 188 Rubenstein Hall, 302 Towerview Drive, Box #90239, Durham, NC 27708-0239, United States; Merola, B., Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90227, Durham, NC 27708, United States; Vengosh, A., Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90227, Durham, NC 27708, United States | This study aims to assess the link between fluoride content in groundwater and its impact on dental health in rural communities of the Ethiopian Rift. A total of 148 water samples were collected from two drainage basins within the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER). In the Ziway-Shala basin in particular, wells had high fluoride levels (mean: 9.4±10.5mg/L; range: 1.1 to 68mg/L), with 48 of 50 exceeding the WHO drinking water guideline limit of 1.5mg/L. Total average daily intake of fluoride from drinking groundwater (calculated per weight unit) was also found to be six times higher than the No-Observed-Adverse-Effects-Level (NOAEL) value of 0.06mg/kg/day. The highest fluoride levels were found in highly-alkaline (pH of 7 to 8.9) groundwater characterized by high salinity; high concentrations of sodium (Na +), bicarbonate (HCO 3 -), and silica (SiO 2); and low concentrations of calcium (Ca 2+). A progressive Ca 2+ decrease along the groundwater flow path is associated with an increase of fluoride in the groundwater. The groundwater quality problem is also coupled with the presence of other toxic elements, such as arsenic (As) and uranium (U). The health impact of fluoride was evaluated based on clinical examination of dental fluorosis (DF) among local residents using the Thylstrup and Fejerskov index (TFI). In total, 200 rural inhabitants between the ages of 7 and 40years old using water from 12 wells of fluoride range of 7.8-18mg/L were examined. Signs of DF (TF score of ≥1) were observed in all individuals. Most of the teeth (52%) recorded TF scores of 5 and 6, followed by TF scores of 3 and 4 (30%), and 8.4% had TF scores of 7 or higher. Sixty percent of the teeth exhibited loss of the outermost enamel. Within the range of fluoride contents, we did not find any correlation between fluoride content and DF. Finally, preliminary data suggest that milk intake has contributed to reducing the severity of DF. The study highlights the apparent positive role of milk on DF, and emphasizes the importance of nutrition in management efforts to mitigate DF in the MER and other parts of the world. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Dental fluorosis; Fluoride; Main Ethiopian Rift; Milk consumption; Thylstrup and Fejerskov index | Dental fluorosis; Fluoride; Main Ethiopian Rift; Milk consumption; Thylstrup and Fejerskov index; Alkalinity; Arsenic; Calcium; Groundwater; Groundwater flow; Health; Silica; Sodium; Uranium; Water quality; Wells; Aluminous refractories; arsenic; bicarbonate; calcium; drinking water; fluoride; ground water; silicon dioxide; sodium; uranium; assessment method; concentration (composition); dental health; drainage basin; fluoride; food consumption; groundwater flow; health impact; index method; milk; rural population; water quality; adolescent; adult; article; child; clinical examination; concentration (parameters); controlled study; dental health; Ethiopia; female; health; human; major clinical study; male; milk; pH; priority journal; river basin; rural area; salinity; school child; scoring system; tooth disease; water quality; Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Arsenic; Calcium; Child; Diet; Drinking Water; Environmental Monitoring; Ethiopia; Female; Fluorides; Fluorosis, Dental; Groundwater; Humans; Male; Milk; Rural Population; Silicon Dioxide; Uranium; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Pollution, Chemical; Young Adult; East African Rift; Ethiopian Rift | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952057345 | Evaluation of the suspending properties of Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) gum in pharmaceutical suspensions | Okorie O., Nwachukwu N. | 2011 | International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research | 6 | 2 | None | Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria | Okorie, O., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria; Nwachukwu, N., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria | This study aims at the possibility of using the dry gum of Aloe barbadensis (Family Liliaceae) as a suspending agent for zinc oxide suspension. The suspending properties of the test material or gum was evaluated and compared with other known compounds such as acacia and Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) at concentrations of 1% W/V, 2% W/V, and 4% W/V in zinc oxide suspension. The dry gum exudate was characterized and the suspension obtained there from evaluated for sedimentation volume (%), pH, redispersibility, and organoleptic properties. The stability of the formulation increased with increase in gum concentration and results obtained shows that the gum has good and stable suspending properties although at equivalent concentrations, both acacia and NaCMC had better suspending properties. Thus aloe gum can be used in preparations where low viscosity is desirable or its concentration doubled or tripled at higher viscosity requirements. | Acacia; Aloe barbadensis; Characterization; NaCMC; Redispersibility; Sedimentation volume; Suspending agent; Zinc oxide | carboxymethylcellulose; gum arabic; plant gum; zinc oxide; Aloe vera; article; concentration response; controlled study; dispersion; drug formulation; drug stability; drug storage; materials testing; organoleptic property; pH measurement; plant leaf; sedimentation rate; suspension; viscosity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876574772 | Impact of protected forests on rural households' fuel tree planting in Chiro District, Eastern Ethiopia | Admasu B., Jema H., Chisholm N., Enright P. | 2013 | International Forestry Review | 15 | 1 | 10.1505/146554813805927228 | University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Haramaya University, PO Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | Admasu, B., University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Jema, H., Haramaya University, PO Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Chisholm, N., University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Enright, P., University College Cork, Cork, Ireland | This study aims at exploring the potential impact of forest protection on rural households' private fuel tree planting in Chiro district of eastern Ethiopia. It attempts to evaluate whether or not forest protection interventions improve rural households' private fuel wood production and indirectly contribute to reforestation and restoration of endangered wildlife. The study results revealed a robust and significant positive impact of the intervention on farmers' decisions to produce private household energy by growing fuel trees on their farm. As participation in private fuel tree planting is not random, the study confronts a methodological issue in investigating the causal effect of forest protection intervention on rural farm households' private fuel tree planting through non-parametric propensity score matching (PSM) method. The protection intervention on average has increased fuel tree planting by 4 633 (1 725%) compared to open access areas and indirectly contributed to slowing down the loss of biodiversity in the area. | Chiro; deforestation; forest protection intervention; Nyala sanctuary; PSM | biodiversity; deforestation; forest management; fuelwood; household energy; protected area; reforestation; rural area; tree planting; Chiro; Ethiopia; Tragelaphus angasii | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939480969 | Social networks and women micro-enterprise performance: A conceptual framework | Ekpe I., Mat N., Ekpe M.I. | 2015 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 6 | 4S3 | 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n4s3p360 | Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Locked Bag 36, Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia; College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia; National Teachers InstituteKaduna, Nigeria; Federal Polytechnic Staff School, P.M.B. 023 | Ekpe, I., Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Locked Bag 36, Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia; Mat, N., College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia; Ekpe, M.I., National Teachers InstituteKaduna, Nigeria, Federal Polytechnic Staff School, P.M.B. 0231, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria | This study aims at examining the impact of social networks on women micro-enterprise's performance in Malaysia. This is to compare the situation in Malaysia with other countries, as to whether scarcity of studies exist in this area, and whether similar results obtained globally could be established in Malaysia, given her multi-racial and ethnic diversity. The result of this study will help women entrepreneurs increase their business performance, enable the government assess the effectiveness of her microenterprise assistance programs and develop strategies to enhance the ability of women entrepreneurs to benefit from their social networks in order to improve their business performance; in line with global practice. The study uses a cross-sectional survey design, with stratified random sampling, to collect data from women entrepreneurs in Malaysia Peninsula. The study also uses t-test to determine whether the success or failure of women micro-enterprises was due to availability or lack of social networks. Therefore, it samples two groups made up of well-established women clients and nascent women clients of a microfinance bank. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression are data analyses methods. The study concludes that women entrepreneurs do not only need loans and skill acquisition training but also social networks to provide access to information and other resources such as professional advice and avenue for customers. It is recommended that the government should create awareness among the women about the existence and benefits of women associations and groups, especially in local areas since most of such associations are located in urban cities. © 2015, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Malaysia; Social networks; Women microenterprise | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901623587 | The use of basalt aggregates in the production of concrete for the prefabrication industry: Environmental impact assessment, interpretation and improvement | Ingrao C., Lo Giudice A., Tricase C., Mbohwa C., Rana R. | 2014 | Journal of Cleaner Production | 75 | None | 10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.04.002 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; Department of Quality and Operations Management, University of Johannesburg, APB Campus, P. O. Box 524, Auckland-Park, 2006 Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Economics, University of Foggia, Via Romolo Caggese 1, 71121 Foggia, Italy | Ingrao, C., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; Lo Giudice, A., Department of Quality and Operations Management, University of Johannesburg, APB Campus, P. O. Box 524, Auckland-Park, 2006 Johannesburg, South Africa; Tricase, C., Department of Economics, University of Foggia, Via Romolo Caggese 1, 71121 Foggia, Italy; Mbohwa, C., Department of Quality and Operations Management, University of Johannesburg, APB Campus, P. O. Box 524, Auckland-Park, 2006 Johannesburg, South Africa; Rana, R., Department of Economics, University of Foggia, Via Romolo Caggese 1, 71121 Foggia, Italy | This study aims at environmentally assessing the most significant input and output flows related to the production of concrete using basalt aggregates. For this purpose, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was applied according to the ISO 14040:2006 and 14044:2006. All data used were collected on site based on observations during site visits, review of documents and interviews with technical personnel and management. They were processed by using SimaPro 7.3.3, accessing the Ecoinvent v.2.2 database and using the Impact 2002+ method. The LCIA results show that the most impacting phase is the production of the basalt aggregates, with "Human Health" being the most affected damage category because of the emissions to air, of 2.7 kg of particulates (grain size <2.5 μm). In addition to this, the concrete production causes, mainly, the emission, in air, of 465 kg of Carbon Dioxide and the consumption of 37.37 kg of crude oil, per cubic metre of concrete, affecting, the damage categories "Climate Change" and "Resources" also. Regarding "Ecosystem Quality", the occurred damage is due to the emission to air, of 29.6 g of Aluminium and of 251 mg of Zinc into the soil per cubic metre of concrete. Based on the obtained results, the increase of the amount of water used for particulates removal during the basalt extraction phase was assessed. Furthermore, the alternative use of limestone aggregates was assessed from both technical and environmental perspectives. The analysis developed highlighted a total damage decrease of 67%. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Basalt; Concrete; Environmental sustainability; Impact indicators; Life cycle assessment; Particulates emission | Basalt; Carbon dioxide; Climate change; Concretes; Environmental impact assessments; Human resource management; Life cycle; Particulate emissions; Basalt aggregates; Concrete productions; Environmental sustainability; Impact indicators; Input and outputs; Life Cycle Assessment (LCA); Limestone aggregates; Technical personnel; Aggregates | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879543249 | The impact of physico-chemical water quality parameters on bacterial diversity in the Vaal River, South Africa | Jordaan K., Bezuidenhout C.C. | 2013 | Water SA | 39 | 3 | 10.4314/wsa.v39i3.7 | School of Biological Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | Jordaan, K., School of Biological Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Bezuidenhout, C.C., School of Biological Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | This study aimed to identify bacterial community structures in the Vaal River using PCR-DGGE (polymerase chain reaction denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) and high-throughput sequencing. The impact of physico-chemical characteristics on bacterial structures was investigated through multivariate analysis. Samples were collected from 4 sampling stations along the Upper Vaal River during winter (June 2009) and summer (December 2010). Physico-chemical analysis was conducted on-site. Additional physico-chemical data were obtained from statutory bodies. DNA was directly isolated from water samples and PCR amplified using universal bacterial primer pairs. PCR products were subjected to DGGE fingerprinting and high-throughput sequencing, followed by Shannon-Weaver diversity calculations, cluster analysis and multivariate analysis. Physico-chemical parameters did not exceed the prescribed South African water quality standards for domestic use, aquatic ecosystems, livestock watering and irrigation. DGGE banding patterns revealed similar bacterial community structures for 3 of the 4 sampling stations. PCA and RDA indicated that pH, water temperature and inorganic nutrient concentrations could be used to explain changes in bacterial community structures. High-throughput sequencing data showed that bacterial assemblages were dominated by common freshwater groups: Cyanobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. Other freshwater phyla such as Deltaproteobacteria, Epsilonbacteria, Acidobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Flavobacteria and Fibrobacteres were found in low proportions. This study provides an overview of the dominant bacterial groups in the Upper Vaal River and the impact of environmental changes on bacterial diversity. | 16S rDNA PCR-DGGE; Bacterial community structures; High-throughput sequencing; Multivariate analysis; Vaal River | Bacterial community structure; High-throughput sequencing; Multi variate analysis; PCR-DGGE; Vaal rivers; Agriculture; Cluster analysis; Electrophoresis; Multivariant analysis; pH effects; Polymerase chain reaction; Rivers; Social sciences; Water quality; Hydrochemistry; dominance; environmental change; microbial community; multivariate analysis; parameterization; physicochemical property; sampling; water quality; water temperature; South Africa; Vaal River | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881532370 | Evaluation of the haematology and biochemistry of Clarias gariepinus as biomakers of environmental pollution in Tiga dam, Nigeria | Abalaka S.E. | 2013 | Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology | 56 | 3 | 10.1590/S1516-89132013000300004 | Department of Veterinary Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Abalaka, S.E., Department of Veterinary Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | This study aimed to evaluate the haematological and biochemical changes in Clarias gariepinus as biomarkers of environmental pollution in Tiga dam, Nigeria (wild aquatic environment). Water and fishes were sampled twice, a week apart, from the controlled and the wild aquatic environment. There were no significant (p>0.05) differences between the temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen contents of both aquatic environments. Similarly, there were no significant (p>0.05) changes in the haematological parameters of the reared and wild the C. gariepinus except in their white blood cell counts, which were significantly (p<0.05) higher in wild C. gariepinus. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase (serum enzymes) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the wild C. gariepinus. However, the concentrations of serum total triglyceride (serum metabolite) were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the wild C. gariepinus. The haematological and biochemical alterations in the wild C. gariepinus, which were strongly indicative of cellular damages, might have been a consequence of the toxic pollution of Tiga dam, Nigeria. | Aquatic environment; Blood values; Catfish; Serum enzymes; Serum metabolites | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000313314600007 | Impact of a customized peer-facilitators training program related to sexual health intervention | AbdulRahman, Hejar,AbuSamah, Bahaman,Awaisu, Ahmed,Ibrahim, Auwal,Rampal, Lekhraj,Saad, Abdulmumin,Sabitu, Kabiru | 2012 | INTERNATIONAL HEALTH | 4 | 4 | 10.1016/j.inhe.2012.09.002 | Ahmadu Bello University, Johns Hopkins University, Universiti Putra Malaysia, University of Qatar | "AbdulRahman, Hejar: Universiti Putra Malaysia","AbuSamah, Bahaman: Universiti Putra Malaysia","Awaisu, Ahmed: University of Qatar","Rampal, Lekhraj: Universiti Putra Malaysia","Saad, Abdulmumin: Johns Hopkins University","Sabitu, Kabiru: Ahmadu Bello University", | This study aimed to develop and implement a customized training program related to the delivery of an integrated human immunodeficiency virus - sexually transmitted infections (HIV-STI) risk reduction intervention for peer-facilitators and to evaluate its immediate outcome including changes in trainee knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported competence and confidence. We developed and delivered a structured training program and materials about HIV and STI prevention in a university setting. The training was offered to candidate facilitators who were planned to be involved in a larger project, known as Integrated HIV-STI Risk Reduction Program. Ten candidate facilitators participated in the training program and completed both the pretest and posttest survey questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 software package and Wilcoxon signed rank test was applied to assess the impact of the training program. Overall, the trainees' performance in HIV-related and STI knowledge, attitude and stigma scores had significantly increased compared to the baseline.. The median scores for HIV and STI knowledge after the training significantly increased from 22.0 to 30.5 (p=0.007) and 8.0 to 9.5 (p=0.005), respectively, whereas the median score on the positive attitude towards HIV and STI prevention rose from 39.0 to 57.0 (p=0.011). Upon completion of the program, 80-100% of the trainees believed that they were competent and confident in performing most of the designed sexual health intervention activities. This preliminary study suggests that a customized on-site training program on sexual health intervention could significantly improve their knowledge, attitude and practice related to HIV-STI prevention. (C) 2012 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | HIV/AIDS,NIGERIA,Peer-facilitators,STI,TRAINING,YOUTH,ADOLESCENTS,"AIDS-RELATED KNOWLEDGE",ATTITUDES,BEHAVIOR,EDUCATION,HIV/AIDS,"HIV PREVENTION",SCHOOL,SOUTH-AFRICA,TRANSMITTED-DISEASES | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864987055 | The impact of gender on SME characteristics and access to debt finance in South Africa | Garwe D.K., Fatoki O. | 2012 | Development Southern Africa | 29 | 3 | 10.1080/0376835X.2012.706040 | Department of Business Management, University of Fort Har, South Africa; Department of Business Management, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Garwe, D.K., Department of Business Management, University of Fort Har, South Africa; Fatoki, O., Department of Business Management, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | This study aimed to determine whether South African small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are affected by gender differences in demand for debt and its availability. It also looked at whether there are gender differences in the firm and entrepreneurial characteristics of SMEs. The study was conducted by means of a survey using a self-administered questionnaire and statistical analyses that included descriptive statistics, a t-test and a logistic regression. Significant gender differences were found in SMEs' demand for debt finance but only insignificant differences in availability. The findings also revealed significant gender differences in some of the firm and entrepreneurial characteristics of SMEs. It appears that for SME owners in South Africa gender differences exist in the demand for debt finance but not in its availability. The policy recommendation is that commercial banks, government agencies and non-governmental organisations should aim to help and encourage female SME owners to apply for debt finance. © 2012 Copyright Development Bank of Southern Africa. | debt; entrepreneurial characteristics; firm; gender; small and medium enterprises (SMEs) | debt; demand analysis; entrepreneur; financial system; firm size; gender issue; gender relations; regression analysis; small and medium-sized enterprise; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900533306 | The impact of management information systems on a South African University's organisational processes | Oni O.A., Gonese G.M., Matiza T. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 9 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n9p199 | Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Sovenga, South Africa | Oni, O.A., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Sovenga, South Africa; Gonese, G.M., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Sovenga, South Africa; Matiza, T., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Sovenga, South Africa | This study aimed to determine the impact of management information systems on the organisational performance of a ruralbased university in South Africa, while also exploring the perceived benefits and challenges with regards to the management system currently being utilised by the institution. The study adopted the mixed methods approach to research and employed a combination of probability and non-probability sampling techniques to establish the final sample frame. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data generated by the survey, which utilised questionnaires as its data generation instrument. As a result of this study it was established that there were benefits inherent to the application of management information systems within the institution and that the users of the system were overall satisfied with management information systems as they improved productivity, performance of duties and decision making. However, it also emerged that administrators of the management system were not content with the current system and its utility. The study ultimately recommends that there needs to be increased awareness and training on the utility of the current management information systems, to create a more conducive environment for the implementation of a more modern system that satisfies both academic staff and the system administrators. | Management information systems; University organisation performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943455874 | Evaluation of the intensity of the daytime surface urban heat island: how can remote sensing help? | Ayanlade A., Jegede O.O. | 2015 | International Journal of Image and Data Fusion | 6 | 4 | 10.1080/19479832.2014.985618 | Department of Geography, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Nigeria; Department of Physics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Nigeria | Ayanlade, A., Department of Geography, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Nigeria; Jegede, O.O., Department of Physics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Nigeria | This study aimed at using remote sensing methodology to assess the daytime surface urban heat island (SUHI) in Lagos metropolis. Several studies have examined the SUHI, using point data from meteorological stations. However, it has been shown in the literature recently that it is practically impossible to accurately value the intensity of SUHI from ground meteorological measurement due to heterogeneity and complexity of surface temperature over land. Therefore a time series of Landsat data, from 1984 to 2012, were used in the present study to assess spatial and temporal variability in the contribution of source and sink landscape to daytime SUHI in Lagos. This study uses remote sensing methods because Lagos has a strong heterogeneity of land surface characteristics; with several drainage, vegetation, built-up and soil between the coast and mainland, thus the land surface temperature (LST) changes rapidly in space and time. The results from this study show differences in the contribution of source and sink landscape to SUHI. The main findings from the results show that source landscape contributes positively to the intensity of SUHI in Lagos metropolis. The results show a general increase in mean LST during the periods of study from 1984 to 2012. The north-west (NW) zone of Lagos has highest LST compared to other zones. In 1984, the mean LST of NW zone was 300.53 K, but increased to 301.85 K in 2000 and 302.85 K in 2012. Although contributions from the landscapes differ by zones and time, much more intensified LST was noted in the NW zone of the city. The study find out that change in landcover has been the most important driver of intensified SUHI in Lagos metropolis. NW zone recorded the highest increased in built-up area throughout the years: 320.32 km2 in 1984, 535.28 km2 in 2000 and 630.70 km2 in 2012. This study demonstrates therefore that it is possible to assess spatial distribution and long-term temporal evolution of the LST in urban area, using remote sensing data. Also the results shows that remote sensing methods offer possibility for measuring LST over complete spatially averaged rather than point values. The results from this study further our understanding that not only the SUHI is frequent to cities in developed countries, but the effects are also obvious in several urban settlements in tropical countries. © 2015 Taylor & Francis. | daytime surface urban heat island; remote sensing data | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78049326022 | The impact of irrigated agriculture on water quality of rivers Kongoni and Sirimon, Ewaso Ng'iro North Basin, Kenya | Mutisya D.K., Tole M. | 2010 | Water, Air, and Soil Pollution | 213 | 04-Jan | 10.1007/s11270-010-0373-5 | Department of Environmental Sciences, Kenyatta University, P. O. Box 43844, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Pwani University College, P. O. Box 195, 80180 Kilifi, Kenya | Mutisya, D.K., Department of Environmental Sciences, Kenyatta University, P. O. Box 43844, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Tole, M., Department of Environmental Sciences, Kenyatta University, P. O. Box 43844, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya, Pwani University College, P. O. Box 195, 80180 Kilifi, Kenya | This study aimed at determining the water quality of River Sirimon and River Kongoni, Ewaso Ng'iro North Basin, Kenya. Water quality analysis of these two rivers was done for a period of 5 months between November 2005 and February 2006. Portable Palintest equipment was used for the chemical analysis. The study established that there were sulphates concentrations of 22 mgL-1 in the Kongoni River water associated with the use of commercial fertilisers as compared to mean values of 7 mgL-1 along Sirimon River; phosphate concentrations were 1.3 mgL-1 in Kongoni and 0.15 mgL-1 in Sirimon and salinity 3 mgL-1 in Kongoni and 0.47 mgL-1 in Sirimon. On average, mean nitrates concentrations of 1.7 mgL-1 were recorded for Kongoni River, which were higher than those recorded for Sirimon River (0.033 mgL-1). These concentration levels were however within the standard levels set by WHO for example 50 mgL-1 for nitrates (WHO 2008). River Kongoni has two major irrigated horticultural farms across it which were likely polluting the river during the time of this study. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Fertilizer; Irrigation; Kenya; Kongoni and Sirimon rivers; Pollution | Concentration levels; Fertilisers; Irrigated agriculture; Kenya; Kongoni and Sirimon rivers; Mean values; Palintest; Phosphate concentration; River water; Sulphates; Water quality analysis; Chemical equipment; Concentration (process); Fertilizers; Irrigation; Nitrogen compounds; Pollution; Quality control; Rivers; Water quality; River pollution; ammonia; fertilizer; manganese; nitrate; nitrite; river water; sulfate; agriculture; chemical analysis; concentration (composition); fertilizer; horticulture; irrigation; nitrate; phosphate; river water; sulfate; water quality; article; concentration (parameters); controlled study; environmental impact assessment; fertilizer application; irrigation (agriculture); Kenya; river basin; river ecosystem; salinity; trend study; waste disposal; water analysis; water contamination; water pollutant; water quality; water standard; world health organization; Kenya; Ngiro River | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888035894 | Evaluation of trace element contents in groundwater in Abakaliki metropolis and around the abandoned mine sites in the southern part, Southeastern Nigeria | Okogbue C.O., Ukpai S.N. | 2013 | Environmental Earth Sciences | 70 | 7 | 10.1007/s12665-013-2401-4 | Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Okogbue, C.O., Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ukpai, S.N., Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This study aimed at determining the concentrations of trace elements in the groundwater of Abakaliki urban and some abandoned mine sites in the Southern part. Sixteen trace elements were analyzed for each of the twenty water samples collected. Laboratory results showed that the concentration of manganese varied from 4.816 to 11.238 ppm, zinc from 0.126 to 1.403 ppm, copper from 0.198 to 0.967 ppm, lead from 0.005 to 0.010 ppm, arsenic from 0.001 to 0.009 ppm, chromium from 0.009 to 0.025 mg/l, cadmium from 0.003 to 0.011 mg/l, mercury from 0.001 to 0.005 mg/l, nickel from 0.008 to 0.032 mg/l, selenium from 0.001 to 0.011 ppm, iodine from 0.013 to 0.050 ppm, uranium from 0.001 to 0.006 ppm, platinum from 0.009 to 0.032 ppm, tin from 0.014 to 0.015 ppm, lithium from 0.009 to 0.024 mg/l, cobalt from 0.015 to 0.036 mg/l, and iron from 0.010 to 0.980 ppm. These results were analyzed statistically and their distribution modeled using a software package. The results were also compared with world standards for potable water. The comparison showed that water samples are contaminated with trace elements and particularly polluted with, Mn, Hg, and Cd with average concentration values of 8.43, 0.002, and 0.005 mg/l, all above the World Health Organization standard limits of 0.005, 0.001 and 0.003 mg/l, respectively. Concentrations of Fe, Zn, and Ni are above the permissible limits of 0.30, 0.01, and 0.02 mg/l, respectively, in some places. Health hazards like metal poisoning which can result from pollution of this nature cannot be ruled out. Controlling processes such as chemical dissolutions, mechanical weathering and pollution from urban sewage, release the trace elements to the soil system while chemical dilution, otherwise called leaching, streamlines the trace element plumes to the groundwater regime with dispersion processes mixing and spreading the plume. Dispersion trends of the elements show point sources from the southern part, indicating presence of ore deposits, most likely sulfide ores as interpreted from correlation matrix. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Abakaliki area; Groundwater; Pollution; Trace elements | Abakaliki area; Average concentration; Chemical dissolution; Groundwater regimes; Mechanical weatherings; Southeastern Nigeria; Trace element content; World Health Organization; Abandoned mines; Dispersions; Groundwater; Health hazards; Manganese; Manganese removal (water treatment); Nickel; Ore deposits; Pollution; Potable water; Sewage; Trace elements; Urban growth; Zinc; Groundwater pollution; abandoned mine; concentration (composition); dispersion; dissolution; drinking water; groundwater pollution; metropolitan area; ore deposit; plume; point source pollution; poisoning; pollution monitoring; sewage; software; sulfide; trace element; Abakaliki; Ebonyi; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749154694 | Health impact assessement of multinational corporations oil exploration in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria | Ewhrudjakpor C. | 2006 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 14 | 3 | None | Department of Sociology and Psychology, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1 Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria | Ewhrudjakpor, C., Department of Sociology and Psychology, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1 Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria | This study aimed at assessing the multinational oil corporations exploration activities impacting on health conditions of the peoples of the Niger Delta region in Nigeria. 435 respondents and 65 interviewees selected using the accidental sampling technique participated in this study. The structured questionnaire and an interview schedule was used to gather data which were analysed using simple percentages and the chi-square (X2) statistic. Results (X2 = (1) 3.87, P < .05; X2 (7) 361.46, P < .05) obtained shows that oil exploration activities impacted negatively on the health conditions of the inhabitants of these multinational oil companies host communities. Suggestions to reverse this corporate social irresponsibility were proffered. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2006. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953736894 | Students performance and perception of neurophysiology: feedback for innovative curricular reform in a nigerian medical school | Nwobodo E., Anyaehie U.B., Nwobodo N., Awiwa C., Ofoegbu E., Okonkwo C., Aligekwe C., Burdick B. | 2009 | Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences | 24 | 1 | None | Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University at Nnewi, Nigeria; College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Faculty of Medicine, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; FAIMER Institute, Market Road Philadelphia, United States | Nwobodo, E., Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University at Nnewi, Nigeria; Anyaehie, U.B., College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Nwobodo, N., Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University at Nnewi, Nigeria; Awiwa, C., Faculty of Medicine, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Ofoegbu, E., College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Okonkwo, C., Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University at Nnewi, Nigeria, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria, Faculty of Medicine, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, FAIMER Institute, Market Road Philadelphia, United States; Aligekwe, C., Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University at Nnewi, Nigeria, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria, Faculty of Medicine, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, FAIMER Institute, Market Road Philadelphia, United States; Burdick, B., FAIMER Institute, Market Road Philadelphia, United States | This study aimed at ascertaining the status of students' performances and their perception of the learning of neurophysiology in a Nigerian medical school. The goal of the study was to determine ways of addressing identified negative perceptions for the purpose of improving upon the overall learning and use neurophysiology knowledge by structured curricular reform. We analyzed and compared the performances of students in three areas of physiology at the second professional examinations over a three-year period (n=300). We also surveyed learning experience of a batch of graduating doctors in neurosciences (n=50) and surveyed the staff and students' perception of the teaching of neurophysiology. The students performances in neurophysiology was comparatively poorer than in cardiovascular and endocrinology aspects of the subject over a three year period at the second professional examinations. The reported students perception of their neurophysiology learning included uninteresting, abstract concepts, lack of real examples and conflicting facts with their prior basic knowledge. Over 50% of the graduands rated their learning experiences as poor or very poor or below average for the neuroscience courses. The analyses of the curricular contents of neurophysiology in the preclinical departments indicted asynchrony and redundancy in topics that may reduce the learning and reduce teaching time efficiency of the neuroscience courses. It is suggested that learning experiences of medical students should be routinely monitored and structured to ensure that the graduate doctor is able to understand and transfer learned experiences into clinical studies and practice. A horizontally integrated curriculum may be one way of raising students knowledge, attitude and skills in neuroscience courses as taught in the preclinical departments and is suggested. © Physiological Society of Nigeria, 2009. | Curriculum; Horizontal integration; Learning experiences; Students | adaptive behavior; article; comprehension; curriculum; education; human; learning; medical education; medical school; medical student; methodology; neurophysiology; Nigeria; perception; psychological aspect; questionnaire; teaching; Comprehension; Curriculum; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Educational Measurement; Feedback, Psychological; Humans; Learning; Neurophysiology; Nigeria; Perception; Questionnaires; Schools, Medical; Students, Medical; Teaching | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892772646 | Performance assessment of partnership estate surveying and valuation firms in Lagos State, Nigeria | Clement O.O., Clement I.K., Joseph O.B. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 13 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n13p489 | Department of Estate Management, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; School of Construction Economics and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Department of Estate Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Clement, O.O., Department of Estate Management, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Clement, I.K., School of Construction Economics and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Joseph, O.B., Department of Estate Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | This study advances the understanding of the relationship between firm size and performance on partnership formation and sustainability in the profession of Estate Surveying and Valuation in Nigeria. It has been argued in different literatures that size is positively related to performance for some categories of firms but negatively related in some other cases. This study examines the opinion of both the sellers and buyers of real estate services on the subject. Questionnaires were administered to 68 respondents selected from sole proprietorship estate firms, partnership estate firms and commercial banks in Lagos Metropolis. Data were presented and analysed with frequency tables, percentages, 4-point Likert scale and relative importance index. Findings reveal that the performance assessment criteria used by the sellers differ from those engaged by the buyers and that partnership estate firms record better performance from both side. It was further revealed that the overall performance assessment score partnership better than sole proprietorship estate firms. It is therefore concluded that performance could not have been a factor militating against partnership formation and sustainability in Estate Surveying and Valuation in Nigeria. The study suggest that prospective partners and the Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers should come up with ethics and code of practice particular to partnership whereby erring partners face disciplinary action at the institution and compelled to compensate the other partner(s) and the firm by forfeiting certain benefits. | Estate valuers; Firm size; Partnership; Performance; Sustainability | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745437665 | Impact of AIDS on rural livelihoods in Benue State, Nigeria | Hilhorst T., van Liere M.J., Ode A.V., de Koning K. | 2006 | Sahara J | 3 | 1 | None | Royal Tropical Institute, PO Box 95001, 1090 HA Amsterdam, Netherlands; Health Department, KIT, Amsterdam, Netherlands; DFID Nigeria, Nigeria; Department of Development, Policy and Practice, KIT, Amsterdam, Netherlands | Hilhorst, T., Royal Tropical Institute, PO Box 95001, 1090 HA Amsterdam, Netherlands; van Liere, M.J., Health Department, KIT, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Ode, A.V., DFID Nigeria, Nigeria; de Koning, K., Department of Development, Policy and Practice, KIT, Amsterdam, Netherlands | This study addresses the socio-economic impact of AIDS on rural livelihoods in Benue State, Nigeria, where HIV prevalence is 9.3% but the number of AIDS cases is still relatively low. About 6% of the study households had experienced illness and death classified as AIDS, and reported high costs in terms of expenditures and time spent on care, funerals and mourning. These demands on time affected income and productivity, while the diversion of resources had implications for investments and savings. Coping strategies varied between households, mainly as a reflection of asset levels, which were often related to the gender of the household head. Reported coping strategies also differed between ethnic groups. First-line relatives were the most important source of support for households under pressure. Erosive coping strategies that undermined the sustainability of livelihoods were used by more vulnerable households following multiple cases of illness and death. Mourning practices, rules of inheritance and stigma tended to increase a household's vulnerability. Currently, Benue State is facing growing adult morbidity and mortality because of HIV infections. A context-specific study of its possible impact in a setting with a still relatively low number of AIDS cases is therefore important for informing local policy development and for building advocacy. | HIV/AIDS; Impact assessment; Livelihoods; Nigeria | agriculture; article; caregiver; cost of illness; economics; family size; grief; health care cost; health survey; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Nigeria; posthumous care; rural population; social support; socioeconomics; time; vulnerable population; Agriculture; Caregivers; Cost of Illness; Family Characteristics; Funeral Rites; Grief; Health Expenditures; Health Surveys; HIV Infections; Humans; Nigeria; Rural Population; Social Support; Socioeconomic Factors; Time Factors; Vulnerable Populations | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928565834 | What is the role of impact assessment in the long term? | Bond A. | 2015 | Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management | 17 | 1 | 10.1142/S1464333215500064 | School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom; Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University (Potchefstroom), South Africa | Bond, A., School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom, Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University (Potchefstroom), South Africa | This short paper makes the case that most impact assessment (IA) has sustainable development as the stated goal, but that it doesn't deliver sustainable outcomes. A key pillar of sustainable development is equity, both intra-generational (defined after Lamorgese and Geneletti (2013, p.119) as ensuring "equity of opportunity for everyone, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable members of the community and seek to create a good quality of life for everyone") and inter-generational equity (defined after Gibson et al. (2005, p. 235) as favouring "present options and actions that are most likely to preserve or enhance the opportunities and capabilities of future generations to live sustainably"). Notwithstanding the importance of intra-generational equity, this paper focuses on the problem that inter-generational equity presents to IA both because of the prevalence of short-term planning, and because approaches developed to deal with inherent uncertainty associated with impacts considered in the long term are overly resource intensive and therefore impractical. A research focus on IA processes that can deal with inter-generational impacts cost effectively might provide the basis on which to develop an IA tool that actually delivers on its stated goal and fits in with current decision-making norms. © 2015 Imperial College Press. | cost effectiveness; impact assessment; Inter-generational equity; long-term prediction; sustainable development | cost-benefit analysis; decision making; environmental impact assessment; sustainable development; uncertainty analysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930412536 | What else is in your supplement? A review of the effectiveness of the supportive ingredients in multi-ingredient performance supplements to improve strength, power, and recovery | Allman B.R., Kreipke V.C., Ormsbee M.J. | 2015 | Strength and Conditioning Journal | 37 | 3 | 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000142 | Department of Nutrition, Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States; Discipline of Biokinetics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Allman, B.R., Department of Nutrition, Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States; Kreipke, V.C., Department of Nutrition, Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States; Ormsbee, M.J., Department of Nutrition, Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States, Discipline of Biokinetics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | This review summarizes the empirical research of the effectiveness, safety, and dosages of the lesser-known, but commonly added, supportive ingredients in multi-ingredient performance supplements (MIPS). primary ingredients that are well known and previously reviewed (I.E., caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine) are excluded from this review. the improvements reported are commonly mediated by secondary mechanisms such as improved blood flow, protein balance, metabolism, and antioxidant status. overwhelming evidence exists suggesting that the supportive ingredients in MIPS are safe to use; however, the amount present in most MIPS is likely too small to elicit strength, power, or recovery responses. © 2015 National Strength and Conditioning Association. | betaine; Carnitine; glucuronolactone; nitrates; performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955854700 | Development and performance evaluation of a salt bath furnace | Alaneme K.K., Olanrewaju S.O., Bodunrin M.O. | 2011 | International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering | 6 | 1 | None | Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria | Alaneme, K.K., Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria; Olanrewaju, S.O., Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria; Bodunrin, M.O., Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria | This research work is centered on the design of a low cost - efficient salt bath furnace using locally sourced materials for the purpose of carrying out thermochemical treatments of small and minor components for improved properties in service. Working drawings were produced; and mild steel sheet was used for the construction of the furnace casing while other materials for the construction were selected based on functions and properties of the materials, cost considerations and ease of fabrication into component parts. Testing was carried out to evaluate the performance of the furnace. From the results obtained, it was observed that the salt bath furnace has fast heating rate 12.530C/min and a fuel consumption rate of 2.1 litres/hr, which is comparable to rates of conventional brands of diesel fired salt bath and muffle furnaces purchased from abroad. The lower cost of design of the furnace coupled with its good heat retaining capacity, uniform heating rate, long estimated life time, safety and ease of maintenance justifies the usage. | Atomizing nozzle; Design; Muffle furnace; Salt bath furnace; Thermochemical treatment | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904263662 | Growth performance of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) fed different types of diets formulated from varieties of feed ingredients | Workagegn K.B., Ababboa E.D., Yimer G.T., Amare T.A. | 2014 | Journal of Aquaculture Research and Development | 5 | 3 | 10.4172/2155-9546.1000235 | Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia | Workagegn, K.B., Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Ababboa, E.D., Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Yimer, G.T., Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Amare, T.A., Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia | This research was designed to investigate the growth performance and feed utilization efficiency of juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L. fed different types of diets formulated from varieties of feed ingredients. For this purpose, six experimental diets were prepared. All the six experimental diets had soybean, bone meal and groundnut as basal feed ingredients which accounted as 60% of the total amount of ingredients. The rest 40% of each diet was 1Maiz:1Sorghumfor control diet or diet "A", coffee husk/pulp for diet "B", wheat bran for diet "C", beer sludge for diet "D", potato scrap for diet "E" and 2JCKM:1Wheat:1Rice for diet "F". After diet preparation, one hundred eighty fish having an average body weight of 3.27 g were randomly distributed into 18 aquaria (80 cm×30 cm×35 cm) in triplicates. During the experiment, the fish were fed three times a day at the rate of 10% of their body weight for 10 weeks. The results revealed that there was significant difference (p<0.05) on the growth performance and feed utilization efficiency of the fish that fed different types of experimental diets. The highest growth performance in terms of final body weight, weight gain and specific growth rate, and feed utilization efficiency were observed on the fish fed diet "A" followed by the fish fed diet "F", while the fish fed diet "B" had the lowest. The lower growth performance and feed utilization efficiency observed on the fish fed diet "B" might be due to high dietary fiber levels together with the presence of relatively higher anti-nutritional factors in coffee husk/pulp diet. However, all the fish had similar survival rate. As conclusion, except diet "B" all the tested diets are potential fish feed. However, further study should be done to evaluate the potential of those diets at later stage of the fish in different culture systems. © 2014 Workagegn KB, et al. | Aquarium; Feed ingredients; Growth performance; Oreochromis niloticus | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906914835 | Exploring the relationship between human resource practice, organisational support, social support, performance and intention to leave of teachers | Van Der Merwe P., Keyser E. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 13 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n13p93 | Unisa, Pretoria, South Africa; North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, South Africa | Van Der Merwe, P., Unisa, Pretoria, South Africa; Keyser, E., North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, South Africa | This research was conducted to examine the relationship between human resource practice, organisational support, social support, performance and intention to leave of teachers in South Africa. Three hundred teachers at different schools were invited to participate in this research. Using a quantitative research approach, six standardised questionnaires, including a Biographical Questionnaire, a Human Resource Practice Scale, Organisational Support Scale, Social Support Scale, Performance Scale and Intention to Leave Scale were used. The findings revealed that a positive practical significant relationship with a medium effect exists between human resource practices, organisational support and intention to leave, but a negative practical significant relationship exists between human resource practices and intention to leave of teachers. Furthermore, a positive practical significant relationship with large effect was found between organisational support and social support, but a negative practical significant relationship with a medium effect exists between organisational support and intention to leave. | Human resource practice; Intention to leave; Organisational support; Performance; Social support; Teachers | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892525449 | Effects of poor training and development on the work performance of the fast food employees in Cape Town | Ukandu N.E., Ukpere W.I. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p571 | Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, P. o. Box, 524, Johannesburg, South Africa | Ukandu, N.E., Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; Ukpere, W.I., Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, P. o. Box, 524, Johannesburg, South Africa | This research was conducted to establish whether the fast food employees within the Cape Town metropolis were being trained, and if not, what can be the possible reason for the lack of training. Fast food employers depend on their workers' skills, knowledge and abilities for effective customer services, which make it necessary for workers to be trained and developed to achieve a better work performance. The objective of this study is to evaluate the state of training and development within the fast food outlets, in order to establish the impact of the current state of training and development on employees' work performance. The purpose is to suggest ways of improving employee job performances through training and development at fast food outlets in Cape Town. Furthermore, to encourage the management of fast food outlets in Cape Town, in order to implement training and development of workers in their workplaces as this will improve the work performance of their employees. The sample consisted of 200 employees from different fast food outlets, out of which 123 responded. A triangulation method was utilized to find information from the different units within the fast food outlets. The the managers, cashiers, production units and others form part of the sample. A closed-ended questionnaire was used. The results obtained proved that a majority of fast food employees in Cape Town do not receive enough training compared to what they should. However, some ex-staff members suggested that there is a need for employee training and development at fast food outlets to improve their job performances. | Development; Employee work performance; Fast food outlets; Job satisfaction; Skills; Training; Workplace | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84914155750 | Performance of broiler chickens fed whole pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) based diets, Supplemented with Detoxizyme® and phytogenics | Mohammed A.A., Habiba M., Mukhtar I. | 2014 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 26 | 12 | None | Department of Animal Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Agriculture, Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, Nigeria | Mohammed, A.A., Department of Animal Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Habiba, M., Department of Animal Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Mukhtar, I., Department of Agriculture, Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, Nigeria | This research was carried out to evaluate the growth performance of Hubbard strain broiler birds fed whole pearl millet based diets supplemented with Detoxizyme® and phytogenics. Two hundred birds were used in the starter phase while One hundred and eighty birds were used in the finisher phase. There were five dietary treatments in each of the phases and each of the treatments had four replicates. Treatment 1 served as the control diet without any additive; Detoxizyme® 50g/100Kg diet (DT50), 500g garlic/100Kg diet (GR500), 500g/100Kg diet ginger (GG500) and mixture of 250g garlic and 250g ginger (GR250+GG250) where added as additives in treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively.Birds on the control diet had higher final weight than birds fed GR500 and GG500. Feed intake, feed conversion ratio and cost of feed per kg gain were not different among diets. No mortality was observed. The finisher experiment showed that the growth performance of the chickens was not different across the treatment means except for the feed intake. Feed intake was higher in broiler finisher chickens on the control diet. © 2014, Fundacion CIPAV. All right reserved. | Broiler chickens; Garlic; Ginger; Pennisetum glaucum | Allium sativum; Gallus gallus; Pennisetum glaucum; Zingiber officinale | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-63249094695 | Histological evaluation of the rats testis following admistration of a herbal tea mixture | Maina M.B., Garba S.H., Jacks T.W. | 2008 | Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology | 3 | 6 | 10.3923/jpt.2008.464.470 | Department of Anatomy, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria | Maina, M.B., Department of Anatomy, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria; Garba, S.H., Department of Anatomy, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria; Jacks, T.W., Department of Anatomy, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria | This research was carried out as a preliminary study to determine the histological effect of a herbal tea mixture on the rat testis. A total of 25 adult male albino rats of the Wister strain were used, they were randomly divided into five groups of five rats each. Group I served as control, while rats in groups II-IV were administered 2, 4 and 8 g kg-1 body weight of the herbal tea, respectively for 28 days. Rats in group V were administered 8 g kg-1 of the herbal tea for 28 days and allowed to stay for 14 days post treatment to observe for reversibility, persistence or delayed occurrence of toxic effects. At the end of the experimental periods, the animals were sacrificed and the weights of the testes recorded, fixed and processed for routine histological technique. Administration of the herbal tea to rats showed a significant increase in body weights, but testicular weights were unaffected. Histological examination of the rat's testis revealed interstitial edema and congestion of blood vessels in the testes of the treated rats. Withdrawal of the herbal tea for 14 days showed a slight degree of recovery in the rats. These findings suggests that the histological organization of the testis can significantly be altered with continuous and increase use of the herbal tea mixture. Further studies to determine the effect of the tea on the morphometry, biometry and hormonal profile of the rat's testes following long term exposure will be useful. © 2008 Academic Journals Inc. | Congestion; Interstitial edema; Rats; Tea; Testis | herbaceous agent; animal experiment; animal tissue; article; biometry; blood vessel occlusion; body weight; controlled study; dietary intake; edema; histopathology; long term exposure; male; morphometrics; nonhuman; rat; tea; testis; testis function; testis size; toxicity testing | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920102563 | Status, emotional displays, and the relationally-based evaluation of criminals and their behavior | Dilks L.M., McGrimmon T.S., Thye S.R. | 2015 | Social Science Research | 50 | None | 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2014.11.016 | Department of Sociology and Anthropology, West Virginia University, PO Box 6326, Morgantown, WV, United States; Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Tukkiewerf Building, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Sociology, University of South Carolina, Sloan College, 911 Pickens St., Columbia, SC, United States | Dilks, L.M., Department of Sociology and Anthropology, West Virginia University, PO Box 6326, Morgantown, WV, United States; McGrimmon, T.S., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Tukkiewerf Building, Pretoria, South Africa; Thye, S.R., Department of Sociology, University of South Carolina, Sloan College, 911 Pickens St., Columbia, SC, United States | This research uses status characteristics theory to expand our knowledge of the effects of status variables (e.g., race, education) and emotional displays on the antecedents of sentencing - evaluations of offender dangerousness and offense seriousness. We present a theoretical formulation that combines three areas of status characteristics research - reward expectations, individual evaluative settings and valued personal characteristics. The result is a quantitative measure that aggregates relative differences in demographic and emotional characteristics between offenders and their victims. The significance of this expectation advantage measure (e) in predicting evaluations of offender dangerousness and offense severity is tested using data from a vignette study. We find empirical support that expectation advantage significantly predicts these sentencing antecedents but not sentencing outcomes directly. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings for future status and criminological research. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. | Offender dangerousness; Offender-victim dyad; Offense severity; Sentencing; Status characteristics theory; Valued personal characteristics | None | 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-s2.0-84949456608 | The impact of the maintenance management system: A case study of the petrosa GTL refinery | Mahlangu B.P., Kruger L.P. | 2015 | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering | 26 | 3 | 10.7166/26-3-1197 | College of Economic and Management Sciences, Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | Mahlangu, B.P., College of Economic and Management Sciences, Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Kruger, L.P., College of Economic and Management Sciences, Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | This research study investigated the impact of the maintenance management system (MMS) on production output and profitability (PO&P) at the PetroSA GTL refinery, a state-owned company. The two groups that participated were the maintenance group, consisting of 56 respondents, and the production group, with 38 respondents. The main findings of the research study suggested that the MMS impacts positively on PO&P at the PetroSA GTL refinery. The maintenance scorecard assessment tool – consisting of six perspectives – was used to assess the gap between the MMS and PO&P. The positivism paradigm, the deductive process, a cross-sectional quantitative survey, and descriptive statistics were used to conduct the research study. © 2015, South African Institute of Industrial Engineering, All rights reserved. | None | Refining; Assessment tool; Descriptive statistics; Maintenance management systems; Production outputs; Research studies; State-owned companies; Maintenance | None |
| WoS | WOS:000284282200007 | Impact of occupational health and safety on worker productivity: A case of Zimbabwe food industry | Gadzirayi, C. T.,Katsuro, P.,Mupararano, Suzanna,Taruwona, M. | 2010 | AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | 4 | 13 | None | Bindura Univ Sci Educ | None | This research sought to assess the impact of occupational health safety ( OHS) on productivity in the commercial food industry. The objective of the study was to explore OHS problems of different work areas and their impact on productivity. The research targeted production supervisors, shop floor employees and industrial clinic nurses. Questionnaires, interviews and observations were used as research instruments to collect data. The study found out that OHS related problems negatively affect workers' productive capacity in the food industry resulting in reduced worker output. Workers develop a negative attitude and low morale towards work. High incidents of accidents at work also occur. The study recommends that food industry factories should upgrade their OHS through training programmes and use up-to-date equipment. | "Food factory","OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH",productivity.,SAFETY | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000228730200006 | Evaluating the sexual behaviour, barriers to condom use and its actual use by university students in Nigeria | SUNMOLA, AM | 2005 | AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV | 17 | 4 | 10.1080/09540120412331319732 | University of Ibadan | None | This research quantified the barriers to condom use of a sample of university students in Nigeria. It further analyzed association between condom use at last intercourse and the barriers, in addition to HIV risk sexual practices. A total of 96 women and 128 men were randomly selected, and they completed a survey. Results indicated both men and women reported that condoms hindered their sexual satisfaction, caused health problems for them and reduced their sexual interest. The findings also showed that obtaining condoms from clinics and perception that condoms do not cause health problems predicted the likelihood of condom use for both sexes. In addition, the results indicated that obtaining first time information from family members or relatives predicted the likelihood of condom use for women. It was recommended that intervention efforts should make condoms freely available in tertiary institutions, and such interventions should be tailored to overcome the relevant barriers that interfere with condom use for both the women and men. | ,DETERMINANTS,RISK | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903839917 | Geotechnical evaluation of some lateritic soils in Akure South, South-Western Nigeria | Owolabi T.A., Aderinola O.S. | 2014 | Electronic Journal of Geotechnical Engineering | None | None | None | Department of Civil Engineering, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Owolabi, T.A., Department of Civil Engineering, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Aderinola, O.S., Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | This research project aims at evaluating the geotechnical properties of lateritic soil in Akure South, Southwestern Nigeria. In order to achieve this, six samples were collected from two borrow pits for laboratory test. Atterberg limits test, specific gravity test, sieve analysis test, moisture content test, compaction test and California bearing ratio test (CBR) and unconfined compressive strength were conducted on the soil samples in accordance with British standard code of practice (BS1377:1990), Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes. The particle size analysis shows that the percentages passing number 200 BS sieve are 13%, 6% and 53% for samples S1, S2 and S3 respectively. Samples S1 and S2 can be deduced as suitable for sub-grade, sub-base and base materials as the percentage by weight finer than N0 200BS test sieve is less than 35%. The Atterberg limit result shows that sample S1, S2 and S3 have sandy particle sizes predominating. Hence the soil sample as a result of its particle size composition happens to be a cohesionless soil with no plasticity. The natural moisture content for the soil samples ranges between 5.26% to14.72%. The Specific gravity of the tested samples lies between 2.64 and 2.71. The soaked California bearing ratio ranges from 53.30% - 70.85%. The maximum dry density for the soil samples varies between 1.89 Mg/m3 and 2.314 Mg/m3 with their optimum moisture content ranging between 6.25% to 17.44% while the unconfined compressive strength for S3 is 53.315kN/m2. According to AASHTO soil classification samples S1 and S2 can be classified as A-1b materials (granular material) consist of well graded mixtures of gravel, coarse sand and fine sand and can be rated as excellent material for road works having satisfied all the conditions for constructing subgrade and subbase materials while sample S3 can be classified as A-4 material (silty soil), rated as fair to poor sub-grade material and cannot be used as a construction material. Conversely this research work has provided data for engineers, designers and contractor for the use of this borrowpits for construction work. It is recommended that all contractors should ensure that the testing and quality control of pavement materials is done before the commencement of work on site. © 2014 ejge. | Atterberg limit test; California bearing ratio; Compaction test; Geotechnical properties; Lateritic soil; Particle size analysis test; Soil classification; Specific gravity | Civil engineering; Compaction; Compressive strength; Contractors; Density (specific gravity); Granular materials; Moisture determination; Particle size analysis; Research; Sieves; Soil surveys; Soils; Compaction; Compressive strength; Contractors; Density (specific gravity); Engineering research; Granular materials; Materials testing; Moisture; Moisture determination; Particle size; Particle size analysis; Quality control; Sieves; Soil surveys; Soils; Strength of materials; Atterberg limits; California bearing ratio; Compaction test; Geotechnical properties; Lateritic soils; Soil classification; Soil testing; Soil testing; Atterberg limit; bearing capacity; compaction; compressive strength; laboratory method; laterite; moisture content; particle size; soil classification; soil mechanics; soil water; Akure; Nigeria; Ondo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887524739 | Evaluation of the hydropower potential of Otamiri river for electric power generation | Okorafor O.O., Okereke N.A.A., Egwuonwu C.C. | 2013 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 6 | 24 | None | Department of Agricultural Engineering, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, P.M.B 1526, Imo State, Owerri, Nigeria | Okorafor, O.O., Department of Agricultural Engineering, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, P.M.B 1526, Imo State, Owerri, Nigeria; Okereke, N.A.A., Department of Agricultural Engineering, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, P.M.B 1526, Imo State, Owerri, Nigeria; Egwuonwu, C.C., Department of Agricultural Engineering, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, P.M.B 1526, Imo State, Owerri, Nigeria | This research presents the estimation of the hydropower potential of River Otamiri through the hydrological analysis of the elements of climate as it affects its catchment area (section passing through the Federal University of Technology Owerri). The study involves the estimation of maximum design floods for the watershed using the Gumbels Probability Distribution Method for various return periods (Tr) with the development of unit hydrograph, storm hydrograph, runoffhydrograph and flood duration curve for the catchment area of the river. In addition watershed parameters like peak flow (Qp), lag time (Tl), time of concentration (Tc) and rainfall intensity (Ic) were determined using the soil conservation service method and other empirical formulas. In order to determine the available flow for power generation, the stage/head of the river was estimated from records provided by the River Basin Development Authority (R.B.D.A) and flow duration analyses were carried out. The analysis revealed that for time flows of 50, 75 and 100% the following energy values were obtained 34.5 MW, 11.3 MW and 1.5 MW, respectively. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2013. | Hydropower; Hydropower potential; River Otamiri | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939477953 | Impact of investment in information technology on financial performance of Nigerian banks: Is there a productivity paradox? | Farouk B.K.U., Dandago K.I. | 2015 | Journal of Internet Banking and Commerce | 20 | 1 | None | Department of Economics and Management Sciences, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)Kaduna, Nigeria; School of Accountancy, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 UUM SintokKedah Darrul Aman, Malaysia | Farouk, B.K.U., Department of Economics and Management Sciences, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)Kaduna, Nigeria; Dandago, K.I., School of Accountancy, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 UUM SintokKedah Darrul Aman, Malaysia | This research investigates the impact of investment in Information Technology (IT) on the financial performance of banks in Nigeria. The study covers post-Banking (2006-2010) consolidation period of 5 years. The population of the study comprises of all the 24 banks, and a random sampling of 10 banks was made. The study employs secondary data generated from annual reports and accounts of the banks, records maintained by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reports. The data obtained were analyzed using the panel data regression model where investment in IT (hardware, software and Automated Teller Machine [ATM]), total earnings (TR) and total cost (TC) of the 10 sampled banks were used as the independent variables while financial performance is the dependent variable, proxied by return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), net profit margin (NPM) and earnings per share (EPS). Four hypotheses were developed and tested in line with the proxies to the dependent variables. The result from the panel regression revealed that there is a significant relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variables, but the ttest revealed that the impact of IT investment on the financial performance of Nigeria banks is significant for ROA, ROE and EPS at 5% significance level but not significant for NPM at 5% and 10% significance level. The effect of TR is positive and that of TC is negative on all the four financial performance measures, but the effect of IT investment on all the four financial performance variables is negative, which is not an expected sign. This means that an increase on IT spending leads to a decrease in the financial performance of Nigerian banks, that is to say heavy IT investment does not increase anks profitability, hence there is existence of IT productivity paradox in the Nig ria banking industry. © Bilkisu Kabiru Usman Farouk and Kabiru Isa Dandago, 2015. | Financial performance; Information technology; Investment; Nigerian banks; Productivity | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944549252 | Corporate social responsibility and organisational performance of a professional football club in South Africa | Moyo T., Davies S.E.H., Joubert E. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 13 | 1CONT5 | None | Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | Moyo, T., Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa; Davies, S.E.H., Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa; Joubert, E., Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | This research investigated the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and organisational performance at Ajax Cape Town FC a professional football club in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL). The data collected suggested that Ajax Cape Town FC employed CSR initiatives and consequently enjoyed various benefits from these activities. The CSR activities facilitated access to the club’s target market, developed and improved mutually beneficial relations with the community and consequently Ajax Cape Town FC experienced increased trust, a positive brand image and stronger loyalty from their fans. The outcomes of this study provide an insight into a South African professional football club and demonstrate how CSR initiatives can be used to successfully improve organisational performance. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Civil law; Common law; Corporate governance; Hedge funds; Shareholder activism | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930571206 | Impacts of new universities on hosting cities and the implications for Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africa | Kleinsmith D., Horn A. | 2015 | Development Southern Africa | 32 | 4 | 10.1080/0376835X.2015.1039712 | Centre for Regional and Urban Innovation and Statistical Exploration (CRUISE), University of Stellenbosch, Chamber of Mines (Geology) Building, Corner of Merriman Avenue and Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Centre for Regional and Urban Innovation and Statistical Exploration (CRUISE), University of Stellenbosch, Chamber of Mines (Geology) Building, Corner of Merriman Avenue and Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Kleinsmith, D., Centre for Regional and Urban Innovation and Statistical Exploration (CRUISE), University of Stellenbosch, Chamber of Mines (Geology) Building, Corner of Merriman Avenue and Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Horn, A., Centre for Regional and Urban Innovation and Statistical Exploration (CRUISE), University of Stellenbosch, Chamber of Mines (Geology) Building, Corner of Merriman Avenue and Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch, South Africa | This research investigated the impact of the establishment of a new university on hosting cities by reviewing the literature on such impacts. The aim of the article is to establish the likely impact of a new university (Sol Plaatjie University) to be established in the city of Kimberley during 2014. The study found that generally a university could impact its hosting city in terms of its local economy, employment, human capital, social character and real-estate market. Given the current characteristics and demographic profile of Kimberley, it is likely that positive impacts of a new university in Kimberley would include increased spending capacity in the local economy and short-term employment gains during construction of the university infrastructure. The proposed university could, however, exacerbate the existing pressure on the rental market in Kimberley and encourage the out-migration of specific skilled professionals. The research concludes with a number of steps to be taken by a hosting city that could contribute to strengthening a university's role as an anchor for urban development. © 2015 Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC). | demographic impact; Kimberley; local economic impact; Northern Cape; university | demography; economic impact; employment; human capital; local economy; university sector; urban development; Kimberley [Northern Cape]; Northern Cape; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84936755032 | Board structure and performance in Ethiopian microfinance institutions | Wale L.E. | 2015 | Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition | 11 | 1CONT1 | None | University of South Africa, South Africa | Wale, L.E., University of South Africa, South Africa | This research investigated the effect of one governance dimension, board structure on the sustainability and outreach performance of Ethiopian MFIs. A panel data of 13 MFIs for 6 years (2003-2008) is used for the study. No study of such type is conducted in the past for the Ethiopian environment. The results indicate an experienced manager, a larger board size and educated board members all help to increase sustainability with board education having the largest effect. Manager experience and board size also have a negative effect on depth of outreach (i.e. less lending to women). Board independence has no visible effect on either sustainability or outreach. Surprisingly, no governance variable explains breath of outreach. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Ethiopia; Governance; Outreach; Sustainability | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931038947 | Board diversity, external governance, ownership structure and performance in Ethiopian microfinance institutions | Wale L.E. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 3CONT1 | None | University of South Africa, South Africa | Wale, L.E., University of South Africa, South Africa | This research investigated the effect of governance dimensions such as board diversity, external governance and ownership structures on the sustainability and outreach performance of Ethiopian MFIs. A panel data of 13 MFIs for 6 years (2003-2008) is used for the study. No study of such type is conducted in the past for the Ethiopian environment. The result indicates that more women on board of directors help in depth of outreach whereas board members with a financial skill and local businessmen reduce depth of outreach. Regulation has an opposite effect in that it reduces sustainability without curtailing depth of outreach. Rating of MFIs activity by rating agencies is found to have a good effect of increasing sustainability and at the same time cater f or more women borrowers. On ownership structure it is found that MFIs dominantly owned by individual investors lends less to women and more profitable indicating the commercial orientation of their operation . © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Ethiopia; Governance; Outreach; Sustainability | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-50449095291 | The socioeconomic impact of antiretroviral treatment on individuals in Soweto, South Africa | Chhagan V., Luiz J., Mohapi L., McIntyre J., Martinson N. | 2008 | Health Sociology Review | 17 | 1 | None | University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand, South Africa | Chhagan, V., University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand, South Africa; Luiz, J., University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand, South Africa; Mohapi, L., University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand, South Africa; McIntyre, J., University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand, South Africa; Martinson, N., University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand, South Africa | This research explores the short-term socioeconomic effect of antiretroviral treatment (ART) in HIV positive patients attending the Perinatal HIV Research Unit clinics in Soweto, South Africa. An overall increase in mean personal and household income following commencement of ART was noted. Mean personal income rose 53% over baseline income. A decrease in the number of meals missed in households was noted in 10% of the sample. The leading themes regarding income were change in employment status and social grants. Antiretroviral treatment increased the capacity to seek employment and unemployed individuals were actively searching for work. Patients noted an improvement in well-being, with fewer to no episodes of illness, and improved quality of life from three months after starting ART. The empirical evidence suggests that individuals gain substantial benefits from being on ART despite the socioeconomic challenges in South Africa. Copyright © eContent Management Pty Ltd. | Antiretroviral treatment; Health sociology; HIV/AIDS; Socioeconomic impact; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864662368 | Project Communication, Individual Commitment, Social Networks, and Perceived Project Performance | Ahimbisibwe A., Nangoli S. | 2012 | Journal of African Business | 13 | 2 | 10.1080/15228916.2012.693436 | Faculty of Commerce and Administration, Victoria University of Wellington, P. O. Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand; Department of Business Administration, Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda | Ahimbisibwe, A., Faculty of Commerce and Administration, Victoria University of Wellington, P. O. Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand; Nangoli, S., Department of Business Administration, Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda | This research examines the role of project communication, individual commitment, and social networks in explaining perceived project performance. Despite the increased involvement of commercial banks in citizenship projects in Uganda, anecdotal evidence reveals that over 70% of citizenship projects fall short of the expected quality, fail to boost bank awareness, are cost overrun, and are completed behind schedule. Based on data from 121 citizenship projects conducted by 16 commercial banks in Uganda, findings revealed that project communication, individual commitment, and social networks are significant predictors of perceived project performance. This study has managerial implications, which are presented in this article. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | commitment; communication; project performance; social networks | banking; communication; perception; performance assessment; project management; social network; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925503480 | Task disengagement and implications for vigilance performance in CCTV surveillance | Donald F.M., Donald C.H.M. | 2014 | Cognition, Technology and Work | 17 | 1 | 10.1007/s10111-014-0309-8 | University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia; Leaderware, Sandton, South Africa | Donald, F.M., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Donald, C.H.M., Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia, Leaderware, Sandton, South Africa | This research examines the relationship between behavioural indicators of task disengagement and vigilance performance for closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance operators and novices in a proactive real-world detection task. Seventy-three participants (42 CCTV operators and 31 novices) performed a 90-min CCTV video surveillance task based on asset protection footage in a heavy industry. The study showed a range of individualised responses in managing attention resources in order to deal with vigilance demands. Alternating fluctuations between task engagement and disengagement were found for the majority of participants, indicating efforts to manage attention resources and cope with vigilance demands. Almost a quarter of the sample disengaged during the first 30 min, but a third showed no behavioural indicators of disengagement during the task. Different results were obtained for participants with different types of work exposure (novices and operators from either ‘generalist’ or ‘specialist’ CCTV surveillance operations). Task disengagement was associated with lower detection rates. The implications of task engagement theory and behavioural indictors of task disengagement for the measurement and management of vigilance performance are discussed. © 2014, Springer-Verlag London. | Closed-circuit television (CCTV); Monitoring; Operator performance; Task disengagement; Vigilance | Monitoring; CCTV surveillance; Closed-circuit television (CCTV); Heavy industries; Operator performance; Task disengagement; Video surveillance; Vigilance; Vigilance performance; Security systems | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58149396526 | The impact of collections strategy on the profitability of unsecured bank micro-loans | Kahn A., Ward M. | 2008 | Journal for Studies in Economics and Econometrics | 32 | 3 | None | Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Kahn, A.; Ward, M., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This research examines bank collections strategy by comparing two micro-loan books; one using a behaviour based strategy, in which a client is encouraged to re-establish regular payments and the other using an arrears based strategy, where the client must repay missed instalments immediately. The results show that the collections outcome does not vary according to collections strategy. However, in contrast to industry best practice, behaviour based collections results in 3,37% more revenue when the loan is rehabilitated, and a 4,54% reduction in losses when the loan is written off. The study also finds that the cost of using a behaviour based collections strategy is lower. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903988975 | The impact of homeownership on marriage and divorce: Evidence from propensity score matching | Grinstein-Weiss M., Manturuk K.R., Guo S., Charles P., Key C. | 2014 | Social Work Research | 38 | 2 | 10.1093/swr/svu016 | Center for Social Development, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, One Brookings Drive, Campus Box 1196, St. Louis, MO 63130, Zimbabwe; Center for Community Capital, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States; School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, United States | Grinstein-Weiss, M., Center for Social Development, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, One Brookings Drive, Campus Box 1196, St. Louis, MO 63130, Zimbabwe; Manturuk, K.R., Center for Community Capital, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States; Guo, S., Center for Community Capital, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States; Charles, P., School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, United States; Key, C., Center for Community Capital, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States | This research examined the relationship between homeownership and the likelihood of marriage or divorce. Drawing on exchange theory and an economic understanding of marriage, the authors hypothesized that single homeowners are less likely to marry than single renters, whereas married homeowners are less likely to divorce than married renters. These hypotheses were tested using longitudinal data collected from a group of lower income homeowners and a comparison group of renters. Propensity score models were used to account for selection bias. Results indicate that single homeowners are, in fact, less likely to marry than their renting counterparts, whereas married homeowners are less likely to divorce than married renters. These findings suggest that assets, such as a home, can play a significant role in the likelihood of both marriage and divorce. © 2014 National Association of Social Workers. | Divorce; Homeownership; Marriage; Propensity score analysis | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84962418446 | The impact of coal quality on the efficiency of a spreader stoker boiler | Taole R.L., Falcon R.M.S., Bada S.O. | 2015 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 115 | 12 | 10.17159/2411-9717/2015/v115n12a3 | School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Taole, R.L., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Falcon, R.M.S., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Bada, S.O., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | This research establishes the combustion characteristics and efficiencies of South African coals of different qualities and their impact on the performance of a grate spreader stoker boiler. Four different coal samples were tested in the particle size range 6.25 × 25 mm. A detailed investigation involving the boiler operating conditions associated with the physicochemical characteristics of the coals, petrographic properties, and temperature profiles from a thermal camera was conducted. The thermal analysis indicates that there is a strong correlation between thermographic data (combustion behaviour and maximum flame temperatures) and petrographic composition of the coals. This association is not reflected in calorific values and proximate analyses of the coals. In terms of combustion efficiencies, all coals yielded relatively high amounts of unburnt carbon in the fly ash (about 36.90%). The highest steam output obtained was 41.76 t/h at the highest combustion efficiency of 79.13%. The thermographic results obtained from this study led to the conclusion that South African low-grade Gondwana coals undergo delayed ignition and burn at unusually high temperatures (1500-1800°C), which is in contrast to the original belief that the combustion temperature is around 1400°C. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2015. | Coal; Combustion; Macerals; Thermographic camera; Travelling grate | Boilers; Cameras; Carbon; Coal; Combustion; Efficiency; Fly ash; Ignition; Infrared devices; Particle size; Spreaders; Thermoanalysis; Combustion characteristics; Combustion efficiencies; Macerals; Maximum flame temperature; Petrographic composition; Physicochemical characteristics; Thermographic cameras; Travelling grate; Coal combustion | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953888375 | Evaluation of concrete margin: Case study of concrete produced in akure, Nigeria | Arum C., Adu O.T. | 2011 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 50 | 4 | None | Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Nigeria; Ondo State Ministry of Works and Transport, Akure, Nigeria | Arum, C., Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Nigeria; Adu, O.T., Ondo State Ministry of Works and Transport, Akure, Nigeria | This research assessed the quality of concrete produced at various sites in Akure, Nigeria with a view to determining its current margin. For this purpose, Akure metropolis was mapped into seven zones based on the magnitude of the on-going building construction activities. In each of the sites that emerged, standard concrete cubes of 150x150x150mm dimension were cast from supposed 1:2:4 nominal mixes prepared for each of the major structural elements (columns, beams, and slabs). All the concrete cubes were cured, and at the standard maturity age of 28 days, they were crushed for compressive strength. The statistics of the mean strengths and standard deviations, as well as the concrete margin were computed. The results of the investigation revealed the statistical parameters for concrete produced at various sites in Akure metropolis to be: computed characteristic strength - 14N/mm2, standard deviation - 2.5N/mm2, and concrete margin - 4.1N/mm 2 The implication is that the current practice of specifying 21 N/mm2 by concrete designers for concrete with nominal mix ratio 1:2:4 produced from normal sand and granite aggregates is rather ambitious under the current local concrete practice condition. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2011. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84961361674 | CAD/CAM applications: Status and impact in Nigerian industrial sector | Simolowo E., Okonkwo F.C., Kehinde O.O. | 2010 | Indian Journal of Science and Technology | 3 | 6 | 10.17485/ijst/2010/v3i6/29774 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Simolowo, E., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Okonkwo, F.C., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Kehinde, O.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | This research assessed, among others, the current status and the impact of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) applications in the Nigerian industrial and technological sector. Two prominent cities Lagos and Ibadan were selected as centers of case studies to establish the level of the applications. Data was collected from industries within the 2 cities in the areas of manufacturing, design, production, construction and consultancy service units during a year long study. From the survey, 56% of companies visited in Lagos metropolis apply Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) activities in their operations. Also 60% of the companies considered in Ibadan metropolis apply CAE, of which 75% are into CAD, 12.5% are applying CAM whereas 12.5% are utilizing Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines. Conclusively, the commonest CAD techniques employed by the industries surveyed are Auto CAD and Archi CAD representing 55.6% and 33.3% of the total packages being used in the visited companies respectively. © Indian Society for Education and Environment (iSee). | CAD/CAM-applications; Improvements; Nigerian-industries status | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548612204 | The impact of perceived stigma and mediating social factors on infertility-related stress among women seeking infertility treatment in Southern Ghana | Donkor E.S., Sandall J. | 2007 | Social Science and Medicine | 65 | 8 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2007.06.003 | School of Nursing, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; School of Nursing and Midwifery, King's College, London, United Kingdom | Donkor, E.S., School of Nursing, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Sandall, J., School of Nursing and Midwifery, King's College, London, United Kingdom | This research aimed to investigate the extent to which women in Southern Ghana seeking infertility treatment perceived themselves as stigmatised in order to investigate the relationship between perceived stigma and infertility-related stress. A survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews in three languages with 615 women receiving infertility treatment on three health sites in Southern Ghana. The majority (64%) of women in this sample felt stigmatised. Sequential multiple regression analyses indicated that higher levels of perceived stigma were associated with increased infertility-related stress. Also women with higher levels of education felt less infertility-related stress. The presence of an existing child/children, the number of years spent in infertility treatment and the type of marriage (monogamous/polygamous union) were less important in predicting stress. The findings suggest that the social status of infertile women derived from other factors can be of importance in minimising the impact of stigmatisation and stress related to infertility. These findings highlight the wider beneficial effects of improved educational opportunities for girls and women. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Education; Ghana; Infertility; Stigma; Stress; Women | demographic survey; demographic transition; health care; infertility; language; literacy; social status; socioeconomic impact; womens health; womens status; adolescent; adult; article; controlled study; female; female infertility; Ghana; health survey; human; interview; major clinical study; social aspect; social status; stigma; stress; women's health; Adult; Female; Fertility Agents, Female; Ghana; Humans; Infertility, Female; Interviews as Topic; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Social Class; Social Environment; Stereotyping; Africa; Ghana; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958041263 | Quantification of glutathione, catechin and caffeic acid in grape juice and wine by a novel ultra-performance liquid chromatography method | Fracassetti D., Lawrence N., Tredoux A.G.J., Tirelli A., Nieuwoudt H.H., Du Toit W.J. | 2011 | Food Chemistry | 128 | 4 | 10.1016/j.foodchem.2011.04.001 | Department of Food Science, Technology and Microbiology, University of Milan, Via G. Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy; Institute for Wine Biotechnology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Department of Viticulture and Oenology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | Fracassetti, D., Department of Food Science, Technology and Microbiology, University of Milan, Via G. Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy; Lawrence, N., Institute for Wine Biotechnology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Tredoux, A.G.J., Institute for Wine Biotechnology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Tirelli, A., Department of Food Science, Technology and Microbiology, University of Milan, Via G. Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy; Nieuwoudt, H.H., Institute for Wine Biotechnology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Du Toit, W.J., Department of Viticulture and Oenology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | This research aimed at the development and validation of an ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method for the quantification of glutathione (GSH) in grape juice and in white wine after derivatisation with para-benzoquinone. The phenolic compounds catechin and caffeic acid that occur in white wine and have antioxidant effects, are also quantified in the same analysis. Catechin is the basic monomeric unit of grape and wine tannins and caffeic acid, when esterified with tartaric acid, plays a relevant role in Grape Reaction Product (GRP) formation. The analytical method proposed showed good linearity, repeatability and intermediate repeatability, as well as high recovery (>85%). It was applied for the quantification of GSH, catechin and caffeic acid in South African juices (12) and white wines (43). This novel method will have a large impact on the time and costs of the analyses for the wine industry through enabling rapid routine quantification of GSH, catechin and caffeic acid. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Caffeic acid; Catechin; Glutathione; Grape juice; UPLC; White wine | Caffeic acids; Catechin; Glutathione; Grape juice; UPLC; White wine; Fruit juices; Fruits; Liquid chromatography; Liquids; Organic compounds; Wine; Phenols; alcohol; caffeic acid; catechin; citric acid; glutathione; solvent; sugar; sulfur dioxide; trifluoroacetic acid; aroma; article; assay; grape juice; high performance liquid chromatography; oxidation; time; ultra performance liquid chromatography; wine; wine industry; Vitaceae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247147541 | Introduction of Haemophilus influenzae type B conjugate vaccine into routine immunization in Ghana and its impact on bacterial meningitis in children younger than five years | Renner L.A., Newman M.J., Ahadzie L., Antwi-Agyei K.O., Eshetu M. | 2007 | Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal | 26 | 4 | 10.1097/01.inf.0000258693.19247.8e | Department of Child Health, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Department of Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Disease Surveillance Unit, Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Health, Accra, Ghana; EPI Unit, Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Health, Accra, Ghana; WHO, Nairobi, Kenya | Renner, L.A., Department of Child Health, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Newman, M.J., Department of Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Ahadzie, L., Disease Surveillance Unit, Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Health, Accra, Ghana; Antwi-Agyei, K.O., EPI Unit, Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Health, Accra, Ghana; Eshetu, M., WHO, Nairobi, Kenya | This report shows the impact of a pentavalent vaccine that includes Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine on bacterial meningitis in children younger than 5 years in Ghana. A review of the first 3 years of a pediatric bacterial meningitis surveillance program, started in August 2001 in Accra, Ghana, was undertaken. There was a significant reduction, P = 0.042 and 0.017, in percentage of purulent meningitis in children younger than 1 year, comparing the first year when the vaccine was introduced, to the second and third years, respectively. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. | Hib conjugate vaccine; Pediatric bacterial meningitis; Pentavalent vaccine | Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine; article; bacterial meningitis; bacterium culture; cerebrospinal fluid analysis; controlled study; Ghana; health survey; human; immunization; infant; lumbar puncture; major clinical study; medical record; mortality; preschool child; priority journal; Child, Preschool; Ghana; Haemophilus influenzae type b; Haemophilus Vaccines; Humans; Immunization Programs; Incidence; Infant; Meningitis, Bacterial; Meningitis, Haemophilus; Neisseria meningitidis; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Vaccines, Conjugate | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892749205 | HIV/AIDS: Its Impact in the Zimbabwean school curriculum | Mapaire L., Lumadi M.W. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 13 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n13p773 | University of South Africa, Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, South Africa | Mapaire, L., University of South Africa, Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, South Africa; Lumadi, M.W., University of South Africa, Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, South Africa | This report presents the findings of the impact of HIV/AIDS on the quality of education in rural secondary schools in the Zaka district, Zimbabwe. The methodology involved ten rural secondary schools and a sample of 20 teachers (10 males and 10 females) and 40 students (20 boys and 20 girls). This study used a qualitative methodology throughout the interview sessions because "letting people talk" has been found by most social researchers to be the most appropriate when dealing with this nature of research. Findings in this study indicated that the quality of education is being impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The quality of education is being impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic mainly because trained teachers are lost due to illness and death; student-teacher contact is reduced as a result of permanent or temporary absenteeism of teachers and students. The findings also suggest that students with parents that are infected with HIV/AIDS were mostly affected. This research study recommends that schools should establish Anti-AIDS clubs to educate students about HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention as well as to deal with the needs of those affected with the virus. The study further recommends that students should develop a culture of reading material on HIV/AIDS so as to gain a better understanding and hence make informed decisions about sexual behaviour. | Caregiver; Child-headed household; Curriculum; HIV/AIDS; Orphan; Rural secondary school | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892538435 | The role played by institutional support in the commitment, job satisfaction and employee performance of teachers in gauteng province of South Africa: A social exchange perspective | Chinomona E., Moloi K.C. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 2 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n2p303 | Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | Chinomona, E., Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa; Moloi, K.C. | This quantitative study investigates the role played by institutional support in the commitment, job satisfaction and job performance of teachers in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Drawing from a social exchange perspective, the researchers argue that institutional support has a positive influence on institutional commitment, job satisfaction and employee performance. However, there are relatively few studies that seek to investigate the influence of institutional support on teachers' level of commitment, job satisfaction and workplace performance, particularly in the developing countries of Southern Africa. Three research hypotheses are posited and data collected from a sample of 150 teachers in colleges and universities in the Gauteng province of South Africa are used to test the hypotheses empirically. The results of this study show that institutional support positively influences teachers' job commitment, job satisfaction and job performance. Managerial implications of the findings are discussed and limitations and future research directions are indicated. | Commitment; Institutional support; Job performance; Teacher job satisfaction | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000342805100007 | Evaluating team project-work using triangulation: lessons from communities in northern Ghana | Clark, Gordon,Jasaw, Godfred Seidu | 2014 | JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHY IN HIGHER EDUCATION | 38 | 4 | 10.1080/03098265.2014.936311 | Lancaster University, NERC Natural Environment Research Council, Univ Dev Studies | "Clark, Gordon: Lancaster University","Clark, Gordon: NERC Natural Environment Research Council", | This paper uses triangulation to assess key aspects of a team-based, participatory action research programme for undergraduates in rural communities across northern Ghana. The perceptions of the programme and its effects on the students, staff and host communities are compared, showing areas of agreement and disagreement. The successes of the programme (particularly the students' development) and areas for improvement (student preparation and follow-up actions) are set out. We consider how this programme might be used in other contexts. Advantages include impact on students and moral value: disadvantages include cost and timetabling. The merits of a triangulation approach to evaluation are discussed. | COMMUNITY,evaluation,"Northern Ghana",participatory,PROJECTS,TRIANGULATION,ETHICS,FIELDWORK,GEOGRAPHY,"PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883196648 | Measuring the impact of academic development courses in first- and second-year chemistry | Smith L.C. | 2013 | South African Journal of Chemistry | 66 | None | None | Centre for Higher Education Development, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Smith, L.C., Centre for Higher Education Development, University of Cape Town, South Africa | This paper uses multivariate analysis to estimate the impact of educational interventions in the first-year academic development chemistry courses on students' final course marks. The cohorts for seven years are pooled, which generates a more robust set of results than was previously the case. To counter the sample-selection problem that arises as academic development students are placed onto the academic development programme, a selection of control variables is included in the estimations. The results suggest that the educational interventions in the first year had a positive impact on academic development students' performance, relative to mainstream students, in both the first- and second-year courses. The implications of the results for education policy and research are considered. | Academic development; Academic performance; Chemistry; Educational interventions; Multivariate analysis; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899856102 | The impact of technology innovation and R&D on firms' performance: An empirical analysis of Nigeria's service sector | Adeyeye A.D., Jegede O.O., Akinwale Y.O. | 2013 | International Journal of Technological Learning, Innovation and Development | 6 | 4 | 10.1504/IJTLID.2013.060873 | National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Adeyeye, A.D., National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Jegede, O.O., National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Akinwale, Y.O., National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | This paper uses econometric model to analyse the impact of technological innovation and R&D on firm performance in the Nigerian service sector. The sector is attracting interest in policy circle because it has become the fastest growing sector globally. The analysis is based on data obtained from the Nigeria's innovation survey, 2008 undertaken among 500 enterprises in the service sector with about 41% response rate. The instrument was guided by the third edition of the Oslo Manual standardised through validation workshops under the NEPAD ASTII initiative. The result shows that technological acquisition, training and in-house R&D positively influence technological innovation while government support and embodied knowledge are insignificant. Also, technology innovation and R&D have positive impact on firms' performance. This paper offers an opportunity to understanding the impact of technology innovation and R&D on performance of service firms in developing country context. © 2013 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Econometric analysis; Firm performance; Nigeria; R&D; Service sector; Technology innovation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873979266 | Impact of fiscal policy in an intertemporal CGE model for South Africa | Mabugu R., Robichaud V., Maisonnave H., Chitiga M. | 2013 | Economic Modelling | 31 | 1 | 10.1016/j.econmod.2013.01.019 | Financial and Fiscal Commission, Private Bag X69, Halfway House 1685, South Africa; CIRPEE, Université Laval and PEP network, Canada; Human Sciences Research Council, Economic Performance and Development Unit, South Africa | Mabugu, R., Financial and Fiscal Commission, Private Bag X69, Halfway House 1685, South Africa; Robichaud, V., CIRPEE, Université Laval and PEP network, Canada; Maisonnave, H., CIRPEE, Université Laval and PEP network, Canada; Chitiga, M., Human Sciences Research Council, Economic Performance and Development Unit, South Africa | This paper uses an intertemporal computable general equilibrium model to investigate the consequences of an expansive fiscal policy designed to accelerate economic growth in South Africa. A key contribution is made to existing literature on the transmission mechanism of fiscal policy in African economies. To the best of our knowledge, no published study has empirically analyzed the macroeconomic effects of fiscal policy in the context of an open, middle-income sub-Saharan African economy like South Africa using an integrated intertemporal model with such disaggregated production structure. The paper shows that an expansive fiscal policy would have a temporary impact on gross domestic product (GDP) but would translate into higher debt relative to GDP. Using increased taxation to finance the additional spending would lessen this impact but would also negatively affect macroeconomic variables. Increased investment spending would improve long-term GDP, under any financing scheme, and would decrease debt-to-GDP ratio as well as deficit-to-GDP ratio. This outcome is driven by the positive impact infrastructure has on total factor productivity. Sensitivity analysis shows that these conclusions are qualitatively similar for wide values of the elasticity of the total factor productivity to infrastructure. In fact, the conclusions hold even when comparing different financing schemes. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Infrastructure; Intertemporal CGE model; New growth path; South Africa; Total factor productivity | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33645850125 | Dynamics of grazing policy and practice: Environmental and social impacts in three communal areas of southern Africa | Rohde R.F., Moleele N.M., Mphale M., Allsopp N., Chanda R., Hoffman M.T., Magole L., Young E. | 2006 | Environmental Science and Policy | 9 | 3 | 10.1016/j.envsci.2005.11.009 | Centre of African Studies, University of Edinburgh, 21 George Square, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; GEF-UNDP Wetland Biodiversity Conservation Project, University of Botswana, Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre, Maun, Botswana; Department of Sociology, University of Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho; ARC-Range and Forage Science, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Department of Environmental Science, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB 00704, Gaborone, Botswana; Leslie Hill Institute for Plant Conservation, Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Centre for Arid Zone Studies, University of Wales Bangor, Bangor, United Kingdom; 11 Belmont Avenue, Cape Town 8001, South Africa | Rohde, R.F., Centre of African Studies, University of Edinburgh, 21 George Square, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 11 Belmont Avenue, Cape Town 8001, South Africa; Moleele, N.M., GEF-UNDP Wetland Biodiversity Conservation Project, University of Botswana, Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre, Maun, Botswana; Mphale, M., Department of Sociology, University of Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho; Allsopp, N., ARC-Range and Forage Science, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Chanda, R., Department of Environmental Science, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB 00704, Gaborone, Botswana; Hoffman, M.T., Leslie Hill Institute for Plant Conservation, Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Magole, L., GEF-UNDP Wetland Biodiversity Conservation Project, University of Botswana, Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre, Maun, Botswana; Young, E., Centre for Arid Zone Studies, University of Wales Bangor, Bangor, United Kingdom | This paper traces the history of grazing policy, its conceptual basis, practical implementations and outcomes, in three southern African countries. In spite of the divergent environmental conditions facing pastoralists in the Highlands of Lesotho, Botswana's southern Kalahari and the Namaqualand succulent karoo in South Africa, they have all been subjected to similar grazing and rangeland management policies. The theoretical underpinnings of such policies have their origins in a development paradigm and ecological theory derived from northern temperate environments and are directly related to two persistent and powerful narratives: 'land degradation' and 'the tragedy of the commons'. Policy and development initiatives were implemented in order to overcome the perceived causes of these negative scenarios, such as overstocking, open access tenure and low output subsistence production. They typically ignored the multi-purpose goals of traditional pastoral systems and emphasized commercialisation of livestock farming and privatisation of communal land, which resulted in the weakening or destruction of local, traditional land management institutions. Such policies have survived the transitions from colonial rule to independence and from apartheid to democracy. We argue that these powerful and pervasive ideas, when applied to grazing policies, have caused the very problems they were formulated to prevent. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Communal land; Pastoralism; Rangeland ecology; Rangeland management | agricultural worker; article; commercial phenomena; environmental impact; environmental sustainability; government regulation; grazing management; land use; livestock; political system; priority journal; program development; socioeconomics; South Africa; sustainable agriculture; sustainable development | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953537446 | Local impacts of a global crisis: Food price transmission, consumer welfare and poverty in Ghana | Cudjoe G., Breisinger C., Diao X. | 2010 | Food Policy | 35 | 4 | 10.1016/j.foodpol.2010.01.004 | Ghana Strategy Support Program (GSSP), IFPRI, Accra, Ghana; IFPRI, Washington, DC, United States | Cudjoe, G., Ghana Strategy Support Program (GSSP), IFPRI, Accra, Ghana; Breisinger, C., IFPRI, Washington, DC, United States; Diao, X., IFPRI, Washington, DC, United States | This paper takes a local perspective on global food price shocks by analyzing food price transmission between regional markets in Ghana. It also assesses the impacts of food price increases on various household groups. Taking the 2007-2008 global food crisis as an example, we show that prices for domestic grain products are highly correlated with world market prices. This is true both for products for which Ghana is highly import-dependent (e.g., rice) and the products for which Ghana is self-sufficient (e.g., maize). The econometric results also show that price transmission is high between regional producer markets and markets located in the country's largest cities, and the distance between producer and consumer markets and the size of consumer markets matter in explaining the price transmission. The welfare analysis for households as consumers shows that the effect of world food prices appears relatively modest for the country as a whole due to relatively diverse consumption patterns within country. However, the national average hides important regional differences, both between regions and within different income groups. We find that the poorest of the poor-particularly those living in the urban areas-are hardest hit by high food prices. The negative effect of the food crisis is particularly strong in northern Ghana. The main explanations for this regional variation in the price effect is the different consumption patterns and much lower per capita income levels in the North of Ghana compared to other regions in the country. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Food crisis; Ghana; Household welfare; Poverty; Price transmission; Threshold cointegration | cointegration analysis; econometrics; food market; food supply; household income; poverty; price dynamics; self sufficiency; threshold; welfare impact; Ghana; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-54449098133 | The use of an indirect impact quick-stop mechanism during the turning of α-titanium BT5 alloy | Dahunsi O.A., Awopetu O.O. | 2008 | International Journal of Machining and Machinability of Materials | 3 | 02-Jan | 10.1504/IJMMM.2008.017626 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | Dahunsi, O.A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Awopetu, O.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | This paper studies the use of an indirect impact quick stop mechanism whose design, construction and mode of operation is relatively simpler in the chip root analysis of α-titanium alloy BT5 in a semi-finish turning operation. The quick-stop was used over a cutting speed range 2 120 m/min, but only micrographs for cutting at 60 m/min were presented, however, the mechanism attained a minimum withdrawal speed of about 3.2 mm/s and an average speed (estimated from the plotted graph) of about 11 m/s. Metallographic analysis of the chip roots presented pronounced Built-Up-Edge (BUE) and segmented chip formation features but the grains varied largely in appearance and shapes. The various chip segments also varied in sizes in contrast to the segments of stainless steel whose chips are usually segmented too. © 2008, Inderscience Publishers. | BUE; Built-Up-Edge; Chip root analysis; Metallographic analysis; Segmented chip; Semi-finish; Titanium; Withdrawal speed | Cutting; Metallography; Turning; Chip root analysis; Segmented chip; Withdrawal speed; Titanium alloys | 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-s2.0-84884686701 | Electrochemical performance of sodium dichromate partial replacement models by triethanolamine admixtures on steel-rebar corrosion in concretes | Okeniyi J.O., Ambrose I.J., Oladele I.O., Loto C.A., Popoola P.A.I. | 2013 | International Journal of Electrochemical Science | 8 | 8 | None | Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, PMB 1023, Ota, Nigeria; Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Okeniyi, J.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, PMB 1023, Ota, Nigeria; Ambrose, I.J., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, PMB 1023, Ota, Nigeria; Oladele, I.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, PMB 1023, Ota, Nigeria; Loto, C.A., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, PMB 1023, Ota, Nigeria, Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Popoola, P.A.I., Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | This paper studies electrochemical performance of partial replacement models of sodium dichromate (Na2Cr2O7) inhibitor by triethanolamine (C6H15NO3) admixtures on the corrosion of steel-rebar embedded in concrete immersed in corrosive environments. For these, 3.5% NaCl and 0.5M H2SO4 media were employed for respectively simulating saline/marine and industrial/microbial corrosive test-environments. Test-results of electrochemical monitoring techniques were subjected to statistical modelling of probability distribution fittings, goodness-of-fit tests and analyses for detailing admixture performance in steel-reinforced concretes. Results from these identified 6 g Na2Cr2O7 + 2 g C6H15NO3 and the 2 g Na2Cr2O7 + 6 g C6H15NO3 partial Na2Cr2O7 replacement admixtures with excellent inhibition efficiencies, η = 91.7% and η = 90.0%, respectively in the NaCl-immersed concretes. Also, the 2 g Na2Cr2O7 + 6 g C6H15NO3 exhibited inhibition efficiency η = 52.5% that lagged behind η = 72.0% of 8 g Na2Cr2O7 but which both represent good efficiency criteria in the H2SO4-immersed concretes. © 2013 by ESG. | Concrete steel-rebar corrosion; Goodness-of-fit statistics; Numerical correlation modelling; Partial dichromate replacement admixture; Probability distribution functions; Saline/acidic environments | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930350143 | Inhibition and compressive-strength performance of na<inf>2</inf>cr<inf>2</inf>o<inf>7</inf> and C<inf>10</inf>H<inf>14</inf>n<inf>2</inf>na<inf>2</inf>o<inf>8</inf>·2h<inf>2</inf>o in steel-reinforced concrete in corrosive environments | Okeniyi J.O., Oladele I.O., Omoniyi O.M., Loto C.A., Popoola A.P.I. | 2015 | Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering | 42 | 6 | 10.1139/cjce-2014-0364 | Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Okeniyi, J.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Oladele, I.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Omoniyi, O.M., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Loto, C.A., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria, Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Popoola, A.P.I., Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | This paper studied corrosion-inhibition and compressive-strength performances of Na<inf>2</inf>Cr<inf>2</inf>O<inf>7</inf> (sodium dichromate) and C<inf>10</inf>H<inf>14</inf>N<inf>2</inf>Na<inf>2</inf>O<inf>8</inf>·2H<inf>2</inf>O (ethylenediaminetetraacetic disodium salt: EDTA-Na2) admixtures in steel-reinforced concrete immersed in NaCl and in H<inf>2</inf>SO<inf>4</inf> corrosive environments. Electrochemical methods were used for studying corrosion responses of different concentrations of the individual admixtures and their synergies, in the model that partially replace the toxic Na<inf>2</inf>Cr<inf>2</inf>O<inf>7</inf> by the environmentally-friendly C<inf>10</inf>H<inf>14</inf>N<inf>2</inf>Na<inf>2</inf>O<inf>8</inf>·2H<inf>2</inf>O, in steel-reinforced concretes. After the electrochemical experiment, the steel-reinforced concrete samples were subjected to the compressive-strength testing and analyses of ASTM C39/C39M-03 and ASTM C267-01(2012). Results showed that the use of environmentally-friendly EDTA-Na<inf>2</inf> for partially replacing toxic Na2Cr2O7 chemical exhibited better corrosion-inhibition and compressive-strength improvement in the NaCl-immersed concretes, than in the H2SO4-immersed concretes. The 2 g Na<inf>2</inf>Cr<inf>2</inf>O<inf>7</inf> + 6 g EDTA-Na<inf>2</inf> admixture (representing partial replacement model of 6 g Na<inf>2</inf>Cr<inf>2</inf>O<inf>7</inf> by 6 g EDTA-Na<inf>2</inf>) exhibited optimal corrosion inhibition efficiency (η = 99.0%) and very good compressive-strength improvement advantage in the NaCl-immersed concretes. In contrast, comparatively low compressive-strength reduction tradeoff with the good inhibition effectiveness of η = 79.9% support use of 6 g EDTA-Na<inf>2</inf> admixture only (i.e., without Na<inf>2</inf>Cr<inf>2</inf>O<inf>7</inf> addition) for inhibiting reinforcing-steel corrosion in the H<inf>2</inf>SO<inf>4</inf>-immersed concretes. | C<inf>10</inf>H<inf>14</inf>N<inf>2</inf>Na<inf>2</inf>O<inf>8</inf>·2H<inf>2</inf>O; Compressive strength; Concrete steel-reinforcement; Corrosion inhibition; Corrosive environments; Na<inf>2</inf>Cr<inf>2</inf>O<inf>7</inf>; Statistical distribution | Columns (structural); Composite structures; Concrete additives; Concrete testing; Concretes; Corrosion; Corrosion inhibitors; Reinforced concrete; Steel testing; Compressive strength testing; Corrosion inhibition; Corrosion inhibition efficiency; Corrosive environment; Electrochemical experiments; Low compressive strengths; Statistical distribution; Steel reinforcements; Compressive strength; compressive strength; concentration (composition); corrosion; reinforced concrete; sodium chloride | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34648820316 | Modelling the relationship between antiretroviral treatment and HIV prevention: Limitations of the Spectrum AIDS Impact Model in changing policy environment | Nattrass N. | 2007 | African Journal of AIDS Research | 6 | 2 | None | Department of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701 Cape Town, South Africa | Nattrass, N., Department of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701 Cape Town, South Africa | This paper shows how two publicly available epidemiological modelling packages, namely the Spectrum AIDS Impact Model and the ASSA2003 AIDS and Demographic Model, predict very different impacts from rolling out highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) on new HIV infections. Using South Africa as a case study, it shows that the ASSA2003 model predicts a significant drop in new HIV infections as HAART is rolled out, whereas the Spectrum model assumes that HAART does not have a preventative impact (and in fact generates a small increase in new HIV infections). Users will thus draw different conclusions about the public health benefits of HAART depending on which modelling package they use. Despite being presented as a policy-oriented modelling tool capable of exploring 'what if' questions about the impact of different policy choices, the Spectrum model is ill-equipped to do so with regard to a HAART rollout. Unlike Spectrum, ASSA2003 is more flexible and its assumptions are clear. Better modelling and more information (including about the relationship between HAART and sexual risk behaviour) is required to develop appropriate public-policy modelling for the HAART era. Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd. | Demographic models; HAART; Health impact; Interventions; Mathematical models; Policy development; Sexual risk behaviour; South Africa | antiretrovirus agent; nevirapine; zidovudine; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; case study; controlled study; epidemic; high risk behavior; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection prevention; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; policy; prediction; prevalence; sexual behavior; South Africa | None |
| WoS | WOS:000264910100004 | An ethnographic exploration of the impacts of HIV/AIDS on soil fertility management among smallholders in Butula, western Kenya | Misiko, M. | 2008 | NJAS-WAGENINGEN JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES | 56 | 3 | None | None | None | This paper shows how HIV/AIDS negatively affects soil fertility management strategies among Kenyan smallholders. The paper examines this relationship, using ethnographic interviews of purposively selected affected households in Butula Division, Busia District, Kenya. Soil fertility management was given low priority in the face of high HIV/AIDS prevalence although it is a critical resource for meeting basic needs. Findings show that HIV/AIDS poses a significant and complex threat to the already deficient soil fertility management practices among smallholders. The disease's synergistic relation with poverty increases the stress on soil fertility management. It destructs local social structures and households by taking away resource persons, overburdening traditional insurance systems, and obliterating any modest capital and labour useful for soil fertility management that has been accumulated by the household. There is need for robust soil fertility policy-action frameworks that can be sustained tinder the limiting conditions of affected households and that can mitigate HIV/AIDS impacts amidst high poverty. | CAPITAL,"HIV/AIDS prevalence",HOUSEHOLD,labour,POVERTY | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953900847 | Determination of reusable labware performances with emphasis on oscillation of pendulum using visualization techniques | Mukaila O., Taiwo O.A., Ameen A.O., Mabayoje M.A., Aremu M.A. | 2011 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 50 | 1 | None | Dept. of Computer Science, Kwara State Polytechnic Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Dept. of Mathematics, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, kwara State, Nigeria; Dept. of Computer Science, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Dept. of Mathematics/Stati | Mukaila, O., Dept. of Computer Science, Kwara State Polytechnic Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Taiwo, O.A., Dept. of Mathematics, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, kwara State, Nigeria; Ameen, A.O., Dept. of Computer Science, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Mabayoje, M.A., Dept. of Computer Science, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Aremu, M.A., Dept. of Mathematics/Statistics, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Nigeria | This papers focuses solely on the development of linear regression model as a tool for visualization in order to determine various average periods of oscillations of pendulum with specific mass of ball which is 8.30 gramme. The essence of this is to determine the effect of using different weight of ball of pendulum on oscillations with varying in length and time of oscillations. With the model that was developed the performance of LABWARE and pendulum oscillation to be specific can easily be monitor and this helped to generate various values of data as reusable object with help of MATLAB program that was developed. Graphical representation of objects as one of visualization Techniques made determination of periods to be determine by varying length and time. This model, is very reliable and accurate, compare to the traditional method in which the breakdown of LABWARE can have major effect on the oscillations and accuracy of the results. | Average period of oscillation; Labware; Linear regreation e.t.c.; Model; Modeling; Object; Pendulum ball; Reusable; Visualization | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897417085 | Trade reforms, macroeconomic performance and welfare in Malawi | Ngalawa H. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n3p307 | School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa | Ngalawa, H., School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa | This paper sets out to show efficiency gains and/or losses of trade reforms in Malawi using simulation experiments in a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model. Among others, the study shows that a 50 percent tariff cut coupled with fixed government savings has the same impact on selected macroeconomic variables when capital is mobile as when it is activity specific. When capital is activity-specific, the tariff cut has a positive impact on labour income in the non-agricultural sector and a similar impact on capital income in commercial agriculture. Overall labour income in the agricultural sector is unaffected while the impact on capital income in small scale agriculture and non-agriculture sectors is negative. When capital is mobile, the tariff cut leads to a fall in the capital income in small scale agriculture. The study further shows that doubling foreign aid to Malawi increases consumption and adversely affects the production side of the economy. | Computable general equilibrium; Trade reforms; Welfare | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845760922 | Increasing incidence of poverty in Nigeria: An impact assessment of the government's economic reform programme | Ezeoha A.E. | 2005 | Journal of Social Development in Africa | 20 | 2 | None | Department of Banking and Finance, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria | Ezeoha, A.E., Department of Banking and Finance, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria | This paper sets out to examine why it had remained nearly impossible for a country like Nigeria to address the rising incidence of poverty among her citizenry. It also attempts to establish the impact of an apparently total lack of social alignment in government economic reforms and policies. It focuses on trends in the reform programme pursued over the last five years (1999 - 2004) by the present civilian government of Nigeria, and the attendant poverty alleviation strategies adopted. It notes that one of the high points of the manifesto of the Obansajo government in the last five years (May 1999 - 2004) was its commitment to poverty alleviation in the country; and that since its inception, the government had rolled out numerous poverty reduction programmes, and yet at the same time, had developed several economic reform programmes that seemed to have greatly deflected the goals of these same measures. The paper posits that all the efforts of the government, and the resources invested in the poverty alleviation programe over the years seem to have been wasted, as only limited positive results have been recorded. The paper further notes that regrettably, government initiatives designed to mitigate the deleterious effects of the economic reforms have, instead helped to worsen the state of poverty in the country. It recommends that a more realistic strategy to alleviate poverty in Nigeria would be for the government to take full responsibility for ensuring that poor people receive greater attention in their struggle to access affordable and better quality basic services. | None | economic impact; economic reform; poverty alleviation; state role; strategic approach; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953955141 | Industrial development, electricity crisis and economic performance in Nigeria | Udah E.B. | 2010 | European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences | None | 18 | None | Department of Economics, University of Calabar-Nigeria, Nigeria | Udah, E.B., Department of Economics, University of Calabar-Nigeria, Nigeria | This paper seeks to investigate the causal and long-run relationship between electricity supply, industrialization and economic development in Nigeria from 1970-2008. To achieve this, the paper employed the Granger Causality test and the ARDL bounds test approach to cointegration proposed by Pesaran et al (2001). In order to determine the time series characteristics of variables used in the regression, the paper adopted the approach of NG and Perron (2001) modified unit root test. The Granger Causality results showed that there is a feedback causal relationship between GDP per capita and electricity supply. Unidirectional relationship is seen between capital employed and GDP per capita without a feedback effect, running from capital to GDP per capita. The same unidirectional relationship is observed between electricity supply and capital; the causality runs from capital to electricity supply. The causality result also revealed a unidirectional relationship without feedback effect between labour and electricity supply. The Granger causality test found no causal link in the case of industrial output and GDP per capita. The results of the long run and error correction model showed that industrial development, electricity supply, technology and capital employed are important determinants of economic development. Stability tests were also conducted using CUSUM and CUSUMQ and the Jarque-Bera normality test. The results strongly suggest that the residuals are within the boundaries. This implies that the parameters of the model remained within its critical bounds of parameter stability throughout the period of study. The paper concludes that for Nigeria to drive economic development through industrialization, the country should fix the electricity supply problem. © EuroJournals, Inc. | Cointegration and error correction; Economic development; Electricity crisis; Industrial development | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67549117347 | Corporate governance and firm performance: The case of Nigerian listed firms | Kajola S.O. | 2008 | European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences | None | 14 | None | Department of Accounting, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria | Kajola, S.O., Department of Accounting, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria | This paper seeks to examine the relationship between four corporate governance mechanisms (board size, board composition, chief executive status and audit committee) and two firm performance measures (return on equity, ROE, and profit margin, PM), of a sample of twenty Nigerian listed firms between 2000 and 2006. Using panel methodology and OLS as a method of estimation, the results provide evidence of a positive significant relationship between ROE and board size as well as chief executive status. The implication of this is that the board size should be limited to a sizeable limit and that the posts of the chief executive and the board chair should be occupied by different persons. The results further reveal a positive significant relationship between PM and chief executive status. The study, however, could not provide a significant relationship between the two performance measures and board composition and audit committee. These results are consistent with prior empirical studies. © EuroJournals, Inc. 2008. | Agency cost; Corporate governance; Firm performance; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892565600 | Corruption, foreign direct investment and its impact on exchange rate of the Nigerian economy | Erhieyovwe E.K., Onokero I.I. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n3p345 | College of Physical Education, Mosogar Delta state, Nigeria; College of Education, Agbor Delta state, Nigeria | Erhieyovwe, E.K., College of Physical Education, Mosogar Delta state, Nigeria; Onokero, I.I., College of Education, Agbor Delta state, Nigeria | This paper seeks to analyze corruption, foreign direct investment and its impact on exchange of the Nigerian economy. The ultimate objective of this study centers on an empirical investigation of the impact of corruption, foreign direct investment and its impact on exchange rate of the Nigerian economy. In order to achieve these objectives the study used the ordinary least squares regression analyses, augmented dickey fuller unit root test and the co-integration test. The unit root test revealed that all the variables were stationary at first difference and the short run result revealed that corruption is very high in Nigeria and that have help to depreciate the currency of the country with regards its exchange to other currencies. The study recommends that war against corruption or state of emergency on corruption should be vigorously pursued, this will help to remold the image of the Nigerian economy and encourage more foreign investors that will help to equate our exchange rate to other currencies. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70849092749 | On the relevance of using openwireless sensor networks in environment monitoring | Bagula A.B., Inggs G., Scott S., Zennaro M. | 2009 | Sensors (Switzerland) | 9 | 6 | 10.3390/s90604845 | Department of Computer Science, University of Cape Town, 7707 Cape Town, South Africa; Telecommunication Systems Laboratory, The Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden; The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theretical Physics, Trieste, Italy | Bagula, A.B., Department of Computer Science, University of Cape Town, 7707 Cape Town, South Africa; Inggs, G., Department of Computer Science, University of Cape Town, 7707 Cape Town, South Africa; Scott, S., Department of Computer Science, University of Cape Town, 7707 Cape Town, South Africa; Zennaro, M., Telecommunication Systems Laboratory, The Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden, The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theretical Physics, Trieste, Italy | This paper revisits the problem of the readiness for field deployments of wireless sensor networks by assessing the relevance of using Open Hardware and Software motes for environment monitoring. We propose a new prototype wireless sensor network that finetunes SquidBee motes to improve the life-time and sensing performance of an environment monitoring system that measures temperature, humidity and luminosity. Building upon two outdoor sensing scenarios, we evaluate the performance of the newly proposed energy-aware prototype solution in terms of link quality when expressed by the Received Signal Strength, Packet Loss and the battery lifetime. The experimental results reveal the relevance of using the Open Hardware and Software motes when setting up outdoor wireless sensor networks. © 2009 by the authors; licensee Molecular Diversity Preservation International, Basel, Switzerland. | Energy efficiency; Open motes squidbee; Wireless sensor networks | Battery lifetime; Environment monitoring; Environment monitoring system; Field deployment; Open hardware; Open motes squidbee; Received signal strength; Sensing performance; Energy efficiency; Hardware; Molluscs; Wireless sensor networks | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875541585 | Modelling and monitoring for strategic yield gap diagnosis in the South African sugar belt | Van den Berg M., Singels A. | 2013 | Field Crops Research | 143 | None | 10.1016/j.fcr.2012.10.009 | South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Private Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa; Department of Plant Production, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Van den Berg, M., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Private Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa; Singels, A., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Private Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa, Department of Plant Production, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa, School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | This paper revisits the diagnostic use of industry-wide sugarcane (Saccharum sp. hybrid) modelling and monitoring in South Africa for gaining a better understanding of production trends and the strategies required to address temporal and spatial yield variation.Such reviews have been conducted annually since 2008, by comparing the ratio of actual to simulated (potential) average sugarcane yields for 14 sugar mills with that of preceding seasons (since 1980). Actual yields are determined from total amount of cane crushed at the mill and the estimated area harvested as determined from mill records and grower surveys. Potential yields are determined by using the Canesim model with daily weather data for 48 homogenous agro-climatic zones. Widening yield gaps in some key producing regions and significant differences between regions indicated the need to investigate the impact of non-climatic factors such as pests, diseases, and sub-optimal agronomic management, even though this analysis is still qualitative and incomplete, and not fully objective. Factors that were highlighted as likely causes of suboptimal production were damaging effect of a new pest (sugarcane thrips), inadequate nutrition and inadequate replanting, apparently linked to unfavourable socio-economic conditions; even more so for small-scale growers than for large-scale growers. In addition to providing a service that is valued by the industry, the annual reviews have contributed to strengthening co-operation between researchers of distinct disciplines as well as between researchers and canegrowers, and to help identify priorities for further research. The quality of the analysis could be further improved by more accurate and timely estimates of the area harvested, improved resolution of yield data and extended surveys of pests, diseases and other yield limiting or reducing factors. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Modelling; Sugar cane; Yield gap | agricultural management; agricultural modeling; agroecology; agronomy; crop production; crop yield; farmers knowledge; harvesting; limiting factor; monitoring; pest damage; research work; socioeconomic impact; spatial variation; sugar cane; temporal variation; South Africa; Saccharum; Saccharum sp.; Thysanoptera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907352472 | Insight into egg weight and its impact on chick hatch-weight, hatchability and subsequent growth indices in chickens- A review | Mbajiorgu C.A., Ramaphala N.O. | 2014 | Indian Journal of Animal Research | 48 | 3 | 10.5958/j.0976-0555.48.3.044 | Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, Johannesburg, South Africa | Mbajiorgu, C.A., Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, Johannesburg, South Africa; Ramaphala, N.O., Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, Johannesburg, South Africa | This paper reviews the influence of egg weight on chick-hatch weight, hatchability potentials and subsequent growth indices in chickens. Though the spectrum of factors that affect chick-hatchweight, hatchability potentials and subsequent growth indices in chickens is broad, however, increased interest in this concept is attributed to conflicting evidence in the literature indicating that performance in chickens in terms of chick-hatch weight, hatchability and subsequent growth indices in chickens may be closely related to the weight of the eggs and not by the hatcheries ability to effectively hatch eggs per se. This conflicting evidence in effect, creates a questionable atmosphere for chicken farmers as they are not appropriately guided on the influence of egg weight on chick-hatch weight, hatchability and subsequent growth indices in chicken. Often, the negative effect of this lack of proper guidance manifests itself in the farmer's inability to maintain a uniform chick-hatch weight and hatchability values in their poultry farms especially in rural farming communities. This becomes an important factor creating variability at slaughter age. However, based on re-evaluation of numerous research data, it is concluded that hatchability, post-hatch performance in terms of chick-hatch weight and growth parameters in chickens is influenced by egg weight when all other non-genetic factors are kept under control. This influence is breed or strain specific because chick-hatch weight and hatchability are interrelated heritable traits that vary among breeds, variety or individuals in a breed or variety. Thus, because of the important implications of these differences, sorting of eggs by weight prior to incubation might be advantageous in optimizing productivity of any chicken breed and in particular, help to minimize the variability at slaughtering age often observed in many poultry farms. | Egg weight; Past-hatch performance; Poultry hatchability | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-69249112209 | Pastoralists perceptions and rangeland evaluation for livestock production in south eastern Ethiopia | Abate T., Ebro A., Nigatu L. | 2009 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 21 | 7 | None | Hawassa University, Department of Animal and Range Science, P. O. Box, 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Adami Tulu Agriculture Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Zeway, Ethiopia; Haromaya University, P.O.Box, 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | Abate, T., Hawassa University, Department of Animal and Range Science, P. O. Box, 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Ebro, A., Adami Tulu Agriculture Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Zeway, Ethiopia; Nigatu, L., Haromaya University, P.O.Box, 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | This paper reports the results of a study carried out to examine the traditional rangeland utilization practices, and evaluation of the rangelands in Rayitu district of south-Eastern Ethiopia. Traditional pastoralists' rangeland utilization practices were assessed using structured questionnaires and group discussions. The rangelands were evaluated by stratifying the district in altitude and grazing types using grass, soil and woody layers parameters. About 91% of the pastoralists replied that the condition of their rangelands was poor and the main problems were drought, overgrazing and bush encroachment. Over 86% reported that compared to past, their grazing lands are now covered with bushes and shrubs. Annual and less desirable grass species dominated the communal grazing sites while perennial and highly desirable grass species were most frequent in the benchmark sites. Mean total range condition score in the communal, enclosure and benchmark sites were 23.40 ±1.35 (poor), 39 ± 1.35 (fair) and 50.42 ±0.9 (good), respectively. The perception and rangeland evaluation studies confirmed that the communal grazing sites have deteriorated in condition and need improvement interventions. The enclosure sites were in transitional state from poor to fair condition and this suggests a need for intervention to improve their condition while the benchmark sites need maintenance of their present condition. | Altitude; Biomass; Grazing types; Species composition; Traditional rangeland utilization | None | None |
| None | None | The use of direct clinician observation and vignettes for health services quality evaluation in developing countries | Leonard K.L., Masatu M.C. | 2005 | Social Science and Medicine | 61 | 9 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2005.03.043 | University of Maryland, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, United States; Centre for Educational Development in Health Arusha, Tanzania | Leonard, K.L., University of Maryland, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, United States; Masatu, M.C., Centre for Educational Development in Health Arusha, Tanzania | This paper reports the results of a comparison between two different methods of examining quality in outpatient services in a developing country. Data from rural and urban Tanzania are used to compare the measures of quality collected by direct clinician observation (DCO) (where clinicians are observed in the course of their normal consultations) and vignettes (unblind case studies with an actor). The vignettes are shown to exhibit a strong connection between the inputs provided during consultation (rational history taking, physical examination and health education) and the ability of the clinician to properly diagnose the presented illness. However, the inputs provided in vignettes are not well correlated with the inputs provided in DCO, suggesting that the inputs provided in the vignette are not well correlated with the inputs that would be provided in an actual consultation. We conclude that since vignettes do not appear to be measuring what would be provided in an actual consultation they are not a good measure of quality. Instead, we suggest that vignettes and DCO be used simultaneously. We show how the scores obtained using vignettes in conjunction with DCO can be used to improve the reliability of DCO and therefore our estimates of actual clinician quality. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Direct clinician observation; Health services quality; Tanzania; Vignettes | developing world; health services; monitoring; quality control; service provision; anamnesis; article; clinical observation; comparative study; consultation; controlled study; correlation analysis; developing country; general practitioner; health care quality; health education; health service; human; intermethod comparison; measurement; normal human; outpatient care; physical examination; qualitative analysis; rural area; Tanzania; urban area; Clinical Competence; Developing Countries; Health Care Surveys; Humans; Medical Audit; Medical History Taking; Nursing Audit; Observation; Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care); Patient Education; Patient Simulation; Physical Examination; Referral and Consultation; Tanzania; Africa; East Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania; World | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907897288 | Characterizations of basalt unsaturated polyester laminates under static three-point bending and low-velocity impact loadings | Gideon R.K., Hu H., Wambua P., Gu B. | 2014 | Polymer Composites | 35 | 11 | 10.1002/pc.22885 | College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, China; School of Engineering, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya | Gideon, R.K., College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, China; Hu, H., College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, China; Wambua, P., School of Engineering, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Gu, B., College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, China | This paper reports the responses of basalt unsaturated polyester laminates under static three-point bending loading and low-velocity impact. Three kinds of composite materials, unidirectional (0°), cross-ply (0°/90°) and woven laminates were considered. The laminates were fabricated by layup process and hot pressed under pressure. Static three-point bending tests and low-velocity impact tests were conducted to obtain the force-deflection, force-time, deflection-time, velocity-time, and energy-time curves. The results showed that unidirectional (0°) laminates carried more load during static loading, but in the event of dynamic loading, cross-ply, and woven laminates were more superior. It was observed that the failure of 0° laminates was along the fiber direction while for cross-ply and woven, the damage was localized, around the impacted locations. From the different combinations of unidirectional (0°), cross-ply (0°/90°) and woven lamina, the impact behaviors could be optimized with the lowest area density. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers. | None | Low velocity impact; Three point bending; Unsaturated polyester | None |
| None | None | The environmental and socio-economic impacts of mining on local livelihoods in Tanzania: A case study of Geita District | Kitula A.G.N. | 2006 | Journal of Cleaner Production | 14 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.jclepro.2004.01.012 | Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3187, Morogoro, Tanzania | Kitula, A.G.N., Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3187, Morogoro, Tanzania | This paper reports the findings of a study undertaken to assess the socio-economic and environmental impacts of mining in Geita District, Tanzania. In addition to sampling community perceptions of mining activities, the study prescribes interventions that can assist in mitigating the negative impacts of mining. Marked environmental and interrelated socio-economic improvements can be achieved within regional artisanal gold mines if the government provides technical support to local operators, regulations are improved, and illegal mining activity is reduced. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Geita District; Gold mining; Local people; Mining activities; Socio-economic | Economic and social effects; Environmental impact; Gold mines; Mining laws and regulations; Geita district; Local people; Mining activities; Mining | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-23044449491 | Line-start performance of single-phase synchronous reluctance motor with controlled capacitor | Obe E.S., Ojo O. | 2005 | IEE Proceedings: Electric Power Applications | 152 | 4 | 10.1049/ip-epa:20055208 | Laboratory of Power Devices, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Centre for Energy System Research, Laboratory for Electric Machines and Power Electronics, Cooker | Obe, E.S., Laboratory of Power Devices, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ojo, O., Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Centre for Energy System Research, Laboratory for Electric Machines and Power Electronics, Cookerille, TN 38501, United States | This paper reports the effect of values of starting and synchronisation (running) capacitors on the line-start performance of a single-phase cage-rotor synchronous reluctance motor. The d-q rotor reference frame dynamic equations were used to select the values of capacitors best suited for starting and running and it is shown that for a near-instantaneous starting, the capacitances should be varied (within the selected peaks) in line with the machine speed error. One single three-terminal capacitor device controlled by speed error signal is found to be very useful in realising a faster acceleration than obtainable with conventional and other known methods. Peak torque pulsations and current drawn by the main winding were found to be reduced, suggesting a more efficient motor drive performance. Simulated and experimental results bear a resemblance. © IEE, 2005. | None | Capacitance; Capacitors; Magnetization; Synchronization; Synchronous motors; Torque; Auxiliary windings; Electromagnetic torque; Error signals; Torque pulsations; Reluctance motors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77949314653 | Performance evaluation of electrospun nanofibrous membrane | Patanaik A., Jacobs V., Anandjiwala R.D. | 2010 | Journal of Membrane Science | 352 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.memsci.2010.02.009 | CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, Polymers and Composites Competence Area, Nonwovens and Composites Group, Gomery Avenue, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, 6000, South Africa; Department of Textile Science, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa | Patanaik, A., CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, Polymers and Composites Competence Area, Nonwovens and Composites Group, Gomery Avenue, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, 6000, South Africa; Jacobs, V., CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, Polymers and Composites Competence Area, Nonwovens and Composites Group, Gomery Avenue, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, 6000, South Africa, Department of Textile Science, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa; Anandjiwala, R.D., CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, Polymers and Composites Competence Area, Nonwovens and Composites Group, Gomery Avenue, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, 6000, South Africa, Department of Textile Science, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa | This paper reports the development of electrospun nanofibrous membranes for air filtration application. Different types of polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofibrous membranes were prepared by varying the solution parameter, then depositing it over a nonwoven substrate. Composite filter media were developed by sandwiching the previous media with another nonwoven. The structural and physical characteristics of the membranes and media were measured and correlated with the performance characteristics. The changes in membranes and media properties after prolonged exposure to working condition under cyclic compression play an important role in their long term performance characteristics. It was evaluated in terms of changes in pore characteristics and filtration parameters and compared with the values before cyclic compression. With increasing solution concentration, nanofiber diameter increases and nanofibers are more uniform. Increased filtration efficiency and decreased pressure drop were observed with increasing nanofiber diameter. Increase in pore sizes after cyclic compression was observed for the membranes deposited over nonwoven, whereas no such changes were observed for the composite media. Decreased filtration efficiency and increased pressure drop were observed after cyclic compression for the membranes deposited over nonwoven, whereas changes were not significant in composite media. Composite media shows good performance for long term application. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Electrospinning; Filter media; Membrane; Nanofibers; Pore size | Air filtration; Composite filter; Composite media; Cyclic compression; Electrospuns; Filter media; Filtration efficiency; Long term; Long term performance; Media properties; Nanofibrous membranes; Non-woven; Non-woven substrates; Performance characteristics; Performance evaluation; Physical characteristics; Pore characteristics; Solution concentration; Solution parameters; Working conditions; Composite membranes; Electrospinning; Filters (for fluids); Nanofibers; Nonwoven fabrics; Polyethylene glycols; Polyethylene oxides; Pore size; Pressure drop; Weaving; Microfiltration; macrogol; nanofiber; analytic method; article; biofiltration; chemical composition; chemical structure; composite material; compression; concentration (parameters); electrospinning; membrane formation; membrane permeability; nanopore; performance measurement system; physical chemistry; priority journal | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052837970 | Pre-weaning growth performances of Fogera calves at Metekel cattle improvement and multiplication ranch, North West Ethiopia | Menale M., Mekuriaw Z., Mekuriaw G., Taye M. | 2011 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 23 | 9 | None | Woreta College of Agriculture, P.O.Box 06, Wereta, Ethiopia; Bahir Dar University, Department of Animal Production and Technology, P.O.Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Menale, M., Woreta College of Agriculture, P.O.Box 06, Wereta, Ethiopia; Mekuriaw, Z., Woreta College of Agriculture, P.O.Box 06, Wereta, Ethiopia, Bahir Dar University, Department of Animal Production and Technology, P.O.Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Mekuriaw, G., Woreta College of Agriculture, P.O.Box 06, Wereta, Ethiopia, Bahir Dar University, Department of Animal Production and Technology, P.O.Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Taye, M., Woreta College of Agriculture, P.O.Box 06, Wereta, Ethiopia, Bahir Dar University, Department of Animal Production and Technology, P.O.Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | This paper reports the birth weight, weaning weight and average daily body weight gain, and the non-genetic factors affecting these traits of Fogera cattle at Metekel cattle breeding and improvement ranch. Data collected from 1999 to 2008 were analysed using general linear model procedures. The fixed effects considered were sex of calf, season of birth, parity of dam and year of birth. The overall least square mean birth weight, weaning weight and average daily body weight gain obtained were 20.7±0.11 kg, 88.6±1.3 kg and 297±3.63 gram, respectively. Birth weight was affected by all fixed effects considered except parity of dam. Similarly, weaning weight was influenced by season of calving, parity of dam and year of birth while sex of calf had no significant effect. Average pre-weaning daily body weight gain was influenced by year of birth and parity of dam but not affected by sex of calf and season of birth. The current study revealed that Fogera calves had lower birth and weaning weights compared to the previous works on the same breed which could be due to both genetic (inbreeding) and non-genetic factors and weak managerial procedures. Therefore, revising the selection program (use of genetic parameter estimates, breeding values) and improving the management levels would help the ranch achieve its objective. Strict herd management practices need to be forwarded. | Average daily weight gain; Birth weight; Fogera cattle; Weaning weight | Bos | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957479196 | The impact of college entrepreneurial education on entrepreneurial attitudes and intention to start a business in Uganda | Byabashaija W., Katono I. | 2011 | Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship | 16 | 1 | 10.1142/S1084946711001768 | Makerere University Business School, P. O. Box 1337, Kampala, Uganda; Uganda Christian University, P. O. Box 4, Mukono, Uganda | Byabashaija, W., Makerere University Business School, P. O. Box 1337, Kampala, Uganda; Katono, I., Uganda Christian University, P. O. Box 4, Mukono, Uganda | This paper reports results of a longitudinal quasi-experimental study that focused on the impact of entrepreneurial education and societal subjective norms on entrepreneurial attitudes and intentions of university students in Uganda to start a business. Data were collected in two waves: wave one before the entrepreneurship course and wave two after the entrepreneurship course four months later. The sample composed of college students. Analyses included tests of significance of changes in the attitudes and intentions of students after the entrepreneurship course, the mediating role of attitudes and moderating role of employment expectations. The results show small but significant changes in attitudes and a significant mediating role of attitudes perceived feasibility, perceived desirability and self-efficacy, but non-significant moderating influence of employment expectations. The findings offer lessons for policy makers and more questions for researchers. © World Scientific Publishing Company. | entrepreneurial attitudes; Entrepreneurial intentions; social subjective norms | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865661795 | The blast and impact loading of aluminium foam | Merrett R.P., Langdon G.S., Theobald M.D. | 2013 | Materials and Design | 44 | None | 10.1016/j.matdes.2012.08.016 | Blast Impact Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Merrett, R.P., Blast Impact Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Langdon, G.S., Blast Impact Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Theobald, M.D., Blast Impact Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This paper reports results from impact and blast loading experiments on aluminium foam. The impact tests covered the velocity range required to induce non-uniform strain, and the propagation of a densification front through the specimen (often referred to as 'shock'). In the direct impact tests, the velocity and test direction influenced the material response, with the stress tending to increase with velocity in the reverse direction. No significant increase in the stress was exhibited during the forward direction tests. This is in accordance with shock theory. Taylor test results confirmed the presence of shock in the foam specimens at impacts in excess of 60 m/s. For the blast tests, the impulse range produced by detonating plastic explosive did not result in shock loading of foam core cladding specimens. As strength enhancement due to shock may be undesirable in cladding structures due to the increased stress transfer to the protected structure, the cladding was considered acceptable. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Aluminium foam; Blast loading; Direct impact; Shock | Aluminium foam; Blast loading; Cladding structures; Direct impact; Impact and blast loadings; Non-uniform strain; Shock; Strength enhancement; Explosives; Metal cladding; Aluminum | NRF, National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941279506 | The impact of learning by thought on violations of independence and coalescing | Birnbaum M.H., Schmidt U. | 2015 | Decision Analysis | 12 | 3 | 10.1287/deca.2015.0316 | Department of Psychology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, United States; Department of Economics, University of Kiel, Olshausenstr. 40, Kiel, Germany; Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Kiel, Germany; Department of Economics and Econometrics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Birnbaum, M.H., Department of Psychology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, United States; Schmidt, U., Department of Economics, University of Kiel, Olshausenstr. 40, Kiel, Germany, Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Kiel, Germany, Department of Economics and Econometrics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | This paper reports results from a repeated experiment on decision making under risk where subjects must address the same choice problems in several rounds. We investigate how behavior changes in the course of the experiment. The design focuses on choice problems allowing for direct tests of independence and coalescing. We show that inconsistencies in responses as well as violations of independence and coalescing decrease from earlier to later rounds. Our results provide evidence in favor of expected utility in conjunction with the discovered preference hypothesis. © 2015 INFORMS. | Coalescing; Errors; Experiment; Independence axiom; Splitting effects | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053058105 | Evaluation of a second order simulation for Sterling engine design and optimisation | Strauss J.M., Dobson R.T. | 2010 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 21 | 2 | None | Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Mechanical and Megatronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Strauss, J.M., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa; Dobson, R.T., Department of Mechanical and Megatronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | This paper reports on the investigation of the simulation accuracy of a second order Stirling cycle simulation tool as developed by Urieli (2001) and improvements thereof against the known performance of the GPU-3 Stirling engine. The objective of this investigation is to establish a simulation tool to perform preliminary engine design and optimisation. The second order formulation under investigation simulates the engine based on the ideal adiabatic cycle, and parasitic losses are only accounted for afterwards. This approach differs from third order formulations that simulate the engine in a coupled manner incorporating non-idealities during cyclic simulation. While the second order approach is less accurate, it holds the advantage that the degradation of the ideal performance due to the various losses is more clearly defined and offers insight into improving engine performance. It is therefore particularly suitable for preliminary design of engines. Two methods to calculate the performance and efficiency of the data obtained from the ideal adiabatic cycle and the parasitic losses were applied, namely the method used by Urieli and a proposed alternative method. These two methods differ essentially in how the regenerator and pumping losses are accounted for. The overall accuracy of the simulations, especially using the proposed alternative method to calculate the different operational variables, proved to be satisfactory. Although significant inaccuracies occurred for some of the operational variables, the simulated trends in general followed the measurements and it is concluded that this second order Stirling cycle simulation tool using the proposed alternative method to calculate the different operationalvariables is suitable for preliminary engine design and optimisation. | Second order simulation; Stirling engines | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875425751 | The impact of wind power on power system transient stability based on probabilistic weighting method | Ayodele T.R., Jimoh A.A., Munda J.L., Agee J.T. | 2012 | Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy | 4 | 6 | 10.1063/1.4771998 | Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Staatsartillerie Road, Pretoria West Pretoria 0001, South Africa | Ayodele, T.R., Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Staatsartillerie Road, Pretoria West Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Jimoh, A.A., Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Staatsartillerie Road, Pretoria West Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Munda, J.L., Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Staatsartillerie Road, Pretoria West Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Agee, J.T., Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Staatsartillerie Road, Pretoria West Pretoria 0001, South Africa | This paper reports on the influence of wind power on transient stability of a power system taking into consideration the stochastic nature of a disturbance to the network. Traditionally, transient stability is evaluated using the deterministic method. This technique is usually considered for a single operating condition so called the worst case scenario. However, factors that affect the transient stability of a power system such as types of disturbance and its location, the clearing time, and even the pre-disturbance system state are all random processes. A probabilistic method using conditional probability is used in analysing the effects of wind generator technologies, wind power location, and wind power penetration level on the transient stability of a power system. The indices for probability of stability are established; comparison is made between the probabilistic and deterministic techniques in the evaluation of risk of instability of a power system consisting wind generators. DigSilent power factory 14.0 and matlab™ are employed in the analysis. Some of the key results show that wind power has both positive and negative influences on the transient stability of a power system depending on the location of the wind farm and the penetration level of the wind power. The deterministic approach gives a high pessimistic result compared to the probabilistic method. The probabilistic technique has the ability to quantify the level of instability in a power system. © 2012 American Institute of Physics. | None | Conditional probabilities; Deterministic approach; Deterministic technique; DigSILENT power factories; Power system transient stability; Probabilistic technique; Wind generator systems; Wind power penetration; Electric utilities; Random processes; Risks; Wind power; Wind turbines; Stability | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-62749086745 | Development and evaluation of a real-time reverse transcription-loop- mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid detection of rift valley fever virus in clinical specimens | Le Roux C.A., Kubo T., Grobbelaar A.A., Van Vuren P.J., Weyer J., Nel L.H., Swanepoel R., Morita K., Paweska J.T. | 2009 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 47 | 3 | 10.1128/JCM.01412-08 | Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa; Center for International Collaborative Research, Institute for Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Natural and Agriculture Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Department of Virology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; Division of Virology and Communicable Disease Surveillence, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa | Le Roux, C.A., Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa, Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Natural and Agriculture Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Kubo, T., Center for International Collaborative Research, Institute for Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan, Department of Virology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; Grobbelaar, A.A., Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa; Van Vuren, P.J., Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa; Weyer, J., Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa; Nel, L.H., Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Natural and Agriculture Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Swanepoel, R., Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa; Morita, K., Department of Virology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; Paweska, J.T., Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa, Division of Virology and Communicable Disease Surveillence, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa | This paper reports on the development and validation of a real-time reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (RT-LAMP) targeting the genomic large RNA segment of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). The set of six designed RT-LAMP primers identified strains of RVFV isolated in geographically distinct areas over a period of 50 years; there was no cross-reactivity with other genetically related and unrelated arboviruses. When testing serial sera and plasma from sheep experimentally infected with wild-type RVFV, there was 100% agreement between results of the RT-LAMP, a TaqMan-based real-time PCR, and virus isolation. Similarly, the assay had very high levels of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity when testing various clinical specimens from humans and animals naturally infected with the virus during recent outbreaks of the disease in Africa. The detection of specific viral genome targets in positive clinical specimens was achieved in less than 30 min. As a highly accurate, rapid, and very simple nucleic acid detection format, the RT-LAMP has the potential to be used in less-well-equipped laboratories in Africa and as a portable device during RVF outbreaks in remote areas, and it can be a valuable tool for the differential diagnosis of viral hemorrhagic fevers. Copyright © 2009, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | animal tissue; article; controlled study; histopathology; nonhuman; priority journal; real time polymerase chain reaction; Rift Valley fever bunyavirus; sensitivity and specificity; sheep; virus detection; virus genome; virus isolation; Africa; Animals; DNA Primers; Humans; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques; Rift Valley Fever; Rift Valley fever virus; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Time Factors; Animalia; Arbovirus; Ovis aries; Rift Valley fever virus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-39649119639 | Hakea sericea: Development of a model of the impacts of biological control on population dynamics and rates of spread of an invasive species | Le Maitre D.C., Krug R.M., Hoffmann J.H., Gordon A.J., Mgidi T.N. | 2008 | Ecological Modelling | 212 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2007.11.011 | Natural Resources and the Environment, CSIR, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa; Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Zoology Department, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa; Plant Protection Research Institute, Private Bag X5017, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa | Le Maitre, D.C., Natural Resources and the Environment, CSIR, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa; Krug, R.M., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Hoffmann, J.H., Zoology Department, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa; Gordon, A.J., Plant Protection Research Institute, Private Bag X5017, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa; Mgidi, T.N., Natural Resources and the Environment, CSIR, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa | This paper reports on the development and testing of a simulation model to assess the impacts of two seed-feeding biological control agents on the dispersal of an invasive perennial tree, Hakea sericea (Proteaceae), which was introduced into South Africa from Australia during the 1850s. The agents are known to reduce seed banks at the individual plant level but the population-level effects are not well understood. The aim of the study was to estimate the extent to which the biological control has reduced the population growth and rate of spread of this species. H. sericea is a serotinous species which releases its wind-dispersed seeds en masse when the parent plants are killed, usually by fire. Field data were used to develop functions describing the fecundity of the plants and the impacts of the biological control agents as well as seedling recruitment rates and density dependent mortality. A group of 'experts' provided estimates of the cumulative proportion of seeds that would disperse over distances from 50 to 1000 m following a fire. The estimates were used to fit various long-range dispersal functions. The Weibull distribution gave the overall best fit and was used to generate parameter sets from each expert's estimates of dispersal. Simulations were then run using a reasonable range of fire intervals and dispersal parameters for the two experts whose estimates represented the minimum and maximum dispersal distances. Biological control agents have reduced the seed loads on H. sericea plants by more than 95%. This, in turn, reduced population growth rates, maximum seed dispersal distances and the formation of new invasion foci. Population growth rates and spread rates were positively correlated because greater dispersal distances resulted in lower densities and, thus, lower levels of density dependent mortality. Numerous previous studies have found that biological control can limit population growth rates of invasive plants, but this is one of the few to have estimated the impacts on the invasion rates and to use an individual-based modelling approach to estimate population-level effects. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Biological control; Fire frequency; Hakea sericea; Population dynamics; Seed banks; Seed dispersal; South Africa; Weibull distribution | Biocontrol; Biodiversity; Plants (botany); Seed; Weibull distribution; Fire frequency; Hakea sericea; Seed banks; Seed dispersal; Population dynamics; angiosperm; biological control; density dependence; fire; individual-based model; invasive species; mortality; population dynamics; population estimation; population growth; recruitment (population dynamics); seed bank; seed dispersal; shrub; Weibull theory; Africa; Australasia; Australia; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Hakea sericea; Proteaceae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924111929 | Exploring differential science performance in Korea and South Africa: A multilevel analysis | Cho M.-O., Scherman V., Gaigher E. | 2014 | Perspectives in Education | 32 | 4 | None | Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Cho, M.-O., Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Scherman, V., Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Gaigher, E., Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This paper reports on secondary analysis of TIMSS 2003 data with the aim of explaining the difference in science achievement of Korean and South African learners. The question asked by this research, i.e. which factors at various educational levels influence science achievement in Korea and South Africa respectively, is addressed from the perspective of school effectiveness. Data from Korea included 5 300 learners from 151 schools, while approximately 9 000 learners from 265 schools were tested in South Africa. The background data were analysed in conjunction with the achievement data by means of factor, reliability, correlation and multilevel analysis. The multilevel analysis revealed that the strongest predictor of science achievement is attiudes towards science in both countries at learner level while, at classroom/school level, the strongest predictors are learner background in Korea and safety in school in South Africa respectively. In addition, factors specifically significant in Korea included educational resources, out-of-school activities, high expectation, professional development, and school size, while South Africa showed factors such as ethnicity and SES-related factors, textbook use, teacher age, teacher qualification, STS-based teaching, physical resources, and class size. © 2014 University of the Free State. | Korea; Multilevel analysis; School effectiveness; Science education; South Africa; TIMSS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955863545 | Investigating the impact of stakeholder management on the implementation of a public access project: The case of Smart Cape | Chigona W., Roode D., Nazeer N., Pinnock B. | 2010 | South African Journal of Business Management | 41 | 2 | None | Department of Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Chigona, W., Department of Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Roode, D., Department of Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Nazeer, N., Department of Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Pinnock, B., Department of Information Systems, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This paper reports on a study that uses the Stakeholder Management Theory to analyse the implementation of a pilot phase of public access project, the Smart Cape Access Initiative, a Cape Town City Council e-government initiative. Data for the study was gathered through in-depth interviews with individuals who were involved, influenced and were affected by the implementation of the pilot project. The study identified the major stakeholders of the project and assessed their importance and influence on the project. Numerous interactions between the stakeholders were identified. It was further noted that no formal stakeholder management was undertaken at the identification and planning stages of the project lifecycle. In addition, results showed that there were missed opportunities for appropriate stakeholder management throughout the project. This study offers insights into agencies involved in planning and running public access projects. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749051862 | Impacts of land and water use on plankton diversity and water quality in small man-made reservoirs in the Limpopo basin, Zimbabwe: A preliminary investigation | Basima L.B., Senzanje A., Marshall B., Shick K. | 2006 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 31 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2006.08.026 | Department of Biology/Hydrobiology, Université Officielle de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic Congo; Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Biology, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe; P.O. Box 56, Wise River, MT 59762, United States | Basima, L.B., Department of Biology/Hydrobiology, Université Officielle de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic Congo; Senzanje, A., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe; Marshall, B., Department of Biology, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe; Shick, K., P.O. Box 56, Wise River, MT 59762, United States | This paper reports on a study carried out from February to April 2005 in the southern part of Zimbabwe in the Mzingwane catchment, Limpopo basin to investigate the impacts of land and water use on the water quality and ecosystem health of eight small man-made reservoirs. Four of the reservoirs of were located in communal lands while the remaining four were located in the National Park Estates, considered pristine. Plankton community structure was identified in terms of abundance and diversity as an indirect assessment of water quality and ecosystem health. In addition, phosphorus, nitrogen, pH, transparency, electric conductivity and hardness were analysed. The results obtained indicate that a significant difference in abundance of phytoplankton groups was found between the communal lands and the National Park Estates (P < 0.01). Though the highest phytoplankton abundance was observed in April, February showed the highest number of taxa (highest diversity). Chlorophytes was the major group in both periods with 29 genera in February and 20 in April followed by Diatoms with 17 genera in February and 12 in April. The zooplankton community was less diverse and less abundant and did not show any seasonality pattern. Phosphorus (0.022 ± 0.037 mg/l) and nitrogen (0.101 ± 0.027 mg/l) had similar trends in the study area during the study period. Transparency of water was very low (ca. 27 cm secchi depth) in 75% of the reservoirs with communal lands' reservoirs having a whitish colour, likely reducing light penetration and therefore photosynthetic potential. Evidence from the study indicates that, at this time, activities in the communal lands are not significantly impacting the ecosystem health of reservoirs, as water quality characteristics and plankton diversity on communal lands were not significantly different from the pristine reservoirs in National Park. However, water managers are urged to continuously monitor the changes in land and water uses around these multipurpose reservoirs in order to prevent possible detrimental land and water uses that might occur in the future. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Ecosystem health; Land use; Plankton community; Small man-made reservoir; Water quality; Water resources management | Catchments; Ecosystems; Electric conductivity of liquids; Hardness; Land use; Nitrogen; pH; Phosphorus; Transparency; Water quality; Man-made reservoir; Water resource management; Water use; Reservoirs (water); ecological impact; ecosystem health; environmental monitoring; human activity; hydrological response; land use; national park; plankton; reservoir; species diversity; water quality; water use; Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zimbabwe; Bacillariophyta; Chlorophyta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65749089418 | Facilitating health-enabling social contexts for youth: Qualitative evaluation of a family-based HIV-prevention pilot programme | Paruk Z., Petersen I., Bhana A. | 2009 | African Journal of AIDS Research | 8 | 1 | 10.2989/AJAR.2009.8.1.7.720 | School of Psychology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa; Child, Youth and Family Development, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa | Paruk, Z., School of Psychology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa; Petersen, I., School of Psychology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa; Bhana, A., Child, Youth and Family Development, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa | This paper reports on a post-intervention qualitative evaluation of the pilot intervention of the AmaQhawe Family Project, in South Africa, which is a cartoon-based, manualised intervention delivered to multiple family groups over 10 sessions, aimed at preventing HIV in adolescents through strengthening the adult protective shield. Semi-structured interviews with nine women who had participated in the pilot intervention were used to understand participants' perceptions of how the family-based HIV-prevention programme had assisted in addressing the issues identified in a pre-intervention exploratory study. Analysis of the data was informed by community health psychology and social capital theory. The findings indicate that at an individual level, the women interviewed had experienced an improved sense of empowerment, both as parents and as women. They also reported increased social support for effective parenting. At a collective level, the women reported that the programme had helped them to exert better informal social controls within the community, as well as to increase their social leverage and participation in community organisations. The findings suggest that HIV interventions involving families can strengthen the adult protective shield to facilitate health-enabling social contexts for youth. Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd. | Community programmes; Health interventions; HIV/AIDS; Parents; Social capital; Social determinants; Social psychology; South Africa | article; attitude to health; child parent relation; community; health program; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; juvenile; psychology; semi structured interview; social capital; social control; social environment; social support; South Africa | 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-s2.0-84905996715 | Large-scale instructional reform in the Global South: Insights from the mid-point evaluation of the gauteng primary language and mathematics strategy | Fleisch B., Schöer V. | 2014 | South African Journal of Education | 34 | 3 | None | Division of Education Leadership and Policy Studies, Wits School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand Brahm, South Africa; AMERU, School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Fleisch, B., Division of Education Leadership and Policy Studies, Wits School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand Brahm, South Africa; Schöer, V., AMERU, School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | This paper reports on a mid-point evaluation of the Gauteng Primary Language and Mathematics Strategy (GPLMS), an innovative large-scale reform designed to improve learning outcomes. Using data from universal testing of all learners in 2008 on a provincial systemic evaluation, and data from the 2011 and 2012 Annual National Assessment (ANA) test, this paper addresses the key research question, namely whether the GPLMS is effective in closing the gap between performing and underperforming schools. Given the evidence we have presented of an instrument effect, namely that various versions of the ANA may not be strictly comparable, no definitive conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of the GPLMS. | Large-scale education reform; Literacy; Regression discontinuity design | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84954511318 | Evaluation of physicochemical and biodegradability properties of selected Nigerian non-edible oilseeds as potential cutting fluids | Jayeoye T.J., Ogundiran M.B., Fadare D.A., Ogunjobi A.A. | 2015 | Pakistan Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research Series A: Physical Sciences | 58 | 3 | None | Department of Chemistry, Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria; Analytical/Environmental Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Dep | Jayeoye, T.J., Department of Chemistry, Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, Analytical/Environmental Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Ogundiran, M.B., Analytical/Environmental Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Fadare, D.A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Ogunjobi, A.A., Department of Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | This paper reports evaluation of physicochemical and biodegradability properties of selected non edible Nigerian oilseeds as a potential cutting fluid. Oil extraction process was carried on the oilseeds, with physicochemical parameters and biodegradability of the extracts were equally assessed. The established physicochemical parameters were percentage oil yield (5.58-61.8%), specific gravity (0.86-0.94), acid value (2.89-18.2 mgKOH/g), iodine value (15.7-104 mg iodine/g), peroxide value (1.35-10.9 mg/g oil), saponification value (173-286 mg KOH/g) and viscosity (37.9-53.1centipoises), while biodegradability ranged between (50.0-63.8%) in comparison with the mineral oil with values less than 20%. Based on this study, the oil extracts of Caesalpinia bonduc and Calophyllum inophyllum appeared to be the most suitable as potential cutting fluids for further formulation studies and machining trials. © 2015, PCSIR-Scientific Information Centre. All rights reserved. | Bacterial inoculums; Biodegradability; Cutting fluids; Vegetable oilseeds | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-46249085712 | Monitoring and evaluation of energy for development: The good, the bad and the questionable in M&E practice | Annecke W. | 2008 | Energy Policy | 36 | 8 | 10.1016/j.enpol.2008.02.043 | The Green Building, Westlake Park, Cape Town 7945, South Africa | Annecke, W., The Green Building, Westlake Park, Cape Town 7945, South Africa | This paper reflects on the debates and the practices involved in monitoring and evaluating energy for development projects which led to the formulation of "A Guide to Monitoring and Evaluation for Energy Projects" by an international working group. Another purpose of the paper is to invite energy policy-makers, planners and implementers to engage with the meaning of good practice in monitoring and evaluation in the energy sector and the capacity building necessary to achieve this. This paper begins with definitions of monitoring and evaluation and discusses the reasons for conducting such studies and the benefits to be gained. This paper then highlights selected approaches to monitoring and evaluation and the conditions under which each might be useful, and how and by whom lessons are to be learned. Attention is paid to key elements of monitoring and evaluation such as the development of indicators and the measurement of impacts. In the light of the many failed energy projects, this paper closes with some suggestions of how monitoring and evaluation processes and capacity may be improved. © 2008. | Energy for development; Evaluation; Monitoring | Chemical modification; Energy policy; Paper; (I ,J) conditions; Capacity building; Development projects; Energy projected; Energy sectors; evaluation processes; good practice; International (CO); Key elements; Policy-makers; Working group (WG); Monitoring; capacity building; development project; energy planning; energy policy; monitoring; policy making | None |
| WoS | WOS:000256016000009 | When the trivial becomes meaningful: Reflections on a process evaluation of a home visitation programme in South Africa | Marais, Sandra,Munro, Salla,Odendaal, Willem A.,Van Niekerk, Ashley | 2008 | EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING | 31 | 2 | 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2008.02.006 | South African Medical Research Council, University of South Africa | "Marais, Sandra: South African Medical Research Council","Munro, Salla: South African Medical Research Council","Van Niekerk, Ashley: South African Medical Research Council", | This paper reflects on a process evaluation of a home visitation programme in South Africa. The programme, implemented in two low-income communities, focused on the reduction of risks to unintentional childhood injuries. The evaluation comprised a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including observations in conjunction with an evaluator's journal, diaries kept by the home visitors, interviews and focus group discussions. Short questionnaires were administered to programme staff and home visitors. Caregivers were visited to attain their assessment of visitors and the programme. These methods resulted in a detailed description of implementation processes, but more importantly gave insight into the experiences and perceptions of the social actors, i.e. programme staff, visitors and caregivers. It also offered possible explanations for the difference in the intervention effect between the two sites. Two major challenges to the evaluation were: (i) the power-imbalance between the evaluator and community participants (visitors and caregivers) and (ii) the language- and cultural barriers between evaluator and community participants. The evaluation demonstrated that process information can contribute towards explaining outcome results, but also that active participation from all social actors is a necessary condition if process evaluations are to result in programme improvement. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | "home visitation","process evaluation","QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE METHODS","unintentional childhood injuries","PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH",PREVENTION,RISK | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-13244291492 | Performance analysis of the linearly constrained constant modulus algorithm-based multiuser detector | Whitehead J.B., Takawira F. | 2005 | IEEE Transactions on Signal Processing | 53 | 2 I | 10.1109/TSP.2004.840781 | Sch. Elec., Electron./Comp. Eng., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa | Whitehead, J.B., Sch. Elec., Electron./Comp. Eng., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; Takawira, F., Sch. Elec., Electron./Comp. Eng., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa | This paper quantifies the adaptive performance of a blind adaptive multiuser detector (MUD) based on the linearly constrained constant modulus algorithm (LCCMA) in both a stationary and nonstationary channel. A framework is developed to apply the feedback analysis method to analyzing adaptive MUD schemes. A closed-form expression for the excess mean square error (EMSE) of LCCMA blind adaptive MUD in a CDMA communications system is derived for both of the steady-state and tracking cases. The effects of additive noise and multiple access interference are considered. A transient analysis is performed that predicts the learning curve of the adaptive filter. Computer simulation is used to verify the accuracy of the analysis. © 2005 IEEE. | Blind adaptive multiuser detection; Code division multiple access; Constant modulus algorithm; Excess mean square error; Feedback analysis; Steady-state analysis; Tracking analysis | Adaptive algorithms; Adaptive filtering; Approximation theory; Code division multiple access; Communication channels (information theory); Computer simulation; Mathematical models; Signal interference; Signal receivers; Transmitters; Vectors; White noise; Adaptive filter; Additive white Gaussian noise; Blind adaptive multiuser detection; Constant modulus algorithm; Excess mean square error; Feedback analyis; Steady state analysis; Tracking analysis; Signal detection | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349743994 | Generation, mobilization and crystallization of impact-induced alkali-rich melts in granitic target rocks: Evidence from the Araguainha impact structure, central Brazil | Machado R., Lana C., Stevens G., Filho C.R.S., Reimold W.U., McDonald I. | 2009 | Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta | 73 | 23 | 10.1016/j.gca.2009.08.029 | Centre for Crustal Petrology, Department of Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag XI, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa; Departamento de Geologia e Recursos Naturais, Universidade de Campinas, P.O. Box 6152, 13083-970 Campinas, Brazil; Museum für Naturkunde-Leibniz Institute, Humboldt University of Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany; School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3YE, United Kingdom | Machado, R., Centre for Crustal Petrology, Department of Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag XI, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa, Departamento de Geologia e Recursos Naturais, Universidade de Campinas, P.O. Box 6152, 13083-970 Campinas, Brazil; Lana, C., Centre for Crustal Petrology, Department of Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag XI, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa; Stevens, G., Centre for Crustal Petrology, Department of Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag XI, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa; Filho, C.R.S., Departamento de Geologia e Recursos Naturais, Universidade de Campinas, P.O. Box 6152, 13083-970 Campinas, Brazil; Reimold, W.U., Museum für Naturkunde-Leibniz Institute, Humboldt University of Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany; McDonald, I., School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3YE, United Kingdom | This paper provides important insights into the generation, extraction and crystallization of clast-laden impact melt rocks from the Araguainha impact structure, central Brazil. Despite the mixed nature of the Araguainha target rocks (comprising a 2 km thick sequence of sedimentary rocks and underlying granitic basement), the exposed melt bodies are characterised by an alkali-rich granitic matrix embedding mineral and rock fragments derived only from the target granite. The melt rocks occur in the form of a massive impact melt sheet overlying the eroded central uplift structure, and as melt veins in the granite of the core of the central uplift. Bulk-rock major and trace element data (including platinum group elements) indicate that the precursor melts were generated locally, principally by partial melting of the target granite, without any contribution from the sedimentary sequence or the projectile. The dense network of melt veins was formed in isolation, by selective melting of plagioclase and alkali feldspar within the granite target. Plagioclase and alkali feldspar melted discretely and congruently, producing domains in the matrix of the melt veins, which closely match the stoichiometry of these minerals. The compositionally discrete initial melt phases migrated through a dense network of microfractures before being assembled into larger melt veins. Freezing of the melt veins was substantially fast, and the melt components were quenched in the form of alkali-feldspar and plagioclase schlieren in the matrix of the melt veins. The overlying impact melt rock is, in contrast, characterised by a granophyric matrix consisting of albite, sanidine, quartz, biotite and chlorite. In this case, melt components appear to have been more mobile and to have mixed completely to form a granitic parental melt. We relate the melting of the minerals to post-shock temperatures that exceeded the melting point of feldspars. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | None | biotite; chemical composition; chlorite; crystallization; granite; impact structure; melt; mobilization; partial melting; quartz; sanidine; stoichiometry; uplift; Brazil; South America | None |
| WoS | WOS:000240696300003 | Process evaluation of the teacher training for an AIDS prevention programme | Ahmed, Nazeema,Flisher, Alan J.,Jansen, Shahieda,Mathews, Catherine,Mukoma, Wanjiru,Schaalma, Herman | 2006 | HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH | 21 | 5 | 10.1093/her/cyl031 | Maastricht University, South African Medical Research Council, University of Cape Town | None | This paper provides a process evaluation of a 6-day teacher training programme which forms part of a sexuality education project. The training aimed at providing teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively teach a 16-lesson Grade 8 (14 year olds) life skills curriculum consisting of participatory exercises on sexual reproductive health, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexual decision-making, abstinence, consequences of sexual activity, safe sex practices, substance abuse and sexual violence. Questionnaires administered prior to the training, on completion of the training and at two follow-up time periods were analysed as well as participant observation notes. Findings indicate that teachers reported increased confidence and comfort in teaching the sexuality curriculum. However, many struggled with the transfer of sexual reproductive knowledge and facilitative teaching methods into the classroom context. This highlights the need for HIV education to form part of teacher trainee programmes. Ongoing support and engagement with teachers is needed to encourage alternative teaching practices. | ,CURRICULUM,DIFFUSION,HEALTH,"HIGH-SCHOOL TEACHERS","HIV PREVENTION",IMPLEMENTATION,INTERVENTION,"SEX-EDUCATION PROGRAM","SEXUALITY EDUCATION",SOUTH-AFRICA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892529392 | Overview and performance of the SMMEs sector in South Africa | Chimucheka T. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p783 | Department of Business Management, University of Fort Hare, Alice, P.B. X1314, Eastern Cape, 5700, South Africa | Chimucheka, T., Department of Business Management, University of Fort Hare, Alice, P.B. X1314, Eastern Cape, 5700, South Africa | This paper provides an overview of Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. The paper also investigates the contribution and importance of the SMME sector in South Africa, challenges faced by SMMEs as well as issues pertaining to SMME performance. Resource requirements of SMMEs are also discussed. Information was gathered though an extensive literature review. | Performance; Resources; SMME; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943815864 | Monetary policy regimes and economic performance in Kenya | Nyorekwa E.T., Odhiambo N.M. | 2014 | Problems and Perspectives in Management | 12 | 4 | None | South Africa | Nyorekwa, E.T., South Africa; Odhiambo, N.M., South Africa | This paper provides an overview of Kenya's economic, monetary and financial reforms - since its independence in 1963. In particular, the paper assesses the respective monetary policy frameworks, and the associated economic performance from 1963 to date (July 2014). It also explores the challenges facing the performance of monetary policy. Kenya has undergone a number of reforms since its independence - shifting from direct monetary policy to indirect monetary policy in the 1990s - as an important part of the IMF structural adjustment programs. In 2011, a monetary policy framework that targets monetary aggregates consistent with government inflation targets was adopted, with the Central Bank Rate (CBR) as the main instrument. The findings of this paper show that while monetary policy was largely inactive in the 1960s and the early 70s; as in many other developing countries, the associated macroeconomic performance exhibited by high growth rates, the balance of payment surplus, and the low inflation during this period, has not been fully replicated. The study also found that, although Kenya's financial sector is currently regarded as one of the most developed in sub-Saharan African countries, like many other emerging economies, the sector still faces a number of challenges. These challenges include: the intricacies associated with rapid financial innovations, the pursuance of multiple objectives, and the recent rising trend of domestic debt. © Enock T. Nyorekwa, Nicholas M. Odhiambo, 2014. | Kenya; Macroeconomic performance; Monetary policy | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887997814 | The Impact of House Prices on Consumption in South Africa: Evidence from Provincial-Level Panel VARs | Simo-Kengne B.D., Gupta R., Bittencourt M. | 2013 | Housing Studies | 28 | 8 | 10.1080/02673037.2013.804492 | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Simo-Kengne, B.D., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Gupta, R., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Bittencourt, M., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This paper provides an empirical analysis of the role of house prices in determining the dynamic behaviour of consumption in South Africa using a panel vector autoregression approach to provincial level panel data covering the period of 1996-2010. With the shocks being identified using the standard recursive identification scheme, we find that the response of consumption to house prices shock is positive, but short-lived. In addition, we find that a positive shock to house price growth has a positive and significant effect on consumption, while the negative impact of a house price decrease causes an insignificant reduction in consumption. This suggests that house prices exhibit an asymmetric effect on consumption, with the positive effect following an increase in house prices being dominant in magnitude in comparison to a decline in consumption resulting from a negative shock to house prices. © 2013 © 2013 Taylor & Francis. | consumption; House prices; panel vector autoregressions | consumption behavior; housing market; price dynamics; pricing policy; vector autoregression; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888592221 | Corporate governance and bank performance: Does ownership matter? Evidence from the Kenyan banking sector | Barako D.G., Tower G. | 2006 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 4 | 2:00 AM | None | Financial Institutions Supervision Department, Central Bank of Kenya, Kenya; Curtin Business School, School of Accounting, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia | Barako, D.G., Financial Institutions Supervision Department, Central Bank of Kenya, Kenya; Tower, G., Curtin Business School, School of Accounting, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia | This paper provides an empirical analysis of banks performance in Kenya. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the association between ownership structure characteristics and bank performance. Data utilised in the study is collected from the Financial Institutions Department of the Central Bank of Kenya, both on-site inspection reports and off-site surveillance records. Empirical results indicate that ownership structure of banks significantly influence their financial performance. In particular, board and government ownership are significantly and negatively associated with bank performance, whereas foreign ownership is strongly positively associated with bank performance, and institutional shareholders have no impact on the performance of financial institutions in Kenya. The study makes a significant contribution to financial research by extending examination of banks performance to a developing country context beyond the usual confines of the developed western economies, and adds to the small number of similar studies in the African context. The results are consistent with prior research findings, and more importantly, presents statistical justification for pursuing further corporate governance reforms with respect to banks' ownership structure to enhance the financial stability of the sector. | Central Bank of Kenya; Corporate governance; Ownership structure | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862567119 | The effects of mergers and acquisitions on business performance in Nigerian banking industry: An empirical analysis | Awolusi O.D. | 2012 | International Journal of Business Performance Management | 13 | 04-Mar | 10.1504/IJBPM.2012.047301 | Department of Business Administration and Marketing, School of Management and Social Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, P.M.B 21244, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria | Awolusi, O.D., Department of Business Administration and Marketing, School of Management and Social Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, P.M.B 21244, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria | This paper provides a holistic view of the mergers and acquisitions (M&As) implementation process, by reviewing the hard and soft factors that cause success and failure for M&As implementation, as well as, examine the impact of M&As on perceived business performance measures (PBPM) in Nigerian banking industry. The aim was achieved through an empirical study involving a survey on 19 Nigerian banks involved in mergers and/or acquisitions. Using SEM, multivariate analyses were mathematically represented in a single equation, and findings from this study confirmed that M&As had significant association on PBPM. The equation could be used by banks, and companies alike, to compose strategies to optimise their management of business performance and mergers and/or acquisition programmes. The model was able to provide predictive implications on business performance, given the activities of key factors manifesting successful M&As, hence, these factors could be adopted by companies wishing to undertake M&As programme in Nigeria. Nonetheless, to improve business performance management, companies could control their M&As programme. Copyright © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Banking; Business performance; Consolidation; M&As; Mergers and acquisitions; Nigeria; Structural equation modelling | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84951171560 | Development and comparative study of effects of training algorithms on performance of artificial neural network based analog and digital automatic modulation recognition | Popoola J.J., Van Olst R. | 2015 | Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review | 8 | 4 | None | Centre for Telecommunications Access and Services, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of The Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Ondo State, Akure, Nigeria | Popoola, J.J., Centre for Telecommunications Access and Services, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of The Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, Johannesburg, South Africa; Van Olst, R., Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Ondo State, Akure, Nigeria | This paper proposes two new classifiers that automatically recognise twelve combined analog and digital modulated signals without any a priori knowledge of the modulation schemes and the modulation parameters. The classifiers are developed using pattern recognition approach. Feature keys extracted from the instantaneous amplitude, instantaneous phase and the spectrum symmetry of the simulated signals are used as inputs to the artificial neural network employed in developing the classifiers. The two developed classifiers are trained using scaled conjugate gradient (SCG) and conjugate gradient (CONJGRAD) training algorithms. Sample results of the two classifiers show good success recognition performance with an average overall recognition rate above 99.50% at signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) value from 0 dB and above with the two training algorithms employed and an average overall recognition rate slightly above 99.00% and 96.40% respectively at-5 dB SNR value for SCG and CONJGRAD training algorithms. The comparative performance evaluation of the two developed classifiers using the two training algorithms shows that the two training algorithms have different effects on both the response rate and efficiency of the two developed artificial neural networks classifiers. In addition, the result of the performance evaluation carried out on the overall success recognition rates between the two developed classifiers in this study using pattern recognition approach with the two training algorithms and one reported classifier in surveyed literature using decision-theoretic approach shows that the classifiers developed in this study perform favourably with regard to accuracy and performance probability as compared to classifier presented in previous study. © 2015 Kavala Institute of Technology. | AMR development approaches; Artificial neural networks classification; Automatic modulation recognition (AMR); Modulation recognition families | Algorithms; Amplitude modulation; Conjugate gradient method; Neural networks; Pattern recognition; Signal to noise ratio; Surveys; Automatic modulation recognition; Comparative performance; Decision theoretic approach; Development approach; Instantaneous amplitude; Modulation recognition; Neural networks classifiers; Scaled conjugate gradients; Modulation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-83955164254 | Using Competitive Population Evaluation in a differential evolution algorithm for dynamic environments | Du Plessis M.C., Engelbrecht A.P. | 2012 | European Journal of Operational Research | 218 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ejor.2011.08.031 | Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Du Plessis, M.C., Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Engelbrecht, A.P., Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This paper proposes two adaptations to DynDE, a differential evolution-based algorithm for solving dynamic optimization problems. The first adapted algorithm, Competitive Population Evaluation (CPE), is a multi-population DE algorithm aimed at locating optima faster in the dynamic environment. This adaptation is based on allowing populations to compete for function evaluations based on their performance. The second adapted algorithm, Reinitialization Midpoint Check (RMC), is aimed at improving the technique used by DynDE to maintain populations on different peaks in the search space. A combination of the CPE and RMC adaptations is investigated. The new adaptations are empirically compared to DynDE using various problem sets. The empirical results show that the adaptations constitute an improvement over DynDE and compares favorably to other approaches in the literature. The general applicability of the adaptations is illustrated by incorporating the combination of CPE and RMC into another Differential Evolution-based algorithm, jDE, which is shown to yield improved results. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Differential evolution; Dynamic environments; Evolutionary computation; Optimization | Competitive population; Differential Evolution; Differential evolution algorithms; Dynamic environments; Dynamic optimization problems; Empirical results; Evolutionary computations; Multi-population DE algorithms; Reinitialization; Search spaces; Optimization; Evolutionary algorithms | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941206934 | Towards an Explicit Justice Framing of the Social Impacts of Conservation | Martin A., Akol A., Gross-Camp N. | 2015 | Conservation and Society | 13 | 2 | 10.4103/0972-4923.164200 | School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom; Department of Zoology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | Martin, A., School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom; Akol, A., Department of Zoology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Gross-Camp, N., School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom | This paper proposes that biodiversity conservation practice will benefit from assessment of environmental justice outcomes, especially in contexts of poverty and social marginalisation. Whilst there is an existing body of work that implicitly considers the justices and injustices arising from biodiversity conservation interventions, we suggest that a more explicit justice assessment might complement this work. We develop some general guidelines for such assessment, drawing on traditions of social and environmental justice, highlighting the importance of considering two types of justice outcome: distribution and recognition. We note the non-equivalence of these different justice values, implying that they cannot be traded-off against each other. We try out these guidelines through a case study of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. We find that the assessment helps us to identify intolerable social impacts of conservation, notably failures to adequately address the long-term impoverishment and domination of the indigenous Batwa people, and offers constructive insight for how conservation can better align with the need for environmental justice. ©Martin et al 2015. | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; ecosystem services; environmental justice; recognition; revenue sharing; tourism; Uganda | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960910981 | Performance evaluation of power system stabilizers based on Population-Based Incremental Learning (PBIL) algorithm | Folly K.A. | 2011 | International Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems | 33 | 7 | 10.1016/j.ijepes.2011.05.004 | Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Folly, K.A., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This paper proposes a method of optimally tuning the parameters of power system stabilizers (PSSs) for a multi-machine power system using Population-Based Incremental Learning (PBIL). PBIL is a technique that combines aspects of GAs and competitive learning-based on Artificial Neural Network. The main features of PBIL are that it is simple, transparent, and robust with respect to problem representation. PBIL has no crossover operator, but works with a probability vector (PV). The probability vector is used to create better individuals through learning. Simulation results based on small and large disturbances show that overall, PBIL-PSS gives better performances than GA-PSS over the range of operating conditions considered. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Electromechanical modes; Genetic algorithms (GAs); Population-Based Incremental Learning (PBIL); Power system stabilizer (PSS) | Artificial Neural Network; Crossover operator; Electromechanical modes; Large disturbance; Multi machine power system; Operating condition; Performance evaluation; Population-based incremental learning; Power System Stabilizer; Power system stabilizers; Probability vector; Problem representation; Simulation result; Electric power systems; Genetic algorithms; Mathematical operators; Neural networks; Power transmission; Standby power systems; Learning algorithms | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873736578 | A capability perspective on performance deficiencies in utility firms | Worch H., Truffer B., Kabinga M., Eberhard A., Markard J. | 2013 | Utilities Policy | 25 | None | 10.1016/j.jup.2012.12.001 | Eawag - Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Environmental Social Sciences (ESS), Cirus - Innovation Research in Utility Sectors, Überlandstrasse 133, P.O. Box 611, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; University of Cape Town, Graduate School of Business, Management Programme in Infrastructure Reform and Regulation Breakwater Campus, Portswood Road, Cape Town, South Africa; Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Department of Management, Technology and Economics, Chair of Sustainability and Technology, Weinbergstrasse 56/58, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland | Worch, H., Eawag - Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Environmental Social Sciences (ESS), Cirus - Innovation Research in Utility Sectors, Überlandstrasse 133, P.O. Box 611, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; Truffer, B., Eawag - Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Environmental Social Sciences (ESS), Cirus - Innovation Research in Utility Sectors, Überlandstrasse 133, P.O. Box 611, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; Kabinga, M., University of Cape Town, Graduate School of Business, Management Programme in Infrastructure Reform and Regulation Breakwater Campus, Portswood Road, Cape Town, South Africa; Eberhard, A., University of Cape Town, Graduate School of Business, Management Programme in Infrastructure Reform and Regulation Breakwater Campus, Portswood Road, Cape Town, South Africa; Markard, J., Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Department of Management, Technology and Economics, Chair of Sustainability and Technology, Weinbergstrasse 56/58, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland | This paper proposes a capability-based framework to explain performance deficiencies in utility firms as a result of policy and regulatory changes. The framework complements conventional explanations such as transaction cost and agency approaches, which suggest that appropriate incentives and regulations increase the performance of public utilities after relatively short adaptation processes. In contrast, we argue that capability gaps - understood as an inadequate availability of competences, skills and experiences - tend to have long-lasting effects on firm performance. A crucial implication of the capability perspective is that regulatory interventions that create capability gaps at the firm level may affect utility performance - and the ability of infrastructure sectors to provide adequate services - more severely than expected by traditional approaches. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Capabilities; Performance; Regulation; Utilities | incentive; industrial performance; industrial policy; regulatory framework; transaction cost; utility sector | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893853810 | Flexural performance of foam concrete containing pulverized bone as partial replacement of cement | Falade F., Ikponmwosa E., Fapohunda C. | 2014 | Maejo International Journal of Science and Technology | 8 | 1 | None | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Building, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, Nigeria | Falade, F., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Ikponmwosa, E., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Fapohunda, C., Department of Building, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, Nigeria | This paper presents the results of a study conducted to investigate the flexural behaviour of foam concrete containing pulverised bone as partial replacement of cement.A total of sixty reinforced beams (150×150×750 mm) were used to investigate the flexural behaviour of the specimens. For reinforcement of the beams, hot-rolled, deformed 10-mm-diameter bars with yield and ultimate stresses of 478.10 N/mm2 and 710.81 N/mm2 respectively were used. The cement constituent of the mix was partly replaced with up to 20% of pulverised bone. The flexural parameters investigated are crack formation and its pattern, failure mode, ultimate load, theoretical and experimental ultimate moments, deflection and stiffness. From the results of this investigation, it is concluded that the provision of the design standard in relation to shear and flexural design of beams can be considered as adequate for the design of reinforced foam concrete. It is further concluded that the stiffness is not affected by the inclusion of pulverised bone in the mix at up to 15% cement replacement level, and neither is the deflection pattern of the uncracked sections of the specimens affected by the inclusion of pulverised bone. The bending moments of the specimens, however, decreased with increase in pulverised bone. © 2014 by Maejo University, San Sai, Chiang Mai, 50290 Thailand. | Cement; Flexural strength; Foam concrete; Pulverised bone | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846299251 | The socio-economic impact of important camel diseases as perceived by a pastoralist community in Kenya | Mochabo M.O.K., Kitala P.M., Gathura P.B., Ogara W.O., Eregae E.M., Kaitho T.D., Catley A. | 2006 | Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research | 73 | 4 | None | KARI-Trypanosomiasis Research Centre (KARI-TRC), P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, 00902, Kenya; Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology (PHPT), University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Veterinary Department, Turkana District, Kenya; Care International Kenya, P.O. Box 43864, Nairobi, Kenya; African Union/Inter-African Bureau Animal Resources (AU/IBAR), Community-based Animal Health and Participatory Epidemiology (CAPE) Unit, P.O. Box 30786, Nairobi, Kenya | Mochabo, M.O.K., KARI-Trypanosomiasis Research Centre (KARI-TRC), P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, 00902, Kenya; Kitala, P.M., Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology (PHPT), University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Gathura, P.B., Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology (PHPT), University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Ogara, W.O., Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology (PHPT), University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Eregae, E.M., Veterinary Department, Turkana District, Kenya; Kaitho, T.D., Care International Kenya, P.O. Box 43864, Nairobi, Kenya; Catley, A., African Union/Inter-African Bureau Animal Resources (AU/IBAR), Community-based Animal Health and Participatory Epidemiology (CAPE) Unit, P.O. Box 30786, Nairobi, Kenya | This paper presents the results of a study conducted in a pastoral community in Kenya using participatory appraisal approaches. The objective of the study was to assess the socio-economic impact of camel trypanosomosis (surra) according to the perceptions of the pastoralists. Four livestock grazing units were conveniently selected and in each of them, three groups of key informants comprising five to eight persons were selected for the participatory exercises. Five camel diseases were listed in order of importance according to their severity and frequency of occurrence including trypanosomosis, mange, non-specific diarrhoea, tick infestations and haemorrhagic septicaemia. The losses listed as incurred due to the five diseases were: losses in milk, meat, blood, fats and hides, dowry payments, and depreciation in sale of animals, losses due to infertility and abortions, and losses due to the cost of treatment. There was good agreement (P < 0.05) between the informant groups on the losses incurred as a result of the diseases for all the selected loss indicators. Surra and mange were given high median scores on all the indicators while non-specific diarrhoea, tick infestations, and haemorrhagic septicaemia received moderate median scores. Based on the study findings it is concluded that the camel plays a central role in the lives of Turkana pastoralists and that surra has a devastating social and economic impact. There is a need for veterinary and policy decision-makers to focus more attention on the control of surra in this arid and semi-arid area of Kenya. | Camel trypanosomosis; Participatory approach; Surra; Turkana pastoralists | animal; animal disease; animal husbandry; article; camel; cost; diarrhea; economics; female; fertility; hemorrhagic septicemia; infestation; Kenya; male; milk; parasitology; socioeconomics; trypanosomiasis; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Camels; Costs and Cost Analysis; Diarrhea; Female; Fertility; Hemorrhagic Septicemia; Kenya; Male; Milk; Mite Infestations; Socioeconomic Factors; Tick Infestations; Trypanosomiasis; Acari; Animalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866295302 | Qualitative impacts of Senna spectabilis on distribution of welfare: A household survey of dependent communities in Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda | Mungatana E., Ahimbisibwe P.B. | 2012 | Natural Resources Forum | 36 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1477-8947.2012.01454.x | University of Pretoria, Department ofAgricultural Economics, Pretoria, South Africa; Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa, Entebbe, Uganda | Mungatana, E., University of Pretoria, Department ofAgricultural Economics, Pretoria, South Africa; Ahimbisibwe, P.B., Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa, Entebbe, Uganda | This paper presents the results of a household survey designed to qualitatively evaluate the impacts of the invasive alien species Senna spectabilis on the distribution of welfare across dependent communities in the Budongo Forest Reserve (BFR) in Uganda. The BFR is the largest forest reserve in Uganda, with globally significant conservation values. The study establishes that households in the BFR have high levels of knowledge as to its conservation values; they are aware of the invasiveness of S. spectabilis and its potential to compromise the conservation values of the BFR, and that S. spectabilis confers tangible benefits to dependent households, whose levels significantly vary with proximity to the reserve. The study concludes by evaluating strategies that are designed to manage the spread of S. spectabilis in the BFR and which consider its demonstrated socio-economic impacts. © 2012 United Nations. | Budongo Forest Reserve; Distribution of impacts; Invasive Senna spectabilis; Uganda | household survey; introduced species; invasive species; legume; qualitative analysis; socioeconomic impact; Budongo Forest Reserve; Uganda; Senna; Senna spectabilis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919970692 | Performance study of the eco-friendly hydrofluoroolefins and dimethyl-ether refrigerants in refrigeration systems | Bolaji B.O. | 2014 | Sigurnost | 56 | 2 | None | Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture, College of Engineering, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Bolaji, B.O., Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture, College of Engineering, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | This paper presents theoretical investigation of the performance of eco-friendly hydrofluoroolefins (R1234yf and R1234ze) and dimethyl-ether (RE170) refrigerants as substitutes for R134a in a standard vapour compression refrigeration system. The results showed that the vapour pressure of R1234yf and RE170 is very close to that of R134a, while the vapour pressure of R1234ze in the temperature range of -30 to 40°C deviated by 25.3% high. Very high refrigerating effect and condenser duty were obtained using RE170, which shows that it will equally excellently perform as a heat pump refrigerant. The condenser duty obtained using R1234yf and R1234ze is slightly lower, by 17.2 and 9.9%, than that of R134a, respectively. RE170 and R1234yf exhibited very close volumetric refrigerating capacity with R134a. The average coefficient of performance (COPref) obtained using RE170 is 6.2% higher than that of R134a, while the COPref obtained for R1234yf and R1234ze is slightly lower, by 6.1 and 0.9%, respectively. Generally, the performance of the three alternative refrigerants is quite similar to that of R134a, but the best overall performance is obtained using RE170. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2014. | Alternative refrigerant; Dimethyl-ether; Eco-friendly; Hydrofluoroolefins; Performance | None | None |
| None | None | Theoretical and Experimental Optical Evaluation and Comparison of Symmetric 2D CPC and V-Trough Collector for Photovoltaic Applications | Paul D.I. | 2015 | International Journal of Photoenergy | 2015 | None | 10.1155/2015/693463 | Open University of Tanzania, P.O. Box 23409, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Paul, D.I., Open University of Tanzania, P.O. Box 23409, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | This paper presents theoretical and experimental optical evaluation and comparison of symmetric Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC) and V-trough collector. For direct optical properties comparison, both concentrators were deliberately designed to have the same geometrical concentration ratio (1.96), aperture area, absorber area, and maximum concentrator length. The theoretical optical evaluation of the CPC and V-trough collector was carried out using a ray-trace technique while the experimental optical efficiency and solar energy flux distributions were analysed using an isolated cell PV module method. Results by simulation analysis showed that for the CPC, the highest optical efficiency was 95% achieved in the interval range of 0° to ±20° whereas the highest outdoor experimental optical efficiency was 94% in the interval range of 0° to ±20°. For the V-tough collector, the highest optical efficiency for simulation and outdoor experiments was about 96% and 93%, respectively, both in the interval range of 0° to ±5°. Simulation results also showed that the CPC and V-trough exhibit higher variation in non-illumination intensity distributions over the PV module surface for larger incidence angles than lower incidence angles. On the other hand, the maximum power output for the cells with concentrators varied depending on the location of the cell in the PV module. © 2015 Damasen Ikwaba Paul. | None | None | None |
| 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-s2.0-69749116567 | Rethinking climate change impacts on subsurface temperatures in a sub-Antarctic mire affected by synoptic scale processes | Nel W., van der Merwe B.J., Meiklejohn K.I. | 2009 | Earth Surface Processes and Landforms | 34 | 10 | 10.1002/esp.1823 | Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa; Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Nel, W., Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa; van der Merwe, B.J., Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Meiklejohn, K.I., Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This paper presents the first high resolution temperature data from a small Agrostis magellanica mire on subantarctic Marion Island as part of an ongoing island-wide monitoring project on subsurface ground temperature variability. Variations in ground temperatures were found to be directly linked to the passage of synoptic scale weather systems that influence thermal characteristics and heat fluxes especially in the upper 30 cm of the mire. Preliminary data published here suggest that shallow temperatures will be most affected by changes in synoptic climate that Marion Island is currently experiencing with an increase in average temperatures and a reduction in temperature variability with depth. This study proposes that to effectively detect the ecosystem responses to climate change in a maritime sub-Antarctic environment the temporal scale of measurement needs to be at least on a diurnal scale to be effective. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Climate change; Marion Island; Mire temperatures; Synoptic weather | Agrostis; Average temperature; Climate change impact; Ecosystem response; Ground temperature; High resolution temperature datum; Marion Island; Mire temperatures; Preliminary data; Subsurface temperature; Synoptic weather; Temperature variability; Temporal scale; Thermal characteristics; Weather systems; Climate change; climate change; climate effect; heat flux; mire; surface temperature; synoptic meteorology; Indian Ocean; Indian Ocean islands; Marion Island; Prince Edward Islands; Agrostis magellanica | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955614278 | Ssperformance of poverty alleviation projects in South Africa: The case of Vhembe Districtin Limpopo Province | Tshitangoni M., Okorie A., Francis J. | 2011 | Scientific Research and Essays | 6 | 5 | None | Centre for Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation, School of Agriculture, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa | Tshitangoni, M., Centre for Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation, School of Agriculture, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa; Okorie, A., Centre for Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation, School of Agriculture, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa; Francis, J., Centre for Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation, School of Agriculture, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa | This paper presents the findings of a review of performance of poverty alleviation projects in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province in South Africa. Data were collected from 30 stratified randomly sampled poverty alleviation projects across the district. Five project strata, namely community gardens (n = 12), poultry (n = 8), piggery (n = 2), bakery (n = 2) and other projects, including juice making, brick making, stone crushing and coffin making (n = 6) constituted the sample. One hundred and eight (108) respondents representing the sampled projects were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data were coded, processed and analyzed using the Microsoft Excel program and matrix of projects performance. Performance of projects differed by type. All the bakery projects were successful, followed by poultry (62%), community garden and other projects with 33% each. In contrast, all the piggery projects were performing poorly. Overall, the projects performed well (above the 50% threshold), based on the following indicators: availability of project funding, level of commitment by project members and skills as well as knowledge gained. Level of production, generation of income and profit, self-reliance and relevance of projects to addressing project members needs indicated that the projects did not perform well. The results of this study reflected areas of serious concern, in particular the low levels of production; irrelevance of projects to addressing project members needs; inability of projects to generate income and profit; and lack of self-reliance. Given the results of this study, it is desirable to evaluate the performance of all PAPs in the province. ©2011 Academic Journals. | Alleviation; Indicator; Performance; Poverty; Project | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893877946 | Impact study of the One Million Initiative rural water and sanitation programme in Mozambique | Godfrey S., Van Der Velden M., Muianga A., Vigh M., Gunning J.W., Elbers C. | 2014 | Waterlines | 33 | 1 | 10.3362/1756-3488.2014.005 | Water and Environmental Sanitation Section, UNICEF Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; UNICEF Mozambique, Ethiopia; VU University, Amsterdam Institute for International Development (AIID), Netherlands; Department of Economics, Netherlands; Department of Economics and Development Economics, Netherlands | Godfrey, S., Water and Environmental Sanitation Section, UNICEF Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Van Der Velden, M., UNICEF Mozambique, Ethiopia; Muianga, A., UNICEF Mozambique, Ethiopia; Vigh, M., VU University, Amsterdam Institute for International Development (AIID), Netherlands; Gunning, J.W., VU University, Amsterdam Institute for International Development (AIID), Netherlands, Department of Economics, Netherlands; Elbers, C., VU University, Amsterdam Institute for International Development (AIID), Netherlands, Department of Economics and Development Economics, Netherlands | This paper presents the findings of a longitudinal study that measures the public health impact of a multiple intervention rural water and sanitation programme termed the One Million Initiative in Central Mozambique. Data from a 2008 multiple indicator panel survey baseline is compared with results from the 2010 midline using a random selection of 1,600 households divided over 80 clusters (control and intervention communities). The study reports the impact using two statistical methods: 1) statistical analysis of double differencing; and 2) calculation of DALYs (disability adjusted life years). The results indicate a self-reported reduction from 30 per cent to 14 per cent in cases of waterborne diseases between 2008 and 2010 in the intervention areas. Regression analysis suggests that 3.1 percentage points of this 16 point decline can be attributed to interventions under the programme. Furthermore the paper noted a 2 per cent reduction in DALYs between 2008 and 2010 in the target communities. © Practical Action Publishing, 2014. | DALY; Health impact; Multiple interventions; WASH impact study | None | 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), Absorbed Dose Rates (D), Annual Effective Dose Rates (Eff Dose), External Hazard Index (Hex) and Internal Hazard Index (Hin) respectively. All the health hazard indices are well below their recommended limits. The soil and sediments from the study area provide no excessive exposures for inhabitants and can be used as construction materials without posing any significant radiological threat to the population. The water is radiologically safe for domestic and industrial use. The paper recommends further studies to estimate internal and external doses from other suspected radiological sources to the population of the Biseni kingdom. © 2011. | Flood plain lakes; Natural radioactivity; Niger delta; Nigeria | Absorbed dose rate; Activity levels; Activity profile; Annual effective dose; Construction materials; External dose; External hazard index; Flood plain lakes; Flood plains; Hazard indices; Industrial use; Internal hazard index; Mean values; Natural radioactivity; Natural radionuclides; Niger Delta; Nigeria; Radiological sources; Radium equivalent activity; Soil and sediment; Study areas; Water samples; Anoxic sediments; Germanium; Health hazards; Health risks; Industrial applications; Lakes; Radiation; Radiation hazards; Radioisotopes; Radiology; Radiometry; Radium; Sedimentology; Soils; Radioactivity; germanium; potassium 40; radium 226; radon; thorium 232; water; detection method; floodplain; germanium; radioactive pollution; radioactivity; radionuclide; radium isotope; sediment pollution; soil pollution; thorium isotope; absorbed dose rate; annual effective dose rate; article; external hazard index; gamma radiation; internal hazard index; lake sediment; natural radioactivity; Nigeria; radiation detection; radiation exposure; radiation hazard; radiation safety; radiological parameters; radium equivalent activity; soil; Background Radiation; Fresh Water; Geologic Sediments; Nigeria; Potassium Radioisotopes; Radiation Monitoring; Radium; Soil; Thorium; Niger Delta; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941337682 | Effect of cooling regime on the residual performance of high-volume palm oil fuel ash concrete exposed to high temperatures | Awal A.S.M.A., Shehu I.A., Ismail M. | 2015 | Construction and Building Materials | 98 | None | 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.09.001 | Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia; Department of Building, Federal Polytechnic, PMB 55Bida Niger State, Nigeria | Awal, A.S.M.A., Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia; Shehu, I.A., Department of Building, Federal Polytechnic, PMB 55Bida Niger State, Nigeria; Ismail, M., Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia | This paper presents the experimental findings of a study on the effect of cooling method on the residual performance of concrete containing a high volume of palm oil fuel ash (POFA) exposed to high temperatures. In this study, concrete samples were made in which the ordinary Portland cement was replaced by 50%, 60% and 70% POFA. The test specimens were then thermally treated to elevated temperatures of 200, 400, 600 and 800 °C in an electric furnace for a period of 1 h. The specimens were cured by air cooling or water cooling and examined for ultrasonic pulse velocity and changes in weight and residual compressive strength. At higher temperatures, the reduction in the ultrasonic pulse velocity of concrete was higher for all of the mixes. Along with the loss of weight, the residual compressive strength of concrete was also reduced. Of the two regimes, the air-cooling system exhibited better performance in recovering the structural properties of concrete containing a high volume of POFA. © 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd. | Cooling regime; Elevated temperature; High volume; Palm oil fuel ash; Residual performance | Air; Compressive strength; Concretes; Cooling; Electric furnaces; Fuels; Light velocity; Oil shale; Palm oil; Portland cement; Residual fuels; Ultrasonics; Cooling regimes; Elevated temperature; High volumes; Ordinary Portland cement; Properties of concretes; Residual compressive strength; Residual performance; Ultrasonic pulse velocity; High performance concrete | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897061974 | Experimental evaluation of matrix converter for wind energy conversion system under various abnormal conditions | Kumar V., Joshi R.R., Bansal R.C. | 2014 | International Journal of Renewable Energy Research | 4 | 1 | None | Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Technology and Engineering, MPUAT, Udaipur, 313001, India; Department of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa | Kumar, V., Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Technology and Engineering, MPUAT, Udaipur, 313001, India; Joshi, R.R., Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Technology and Engineering, MPUAT, Udaipur, 313001, India; Bansal, R.C., Department of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa | This paper presents the experimental evaluation of reversed indirect matrix converter (MC) interfaced wind energy conversion system (WECS), where space vector pulse width modulation together with adaptive fuzzy logic control is effectively used to enhance the performance of system under various abnormal conditions like abrupt change in wind speed, disconnection from grid, misfire in the converter, sudden out of one phase, change in load etc. The proposed adaptive control system is realized using dSPACE DS1104 board. Selective experimental results are presented using a laboratory 1.2 kW prototype of WECS to demonstrate the resulting improvements of the developed system under abnormal conditions. | Matrix converter; Space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM); Wind emulator; Wind energy conversion system (WECS) | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937637591 | Randomized impact evaluation of education interventions: experiences and lessons from a reading to learn intervention in East Africa | Ngware M.W., Abuya B., Oketch M., Admassu K., Mutisya M., Musyoka P. | 2015 | International Journal of Research and Method in Education | 38 | 4 | 10.1080/1743727X.2014.965252 | African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, 2nd Floor, Manga Close Off Kirawa Road, PO Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya | Ngware, M.W., African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, 2nd Floor, Manga Close Off Kirawa Road, PO Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Abuya, B., African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, 2nd Floor, Manga Close Off Kirawa Road, PO Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Oketch, M., African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, 2nd Floor, Manga Close Off Kirawa Road, PO Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Admassu, K., African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, 2nd Floor, Manga Close Off Kirawa Road, PO Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Mutisya, M., African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, 2nd Floor, Manga Close Off Kirawa Road, PO Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Musyoka, P., African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, 2nd Floor, Manga Close Off Kirawa Road, PO Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya | This paper presents the experiences and lessons learnt during the design and implementation of the randomized impact evaluation (IE) of a reading to learn (RtL) intervention in early primary grades. The study was to assess the impact of RtL on literacy and numeracy among pupils in low-performing districts in East Africa. The intervention was designed in a way that in each country one district implemented an intervention package that included teacher training, and teaching and learning materials; while the other district implemented this same package with an additional parental involvement component. Baseline data were collected in mid-2009 in Grades 1 and 2, and in 2010 for the incoming Grade 1. The endline data were collected in mid-2011. A total of 119 treatments and 110 control schools participated in the study. The randomized design provided an opportunity to attribute causality and also qualitatively establish pathways through which the intervention impacted on learning. The paper provides lessons learnt and demonstrates how the challenges faced during the evaluation were addressed. Additionally, the paper shows how IE was utilized to provide robust evidence of what works thus enabling policy-makers to make decisions on sustainability and scale-up of education interventions. © 2014 Taylor & Francis. | early grades; impact evaluation; Kenya; learning; literacy; numeracy; reading; Uganda | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84969556965 | Evaluation of impact of climate variability on water resources and yield capacity of selected reservoirs in the north central Nigeria | Salami A.W., Ibrahim H., Sojobi A.O. | 2015 | Environmental Engineering Research | 20 | 3 | 10.4491/eer.2015.0041 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Civil Engineering, Landmark University, Omu Aran, Nigeria | Salami, A.W., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Ibrahim, H., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Sojobi, A.O., Department of Civil Engineering, Landmark University, Omu Aran, Nigeria | This paper presents the evaluation of the impact of climate change on water resources and yield capacity of Asa and Kampe reservoirs. Trend analysis of mean temperature, runoff, rainfall and evapotranspiration was carried out using Mann Kendall and Sen’s slope, while runoff was modeled as a function of temperature, rainfall and evapotranspiration using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). Rainfall and runoff exhibited positive trends at the two dam sites and their upstream while forecasted ten-year runoff displayed increasing positive trend which indicates high reservoir inflow. The reservoir yield capacity estimated with the ANN forecasted runoff was higher by about 38% and 17% compared to that obtained with historical runoff at Asa and Kampe respectively. This is an indication that there is tendency for water resources of the reservoir to increase and thus more water will be available for water supply and irrigation to ensure food security. © 2015 Korean Society of Environmental Engineers. | Asa river; Climate variability; Kampe river; Reservoir yield; Runoff | Climate change; Climatology; Evapotranspiration; Food supply; Neural networks; Rain; Reservoirs (water); Runoff; Water supply; Climate variability; Food security; Mann-Kendall; North Central Nigeria; Rainfall and runoffs; Reservoir inflow; Trend analysis; Yield capacity; Water resources | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-71149103926 | Evaluation of empirically derived oil viscosity correlations for the Niger Delta crude | Ikiensikimama S.S., Ogboja O. | 2009 | Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering | 69 | 04-Mar | 10.1016/j.petrol.2009.09.005 | Shell Petroleum Development Company, P. O. Box 263, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Ikiensikimama, S.S., Shell Petroleum Development Company, P. O. Box 263, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Ogboja, O., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | This paper presents the evaluation of oil viscosity correlations for the Niger Delta crude. The viscosity properties considered are: dead oil viscosity, viscosity at the bubblepoint and the undersaturated oil viscosity. The existing oil viscosity correlations were assessed for their performances using viscosity database from the Region. Both quantitative and qualitative analytical methods were implemented using statistical parameters and performance plots respectively. From the general evaluation, using percent mean absolute relative error (Ea) as the screening criterion. It has been shown that Beal (1946) correlation is the best for undersaturated oil viscosity with Ea of 6.7291, Beggs and Robinson (1975) is the best for bubblepoint oil viscosity with Ea of 24.4274, while Labedi (1982) is the best for dead oil viscosity with Ea of 31.2628. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Bubblepoint oil; Dead oil; Undersaturated oil; Viscosity correlations | Bubble points; Dead oil viscosity; Dead-oil; Niger Delta; Oil viscosity; Qualitative analytical methods; Relative errors; Robinson; Statistical parameters; Under-saturated oil; Viscosity properties; Viscosity; bubble; correlation; crude oil; database; empirical analysis; error analysis; oil; parameterization; performance assessment; qualitative analysis; quantitative analysis; saturation; viscosity; Niger Delta; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903641724 | Surviving, coping or thriving? Understanding coping and its impact on social well-being in mozambique | Hutchinson A.J. | 2014 | British Journal of Social Work | 44 | 4 | 10.1093/bjsw/bcs167 | Division of Social Work, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom; Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA), University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Hutchinson, A.J., Division of Social Work, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom, Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA), University of Johannesburg, South Africa | This paper presents the empirical interrogation and development of the concept of coping strategies through the findings of a piece of qualitative research which used this concept to understand and promote social well-being with young women in Mozambique during unintended pregnancy. Concepts and theories of 'coping' during adverse life events or periods of stress can be used to reinforce capabilities and strengths, facilitating rather than constraining people's own mechanisms of resilience. However, the framework within which the concept is situated is frequently ill-defined, particularly in applied contexts. 'Coping strategies' are used in many models of social work practice (preventative, remedial, rehabilitative, strengths-based, recovery-ordinated, developmental), yet understandings of what it means to 'cope', whether it be about counter-balancing threat, 'getting by' or 'getting on', and how such coping is strategic, are crucial for determining how the concept is used by practitioners and policy makers. Research findings based on qualitative interviews with young women (fifteen to nineteen-year-olds) and key informants in Mozambique on the concept of coping strategies are used to develop a typology which will help academics, policy makers and practitioners unpick the underlying assumptions associated with the concept. © 2012 The Author. | teenage pregnancy | None | None |
| None | None | Optimization of a reversed-phase-high-performance thin-layer chromatography method for the separation of isoniazid, ethambutol, rifampicin and pyrazinamide in fixed-dose combination antituberculosis tablets | Shewiyo D.H., Kaale E., Risha P.G., Dejaegher B., Smeyers-Verbeke J., Vander Heyden Y. | 2012 | Journal of Chromatography A | 1260 | None | 10.1016/j.chroma.2012.08.044 | Directorate of Laboratory Services, Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority, P.O. Box 77150, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65526, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Analytical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology (FABI), Center for Pharmaceutical Research (CePhaR), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium | Shewiyo, D.H., Directorate of Laboratory Services, Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority, P.O. Box 77150, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65526, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology (FABI), Center for Pharmaceutical Research (CePhaR), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; Kaale, E., School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65526, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Risha, P.G., School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65526, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Dejaegher, B., Department of Analytical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology (FABI), Center for Pharmaceutical Research (CePhaR), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; Smeyers-Verbeke, J., Department of Analytical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology (FABI), Center for Pharmaceutical Research (CePhaR), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; Vander Heyden, Y., Department of Analytical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology (FABI), Center for Pharmaceutical Research (CePhaR), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium | This paper presents the development of a new RP-HPTLC method for the separation of pyrazinamide, isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol in a four fixed-dose combination (4 FDC) tablet formulation. It is a single method with two steps in which after plate development pyrazinamide, isoniazid and rifampicin are detected at an UV wavelength of 280nm. Then ethambutol is derivatized and detected at a VIS wavelength of 450nm. Methanol, ethanol and propan-1-ol were evaluated modifiers to form alcohol-water mobile phases. Systematic optimization of the composition of each alcohol in the mobile phase was carried out using the window diagramming concept to obtain the best separation. Examination of the Rf distribution of the separated compounds showed that separation of the compounds with the mobile phase containing ethanol at the optimal fraction was almost situated within the optimal Rf-values region of 0.20-0.80. Therefore, ethanol was selected as organic modifier and the optimal mobile phase composition was found to be ethanol, water, glacial acetic acid (>99% acetic acid) and 37% ammonia solution (70/30/5/1, v/v/v/v). The method is new, quick and cheap compared to the actual method in the International Pharmacopoeia for the assay of the 4 FDC tablets, which involves the use of two separate HPLC methods. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Ethambutol; Isoniazid; Mobile phase optimization; Pyrazinamide; Reversed-phase HPTLC; Rifampicin | Ethambutol; Isoniazid; Mobile-phase optimization; Pyrazinamide; Reversed phase; Rifampicin; Acetic acid; Chromatography; Ethanol; Hydrazine; Methanol; Optimization; pH; Separation; Drug products; acetic acid; alcohol; ammonia; ethambutol; ethambutol plus isoniazid plus pyrazinamide plus rifampicin; isoniazid; methanol; propanol; pyrazinamide; rifampicin; water; analytic method; article; chemical composition; derivatization; drug structure; high performance thin layer chromatography; priority journal; reversed phase high performance thin layer chromatography; tablet formulation; ultraviolet radiation; Antitubercular Agents; Chromatography, Reverse-Phase; Chromatography, Thin Layer; Ethambutol; Ethanol; Isoniazid; Pyrazinamide; Reproducibility of Results; Rifampin; Tablets | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-15544364477 | Correcting for frictional pressure drop in horizontal-well inflow-performance relationships | Archer R.A., Agbongiator E.O. | 2005 | SPE Production and Facilities | 20 | 1 | None | Dept. of Engineering Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; ChevronTexaco, Lagos, Nigeria | Archer, R.A., Dept. of Engineering Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Agbongiator, E.O., ChevronTexaco, Lagos, Nigeria | This paper presents the development of a correlation that corrects for error in single-phase horizontal-well productivity calculations made by neglecting frictional pressure drop in the wellbore. Frictional pressure drop within the wellbore is frequently a controlling factor on the performance of long horizontal wells. Frictional pressure drop could be especially significant in wells completed with screens and slotted liners. This pressure loss is neglected in traditional inflow-performance (IPR) calculations, such as those developed by S.D. Joshi and by D.K. Babu and A.S. Odeh. This study develops a correction that can be added to these analytical IPR relationships to account for friction. This correction is based on a dimensionless group that combines well and reservoir information. It is easy to evaluate and can be readily used in nodal analysis. The correction was developed on the basis of more than 5,000 finite-difference-simulation runs, using a simulator with the capability to model wellbore friction. These runs spanned a wide range of well and reservoir parameters. The results are presented in terms of productivity errors (PEs); that is, the flow rate without friction minus the flow rate when friction is included in the model, divided by the flow rate reported without friction. The study found PEs as high as 90% in some cases (usually long wells with a small wellbore radius). These errors could lead to poor decisions on field development and production facilities. This paper presents a simple way to improve well-productivity predictions without requiring a reservoir-simulation model to take account of frictional where pressure drops in the wellbore. Copyright © 2005 Society of Petroleum Engineers. | None | Computer simulation; Correlation methods; Error correction; Friction; Oil well production; Petroleum reservoirs; Pressure drop; Frictional pressure drop; Inflow performance (IPR); Productivity errors (PE); Reservoir-simulation; Horizontal wells; horizontal drilling; hydrocarbon reservoir; pressure drop; well technology | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865128244 | Development and evaluation of a prototype refrigerated cooling table for conference services | Mohammed A., Elaigu A.E., Adeniyi A.A., Hassan A.B. | 2012 | International Journal of Engineering and Technology | 4 | 2 | None | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Schlumberge, Schlumberger House, Buckingham Gate, Gatwick Airport, Sussex, London, United Kingdom; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, | Mohammed, A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Elaigu, A.E., Schlumberge, Schlumberger House, Buckingham Gate, Gatwick Airport, Sussex, London, United Kingdom; Adeniyi, A.A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Hassan, A.B., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | This paper presents the development and evaluation of a prototype refrigerated cooling table for conference services. The major components of the table are compressor, condenser, evaporator, capilary tube, thermostat and table metal wooden frame. The table uses vapour compression cycle based on the Evans-Perkins (reverse Rankine) cycle as its principle of operation. The evaporator has three cabinet ports. Plywood and square mild steel pipes are used for the construction of the table frame. The refrigerated cooling table successfully reduces temperature of beverages from 35°C to 15.5°C, 13°C and 11°C, when placed in a plastic, glass and stainless steel containers respectively. The refrigerated cooling table performs better when compared with a standard domestic refrigerator. The coefficient of performance using experimental values is 5.14 with a compressor power of 69.3W for three participants. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938410530 | Design and Evaluation of a Magnetically Geared PM Machine | Gerber S., Wang R.-J. | 2015 | IEEE Transactions on Magnetics | 51 | 8 | 10.1109/TMAG.2015.2421474 | Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Gerber, S., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Wang, R.-J., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | This paper presents the design and evaluation of a magnetically geared permanent magnet (PM) machine with an inner stator. A brief overview of relevant operating principles is given first. A simplified design and simulation methodology, which can ensure that the magnetic gear and the stator are well matched, is then devised. The method is applied to the design optimization of a small machine resulting in a design with a maximum torque density of 115 kN · m/m3 per active volume. To validate the design, a working prototype has been built and experimentally evaluated. It shows that this computationally efficient design methodology is well suited for the optimization of magnetically geared PM machines. Finally, a method of analyzing the operating points of the machine is described. Relevant conclusions are drawn and recommendations for future work are given. © 2015 IEEE. | Design optimization; finite-element method; magnetic gears; permanent magnet (PM) machines; special electrical machines | Finite element method; Magnets; Permanent magnets; Stators; Computationally efficient; Design and evaluations; Design and simulation; Design optimization; Electrical machine; Magnetic gear; Operating principles; Permanent-magnet machine; Design | US, Universiteit Stellenbosch |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-41749112216 | Performance of a quasi-synchronous four-dimensional super-orthogonal WCDMA modulator for next generation wireless applications | Linde L.P., Staphorst L., Vlok J.D. | 2007 | South African Journal of Science | 103 | 42686 | None | Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Linde, L.P., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Staphorst, L., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Vlok, J.D., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | This paper presents the bit-error-rate (BER) performance of an up3 wards-expandable spectral and power efficient quasi-synchronous multi-layer-modulated (MLM) four-dimensional super-orthogonal wideband code-division multiple access (QS-4D-SO-WCDMA) modem, suitable for application in next generation WLAN and wireless cellular systems. The unique combination of the 4D-WCDMA modem configuration and super-orthogonal families of root-of-unity filtered (RUF) constant-envelope generalized-chirp-like complex spreading sequences (SO-CE-GCL-CSS), renders a spectrally and power efficient output signal with data throughput rates equivalent to that of a 16-ary quadrature amplitude modulated (16-QAM) WCDMA modulation scheme, but with the BER performance equivalent to that of BPSK/QPSK in both AWGN and fading multipath channel scenarios. | None | amplitude; error analysis; four-dimensional modeling; signal | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881303746 | Enhancement of speech communication technology performance using adaptive-control factor based spectral subtraction method | Alimia I.A., Kolawolea M.O. | 2013 | Journal of Telecommunications and Information Technology | 2013 | 2 | None | Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Engineering Department, Positive FM, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | Alimia, I.A., Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Kolawolea, M.O., Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, Engineering Department, Positive FM, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | This paper presents speech enhancement technique based on Spectral Subtraction (SS) method. SS is a renowned noise reduction technique that works on the principle that noise spectrum estimate over the entire speech spectrum can be subtracted from the noisy signal. On the contrary, most of the noise encountered in the real-world conditions is majorly colored. Unlike Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN), colored noise does not affect the speech signal uniformly over the entire spectrum. To mitigate effects of colored noise on the processed signal, we propose a Multi-Band Spectral Subtraction (MBSS) method using novel Adaptive-Control Factor (ACF). The spectrum is divided into frequency sub bands based on a nonlinear multi-band frame and various signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) are considered. The proposed scheme results in better system performance with quality signal and unlike the basic SS method. It mitigates the effects of anomaly known as "musical" tones artifacts in the processed signal that result in residual noise and speech distortion. The computational complexity involved is minimal. Furthermore, simulation results show that the proposed algorithm removes more colored noise without removing the relatively low amplitude speech signal over the entire speech spectrum. Subjective listening tests, with clean speech signals and different noise levels, show discernable performance of our proposed method when compared with the conventional SS approach. | Adaptive-Control Factor; MBSS; Musical noise; Sub-bands | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939222284 | Impacts of household energy programs on fuel consumption in Benin, Uganda, and India | Garland C., Jagoe K., Wasirwa E., Nguyen R., Roth C., Patel A., Shah N., Derby E., Mitchell J., Pennise D., Johnson M.A. | 2015 | Energy for Sustainable Development | 27 | None | 10.1016/j.esd.2014.05.005 | Berkeley Air Monitoring Group, 2124 Kittredge St #57, Berkeley, CA, United States; Wana Energy Solutions, Uganda; Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), FABEN Project, Benin; Food and Fuel Consultants, Germany; Alpha Renewable Energy, Pvt. Ltd., India; Self Employed Women's Association, India; Winrock International, United States; United States Environmental Protection Agency, United States | Garland, C., Berkeley Air Monitoring Group, 2124 Kittredge St #57, Berkeley, CA, United States; Jagoe, K., Berkeley Air Monitoring Group, 2124 Kittredge St #57, Berkeley, CA, United States; Wasirwa, E., Wana Energy Solutions, Uganda; Nguyen, R., Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), FABEN Project, Benin; Roth, C., Food and Fuel Consultants, Germany; Patel, A., Alpha Renewable Energy, Pvt. Ltd., India; Shah, N., Self Employed Women's Association, India; Derby, E., Winrock International, United States; Mitchell, J., United States Environmental Protection Agency, United States; Pennise, D., Berkeley Air Monitoring Group, 2124 Kittredge St #57, Berkeley, CA, United States; Johnson, M.A., Berkeley Air Monitoring Group, 2124 Kittredge St #57, Berkeley, CA, United States | This paper presents results of three United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) sponsored field studies which assessed the fuel consumption impacts of household energy programs in Benin, Uganda, and Gujarat, India. These studies expand on a previous round of U.S. EPA supported efforts to build field testing capacity and collect stove performance data in Peru, Nepal, and Maharashtra, India. Daily fuel consumption estimates of traditional and intervention technologies were made using the Kitchen Performance Test (KPT) protocol to determine the potential fuel savings associated with the respective programs. The programs in Benin and Gujarat, India resulted in significant fuel savings of approximately 29% and 61%, respectively. In Uganda, the homes using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumed approximately 31% less charcoal than those not using LPG, although the total energy consumption per household was similar between the baseline and LPG user groups. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Biofuel; Cookstoves; Fuel savings; Kitchen Performance Test; Stove performance testing | biofuel; cooking appliance; energy use; fuel consumption; household energy; liquefied petroleum gas; performance assessment; Benin [West Africa]; Gujarat; India; Maharashtra; Nepal; Peru; Uganda; United States | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33947381764 | Effect of flow maldistribution on thermal performance of a solar air heater array with subcollectors in parallel | Karwa R., Karwa N., Misra R., Agarwal P.C. | 2007 | Energy | 32 | 7 | 10.1016/j.energy.2006.08.002 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 385, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, 110 016, India; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, 342 011, India | Karwa, R., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 385, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Karwa, N., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, 110 016, India; Misra, R., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, 342 011, India; Agarwal, P.C., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, 342 011, India | This paper presents results of a theoretical study carried out to investigate the effect of flow maldistribution, caused by the manufacturing imperfections and tolerances, on the thermal efficiency of a solar air heater array with subcollectors in parallel. The air mass flow rate, ambient temperature, solar insolation and wind heat transfer coefficient have been systematically varied to study the effect under a wide range of these parameters. The collector length, duct height, and plate emissivity were also changed to study their effect. It has been found that the maximum reduction in thermal efficiency due to flow maldistribution is less than about 3% for an array with a commercial grade finish of duct surfaces and ±10% manufacturing tolerance for the duct height. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Flow imbalance; Solar air heater array; Subcollectors in parallel; Thermal performance | Heat transfer coefficients; Natural convection; Solar collectors; Thermal effects; Flow imbalance; Solar air heater array; Subcollectors in parallel; Thermal performance; Solar heating; Heat transfer coefficients; Natural convection; Solar collectors; Solar heating; Thermal effects; air mass; flow pattern; performance assessment; photovoltaic system | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956341175 | Evaluation of the STORM model storm-time corrections for middle latitude | Buresova D., McKinnell L.-A., Sindelarova T., De La Morena B.A. | 2010 | Advances in Space Research | 46 | 8 | 10.1016/j.asr.2010.06.007 | Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Bocni II 1401, 14131 Prague 4, Czech Republic; Hermanus Magnetic Observatory, P.O. Box 32, Hermanus 7200, South Africa; INTA-Atmospheric Sounding Station El Arenosillo, Mazagon, 21130 Huelva, Spain | Buresova, D., Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Bocni II 1401, 14131 Prague 4, Czech Republic; McKinnell, L.-A., Hermanus Magnetic Observatory, P.O. Box 32, Hermanus 7200, South Africa; Sindelarova, T., Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Bocni II 1401, 14131 Prague 4, Czech Republic; De La Morena, B.A., INTA-Atmospheric Sounding Station El Arenosillo, Mazagon, 21130 Huelva, Spain | This paper presents results from the Storm-Time Ionospheric Correction Model (STORM) validation for selected Northern and Southern Hemisphere middle latitude locations. The created database incorporated 65 strong-to-severe geomagnetic storms, which occurred within the period 1995-2007. This validation included data from some ionospheric stations (e.g., Pruhonice, El Arenosillo) that were not considered in the development or previous validations of the model. Hourly values of the F2 layer critical frequency, foF2, measured for 5-7 days during the main and recovery phases of each selected storm were compared with the predicted IRI 2007 foF2 with the STORM model option activated. To perform a detailed comparison between observed values, medians and predicted foF2 values the correlation coefficient, the root-mean-square error (RMSE), and the percentage improvement were calculated. Results of the comparative analysis show that the STORM model captures more effectively the negative phases of the summer ionospheric storms, while electron density enhancement during winter storms and the changeover of the different storm phases is reproduced with less accuracy. The STORM model corrections are less efficient for lower-middle latitudes and severe geomagnetic storms. © 2010 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Geomagnetic storms; International Reference Ionosphere (IRI); Ionosphere; STORM model | Comparative analysis; Correlation coefficient; Critical frequencies; Electron densities; F2 layer; Geomagnetic storm; International reference ionospheres; Ionospheric correction; Ionospheric stations; Ionospheric storm; Root-mean-square errors; Southern Hemisphere; Time correction; Winter storms; Atmospheric electricity; Geomagnetism; Ionosphere; Ionospheric measurement; Storms | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84934875573 | Evaluation of aquifer protective capacity of overburden unit and soil corrosivity in Makurdi, Benue state, Nigeria, using electrical resistivity method | Obiora D.N., Ajala A.E., Ibuot J.C. | 2015 | Journal of Earth System Science | 124 | 1 | None | Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Obiora, D.N., Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ajala, A.E., Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ibuot, J.C., Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This paper presents result of 30 vertical electrical soundings carried out in Makurdi, Benue state capital, north-central Nigeria to evaluate aquifer protective capacity and soil corrosivity of overburden units in the study area. This was done using the Schlumberger electrode array to obtain the data and was modelled using computer iteration (Winresist software). The field data gives a resolution with 3-4 geoelectric layers and the observed frequencies in curve types include: 30% of KQ, 16.67% of QH, 6.67% of AA and K, 3.33% of HA, Q and A, 10% of H, KH and HK. Using the longitudinal unit conductance (S), the protective capacities of the study area were classified as 36.67% weak, 10% poor, 40% moderate, and 13.33% as good. The corrosivity ratings of the study area show that 10% is strongly corrosive, 23% moderately corrosive, 37% slightly corrosive, and 30% noncorrosive The results reasonably provide information on areas where industries can be sited and iron pipes can be laid in order to safeguard the hydrological setting for resident’s safety in the study area. Regions with moderate/good protective capacity are good sites for locating boreholes. © Indian Academy of Sciences. | Aquifer; Corrosivity; Geoelectric layers; Longitudinal conductance; Makurdi; Vertical electrical sounding | aquifer; electrical resistivity; geoelectric field; overburden; vertical electrical sounding; Benue; Makurdi; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-66849087210 | Modeling and performance analysis of a microturbine as a distributed energy resource | Saha A.K., Chowdhury S., Chowdhury S.P., Crossley P.A. | 2009 | IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion | 24 | 2 | 10.1109/TEC.2009.2016123 | Department of Electrical Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India; Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Joule Centre for Energy Research, University of Manchester, Manchester M60 1QD, United Kingdom | Saha, A.K., Department of Electrical Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India; Chowdhury, S., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Chowdhury, S.P., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Crossley, P.A., Joule Centre for Energy Research, University of Manchester, Manchester M60 1QD, United Kingdom | This paper presents modeling, simulation, and analysis of load following behavior of a microturbine (MT) as a distributed energy resource (DER). The MT-generator (MTG) system consists of the MT coupled to a synchronous generator. Simulation is done in MATLAB for different loading conditions under islanded and grid-connected modes. The MTG model also incorporates a speed controller for maintaining constant speed at variable loads. Performance is studied both with and without the speed controller. The paper also compares the simulation results with already reported results and with real life load following data for a typical islanded MT of similar rating. © 2009 IEEE. | Distributed energy resources (DERs); Load following performance; Microturbine (MT); Recuperator; Speed control; Synchronous generator (SG) | Constant speed; Distributed energy resource; Distributed Energy Resources; Distributed energy resources (DERs); Grid-connected modes; Load following; Load following performance; Loading condition; Micro turbine; Microturbine (MT); Performance analysis; Simulation result; Speed controller; Variable loads; Controllers; Density (specific gravity); Gas generators; MATLAB; Recuperators; Speed; Speed control; Speed regulators; Synchronous generators; Synchronous machinery; Telluric prospecting; Thickness gages; Turbines; Energy resources | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960328091 | Future projections of urban waste flows aand their impacts in African metropolises cities | Oyoo R., Leemans R., Mol A.P.J. | 2011 | International Journal of Environmental Research | 5 | 3 | None | National Water and Sewerage Corporation, P. O. Box 7053, Kampala, Uganda; Environmental Systems Analysis group/Environmental Policy group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, Netherlands | Oyoo, R., National Water and Sewerage Corporation, P. O. Box 7053, Kampala, Uganda; Leemans, R., Environmental Systems Analysis group/Environmental Policy group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, Netherlands; Mol, A.P.J., Environmental Systems Analysis group/Environmental Policy group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, Netherlands | This paper presents future trends of urban wastes and their impacts on the environment of African cities using plausible mitigation scenarios. To accomplish this, an integrated dynamic model for urban waste flows was developed, tested, calibrated and validated. Its parameter sensitivity was analyzed. Using population projection up to 2052 with different levels of technological implementation, policy enforcement and awareness raising, four runs were executed. The "business as usual" run showed that with no additional mitigation measures, the environmental quality in Kampala and Dar es salaam Cities deteriorates. The "more enforcement" and "more collection" scenarios showed good reduction in environmental loads but they perform less well in resource recovery. The "proper management" scenario that combines enhanced technological implementation, awareness raising and policy enforcement, produced the smallest environmental loads, and recovered the largest amount of resources. Thus, the city authorities, general public, community based organisations and Non-governmental organizations would have to increase their efforts in finances and commitment to improve the urban environmental quality and increase resource recovery. | Dar es Salaam; Kampala; Solid waste; System dynamic; Urban environment | environmental impact; environmental policy; environmental quality; future prospect; metropolitan area; mitigation; parameterization; pollution control; solid waste; trend analysis; urban area; urban policy; Central Province [Uganda]; Dar es Salaam [Dar es Salaam (RGA)]; Dar es Salaam [Tanzania]; Kampala; Tanzania; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888215295 | Evaluating long-term impact of land use on selected soil physical quality indicators | Abu S.T. | 2013 | Soil Research | 51 | 6 | 10.1071/SR12360 | Department of Soil Science, Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B. 1044, Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria | Abu, S.T., Department of Soil Science, Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B. 1044, Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria | This paper presents findings of comparative evaluation of selected soil physical quality (SPQ) indicators, obtained from fields subjected to: >50 years of cultivation of three perennial pasture grasses (i) Digitaria smutsii (DS), (ii) Brachiaria decumbens (BD), and (iii) Andropogon gayanus (AG); (iv) >50 years of continuous cultivation (CC) of cereals-legumes; and (v) >20 years of natural fallow (NF). The study was aimed at identifying the land-use system having optimal values for SPQ. Fields under CC had the highest bulk density, and the lowest total porosity (PORt) and macroporosity (PORp), field capacity (FC), and available water capacity (AWC). Perennial pasture grasses fields had significantly higher organic carbon, PORt, FC, AWC, and saturated hydraulic conductivity, and, hence, had better SPQ than CC fields and, in some instances, NF fields. The usefulness of ratios FC/PORt≤0.66 and ACt/PORt≤0.34 as additional indicators for assessing soil response to land-use systems was not proven in this study, and therefore, further studies should be conducted on the subject matter. Pasture grasses improved SPQ values relative to continuous cereal-legume cropping and fallow. The SPQ under CC and NF fields might be best improved by applying organic matter. Journal compilation © CSIRO 2013. | Continuous cultivation; Natural fallow; Perennial pasture grasses; Soil physical quality indicators | Available water capacities; Comparative evaluations; Continuous cultivation; Natural fallow; Perennial pastures; Saturated hydraulic conductivity; Soil physical quality; Soil physical quality indicators; Land use; Soils; Cultivation; available water capacity; bulk density; cropping practice; cultivation; fallow; field capacity; hydraulic conductivity; land use; organic carbon; pasture; porosity; soil quality | None |
| None | None | Weed species diversity on arable land of the dryland areas of central Tanzania: Impacts of continuous application of traditional tillage practices | Shemdoe R.S., Mbago F.M., Kikula I.S., Van Damme P.L. | 2008 | GeoJournal | 71 | 42403 | 10.1007/s10708-008-9147-7 | Institute of Human Settlements Studies, Ardhi University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Botany, University of Dar-es-Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Institute of Resource Assessment, University of Dar-es-Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture and Ethnobotany, Faculty of Bio-Science Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium | Shemdoe, R.S., Institute of Human Settlements Studies, Ardhi University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mbago, F.M., Department of Botany, University of Dar-es-Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kikula, I.S., Institute of Resource Assessment, University of Dar-es-Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Van Damme, P.L., Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture and Ethnobotany, Faculty of Bio-Science Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium | This paper presents findings from a study that assessed influence of continuous application of a particular traditional tillage practice on weed species richness, diversity and composition and identifies weed species with positive benefits to the communities in semi-arid areas of Mpwapwa district, central Tanzania. In this area farmers apply three different traditional tillage practices which are no-till (NT), shallow tillage (ST) and Ridging System (RT). A total of 36 farm fields were surveyed in 2006/2007 cropping season where 63 weed species from 26 families were identified. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences between practices (p < 0.05), with NT practice having highest weed species richness and diversity. Among the five more prevalent weed species appearing, Bidens lineariloba was observed to exist in all the three practices. Community representatives during focus group discussions indicated 9 weed species out of 63 identified to have beneficial uses. These species are Cleome hirta, Amaranthus graecizans, Bidens lineoriloba, Bidens pilosa, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Launaea cornuta, Heteropogon contortus, Tragus berteronianus and Trichodesma zeylanicum. Their main uses include leaf-vegetable, medicines, fodder and materials for thatching. From this study NT has highest weed species richness and diversity which therefore suggests that much more time is needed for weeding in this practice compared to other practice which was the farmers' concern. It was also noted that although weed species have negative effects in crop production and production costs, they still play a vital role in food security and for the health of different people in marginal areas as well as for the complete ecosystem including micro and macrofauna. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Land uses; Semiarid areas; Tillage systems; Weed flora diversity; Weed species richness | Crops; Ecosystems; Weed control; Semiarid areas; Tillage systems; Weed flora diversity; Weed species richness; Land use; arable land; community composition; cost-benefit analysis; dryland farming; food security; land use; semiarid region; species diversity; species richness; tillage; weed; zero tillage; Africa; Dodoma [Tanzania]; East Africa; Mpwapwa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania; Amaranthus graecizans; Bidens; Bidens pilosa; Cleome; Cornuta; Dactyloctenium aegyptium; Heteropogon contortus; Launaea; Tragus berteronianus; Trichodesma | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84952299774 | Environmental impact of elemental concentration and distribution in waters, soils and plants along the Lokoja-Abuja pipeline routes of Bida Basin, northwestern Nigeria | Boboye O.A., Abumere I.O. | 2014 | Journal of African Earth Sciences | 99 | None | 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2014.04.008 | Department of Geology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Blueback Reservoirs Ltd., 1 Berry Street, Aberdeen, United Kingdom | Boboye, O.A., Department of Geology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Abumere, I.O., Blueback Reservoirs Ltd., 1 Berry Street, Aberdeen, United Kingdom | This paper presents environmental study carried out to evaluate the impacts of elements' concentrations in water, soil, plants and the level of environmental damage. This is to establish the rate of pollution and degree of enrichment to enhance delineation of highly polluted areas along the pipeline routes. It was achieved by determining their spatial distribution, concentration and/or occurrences as well as the possible sources of enrichment. Forty-six (46) surface water samples were collected during the dry season while thirty (30) surface water samples were collected in the wet season respectively. The sampling was systematically carried out at diverse locations along the streams and major rivers to broadly cover the variation in the area. Fifty-one (51) soil samples were collected during dry and wet seasons to determine the texture, heavy metal concentration and physico-chemical characteristics. Thirty (30) and twenty-six (26) samples of stream and river sediments were also collected during the dry and wet seasons for physico-chemical characterization, texture and heavy metal concentrations. Ten plant tissues were collected and analysed to ascertain the rate of absorption. The results of the surface water during the dry and wet seasons showed slight acidity while the Electrical Conductivity revealed that the major ions are higher in the dry season. The major anions and cations accounted for about 71% and 29% of the Total Dissolved Solids respectively. The higher concentrations of Fe in the stream sediments and soil than that in the water and plant tissues suggest the weathering of oolitic, pisolitic and argillaceous ironstone within the area. Concentration of NH4 emanate from anthropogenic sources. Textural classification revealed sand dominated soil which confirmed that the soil and stream sediment are autochthonous. The concentration of heavy metals and cations for both seasons in the plant tissues showed no discrepancy. The hydro-chemical facies characterization of the surface water identified two water groups of Ca-HCO3 and Na-K-Cl. The water chemistry evolution in this area is controlled dominantly by weathering and precipitation in the wet season. There is strong soil-plant relationship which is evident in their enrichment. Heavy metal distribution is generally within the acceptable limit except for few locations where Pb, Zn and Fe are of high concentration. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Autochthonous; Enrichments; Facies; Heavy metals; Seasons; Texture | concentration (composition); enrichment; environmental impact; heavy metal; pipeline; surface water; water pollution; water quality; wet season; Bida Basin | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884763798 | Capital structure and corporate performance of nigerian quoted firms: A panel data approach | Olokoyo F.O. | 2013 | African Development Review | 25 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1467-8268.2013.12034.x | Department of Finance, College of Development Studies, Covenant University, KM 10, Idiroko Road, PMB 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Olokoyo, F.O., Department of Finance, College of Development Studies, Covenant University, KM 10, Idiroko Road, PMB 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | This paper presents empirical findings on the impact of leverage (debt's ratio) on firms' performance. Empirical results based on 2003 to 2007 accounting and marketing data for 101 quoted firms in Nigeria lend some support to the pecking order and static tradeoff theories of capital structure. The study employed panel data analysis by using fixed-effect estimation, random-effect estimation and a pooled regression model. The usual identification tests and Hausman's Chi-square statistics for testing whether the fixed effects model estimator is an appropriate alternative to the random effects model were also computed for each model. A firm's leverage was found to have a significant negative impact on the firm's accounting performance measure (ROA). An interesting finding is that all the leverage measures have a positive and highly significant relationship with the market performance measure (Tobin's Q). The study further reveals a salient fact that Nigerian firms are either majorly financed by equity capital or a mix of equity capital and short-term financing. It is therefore suggested that Nigerian firms should try to match their high market performance with real activities that can help make the market performance reflect on their internal growth and accounting performance. © 2013 The Author. African Development Review © 2013 African Development Bank. | None | corporate strategy; data assimilation; econometrics; numerical model; panel data; performance assessment; regression analysis; Nigeria | None |
| None | None | Impact of training traditional birth attendants on maternal mortality and morbidity in Sub-Saharan African countries | Kayombo E.J. | 2013 | Tanzania Journal of Health Research | 15 | 2 | 10.4314/thrb.v15i2.7 | Institute of Traditional Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65586, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania | Kayombo, E.J., Institute of Traditional Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65586, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania | This paper presents discussion on impact of training traditional birth attendants (TBAs) on overall improvement of reproductive health care with focus on reducing the high rate of maternal and new-born mortality in rural settings in sub-Saharan Africa. The importance of TBAs for years has been denied by professional western trained health practitioners and other scientists until during the late 1980s, when World Health Organization through Safe motherhood 1987 found TBAs have a significant role in reducing maternal and newborn mortality. Trained TBAs in sub-Sahara Africa can have positive impact on reducing maternal and new-born mortality if the programme is well implemented with systematic follow-up after training. This could be done through joint meeting between health workers and TBAs as feed and learning experience from problem encountered in process of providing child delivery services. TBAs can help to break socio-cultural barriers on intervention on reproductive health programmes. However projects targeting TBAs should not be of hit and run; but gradually familiarize with the target group, build trust, transparency, and tolerance, willing to learn and creating a better relationship with them. In this paper, some case studies are described on how trained TBAs can be fully utilized in reducing maternal and new-born mortality rate in rural areas. What is needed is to identify TBAs, map their distribution and train them on basic primary healthcare related to child deliveries and complications which need to be referred to conventional health facilities immediately. | Maternal and child health; Sub-Saharan Africa; Traditional birth attendants; Training | Africa; article; case study; cultural anthropology; delivery; education program; follow up; health care delivery; health care facility; health education; health practitioner; health program; human; maternal care; maternal morbidity; maternal mortality; newborn mortality; personal experience; pregnancy complication; reproductive health; rural area; rural health care; scientist; traditional birth attendant; world health organization | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749535399 | South Africa's export performance: Determinants of export supply | Edwards L., Alves P. | 2006 | South African Journal of Economics | 74 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2006.00087.x | School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Edwards, L., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Alves, P., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | This paper presents both a comparative analysis of South Africa's export structure and performance and an econometric investigation of the determinants of export volumes. The paper finds that the improved growth and diversification of South African manufactured exports during the 1990s lag those of East Asia and a few other resource-based economies. This performance in part reflects relatively low world growth in resource-based products, but factors that affect the profitability of export supply, such as the real effective exchange rate, infrastructure costs, tariff rates and skilled labour, are also shown to be important. Export demand and the ability to compete in the export market on the basis of price are not found to be a major constraint to export growth. © 2006 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2006 Economic Society of South Africa. | Export determinants; Panel estimation; South Africa | comparative study; econometrics; economic growth; export; panel data; trade performance; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-50649087055 | The impact of closed-loop power flow control strategies on power system stability characteristics in a single generator system | Ally A., Rigby B.S. | 2006 | SAIEE Africa Research Journal | 97 | 1 | None | School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa | Ally, A., School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa; Rigby, B.S., School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa | This paper presents a theoretical study into the influence of closed-loop control of ac power flow on the small signal and transient stability characteristics of a single-generator study system. Both the constant power and constant angle modes of power flow control are examined for a range of controller response times. The results indicate that the effect of a power flow controller on system stability is dependent on both the mode of the controller and its response time. Copyright © 2004 IEEE. | Power flow control; Small-signal stability; Thyristor controlled series capacitor; Transient stability | AC power flow; Closed-loop; Closed-loop control; Constant power; Generator systems; Power flow controllers; Power flow controls; Power system stability; Response time; Small signal; Small signal stability; Theoretical study; Thyristor controlled series capacitor; Transient stability; Capacitance; Capacitors; Closed loop control systems; Control system stability; Controllers; Electric switchgear; Flow control; Heterojunction bipolar transistors; Response time (computer systems); Thyristors; System stability | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65249119293 | Modelling a buffered impact damper system using a spring-damper model of impact | Lil K., Darby A.P. | 2009 | Structural Control and Health Monitoring | 16 | 3 | 10.1002/stc.238 | Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom | Lil, K., Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Darby, A.P., Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom | This paper presents a simple, practical method of modelling non-destructive impacts macroscopically, where the impact force and post-impact motion of the impacting bodies are of primary concern. The main focus is use of the model for simulating the dynamics of impact dampers used to control the response complex structures. A spring-damper pair is used to model the contact surface between the damper mass and the structure. The key to such a model is the ability to define the contact surface spring stiffness and damping parameters, which does not relate to simple mechanical properties under high-rate loading. A method is developed to derive these parameters by making use of experimentally measured coefficient of restitution and contact time of an impact. The model is able to represent contact force and elastic deformation during an impact process. A simple structure, controlled by an impact damper, is used to compare theoretical and experimental results and demonstrate the validity of the resulting spring-damper model. The results demonstrate that the spring-damper model can be effectively used in situations where the impulse-momentum model fails. © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Impact; Impulsive loads; Passive damping; Structural dynamics | Coefficient of restitutions; Contact forces; Contact surfaces; Contact time; Damper models; Damping parameters; High rates; Impact; Impact dampers; Impact forces; Impact process; Impulsive loads; Non-destructive; Passive damping; Practical methods; Response complexes; Simple structures; Spring stiffness; Automobile seats; Dynamics; Mechanical properties; Model structures; Stiffness; Structural dynamics; Damping | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868283667 | Irrigation scheduling impact assessment MODel (ISIAMOD): A decision tool for irrigation scheduling | Igbadun H.E. | 2012 | Indian Journal of Science and Technology | 5 | 8 | None | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B. 1044, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria | Igbadun, H.E., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B. 1044, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria | This paper presents a process-based simulation known as Irrigation Scheduling Impact Assessment MODel (ISIAMOD). It was developed to simulate crop growth & yield, soil water balance and water management response indices to define the impact of irrigation scheduling decisions. ISIAMOD was calibrated and validated using data from field experiments on the irrigated maize crop conducted in an irrigation scheme located in south western Tanzania. The model adequately simulates crop biomass yield, grain yield, seasonal evapotranspiration and average soil moisture content in the crop effective rooting depth. Some unique features of this model make it a major improvement over the existing crop-soil simulation models. © Indian Society for Education and Environment (iSee). | Crop water productivity; Irrigation scheduling; ISIAMOD; Simulation model; Water management | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903904852 | Performance measure of laplace transforms for pricing path dependent options | Nwozo C.R., Fadugba S.E. | 2014 | International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics | 94 | 2 | 10.12732/ijpam.v94i2.5 | Department of Mathematics, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Mathematical Sciences, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria | Nwozo, C.R., Department of Mathematics, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Fadugba, S.E., Department of Mathematical Sciences, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria | This paper presents a performance measure of Laplace transforms for pricing path dependent options. We obtain a simple expression for the double transform by means of Fourier and Laplace transforms, (with respect to the logarithm of the strike and time to maturity) of the price of continuously monitored Asian options. The double transform is expressed in terms of Gamma functions only. The computation of the price requires a multivariate numerical inversion. Under jump-diffusion model, we show that the Laplace transforms of lookback options can be obtained through a recursion involving only analytical formulae for standard European call and put options. We also show that the numerical inversion can be performed with great accuracy and low computational cost. © 2014 Academic Publications, Ltd. | Asian option; Exotic option; Laplace transform; Lookback option; Path dependent option | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646791464 | Performance evaluation of the regulatory institutions in the management of distress in Nigerian banking system | Oladele P.O., Asaolu T.O., Oyesanmi O. | 2006 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 2 | 2 | None | Department of Management and Accounting, Faculty of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife, Nigeria | Oladele, P.O., Department of Management and Accounting, Faculty of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife, Nigeria; Asaolu, T.O., Department of Management and Accounting, Faculty of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife, Nigeria; Oyesanmi, O., Department of Management and Accounting, Faculty of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife, Nigeria | This paper presents a performance evaluation of the regulatory institutions in the management of distress in Nigerian banking system. Data were generated through a survey conducted among 480 workers from banking and financial institutions. The research identified some endogenous and exogenous factors as causes of distress in the banking sector. There was a significant association between bank fraud and distress, deceitful annual report and ineffective monitoring of the banks by the regulatory institutions. Distress in the banking industry was associated mainly with mismanagement and board squabbles. There was general consensus that a well-regulated banking system is the major antidote towards prevention of distress. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858980471 | Review of wind turbine system and its impact for grid stability | Mishra A.K., Ramesh L., Chowdhury S.P., Chowdhury S. | 2011 | Journal of Electrical Engineering | 11 | 1 | None | Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, Dr MGR University, Chennai, India; Department of Electrical Engineering, Dr MGR University, Chennai, India; Electrical Engineering Department, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Mishra, A.K., Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, Dr MGR University, Chennai, India; Ramesh, L., Department of Electrical Engineering, Dr MGR University, Chennai, India; Chowdhury, S.P., Electrical Engineering Department, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Chowdhury, S., Electrical Engineering Department, University of Cape Town, South Africa | This paper presents an overall perspective of wind power plants and grid integration. Various wind turbine systems with different generators are described, and different technical features are compared. The electrical topologies with grid requirement for grid stability of wind farms are summarized and the possible uses of grid stability with wind farms are given. Finally, the Hybrid power system aspect and its impact on grid stability and its requirements are discussed. | Grid integration; Grid stability; Hybrid system; Induction generator; Wind farm; Wind turbine technology | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919359601 | Evaluation of optimal control-based deformable registration model | Matjelo N.J., Nicolls F., Muller N. | 2015 | Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering | 312 | None | 10.1007/978-3-319-06764-3_15 | Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Science, National Research Foundation, P. O. Box 722Somerset, West, South Africa | Matjelo, N.J., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Nicolls, F., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Muller, N., iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Science, National Research Foundation, P. O. Box 722Somerset, West, South Africa | This paper presents an evaluation of an optimal control-based deformable image registration model and compares it to four well-known variational-based models, namely, elastic, fluid, diffusion and curvature models. Using similarity and deformation quality measures as performance indices, Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) is applied to approximate Pareto Fronts for each model to facilitate proper evaluation. The Pareto Fronts are also visualized using Level diagrams. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015. | Deformable image registration; Level diagrams; NSGA-II; Pareto Fronts; Quality measure; Similarity measure | Deformation; Genetic algorithms; Image registration; Deformable image registration; Level diagrams; NSGA-II; Pareto front; Quality measures; Similarity measure; Quality control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960152560 | Wind resource evaluation in six selected high altitude locations in Nigeria | Ohunakin O.S. | 2011 | Renewable Energy | 36 | 12 | 10.1016/j.renene.2011.04.026 | Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, P.M.B 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Ohunakin, O.S., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, P.M.B 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | This paper presents an assessment of wind energy potentials of six selected high altitude locations within the North-West and North-East geopolitical regions, Nigeria, by using 36-year (1971-2007) wind speed data subjected to 2-parameter Weibull distribution functions. The results showed that the maximum mean wind speed is obtained in Katsina as 9.839 m/s while the minimum value of 3.397 m/s is got in Kaduna for all the locations considered. The annual wind power density and energy variation based on the Weibull analysis ranged from 368.92 W/m2 and 3224.45 kWh/m2/year to 103.14 W/m2 and 901.75 kWh/m2/year in Kano and Potiskum for the maximum and minimum values respectively. Furthermore, Katsina and Kano will be suitable for wind turbine installations while Gusau will only be appropriate for wind energy utilization using taller wind turbine towers whereas Kaduna, Bauchi and Potiskum will be considered marginal for wind power development based of their respective annual mean wind speeds and power densities. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Mean wind speeds; Nigeria; Power density; Weibull distributions | Annual mean; Energy variations; High altitude; Mean wind speed; Minimum value; Nigeria; Power densities; Turbine installation; Weibull; Weibull analysis; Wind power density; Wind power development; Wind resources; Wind speed data; Wind turbine towers; Distribution functions; Energy utilization; Wind effects; Wind power; Wind turbines; Weibull distribution; altitude; assessment method; energy efficiency; geopolitics; renewable resource; wind power; wind turbine; wind velocity; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865412687 | Determining the impact of a low-cost housing development on nearby property prices using discrete choice analysis | du Preez M., Sale M.C. | 2012 | Journal for Studies in Economics and Econometrics | 36 | 2 | None | Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, University Way, Port Elizabeth 6001, South Africa | du Preez, M., Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, University Way, Port Elizabeth 6001, South Africa; Sale, M.C., Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, University Way, Port Elizabeth 6001, South Africa | This paper presents an application of the conditional logit model to a small, Nelson Mandela Bay neighbourhood housing data set, with the objective of determining the impact of proximity to a low-cost housing development on nearby property prices. The results of this pilot study show that the average household in the neighbourhood of Walmer is willing to pay between R27 262 and R195 564 to be located 86m further away from an existing low-cost housing development. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-83055188191 | Sustainable architecture evaluation method in an African context: Transgressing discipline boundaries with a systems approach | Sanya T. | 2012 | Sustainability Science | 7 | 1 | 10.1007/s11625-011-0137-1 | School of Architecture Housing and Geomatics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Sanya, T., School of Architecture Housing and Geomatics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | This paper presents a method for poverty-inclusive evaluation of architectural sustainability. Existing evaluation tools largely ignore poverty-an omission that renders them inadequate for use in a developing country context. Methodological challenges arise from the complexity due to inclusion of poverty alongside numerous other sustainability aspects. Moreover, the shared transdisciplinary nature of architecture and sustainability coupled with inherent scale polarities add to the complexity. The evaluation method discussed here adopts concepts from systems theory to develop a framework that addresses the above challenges. It yields credible results in a developing country context with a dearth of research precedents and databases. The method was applied in an empirically based study of the sustainability performance of earth walling techniques in Uganda. The study showed that, from a sustainability viewpoint, wattle-and-daub performs best, followed by adobe, whereas the most popular brick was only better than compressed earth blocks. In their transparency, the evaluation method and results here presented can stand conventional academic scrutiny. But the conclusions point to the need for greater acceptance of transdisciplinary approaches to knowledge conceptualism if the holistic disposition of sustainability, architecture and sustainable architecture is to be accommodated. © 2011 Integrated Research System for Sustainability Science, United Nations University, and Springer. | Architecture; Multi-attribute utility technique; Poverty; Sustainability evaluation; Systems theory | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959391565 | Impact of interspousal violence and maternal deprivation on a child's mental and physical health: A case report | Onyiriuka A.N. | 2011 | Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society | 31 | 2 | None | Department of Child health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Pmb 1111, Benin City, Nigeria | Onyiriuka, A.N., Department of Child health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Pmb 1111, Benin City, Nigeria | This paper presents a case of an emotionally deprived child with some evidence of child neglect resulting from separation of parents (maternal deprivation). It also further confirms the long recognized fact that the most successful treatment of growth failure and weight loss due to psychosocial deprivation is restoration of a normal social environment. In particular, it highlights the need for a high index of suspicion and awareness on the part of medical personnel with regard to emotional disorders in children. | Child neglect; Maternal deprivation; Psychological deprivation | article; case report; child; child behavior; child health; child neglect; emotional deprivation; emotional disorder; growth disorder; human; male; maternal deprivation; medical personnel; mental health; partner violence; physical examination; preschool child; social environment; social isolation; treatment outcome; weight reduction | 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-s2.0-34248524026 | The economic impact of climate change on Kenyan crop agriculture: A Ricardian approach | Kabubo-Mariara J., Karanja F.K. | 2007 | Global and Planetary Change | 57 | 04-Mar | 10.1016/j.gloplacha.2007.01.002 | School of Economics, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Meteorology, University of Nairobi, Kenya | Kabubo-Mariara, J., School of Economics, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Karanja, F.K., Department of Meteorology, University of Nairobi, Kenya | This paper measures the economic impact of climate on crops in Kenya. We use cross-sectional data on climate, hydrological, soil and household level data for a sample of 816 households. We estimate a seasonal Ricardian model to assess the impact of climate on net crop revenue per acre. The results show that climate affects crop productivity. There is a non-linear relationship between temperature and revenue on one hand and between precipitation and revenue on the other. Estimated marginal impacts suggest that global warming is harmful for crop productivity. Predictions from global circulation models confirm that global warming will have a substantial impact on net crop revenue in Kenya. The results also show that the temperature component of global warming is much more important than precipitation. Findings call for monitoring of climate change and dissemination of information to farmers to encourage adaptations to climate change. Improved management and conservation of available water resources, water harvesting and recycling of wastewater could generate water for irrigation purposes especially in the arid and semi-arid areas. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | adaptations; agriculture; climate change; crop revenue | acclimation; climate change; climate modeling; crop production; economic impact; glacial debris; global warming; precipitation (climatology); Africa; East Africa; Kenya; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945246083 | The Impact of Trade Liberalization on Micro Enterprises: Do Banks Matter? Evidence from Indian Manufacturing | Sundaram A. | 2015 | Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics | 77 | 6 | 10.1111/obes.12082 | School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa | Sundaram, A., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa | This paper looks at the impact of trade liberalization on micro enterprises with differential access to banks. I use Indian data on rural micro enterprises employing less than ten workers in the manufacturing sector to find that trade liberalization, measured by a fall in the tariff, is associated with a larger increase or a smaller decrease in output, capital-labour ratio and labour productivity in districts with a larger number of bank branches per capita. Evidence is consistent with strong complementarities between trade liberalization effects, and the economic dynamism and access to financial intermediation associated with greater bank presence in the enterprise's location. The study underscores that trade liberalization can be beneficial to micro entrepreneurs under certain conditions and emphasizes reallocation resulting from trade liberalization. The study hence highlights the role for development policy in exploiting gains from trade. © 2015 The Department of Economics, University of Oxford and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748875045 | Gender differences in enrolment and academic performance in physics among secondary school students | Adolphus T. | 2006 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 14 | 2 | None | Department of Science and Technical Education, Faculty of Science and Technical Education, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Adolphus, T., Department of Science and Technical Education, Faculty of Science and Technical Education, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | This paper looks at the gender differences in enrolment and academic performance in physics among secondary school students. The study was an empirical survey conducted in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Seven (7) co-educational schools were selected by simple random sampling. Research instruments included records of enrolment and results of senior secondary school certificate examinations (SSCE) for five (5) years (1999-2003). Simple means, percentages and t-test were employed to analyze the data obtained from the study. Two hypotheses were formulated for the study. The results of the study showed significant difference in both enrolment and academic performance of male and female students in physics in favor of male students. It is recommended among others that government should encourage in form of scholarship the education of women in physics and science in general at higher levels. This will produce more female physics teachers, who will motivate more girls at the secondary schools to study physics. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2006. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33750442908 | Impact of climate change and development scenarios on flow patterns in the Okavango River | Andersson L., Wilk J., Todd M.C., Hughes D.A., Earle A., Kniveton D., Layberry R., Savenije H.H.G. | 2006 | Journal of Hydrology | 331 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2006.04.039 | Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, SE-601 76 Norrköping, Sweden; Department of Water and Environmental Studies, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden; Department of Geography, University College of London, 26 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AP, United Kingdom; Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; AWIRU, University of Pretoria, Suite 17, P/Bag X1, Vlaeberg 8018, South Africa; University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN 1 9 QJ, United Kingdom; Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600 GA Delft, Netherlands | Andersson, L., Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, SE-601 76 Norrköping, Sweden; Wilk, J., Department of Water and Environmental Studies, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden; Todd, M.C., Department of Geography, University College of London, 26 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AP, United Kingdom; Hughes, D.A., Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Earle, A., AWIRU, University of Pretoria, Suite 17, P/Bag X1, Vlaeberg 8018, South Africa; Kniveton, D., University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN 1 9 QJ, United Kingdom; Layberry, R., University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN 1 9 QJ, United Kingdom; Savenije, H.H.G., Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600 GA Delft, Netherlands | This paper lays the foundation for the use of scenario modelling as a tool for integrated water resource management in the Okavango River basin. The Pitman hydrological model is used to assess the impact of various development and climate change scenarios on downstream river flow. The simulated impact on modelled river discharge of increased water use for domestic use, livestock, and informal irrigation (proportional to expected population increase) is very limited. Implementation of all likely potential formal irrigation schemes mentioned in available reports is expected to decrease the annual flow by 2% and the minimum monthly flow by 5%. The maximum possible impact of irrigation on annual average flow is estimated as 8%, with a reduction of minimum monthly flow by 17%. Deforestation of all areas within a 1 km buffer around the rivers is estimated to increase the flow by 6%. However, construction of all potential hydropower reservoirs in the basin may change the monthly mean flow distribution dramatically, although under the assumed operational rules, the impact of the dams is only substantial during wet years. The simulated impacts of climate change are considerable larger that those of the development scenarios (with exception of the high development scenario of hydropower schemes) although the results are sensitive to the choice of GCM and the IPCC SRES greenhouse gas (GHG) emission scenarios. The annual mean water flow predictions for the period 2020-2050 averaged over scenarios from all the four GCMs used in this study are close to the present situation for both the A2 and B2 GHG scenarios. For the 2050-2080 and 2070-2099 periods the all-GCM mean shows a flow decrease of 20% (14%) and 26% (17%), respectively, for the A2 (B2) GHG scenarios. However, the uncertainty in the magnitude of simulated future changes remains high. The simulated effect of climate change on minimum monthly flow is proportionally higher than the impact on the annual mean flow. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Climate change; Hydrological modelling; Okavango; River basin; Scenarios; Water resources development | Climate change; Discharge (fluid mechanics); Flow of water; Flow patterns; Mathematical models; River basin projects; Annual mean flow; Hydrological modeling; River basin; Water resources development; Water resources; Climate change; Discharge (fluid mechanics); Flow of water; Flow patterns; Mathematical models; River basin projects; Water resources; climate change; deforestation; development strategy; flow pattern; greenhouse gas; hydrological modeling; resource management; river discharge; river flow; water resource; Africa; Okavango Basin; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| WoS | WOS:000318584000008 | The Impact of Accreditation Exercise on University Libraries in Kenya | Ngulube, Patrick,Odera-Kwach, Beatrice Achieng' | 2013 | AFRICAN JOURNAL OF LIBRARY ARCHIVES AND INFORMATION SCIENCE | 23 | 1 | None | University of South Africa, Commiss Higher Educ | "Ngulube, Patrick: University of South Africa", | This paper is the result of an exploratory study of the impact of accreditation - a process of external quality assurance on university libraries in Kenya. The paper also sought the perceptions of university librarians regarding external quality assurance. The mixed research method was used for data collection. The population of the study constituted all the universities in Kenya recognised by the Commission for Higher Education. The sample frame was drawn from the list of private universities authorised to award degrees in Kenya. Based on the findings from the questionnaire survey, four purposively selected heads of university libraries were interviewed. A total of 22 (92%) out of 24 potential university librarians completed and returned the questionnaire. The results show that university librarians were aware of the purpose of accreditation as it pertains to licensing, while conformity to standards was the greatest strength of accreditation. The university librarians suggested ways of improving the accreditation process. The findings show that there were positive and negative perceptions about the accreditation process. The findings reveal that despite the differences in the universities, majority of the librarians were positive that the accreditation process had brought about significant changes in their institutions. The paper concludes with a number of recommendations for improvement of the accreditation process. | "ACADEMIC LIBRARIES",ACCREDITATION,"external quality assurance","IMPACT ASSESSMENT",KENYA,"MIXED METHODS RESEARCH" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943813789 | Empirical evaluation of China imports on employment in the South African textile industry | Edoun E.I., Netshiozwi E.E. | 2015 | Problems and Perspectives in Management | 13 | 2 | None | Senior Research Fellow, Department of Quality and Operations Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Edoun, E.I., Senior Research Fellow, Department of Quality and Operations Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Netshiozwi, E.E., Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | This paper is set to generate some empirical perspective on the impact of Chinese imports on employment levels in the South African textile industry. Using regression analysis as a method of inquiry, this paper critically assesses the relationship that exists between textile imports and employment levels as well as between exchange rates and employment levels. South Africa's imports data, employment data and exchange rate (South African Rand per Chinese Yuan) for the period from 1993 to 2011 are used to analyze the relationship between high level of imports from China and employment levels in the industry. Initial findings reveal that an increase in the value of textile imports from China will cause a decline in employment levels in the South African textile industry. | China; Exports; Imports; South Africa; Textile industries; Trade agreement | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940528654 | Measuring the impact of marginal tax rate reform on the revenue base of South Africa using a microsimulation tax model | Jordaan Y., Schoeman N. | 2015 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 18 | 3 | None | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Jordaan, Y., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Schoeman, N., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This paper is primarily concerned with the revenue and tax efficiency effects of adjustments to marginal tax rates on individual income as an instrument of possible tax reform. The hypothesis is that changes to marginal rates affect not only the revenue base, but also tax efficiency and the optimum level of taxes that supports economic growth. Using an optimal revenue-maximising rate (based on Laffer analysis), the elasticity of taxable income is derived with respect to marginal tax rates for each taxable-income category. These elasticities are then used to quantify the impact of changes in marginal rates on the revenue base and tax efficiency using a microsimulation (MS) tax model. In this first paper on the research results, much attention is paid to the structure of the model and the way in which the database has been compiled. The model allows for the dissemination of individual taxpayers by income groups, gender, educational level, age group, etc. Simulations include a scenario with higher marginal rates which is also more progressive (as in the 1998/1999 fiscal year), in which case tax revenue increases but the increase is overshadowed by a more than proportional decrease in tax efficiency as measured by its deadweight loss. On the other hand, a lowering of marginal rates (to bring South Africa's marginal rates more in line with those of its peers) improves tax efficiency but also results in a substantial revenue loss. The estimated optimal individual tax to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio in order to maximise economic growth (6.7 per cent) shows a strong response to changes in marginal rates, and the results from this research indicate that a lowering of marginal rates would also move the actual ratio closer to its optimum level. Thus, the trade-off between revenue collected and tax efficiency should be carefully monitored when personal income tax reform is being considered. © 2015 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. | Microsimulation; Optimal tax; Personal income tax; Tax efficiency; Tax reform | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-83455250558 | The global financial crisis and African Economies: Impact and transmission channels | Aryeetey E., Ackah C. | 2011 | African Development Review | 23 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1467-8268.2011.00295.x | University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana | Aryeetey, E., University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Ackah, C., Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana | This paper is intended to highlight the general impact of the crisis on African countries in terms of economic performance and then show some variations across countries by discussing how the different transmission channels operated in them, and what their effects have been. The paper has noted that the global financial and economic crisis has affected African economies in a significant way, mostly indirectly through the harm it causes to the real sectors of the economies. In aggregate terms, the impact has been quite strong, as shown by the sharp drop in aggregate output around the region. Even though there are both direct and indirect channels for transmitting the crisis to African economies from the rest of the world, the indirect channels have been more pronounced in their effects largely on account of the structures of these economies. The integration of these economies into the global economy has been largely on account of trade in goods and also the consequence of migration, hence the effects on the real sectors and in remittance flows. There have been significant variations in the impact of the crisis across countries, and this has been influenced largely by the quality of institutions, particularly for regulation, and initial conditions prevailing in the countries. © 2011 The Authors. African Development Review © 2011 African Development Bank. | None | economic integration; economic structure; financial crisis; global economy; remittance; Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36348978770 | Effect of substrate to piezoceramic layer thickness ratio on the performance of a C-shape piezoelectric actuator | Mtawa A.N., Sun B., Gryzagoridis J. | 2008 | Sensors and Actuators, A: Physical | 141 | 1 | 10.1016/j.sna.2007.07.031 | Smart Devices, Structures and MEMS Research Group and Laboratory, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Box 1906, Bellville, 7535, South Africa | Mtawa, A.N., Smart Devices, Structures and MEMS Research Group and Laboratory, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Box 1906, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Sun, B., Smart Devices, Structures and MEMS Research Group and Laboratory, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Box 1906, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Gryzagoridis, J., Smart Devices, Structures and MEMS Research Group and Laboratory, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Box 1906, Bellville, 7535, South Africa | This paper is focused on the influence of the thickness ratio between substrate and piezoceramic layers on the displacement and force output of a C-shape actuator. The ratio of substrate/PZT layers thickness is one of the parameters that can be used for the optimization of performance of a C-shape actuator. Experimental and Finite Element software (MSC Marc) was used for validation of the theoretical results. The results show that with a fixed piezoceramic layer thickness, the thickness, hence the stiffness of the substrate layer can be varied to obtain a range of values of displacement and force. With increasing thickness of substrate, the free displacement reaches a maximum value after which it decreases. The possible causes for this behaviour are discussed. This information is a useful guide to designers enabling the selection of appropriate material and geometry for a C-shape actuator, depending on whether the primary requirement is large force or large displacement. The information is also useful when deciding on the required number of individual C-shape actuators in series or parallel. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | C-shape actuator; Curved actuator; Lightweight actuator; Piezocomposite actuator; Piezoelectric actuator | Computer software; Finite element method; Optimization; Piezoelectric actuators; Thickness measurement; Curved actuators; Lightweight actuators; Piezoceramic layers; Piezocomposite actuators; Piezoelectric ceramics | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36248971166 | The storm that rocks the boat: The systemic impact of gated communities on urban sustainability | Landman K. | 2007 | CyberGeo | 2007 | None | None | CSIR Built Environment, Pretoria, South Africa | Landman, K., CSIR Built Environment, Pretoria, South Africa | This paper is concerned with the impact and implications of gated communities on urban sustainability. This is investigated making use of an overarching methodological framework based on the internationally accepted Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model, developed by the OECD. Additional to the simple causal flow from drivers to responses are the dynamic relationships between these five aspects. The paper discusses each of these issues and the relationships between them as they pertain to gated communities in South Africa. Gated communities, as complex systems, necessitate the consideration of a multiplicity of feedback loops with internal rates of flow that are determined by non-linear relationships. Only in this way can the full extent of their impact and implications on urban sustainability be assessed. | None | gated community; modeling; storm; sustainability; urban area; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| WoS | WOS:000238591500004 | An evaluation of e-readiness assessment tools with respect to information access: Towards an integrated information rich tool | Mutula, SM,van Brakel, P | 2006 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT | 26 | 3 | 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2006.02.004 | Cape Peninsula University of Technology | None | This paper is an offshoot of the findings of a doctoral thesis carried out at the University of Johannesburg (formerly Rand Afrikaans University) in South Africa on the assessment of e-readiness tools with respect to information access. The paper argues that information is a key component in the e-readiness equation and yet it is not given much emphasis in the e-readiness extant tools, but is instead subsumed under Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The paper notes that the various major segments of e-readiness as synthesised from existing tools are scattered in different tools making their use painstakingly cumbersome. The paper proposes a new e-readiness integrated tool that emphasises information access and also collocates the various segments of organizational, ICT, human resources, and external readiness into one single tool. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | "digital divide",e-readiness,ICTS,"INFORMATION ACCESS","INFORMATION MANAGEMENT","COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION",SYSTEMS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-53749102027 | Impact of share capitalization on bank profitability in Nigeria | Aburime U.T., Uche C.U. | 2008 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 19 | 3 | None | Department of Banking and Finance, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria | Aburime, U.T., Department of Banking and Finance, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Uche, C.U., Department of Banking and Finance, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria | This paper is an empirical analysis of the impact of share capitalization on bank profitability in Nigeria. Analyzing data captured from 98 banks in 479 observations over the 1989-2004 period, results of the empirical estimations suggest that it was only during the 1989-1991 estimation period that share capital amount and status had significant effect on bank profitability in Nigeria. Therefore, upward regulations of the minimum quantum of bank share capital in Nigeria in 1997, 2000, 2001, and 2004, geared towards minimizing distress in the Nigerian banking industry, were inappropriate strategies. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2008. | Bank; Capital; Distress; Profitability; Regulation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-20844446464 | Impact of economic reforms on economics issues: A study of Ethiopia | Sundara Rajan A.M., Iyappan T., Selvam J. | 2005 | African Development Review | 17 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1017-6772.2005.00109.x | PG Department of Economics and Research Centre, S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil - 629 002, India; Department of Economics, Arignar Anna College, Aralvoimozhi - 629 301, India; Debub University, Awassa, Ethiopia | Sundara Rajan, A.M., PG Department of Economics and Research Centre, S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil - 629 002, India; Iyappan, T., Department of Economics, Arignar Anna College, Aralvoimozhi - 629 301, India; Selvam, J., PG Department of Economics and Research Centre, S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil - 629 002, India, Debub University, Awassa, Ethiopia | This paper is an attempt to investigate the impact of economic reforms on the economic issues in Ethiopia. Different economic issues - parameters determining the effectiveness of economic reforms - are separately discussed to measure how far Ethiopia has benefited from the reform policy. A simple and comparative analysis of various economic indicators between the pre-reform and post-reform, that is, between 1985/ 86-1991/92 and 1992/93-2001/02, reveals that those economic reforms have revamped the economy by moving its GDP from its long-standing poor record to a respectful growing state. Nevertheless, the reforms have failed in attaining other direct economic objectives, such as standard of living, external debt, trade balance deficit and current account deficit. Economic reforms have, no doubt, attracted a significant amount of private investment, but its volume started declining within the reform period and so were privatization proceeds. This study suggests that a full-fledged and committed reform is indispensable at the earliest to attaining the full benefits of reform policy. © African Development Bank 2005. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | None | economic reform; Gross Domestic Product; investment; poverty; Africa; East Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Ethiopia; Sub-Saharan Africa; World | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940561286 | The relationship between leadership styles, innovation and organisational performance: A systematic review | Sethibe T., Steyn R. | 2015 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 18 | 3 | 10.17159/2222-3436/2015/v18n3a3 | School for Business Leadership, University of South Africa, South Africa | Sethibe, T., School for Business Leadership, University of South Africa, South Africa; Steyn, R., School for Business Leadership, University of South Africa, South Africa | This paper is an attempt to consolidate the published scientific knowledge about the impact of leadership styles on the relationship between innovation and organisational performance. Concepts, statements and conceptual frameworks were used as structure to analyse the body of scientific knowledge. After consulting 31 major research databases using the systematic literature review methodology, only seven journals articles that examined the link between leadership, innovation and organisational performance were identified. The synthesis of the journal articles revealed (a) that consensus exists among researchers as far as the relevant concepts are concerned; (b) that most agree on the definition of leadership and innovation but that a uniform understanding of what constitutes organisational performance is lacking; and (c) that conceptual models are too simplistic and do not consider mediator variables or multiple financial criteria measures. The findings further reveal that innovation is significantly and positively related to superior organisational performance, and that, although transformational leadership style is significantly and positively related to innovation, transactional leadership style is more appropriate when the aim is to instil a culture of innovation. Transformational leadership style, by contrast, is mostly associated with organisational performance. In addition, the findings further reveal that none of the studies investigate the mediating effect of the nature of innovation (incremental and radical) on the relationship between leadership and organisational performance, and that none of the studies use the objective measures of financial performance such as ROA, ROE, price/earnings (P/E) and Tobin's Q calculated from annual financial reports. © 2015 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. | Organisational innovation; Organisational performance; References; Systematic review; Transactional leadership; Transformational leadership | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927758731 | Demonstrating the benefits of impact assessment for proponents | Morrison-Saunders A., Bond A., Pope J., Retief F. | 2015 | Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal | 33 | 2 | 10.1080/14615517.2014.981049 | Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, South St, Murdoch, WA, Australia; North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norfolk, United Kingdom; Department of Integral Sustainability, Perth, Australia | Morrison-Saunders, A., Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, South St, Murdoch, WA, Australia, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Bond, A., North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norfolk, United Kingdom; Pope, J., North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, Department of Integral Sustainability, Perth, Australia; Retief, F., North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | This paper is a call for more studies that explicitly demonstrate the benefits of impact assessment to proponents. While the community of impact assessment practitioners generally believe that impact assessment is beneficial (to all stakeholders), empirical demonstration of this, particularly to project proponents, is warranted, and especially in financial terms. While many impact assessment benefits are intangible in nature, learning from the business and management literature shows how such benefits can usefully be measured based upon perceptions of managers within proponent agencies in tandem with archival material. A framework of the nature of impact assessment benefits for proponents, and their relative tangibility, is presented along with a five-step methodology for determining benefits. We now call upon impact assessment researchers and practitioners alike to use this framework and methodology to structure investigations from practice that will contribute to an empirical database for demonstrating the benefits of impact assessment to proponents. © 2015, © 2015 IAIA. | cost–benefit analysis; effectiveness; impact assessment benefits; proponents | business; cost-benefit analysis; database; empirical analysis; learning; management; perception; stakeholder | None |
| WoS | WOS:000313227100004 | Determinants of visitor spending: an evaluation of participants and spectators at the Two Oceans Marathon | Ellis, Suria,Kruger, Martinette,Saayman, Melville | 2012 | TOURISM ECONOMICS | 18 | 6 | 10.5367/te.2012.0174 | North West University - South Africa | "Ellis, Suria: North West University - South Africa","Kruger, Martinette: North West University - South Africa","Saayman, Melville: North West University - South Africa" | This paper investigates the socio-demographic and behavioural determinants that influence visitor expenditure at the Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa, based on a participant and spectator survey conducted at the race in 2011. Regression analyses were applied and the results indicate that greater length of stay, paid accommodation, number of marathons participated in per year and higher level of education signficantly influence higher participant spending at the marathon, while a high-income occupation and paid accommodation are associated with higher levels of spectator expenditure. These findings not only generate strategic insights into the marketing of the event; knowledge of these determinants will also lead to a greater economic impact and competitive advantage. | "Cape Town",MARATHON,"REGRESSION ANALYSIS","SOUTH AFRICA","SPORTING EVENTS","sport tourism","EXPENDITURE-BASED SEGMENTATION",IDENTIFICATION,MOTIVATION,SPORT,TEAM | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856182920 | Instrumented drop weight impact on cotton, cotton/flax and cotton/glass composites | Wambua P., Anandjiwala R. | 2011 | International Review of Mechanical Engineering | 5 | 3 | None | Moi University, Department of Manufacturing, Industrial and Textile Engineering, P.O Box 3900, Eldoret, Kenya; CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, P.O Box 1124, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; Department of Textile Science, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Wambua, P., Moi University, Department of Manufacturing, Industrial and Textile Engineering, P.O Box 3900, Eldoret, Kenya; Anandjiwala, R., CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, P.O Box 1124, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa, Department of Textile Science, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | This paper investigates the low velocity impact response of cotton, flax/cotton and glass/cotton hybrid composites. The composites were prepared by compression moulding and cut to dimensions specified by the Boeing impact test specification. All the specimens were impacted at 17, 26, 44, 62 and 77J energy levels on an Instron dynatup 9250HV drop weight impact tower by a hemispherical impactor head. Impulse software was used in data acquisition and analysis of results. The cotton and flax/cotton composites mainly failed through cracking, tensile fracture and delamination, while glass/cotton hybrid composites failed by deflecting and delamination. The glass/cotton composites were not penetrated and did not fracture even at high impact energy levels. © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved. | Composites; Cotton; Flax; Glass; Hybrid; Instrumented drop weight | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951773345 | The impact of transport costs on new venture internationalisation | Naudé W., Matthee M. | 2011 | Journal of International Entrepreneurship | 9 | 1 | 10.1007/s10843-010-0066-6 | World Institute for Development Economics Research, United Nations University, Katajanokanlaituri 6b, Helsinki 00160, Finland; School of Economics, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Potchefstroom, South Africa | Naudé, W., World Institute for Development Economics Research, United Nations University, Katajanokanlaituri 6b, Helsinki 00160, Finland; Matthee, M., School of Economics, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Potchefstroom, South Africa | This paper investigates the importance of transport costs in new venture internationalisation, i. e. of firms that start exporting before they are 3 years of age. It does so by merging two large international datasets, on the firm level (covering 49,584 firms) as well as on the country level (covering 154 countries). It is found that transport costs matter significantly for new venture internationalisation, for older firms' decision to export, as well as the extent of the latter's subsequent exports. Export costs, the quality of transport infrastructure and domestic logistics costs affect new venture internationalisation even when controlling for a range of standard determinants. New international ventures behave differently from older firms in two important ways: (1) Transport costs affect the probability that they will export but not the extent of their subsequent exports and (2) their probability of exporting is affected negatively by their networking, domestic success and ISO status, whilst in the case of older firms, these factors have a positive impact. Various recommendations for policy and further research are made. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | Exports; International entrepreneurship; Internationalisation; Trade logistics; Transport costs | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886410320 | The impact of market power and funding strategy on bank-interest margins | Amidu M., Wolfe S. | 2013 | European Journal of Finance | 19 | 9 | 10.1080/1351847X.2011.636833 | School of Management, University of Southampton, SO17 IBJ, United Kingdom; Department of Accounting, University of Ghana Business School, PO Box LG 78, Legon, Accra, Ghana | Amidu, M., School of Management, University of Southampton, SO17 IBJ, United Kingdom, Department of Accounting, University of Ghana Business School, PO Box LG 78, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Wolfe, S., School of Management, University of Southampton, SO17 IBJ, United Kingdom | This paper investigates the implications of market power and funding strategies for bank-interest margins, using a sample of 978 banks in 55 emerging and developing countries over an eight-year period, 2000-2007. We provide additional insight by examining the complex interlocking of three key variables that are important for regulators: the degree of market power, funding sources and bank performance. The results show that market power increases when banks use internal funding to diversify into non-interest income-generating activities. We also find that the high net-interest margins of banks in emerging and developing countries can be explained by the degree of market power, credit risk, and implicit interest payments. In addition, our results suggest that interest margins among banks with market power are significantly more sensitive to internally generated funds than they are to deposit and wholesale funding. © 2013 Taylor & Francis. | bank funding; bank market power; developing countries; net-interest margin | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906912841 | The impact of a monolingual medium of instruction in a multilingual university in South Africa | Abongdia J.-F.A. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 13 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n13p62 | University of Fort Hare, South Africa | Abongdia, J.-F.A., University of Fort Hare, South Africa | This paper investigates the impacts of a monolingual medium of instruction (MOI) in a multilingual university in South Africa. It offers a critical examination of the different effects (both positive and negative) this may have on learning and of course academic performance of the students. It further examines why the students may or may not prefer the selected medium of instruction and the effect this has on their learning abilities. Hence the analysis of these different views would inform and improve the teaching and learning in the classroom at higher education level as the lecturers would be informed of the outcomes thus leading to different strategic approaches that would be used in teaching and learning. In addition, the paper presents the factors that appear to play a role in shaping the students' ideologies and attitudes towards English, a language used as a MOI across most if not all universities in South Africa and which many of the students appear to find difficult to use in academic learning. The findings from this qualitative study are examined using studies on language ideologies by Kroskrity (2000) and language policy and planning by Spolsky and Shohamy (2000) and Brumfit (2006). | English; Language attitudes; Language ideologies; Language policy; Medium of instruction; Multilingualism; Socio-political factors; South Africa; University | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875965348 | Distinguishing the impact of postponement, spacing and stopping on birth intervals: Evidence from a model with heterogeneous fecundity | TimÆus I.M., Moultrie T.A. | 2013 | Journal of Biosocial Science | 45 | 3 | 10.1017/S0021932012000648 | Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom; Centre for Actuarial Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa | TimÆus, I.M., Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom; Moultrie, T.A., Centre for Actuarial Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa | This paper investigates the impact on birth intervals of three distinct birth control strategies: stopping childbearing, spacing births and the postponement of further childbearing for reasons unrelated to women's family-building histories. A macro-simulation model of the family-building process is described that incorporates heterogeneity in fecundability. This model is used to demonstrate that the postponement of further childbearing has a distinctive impact on schedules of duration-specific fertility rates that differs from that of both family-size limitation and birth spacing. In particular, the simulation results, supplemented by an analytical exposition, show that reductions in fertility due to spacing are a function of interval duration and its log, while reductions due to postponement are a function of interval duration and its square. This provides a way to test statistically for the presence of, and distinguish between, differential postponement and spacing in regression analyses of birth history data. © 2012 Cambridge University Press. | None | age; contraception; family planning; family size; female; fertility; human; parity; pregnancy; statistical model; statistics and numerical data; article; contraception; family planning; statistics; Age Factors; Birth Intervals; Contraception; Family Characteristics; Female; Fertility; Humans; Models, Statistical; Parity; Pregnancy; Age Factors; Birth Intervals; Contraception; Family Characteristics; Female; Fertility; Humans; Models, Statistical; Parity; Pregnancy | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887893283 | Impact of propagation delay on the performance of satellite LTE networks | Aiyetoro G., Giambene G., Takawira F. | 2014 | Advanced Science Letters | 20 | 2 | 10.1166/asl.2014.5351 | Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa; Department of Information Engineering, University of Siena, Via Roma 56, 53100 Siena, Italy; School of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Aiyetoro, G., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa; Giambene, G., Department of Information Engineering, University of Siena, Via Roma 56, 53100 Siena, Italy; Takawira, F., School of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | This paper investigates the impact of the Round Trip Propagation Delay (RTPD) in the satellite LTE air interface with the adoption of MIMO technology. The Satellite LTE air interface will provide global coverage and hence complement its terrestrial counterpart in the provision of LTE services to mobile users. A land mobile dualpolarized GEO satellite system has been considered for this work. The link adaption is an important module for the scheduling scheme and the satellite LTE network as a whole in order to make optimal scheduling decisions and effectively utilize the network resources respectively. However, the long RTPD experienced when Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) is reported from the User Equipment (UE) to the eNodeB via GEO satellite causes misalignment between the reported CQI at the eNodeB and the present CQI of the mobile user. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of the misalignment as a result of long RTPD on the system performance of Satellite LTE network. © 2014 American Scientific Publishers All rights reserved. | GEO satellite; Link adaptation; LTE; RTPD | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928996870 | The impact of stock market development and inflation on economic growth in India: Evidence using the ARDL bounds testing and VECM approaches | Pradhan R.P., De São Pedro Filho F., Hall J.H. | 2014 | International Journal of Economics and Business Research | 8 | 2 | 10.1504/IJEBR.2014.064118 | Vinod Gupta School of Management, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, WB, India; Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Campus José Ribeiro Filho, Via de Acesso para o Acre, Porto Velho City, Estado de Rondônia, Brazil; Department of Financial Management, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa | Pradhan, R.P., Vinod Gupta School of Management, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, WB, India; De São Pedro Filho, F., Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Campus José Ribeiro Filho, Via de Acesso para o Acre, Porto Velho City, Estado de Rondônia, Brazil; Hall, J.H., Department of Financial Management, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa | This paper investigates the impact of stock market development, money supply and inflation on economic growth in India during the post-globalisation era of the 1990s, especially during the period from 1994 to 2012. Using autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach, the study finds stock market development, money supply, inflation and economic growth are cointegrated, suggesting the presence of a long-run equilibrium relationship between them. The vector autoregressive error correction model (VECM) further confirms the existence of both bidirectional and unidirectional causality between economic growth, money supply, inflation and stock market development in India. The policy implication of this study is that inflation and money supply can be considered a policy variable to predict both economic growth and stock market development in the Indian economy during the post globalisation era. Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | ARDL; Autoregressive distributive lag; India; Inflation; Money supply economic growth; Stock market; VECM; Vector autoregressive error correction model | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925125198 | Impact of organisational justice on work outcomes in the pharmaceutical industry in Kuwait | Mohamed I., Yeo R.K. | 2014 | International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management | 14 | 42372 | 10.1504/IJHRDM.2014.068083 | Ianndryan Healthcare Inc., 81-2435 Greenwich Drive, Oakville, Canada; University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Saudi Aramco, P.O. Box 12979, Dhahran, South Africa | Mohamed, I., Ianndryan Healthcare Inc., 81-2435 Greenwich Drive, Oakville, Canada; Yeo, R.K., University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA, Australia, Saudi Aramco, P.O. Box 12979, Dhahran, South Africa | This paper investigates the impact of organisational justice on work outcomes based on the moderation of trust and mediation of social exchange. A survey was conducted in the Kuwait pharmaceutical industry receiving 324 responses. Through multiple regression analyses, findings indicate that the perception of social exchange and organisational justice was influenced by the negative moderation of trust. Commitment to organisation, workplace aggression control and employee engagement were found to have a significant inverse relationship with intention to quit, while organisational citizenship behaviour, job satisfaction and commitment to supervisor demonstrated a direct positive relationship with intention to quit. The study extends the theoretical concepts of justice by illuminating the importance of context arising from culture, workforce diversity and industry competitiveness. Particularly, trust and social exchange are interrelated to offer a different perspective to the understanding of organisational justice and work outcomes. The paper outlines some implications for human resource management. Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Behaviour; Intention to quit; ITQ; Kuwait; Organisational justice; Pharmaceutical industry; Social exchange; Trust | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873937678 | Impact of locus of control expectancy on level of well-being | April K.A., Dharani B., Peters K. | 2012 | Review of European Studies | 4 | 2 | 10.5539/res.v4n2p124 | Ashridge Business School, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701 Berkhamsted, HP4 1NS Cape Town, South Africa; Ashridge Business School, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1NS, United Kingdom | April, K.A., Ashridge Business School, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701 Berkhamsted, HP4 1NS Cape Town, South Africa; Dharani, B., Ashridge Business School, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701 Berkhamsted, HP4 1NS Cape Town, South Africa; Peters, K., Ashridge Business School, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1NS, United Kingdom | This paper investigates the impact of locus of control, a psychological social learning theory that is rigorously researched for its implications on leadership qualities, on the level of happiness of an individual. The primary research strategy employed was the survey strategy. Participants were asked to fill in a questionnaire that was designed to test, amongst other variables, their locus of control and level of happiness. The Spearman Rank Correlation hypothesis test was used to test the data for significance and strength of the relationship. As a secondary research approach, self-reflection documents written by research participants, on the topic of locus of control, were used to add personal expression to the discussion of the quantitative results. While academic literature vastly supports the view that leadership qualities are predominantly present in those with an internal locus of control, our research results conclude that a maximum level of happiness is achieved by individuals with a balanced locus of control expectancy - a mix of internal and external locus of control, alternatively known as 'bi-local expectancy'. | Bi-local; Expectancies; Happiness; Leadership; Locus of control; Subjective well-being | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-72149134888 | The vanishing farms? The impact of international migration on Albanian Family Farming | Miluka J., Carletto G., Davis B., Zezza A. | 2010 | Journal of Development Studies | 46 | 1 | 10.1080/00220380903197978 | Department of Economics, Business, and Administrative Sciences, University of New York Tirana, Rr: Komuna e Parisit, Tirana, Albania; The World Bank, Washington, DC, United States; UNICEF, Nairobi, Kenya; FAO, Rome, Italy | Miluka, J., Department of Economics, Business, and Administrative Sciences, University of New York Tirana, Rr: Komuna e Parisit, Tirana, Albania; Carletto, G., The World Bank, Washington, DC, United States; Davis, B., UNICEF, Nairobi, Kenya; Zezza, A., FAO, Rome, Italy | This paper investigates the impact of international migration on technical efficiency, resource allocation and income from agricultural production of family farming in Albania. The results suggest that migration is used by rural households as a pathway out of agriculture: migration is negatively associated with both labour and non-labour input allocation in agriculture, while no significant differences can be detected in terms of farm technical efficiency or agricultural income. Whether the rapid demographic changes in rural areas triggered by massive migration, possibly combined with propitious land and rural development policies, will ultimately produce the conditions for a more viable, high-return agriculture attracting larger investments remains to be seen. © 2010 Taylor & Francis. | None | agricultural production; international migration; policy development; resource allocation; rural area; rural development; technical efficiency; Albania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924308899 | The impact of information communication technology (ICT) on economic growth: A case for South Africa | Khumalo Z.Z., Mongale I.P. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 2Continued1 | None | Department of Economics, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa | Khumalo, Z.Z., Department of Economics, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa; Mongale, I.P., Department of Economics, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa | This paper investigates the impact of Information Communication Technology on economic growth in South Africa. The study intends to establish correlation in a developing country such as South Africa where the existence of such a relationship has not been distinctly determined. The model is estimated by using the cointegration and causality analysis and the interrelationships among the variables will be captured by employing the Johansen Cointegration method. The Generalized Impulse Response Function is also introduced to further explore the dynamic relationship among the variables. The results exhibit the incidence of a positive association between Information Communication Technology and economic growth. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Cointegration; Economic growth; Generalized impulse response function; Information communication technology; South Africa | None | None |
| None | None | The Impact of Income and Non-Income Shocks on Child Labor: Evidence from a Panel Survey of Tanzania | Bandara A., Dehejia R., Lavie-Rouse S. | 2015 | World Development | 67 | None | 10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.10.019 | United Nations Development Programme, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania; New York University, United States; Analysis Group Inc, Boston, United States | Bandara, A., United Nations Development Programme, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania; Dehejia, R., New York University, United States; Lavie-Rouse, S., Analysis Group Inc, Boston, United States | This paper investigates the impact of income and non-income shocks on child labor using a model in which the household maximizes utility from consumption as well as human capital development of the child. We also investigate if access to credit and household assets act as buffers against transitory shocks. Our results indicate significant effects of agricultural shocks on the child's overall work hours and agricultural work hours, with higher effects for boys. Crop shocks also have significant adverse effects on school attendance, with girls experiencing a more-than 70% increase in the probability of quitting schooling. The results also indicate that access to a bank account has a buffering effect on the impact of shocks on child hunger. Having a bank account reduces both male child labor and household work hours of a girl child. While assets reduce working hours of girls, we do not find it having a significant effect on boys. We also do not see assets to act as a buffer against shocks. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Agricultural shocks; Buffer stocks; Child labor; Consumption smoothing | agricultural worker; banking; child labor; human capital; income; panel data; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871046092 | Developmental intervention impact on project environments | Hindle B., Strasheim B. | 2012 | Proceedings of Institution of Civil Engineers: Management, Procurement and Law | 165 | 2 | None | Projcore construction consulting, Cape Town, South Africa; University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Hindle, B., Projcore construction consulting, Cape Town, South Africa; Strasheim, B., University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | This paper investigates the impact of government intervention on the construction fraternity over a 15-year period during which the government of South Africa was developing and implementing new policies, designed to redress the ills of the apartheid past. Construction was identified as the industry through which the wealth of the nation was invested, and targeted as a vehicle for social development. The paper presents the findings of a literature survey; however, little was found that described the impact of interventions on existing firms and project staff. In order to identify this, the results of a series of questionnaire surveys, conducted over a 6-year period ending in 2009, were used. The findings show that interventions had a significant impact on all of the role players in the industry but that project staff, in particular, bore the main impact of that which was intended by the interventions, together with secondary impacts which were not directly intended. | Procurement; Project management | Government intervention; Literature survey; Procurement; Project environment; Questionnaire surveys; Secondary impacts; Social development; South Africa; Surveys; Project management | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939240594 | The impact of fiscal and monetary policies on unemployment problem in Nigeria (Managerial economic perspective) | Attamah N., Anthony I., Ukpere W.I. | 2015 | Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets and Institutions | 5 | 2CONT1 | None | Economics Department, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Nigeria; University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Department of Industrial Psychology and people Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Attamah, N., Economics Department, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Nigeria; Anthony, I., University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Ukpere, W.I., Department of Industrial Psychology and people Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | This paper investigates the impact of fiscal and Monetary Policies on Unemployment Problem in Nigeria and covers the periods 1980 to 2013. To achieve this, fiscal policy was captured here by government expenditures and revenues respectively while monetary policy was proxied by broad Money Supply (M2), Interest and Exchange rates respectively. The methodology adopted was econometric analysis employing OLS techniques and unit roots of the series were examined using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller after which the co-integration tests was conducted using the Engle Granger approach. Error correction models were estimated to take care of the short run dynamics. It was found that while government expenditure had a positive relationship with unemployment problem in Nigeria, the result of government revenue was negative and insignificant on unemployment problem. For monetary policy, it was found that money supply and exchange rate had positive and significant impact while interest rate has only a positive relationship on unemployment problem in Nigeria. This meets the a priori expectation. The study also revealed that increases in interest and exchange rates escalate unemployment by increasing cost of production which discourages the private sector from employing large workforce. On the other hand, national productivity measured by real GDP had a negative and significant impact on unemployment rate in Nigeria. This paper recommends that for an effective combat to unemployment problem in Nigeria, there should be a systematic diversion of strategies, thus more emphasis should be laid on aggressively pursuing entrepreneurial development and increased productivity. Again government should aggressively focus on investment, employment generation and economic growth that has mechanism to trickle does to the masses. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Fiscal; Monetary; Productivity global recession; Unemployment rate; Unit root | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65949110577 | The impact of female employment on fertility in Dakar (Senegal) and Lomé (Togó) | Beguy D. | 2009 | Demographic Research | 20 | None | 10.4054/DemRes.2009.20.7 | African Population and Health Research Center, Shelter Afrique Center, Longonot Road, Upper Hill, 00100 - GPO Nairobi, Kenya | Beguy, D., African Population and Health Research Center, Shelter Afrique Center, Longonot Road, Upper Hill, 00100 - GPO Nairobi, Kenya | This paper investigates the impact of female employment on fertility in two urban contexts in sub-Saharan Africa: Dakar (Senegal) and Lomé (Togo). The hypothesis that wage employment and maternal obligations are incompatible seems to be corroborated in Lomé, where women are likely to consider work as a legitimate alternative to their role as a mother or spouse. Being involved in economic activity is a real option and can therefore impact upon their reproductive life. By contrast, in Dakar working does not seem to hinder family formation. Greater involvement of women in the labour force is not the main reason for fertility decline in Dakar. These findings illustrate how important it is to consider social gender-specific roles in order to accurately determine the influence of female employment on reproductive life. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000263321100001 | The impact of female employment on fertility in Dakar (Senegal) and Lome (Togo) | Beguy, Donatien | 2009 | DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH | 20 | None | 10.4054/DemRes.2009.20.7 | African Populat & Hlth Res Ctr | None | This paper investigates the impact of female employment on fertility in two urban contexts in sub-Saharan Africa: Dakar ( Senegal) and Lome ( Togo). The hypothesis that wage employment and maternal obligations are incompatible seems to be corroborated in Lome, where women are likely to consider work as a legitimate alternative to their role as a mother or spouse. Being involved in economic activity is a real option and can therefore impact upon their reproductive life. By contrast, in Dakar working does not seem to hinder family formation. Greater involvement of women in the labour force is not the main reason for fertility decline in Dakar. These findings illustrate how important it is to consider social gender-specific roles in order to accurately determine the influence of female employment on reproductive life. | ,MODELS,"WOMENS EMPLOYMENT",WORK | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859094247 | Exchange rate deregulation and industrial performance in Nigeria: 1975 - 2006 | Ogunleye E.O. | 2012 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 29 | 1 | None | Department of Economics, University of Ado Ekiti, Nigeria | Ogunleye, E.O., Department of Economics, University of Ado Ekiti, Nigeria | This paper investigates the impact of exchange rate deregulation on industrial performance in Nigeria between 1975 and 2006. The co-integration technique and chow breakpoint test were the analytical tools. Two measures of industrial performance -; industrial productivity growth rate and, ratio of industrial production to gross domestic product - were used. It was found that a long-run relationship exists between each of these measures on one hand and exchange rate, interest rate and terms of trade on the other. In particular exchange rate deregulation was found to have significant positive impact on industrial performance. In order to determine the short term dynamics around the equilibrium relationship, the study estimates an error correction model (ECM) and industrial productivity growth rate and contribution of industrial production to GDP lagged by one and two periods, exchange and interest rates emerged as significant determinant of industrial productivity growth rate in Nigeria. The result however suggests the importance, as well as the imperative for Nigeria to embark on comprehensive exchange rate policy in order to accelerate and sustain industrial growth performance. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2012. | Co-integration; Deregulation; Error Correction Mechanism; Exchange Rate; Industrial Performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910092963 | Corporate board diversity and firm performance: Evidence from Nigeria | Ujunwa A., Nwakoby I., Ugbam C.O. | 2012 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 9 | 2 Continued 1 | None | Department of Banking and Finance, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria; Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria | Ujunwa, A., Department of Banking and Finance, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria; Nwakoby, I., Department of Banking and Finance, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria; Ugbam, C.O., Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria | This paper investigates the impact of corporate board diversity on the financial performance of Nigerian quoted firms using a panel data of 122 quoted Nigerian firms. The aspects of board diversity studied comprise board nationality, board gender and board ethnicity. The Fixed Effect Generalised Least Square Regression is used to examine the impact of board diversity on firm performance for the period: 1991-2008. The results show that gender diversity was negatively linked with firm performance, while board nationality and board ethnicity were positive in predicting firm performance. The study provides insights for practitioners and policy makers on the need to view the board as a strategic resource in line with the resource dependency theory instead of viewing the board solely from agency theory perspective. © 2012, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Board of directors; Corporate governance; Diversity; Firm performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891630909 | The impact of additional nitrates in mild steel corrosion in a seawater/sediment system | Pillay C., Lin J. | 2014 | Corrosion Science | 80 | None | 10.1016/j.corsci.2013.11.047 | School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville), Private Bag X 54001, Durban, South Africa | Pillay, C., School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville), Private Bag X 54001, Durban, South Africa; Lin, J., School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville), Private Bag X 54001, Durban, South Africa | This paper investigates the impact of additional nitrate sources on mild steel coupon corrosion in a seawater/sediment system. The results show that addition of 5. mM of nitrate sources significantly increased the weight loss of coupons after 20. weeks. SEM results indicate increase in microbial populations and corrosive products in the non-autoclaved and the nitrate-treated environments. EDX analyses revealed an increase in contents of carbon, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and sodium with the exception of iron with an increase in incubation time. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | A. Mild steel; B. SEM; B. Weight loss; C. Microbiological corrosion | EDX analysis; Incubation time; Microbial populations; Microbiological corrosion; Nitrate sources; Steel coupon; Weight loss; Carbon steel; Corrosion; Nitrates | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954279945 | Ecological impacts of small dams on South African rivers part 2: Biotic response - abundance and composition of macroinvertebrate communities | Mantel S.K., Muller N.W.J., Hughes D.A. | 2010 | Water SA | 36 | 3 | None | Unilever Centre for Environmental Water Quality - Institute for Water Research (UCEWQ-IWR), Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa | Mantel, S.K., Unilever Centre for Environmental Water Quality - Institute for Water Research (UCEWQ-IWR), Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa; Muller, N.W.J., Unilever Centre for Environmental Water Quality - Institute for Water Research (UCEWQ-IWR), Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa; Hughes, D.A., Unilever Centre for Environmental Water Quality - Institute for Water Research (UCEWQ-IWR), Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa | This paper investigates the cumulative impacts of small dams on invertebrate communities in 2 regions of South Africa - the Western Cape and Mpumalanga. Previous research found reduced discharge, increased total dissolved salts, and a decrease in average score per taxon (ASPT; collected using SASS4 methods) at sites with high density of small dams in their catchment. These changes in ASPT are investigated using the invertebrate abundance data available in the River Health Programme. Multivariate analyses found differences in invertebrate communities in rivers with high densities of small dams in their catchment in foothill-gravel streams (in both Western Cape and Mpumalanga) and in foothill-cobble streams (in Western Cape only). Opportunistic taxa that are tolerant of pollution, and capable of exploiting various habitats, and those that prefer slower currents increased in numbers, while other taxa that are sensitive to pollution and disturbance declined in numbers. Some regional differences were noted possibly reflecting climatic differences between the regions. Since the results of this study are correlative, it highlights the need for a systematic (by sites and seasons) and detailed (at species level) collection of data to verify the results of cumulative effects of small dams. This can further the development of a framework for small-dam construction and management that will limit their impact on river catchments. | Cumulative impacts; Environmental water quality; Ephemeroptera; Reduced low flows; Trichoptera | Cumulative effects; Cumulative impacts; Dam construction; Ecological impacts; Environmental water; High density; Invertebrate communities; Low flow; Macroinvertebrate community; Multi variate analysis; River catchment; River health; Small dams; South Africa; Total dissolved salts; Trichoptera; Catchments; Dams; Decision making; Dissolution; Environmental impact; Multivariant analysis; Pesticide effects; Runoff; Water pollution; Water quality; Rivers; abundance; biotic factor; community composition; dam; ecological impact; macroinvertebrate; pollution effect; population decline; river pollution; water quality; Mpumalanga; South Africa; Western Cape; Ephemeroptera; Invertebrata; Trichoptera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924757628 | On the performance of new local search heuristics for annual crop planning: Case study of the Vaalharts irrigation scheme | Chetty S., Adewumi A.O. | 2015 | Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Artificial Intelligence | 27 | 2 | 10.1080/0952813X.2014.924582 | School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, University Road, Private Bag X 54001, Westville, Durban, South Africa | Chetty, S., School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, University Road, Private Bag X 54001, Westville, Durban, South Africa; Adewumi, A.O., School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, University Road, Private Bag X 54001, Westville, Durban, South Africa | This paper investigates the capabilities of three new local search (LS) metaheuristic algorithms in determining solutions to an annual crop planning (ACP) problem at an existing Irrigation Scheme. ACP is an optimisation problem in agricultural planning which involves determining resource allocation solutions amongst the various crops that are required to be grown at an irrigation scheme, within a year. The LS algorithms investigated are the best performance algorithm (BPA), the iterative best performance algorithm (IBPA) and the largest absolute difference algorithm (LADA). To determine the relative merits of the solutions found by these algorithms, their solutions have been compared against the solutions of two well-known LS metaheuristic algorithms and four population-based metaheuristic algorithms in the literature. The results show that BPA, IBPA and LADA were competitive in determining solutions for this particular optimisation problem. © 2014 Taylor & Francis. | annual crop planning; best performance algorithm; iterative best performance algorithm; largest absolute difference algorithm; metaheuristics; optimisation; stochastic local search | Crops; Heuristic algorithms; Irrigation; Iterative methods; Local search (optimization); Optimization; Stochastic systems; Absolute difference; Crop planning; Meta heuristics; Optimisations; Stochastic local searches; Algorithms | UKZN, Inyuvesi Yakwazulu-Natali |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921545699 | Executive compensation, corporate governance and corporate performance: A simultaneous equation approach | Ntim C.G., Lindop S., Osei K.A., Thomas D.A. | 2015 | Managerial and Decision Economics | 36 | 2 | 10.1002/mde.2653 | School of Management, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; School of Management and Business, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom; Department of Finance, University of Ghana Business School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana | Ntim, C.G., School of Management, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Lindop, S., School of Management and Business, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom; Osei, K.A., Department of Finance, University of Ghana Business School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Thomas, D.A., School of Management and Business, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom | This paper investigates the association between executive compensation and performance. It uniquely utilises a comprehensive set of corporate governance mechanisms within a three-stage least squares (3SLS) simultaneous equation framework. Results based on estimating a conventional single equation model indicate that the executive pay and performance sensitivity is relatively weak, whereas those based on estimating a 3SLS model generally suggest improved executive pay and performance sensitivity. Our findings highlight the need for future research to control for possible simultaneous interdependencies when estimating the executive pay and performance link. The findings are generally robust across a raft of econometric models that control for different types of endogeneities, executive pay and performance proxies. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846873051 | Evaluation of solids suspension in a pilot-scale mechanical flotation cell: The critical impeller speed | der Westhuizen A.P.V., Deglon D.A. | 2007 | Minerals Engineering | 20 | 3 | 10.1016/j.mineng.2006.08.019 | Mineral Processing Research Unit, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7700, South Africa | der Westhuizen, A.P.V., Mineral Processing Research Unit, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Deglon, D.A., Mineral Processing Research Unit, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7700, South Africa | This paper investigates solids suspension in a pilot-scale mechanical flotation cell in terms of the critical impeller speed, Njs. Understanding solids suspension has become increasingly important in recent years due to dramatic increases in flotation cell sizes but appears to be relatively poorly researched. The critical impeller speed is commonly used to indicate the effectiveness of solids suspension in stirred tanks, but has seldom been investigated in flotation cells. In this study, critical impeller speeds were visually determined and concentration profiles were measured through sample withdrawal in a 125 l Batequip (Bateman) pilot flotation cell. Two solids size fractions (75-106 and 150-250 μm) were tested, in ungassed and gassed conditions (JG = 0, 1 cm/s) and at various impeller speeds (300-900 rpm). The effectiveness of solids suspension was quantified in three ways; (i) the extent of off-bottom solids suspension, (ii) the extent of axial solids distribution (suspension height) and, (iii) the variability of axial solids distribution. Consistent trends were found when these effectiveness criteria were considered against relative impeller speed, in terms of percentage of critical impeller speed, N/Njs. As per definition, off-bottom solids suspension was found to be complete at or above 100% of Njs, with significant sedimentation occurring as the impeller speed dropped below 60% of Njs. Suspension heights consistently reached a level equivalent to 90% of the tank diameter at the critical impeller speed, and dropped off significantly as N/Njs dropped below 60%. The relative standard deviation of the vertical solids distribution consistently reached a value of around 30% at Njs. The paper concludes that the critical impeller speed, as per stirred tanks, is an appropriate measure for describing and benchmarking the effectiveness of solids suspension in a mechanical flotation cell. The authors speculate that, when solids suspension is considered as a precondition to flotation, flotation cells should not be operated at specific 'impeller speeds' but rather at specific 'percentages of critical impeller speed' analogous to the 'critical speed' used in the operation of grinding mills. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Agitation; Flotation machines; Froth flotation; Solids suspension | Froth flotation; Grinding mills; Impellers; Speed control; Agitation; Flotation machines; Solids suspension; Suspensions (fluids) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899413725 | Evaluating the impact of improved maize varieties on food security in Rural Tanzania: Evidence from a continuous treatment approach | Kassie M., Jaleta M., Mattei A. | 2014 | Food Security | 6 | 2 | 10.1007/s12571-014-0332-x | CIMMYT, Naiorbi, Kenya; CIMMYT, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Statistics, Informatics, Applications \G. Parenti, University of Florence, Florence, Italy | Kassie, M., CIMMYT, Naiorbi, Kenya; Jaleta, M., CIMMYT, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Mattei, A., Department of Statistics, Informatics, Applications \G. Parenti, University of Florence, Florence, Italy | This paper investigates impact heterogeneity in the adoption of improved maize varieties using data from rural Tanzania. We used a generalized propensity-score matching methodology, complemented with a parametric econometric method to check the robustness of results. We found a consistent result across models, indicating that adoption increased food security, and that the impact of adoption varied with the level of adoption. On average, an increase of one acre in the area allocated to improved maize varieties reduced the probabilities of chronic and transitory food insecurity from between 0.7 and 1.2 % and between 1.1 and 1.7 %, respectively. Policies that increase maize productivity and ease farmers' adoption constraints can ensure the allocation of more land to improved technologies and, in doing so, enhance the food security of households. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht and International Society for Plant Pathology. | Adoption; Africa; Continuous treatment; Food security; Impact heterogeneity; Tanzania | econometrics; food policy; food security; heterogeneity; maize; probability; rural area; technology adoption; Tanzania; Zea mays | ACIAR, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931057849 | Managerial ownership and firm performance on selected jse listed firms | Zondi S., Sibanda M. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 3CONT2 | None | School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Zondi, S., School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Sibanda, M., School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | This paper investigates if there is a relationship between managerial ownership and firm performance in selected firms listed on the JSE, and if so, what that relationship is. The study conducts regression analyses over a sample of 23 retail sector firms, observing data stretching from 2010 to 2013. The results are found to be robust. The results suggest that the hypothesis that a positive relationship exists between managerial ownership and performance be rejected as a negative relationship is found. Instead, the results of a two-stage least squares (2SLS) analysis find that managerial ownership does not impact firm performance in any direction. Overall the results of the study do not support the agency theory, as aligning the interests of managers and shareholders does not improve firm performance, at least within the retail sector. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Corporate governance; Endogeneity; Firm performance; Managerial ownership; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929075126 | Impacts of projected changes and variability in climatic data on major food crops yields in Rwanda | Muhire I., Ahmed F., Abutaleb K., Kabera G. | 2015 | International Journal of Plant Production | 9 | 3 | None | Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa; College of Education, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda; School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council, Biostatistics unit, Durban, South Africa | Muhire, I., Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa, College of Education, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda; Ahmed, F., School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Abutaleb, K., Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa; Kabera, G., South African Medical Research Council, Biostatistics unit, Durban, South Africa | This paper investigated the response of major food crop yields namely beans, cassava, Irish potatoes, maize and sweet potatoes to ongoing changes in climate in Rwanda. The projected daily precipitation and temperature data for the period 2000-2050 used in this study were generated by stochastic weather generator (LARS-WG) from daily raw data for the period 1961-2000. These data were collected from Rwandan Meteorological Center based in Kigali, while the agricultural records for the period 2000-2010 used to project yields of major food crops for 2011-2050 were obtained from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources. A number of statistical techniques were applied in projecting the major food crops yields and attempting to quantify their magnitude trends in response to projected precipitation and temperature data. The climate and soil suitability analysis revealed that the central plateau and south-west regions of the country will be the most suitable regions for cultivation of major food crops except Irish potatoes which can be grown in the north-western highlands. The central plateau region is the only region that is expected to experience an increase in yields for most of the major food crops under investigation. The south-west region will have increased beans, cassava and sweet potatoes yields in season A (September-January). The eastern lowlands are expected to register a decreasing trend in most of crops yields in season A, corresponding to the anticipated decline in mean rainfalls and number of rainy days. The envisaged yields increase in season B (February-June) for beans, maize and Irish potatoes will be in response to a rise in mean rainfall and number of rainy days. Heavy rainfall in the north-western region is likely to have a negative impact on crop yields. The rain might cause waterlogging, flooding events and landslides which may damage and destroy the crops. © 2015, Gorgan univ agricultural sciences and natural resources. All right reserved. | Climate change; Crops suitability; Crops yields; Impacts; Rwanda | Animalia; Ipomoea batatas; Manihot esculenta; Solanum tuberosum; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924964442 | Impact of remittances on economic growth in Nigeria: Further evidence | Oshota S.O., Badejo A.A. | 2015 | Economics Bulletin | 35 | 1 | None | Southwestern University Nigeria, Okun-Owa, Ogun State, Nigeria; University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Oshota, S.O., Southwestern University Nigeria, Okun-Owa, Ogun State, Nigeria; Badejo, A.A., University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | This paper investigated the relationship between remittances and economic growth in Nigeria, using an error correction modeling approach for the period 1981 to 2011. Our result revealed that remittances positively impact on the economic growth of Nigeria. We have found that a 1 percent increase in remittances would lead to a 0.19 percent increase in the RGDP in the long run. However, remittances show a significant negative relationship with output in the short run. Also, while foreign aid as an external source of capital can have both short and long term significant influence on economic growth in Nigeria, its counterpart FDI can only exert positive impact on RGDP in the short run. Our result also affirmed the significant positive role of trade in promoting economic growth, suggesting that the more open the economy, the more stimuli it has on RGDP both in short run and long run. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902457702 | Junior lecturers as reflective practitioners: Minimization of negative comments during evaluation of teaching and learning at an institution of higher | Malatji K.S. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 11 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n11p95 | University of Fort Hare, South Africa | Malatji, K.S., University of Fort Hare, South Africa | This paper investigated the practice of self-reflection by junior lecturers at an institution of higher learning in South Africa in the Eastern Cape Province. The aim of this study was to investigate the practice self-reflection by junior lecturers in one faculty, with the aim of minimizing negative comments during evaluation of teaching and learning. The researcher used qualitative research approach in this study with case study research design. Population consisted of junior lecturers. The sample consisted of 10 junior lecturers, and data were collected using open-ended questionnaires and one on one interview. During first phase of data collection 10 junior lecturers volunteered to answer open-ended questionnaires. Thereafter, purposive sampling was used to select the total of five junior lectures with less than five years teaching experience to participate on one on one interview. Themes were identified and analysed in a qualitative approach. The results of this study revealed that selfreflection is important for junior lecturers as novices in academic field because it helps them to improve their teaching practice and minimise negative comments in their teaching profession. The study recommends that junior lecturers be trained and workshopped about different approaches to reflective practices and their importance. Furthermore, the study suggests that junior lecturers should perceive self-reflection as an ongoing thing that goes along with their teaching practice; as a result they will grow and improve as professionals. | A reflective practitioner; Critical reflection; Evaluation; Junior lecturers; Professional growth; Teaching and learning | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856804402 | Modeling variable river flow velocity on continental scale: Current situation and climate change impacts in Europe | Verzano K., Bärlund I., Flörke M., Lehner B., Kynast E., Voß F., Alcamo J. | 2012 | Journal of Hydrology | None | None | 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2012.01.005 | Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR), University of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Str. 3, 34109 Kassel, Germany; Department of Geography, McGill University, 805 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H3A 2K6, Canada; United Nations Environment Programme, Nairobi, Kenya | Verzano, K., Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR), University of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Str. 3, 34109 Kassel, Germany; Bärlund, I., Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR), University of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Str. 3, 34109 Kassel, Germany; Flörke, M., Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR), University of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Str. 3, 34109 Kassel, Germany; Lehner, B., Department of Geography, McGill University, 805 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H3A 2K6, Canada; Kynast, E., Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR), University of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Str. 3, 34109 Kassel, Germany; Voß, F., Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR), University of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Str. 3, 34109 Kassel, Germany; Alcamo, J., Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR), University of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Str. 3, 34109 Kassel, Germany, United Nations Environment Programme, Nairobi, Kenya | This paper introduces an approach to route discharge with a variable river flow velocity based on the Manning-Strickler formula within large scale hydrological models. The approach has been developed for the global scale hydrological model WaterGAP and model results have been analyzed focusing on Europe. The goal was to find a method that is simple enough to derive the required parameters from globally available data while being sophisticated enough to deliver realistic flow velocity estimates for a large variety of environmental conditions. The river bed roughness (Manning's n) is approximated in a spatially explicit way based on topography, the location of urban population, and river sinuosity. The hydraulic radius is estimated from actual river discharge, and river bed slope is derived by combining a high resolution DEM, a 5. arc min drainage direction map, and river sinuosity. The modeled river flow velocity has been validated against data of US gauging stations. The representation of lateral transport has clearly been improved compared to the constant flow velocity applied in older model versions. The effect of incorporating variable flow velocities as compared to a constant flow velocity is largest on flood discharge, which generally increases in large rivers. The impact on monthly discharge hydrographs is marginal only. WaterGAP has been driven by three climate change projections for the 2050s to assess climate change impacts on flow velocity, and on the residence time of water in the European river system. Results indicate a decrease in residence times for Northern Europe and an increase for parts of the Mediterranean. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Climate change; Manning's n; Manning-Strickler; Residence time; River flow velocity; WaterGAP | Climate change impact; Climate change projections; Constant flow; Continental scale; Current situation; Environmental conditions; Flood discharge; Gauging stations; Global scale; High-resolution DEM; Hydraulic radius; Hydrographs; Hydrological models; Large rivers; Large scale hydrological model; Lateral transport; Manning-Strickler; Model results; Residence time; River bed; River discharge; River systems; Spatially explicit; Urban population; Variable flow velocity; Velocity-based; WaterGAP; Climate change; Hydrology; Rivers; Stream flow; Flow velocity; bed roughness; climate change; environmental conditions; flow velocity; gauge; hydrograph; hydrological modeling; model validation; parameterization; residence time; river bed; river discharge; river flow; river system; Europe; Mediterranean Region | None |
| None | None | Diagnostic model for assessing traceability system performance in fish processing plants | Mgonja J.T., Luning P., Van Der Vorst J.G.A.J. | 2013 | Journal of Food Engineering | 118 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2013.04.009 | Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3073, Morogoro, Tanzania; Product Design and Quality Management Group, Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Bomenweg 2, NL-6700 EV Wageningen, Netherlands; Logistics and Operations Research, Logistics, Decision and Information Sciences, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, Netherlands | Mgonja, J.T., Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3073, Morogoro, Tanzania; Luning, P., Product Design and Quality Management Group, Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Bomenweg 2, NL-6700 EV Wageningen, Netherlands; Van Der Vorst, J.G.A.J., Logistics and Operations Research, Logistics, Decision and Information Sciences, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, Netherlands | This paper introduces a diagnostic tool that can be used by fish processing companies to evaluate their own traceability systems in a systematic manner. The paper begins with discussions on the rationale of traceability systems in food manufacturing companies, followed by a detailed analysis of the most important indicators in the designing and executing traceability systems. The diagnostic tool is presented in four grids through which fish companies can evaluate their own developed traceability system. The paper argues that if a company operates at a higher level of contextual factors, then design and execution of traceability system needs to be at a higher level as well so as to achieve a higher level of traceability system performance. The paper concludes that companies that are able to systematically assess their own developed traceability systems are able to determine food safety problems well in advance, and thereby take appropriate corrective actions. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Fish processing plants; Traceability system design | Contextual factors; Corrective actions; Diagnostic model; Diagnostic tools; Fish processing; Food manufacturing; Safety problems; Traceability systems; Diagnostic products; Fish products; Industry | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906809202 | The effect of probability and uncertainty models on hedge fund performance analysis | Mwamba J.M. | 2014 | Journal of Applied Business Research | 30 | 5 | None | University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Mwamba, J.M., University of Johannesburg, South Africa | This paper implements two types of framework to investigate the outperformance, selectivity, and market timing skills in hedge funds: uncertainty and probability. Using the uncertainty framework, the paper develops an uncertain fuzzy credibility regression model in the form of a linear and quadratic CAPM in order to estimate these performance skills. Using the probability framework the paper implements frequentist and Bayesian CAPMs (linear and quadratic) to estimate the same performance skills. We consider a data set of monthly investment style indices published by Hedge Fund Research group. The data set extends from January 1995 to June 2010. We divide this sample period into four overlapping sub-sample periods that contain different market trends. Using the probability framework, our results show that bounded rationality triggers inefficiencies in the market that fund managers can utilise to outperform the market. This market outperformance is due to selectivity and market timing skill during periods of economic recovery only. We admit that these results contradict the rational expectations model. However, with the uncertainty framework this effect disappears on behalf of the rational expectations model and the efficient market hypothesis. This disappearance may be a result of the increased amount of high frequency trading witnessed recently that has made market inefficiencies, which are the main source of hedge fund performance, rarer. | Hedge fund performance analysis; Probability and uncertainty models | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892508273 | Performance based teaching and evaluation process: An effective strategy for controlling examination malpractice in sciences, vocational and technical education in Nigeria | Famiwole R.O., Bandele S.O., Ajayi-Vincent O.B. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 2 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n2p317 | Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Famiwole, R.O., Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Bandele, S.O., Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Ajayi-Vincent, O.B., Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | This paper identifies the mode of assessing learning outcomes in sciences, vocational and technical education in order to prevent examination malpractice. It also discuss the virtues of performance based teaching, checklisting and rating scales as effective strategies for controlling examination malpractice among students in schools and colleges in Nigeria. It was recommended that performance based evaluation process, through the use rating scale, checklisting and monitored continuous assessment should be adopted for assessing students learning outcome in sciences, vocational and technical education subject areas in order to prevent and control examination malpractice and its vices in schools and colleges in Nigeria. | Checklisting; Examination Malpractice vocational and technical education; Learning outcomes; Performance based tests; Rating scale | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748942478 | Key performance indicators and assessment methods for infrastructure sustainability-a South African construction industry perspective | Ugwu O.O., Haupt T.C. | 2007 | Building and Environment | 42 | 2 | 10.1016/j.buildenv.2005.10.018 | Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Southern African Built Environment Research Center (SABERC), Faculty of Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) Bellville, South Africa | Ugwu, O.O., Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Haupt, T.C., Southern African Built Environment Research Center (SABERC), Faculty of Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) Bellville, South Africa | This paper identifies key performance indicators (KPI) for infrastructure delivery and maps computational methods required to achieve sustainability objectives in developing countries. It builds on previous research that developed taxonomy of infrastructure sustainability indicators and computational methods, to propose an analytical decision model and a structured methodology for sustainability appraisal in infrastructure projects in a developing country like South Africa. The paper uses the 'weighted sum model' technique in multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and the 'additive utility model' in analytical hierarchical process (AHP) for multi-criteria decision-making, to develop the model for computing the sustainability index-a crisp value for evaluating infrastructure design proposals. It discusses the development of the KPIs that are encapsulated within the analytical model. It concludes by discussing other potential applications of the proposed model and methodology for process automation as part of integrated sustainability appraisal in infrastructure design and construction in developing countries. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Design for sustainability; Developing countries; Key performance indicators (KPI); Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA); South africa; Susaip framework; Sustainability index; Sustainability science; Utility model | Computational methods; Construction industry; Developing countries; Mathematical models; Sustainable development; Infrastructure sustainability; Key performance indicators (KPI); Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA); Sustainability index; Sustainability science; Structural design; Computational methods; Construction industry; Developing countries; Mathematical models; Structural design; Sustainable development; architectural design; construction industry; decision analysis; developing world; infrastructure; infrastructure planning; modeling; performance assessment; sustainability; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950178352 | On biodiversity impact assessment: The rationale, conceptual challenges and implications for future EIA | Wale E., Yalew A. | 2010 | Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal | 28 | 1 | 10.3152/146155110X492326 | Department of Agricultural Economics, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness (SASA), P Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Asterstraat 85, 6708 DK Wageningen, Netherlands | Wale, E., Department of Agricultural Economics, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness (SASA), P Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Yalew, A., Asterstraat 85, 6708 DK Wageningen, Netherlands | This paper highlights the need for and the conceptual challenges/issues in exercising biodiversity impact assessment (BIA), a subject hardly considered in most environmental impact assessment (EIA) activities so far. The paper attempts to lay the foundation for how future assessments can address biodiversity impacts more explicitly. The paper shows how development interventions and projects meant to take care of peoples' livelihoods are impacting on biodiversity. It presents the possible directions BIA has to focus in integrating externalities to inform decision making on the feasibility of development interventions. This is in essence to prevent, reduce and offset any adverse impacts (on biodiversity) of future development interventions. Addressing biodiversity valuation issues and identifying the appropriate methods to quantify the impacts will remain imperative in future endeavours to evaluate biodiversity impacts. © IAIA 2010. | Biodiversity; Biodiversity impact assessment; EIA | biodiversity; decision making; environmental impact assessment; project assessment | 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-s2.0-84964890438 | Performance analysis of a WCDMA system model in a low mobility and indoor environments with channel coding over additive white Gaussian noise channel | Ombongi F.O., Kibet P.L., Musyoki S. | 2015 | International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa | 15 | None | 10.4028/www.scientific.net/JERA.15.123 | Department of Telecommunication and Information Engineering, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000, Nairobi, Kenya | Ombongi, F.O., Department of Telecommunication and Information Engineering, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000, Nairobi, Kenya; Kibet, P.L., Department of Telecommunication and Information Engineering, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000, Nairobi, Kenya; Musyoki, S., Department of Telecommunication and Information Engineering, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000, Nairobi, Kenya | This paper has analyzed the performance a Wireless Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system model at a data rate of 384kbps and 2Mbps over an Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) channel. The signal was modulated by Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) and Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) with modulation order, M=16. The performance of the system was enhanced by implementing convolution coding scheme. This study was important as it formed a basis through which the performance analysis can be extended to Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks which have data rates starting from 1Mbps to as high as 100Mbps. The performance of the WCDMA at these data rates was seen to improve when convolutional coding scheme was implemented. Since the Shannon capacity formula depends on the BER of a system then this improvement means an additional capacity in the channel and this can accommodate more users in the channel. The results have further shown that the choice of a modulation technique depending on the throughput required affects the BER performance of the system. Therefore, there must be a trade-off between the throughput required, the modulation format to be used and the pulse shaping filter parameters. © (2015) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland. | 16-QAM; Additive white Gaussian noise; Bit Error Rate; Data Rate; Quadrature Phase Shift Keying; Wideband Code Division Multiple Access | Additive noise; Amplitude modulation; Bit error rate; Channel capacity; Code division multiple access; Codes (symbols); Convolution; Decoding; Economic and social effects; Error statistics; Gaussian distribution; Long Term Evolution (LTE); Mobile telecommunication systems; Modulation; Optical communication; Phase shift; Phase shift keying; Phase shifters; Pulse shaping; Quadrature amplitude modulation; Quadrature phase shift keying; White noise; Wireless telecommunication systems; 16-QAM; Additive White Gaussian noise; Additive white Gaussian noise channel; Data rates; Modulation techniques; Quadrature phaseshift keying (QPSK); Quadrature-amplitude modulations (QAM); Wideband code division multiple access; Gaussian noise (electronic) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872400047 | Giving them what they want and assessing impact: Case studies of public library services in the Western Cape, South Africa | de Jager K., Nassimbeni M. | 2012 | African Journal of Library Archives and Information Science | 22 | 1 | None | Library and Information Studies Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa | de Jager, K., Library and Information Studies Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Nassimbeni, M., Library and Information Studies Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa | This paper focuses on the principles proposed in the "Library and Information Services Transformation Charter", exploring the extent to which two public/community libraries in the Western Cape Province of South Africa are already engaged in charter activities. Interviews were conducted with directors of the library services who identified libraries where examples of good practice were already in evidence. Two sites were thereafter selected as case studies out of a total of 98 libraries in the City of Cape Town Library and Information Service, and the nature of the charter-oriented services being provided there described. The paper concludes with an attempt to show how data may be collected to make a case for the impact of library services as part of an advocacy strategy and to secure recognition of the validity of claims by public and community libraries for partnership in national development efforts. | Impact assessment; Information services charter; Library and information services; Public libraries; South africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939428673 | Solar water heater contribution to energy savings in higher education institutions: Impact analysis | Popoola O.M., Burnier C. | 2014 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 25 | 1 | None | Centre for Energy and Electric Power, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; ESIEE, Amiens, France; French South Africa Institute of Technology, South Africa | Popoola, O.M., Centre for Energy and Electric Power, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Burnier, C., ESIEE, Amiens, France, French South Africa Institute of Technology, South Africa | This paper focuses on the impact of Solar Water Heaters (SWH) at a higher institution of learning. An energy audit was conducted for the evaluation of the energy conservation measure: energy conoduction Energy is a key element in the development of any country or institution; as a result any shortage in energy will have a serious effect on the economy and social aspect of such country or institution. South Africa has, in recent years, experienced high economic growth as well as a rapid expansion in the elsumption analysis, correlation of consumption with weather; financial criteria, payback period and needed solar heater system (SWH) to determine the energy that may be termed as wastage or can be saved. The method of investigation includes assessment of the hot water usage within the institution campus and residencies, analysis of bills, metering and development of a software model for the analysis of energy use, system needed and environmental variables. This renewable measure (SWH) showed a high potential of energy and financial savings for higher education institutions especially those with residences. | Energy; Software development and validation; Solar water heater | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925627799 | Constructions of disability (ancient and modern): The impact of religious beliefs on the experience of disability | Bruce P. | 2010 | Neotestamentica | 44 | 2 | None | University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Bruce, P., University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | This paper focuses on the evidence provided by certain texts about the lives of people with disabilities in ancient Greek and Jewish societies, and the extent to which religious beliefs impacted on their experience in daily life. It aims to provide an historical background against which to consider some aspects of the NT accounts of the healing miracles, and then proceeds to investigate some of the ways in which the relevant NT texts have been received in different contexts in society today. © 2010 New Testament Society of South Africa. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-48349130533 | Water resources management strategies for adaptation to climate-induced impacts in South Africa | Mukheibir P. | 2008 | Water Resources Management | 22 | 9 | 10.1007/s11269-007-9224-6 | Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Mukheibir, P., Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | This paper focuses on the development of a framework for strategy considerations for water resources management in South Africa to meet the development goals in the municipal and agricultural sectors. The north western part of South Africa experiences severe periods of drought and according to the climate change projections, will be most vulnerable to future climate induced water supply stress. A framework for selecting appropriate strategies is presented. A series of potential adaptation strategies most suitable for long term adaptation are discussed. These include both supply and demand side strategies. Barriers and obstacles to implementing these strategies include human and financial resource deficiencies at local municipal and community levels. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2007. | Adaptation; Agriculture; Climate change; South Africa; Water resources management | Climate change; Competition; Drought; Information management; Knowledge management; Strategic planning; Water management; Adaptation strategies; Business media; Community levels; Future climate; Long term; Resource deficiencies; South Africa (SA); Supply and demand; Water resources management; Planning; adaptive management; agriculture; climate change; strategic approach; water management; water resource; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57349178497 | Public sector reform in Sub-Saharan Africa: What can be learnt from the civil service performance improvement programme in Ghana? | Antwi K.B., Analoui F., Nana-Agyekum D. | 2008 | Public Administration and Development | 28 | 4 | 10.1002/pad.503 | University of Cape-Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Bradford Centre for International Development (BCID), University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1DP, United Kingdom; Office of the Head of Civil Service (OHCS), Ghana | Antwi, K.B., University of Cape-Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Analoui, F., Bradford Centre for International Development (BCID), University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1DP, United Kingdom; Nana-Agyekum, D., Office of the Head of Civil Service (OHCS), Ghana | This paper focuses on public sector management reform 'best-practice' case experience from Sub-Sahara African (SSA). Given that 'best-practice' is a relative concept and often debatable, the paper uses the Ghana Civil Service Performance Improvement Programme (GCSPIP) experience as rather a 'good-practice' case with the view to sharing the outcome and lessons to encourage collaborative-learning. It seeks to share the outcome and lessons learnt by the Ghana civil service reform with future public service reformers and to contribute to the literature. The paper concludes with an adaptable three-dimensional framework. The framework argues that successful future public service reform (PSR) should consider three broad issues: first, are the 'critical success factors', including wholehearted political leadership commitment; wholehearted bureaucratic leadership commitment; thoughtful synergistic planning/preparation; patience for implementation and evaluation; capacity to convince; neutralise and accommodate reform-phobias and critics; sustainable financial and technical resource availability and conscious nurturing of general public support. Second, is the need for reformers to appreciate the concerns of the public and the civil society scepticism of public 'institutions' and its 'operatives' and finally placing any reform programme in a country-specific context, including understanding its history, culture, politics, economy, sociology, ideology and values. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Civil service reform; Donors; Ghana Civil Service Performance Improvement Programme; International development partners; New public management; Public sector reform | best management practice; bureaucracy; civil service; civil society; leadership; public sector; Africa; Ghana; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929379564 | Exergy Performance Analysis and Optimization of a Desiccant Wheel System | Ali Mandegari M., Farzad S., Pahlavanzadeh H. | 2015 | Journal of Thermal Science and Engineering Applications | 7 | 3 | 10.1115/1.4030415 | Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Banghoek Road, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Chemical Engineering Faculty, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran | Ali Mandegari, M., Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Banghoek Road, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Farzad, S., Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Banghoek Road, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Pahlavanzadeh, H., Chemical Engineering Faculty, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran | This paper focused on the exergy analysis and optimization of a dehumidification desiccant wheel (DW) system. A two-dimensional unsteady state numerical model was developed for simulation of the heat and mass transfer phenomena in a representative channel of a DW matrix. The DW mathematical model was validated using a series of experimental data and parametric studies were conducted to investigate the effects of operating parameters on the DW system performance. Exergy parameters were also studied and adopted to predict the total inlet-outlet exergy and exergy destruction, as well as exergy effectivenesses. Furthermore, a new exergy effectiveness parameter was introduced based on the concept of dehumidification. Parametric studies were carried out to characterize the optimal performance of the overall system regarding exergy destruction and exergy dehumidification effectivenesses. The results demonstrate that electrical power consumption, regeneration heat, and heat and mass transfer between air and desiccant are the main sources of exergy destruction. The optimization calculation shows that at the lowest process air velocity (u<inf></inf>p=0.2 m/s), lowest DW rotational speed (N<inf>DW</inf>=4 Rph), highest regeneration air temperature (T<inf>a,r,in</inf>=140 °C), and moderate regeneration air velocity (u<inf>r</inf>=1.7 m/s), minimum exergy destruction occurs. The optimal value of the parameters proves that, when exergy destruction effectiveness is selected as the objective function, the only regeneration air velocity is decision variable of optimization and operational limits impose on the other parameters. © 2015 by ASME. | Desiccant wheel system; Effectiveness; Exergy; Optimization | Air; Driers (materials); Heat transfer; Humidity control; Mass transfer; Optimization; Wheels; Desiccant wheels; Effectiveness; Electrical power consumption; Heat and mass transfer; Heat and mass transfer phenomenon; Optimization calculation; Performance analysis and optimizations; Two-dimensional unsteady-state numerical models; Exergy | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649628685 | Sustainable assessment and evaluation strategies for open and distance learning | Okonkwo C.A. | 2010 | Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education | 11 | 4 | None | National Open University of Nigeria, 14/16 Ahmadu Bello Way, P.M.B. 80067 Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria | Okonkwo, C.A., National Open University of Nigeria, 14/16 Ahmadu Bello Way, P.M.B. 80067 Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria | This paper first presents an overview of the concepts of assessment and evaluation in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) environment. The large numbers of students and numerous courses make assessment and evaluation very difficult and administrative nightmare at Distance Learning (DL) institutions. These challenges informed exploring issues relating to assessment and evaluation like the development and use of question bank and deployment of technology in assessment with emphasis on strategies for sustainability. Assessment in ODL, unlike in the Conventional system where students have a range of opportunities to demonstrate their learning periodically, depends on formal assessment tasks only. Thus, for validity to be high in ODL assessment, assessment must provide the appropriate situation possible for measuring the specific abilities being measured. Reliability is maximized when the assessment items are many; the items are not too easy or too difficult for the candidates; and the marking consistent. Evaluation depends on Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and End of Semester Examination (ESE) in ODL system. Large question/item bank (with reliable and valid questions) from which items are picked to constitute test are needed. Attempts are made to provide argument for the use of computer as a viable option for sustainable assessment based on its sustainable features especially for ODL institutions with a large number of students' population. It is hoped that these strategies if adopted have the potentials to eliminate some of the challenges that ODL institutions are currently facing in assessment. It will also strengthen quality assurance mechanism in ODL institutions. | Assessment; Evaluation; Question bank; Strategies; Sustainability; Technology | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-49249120911 | Effects of interactions between filter parasitics and power interconnects on EMI filter performance | Wang S., Van Wyk J.D., Lee F.C. | 2007 | IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics | 54 | 6 | 10.1109/TIE.2007.906126 | Center for Power Electronics Systems, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, United States; Department of Electrical and Engineering, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa | Wang, S., Center for Power Electronics Systems, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, United States; Van Wyk, J.D., Center for Power Electronics Systems, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, United States, Department of Electrical and Engineering, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; Lee, F.C., Center for Power Electronics Systems, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, United States | This paper first analyzes the electrical parameters of differential-mode (DM) and common-mode (CM) propagation on power interconnects. The impedance-transformation effects of the power interconnects are then investigated. The interactions between the parasitic parameters in electromagnetic-interference (EMI) filters and the transformed impedances by the power interconnects are explored in detail. It is found that the interactions can degrade EMI-filter performance at high frequencies. Simulations and experiments are finally carried out to verify the analysis. © 2007 IEEE. | Electromagnetic-interference (EMI) filter; Equivalent parallel capacitance (EPC); Equivalent series inductance (ESL); Impedance transformation; Power interconnects; Transmission line | Electromagnetic-interference (EMI) filter; Equivalent parallel capacitance (EPC); Equivalent series inductance; Impedance transformation; Transmission line; Electronics engineering; Industrial electronics; Electromagnetism | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84915757982 | Predicting the determination and performance impact of absorptive capacity in China's SEZ prospects in Zambia and Mauritius | Maswana J.-C., Davies M. | 2015 | International Journal of Economics and Business Research | 9 | 1 | 10.1504/IJEBR.2015.066021 | Graduate School of Business Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 3-29-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Frontier Advisory (Pty) Ltd., 30 6th Street, Parkhurst, Johannesburg, South Africa | Maswana, J.-C., Graduate School of Business Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 3-29-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Davies, M., Frontier Advisory (Pty) Ltd., 30 6th Street, Parkhurst, Johannesburg, South Africa | This paper explores the underlying dimensions of absorptive capacity and its impact on the performance for firms in Zambia and Mauritius. It first defines a firm's capacity to absorb spillovers as a latent variable observable indirectly through its underlying dimensions. By means of structural equation modelling based on survey datasets collected within small and medium manufacturing enterprises expecting to engage in special economic zone activities, it investigated the impact of absorptive capacity and its correlation with the performance of firms. Three dimensions that correlated to firm characteristics (technology, networks, and human factors) were found to reflect absorptive capacity. Importantly, it also found that absorptive capacity mediated the relationship between firm characteristics and firm performance to only a moderate degree. In terms of policy implications, if high absorptive capacity is a precondition for effectively reaping external spillovers, this paper's findings suggest that exploitation of SEZ-induced spillovers could likely be limited unless local governments take action to strengthen the absorptive capacity of firms. Copyright © 2015 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Absorptive capacity; Africa; China; Mauritius; SEM; Special economic zone; Structural equation model; Zambia | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78149367940 | The impacts of tourism on two communities adjacent to the Kruger National Park, South Africa | Strickland-Munro J.K., Moore S.A., Freitag-Ronaldson S. | 2010 | Development Southern Africa | 27 | 5 | 10.1080/0376835X.2010.522829 | School of Environmental Science, Murdoch University Western Australia, Australia; Science Operations Manager, Savanna and Arid Research Unit, Scientific Services, South African National Parks, South Africa | Strickland-Munro, J.K., School of Environmental Science, Murdoch University Western Australia, Australia; Moore, S.A., School of Environmental Science, Murdoch University Western Australia, Australia; Freitag-Ronaldson, S., Science Operations Manager, Savanna and Arid Research Unit, Scientific Services, South African National Parks, South Africa | This paper explores the socioeconomic impacts of tourism associated with the Kruger National Park, South Africa's flagship national park, on the neighbouring villages of Cork and Belfast. Case study research, where the study area was characterised as a social-ecological system, was used to investigate the impacts of Park tourism on these communities. The findings offer a micro-scale, local community perspective of these impacts and indicate that the enclave nature of Park tourism keeps local communities separate from the Park and makes it hard for them to benefit from it. The paper concludes with reflections on this perceived separation, and suggests the need to make the Park boundaries more 'permeable' so as to improve relationships with adjacent communities, while also pragmatically managing community expectations. © 2010 Development Bank of Southern Africa. | Community; Kruger national park; Social-ecological system; Socioeconomic impacts; Tourism | local participation; national park; socioeconomic impact; tourism development; tourism management; Kruger National Park; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903962315 | Impact of monetary policy on economic growth: A case study of South Africa | Precious C., Palesa M.-K. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 15 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n15p76 | University of Fort Hare, Department of Economics, East London Campus, 50 Church Street, Private Bag X 9083, East London, 5200, South Africa | Precious, C., University of Fort Hare, Department of Economics, East London Campus, 50 Church Street, Private Bag X 9083, East London, 5200, South Africa; Palesa, M.-K., University of Fort Hare, Department of Economics, East London Campus, 50 Church Street, Private Bag X 9083, East London, 5200, South Africa | This paper explores the role played by monetary policy in promoting economic growth in the South African economy over the period 2000-2010. The study employs the Augmented Dickey-Fuller and Phillips Perron unit root tests to test for stationarity in the time series. The Johansen co-integration and the Error Correction Mechanism are employed to identify the long-run and short-run dynamics among the variables. The study shows that a long run relationship exists among the variables. Also, the core finding of this study shows that money supply, repo rate and exchange rate are insignificant monetary policy instruments that drive growth in South Africa whilst inflation is significant. The study therefore recommends that monetary policies should be used to create a favourable investment climate that attracts both domestic and foreign investments thereby promoting a sustainable economic growth. The government should also increase government spending on the productive sectors of the economy so as to promote economic growth as monetary policy alone is unable to effectively spur economic growth. | Economic growth; Monetary policy; South Africa; Vector error correction model | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247376503 | Using blended learning to boost motivation and performance in introductory economics modules | van Der Merwe A. | 2007 | South African Journal of Economics | 75 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2007.00109.x | Department of Applied Management, Durban University of Technology, Scottsville, South Africa | van Der Merwe, A., Department of Applied Management, Durban University of Technology, Scottsville, South Africa | This paper explores the potential of online learning, in a local context, to provide academic economics with much of the context it currently lacks and which may be implicated in students' lack of motivation to engage with the discipline. Since weak motivation can be expected to play out in poor performance, the study set out to establish, firstly, whether the online intervention was a motivational experience for students. Secondly, various tests were performed to determine whether - and how strongly - motivation and performance are related. The study concludes that even the weak statistical promise of online learning, as in this particular case, should be embraced given the interest displayed by students in online economics teaching and learning. © 2007 The Author. Journal compilation © 2007 Economic Society of South Africa 2007. | None | academic performance; economics; learning; student; teaching | None |
| WoS | WOS:000310590100002 | Perceptions of health and environmental impacts of e-waste management in Ghana | Agyei-Mensah, Samuel,Oteng-Ababio, Martin | 2012 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH | 22 | 6 | 10.1080/09603123.2012.667795 | University of Ghana | "Agyei-Mensah, Samuel: University of Ghana","Oteng-Ababio, Martin: University of Ghana" | This paper explores the perception of health and environmental concerns of workers and residents living close to e-waste recycling sites in Ghana using both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. The social constructionist approach and a logit regression model were adopted to examine the rationale of their claims and concerns which have hitherto been unknown and unexplored. We find that workers' environmental and health perceptions were seriously downplayed and do not match those of epidemiological studies, revealing a lack of convergence between lay and expert knowledge. This study further shows a respondent-specificity rationale; the perception of those directly involved in the processes was mainly influenced by economic considerations, while some at best displayed "genuine'' ignorance. We recommend that all policy interventions incorporate approaches that have a better chance of arriving at conclusions economically meaningful to participants and that facilitate greater understanding of health and environmental issues. | "ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH","e-waste recycling",GHANA,POVERTY,"RISK PERCEPTION",AIR-POLLUTION,AREA,CHINA,ELECTRONIC-WASTE,PEOPLE | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919926483 | Outdoor ventilation performance of various configurations of a layout of two adjacent buildings under isothermal conditions | Ayo S.A., Mohd-Ghazali N., Mansor S. | 2015 | Building Simulation | 8 | 1 | 10.1007/s12273-014-0195-2 | Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | Ayo, S.A., Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Mohd-Ghazali, N., Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Mansor, S., Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia | This paper explores the pedestrian-level wind environment around two buildings of unequal heights for the effects of ratio of height of upwind building to that of downwind building, referred to as buildings height ratio, spacing distance between the buildings, and direction of ambient wind, on the outdoor air ventilation. The objective is to propose appropriate spacing distances for various configurations of this type of buildings layout in a suburban area of Kuala Lumpur, which would enable harnessing the full ventilation potential of the local wind conditions. A three-dimensional numerical technique employing computational fluid dynamics simulation of continuity and Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations was used to study the turbulent flow field around the full-scale sizes of the buildings. Results indicate the influence of spacing distance between buildings, relative heights of the buildings and direction of ambient wind on outdoor ventilation. Results also show that 3-D turbulent flow processes such as lateral and secondary flows play significant roles in defining the wind flow pattern and ventilation availability. The perpendicular wind direction presents remarkable adverse effects compared to the inclined direction, while a higher upwind building height which would ordinarily be expected to proportionally obstruct wind flow could be of advantage, at low values of building height ratios, in enhancing outdoor ventilation. The findings established the need to give consideration to climatic factors such as wind flow and direction in planning urban cities, as it affects buildings to be situated in close proximity, especially when there is height difference. © 2014, Tsinghua University Press and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | appropriate spacing distance; computational fluid dynamics; height ratio; outdoor air ventilation; two-building layout; wind direction | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893739555 | The impacts of hybrid maize seed on the welfare of farming households in Kenya | Mathenge M.K., Smale M., Olwande J. | 2014 | Food Policy | 44 | None | 10.1016/j.foodpol.2013.09.013 | Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development, Egerton University, P.O. Box 20498, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, 202 Agriculture Hall, 446 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing, MI 48824-1039, United States | Mathenge, M.K., Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development, Egerton University, P.O. Box 20498, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya; Smale, M., Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, 202 Agriculture Hall, 446 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing, MI 48824-1039, United States; Olwande, J., Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development, Egerton University, P.O. Box 20498, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya | This paper explores the impacts of hybrid maize adoption on the welfare of farming households in Kenya. We use a four-year panel dataset to estimate the effects of hybrid seed use on four indicators of household welfare, namely, income, assets, inequality and poverty. Results show that use of hybrid seed not only contributes to higher annual income, but also to raising the value of assets, possibly reflecting longer-term welfare effects. Further, we find that use of hybrid seed reduces the depth of poverty, and that the amount planted reduces inequality. As expected, impacts differ between major and minor maize-growing areas of the country. Maize farmers who do not use hybrid seed are clearly disadvantaged. This calls for continued public and private investments in the infrastructure and policy process that supports a competitive, liberalized seed industry and improved access of smallholder farmers to well-adapted, affordable hybrids. © 2014 . | Household welfare; Input use; Kenya; Maize | crop production; household income; hybrid; maize; poverty; seed; smallholder; welfare impact; Kenya; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884739741 | The impact of regulation on risk perception: Evidence from the zimbabwean banking industry | Ojiako U., Manungo T., Chipulu M., Johnson J. | 2013 | African Development Review | 25 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1467-8268.2013.12029.x | Faculty of Management, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2000, South Africa; School of Management, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom | Ojiako, U., Faculty of Management, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2000, South Africa; Manungo, T., School of Management, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom; Chipulu, M., School of Management, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom; Johnson, J., School of Management, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom | This paper explores the impact of regulations on the perceptions and management of risk. The study focuses on Zimbabwean banks. We evaluated the influence of banking regulatory policy using data gathered from a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) questionnaire and data measuring annual overall output from Zimbabwean banks. We employed a number of statistical models (Binomial, HLogLinear models and time series forecasting) to test various hypotheses concerning the perception of bank employees of the impact of regulation on the management of risk in Zimbabwean banks. We found that: (1) respondents' perceptions of the impact of regulation on risk management correlated among different risk types in Zimbabwean banks; (2) respondents generally appeared to perceive dollarization and Basel II positively; and (3) respondents were not optimistic about the impact of Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) policy on overall banking efficiency. © 2013 The Authors. African Development Review © 2013 African Development Bank. | None | banking; numerical model; policy approach; questionnaire survey; regulatory framework; risk perception; time series; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745580840 | Impact of Bt cotton adoption on pesticide use by smallholders: A 2-year survey in Makhatini Flats (South Africa) | Hofs J.-L., Fok M., Vaissayre M. | 2006 | Crop Protection | 25 | 9 | 10.1016/j.cropro.2006.01.006 | CIRAD, Cotton Systems Research Unit, Pretoria, South Africa; CIRAD, Cotton Systems Research Unit, Montpellier, France | Hofs, J.-L., CIRAD, Cotton Systems Research Unit, Pretoria, South Africa; Fok, M., CIRAD, Cotton Systems Research Unit, Montpellier, France; Vaissayre, M., CIRAD, Cotton Systems Research Unit, Montpellier, France | This paper explores insecticide use in fields cropped with conventional or Bt cotton varieties in a smallholder farming area (Makhathini Flats, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa). The study was carried out during the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 growing seasons as part of a broader survey based on daily monitoring of a sample of smallholdings. The adoption of Bt cotton led to a decrease in pyrethroid use, but the level of insect resistance of this cultivar was not sufficient to completely drop this pesticide from the spraying programme. On the other hand, organophosphates were still being applied in substantial amounts, thus raising questions as to the impact of Bt cotton adoption on farmers' health. The overall economic results obtained with Bt cotton were slightly positive despite the low cotton yields obtained in the Flats during our survey. Bt cotton adoption did lead to labour savings, but the extent of this gain was not as high as expected. In conclusion, cropping Bt cotton in Makhathini Flats did not generate sufficient income to expect a tangible and sustainable socioeconomic improvement due to the way the crop is currently managed. Adoption of an innovation like Bt cotton seems to pay only in an agro-system with a sufficient level of intensification. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Bt cotton; Cost-effectiveness; Insecticide use; Integrated crop management; Safety; Small-scale farming; South Africa | cotton; growing season; innovation; insecticide; organophosphate; smallholder; socioeconomic conditions; yield response; Africa; KwaZulu-Natal; Makhathini Flats; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Gossypium hirsutum; Insecta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904413764 | The impact of gender difference on entrepreneurship inclinations in Nigeria | Unruh J., Adewusi A., Boolaky M. | 2014 | International Journal of Business and Globalisation | 13 | 1 | 10.1504/IJBG.2014.063391 | University of Liverpool, P.O. Box 16203, Two Rivers, AK 99716, United States; University of Liverpool/Laureate, 34, Eric Moore Rd, Iganmu, Lagos, Nigeria; University of Liverpool/Laureate, 36 A Swami Sivanandah Avenue, Floreal, Mauritius | Unruh, J., University of Liverpool, P.O. Box 16203, Two Rivers, AK 99716, United States; Adewusi, A., University of Liverpool/Laureate, 34, Eric Moore Rd, Iganmu, Lagos, Nigeria; Boolaky, M., University of Liverpool/Laureate, 36 A Swami Sivanandah Avenue, Floreal, Mauritius | This paper explores gender differences attributed to the motivators a group of entrepreneurs in a Nigerian city have in opting to run their own business. It uses the existing theoretical framework of push and pull factors to determine the motivation for male and female entrepreneurs to be in business and explore the potential gender differences that may exist within the entrepreneurial motivations. Empirical data collected from semi-structured interviews used a convenience sample of 60 entrepreneurs, 30 males and 30 females. Most of the administered survey questions were presented using a Likert format to determine the characteristics of each group. The resultant data were inferentially analysed to develop conclusions about significant differences from mean scores. The study found that males were significantly different from females in their reasons for starting a business; as one example, more female entrepreneurs expected to enjoy their jobs compared with the men even though many of them expressed that they do not have other satisfying jobs. The results of this research work identified some differences which are peculiar to only Nigerian entrepreneurs; they should not be used to infer equivalent gender differences in other countries except where these studies are replicated. Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Customer orientation; Entrepreneur education; Entrepreneurs; Female; Gender; Job preferences; Male; Own boss | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931576293 | The impact of statistical learning on violations of the sure-thing principle | Nicholls N., Romm A.T., Zimper A. | 2015 | Journal of Risk and Uncertainty | 50 | 2 | 10.1007/s11166-015-9210-y | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria, South Africa; School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Nicholls, N., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria, South Africa; Romm, A.T., School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Zimper, A., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria, South Africa | This paper experimentally tests whether violations of Savage’s (1954) sure-thing principle (STP) decrease through statistical learning. Our subjects repeatedly had to bet on the drawings from an urn with an unknown proportion of differently colored balls. The control group was thereby subjected to learning through mere thought only. In addition, the test group received more and more statistical information over the course of the experiment by observing the color of the ball actually drawn after each bet. We expected that statistical learning would decrease the decision makers’ ambiguity, thereby implying a stronger decrease of STP violations in the test than in the control group. However, our data surprisingly shows that learning by mere thought rather than statistical learning leads to a decrease in STP violations. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media New York. | Independence axiom; Learning; Prospect theory; Statistical learning; Sure thing principle | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84961292145 | Heuristic space diversity control for improved meta-hyper-heuristic performance | Grobler J., Engelbrecht A.P., Kendall G., Yadavalli V.S.S. | 2015 | Information Sciences | 300 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ins.2014.11.012 | Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; School of Computer Science, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom; University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus, Malaysia; Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Grobler, J., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Engelbrecht, A.P., Department of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Kendall, G., School of Computer Science, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus, Malaysia; Yadavalli, V.S.S., Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This paper expands on the concept of heuristic space diversity and investigates various strategies for the management of heuristic space diversity within the context of a meta-hyper-heuristic algorithm in search of greater performance benefits. Evaluation of various strategies on a diverse set of floating-point benchmark problems shows that heuristic space diversity has a significant impact on hyper-heuristic performance. An exponentially increasing strategy (EIHH) obtained the best results. The value of a priori information about constituent algorithm performance on the benchmark set in question was also evaluated. Finally, EIHH demonstrated good performance when compared to a popular population based algorithm portfolio algorithm and the best performing constituent algorithm. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Diversity management; Heuristic space diversity; Hyper-heuristics | Algorithms; Digital arithmetic; Heuristic algorithms; Heuristic methods; Algorithm performance; Bench-mark problems; Diversity managements; Hyper-heuristic algorithms; Hyper-heuristics; Performance benefits; Population-based algorithm; Space diversity; Benchmarking | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870504997 | The impact of socially responsible investment index constituent announcements on firm price: Evidence from the JSE | Gladysek O., Chipeta C. | 2012 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 15 | 4 | None | School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Gladysek, O., School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Chipeta, C., School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | This paper examines whether Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Index constituent announcements have any impact on the returns of firms listing on the JSE SRI Index. The event study methodology is utilised to estimate abnormal returns for the firms included in the Index. The results indicate insignificant average abnormal returns (AARs) for the years 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, suggesting no significant shareholder gains over the entire event window. However, the year 2005 is associated with positive and significant abnormal returns. Post announcement cumulative average abnormal returns (CAARs) are positive for the years 2005 and 2007. However, the year 2008 exhibited extreme swings in CAARs with a general declining trend in the latter part of the event window. These swings are attributed to the global financial crisis of 2008. Furthermore, the cumulative returns for the total sample show no clear outperformance of the SRI over the JSE All Share Index. | Abnormal returns; Event study; JSE; Socially responsible index | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-28744446906 | Statistical evaluation of the hydraulic conductivity of compacted lateritic soil | Nwaiwu C.M.O., Osinubi K.J., Afolayan J.O. | 2005 | Geotechnical Testing Journal | 28 | 6 | None | Department of Civil and Water Resources Engineering, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri 600004, Borno State, Nigeria; Department of Civil Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria | Nwaiwu, C.M.O., Department of Civil and Water Resources Engineering, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri 600004, Borno State, Nigeria; Osinubi, K.J., Department of Civil Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Afolayan, J.O., Department of Civil Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria | This paper examines the variation of hydraulic conductivity of a compacted lateritic soil with molding water content, dry unit weight, and initial degree of saturation under as-compacted conditions. Trends in the hydraulic conductivity versus molding water content relationships are similar to those obtained for nonlateritic, temperate zone soils. Hydraulic conductivity generally decreased as dry unit weight and initial degree of saturation increased. However, for the same values of dry unit weight, specimens compacted on the wet side of optimum water content yielded lower hydraulic conductivities than those compacted on the dry side of optimum water content. For lateritic soil specimens compacted at about 2 % or more on the wet side of optimum water content, hydraulic conductivities less than 1 × 10-7 cm/s can be achieved when the dry unit weight is greater than or equal to 16.3 kN/m 3 and initial saturation is greater than or equal to 88 %. Statistical analysis of the results obtained in this study show that relatively weak relationships exist between hydraulic conductivity and molding water content or dry unit weight. Stronger relationships are obtained when hydraulic conductivity is plotted against initial degree of saturation. It is shown that a more accurate prediction of hydraulic conductivity can be achieved when a multiple regression equation is used to relate degree of saturation and compaction energy to hydraulic conductivity. The British Standard heavy compactive effort offers a wider range of molding water contents within which soils can be compacted to yield low hydraulic conductivity. This range is, however, limited by consideration for long-term desiccation and shear strength. Copyright © 2005 by ASTM International. | Compactive effort; Hydraulic conductivity; Initial saturation; Lateritic soil; Minimum dry unit weight; Molding water content; Statistical analysis | Moisture; Regression analysis; Soils; Compactive effort; Initial saturation; Lateritic soil; Minimum dry unit weight; Molding water content; Hydraulic conductivity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892570287 | Combating human trafficking in Nigeria: An evaluation of state policies and programmes | Duru E.J.C., Ogbonnaya U.M. | 2012 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 3 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2012.v3n3p161 | Department of Political Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria | Duru, E.J.C., Department of Political Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Ogbonnaya, U.M., Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria | This paper examines the social problem of trafficking in human beings in Nigeria. It considers the root causes of the problem, the socio-economic implication of human trafficking, its recent global dimension and the policies and programmes of the Nigerian state in combating this ugly phenomenon. The paper made predominant use of secondary sources of data. Findings reveal that though the state has certain policies and programs aimed at combating human trafficking, the problem persists because the institutions saddled with these responsibilities are fundamentally weak. The paper, therefore, recommends certain measures to help in tackling the problem of human trafficking in Nigeria. | Humah trafficking; Nigeria; State policies | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77649134931 | Zimbabwean urban grooves and their subversive performance practices | Manase I. | 2009 | Social Dynamics | 35 | 1 | 10.1080/02533950802666923 | Department of English, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa | Manase, I., Department of English, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa | This paper examines the role played by popular culture in response to the effects of the unfolding social and political repression on the ordinary Zimbabwean after 2000. The arts is one sector where the Zimbabwean government fostered its repressive hegemony. An urban youth music genre called 'urban grooves' rose to prominence during the period under focus here and some of the artists colluded with the government in propagating an anti-Western imperialism campaign. This paper evaluates the nature of the genre's performance practices and its role in the government's anti-Western imperialism campaign. It also discusses the complexities associated with notions of complicity and resistance as urban grooves artists resisted both Western hegemony, as per the government's campaign, and subverted the same government's censorship of the urban youth's and the general society's imaginary and other freedoms. | Anti-western cultural imperialism; Complicity; Popular culture; Subversion; Zimbabwean urban grooves | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78449276319 | Impact of reforestation in a part of degrading natural ecological system of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | Oriola E.O., Ifabiyi I.P., Hammed A.T. | 2010 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 5 | 20 | None | Department of Geography, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Park and Garden Unit, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Oriola, E.O., Department of Geography, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Ifabiyi, I.P., Department of Geography, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Hammed, A.T., Park and Garden Unit, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | This paper examines the response of soils in degraded land to reforestation in Ilorin region. A total of 16 soil samples were systematically collected from two quadrats of 25 × 25 m in each of reforested and deforested sites respectively. Standard laboratory techniques were used to test 8 soil fertility indices on each of the landscapes. Coefficient of variation was used to establish variability or otherwise within the data set. Student's 't' test was used to determine the significance of difference of the sample means of forested and deforested soil parameters. The result of the laboratory test revealed that vegetation cover affects the soil properties. Generally, the physical properties of the soil in this area are homogenous but variations exist in the chemical properties which fundamentally determine soil fertility. At the end, the conclusion was that fertility status of the soil increased under forest cover. It is therefore important for the government to provide adequate awareness and educate the people on reforestation of degraded land and land use and soil properties because they tend to affect each other. Government at local, state and federal levels should intensify effort on afforestation projects and replacement of trees when cut. Forest funding for afforestation has to shift from public to private to enhance community participation and their mobilization for forest conservation and sustainable forest resources and environmental development. © 2010 Academic Journals. | Afforestation; Deforestation; Soil fertility status; Soil properties; Trees | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646193106 | Planning and performance of small and medium enterprise operators in a country in transition | Yusuf A., Saffu K. | 2005 | Journal of Small Business Management | 43 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1540-627X.2005.00148.x | Corporate Planning and Development Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Nigeria; Department of Entrepreneurship, Brock University, St. Catherines, Ont., Canada | Yusuf, A., Corporate Planning and Development Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Nigeria; Saffu, K., Department of Entrepreneurship, Brock University, St. Catherines, Ont., Canada | This paper examines the relationship between planning and performance of small and medium enterprise operators in a country in economic transition. The literature on planning-performance relationship reports mixed findings. In a period of uncertainty, as exemplified by conditions of economic difficulties, one would expect firms to do more planning. On the contrary, our study shows that economic difficulties do not encourage firms to plan seriously. Our study also shows that firms that plan do not necessarily experience increased performance, with the exception of the manufacturing sector. Other findings of the study include a significant gender difference in the planning sophistication of small firms in Ghana, with firms managed or owned by males having sophisticated planning compared with female managed or female-owned businesses. Size did not moderate planning performance in our study. Planning affected performance equally in both large and small firms in our study. We found no difference among the planning clusters for education. Firms with the highest growth in sales had low-planning sophistication. This study contributes to our understanding and appreciation of situations in which planning does not necessarily add significant value to organizations (by way of increased performance). | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897137420 | Does ownership structure affect firm performance? Evidence from Nigerian listed companies | Tsegba I.N., Achua J.K. | 2011 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 9 | 1 F | None | Department of Accounting, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria | Tsegba, I.N., Department of Accounting, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria; Achua, J.K., Department of Accounting, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria | This paper examines the relationship between ownership structure and firm performance from the perspective of listed Nigerian companies. The sample comprises 73 companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange for which relevant financial data is available for the period 2001 to 2007. The empirical results obtained through ordinary least squares (OLS) analysis provide evidence which suggests that dominant shareholding, ownership concentration, and foreign ownership structures have no significant effect on firm performance. However, insider ownership is inversely related to firm performance. Two major policy implications emerge from the results of this study. First, since ownership structures such as, dominant shareholding, concentrated ownership, and foreign ownership have no significant effect on firm performance, government emphasis on them is misplaced. Second, insider ownership of Nigerian firms is to be monitored closely by shareholders due to the adverse effect of this ownership structure on firm performance. | Corporate governance; Corporate ownership structure; Dominant shareholder; Firm performance; Foreign ownership; Insider ownership; Nigeria; Ownership concentration | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897148411 | Ownership structure and firm performance: Evidence from nigerian listed companies | Abosede Adebiyi J., Kajola Sunday O. | 2011 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 8 | 4 E | None | Department of Business Administration, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria; Department of Accounting, Banking and Finance, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria | Abosede Adebiyi, J., Department of Business Administration, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria; Kajola Sunday, O., Department of Accounting, Banking and Finance, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria | This paper examines the relationship between firms' ownership structure and financial performance in Nigeria, using a sample of thirty listed companies between 2001 and 2008. Using pooled OLS as a method of estimation and after controlling for four firm-specific characteristics, our results show a negative and significant relationship between ownership structure (director shareholding) and firm financial performance (ROE). This is in support of Entrenchment hypothesis. Also, our study does not support a non-linear relationship between ownership structure and firm performance. | Agency cost; Corporate governance; Nigeria; Ownership structure; ROE | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-29244431634 | The reach and impact of Child Support Grants: Evidence from KwaZulu-Natal | Case A., Hosegood V., Lund F. | 2005 | Development Southern Africa | 22 | 4 | 10.1080/03768350500322925 | Department of Economics and Public Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; School of Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Population Studies Group, Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Mtubatuba, South Africa | Case, A., Department of Economics and Public Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States, Population Studies Group, Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Hosegood, V., Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Population Studies Group, Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Lund, F., School of Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Population Studies Group, Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Mtubatuba, South Africa | This paper examines the reach and impact of the South African Child Support Grant, using longitudinal data collected through the Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies. The grant is being taken up for a third of all age-eligible resident children, and appears to be reaching those children living in the poorer households of the demographic surveillance area (DSA). Children who received the grant are significantly more likely to be enrolled in school in the years following grant receipt than are equally poor children of the same age. However, older brothers and sisters of grant recipients, when they were observed at younger ages, were less likely than other children to be enrolled in school - perhaps reflecting the greater poverty in grant-receiving households. Thus the grant appears to help overcome the impact of poverty on school enrolment. © 2005 Development Bank of Southern Africa. | None | child care; child development; social policy; Africa; KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749380087 | Foreign direct investment in Africa: Performance, challenges, and responsibilities | Dupasquier C., Osakwe P.N. | 2006 | Journal of Asian Economics | 17 | 2 | 10.1016/j.asieco.2005.07.002 | UN Economic Commission for Africa, P.O. Box 3005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Dupasquier, C., UN Economic Commission for Africa, P.O. Box 3005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Osakwe, P.N., UN Economic Commission for Africa, P.O. Box 3005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | This paper examines the performance, promotion, and prospects for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa. Factors such as political and macroeconomic instability, low growth, weak infrastructure, poor governance, inhospitable regulatory environments, and ill-conceived investment promotion strategies, are identified as responsible for the poor FDI record of the region. The paper stresses the need for more trade and investment relations between Africa and Asia. It also argues that countries in the region should pay more attention to the improvement of relations with existing investors and offer them incentives to assist in marketing domestic investment opportunities to potential foreign investors. Finally, the paper argues that the current wave of globalization sweeping through the world has intensified the competition for FDI among developing countries. Consequently, concerted efforts are needed at the national, regional, and international levels in order to attract significant investment flows to Africa and improve the prospects for sustained growth and development. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Africa; Foreign direct investment; Promotion; Responsibilities | None | None |
| None | None | The negative impact of land acquisition on indigenous communities' livelihood and environment in Tanzania | Kusiluka M.M., Kongela S., Kusiluka M.A., Karimuribo E.D., Kusiluka L.J.M. | 2011 | Habitat International | 35 | 1 | 10.1016/j.habitatint.2010.03.001 | School of Real Estate Studies, Ardhi University, P.O. Box 35176, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy, Tanzania; Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania | Kusiluka, M.M., School of Real Estate Studies, Ardhi University, P.O. Box 35176, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kongela, S., School of Real Estate Studies, Ardhi University, P.O. Box 35176, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kusiluka, M.A., Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy, Tanzania; Karimuribo, E.D., Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania; Kusiluka, L.J.M., Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania | This paper examines the negative impact of land acquisition programmes on the indigenous communities' livelihood and environment. The paper presents the key findings of a study which was carried out in Morogoro Municipality in Tanzania. The study was carried out in four wards covering the peripheries of Morogoro Municipality and some sections of Uluguru Mountains forest reserve. A combination of Participatory Urban Appraisal (PUA) techniques and direct researchers' observations were used to collect primary data for the study. Published and grey literature was the main source of secondary data. Findings show that land acquisition programmes in the study area have a negative impact on the livelihood of indigenous people and the environment. Some of the problems noted include loss of land, loss of means of livelihood, disruption of economic activities, persistent land-related conflicts, and relocations to poorly developed areas, inadequate and late compensation, and environmental degradation. Disagreement over the implementation of the provisions of the land acquisition legislation was noted to be one of the main sources of land acquisition related disputes. Low level of education and ignorance of the law by the majority of the indigenous people was another cause of land-related disputes. To address the problems, the paper advances some recommendations. These include the carrying out of adequate consultation and sensitization prior to land acquisition exercises, payment of full, fair and prompt compensation to the affected people, promoting conservation agriculture on the mountain slopes, strengthening awareness programmes on the land laws and policies, and improving ordinary people's access to .formal institutions responsible for the provision of justice. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Environment; Indigenous communities; Land acquisition; Tanzania | indigenous population; land use planning; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84912561321 | Transforming conflicts with information: Impacts of UN peace radio programmes in the Democratic Republic of Congo | Jacob J.U.-U. | 2014 | War and Society | 33 | 4 | 10.1179/0729247314Z.00000000043 | American University of Nigeria, Nigeria | Jacob, J.U.-U., American University of Nigeria, Nigeria | This paper examines the nature and impacts of two intervention radio programmes broadcast on Radio Okapi - the radio service of the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) managed by the Swiss-based Hirondelle Foundation. A matched randomized rechnique was used to assign Rwandan Hutus and Congolese autochthons in South Kivu province to listen to one of the two programmes within their naturalistic contexts for thirteen months. Autochthon control groups listened to Gutahuka, while Hutu control groups listened to Dialogue Entre Congolais. At the end of the treatment, participants' perceptions of barriers to peace, descriptive and prescriptive interventions; victimhood and villainy; opportunities for personal development and civic engagement were assessed in sixteen focus groups across four towns. Two critical findings have emerged from the study: first, hate contents are not only ones that are overtly hateful - messages targeted at specific groups for the purpose of achieving behavioural change can lead to alienation and hostility towards the target group by non-target groups exposed to the messages; second, contextually associated individuals or social groups do not always have homogenous interpretation of media messages. At the core of audience engagement and interpretation is the idealogical orientation of messages that audiences are exposed to and how such messages interact with local epistemes including historical and subjective realities. The paper concludes that media intervention contents that purvey a narrative without first understanding how it interacts with other epistemic narratives and metaphors on ground, run the risk of deepening rifts between groups and escalating the conflict. © 2014 School of Humanities & Social Sciences, The University of New South Wales | Demobilisation; Dialogue entre congolais; Disarmament; Gutahuka; Information intervention; Repatriation | None | BIEA, British Institute in Eastern Africa |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897449492 | Oil price shocks and macroeconomic performance in Nigeria [Shock de precios del petróleo y el desempeño macroeconómico de Nigeria] | Akinleye S.O., Ekpo S. | 2013 | Economia Mexicana, Nueva Epoca | 22 | 4 | None | Department of Economics, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Akinleye, S.O., Department of Economics, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Ekpo, S., Department of Economics, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | This paper examines the macroeconomic implications of symmetric and asymmetric oil price and oil revenue shocks in Nigeria, using the vector autoregressive (VAR) estimation technique. The paper finds that both positive and negative oil price shocks influence real government expenditure only in the long run rather than in the short run, while examining positive and negative shocks to external reserves revealed stronger implications for expenditure in the long run, with positive rather than negative oil price shocks having stronger short and long run effects on real gdp, and therefore triggering inflationary pressure and domestic currency depreciation as importation rises. This implies that the country exhibits the Dutch disease syndrome in the short and long run. However, results obtained show that oil revenue shocks are capable of impeding economic growth only in the long run while raising general price levels marginally in the short run after the initial shocks, with evidence of serious threat to interest rate and the domestic currency in the short and medium term, as the volume of imports increases significantly along with the external reserves. Findings on the asymmetric effects of oil revenue shocks revealed that positive shocks to oil revenue stimulate expansionary fiscal posture in the Nigerian economy in the short run in line with theory, thereby creating inflationary pressure and domestic currency depreciation. The combined implications of these discoveries suggest the need for proper coordination of fiscal and monetary policy for sustainable macroeconomic stability to be achieved. | Macroeconomic performance; Oil price shocks; Oil revenue; VAR | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898855179 | The impact of microinsurance on household asset accumulation in Ghana: An asset index approach | Akotey J.O., Adjasi C. | 2014 | Geneva Papers on Risk and Insurance: Issues and Practice | 39 | 2 | 10.1057/gpp.2014.6 | University of Stellenbosch Business School, P.O. Box 610, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa | Akotey, J.O., University of Stellenbosch Business School, P.O. Box 610, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa; Adjasi, C., University of Stellenbosch Business School, P.O. Box 610, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa | This paper examines the link between microinsurance services and households' asset accumulation in Ghana. Using FINSCOPE data from the nation-wide household surveys conducted by FinMark Trust, we created a household asset index using the multiple correspondence analysis approach. We employed three methods: Heckman sample selection, instrumental variable and treatment effects models to estimate the impact of microinsurance on household asset accumulation. These models control for the problem of endogeneity treatment effects and self-selection bias associated with the usage of microinsurance services. The findings show that microinsurance has a positive welfare impact in terms of household asset accumulation. This suggests that microinsurance prevents asset pawning and liquidation of essential household assets at "give away" prices. By absorbing the risk of low-income households, insurance equips them to cope effectively with risk, empowers them to escape poverty and sustains the welfare gains achieved. © 2014 The International Association for the Study of Insurance Economics 1018-5895/14. | Asset accumulation; Ghana; Households; Microinsurance | 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-s2.0-33749053144 | The impacts of decentralization on health care seeking behaviors in Uganda | Hutchinson P., Akin J., Ssengooba F. | 2006 | International Journal of Health Planning and Management | 21 | 3 | 10.1002/hpm.848 | Department of International Health and Development, School Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States; Department of Economics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Institute of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | Hutchinson, P., Department of International Health and Development, School Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States; Akin, J., Department of Economics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Ssengooba, F., Institute of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | This paper examines the impacts of a public sector decentralization program on health care seeking behaviors in Uganda in the 1990s. Shifting priorities by local governments in Uganda's decentralized health system away from provision of primary health care, in particular the provision of public goods or goods with substantial consumption externalities, and toward provision of private health goods such as curative care are linked to shifts in individual-level care utilization behaviors. This analysis finds that, while the country has been undergoing a multitude of changes in recent years, decentralization appears to have led to increases in the use of curative services with largely private benefits, perhaps at the expense of the use of primary health care services and services with consumption externalities. A longer period of analysis is required to determine the persistence of these effects. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Decentralization; Impact evaluation; Uganda | decentralization; health policy; health services; public sector; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; budget; decentralization; evidence based practice; government; health care delivery; health care policy; health care system; health care utilization; health program; health service; help seeking behavior; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunization; outcomes research; primary health care; Uganda; vaccination; Health Care Reform; Health Care Surveys; Health Priorities; Humans; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Politics; Primary Health Care; Privatization; Regional Health Planning; Uganda; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896505924 | The impact of the declining extended family support system on the education of orphans in Lesotho | Tanga P.T. | 2013 | African Journal of AIDS Research | 12 | 3 | 10.2989/16085906.2013.863217 | Department of Social Work/Social Development, University of Fort Hare, PB X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | Tanga, P.T., Department of Social Work/Social Development, University of Fort Hare, PB X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | This paper examines the impact of the weakening of the extended family on the education of double orphans in Lesotho through in-depth interviews with participants from 3 of the 10 districts in Lesotho. The findings reveal that in Lesotho the extended family has not yet disintegrated as the literature suggests. However, it shows signs of rupturing, as many orphans reported that they are being taken into extended family households, the incentive for these households being, presumably, the financial and other material assistance that they receive from the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which supplements household income and material wellbeing. The findings show that financial and other assistance given by the government and NGOs have resulted in conflict between the orphans and caregivers. This has also prompted many extended families to shift responsibilities to the government and NGOs. Most of the extended households provided the orphans with poor living conditions, such as unhygienic houses, poor nutrition, and little or no provision of school materials, which has had a negative impact on the education of the orphans. The combined effects of economic crisis and HIV and AIDS have resulted in extended families not being able to care for the needs of the orphans adequately, whilst continuing to accept them into their households. It is recommended that although extended families are still accepting orphans, the government should strengthen and recognise the important role played by families and the communities in caring for these vulnerable children. The government should also introduce social grants for orphans and other vulnerable children and review the current meagre public assistance (R100) it provides for orphans and vulnerable children in Lesotho. Other stakeholders should concentrate on strengthening the capacity of families and communities through programmes and projects which could be more sustainable than the current handouts given by many NGOs. © 2013 NISC (Pty) Ltd. | Care and support; Caregivers; Education; Extended family; HIV and AIDS; Orphans | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; caregiver; conceptual framework; education; extended family; family counseling; household; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; income; interview; Lesotho; methodology; nutrition; organization; social care; wellbeing | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67649118525 | Competitive strategy, environmental characteristics and performance in African emerging economies: Lessons from firms in Ghana | Acquaah M., Adjei M.C., Mensa-Bonsu I.F. | 2008 | Journal of African Business | 9 | 1 | 10.1080/15228910802052732 | Bryan School of Business and Economics, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, P.O. Box 26165, Greensboro, NC 27402, United States; Community Water and Sanitation Agency, Sunyani, Ghana; Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Acquaah, M., Bryan School of Business and Economics, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, P.O. Box 26165, Greensboro, NC 27402, United States; Adjei, M.C., Community Water and Sanitation Agency, Sunyani, Ghana; Mensa-Bonsu, I.F., Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | This paper examines the impact of the implementation of competitive strategy on organizational performance in response to economic liberalization policies using survey data from organizations in Ghana. We also examine how the perceived intensity of industry competition and industry sector moderate the relationship between competitive strategy and organizational performance. The results show that the implementation of the competitive strategies of low-cost, differentiation, and integrated low-cost and differentiation were all positively related to performance (return on assets and return on sales). We also find that both industry competition and industry sector moderate the relationship between differentiation strategy and return on assets. Moreover, industry competition moderates the relationships between both low-cost and differentiation strategies and return on sales. The results indicate that implementing a clearly defined competitive strategy is beneficial to organizations experiencing significant changes in the environment due to economic liberalization. The findings also suggest that while low-cost strategy is more beneficial to organizations in a highly competitive industry, differentiation strategy is more beneficial to firms in lowly competitive industry. At the same time, organizations in the manufacturing sector benefit more than those in the service sector when they implement the differentiation strategy. Managerial implications are presented. © 2008 by The Haworth Press. All rights reserved. | African emerging economies; Competitive strategy; Economic liberalization; Industry competition; Industry sector; Organizational performance | corporate strategy; economic policy; implementation process; industrial competition; industrial performance; industrial structure; manufacturing; Africa; Ghana; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892750721 | Investigating the impacts of real exchange rates on economic growth: A case study of South Africa | Sibanda K., Ncwadi R., Mlambo C. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 13 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n13p261 | Department of Economics, University of Fort Hare, South Africa | Sibanda, K., Department of Economics, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Ncwadi, R., Department of Economics, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Mlambo, C., Department of Economics, University of Fort Hare, South Africa | This paper examines the impact of real exchange rates on economic growth in South Africa. The paper uses quarterly time series data for the period of 1994 to 2010. The Johansen cointegration and vector error correction model is used to determine the impact of real exchange on economic growth in South Africa. The explanatory variables in this paper are real exchange rates, real interest rates, money supply, trade openness and gross fixed capital formation. Results of the study reveals that real exchange rates have a dampening long run impact on economic growth in South Africa. From the regression results, it is noted that undervaluation of the currency significantly hampers growth in the long run, whilst it significantly enhances economic growth in the short run. As such, the policy of depreciating exchange rates to achieve higher growth rates is only effective in the short run and is not sustainable in the long run. Based on the findings of this study, the authors recommend that misalignment (overvaluation and undervaluation) of the currency should be avoided at all costs. In addition, the results of the study shows that interest rates also have a significant impact on growth and since interest rates have a bearing on the exchange rate, it is recommended that the current monetary policy of inflation targeting be maintained in South Africa. | Economic growth; Real exchange rates; South Africa; Vector Error Correction Modeling | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942104082 | The Impact of Exchange Rate Uncertainty on Exports in South Africa | Aye G.C., Gupta R., Moyo P.S., Pillay N. | 2015 | Journal of International Commerce, Economics and Policy | 6 | 1 | 10.1142/S1793993315500040 | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Aye, G.C., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Gupta, R., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Moyo, P.S., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Pillay, N., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This paper examines the impact of real effective exchange rate uncertainty (REER) on aggregate exports of South Africa for the period 1986Q4-2013Q2. Using a bivariate framework where the structural vector autoregression (VAR) is modified to accommodate bivariate GARCH-in-Mean (GARCH-M) errors, we find that exchange rate uncertainty has a significant and negative effect on exports. Comparing the response of exports to a shock in exchange rate from a model that includes the REER uncertainty with results from a model that restricts the coefficient of the exchange rate uncertainty to zero, we find that the response is more pronounced in the former model. Furthermore, real exports respond asymmetrically to negative and positive shocks of REER of the same size. © 2015 World Scientific Publishing Company. | bivariate GARCH-in-Mean VAR; Exchange rate uncertainty; exports; real effective exchange rate | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-43049132214 | Impacts of prime-age adult mortality on labour supply: Evidence from adolescents and women in South Africa | Yamauchi F., Buthelezi T., Velia M. | 2008 | Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics | 70 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1468-0084.2008.00504.x | International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States; Department of Social Development, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, Pretoria, South Africa; School of Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Yamauchi, F., International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States; Buthelezi, T., Department of Social Development, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, Pretoria, South Africa, School of Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Velia, M., School of Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | This paper examines the impact of prime-age adult mortality on the transition made by adolescents from school to the labour market and on female adult labour force participation decisions in South Africa. We find, first, that deaths of prime-age adults significantly increase both male and female adolescents' labour force participation as they stop their schooling. Secondly, the death of prime-age adults in general also decreases school enrolment ex ante. Thirdly, female adults tend to join the labour force following the death of prime-age adult males. These findings imply that prime-age adult mortality increases labour supply and disrupts human capital formation. © Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the Department of Economics, University of Oxford, 2008. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-47949100079 | The impact of highly active antiretroviral treatment (Haart) on employment in Khayelitsha | Coetzee C. | 2008 | South African Journal of Economics | 76 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2008.00166.x | School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Centre for Social Science Research, Cape Town, South Africa | Coetzee, C., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Centre for Social Science Research, Cape Town, South Africa | This paper examines the impact of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) on labour force participation of people living with HIV/AIDS in Khayelitsha, South Africa. Cox Proportional Hazard Models with stratum effects for three medical clinics, and Accelerated Failure Time Models with individual specific unobserved shared effects (frailty), are estimated for transitions from inactivity to unemployment, and transitions from unemployment into employment, using a longitudinal data set. The findings of this study indicate that HAART leads to greater activity in the labour market, but there was not a strong effect on re-entry into employment. © 2008 The Author. Journal compilation © 2008 The Economic Society of South Africa. | Employment; Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART); HIV/AIDS | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; data set; disease treatment; employment; human immunodeficiency virus; labor market; Africa; Khayelitsha; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Western Cape | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-23844464835 | The impact of health on poverty: Evidence from the south African integrated family survey | Godlonton S., Keswell M. | 2005 | South African Journal of Economics | 73 | 1 | None | School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Godlonton, S., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Keswell, M., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This paper examines the impact of health status on poverty status, accounting for the endogeneity of health status. Using exogenous measures of health status from the South African Integrated Health Survey, we instrument for health status while allowing for covariation among the unobservables influencing both health and household poverty status. Health status, as captured by the body mass index, is shown to strongly influence poverty status. Households that contain more unhealthy individuals are 60 per cent more likely to be income poor than households that contain fewer unhealthy individuals, and this finding appears invariant to the choice of poverty line. © 2005 Economic Society of South Africa. | Economic development; Health production; Poverty | health status; health survey; income; poverty determinant; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928765425 | The impact of climate change on net revenue and food adequacy of subsistence farming households in South Africa | Tibesigwa B., Visser M., Turpie J. | 2014 | Environment and Development Economics | 20 | 3 | 10.1017/S1355770X14000540 | Environmental-Economics Policy Research Unit, School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Environmental-Economics Policy Research Unit, School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Tibesigwa, B., Environmental-Economics Policy Research Unit, School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Visser, M., Environmental-Economics Policy Research Unit, School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Turpie, J., Environmental-Economics Policy Research Unit, School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa | This paper examines the impact of climate change on poor households across South Africa who practise subsistence farming to supplement their household income and dietary requirements. We consider three production systems: specialized crops, livestock and mixed crop-livestock farming. In general, we find specialized crop farmers to be the most vulnerable, while mixed crop-livestock farmers appear to be least vulnerable, suggesting that crop-livestock diversification is a potential coping strategy among poor subsistence farming households. We observe qualitatively similar results when we use self-reported food adequacy as the outcome. Furthermore, predicted impact shows that the climatic changes will be mildly harmful at first but will grow over time and lead to a 151 per cent loss in net revenue by the year 2080. Interestingly, we observe that crop farmers receive higher revenue when land is owned by the household, while on the other hand, livestock farmers earn more revenue when the land is communal. Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2014. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859029145 | Impact of climate change on children's health in Limpopo province, South Africa | Thompson A.A., Matamale L., Kharidza S.D. | 2012 | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health | 9 | 3 | 10.3390/ijerph9030831 | Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, Limpopo, South Africa | Thompson, A.A., Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, Limpopo, South Africa; Matamale, L., Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, Limpopo, South Africa; Kharidza, S.D., Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, Limpopo, South Africa | This paper examines the impact of climate change on children's health, in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Twenty one years climatic data were collected to analyse climatic conditions in the province. The study also employs 12 years hospital records of clinically diagnosed climate-related ailments among children under 13 years to examine the incidence, spatio-temporal, age and sex variations of the diseases. Regression analysis was employed to examine the relationships between climatic parameters and incidence of diseases and also to predict distribution of disease by 2050. The results show that the most prevalent diseases were diarrhea (42.4%), followed by respiratory infection (31.3%), asthma (6.6%) and malaria (6.5%). The incidence varied within city, with the high density areas recording the highest proportion (76.7%), followed by the medium (9.4%) and low (2.5%) density residential areas. The most tropical location, Mussina, had the highest incidence of the most prevalent disease, diarrhea, with 59.4%. Mortality rate was higher for males (54.2%). Analysis of 21 years of climatic data show that maximum temperature is positively correlated with years in four cities with r coefficients of 0.50; 0.56, 0.48 and 0.02, thereby indicating local warming. Similarly rainfall decreased over time in all the cities, with r ranging from-0.02 for Bela Bela to r = 0.18 for Makhado. Results of the regression analysis show that 37.9% of disease incidence is accounted for by the combined influence of temperature and rainfall. © 2012 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. | Children's health; Climate change; Limpopo province; South Africa | rain; asthma; child health; climate change; climate effect; diarrheal disease; malaria; mortality risk; population decline; regression analysis; spatiotemporal analysis; age; article; asthma; child; child health; climate change; dengue; diarrhea; environmental impact; female; human; malaria; male; measles; medical record; meningitis; morbidity; mortality; neoplasm; preschool child; prevalence; regression analysis; respiratory tract infection; school child; sex difference; South Africa; temperature; typhoid fever; yellow fever; Adolescent; Asthma; Child; Child, Preschool; Climate Change; Diarrhea; Female; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Malaria; Male; Meningitis; Prevalence; Rain; Respiratory Tract Infections; South Africa; Temperature; Limpopo; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649791393 | Capital structure and firm performance: Evidence from Nigeria | Onaolapo A.A., Kajola S.O. | 2010 | European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences | None | 25 | None | Department of Management Science, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Accounting, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria | Onaolapo, A.A., Department of Management Science, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Kajola, S.O., Department of Accounting, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria | This paper examines the impact of capital structure on firm's financial performance using sample of thirty non- financial firms listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange during the seven- year period, 2001- 2007. Panel data for the selected firms are generated and analyzed using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) as a method of estimation. The result shows that a firm's capital structure surrogated by Debt Ratio, DR has a significantly negative impact on the firm's financial measures (Return on Asset, ROA and Return on Equity, ROE). The study by these findings, indicate consistency with prior empirical studies and provide evidence in support of Agency cost theory. © EuroJournals, Inc. 2010. | Agency cost; Capital structure; Firm performance; Roa; Roe | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930627593 | The impact of banks and stock market development on economic growth in South Africa: An ARDL-bounds testing approach | Nyasha S., Odhiambo N.M. | 2015 | Contemporary Economics | 9 | 1 | 10.5709/ce.1897-9254.161 | UNISA, Department of Economics, South Africa | Nyasha, S., UNISA, Department of Economics, South Africa; Odhiambo, N.M., UNISA, Department of Economics, South Africa | This paper examines the impact of both bank- and market-based financial development on economic growth in South Africa during the period from 1980 to 2012. Unlike some previous studies, the current study employs means-removed average to construct both bank- and market-based financial development indices. The study uses the newly developed autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to examine this linkage. The empirical results of this study show that there is a positive relationship between bank-based financial development and economic growth in South Africa. The results, however, fail to find any relationship between market-based financial development and economic growth in South Africa. The results apply irrespective of whether the regression analysis is conducted in the short run or in the long run. These results imply that it is bank-based financial development rather than market-based financial development that plays a pivotal role in propelling South Africa’s real sector. © 2015, Wyzsza Szkola Finansow i Zarzadzania w Warszawie. All rights reserved. | Bank-based financial development; Economic growth; Market-based financial development; South Africa | 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-s2.0-84866644270 | Breaking community barriers to polio vaccination in northern nigeria: The impact of a grass roots mobilization campaign (Majigi) | Nasiru S.-G., Aliyu G.G., Gasasira A., Aliyu M.H., Zubair M., Mandawari S.U., Waziri H., Nasidi A., El-Kamary S.S. | 2012 | Pathogens and Global Health | 106 | 3 | 10.1179/2047773212Y.0000000018 | Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria; Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States; World Health Organization (WHO) Office, Abuja, Nigeria; Department of Preventive Medicine and Institute for Globa | Nasiru, S.-G., Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria; Aliyu, G.G., Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States; Gasasira, A., World Health Organization (WHO) Office, Abuja, Nigeria; Aliyu, M.H., Department of Preventive Medicine and Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; Zubair, M., World Health Organization (WHO) Office, Abuja, Nigeria; Mandawari, S.U., World Health Organization (WHO) Office, Abuja, Nigeria; Waziri, H., World Health Organization (WHO) Office, Abuja, Nigeria; Nasidi, A., Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria; El-Kamary, S.S., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States | This paper examines the impact of a community-based intervention on the trends in the uptake of polio vaccination following a community mobilization campaign for polio eradication in northern Nigeria. Uptake of polio vaccination in high-risk communities in this region has been considerably low despite routine and supplemental vaccination activities. Large numbers of children are left unvaccinated because of community misconceptions and distrust regarding the cause of the disease and the safety of the polio vaccine. The Majigi polio campaign was initiated in 2008 as a pilot trial in Gezawa, a local council with very low uptake of polio vaccination. The average monthly increase in the number of vaccinated children over the subsequent six months after the pilot trial was 1,047 [95% confidence interval (CI): 647-2045, P50.001]. An increasing trend in uptake of polio vaccination was also evident (P50.001). The outcome was consistent with a decrease or no trend in the detection of children with zero doses. The average monthly decrease in the number of children with zero doses was 6.2 (95% CI: 221 to 24, P50.353). Overall, there was a relative increase of approximately 310% in the polio vaccination uptake and a net reduction of 29% of never vaccinated children. The findings of this pilot test show that polio vaccination uptake can be enhanced by programs like Majigi that promote effective communication with the community. © W. S. Maney & Son Ltd 2012. | Majigi; Nigeria; Polio; Trend; Vaccination | poliomyelitis vaccine; article; child; controlled study; high risk population; human; Nigeria; poliomyelitis; preschool child; treatment outcome; vaccination; Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Immunization Programs; Infant; Male; Nigeria; Poliomyelitis; Poliovirus Vaccines; Vaccination | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-20144371727 | Impact of Eucalyptus camaldulensis plantation on an alluvial soil in south eastern Botswana | Aweto A.O., Moleele N.M. | 2005 | International Journal of Environmental Studies | 62 | 2 | 10.1080/0020723042000275141 | Department of Geography, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Environmental Science, University of Botswana, Private Bag 0022, Gaborone, Botswana | Aweto, A.O., Department of Geography, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Moleele, N.M., Department of Environmental Science, University of Botswana, Private Bag 0022, Gaborone, Botswana | This paper examines the impact of a 33-year plantation of Eucalyptus camaldulensis on an alluvial soil in Gaborone, south eastern Botswana, by comparing the soil under the plantation with similar soil under an adjoining native savanna woodland dominated by Acacia karoo. Soil clay content was significantly higher in the plantation soil in both the 0-10cm and 10-20cm layers. There were no significant differences between soil under the two ecosystems with respect to the levels of organic matter, exchangeable potassium and available phosphorus. Despite the higher clay contents of the plantation soil, exchangeable calcium and magnesium and pH were higher in soil under the native woodland. This suggests that E. camaldulensis immobilizes soil nutrients faster and that plantation nutrient cycles are less efficient than in the native Acacia woodland. Consequently, soil nutrient deficiency will limit plantation productivity after the first few rotations. It is important to adopt tree harvesting techniques that reduce drain on soil nutrients at the end of a plantation rotation. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Group Ltd. | Acacia karoo; Botswana; Eucalyptus camaldulensis; Savanna; Soil nutrients | Clay; Ecosystems; Hardwoods; Harvesting; Phosphorus; Alluvial soil; Organic matters; Soil nutrient; Woodlands; Soils; Clay; Ecosystems; Eucalyptus; Harvesting; Phosphorus; Soil; Acacia; Eucalyptus camaldulensis | None |
| None | None | The impact on orchid species abundance of gathering their edible tubers by HIV/AIDS orphans: A case of three villages in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania | Challe J.F.X., Struik P.C. | 2008 | NJAS - Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences | 56 | 3 | 10.1016/S1573-5214(08)80011-5 | Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and Co-operative, Department of Research and Training, Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 6226, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 430, NL-6700 AK Wageningen, Netherlands | Challe, J.F.X., Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and Co-operative, Department of Research and Training, Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 6226, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 430, NL-6700 AK Wageningen, Netherlands; Struik, P.C., Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 430, NL-6700 AK Wageningen, Netherlands | This paper examines the gathering of wild orchids and its effect on orchid species diversity and abundance in rural communities with high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and high numbers of orphans. The study was conducted in three villages in the Makete District of Tanzania. The study used a triangulation of ethnobotanical, anthropological and sociological methodologies. On the three gathering sites, we found a total of 12 different orchid species (7 edible and 5 non-edible ones) confirmed by an expert botanist, although local gatherers identified many more species. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index significantly differed among the three gathering sites. Analyses of focus group discussions and household surveys revealed that HIV/AIDS orphans and non-orphan children were the main gatherers of wild orchids. HIV/AIDS orphans (n = 55) gathered significantly more frequently (4.1 ± 1.8 times per week) than non-orphan children (n = 49; 1.9 ± 1.3 times per week) (P < 1.01). There was a statistically significant interaction between village and type of gatherers' (P < 0.05). Scattered observations of changes in orchid species abundance over time were done using gatherers' indigenous knowledge and opinions. Orchid abundance peaked during May 2006. The study showed increasing abundance of non-edible orchid species and decreasing abundance of edible ones. There were highly significant, linear negative relationships between gathering pressure on the one hand and total number of orchid plants, total number of orchid species, number of edible orchid plants and number of edible orchid species on the other. These relationships were not statistically significant for non-edible orchids. We surmise that gathering edible orchid tubers is likely to become unsustainable, because once its tuber is harvested the plant does not recover or survive. | Chikanda; Edible orchids; Gathering pressure; Orchidaceae; Species diversity; Survival strategies | abundance; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; angiosperm; anthropogenic effect; edible species; human activity; human immunodeficiency virus; orphan; rural area; species diversity; survival; triangulation; wild population; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania; Orchidaceae; Tuber (truffle) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79451475733 | Suffering infertility: The impact of infertility on women's life experiences in two nigerian communities | Larsen U., Hollos M., Obono O., Whitehouse B. | 2010 | Journal of Biosocial Science | 42 | 6 | 10.1017/S0021932010000271 | Ibis Reproductive Health, Cambridge, MA, United States; Department of Anthropology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Anthropology, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, Unit | Larsen, U., Ibis Reproductive Health, Cambridge, MA, United States; Hollos, M., Department of Anthropology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Obono, O., Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Whitehouse, B., Department of Anthropology, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, United States | This paper examines the experiences of women with infertility in two Nigerian communities with different systems of descent and historically different levels of infertility. First, the paper focuses on the life experiences of individual women across the two communities and second, it compares these experiences with those of their fertile counterparts, in each community. In doing this, women who are childless are distinguished from those with subfertility and compared with high-fertility women. The research is based on interdisciplinary research conducted among the Ijo and Yakurr people of southern Nigeria, which included a survey of approximately 100 childless and subfertile women and a matching sample of 100 fertile women as well as in-depth ethnographic interviews with childless and subfertile women in two communities: Amakiri in Delta State and Lopon in Cross River State. The findings indicate that while there are variations in the extent to which childlessness is considered to be problematic, the necessity for a woman to have a child remains basic in this region. Copyright © 2010 Cambridge University Press. | None | adaptive behavior; adult; aged; article; case control study; confidence interval; cultural anthropology; demography; female; fertility; health survey; human; human relation; infertility; mental stress; middle aged; multivariate analysis; Nigeria; perception; psychological aspect; risk; social psychology; women's health; Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anthropology, Cultural; Case-Control Studies; Confidence Intervals; Demography; Female; Fertility; Health Surveys; Humans; Infertility; Interpersonal Relations; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Nigeria; Odds Ratio; Prejudice; Residence Characteristics; Social Perception; Stress, Psychological; Women's Health | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910036528 | Re-engineering of Nigerian university library personnel for optimal performance in the digital age | Ogungbeni J.I., Adeleke O., Opeke R. | 2014 | Information Development | 30 | 4 | 10.1177/0266666913492447 | Lagos State University, Badagry Expressway, PMB 0001, LASU Post Office, Ojo, Lagos State Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Information Resources Management, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria | Ogungbeni, J.I., Lagos State University, Badagry Expressway, PMB 0001, LASU Post Office, Ojo, Lagos State Lagos, Nigeria; Adeleke, O., Lagos State University, Badagry Expressway, PMB 0001, LASU Post Office, Ojo, Lagos State Lagos, Nigeria; Opeke, R., Department of Information Resources Management, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria | This paper examines the evolution of university libraries in Nigeria, the process of re-engineering of workers in an organization like the university library and good librarianship practice in this digital age. The paper advocates for effective motivation, training and development programmes for all categories of university library personnel. A model for integrating the different processes in a university library for optimal performance of library personnel is suggested for Nigerian university libraries. © The Author(s) 2013. | library staff development; Nigeria; training; university libraries | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874908954 | Effect of supervisors' specialization on job performance of agriculture science teachers in Botswana Junior Secondary Schools | Molefhe L., Oladele O.I. | 2012 | Life Science Journal | 9 | 3 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics, Education and Extension, Botswana College of Agriculture, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa | Molefhe, L., Department of Agricultural Economics, Education and Extension, Botswana College of Agriculture, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Oladele, O.I., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa | This paper examines the effect of supervisors' specialization on job performance of agriculture science teachers in Junior Secondary Schools. A simple random technique was used to select 49 agricultural science teachers and 13 supervisors. The teachers were divided into those whose supervisors specialize in agriculture science (ATAS) and those with supervisors do not (ATNAS). Data collected with a structured questionnaire that was face validity and has reliability coefficient of 0.92 were analyzed. The results shows that majority of ATAS and ATNAS indicated that a higher proportion of the supervisors who have the same subject specialization perform their supervisory roles than supervisors who do not specialize in the same subjects. Significant differences exist in the perceived effect of supervision (F = 27.93, p < 0.05) and between ATAS and ATNAS, on Supervisors' specialization (t = 14.97, p < 0.05), and job performance (t = -3.00, p < 0.05). | Agriculture science; Botswana; Subject specialization; Supervision; Teachers | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923026014 | Does developmental aid impact or impede on growth: Evidence from Nigeria | Olanrele I.A., Ibrahim T.M. | 2015 | International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues | 5 | 1 | None | Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, Nigeria | Olanrele, I.A., Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, Nigeria; Ibrahim, T.M., Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, Nigeria | This paper examines the effect of four different types of developmental aid on economic growth in Nigeria utilizing the Two-Stage Least Square (2SLS) estimation technique between 1970 and 2012. The empirical estimates show that multilateral aid had more impact on growth compared to bilateral aid from Nigerian’s trading partners, top-five CDI ranked countries, and Nordic countries. Our findings support the need for stringent conditionalities and standard monitoring and evaluation framework by donors in order to promote meaningful impact of developmental aid on economic growth. © 2015, Econjournals. All rights reserved. | Developmental aid; Economic growth; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920079579 | Financial viability of groundwater irrigation and its impact on livelihoods of smallholder farmers: The case of eastern Ethiopia | Hagos F., Mamo K. | 2014 | Water Resources and Economics | 7 | None | 10.1016/j.wre.2014.08.001 | International Water Management Institute, Nile Basin and East Africa sub-Regional office, P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Economics, Haromaya University, Ethiopia | Hagos, F., International Water Management Institute, Nile Basin and East Africa sub-Regional office, P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Mamo, K., Department of Economics, Haromaya University, Ethiopia | This paper examines the economics of groundwater irrigation and its impact on livelihood of smallholder farmers in Eastern Ethiopia. The results indicate that groundwater technologies are financially viable at 8, 12.25 and 16.5 percent discount rates. The net present value of these technologies is still viable under partial and full cost recovery regimes. Small-scale groundwater irrigation with boreholes provides a good option for poor households, bringing about significant positive impact in consumption expenditure. Groundwater, if adequately harvested, has a significant positive impact on the improvement of livelihoods of smallholding farmers; it is advantageous for the society if government and nongovernmental agencies are engaged in the expansion of deep groundwater wells on a sustainable basis. It is also vital to think of institutionalizing a cost recovery scheme to ensure water use efficiency and to sustain the future investments in irrigation, especially in developing groundwater resources. © 2014 . | Ethiopia; Gini-coefficient; Groundwater irrigation; NPV; Poverty analysis; Propensity score matching | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846428069 | Communicating through performance: Izigiyo zawomame as gendered protest texts | Mathonsi N., Gumede M. | 2006 | Southern African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies | 24 | 4 | None | School of IsiZulu Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa | Mathonsi, N., School of IsiZulu Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa; Gumede, M., School of IsiZulu Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa | This paper examines the content of Zulu women's izigiyo performed at functions in KwaQwabe, a rural area near Stanger in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. We hypothesise that izigiyo as oral texts are largely gendered responses to issues of heritage, culture, women abuse and domestic violence. The paper explores gender relations in izigiyo in order to establish whether Zulu women have always been silent when it comes to issues of abuse and domestic violence. Izigiyo are, in most cases, metaphoric in nature and are performed by both Zulu men and women (Jousse, 2004). In the midst of the izigiyo expression(s) and performances men and women relay their perceptions, experiences and feelings about the way of life in their families and communities at large. This paper, however, confines itself to the Zulu women's izigiyo performance and does not include those enacted by men. Copyright © 2006 NISC Pty Ltd. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950666829 | The impact of land use conversion on a residential district in Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Ayotamuno A., Gobo A.E., Owei O.B. | 2010 | Environment and Urbanization | 22 | 1 | 10.1177/0956247810363529 | Rivers State Polytechnic Bori, PMB 20, Bori, Nigeria; Institute of Geosciences and Space Technology (IGST), Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Ayotamuno, A., Rivers State Polytechnic Bori, PMB 20, Bori, Nigeria; Gobo, A.E., Institute of Geosciences and Space Technology (IGST), Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Owei, O.B., Institute of Geosciences and Space Technology (IGST), Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | This paper examines the changes in land use and economic activities between 1986 and 2005 in a residential development in Port Harcourt that was originally developed for senior civil servants and military personnel. It shows how land ownership has changed and also the rapid expansion of commercial activities within what was exclusively a residential development. With no enforcement of land use regulations, this has led to a decline in the quality of life for the residents. © 2010 International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). | Land use conversion; Land use management; Land use regulations; Nigeria; Port Harcourt | land use change; land use planning; landownership; quality of life; regulatory approach; residential development; residential location; Nigeria; Port Harcourt; Rivers | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940714174 | TEC prediction performance of IRI-2012 model during a very low and a high solar activity phase over equatorial regions, Uganda | Tariku Y.A. | 2015 | Journal of Geophysical Research A: Space Physics | 120 | 7 | 10.1002/2015JA021203 | Department of Physics, University of Ambo, Ambo, Ethiopia | Tariku, Y.A., Department of Physics, University of Ambo, Ambo, Ethiopia | This paper examines the capacity of the latest version of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI-2012) model in predicting the vertical total electron content (VTEC) variation over Uganda during a very low solar activity phase (2009) and a high solar activity (2012) phase. This has been carried out by comparing the ground-based Global Positioning System (GPS) VTEC inferred from dual-frequency GPS receivers installed at Entebbe (geographic latitude 0.038N and longitude 32.44E; geomagnetic latitude -9.53N and longitude 104.06E) and Mbarara (geographic latitude -0.60N and longitude 30.74E; geomagnetic latitude -10.02N and longitude 102.36E). In this work, the diurnal, monthly, and seasonal variations in the measured VTEC have been analyzed and compared with the VTEC derived from IRI-2012 model. It has been shown that the lowest diurnal peak GPS-VTEC values are observed in the June solstice months during both the low and the high solar activity phases. Similarly, the highest diurnal peak IRI-2012 VTEC values are observed in equinoctial months during both phases. The variability of the VTEC in both the experimental and model is minimal nearly at 03:00 UT (06:00 LT) and maximal mostly between 10:00 and 13:00 UT (13:00-16:00 LT) during both phases. The diurnal highest peak modeled VTEC value observed during the high solar activity phase is almost twice larger than the diurnal highest peak modeled VTEC value depicted during the low solar activity phase. Moreover, the highest monthly mean hourly measured VTEC value observed in October during the high solar activity phase is larger by more than twice the corresponding highest monthly mean hourly measured VTEC value observed in November during the low solar activity phase. Similarly, the lowest monthly measured VTEC value observed in July during the high solar activity phase is larger by more than twice the corresponding lowest measured monthly VTEC value observed in the same month during the low solar activity phase. It has also been shown that the highest measured seasonal mean hourly VTEC values are observed in the December solstice and the March equinox, respectively, during the low and the high solar activity phases, while the corresponding lowest measured VTEC values are observed in the June solstice during both phases. The model prediction generally follows the monthly and seasonal variations of measured VTEC, with the highest and the lowest monthly values being observed in equinoctial and solstice months, respectively, during both phases. The overall results show that the modeled diurnal, monthly, and seasonal VTEC values are generally larger than those corresponding measured VTEC values observed during both the low and the high solar activity phases, with the largest deviations being observed during the low solar activity phase. Moreover, the model does not respond to the effects resulting from the storm. Hence, unlike the measured VTEC values, the modeled VTEC values are unaffected by the storm. © 2015. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved. | equatorial ionosphere; GPS-VTEC; high solar activity; IRI-2012 VTEC; low solar activity | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000315631600006 | Community-level impact of the reproductive health vouchers programme on service utilization in Kenya | Abuya, Timothy,Askew, Ian,Bellows, Ben,Njuki, Rebecca,Obare, Francis,Sunday, Joseph,Warren, Charlotte | 2013 | HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING | 28 | 2 | 10.1093/heapol/czs033 | None | None | This paper examines community-level association between exposure to the reproductive health vouchers programme in Kenya and utilization of services. The data are from a household survey conducted among 2527 women (15-49 years) from voucher and comparable non-voucher sites. Analysis entails cross-tabulations with Chi-square tests and significant tests of proportions as well as estimation of multi-level logit models to predict service utilization by exposure to the programme. The results show that for births occurring after the voucher programme began, women from communities that had been exposed to the programme since 2006 were significantly more likely to have delivered at a health facility and to have received skilled care during delivery compared with those from communities that had not been exposed to the programme at all. There were, however, no significant differences in the timing of first trimester utilization of antenatal care (ANC) and making four or more ANC visits by exposure to the programme. In addition, poor women were significantly less likely to have used safe motherhood services (health facility delivery, skilled delivery care and postnatal care) compared with their non-poor counterparts regardless of exposure to the programme. Nonetheless, a significantly higher proportion of poor women from communities that had been exposed to the programme since 2006 used the services compared with their poor counterparts from communities that had not been exposed to the programme at all. The findings suggest that the programme is associated with increased health facility deliveries and skilled delivery care especially among poor women. However, it has had limited community-level impact on the first trimester timing of antenatal care use and making four or more visits, which remain a challenge despite the high proportion of women in the country that make at least one antenatal care visit during pregnancy. | "Community-level impact",KENYA,"REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH","SERVICE UTILIZATION","voucher programme",ACCESS,AFRICA,CARE,DEMAND-SIDE,DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES,INEQUALITIES,OF-THE-LITERATURE,PRIVATE-SECTOR | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953268301 | Knowledge production through collaborative research in sub-Saharan Africa: How much do countries contribute to each other's knowledge output and citation impact? | Onyancha O.B., Maluleka J.R. | 2011 | Scientometrics | 87 | 2 | 10.1007/s11192-010-0330-5 | Department of Information Science, University of South Africa, Unisa, 392, Pretoria 0003, South Africa | Onyancha, O.B., Department of Information Science, University of South Africa, Unisa, 392, Pretoria 0003, South Africa; Maluleka, J.R., Department of Information Science, University of South Africa, Unisa, 392, Pretoria 0003, South Africa | This paper examines co-authorship of research articles in Thomson Reuters citation indexes in order to assess knowledge co-production in selected sub-Saharan African countries. Two indicators, namely publications and citations, were analysed to establish the patterns of knowledge co-production and its scientific impact, respectively. The study found that knowledge production through collaborative research among sub-Saharan African countries is minimal and contributes only a small percentage when compared to collaboration between sub-Saharan African countries and their foreign counterparts. Similarly, the scientific impact of international collaboration was higher than that of continental collaboration. Countries belonging to the same geographic region contributed to each other's knowledge production more frequently than they did to the countries outside their region. It is recommended that, for knowledge co-production in sub-Saharan Africa to improve, various measures such as encouraging student and staff exchange, hosting more regional conferences and encouraging research networks need to be put in place. © 2011 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary. | Citation impact; Knowledge production; Research collaboration; Sub-Saharan Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-19144362045 | The impact of adult mortality on the living arrangements of older people in rural South Africa | Hosegood V., Timæus I.M. | 2005 | Ageing and Society | 25 | 3 | 10.1017/S0144686X0500365X | Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom | Hosegood, V., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Mtubatuba, South Africa, Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Timæus, I.M., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Mtubatuba, South Africa, Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom | This paper examines changes in households with older people in a northern rural area of KwaZulu Natal province, South Africa, between January 2000 and January 2002. The focus is the impact of adult deaths, especially those from AIDS, on the living arrangements of older people. The longitudinal data are from the Africa Centre Demographic Information System. In 2000, 3,657 older people (women aged 60 years or older, men 65 years or older) were resident in the area, and 3,124 households had at least one older member. The majority (87%) of older people lived in three-generation households. Households with older people were significantly poorer, more likely to be headed by a woman, and in homesteads with poorer quality infrastructure than households without older members. By January 2002, 316 (8%) of the older people in the sample had died. Of all the households with an older person, 12 per cent experienced at least one adult death from AIDS. The paper shows that older people, particularly those living alone or with children in the absence of other adults, were living in the poorest households. They were also coping with an increasing burden of young adult deaths, the majority of which were attributable to AIDS. © 2005 Cambridge University Press. | Adult children; AIDS; Children; HIV; Household composition; Mortality; Older people; South Africa | elderly population; household structure; mortality; rural area; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84909579556 | Corporate South Africa and carbon disclosure: A differential analysis of 2011 and 2012 carbon disclosure performance | Ngwakwe C.C. | 2014 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 1 Continued 3 | None | Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, University of Limpopo, South Africa | Ngwakwe, C.C., Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, University of Limpopo, South Africa | This paper examined the performance of corporate South Africa in the 2012 Carbon Disclosure Project [CDP]. It is motivated by the growing shift to climate performance amongst the JSE listed companies in South Africa; hence the paper showcases the commitment of corporations in South Africa towards carbon disclosure. It thus shows exemplary commitment by corporations in an emerging economy to curb GHG emission through disclosure. The paper compared corporate South Africa carbon disclosure performance in 2012 with the 2011 disclosure performance. First, the performance of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) 100 carbon performance leaders were examined; and using a statistical t-test of difference in means, the paper finds that the 2012 carbon performance improved remarkably over the 2011 performance; hence the T-test indicates a significant difference in means between the 2012 and 2011 carbon performance. Secondly, the paper also examined the climate performance of the JSE 100 companies and also found a significant difference between the 2011 and 2012 performance which also depicts an improvement over the 2011 climate performance. It is perceptible that the 2011 UN Climate Conference in South Africa, coupled with the SA’s outstanding role in global climate change negotiations and the Carbon Disclosure Project is driving corporate SA to ‘walk the talk’ on climate change. In conclusion the paper highlights the need for further corporate climate initiatives, and calls on governments of developing countries to take a bold stance on climate negotiations as this is a key to encouraging the corporate toward climate friendly and carbon reduction initiatives. © Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Carbon disclosure; Carbon disclosure project; Carbon performance; Climate change; Climate performance; Corporate South Africa; Johannesburg stock exchange | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547899539 | Influence of supervisors' gender on mathematics student teachers' performance in teaching practice | Ugboduma S.O., Eze A.E. | 2007 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 17 | 4 | None | Mathematics Department, Delta State College of Sports and Science Education, Mosogar, Nigeria; Department of Mathematics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria | Ugboduma, S.O., Mathematics Department, Delta State College of Sports and Science Education, Mosogar, Nigeria; Eze, A.E., Department of Mathematics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria | This paper examined the influence of supervisors' gender on mathematics student teachers performance in teaching practice. Four hypotheses were formulated for the study, and t-test statistics was used to test the hypotheses. The study was limited to students of mathematics department of Faculty of Education, Delta State University, Abraka. The research method used was ex-post facto design and the instrument use was direct observation and official records which consisted of teaching practice results for 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 Sessions. Two research questions were adopted for the study. Analysis of results revealed the following findings: Male students performed higher with average mean of 3.78 in teaching practice than their female counterparts with average mean of 3.62, mean difference of 0.16 in mathematics department despite the supervisors; and student supervised by male supervisors performed higher with average mean of 7.83 in teaching practice than those supervised by female supervisors with average mean of 6.96, mean difference of 0.87. The difference observed was however not statistically significant showing that supervisors' gender does not influence mathematics student teachers' performance in teaching practice. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2007. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928016842 | Status and impact of strategic technology alliances among telecommunications firms in Nigeria | Ajao B.F., Oyebisi T., Aderemi H., Jegede O. | 2015 | International Journal of Business Performance Management | 16 | 03-Feb | 10.1504/IJBPM.2015.068723 | National Centre for Technology Management, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria; African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Management and Accounting, Obafemi Awolowo University I | Ajao, B.F., National Centre for Technology Management, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Oyebisi, T., African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Aderemi, H., Department of Management and Accounting, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Jegede, O., National Centre for Technology Management, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria | This paper examined strategic technology alliance among telecommunications service providers in Nigeria and the benefits accrued to service providers and subscribers from the alliances. This was with a view to providing appropriate recommendation to improving the services rendered to subscribers. Primary data were collected from four GSM network operators, two CDMA network operators and three telecommunications service vendors in Nigeria. Findings revealed the existence of strategic technology alliances such as licensing, joint venture, turnkey, venture capital, franchising, merger and acquisition. Benefits derived from the strategic alliances in decreasing order were improved network coverage, decrease in call drops, decrease in signal down time and decrease in tariff of data and voice services. Furthermore, the allies enjoyed increased turnover when they engaged in strategic technology alliance. The study concluded that a well-structured strategic technology alliance relationship among telecommunications firms can bring about better services for sustainable development in the country. Copyright © 2015 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | CDMA; Global system of mobile; GSM; Licensing; STA; Strategic technology alliance; Subscribers; Telecommunications vendors | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856585213 | Ordinary level as results predictors of students' academic performance in chemistry in Nigerian Universities | Kolawole E.B., Oginni O.I., Fayomi E.O. | 2011 | Educational Research and Reviews | 6 | 16 | 10.5897/ERR11.235 | Institute of Education, Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Institute of Science and Technology Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Department of Science, Ora Community Senior High School, Ora-Ekiti, Ekiti | Kolawole, E.B., Institute of Education, Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Oginni, O.I., Institute of Science and Technology Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Fayomi, E.O., Department of Science, Ora Community Senior High School, Ora-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria | This paper examined ordinary level result as predictors of students' academic performance in chemistry in South-west Nigeria universities. It also examined the relationship between the academic performance of students in each level of the university examinations and their corresponding secondary school certificates examination. The sample of the study is made up of 312 chemistry students randomly selected from three universities within South-west Nigeria based on the (proprietorship status) federal, state and private universities. Ex-post facto research design was adopted. The grades of all the chemistry students sampled were selected from the directorate of admission and statistics while the cumulative grade points were selected from chemistry department of the sampled universities. The results revealed that the ordinary level chemistry results related poorly with their respective universities results. The results of the study also showed that there is little or no influence of the mode of entry on the academic performance at all levels and the two examining bodies were equivalent. Based on this finding, it was recommended that both West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) should be used as mode of entry into chemistry department. © 2011 Academic Journals. | Nigerian universities; Ordinary level; Predictors; Students' achievement | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894095559 | Performance evaluation of wind turbines for energy generation in Niger Delta, Nigeria | Adaramola M.S., Oyewola O.M., Ohunakin O.S., Akinnawonu O.O. | 2014 | Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments | 6 | None | 10.1016/j.seta.2014.01.001 | Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun | Adaramola, M.S., Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway; Oyewola, O.M., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Ohunakin, O.S., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Akinnawonu, O.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | This paper evaluates wind energy potentials of seven selected locations spreading across Niger-Delta region of Nigeria using wind speed data that extend over 9 to 37. years and subjected to 2-parameter Weibull distribution functions. The performance of four wind turbine models ranging from 35 to 500. kW was simulated in all the locations considered. The results show that the performance of all the wind energy conversion systems gave the least energy output values at Ikom. In addition, annual energy output ranged from 4.07. MWh at Ikom to 145.57. MWh at Ogoja with Polaris America (100. kW) and Zeus Energy (500. kW) wind turbines respectively. It was also observed that, irrespective of the site, G-3120 (35. kW) wind turbine has the highest capacity factor among the models considered. Therefore, for wind energy development, G-3120 model or wind turbine with similar rated wind speed would be most suitable in all the locations. The number of inhabitants that can be served by the energy produced using G-3120 turbine in each location was estimated. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Energy output; Niger Delta region; Nigeria; Power density; Wind turbine | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864990999 | The impact of tourism on poverty in South Africa | Saayman M., Rossouw R., Krugell W. | 2012 | Development Southern Africa | 29 | 3 | 10.1080/0376835X.2012.706041 | Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society (TREES) and School of Economics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Saayman, M., Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society (TREES) and School of Economics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Rossouw, R., Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society (TREES) and School of Economics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Krugell, W., Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society (TREES) and School of Economics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | This paper evaluates the potential impact of tourism on poverty in South Africa on the basis of recent survey data on international tourism spending patterns. It looks at three scenarios, using an applied general equilibrium model. The main finding is that the poor benefit very little in the short term from additional tourism income. A further finding is that domestic and international tourist expenditure affect the economy differently; both markets are therefore important. In essence, the research confirms that tourism receipts can be used as a tool to alleviate poverty, but in South Africa this must be supported by policies that focus on the labour market and human resource development. © 2012 Copyright Development Bank of Southern Africa. | applied general equilibrium (AGE) modelling; poverty; South African tourism industry; tourism | economic impact; general equilibrium analysis; labor market; poverty alleviation; tourism economics; South Africa | None |
| WoS | WOS:000304290300010 | Impact of modern agricultural technologies on smallholder welfare: Evidence from Tanzania and Ethiopia | Asfaw, Solomon,Lipper, Leslie,Shiferaw, Bekele,Simtowe, Franklin | 2012 | FOOD POLICY | 37 | 3 | 10.1016/j.foodpol.2012.02.013 | Int Crops Res Inst Semi Arid Trop, Int Maize & Wheat Improvement Ctr CIMMYT, UN | None | This paper evaluates the potential impact of adoption of improved legume technologies on rural household welfare measured by consumption expenditure in rural Ethiopia and Tanzania. The study utilizes cross-sectional farm household level data collected in 2008 from a randomly selected sample of 1313 households (700 in Ethiopia and 613 in Tanzania). The causal impact of technology adoption is estimated by utilizing endogenous switching regression. This helps us estimate the true welfare effect of technology adoption by controlling for the role of selection problem on production and adoption decisions. Our analysis reveals that adoption of improved agricultural technologies has a significant positive impact consumption expenditure (in per adult equivalent terms) in rural Ethiopia and Tanzania. This confirms the potential role of technology adoption in improving rural household welfare as higher consumption expenditure from improved technologies translate into lower poverty, higher food security and greater ability to withstand risk. An analysis of the determinants of adoption highlighted inadequate local supply of seed, access to information and perception about the new cultivars as key constraints for technology adoption. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | "endogenous switching",ETHIOPIA,"household welfare","IMPACT ASSESSMENT","SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA",Tanzania,"technology adoption",ADOPTION,ALLEVIATION,NIGERIA,PIGEONPEA,"POVERTY REDUCTION",PRODUCTIVITY,SERVICES,UGANDA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-7444246834 | Evaluation of performance parameters of PV modules deployed outdoors | Gxasheka A.R., Van Dyk E.E., Meyer E.L. | 2005 | Renewable Energy | 30 | 4 | 10.1016/j.renene.2004.06.005 | Department of Physics, University of Port Elizabeth, 6031 Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Department of Physics, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa | Gxasheka, A.R., Department of Physics, University of Port Elizabeth, 6031 Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Van Dyk, E.E., Department of Physics, University of Port Elizabeth, 6031 Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Meyer, E.L., Department of Physics, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa | This paper evaluates the performance parameters of five photovoltaic (PV) modules comprising crystalline silicon, multi-crystalline silicon and edge-defined film-fed growth (EFG) silicon technologies. This evaluation was accomplished by measuring and analysing the modules' performances during initial, intermediate and final stages of a 17-month test period. The effect of temperature and irradiance on the performance parameters was investigated. Results obtained indicate that some modules exhibited shunting behaviour and that the EFG silicon module experienced moisture ingress, which in part, resulted in 14% performance degradation. An analysis of the results revealed that the moisture ingress effectively reduced the active module area, resulting in reduced photon absorption, consequently reducing the electron-hole generation as indicated by the reduced short-circuit current. In addition, the EFG-Si module's shunt resistance appeared to decrease over the test period. The rest of the modules showed relatively stable performance, information that is crucial to the system designer and consumer. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Current-voltage characteristics; I-V monitoring system; Operational efficiency; Performance monitoring; Photovoltaic modules | Crystalline materials; Photons; Silicon; Thermal effects; Edge-defined film-fed growth (EFG) silicon technologies; Photon absorption; Shunt resistance; Photovoltaic effects; performance assessment; photovoltaic system; renewable resource | None |
| WoS | WOS:000260643400001 | An evaluation of the performance of private transport companies in selected Southwestern of Nigeria | Aworemi, J. R.,Ilori, M. O. | 2008 | AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | 2 | 8 | None | Obafemi Awolowo University, Ladoke Akintola Univ Technol | "Ilori, M. O.: Obafemi Awolowo University", | This paper evaluates the performance of Private Transport Companies in Southwestern, Nigeria. It also ascertains the influence of the identified variables on the performance of the companies. A Sample size of 270 respondents was purposively selected among registered private transport companies in the Study area. Correlation and regression analyses techniques were adopted in analyzing the collected data. The results of the findings showed a significant correlation between the performance of private transport companies and each of the independent variables of age of establishment ( r = 0.593), staff strength ( r = 0.647), wages/salary trends ( r = 0.54) and total number of functioning vehicles ( r = 0.539) and these variables had a strong, positive and significant relationships and are answerable for the performance that is measured in terms of return on investment of the private transport companies in the study area. The result of regression analysis showed that, the coefficients of the total number of employees (X-2), the government regulations on inputs such as petroleum products and auto-spare parts (X-3), costs of maintenance/ operation (X-6), state of the roads (X-7), useful life age of the vehicles (X-9) and effects of telecommunication (X-11) contributed significantly to the variation in the level of performance of private transport companies at both 5 and 10% levels. | evaluation,passenger,PERFORMANCE,"private transport",VEHICLES | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748457318 | Solar chimney power plant performance | Pretorius J.P., Kroger D.G. | 2006 | Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, Transactions of the ASME | 128 | 3 | 10.1115/1.2210491 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Pretorius, J.P., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Kroger, D.G., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | This paper evaluates the performance of a large-scale solar chimney power plant. The study considers the performance of a particular reference plant under specified meteorological conditions at a reference location in South Africa. A computer simulation program is employed to solve the governing conservation and draught equations simultaneously. Newly developed convective heat transfer and momentum equations are included in the numerical model and multiple simulations are performed. Results indicate 24 hr plant power production, while illustrating considerable daily and seasonal power output variations. It is shown that plant power production is a function of the collector roof shape and inlet height. Copyright © 2006 by ASME. | None | Chimneys; Computer simulation; Heat convection; Heat transfer; Mathematical models; Numerical analysis; Chimney power plants; Draught equations; Power output variations; Solar power plants | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646149759 | Critical evaluation of solar chimney power plant performance | Pretorius J.P., Kröger D.G. | 2006 | Solar Energy | 80 | 5 | 10.1016/j.solener.2005.04.001 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Pretorius, J.P., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Kröger, D.G., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | This paper evaluates the influence of a recently developed convective heat transfer equation, more accurate turbine inlet loss coefficient, quality collector roof glass and various types of soil on the performance of a large scale solar chimney power plant. Results indicate that the new heat transfer equation reduces plant power output considerably. The effect of a more accurate turbine inlet loss coefficient is insignificant, while utilizing better quality glass enhances plant power production. Models employing Limestone and Sandstone soil produce virtually similar results to a Granite-based model. The plant collector height is found to differ from previously obtained optimal values. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Power plant; Renewable energy; Solar chimney; Solar energy; Solar power; Solar tower; Upwind | Chimneys; Electric losses; Granite; Heat convection; Lime brick; Mathematical models; Q factor measurement; Sandstone; Solar energy; Turbines; Renewable energy; Solar chimneys; Solar tower; Upwind; Solar power plants; Chimneys; Electric losses; Granite; Heat convection; Lime brick; Mathematical models; Q factor measurement; Sandstone; Solar energy; Solar power plants; Turbines; heat transfer; limestone; numerical model; power plant; sandstone; solar power; turbine | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78751608958 | Impact of promoting sustainable agriculture in Borno (PROSAB) program on adoption of improved crop varieties in Borno State of Nigeria | Bamire S.A., Abdoulaye T., Amaza P., Tegbaru A., Alene A.D., Kamara A.Y. | 2010 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 8 | 3-4 PART 1 | None | Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (UTA), Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria; University of Maiduguri, Bama Road, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria | Bamire, S.A., Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Abdoulaye, T., International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (UTA), Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria; Amaza, P., University of Maiduguri, Bama Road, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria; Tegbaru, A., International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (UTA), Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria; Alene, A.D., International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (UTA), Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria; Kamara, A.Y., International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (UTA), Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria | This paper evaluates the impact of the intervention of Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in Borno (PROSAB) project on the livelihoods of farming households in Borno State, Nigeria. Specifically, the paper identifies and provides information on farmers' adoption of improved crop varieties introduced by PROSAB; measures their adoption rates, and analyzes the factors that affect the probability and intensity of adoption of the crop varieties. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select respondents in three agroecological zones (AEZs) - the northern Guinea savanna (NGS), southern Guinea savanna (SGS), and the Sahelian savanna (SS), and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data on their socioeconomic characteristics and adoption parameters in the 2009 period. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Tobit regression techniques. The paper demonstrates how adoption and use decisions were significantly influenced by education, membership in associations, and yield in the NGS; yield and labor in the SGS, and age and labor in the SS, implying that these variables, and particularly yield, are important for consideration by development agencies who are interested in improving agricultural production and the livelihoods of the people. | Adoption; Agroecologies; Farming households; Impact; Improved crop varieties; Livelihoods; PROSAB; Tobit regression | adult; article; computer program; crop improvement; educational status; farming system; female; household; human; maize; major clinical study; male; Nigeria; nonhuman; peanut; plant ecology; plant yield; rice; savanna; socioeconomics; sorghum; soybean | None |
| None | None | Welfare impacts of smallholder farmers’ participation in maize and pigeonpea markets in Tanzania | Mmbando F.E., Wale E.Z., Baiyegunhi L.J.S. | 2015 | Food Security | 7 | 6 | 10.1007/s12571-015-0519-9 | Discipline of Agricultural Economics, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Selian Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), P.O. Box 6024, Arusha, Tanzania | Mmbando, F.E., Discipline of Agricultural Economics, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Selian Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), P.O. Box 6024, Arusha, Tanzania; Wale, E.Z., Discipline of Agricultural Economics, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Baiyegunhi, L.J.S., Discipline of Agricultural Economics, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | This paper evaluates the impact of maize and pigeonpea market participation and the level of participation on household welfare measured by consumption expenditure in rural Tanzania. The study used cross-sectional farm household level data collected in 2010 from 700 randomly selected households in northern and eastern zones of Tanzania. Propensity score matching and endogenous switching regression techniques were employed to address the welfare impacts of market participation for binary treatment, while linear regression was employed to address the welfare impacts of the level of market participation. Maize and pigeonpea market participation and the level of participation had positive and significant impacts on the welfare of rural households. On average, maize and pigeonpea market participation increased consumption expenditure per capita in the range of 19.2–20.4 % and 28.3–29.4 %, respectively. Similarly, a one unit increase in the predicted level of market participation increased per capita consumption expenditure by 0.5 and 0.3 %, for both maize and pigeonpea, respectively. This confirms the potential role of market participation and the level of participation in improving rural household welfare, as higher consumption expenditures from market participation also mean improved food security and reduced poverty. Policies aimed at reducing the transaction costs of accessing markets such as improved market information, rural infrastructure and household capacity to produce surplus production are critical to the improvement of household welfare. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht and International Society for Plant Pathology. | Endogenous switching; Market participation; Propensity score matching; Rural household welfare; Tanzania | None | None |
| None | None | Does a cassava research-for-development program have impact at the farm level? Evidence from the Democratic Republic of Congo | Rusike J., Mahungu N.M., Lukombo S.S., Kendenga T., Bidiaka S.M., Alene A., Lema A., Manyong V.M. | 2014 | Food Policy | 46 | None | 10.1016/j.foodpol.2014.03.012 | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture-Tanzania, PO Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; IITA-Democratic Republic of Congo Avenue des Cliniques 13, Batiment INERA Commune de la GombeKinshasa, Congo; IITA, Chitedze Research Station, PO Box 30258, Lilongwe 3, Malawi; Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Kinshasa, BP117, Kinshasa 11, Congo | Rusike, J., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture-Tanzania, PO Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mahungu, N.M., IITA-Democratic Republic of Congo Avenue des Cliniques 13, Batiment INERA Commune de la GombeKinshasa, Congo; Lukombo, S.S., IITA-Democratic Republic of Congo Avenue des Cliniques 13, Batiment INERA Commune de la GombeKinshasa, Congo; Kendenga, T., IITA-Democratic Republic of Congo Avenue des Cliniques 13, Batiment INERA Commune de la GombeKinshasa, Congo; Bidiaka, S.M., IITA-Democratic Republic of Congo Avenue des Cliniques 13, Batiment INERA Commune de la GombeKinshasa, Congo; Alene, A., IITA, Chitedze Research Station, PO Box 30258, Lilongwe 3, Malawi; Lema, A., Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Kinshasa, BP117, Kinshasa 11, Congo; Manyong, V.M., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture-Tanzania, PO Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | This paper evaluates the impact of a cassava research-for-development program on farm level outcomes. The program was implemented in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2001 to 2009. We apply propensity score matching, Rosenbaum bounds on treatment effects, Altonji et al. method of selection on observables and unobservables and endogenous switching regression to farm survey data collected during the 2009 cropping season. We use these methods to test whether the R4D program has a statistically significant effect on outcomes of interest and if these are not driven by selection on unobservables. Using propensity score matching, we find statistically significant positive effects on household participation in cassava markets, adoption of improved varieties and crop management practices and household food adequacy; and no statistically significant effects on yields and profits. The results show that bias due to selection on unobservables is not severe enough to invalidate the impact estimates. Bias may still be a problem that is present in the analysis. But there is evidence that it is not substantial. Although the program does not have a statistically significant positive effect on yields and profits, the significant program effects on market participation, variety adoption, and food adequacy merit further promotion of the program since these positive outcomes tend to be pre-conditions for realizing long-term yield and profit benefits. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Agricultural research-for-development; Cassava; Democratic Republic of Congo; Selection bias; Treatment effects | agricultural research; cassava; crop yield; research and development; Democratic Republic Congo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881553846 | The long-run impact of inflation in South Africa | Amusa K., Gupta R., Karolia S., Simo-Kengne B.D. | 2013 | Journal of Policy Modeling | 35 | 5 | 10.1016/j.jpolmod.2011.05.001 | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Amusa, K., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Gupta, R., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Karolia, S., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Simo-Kengne, B.D., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | This paper evaluates the hypothesis of long-run super-neutrality of money (LRSN) within the context of the South African economy. The long-run impact of inflation on the interest rate and subsequently, output is estimated by employing a trivariate structural vector autoregression model, using quarterly data for the period of 1960:1 to 2010:1. The estimation results suggest that the hypothesis of LRSN cannot be rejected, thereby suggesting that monetary policy in South Africa cannot be used to solve the large and persistent unemployment problem in South Africa, which is understandable, since unemployment is inherently structural and is due to skills-shortage. This is further supported by our one of our other results which shows that significant long-run impact on output is obtained from technological improvements. © 2013 Society for Policy Modeling. | Money superneutrality; Structural vector autoregression | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247862035 | Monitoring herbaceous fuel moisture content with SPOT VEGETATION time-series for fire risk prediction in savanna ecosystems | Verbesselt J., Somers B., Lhermitte S., Jonckheere I., van Aardt J., Coppin P. | 2007 | Remote Sensing of Environment | 108 | 4 | 10.1016/j.rse.2006.11.019 | Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Department Biosystems (M3-BIORES), Group of Geomatics Engineering, Celestijnenlaan 200E, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium; CSIR - Natural Resources and the Environment - Ecosystems, P.O. Box 395 Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | Verbesselt, J., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Department Biosystems (M3-BIORES), Group of Geomatics Engineering, Celestijnenlaan 200E, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium; Somers, B., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Department Biosystems (M3-BIORES), Group of Geomatics Engineering, Celestijnenlaan 200E, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium; Lhermitte, S., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Department Biosystems (M3-BIORES), Group of Geomatics Engineering, Celestijnenlaan 200E, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium; Jonckheere, I., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Department Biosystems (M3-BIORES), Group of Geomatics Engineering, Celestijnenlaan 200E, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium; van Aardt, J., CSIR - Natural Resources and the Environment - Ecosystems, P.O. Box 395 Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Coppin, P., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Department Biosystems (M3-BIORES), Group of Geomatics Engineering, Celestijnenlaan 200E, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium | This paper evaluated the capacity of SPOT VEGETATION time-series to monitor herbaceous fuel moisture content (FMC) in order to improve fire risk assessment in the savanna ecosystem of Kruger National Park in South Africa. In situ herbaceous FMC data were used to assess the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Vegetation Dryness Index (VDI), Improved VDI (IVDI), and Accumulated Relative NDVI Decrement (ARND) during the dry season. The effect of increasing amounts of dead vegetation on the monitoring capacity of derived indices was studied by sampling mixed live and dead FMC. The IVDI was proposed as an improvement of the VDI to monitor herbaceous FMC during the dry season. The IVDI is derived by replacing NDVI with the integrated Relative Vegetation Index (iRVI), as an approximation of yearly herbaceous biomass, when analyzing the 2-dimensional space with NDWI. It was shown that the iRVI offered more information than the NDVI in combination with NDWI to monitor FMC. The VDI and IVDI exhibited a significant relation to FMC with R2 of 0.25 and 0.73, respectively. The NDWI, however, correlated best with FMC (R2 = 0.75), while the correlation of ARND and FMC was weaker (R2 = 0.60) than that found for NDVI, NDWI, and IVDI. The use of in situ herbaceous FMC consequently indicated that NDWI is appropriate as spatio-temporal information source of herbaceous FMC variation which can be used to optimize fire risk and behavior assessment for fire management in savanna ecosystems. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Fire risk; Fuel moisture content; Improved Vegetation Dryness Index (IVDI); Live and dead fuel; SPOT VEGETATION | Biomass; Correlation methods; Ecosystems; Risk analysis; Vegetation; Dead fuel; Fire risk; Fuel moisture content; Improved Vegetation Dryness Index (IVDI); Moisture; biofuel; biomonitoring; fire behavior; fire management; forest fire; hazard assessment; index method; moisture content; natural hazard; NDVI; optimization; risk assessment; satellite data; savanna; SPOT; time series analysis; Africa; Kruger National Park; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | 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-s2.0-84883487106 | Finding the benefits: Estimating the impact of the South African child support grant | Coetzee M. | 2013 | South African Journal of Economics | 81 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2012.01338.x | Department of Economics, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | Coetzee, M., Department of Economics, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | This paper estimates the impact of the South African Child Support Grant (CSG) on child health, nutrition and education. Data from the 2008 South African National Income Dynamics Study are used to estimate the impact of the CSG on six different outcomes measuring child well-being. We find a positive treatment effect of the CSG on children's height-for-age, progress through the school system, as well as household expenditure on food items using a continuous treatment estimator developed by Hirano and Imbens. Robustness analysis using the inverse probability weighting approach by Flores and Mitnik is also implemented. Although these estimates provide some evidence of a positive impact resulting from the CSG, they are not conclusive in showing that the cash transfers are spent mainly on improving the lives of beneficiary children, as the treatment effects are quite small. © 2013 The Author. South African Journal of Economics © 2013 Economic Society of South Africa. | child health and nutrition; Conditional cash transfers; continuous treatment estimator; South Africa | child health; child welfare; education; household expenditure; nutrition; probability; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944458503 | The economic impact of climate change on road infrastructure in Ghana | Twerefou D.K., Chinowsky P., Adjei-Mantey K., Strzepek N.L. | 2015 | Sustainability (Switzerland) | 7 | 9 | 10.3390/su70911949 | Department of Economics, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 57, Accra, Ghana; Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering Department, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States; Institute of Climate and Civil Systems, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States | Twerefou, D.K., Department of Economics, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 57, Accra, Ghana; Chinowsky, P., Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering Department, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States; Adjei-Mantey, K., Department of Economics, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 57, Accra, Ghana; Strzepek, N.L., Institute of Climate and Civil Systems, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States | This paper estimates the economic impact of climate change on road infrastructure using the stressor-response methodology. Our analysis indicates that it could cumulatively (2020-2100) cost Ghana $473 million to maintain and repair damages caused to existing roads as a result of climate change (no adapt scenario). However, if the country adapts the design and construction of new road infrastructure, expected to occur over the asset's lifespan (adapt scenario), the total cumulative cost could increase to $678.47 million due to the initial costs of adaptation. This investment provides lower costs on a decadal basis later in the infrastructure lifespan. This creates the planning question of whether lower decadal costs in the future are a priority or if minimizing initial costs is a priority. The paper addresses this question through decadal and average annual costs up to the year 2100 for the ten regions, using the potential impacts of 54 distinct potential climate scenarios. © 2015 by the authors. | Climate change; Roads; Stressor-response; Temperature | climate change; cost analysis; design method; economic impact; infrastructural development; repair; road construction; sustainability; temperature; Ghana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860538042 | Monetary valuation of salinity impacts and microbial pollution in the Olifants Water Management Area, South Africa | de Lange W.J., Mahumani B.K., Steyn M., Oelofse S.H.H. | 2012 | Water SA | 38 | 2 | 10.4314/wsa.v38i2.9 | CSIR, Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa; CSIR, Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | de Lange, W.J., CSIR, Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa; Mahumani, B.K., CSIR, Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa; Steyn, M., CSIR, Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa; Oelofse, S.H.H., CSIR, Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | This paper estimates costs associated with water pollution in the Olifants River Water Management Area (WMA) in South Africa, and, more specifically, the area represented by the Loskop Dam Water User Association. We focus on the impacts of salinisation on commercial irrigated agriculture, and of microbial pollution on the general population of the WMA, many of whom do not have access to municipal water and sanitation services, leaving them vulnerable to microbial pollution in the water resource. Costs associated with salinity are estimates based on the impacts of increased salinity on the value of marginal product of certain irrigated crops. Costs associated with microbial pollution are estimated based on the direct and indirect costs of human health impacts as a result of microbial pollution in the study area. These monetary value estimates give an indication of the magnitude of the cost of water pollution to society in the WMA. It is concluded that the once-off cost required to provide some pollution prevention infrastructure will be lower than the current annual cost burden of pollution on society in the WMA, and that pollution prevention is therefore cost effective. | Agriculture; Costs; Pollution prevention; Society; Water pollution | Annual cost; Cost effective; Dam water; Direct and indirect costs; General population; Human health impacts; Irrigated agriculture; Irrigated crops; Management areas; Microbial pollution; Monetary valuations; Monetary value; Municipal water; Pollution prevention; Salinisation; Sanitation services; Society; South Africa; Study areas; Agriculture; Cost estimating; Costs; Estimation; Oil spills; Pollution; Salinity measurement; Water management; Water pollution; Cost benefit analysis; cost-benefit analysis; environmental economics; irrigation system; microorganism; pollution control; river pollution; river water; salinity; salinization; sanitation; valuation; water resource; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-48849086369 | Impact of corrosion inhibitors on the environment | Amadi S.A., Ukpaka C.P. | 2007 | Modelling, Measurement and Control C | 68 | 02-Jan | None | Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, P.M.B.5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Amadi, S.A., Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, P.M.B.5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Ukpaka, C.P., Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, P.M.B.5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | This paper entailed the analysis of three commercial corrosion inhibitors to know the concentration of heavy metals in them and the attendant health effect of these heavy metals on the environment. The effect on the environment was investigated by polluting some soil samples with the corrosion inhibitors and then analyzing these soil samples, for 1 day and 2 weeks. Results showed that the corrosion inhibitors contain heavy metals whose concentration exceeds the FEPA limits. These heavy metals are injurious to human health, toxic to plants and animals. They also have adveise on the ecology of the receiving environment and on surface and ground water quality. Comparative effect of environmental pollution of these corrosion inhibitors was tested using t-test techniques (t-test for correlated non independent samples) to determine the significance of the difference between the concentration of these samples. The comprehensive and feasible data generated from the experimental investigation shows the significant effect of these samples. Numerical computation methods were employed to determine the variation on the concentration of the sample from 1 day to 2 weeks. The t-test (tcal(o)=0.851, tcal (5) = 0.964, tcal(10)= 1.015, and tcal(15) = 0.981). Finally, this shows that the degree of pollution of corrosion inhibitors to the environment increase daily and therefore poses a great potential impact on the environment. | Corrosion inhibitors; Environment; Impact; T-test comparative effect | Atmospherics; Concentration (process); Corrosion; Corrosion prevention; Corrosion resistance; Corrosion resistant alloys; Groundwater; Health; Heavy metals; Metals; Soil surveys; Soils; Testing; Water quality; Commercial corrosion; Environment; Environmental pollutions; Experimental investigations; Ground water quality; Human health; Impact; Numerical computations; Soil samples; T-test comparative effect; Test techniques; Corrosion inhibitors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955945560 | Effect of management interventions on productive performance of indigenous chicken in Western Kenya | Ochieng J., Owuor G., Bebe B.O., Ochieng D.O. | 2011 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 23 | 5 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, Egerton University, Box 536, Egerton, Kenya; African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)/CMAAE, Box 62882-00200 Nairobi, Kenya; Livestock Production Systems Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, Box 536, Egerton, Kenya | Ochieng, J., Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, Egerton University, Box 536, Egerton, Kenya, African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)/CMAAE, Box 62882-00200 Nairobi, Kenya; Owuor, G., Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, Egerton University, Box 536, Egerton, Kenya; Bebe, B.O., Livestock Production Systems Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, Box 536, Egerton, Kenya; Ochieng, D.O., Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, Egerton University, Box 536, Egerton, Kenya | This paper emphasizes the role of management interventions package in productive performance of indigenous chickens in Western Kenya. The management intervention package comprises feed supplementation, housing, chick rearing, brooding and vaccination. The effect was analyzed using log linear regression model which takes the form of Cobb-Douglas production function. The results indicate that farmers who had adopted full management intervention package as recommended by extension service had higher productive performance than farmers who modified and selectively adopted components of management intervention package. Farm production assets, expenditure on feeds, labour, access to extension, group membership and female gender significantly influenced productivity of indigenous chickens. Therefore, rural farm households should adopt management intervention package as recommended to increase productivity, thereby improving financial and food security in rural areas. The study also recommends the formulation and implementation of pro-poor policies aimed at improving socio-economic conditions of farmers to enable them to fully adopt the recommended management intervention package. | Food security; Household; Management interventions package; Productivity | Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-10444282107 | Enclave tourism and its socio-economic impacts in the Okavango Delta, Botswana | Mbaiwa J.E. | 2005 | Tourism Management | 26 | 2 | 10.1016/j.tourman.2003.11.005 | H. Oppenheimer Okavango Res. Centre, University of Botswana, Private Bag 285, Maun, Botswana | Mbaiwa, J.E., H. Oppenheimer Okavango Res. Centre, University of Botswana, Private Bag 285, Maun, Botswana | This paper draws on the dependency paradigm to explain the development of enclave tourism and its socio-economic impacts in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Using both primary and secondary data source, the study indicates that international tourists, foreign safari companies and investors dominate the tourism industry in the Okavango Delta. The foreign domination and ownership of tourism facilities has led to the repatriation of tourism revenue, domination of management positions by expatriates, lower salaries for citizen workers, and a general failure by tourism to significantly contribute to rural poverty alleviation in the Okavango region. Tourism as a result has a minimal economic impact on rural development mainly because it has weak linkages with the domestic economy, particularly agriculture. Because of its nature, tourism in the Okavango Delta cannot be described as being sustainable from a socio-economic perspective. In order to address problems of enclave tourism development and promote more inclusive and beneficial tourism development in the Okavango, there is need to adopt policies and strategies that will ensure that substantial amounts of tourism revenue are retained in the Okavango and Botswana. These strategies should also ensure that tourism development in the Okavango Delta has strong linkages with the rest of the economy in Botswana. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Dependency paradigm; Enclave tourism; International and domestic tourism; Okavango Delta; Poverty; Sustainable development | international tourism; rural economy; socioeconomic impact; sustainable development; tourism development; Africa; Botswana; Eastern Hemisphere; Okavango Delta; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861012376 | Impact of the total solar eclipse of 29 March 2006 on the surface energy fluxes at Ibadan, Nigeria | Nymphas E.F., Otunla T.A., Adeniyi M.O., Oladiran E.O. | 2012 | Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics | 80 | None | 10.1016/j.jastp.2012.02.024 | Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Nymphas, E.F., Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Otunla, T.A., Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Adeniyi, M.O., Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Oladiran, E.O., Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | This paper document the impact of the total solar eclipse (97.4%) of 29 March 2006 on the surface energy fluxes at Ibadan, Nigeria (longitude 4.56°E, latitude 7.55°N), a tropical location. The surface energy (determined by the BREB method) was found to be grossly affected by the eclipse. The latent heat and net radiation (R n) lagged the sensible heat by 11min in totality. The sensible heat lagged the latent heat and R n by 6min before it start to increase after the totality phase of the eclipse, while global radiation (R g) lagged R n by 7min. The sensible heat reversed sign, reaching a value of -1.02Wm -2 during the total phase of the eclipse while the latent heat dropped by 89.7%.All the radiation fluxes (global radiation, R g, net radiation R n, temperature, and soil heat flux) measured during the eclipse event were significantly affected by the sudden 'cut off' of the solar irradiation. There was a 95% decrease in R g, while R n dropped from 354.3Wm -2 to -11.7Wm -2. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Energy fluxes; Global radiation; Net radiation; Nigeria; Soil heat flux; Solar eclipse; Solar radiation | Energy fluxes; Global radiation; Net radiation; Nigeria; Soil heat flux; Solar eclipse; Atmospheric radiation; Interfacial energy; Latent heat; Solar energy; Solar radiation; Sun; Heat flux | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897406677 | University lecturers' views on student-lecturer evaluations | Makondo L., Ndebele C. | 2014 | Anthropologist | 17 | 2 | None | University of Venda, Centre for Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Thohoyandou, South Africa | Makondo, L., University of Venda, Centre for Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Thohoyandou, South Africa; Ndebele, C., University of Venda, Centre for Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Thohoyandou, South Africa | This paper discusses university lecturers' views on student-lecturer evaluation of teaching and learning process. Specific reference is given to the university lecturers' views on the usefulness of the evaluation exercise, the evaluation process, items in the evaluation questionnaires and evaluation feedback reports at a formerly disadvantaged South African University. A total of 118 (53.8%) lecturers out of a staff establishment of 219 teaching staff volunteered their participation in this study. Participating lecturers in this descriptive survey design that used predominantly a quantitative approach, were given the opportunity to make their comments based on the results of the student-lecturer evaluation findings. Data were then analysed using content analysis and emerging themes were identified and discussed. The findings of the study show that insights from student-lecturer evaluations are an important source of information for university teaching staff and administration to consider in their quest to improve on the quality of university teaching and learning moves that can help improve on throughput rates. Based on the findings, we conclude that student-lecturer evaluations are beneficial and recommend that their contributions be taken with an open mind alongside other sources of data such as peer evaluations. © Kamla-Raj 2014. | Effectiveness; Grading leniency; Quality; Rating; Student feedback | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38149117099 | Development, evaluation, and selection of rapid tooling process chains for sand casting of functional prototypes | Dimitrov D., Van Wijck W., De Beer N., Dietrich J. | 2007 | Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part B: Journal of Engineering Manufacture | 221 | 9 | 10.1243/09544054JEM728 | Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa; Department of Manufacturing Engineering, University of Applied Sciences, Dresden, Germany; Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, c/o Banhoek and Joubert Street, Stellenbosch 7600, Western Cape Province 7600, South Africa | Dimitrov, D., Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, c/o Banhoek and Joubert Street, Stellenbosch 7600, Western Cape Province 7600, South Africa; Van Wijck, W., Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa; De Beer, N., Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa; Dietrich, J., Department of Manufacturing Engineering, University of Applied Sciences, Dresden, Germany | This paper discusses the results obtained from studies on different rapid tooling process chains for improved design and manufacture of foundry equipment for sand casting of prototypes in final material for functional and pre-production tests of vehicles, using the three-dimensional printing process as core technology. Subsequently, while considering aspects such as time, cost, quality (accuracy and surface roughness), and tool life, a framework for evaluation and selection of the most suitable process chain in accordance to specific requirements is presented. Apart from only using these process chains for prototype manufacturing, initial results from a study to apply one of these process chains in automated sand casting full production is also presented. This research builds on an in-depth characterization of the accuracy and repeatability of a three-dimensional printing process. © IMechE 2007. | Casting; Rapid tooling (RT); Three-dimensional printing | Automation; Process engineering; Requirements engineering; Surface roughness; Three dimensional; Rapid tooling (RT); Sand castings; Three-dimensional printing; Machine tools | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-26444506326 | Monitoring and evaluation for social development: A case for social work in South Africa | Noyoo N. | 2005 | Social Work | 41 | 3 | None | Centre for Social Development in Africa, Department of Social Work, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Noyoo, N., Centre for Social Development in Africa, Department of Social Work, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | This paper discusses the processes of monitoring and evaluation, and argues for its centrality in the sphere of social development. In the discussion the need for social workers to play leading roles in executing these processes for a post-apartheid socio-economic and political context is also illuminated. | None | post-apartheid; social development; social work; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940734173 | TEC prediction performance of the IRI-2012 model over Ethiopia during the rising phase of solar cycle 24 (2009-2011) | Tariku Y.A. | 2015 | Earth, Planets and Space | 67 | 1 | 10.1186/s40623-015-0312-1 | Department of Physics, University of Ambo, P.O. Box 19, Ambo, Ethiopia | Tariku, Y.A., Department of Physics, University of Ambo, P.O. Box 19, Ambo, Ethiopia | This paper discusses the performance of the latest version of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI-2012) model for estimating the vertical total electron content (VTEC) variation over Ethiopian regions during the rising phase of solar cycle 24 (2009-2011). Ground-based Global Positioning System (GPS) VTEC data, inferred from dual-frequency GPS receivers installed at Bahir Dar (geographic latitude 11.6°N and longitude 37.35°E, geomagnetic latitude 2.64°N and longitude 108.94°E), Nazret (geographic latitude 8.57°N and longitude 39.29°E, geomagnetic latitude -0.25°N and longitude 111.01°E), and Robe (geographic latitude 7.11°N and longitude 40.03°E, geomagnetic latitude -1.69°N and longitude 111.78°E), are compared to diurnal, monthly, and seasonal VTEC variations obtained with the IRI-2012 model. It is shown that the variability of the diurnal VTEC is minimal at predawn hours (near 0300 UT, 0600 LT) and maximal between roughly 1000 and 1300 UT (1300-1600 LT) for both the experimental data and the model. Minimum seasonal VTEC values are observed for the June solstice during the period of 2009-2011. Moreover, it is shown that the model better estimates diurnal VTEC values just after the midnight hours (0000-0300 UT, 0300-0600 LT). The modeled monthly and seasonal VTEC values are larger than the corresponding measured values during the period of 2009-2010 when all options for the topside electron density are used. An important finding of this study is that the overestimation of VTEC values derived from the model decreases as the Sun transitions from very low to high solar activity. Moreover, it is generally better to use the model with the NeQuick option for the topside electron density when estimating diurnal, monthly, and seasonal VTEC variations. © 2015 Tariku. | Equatorial ionosphere; GPS-VTEC; IRI-2012 VTEC; Solar cycle | electron density; geomagnetism; GPS; ionosphere; modeling; performance assessment; prediction; solar activity; solar cycle; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57149105375 | Clonal differences in log end splitting in Eucalyptus grandis in relation to age, parent performance, growth rate and wood density in two even-aged trials in Mpumalanga, South Africa | Malan F.S. | 2008 | Southern Forests | 70 | 1 | 10.2989/SOUTH.FOR.2008.70.1.7.517 | Komatiland Forests (Pty) Ltd., PO Box 574, Sabie 1260, South Africa | Malan, F.S., Komatiland Forests (Pty) Ltd., PO Box 574, Sabie 1260, South Africa | This paper discusses the juvenile-mature correlation of log end splitting among Eucalyptus grandis clones from two trials and how differences in splitting relate to differences in wood density, pith-to-bark gradient and growth rate. Two approximately 20-year-old Eucalyptus grandis clonal trials at Bergvliet plantation were sampled. The first trial (Trial A) consisted of clones of eight ortets (genotypes) specifically selected for their widely different propensities to develop end splitting. The second trial (Trial B) consisted of 80 clones and one seedling control. From the latter trial 15 clones were selected in such a manner that they constituted three groups of clones representing a combination of high- and low-volume producers and, among the high-volume producers, clones exhibiting high and low propensities towards end splitting. The fourth group represented the seedling control. Trial A showed highly significant clonal differences in splitting, basic wood density, as well as its pith-to-bark gradient. No relationship of splitting with differences in growth rate, density or density gradient was found. The clones derived from the low- and high-splitting ortets maintained their general statuses as low and high splitters over a considerable period of time, but some of the individual clones did not reflect the performance of the ortets from which they were derived. Trial B revealed that clones classified as good-volume producers at the age of 65 months still outperformed the clones classified as low-volume producers approximately 15 years later. No significant differences in average wood density between the groups of clones studied was found, irrespective of differences in growth rate and degree of splitting, but trees from the slow-growing group of clones were significantly more variable across the radius in average wood density. The outcome of both trials confirmed results of many previous studies on this species, in that rapid and uniform growth has no significant detrimental effect on wood density or its rate of change across the radius of the tree. It may, in fact, be associated with increased uniformity from pith to bark with increasing age, sometimes resulting in slightly increased overall wood density. Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd. | Eucalyptus grandis; Growth stresses; Juvenile-mature correlation; Splitting; Wood density | Eucalyptus; Eucalyptus grandis | None |
| WoS | WOS:000207805600007 | How Insecurity Impacts on School Attendance and School Dropout among Urban Slum Children in Nairobi | Izugbara, Chimaraoke,Mudege, Netsayi N.,Zulu, Eliya M. | 2008 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONFLICT AND VIOLENCE | 2 | 1 | None | African Populat & Hlth Res Ctr | None | This paper discusses how perceptions of personal security can impact on school enrolment and attendance. It mainly focuses on threats of physical harm, crime, and community and domestic violence. These security fears can include insecurity that children suffer from as they go to school, maybe through the use of unsafe routes; insecurity that children feel at school; and the insecurity they suffer from in their homes. Although poverty can be a source and/or an indicator of insecurity, this paper does not focus solely on poverty as it is well covered elsewhere in the literature. The paper relies on qualitative data collected in Korogocho and Viwandani slum areas in Nairobi, Kenya between October and November 2004. The paper analyses data from individual interviews and focus group interviews and focuses on the narrative of slum dwellers on how insecurity impacts on educational attainment. The conclusion in this paper is that insecure neighbourhoods may have a negative impact on schooling. As a result policies that address insecurity in slum neighbourhoods can also improve school attendance and performance. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872001751 | The impact of routine HIV testing on HIV-related stigma and discrimination in Africa | Durojaye E. | 2011 | International Journal of Discrimination and the Law | 11 | 4 | 10.1177/1358229111435735 | Community Law Centre, University of Western Cape, South Africa | Durojaye, E., Community Law Centre, University of Western Cape, South Africa | This paper discusses different methods of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, particularly routine and voluntary HIV testing methods, which have been adopted in response to the HIV epidemic in Africa. It then examines the importance of HIV testing as a tool for the prevention and treatment of infected and affected persons. The paper argues that although routine HIV testing is important in scaling up HIV testing in Africa, it may not necessarily address HIV-related stigma as contended by some commentators. Rather, it is argued that routine HIV testing, as practised in many African countries, may fuel HIV-related stigma and violate individuals' fundamental rights guaranteed in numerous human rights instruments. In conclusion, the paper cautions that any attempt at adopting routine HIV testing in Africa should be tempered with respect for people's human rights. © 2011 The Author(s). | Africa; human rights; Routine HIV testing; stigma and discrimination | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880251834 | China's 'win-win' cooperation: Unpacking the impact of infrastructure for-resources deals in Africa | Alves A.C. | 2013 | South African Journal of International Affairs | 20 | 2 | 10.1080/10220461.2013.811337 | South African Institute of International Affairs, Braamfontein, South Africa | Alves, A.C., South African Institute of International Affairs, Braamfontein, South Africa | This paper discusses China's use of infrastructure-for-resources loans in Africa as a win-win economic cooperation tool. This formula, offering generous loans for infrastructure in exchange for resource access, came into being largely as a default cooperation tool, inspired by China's own domestic experience, its competitive advantages and Africa's receptivity to this kind of barter deal. Embodying the principle of mutual benefit, China has consistently combined the extension of financial assistance for infrastructure construction in Africa with the expansion of Chinese business interests and the pursuit of resource security goals. The analysis focuses on whether this instrument is actually promoting African development or fuelling instead China's economic growth at the expense of African economies. The author argues that the impact has been mixed. Although there are some meaningful positive signs, many challenges persist, and as such the long-term developmental impact of this particular tool remains uncertain. The responsibility to ensure a positive outcome rests, however, on the African side as much as on China. © 2013 The South African Institute of International Affairs. | Africa; China; Developmental impact; Infrastructure-for-resources loans | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883642337 | Texting Africa: Writing as performance | Deumert A., Lexander K.V. | 2013 | Journal of Sociolinguistics | 17 | 4 | 10.1111/josl.12043 | University of Cape Town, South Africa; University of Oslo, Norway | Deumert, A., University of Cape Town, South Africa, University of Oslo, Norway; Lexander, K.V., University of Cape Town, South Africa, University of Oslo, Norway | This paper discusses African multilingual digital writing, focusing on one digital genre: texting. Our analysis draws on quantitative and qualitative data from five highly multilingual African countries: Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa. Writers are shown to draw on local as well as global linguistic resources in crafting their messages. Being a good texter requires the performance of 'textual linguistic dexterity': the ability to articulate meaning through the skillful use of both global and local forms. Good texters are valued by their audiences not only for the speed with which they reply, but also their ability to 'play with words'. The quantitative data shows such practices to be widespread, while the qualitative data allows us to understand writers' motivations and underlying linguistics ideologies. Texting is frequently used in intimate interactions, especially for expressions of love, affection and attraction. Through the juxtaposition of linguistic material, and drawing on the social meanings of different resources within their multilingual repertoires, writers are able to project particular personae and to negotiate various forms of emotional attachment. Eli phepha lixoxa ngendlela yokubhala ngeelwimi ezininzi zeseAfrika usebenzisa ubuxhakaxhaka beteknoloji, ligxile kudidi olunye lokusetyenziswa kobuxhakaxhaka beteknoloji: ubhalo-tekisi. Uphicotho-nkcukacha lwethu lolobalo (khwantithethivu) nolomgangatho (khwalitethivu) weenkcukacha-ngqangi eziqokelelwe kwawona mazwe abalaseleyo ngokusebenzisa iilwimi ezininzi eAfrika: iCôte d'Ivoire, iGhana, iNigeria, iSenegal noMzantsi Afrika. Ababhali baboniswa besebenzisa izixhobo zobunzulu-lwazi bolwimi zasekhaya (lokhali) nezehlabathi liphela ukuyila imiyalezo yabo. Ukuba ngumbhali-tekisi obalaseleyo kufunisa ukuba ukwazi ukusebenzisa le nto ibizwa ngouba 'yitextual linguistic dexterity': oko ke kukwazi ukuphimisela intsingiselo yomyalezo ngendlela ebonisa ubuchule bokusebenzisa iindlela zokuyila itekisi zasekhaya nezehlabathi. Ababhali-tekisi ababalaseleyo baxatyisiwe ngabafundi-miyalezo babo, hayi ngenxa yokuphendula msinya nje kuphela, koko nangenxa yobugcisa babo 'bokudlala ngamagama'. Iinkcukacha-ngqangi zobalo zikubonisa oko njengento esele inabe ngokubanzi, ngeli xa zona iinkcukacha-ngqangi zomgangatho zisenza simqonde ngcono oyena nobangela wokuba ababhali-miyalezo benze ngolu hlobo benza ngalo kwakunye neengcinga zobunzulu-lwazi bolwimi ekusekelwe phezu kwako oku. Ubhalo-tekisi ludla ngokwenziwa kwiinkcoko zobuhlobo, ingakumbi kwezo zothando, ezobubele nezokuthabatheka. Ngokulungelelanisa ezobunzulu-lwazi bolwimi nangokuyila iintsingiselo zezinto ezahlukeneyo kwingqokelela yokusetyenziswa kweelwimi ezahlukeneyo, ababhali babanako ukubonisa 'ububona' obuthile kwanokubonisa iindlela ezahlukeneyo abachukumiseka ngazo. [isiXhosa]. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. | (non-standard) spelling; Africa; Intimacy; Multilingualism; Performance; Texting | None | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925534625 | Performance of mixed ceramics and CBN tools during hard turning of martensitic stainless steel | Sobiyi K., Sigalas I., Akdogan G., Turan Y. | 2015 | International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology | 77 | 42498 | 10.1007/s00170-014-6506-z | School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Castco Precision Castings, P.O. Box 19133, Tygerberg, South Africa | Sobiyi, K., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sigalas, I., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, Johannesburg, South Africa; Akdogan, G., Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Turan, Y., Castco Precision Castings, P.O. Box 19133, Tygerberg, South Africa | This paper describes the wear behavior of a ceramic and a PcBN cutting tool during the turning of AISI 440B stainless steels at different machining conditions. Experimental results showed that the wear mechanism for ceramic cutting tool is predominantly abrasive wear and for cBN tools was adhesive wear and abrasive wear. The abrasive wear is as a result of hard carbide particles in the workpiece material resulting in grooves formed on the flank face. There was formation of transferred layer followed by plastic deformation on the rake face of PcBN tool when cutting at low speed and feed rate. Better surface finish (Ra) was recorded for ceramics but with deteriorating surface topography. The results also show that good dimensional accuracy can be achieved with cBN tools using CNC machine with high static and dimensional stiffness coupled with high-precision hard turning. © 2014, Springer-Verlag London. | Cutting tool; Hard turning; Mixed ceramics; PcBN | Abrasion; Abrasives; Carbides; Ceramic cutting tools; Ceramic materials; Computer control systems; Cubic boron nitride; Cutting tools; Machinery; Martensitic stainless steel; Surface topography; Tribology; Dimensional accuracy; Hard turning; Machining conditions; Mixed ceramic; PcBN; PCBN cutting tools; Transferred layer; Workpiece materials; Stainless steel | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547196839 | Thermal performance of a solar oven with augmented sunlight concentration | Brooks M.J. | 2007 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 18 | 2 | None | School of Mechanical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Brooks, M.J., School of Mechanical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | This paper describes the thermal performance of a novel solar oven that incorporates a compact reflective lens, or ring array, to augment sunlight concentration. Performance is reported in terms of the positive effect of the ring array versus a non-concentrating lid, maximum operating temperature, thermal efficiency, performance under partly cloudy skies, and the effects of incidence angle and tracking. Use of the ring array lens improved thermal efficiency by 4% in the test range up to 100°C, while boosting the maximum operating temperature from 138°C to 196°C. Comparative tests conducted under clear sky conditions against two other commercial types showed that when tracked in the azimuth plane at near-normal incidence angles, the new design generated maximum cooking power of 300 W and boiled water at a rate 13% faster than the next best commercial oven tested. Augmented sunlight concentration sensitised the new design to higher angles of incidence and performance was negatively affected in the non-tracked state. Under non-ideal operating conditions, including partial shading by cloud, the oven outperformed both commercial units. | Ring array concentrator; Solar irradiance; Solar oven; Thermal efficiency | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846268795 | Effect of drilled solids on drilling rate and performance | Njobuenwu D.O., Wobo C.A. | 2007 | Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering | 55 | 04-Mar | 10.1016/j.petrol.2006.08.012 | Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering Department, Rivers State University of Science and Technology PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Fluids Division, Baker Hughes Nigeria Ltd, Plot 268 Trans Amadi, Industrial Layout, PMB 5241, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Njobuenwu, D.O., Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering Department, Rivers State University of Science and Technology PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Wobo, C.A., Fluids Division, Baker Hughes Nigeria Ltd, Plot 268 Trans Amadi, Industrial Layout, PMB 5241, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | This paper describes the results of laboratory investigations into the effect of drilled solids on the drilling rate and drilling performance. Drilling fluid performance and a successful result during drilling operations are characterised by the fluid's properties providing hole cleaning and cutting transport. Various concentrations of bentonite which has the same specific gravity with drilled solids were used to simulate drilling performance. The results were discussed in terms of electric stability (emulsion stability), high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) including the resultant filter cake, rheological properties of the active fluid Experiments show that the ES drops in half as the drilled solid (bentonite) concentration increases from 0 to 75 lb/bbl. The HPHT FL test produced thicker filter cake and the HPHT FL doubles while the YP quadruples as the bentonite concentration increases. Accumulation of filter cake on the bit or BHA during pull out of hole of a drill string and hole problems are attendant problems associated with inefficient solid control. The use of bentonite to simulate the drilled solid is good agreement with previous works. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Drilled Cuttings; Drilled Solids; Drilling Fluids; Emulsion Stability; Hole Problems; Synthetic Based Mud | Drilled solids; Drilling performance; Drilling rate; Emulsion stability; High-pressure high-temperature; Bentonite; Boreholes; Density (specific gravity); Drilling fluids; Emulsions; Stability; Oil well drilling; Bentonite; Boreholes; Density (specific gravity); Drilling fluids; Emulsions; Oil well drilling; Stability; bentonite; drilling fluid; emulsion; performance assessment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-54249117675 | Male broiler performance and nocturnal feeding under constant 8-h or 16-h photoperiods, and various increasing lighting regimens | Lewis P.D., Danisman R., Gous R.M. | 2008 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 38 | 3 | None | Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Lewis, P.D., Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Danisman, R., Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Gous, R.M., Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | This paper describes the responses of two genotypes of male broilers to constant 8- and 16-h photoperiods, and to an abrupt transfer from 8 to 16 h at 10, 15 or 20 d. Body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion efficiency were not significantly different at any stage during the 35 d study. Mortality and the incidence of Sudden Death Syndrome were similar for all lighting groups at 35 d. When these data were pooled with previously reported data for female broilers, growth and feed conversion efficiency post 21 d and through to depletion for constant 8-h and birds transferred from 8 to 16 h at 20 d were significantly superior to constant 16-h birds. Constant 8-h birds ate about half their feed during the dark period, whilst 16-h birds consumed no more than 10%. Birds which had been started on 8 h and transferred to 16 h at 10, 15 or 20 d reduced their rate of nocturnal feeding when changed to the longer photoperiod, however, they still consumed more feed in the 8-h dark period than birds that had always been given 16 h illumination. Cobb and Ross genotypes responded similarly to all lighting treatments. © South African Society for Animal Science. | Broiler growth; Nocturnal feeding; Photoperiod | Aves | None |
| WoS | WOS:000242694600004 | Development of a participatory monitoring and evaluation strategy | Forde, Sarah,Holte-McKenzie, Merydth,Theobald, Sally | 2006 | EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING | 29 | 4 | 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2006.08.007 | Agriteam Canada Consulting Ltd, Moving Goalposts Kilifi, Univ Liverpool Liverpool Sch Trop Med | None | This paper describes the process of developing a participatory monitoring and evaluation strategy for a Kenyan youth-based NGO. The iterative nature of the study including the process of narrowing down indicators to measure and methods to monitor/evaluate these is well documented. A discussion on the extent to which the process achieved participation and was empowering for the participants reflects on existing power relationships and cultural context of Kenya and points to the need to create opportunities for youth where they engage with the broader community. Lessons that emerge out of the study focus on the importance of prioritizing monitoring and evaluation, the potential of youth to carry out effective monitoring and evaluation, and the need for researchers to engage respectfully with communities and participants. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd. | "capacity building",EMPOWERMENT,evaluation,MONITORING,participatory,YOUTH,HEALTH-CARE,"WOMENS EMPOWERMENT" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-81455150172 | Spinnability and tensile evaluation of flax/cotton blends | Lawal A.S. | 2011 | Pakistan Textile Journal | 60 | 2 | None | Department of Textile Science and Technology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Lawal, A.S., Department of Textile Science and Technology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | This paper describes the possibility of spinning different blends of flax/cotton fibres using rotor spinning machine. Four different blends of flax/cotton (10/90, 30/70, 50/50 and 70/30) were considered and all these blends were spun under the same rotor speed (50,000 rpm) and twist level (765 turns/m). Only 10/90, 30/70 and 50/50 flax/cotton blends were spinnable under this conditions. These blends gave a count of 39 tex yarn with differences in values of their tensile properties such as tenacity of 12.62g/tex, 10.18g/tex and 4.34g/tex, while elongation at break of 8.50%, 6.78% and 3.20% for each of the blends respectively. The 70/30 flax/cotton blend was found unspinnable. The higher flax content in the blend created difficulty in spinning the blend. This is due to the stiffness and low pliability of the flax component. | Blend; Cotton; Flax; Rotor speed; Spinnability; Tensile properties; Twist | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34047135322 | Design and performance evaluation of a medium power PM-assisted reluctance synchronous traction machine using bonded PM-sheets | Sibande S.E., Kamper M.J., Wang R. | 2006 | SAIEE Africa Research Journal | 97 | 1 | None | Electrical Machines and Drives Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Sibande, S.E., Electrical Machines and Drives Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Kamper, M.J., Electrical Machines and Drives Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Wang, R., Electrical Machines and Drives Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | This paper describes the optimum design of a permanent-magnet-assisted reluctance rotor of a 110 kW reluctance synchronous traction machine. Previous studies show that the performance of the pure reluctance synchronous machine drive deteriorates fast in the flux-weakening speed region. To address this problem, thin bonded permanent-magnet sheet material is used inside the flux barriers of the reluctance rotor to improve the performance of the drive, especially in the flux-weakening speed region. A design optimization algorithm is implemented to minimize the volume and hence the cost of the permanent-magnet material, subject to voltage and torque constraints. The calculated and measured results show clearly that the performance of the reluctance synchronous traction machine with a minimum amount of permanent-magnet material in the rotor compares favorably with the performance of the conventional induction machine drive at both rated and maximum speeds. Copyright © 2004 IEEE. | Finite element; Optimisation; Permanent magnet; Reluctance synchronous machine | Design optimization; Finite Element; Flux barrier; Flux weakening; Induction machine drive; Maximum speed; Measured results; Optimisation; Optimisations; Optimum designs; Performance evaluation; Reluctance synchronous machine; Sheet material; Torque constraints; Traction machines; Magnetic devices; Optimization; Permanent magnets; Synchronous motors; Traction (friction); Machine design | None |
| WoS | WOS:000251095400016 | Monitoring maternity mortality in Botswana | Bowelo, Motsholathebe,Mogobe, Keitshokile Dintle,Tshiamo, Wananani | 2007 | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH MATTERS | 15 | 30 | None | University of Botswana, Minist Hlth | None | This paper describes the maternity monitoring system in Botswana, developed in 1998, and the main methods used: maternal death and morbidity reviews at service delivery level, analysis by the National Maternal Mortality Audit Committee of data from the reviews as reported on two forms, perinatal reviews and surveys using process indicators. We carried out a study of these findings to examine whether the system was working well. Surveys using process indicators in 2001 and 2006 were analysed. Other data examined were from 2004-2006 and early 2007. The Maternal Death Notification Form was found to be comprehensive but not all health facilities were submitting them and some gave incomplete information. In 2001, 70% of pregnant women attended antenatal care but access to emergency obstetric care was uneven. In 2006, 28 facilities with Maternity services surveyed were providing 24-hour delivery care, but laboratory theatre and blood supplies were more limited, and only 50% of doctors and 67% of midwives had life-saving skills. Antibiotics were widely available, but there were shortages of magnesium sulphate, diazepam, oxytocics and manual vacuum aspiration kits. Recommendations for improvements have been made, training for skilled attendants is ongoing and a medical school has just opened at the University of Botswana. (c) 2007 Reproductive Health Matters. All rights reserved. | BOTSWANA,EMERGENCY,"MATERNAL MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY","maternal mortality monitoring systems","OBSTETRIC CARE","training of service providers" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875002629 | The relationship between followership style and job performance in botswana private universities | Oyetunji C.O. | 2013 | International Education Studies | 6 | 2 | 10.5539/ies.v6n2p179 | Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Botswana | Oyetunji, C.O., Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Botswana | This paper describes the followership style and job performance in Botswana private universities. Attempt was made to determine if there is a significant relationship between followership styles in relation to job performance. A total of 102 randomly selected lecturers from the two private universities completed followership and job performance questionnaires. The data indicates that in Botswana private universities: (a) followership styles include passive, alienated, pragmatist and exemplary followership styles. The most common followership style among the lecturers is pragmatist followership style. (b) there is no relationship between exemplary, pragmatist and alienated followership styles and job performance; indicating low performance of lecturers who indicated these followership styles. (c) there is a high relationship between passive followership style and job performance; indicating high performance of lecturers who indicated this style of followership. | Followership style; Job performance; Private universities in botswana | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-37049000606 | Baseline for the evaluation of a National Action Plan for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children using the UNAIDS core indicators: A case study in Zimbabwe | Saito S., Monasch R., Keogh E., Dhlembeu N., Bergua J., Mafico M. | 2007 | Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies | 2 | 3 | 10.1080/17450120701439619 | UNICEF, Harare, Zimbabwe; Statistics Department, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Harare, Zimbabwe | Saito, S., UNICEF, Harare, Zimbabwe; Monasch, R., UNICEF, Harare, Zimbabwe; Keogh, E., Statistics Department, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Dhlembeu, N., Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Harare, Zimbabwe; Bergua, J., UNICEF, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mafico, M., UNICEF, Harare, Zimbabwe | This paper describes the experience of Zimbabwe in establishing a baseline for its National Action Plan for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children (NAP for OVC) using the 10 core indicators developed by the UNAIDS Global Monitoring and Evaluation Reference Group in 2004. Through a population-based household survey in rural and urban high-density areas and the OVC policy and planning effort index assessment tool, a baseline was established. The survey found that 43.6% of children under 18 years were orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. Half of all households with children care for one or more OVC. While the large majority of OVC continued to be cared for by the extended family, its capacity to care for these children appeared to be under pressure. OVC were less likely to have their basic minimum material needs met, more likely to be underweight, less likely to be taken to an appropriate health provider when sick and less likely to attend school. Medical support to households with OVC was found to be relatively high (26%). Other support, such as psychosocial support (2%) and school assistance (12%), was lower. The OVC Effort Index assessment indicates that serious efforts are being made. The increase in the effort index between 2001 and 2004 in the areas of consultative efforts, planning and coordinating mechanisms reflects the strengthened commitment. Monitoring and evaluation and legislative review are the weakest areas of the OVC response. The findings of the baseline exercise point to the need for continued and additional efforts and resources to implement the NAP for OVC, the priorities of which were confirmed by the survey as critical to improve the welfare of the OVC in Zimbabwe. | HIV/AIDS; Indicators; Monitoring; OVC; Zimbabwe | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856596494 | Evaluation of a limit equilibrium model to simulate crush pillar behaviour | Du Plessis M., Malan D.F., Napier J.A.L. | 2011 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 111 | 12 | None | Lonmin Platinum, South Africa; Department of Mining Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Du Plessis, M., Lonmin Platinum, South Africa; Malan, D.F., Department of Mining Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Napier, J.A.L., Department of Mining Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This paper describes the evaluation of a limit equilibrium model to simulate the behaviour of crush pillars in platinum mines. An analytical model was derived to calculate the residual average pillar stress (APS) values of the crush pillars. The values predicted by this model were compared to the numerical values obtained from TEXAN simulations. In general, the limit equilibrium model appears to be very attractive for simulating pillar failure as the gradual crushing of the outside of the pillar and the transfer of stress to the intact core can be replicated. The value of the TEXAN crush pillar model was further demonstrated by simulating an idealized layout with crush pillars between two adjacent panels. The simulations illustrated that oversized pillars will not crush close to the face and this may lead to seismic failure in the back area. An important finding of the study is that closure measurements may prove to be a very valuable diagnostic measure in crush pillars layouts. Distinct differences in magnitudes of closure were simulated for a scenario where the pillars crush as expected, compared to the scenario where an oversized pillar is left. Experimental closure data collected in a crush pillar stope provided further evidence regarding the value of closure measurements in these layouts. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2011. | Crush pillars; Limit equilibrium model.; Mine design; Numerical analysis | Analytical model; Closure measurements; Crush pillars; Diagnostic measures; Intact core; Limit equilibrium; Mine design; Numerical values; Transfer of stress; Numerical analysis; Platinum mines; Computer simulation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77958552250 | Performance evaluation of a locally developed domestic drinking water filter | Bolaji B.O., Bolaji G.A., Ismaila S.O. | 2010 | International Journal of Environmental Studies | 67 | 5 | 10.1080/00207233.2010.514107 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Bolaji, B.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Bolaji, G.A., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ismaila, S.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | This paper describes the design, construction and testing of a domestic water filter. Its construction was accomplished using mainly locally available materials to make it relatively affordable for both the rural and urban dwellers. The developed raw water filter was tested by using it to filter raw water samples obtained from wells, borehole and rain. The water samples were collected from different sources in Akure, Nigeria and were subjected to a series of tests before and after filtration. Comparison of results obtained with the WHO standards for drinking water showed that the filter can provide portable drinking water of the required standard. The filter average removal efficiency of turbidity, hardness, conductivity, total dissolved solid (TDS) and total suspended solid (TSS) from water samples were 95.1, 70.3, 73.1, 69.4 and 98.7%, respectively. © 2010 Taylor & Francis. | Domestic; Drinking water; Filter; Performance; Standard | Before and after; Domestic; Domestic water; Drinking water; Filter; Nigeria; Performance; Performance evaluation; Raw water; Removal efficiencies; Total dissolved solids; Total suspended solids; Urban dwellers; Water samples; Removal; Standards; Turbidity; Water filtration; Potable water | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846614909 | Preparation and evaluation of a recombinant Rift Valley fever virus N protein for the detection of IgG and IgM antibodies in humans and animals by indirect ELISA | Jansen van Vuren P., Potgieter A.C., Paweska J.T., van Dijk A.A. | 2007 | Journal of Virological Methods | 140 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.jviromet.2006.11.005 | North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa; Biochemistry Division, Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, 2131, South Africa | Jansen van Vuren, P., North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa; Potgieter, A.C., Biochemistry Division, Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Paweska, J.T., Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, 2131, South Africa; van Dijk, A.A., North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa | This paper describes the cloning, sequencing and bacterial expression of the N protein of the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) ZIM688/78 isolate and its evaluation in indirect ELISAs (I-ELISA) for the detection of IgM and IgG antibodies in human and sheep sera. Sera used for the evaluation were from 106 laboratory workers immunised with an inactivated RVF vaccine, 16 RVF patients, 168 serial bleeds from 8 sheep experimentally infected with wild type RVFV and 210 serial bleeds from 10 sheep vaccinated with the live attenuated Smithburn RVFV strain. All human and animal sera that tested positive in the virus neutralisation test were also positive in the IgG I-ELISA. There was a high correlation (R2 = 0.8571) between virus neutralising titres and IgG I-ELISA readings in human vaccinees. In experimentally infected sheep IgG antibodies were detected from day 4 to 5 post-infection onwards and IgM antibodies from day 3 to 4. The IgG I-ELISA was more sensitive than virus neutralisation and haemagglutination-inhibition tests in detecting the early immune response in experimentally infected sheep. The I-ELISAs demonstrated that the IgG and IgM response to the Smithburn vaccine strain was slower and the levels of antibodies induced markedly lower than to wild type RVFV infection. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Humans; IgM and IgG indirect ELISA; Recombinant N protein; Rift Valley fever virus; Sheep | guanine nucleotide binding protein; immunoglobulin G antibody; immunoglobulin M antibody; inactivated vaccine; live vaccine; recombinant protein; rift valley fever virus vaccine; smithburn vaccine; unclassified drug; virus protein; animal experiment; animal model; antibody detection; article; clinical article; correlation coefficient; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; hemagglutination inhibition test; human; immune response; immunization; molecular cloning; nonhuman; nucleotide sequence; priority journal; protein expression; Rift Valley fever bunyavirus; sequence analysis; virus neutralization; wild type; Animals; Antibodies, Viral; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Evaluation Studies; Hemagglutination Tests; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Neutralization Tests; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques; Nucleocapsid Proteins; Recombinant Proteins; Reproducibility of Results; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rift Valley Fever; Rift Valley fever virus; RNA, Viral; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sheep; Time Factors; Vaccination; Animalia; Bacteria (microorganisms); Ovis aries; Rift Valley fever virus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927746312 | Building resilience to climate change impacts after the 2011 flood disaster at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Adewole I.F., Agbola S.B., Kasim O.F. | 2015 | Environment and Urbanization | 27 | 1 | 10.1177/0956247814547679 | University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Adewole, I.F., University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Agbola, S.B., Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Kasim, O.F., Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | This paper describes how the University of Ibadan has sought to build greater resilience to flooding, through its response to the devastating flood in 2011. This included both structural and non-structural components, as well as measures to address the increased risk levels that climate change is bringing or may bring in the future. The paper also draws out some lessons that have wide relevance for other universities. © 2014 International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) | climate change adaptation; community-based adaptation; disaster response; disaster risk; flooding; resilience; University of Ibadan; urban floods | adaptive management; climate change; climate effect; disaster management; flooding; university sector; Ibadan; Nigeria; Oyo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-61849180910 | Contaminated land clean-up using composted wastes and impacts of VOCs on land | Williamson J.C., Akinola M., Nason M.A., Tandy S., Healey J.R., Jones D.L. | 2009 | Waste Management | 29 | 5 | 10.1016/j.wasman.2008.11.015 | School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW Wales, United Kingdom; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | Williamson, J.C., School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW Wales, United Kingdom; Akinola, M., Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Nason, M.A., School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW Wales, United Kingdom; Tandy, S., School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW Wales, United Kingdom; Healey, J.R., School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW Wales, United Kingdom; Jones, D.L., School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW Wales, United Kingdom | This paper describes experiments that demonstrate the effects and potential for remediation of a former steelworks site in Wales polluted with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Under field conditions, PAH-contaminated soil was composted in-vessel, with or without organic feedstocks, receiving forced aeration for 80 days followed by 4 months maturation. Treatments compared PAH removal in contaminated soil to contaminated soil mixed with three different organic waste mixes after composting and after composts were spread to land. After composting, PAH concentrations declined in all treatments, by up to 38%. Sixteen months after the composts were landspread and vegetation was established, only those containing contaminated soil with organic additions exhibited further PAH removal, by up to 29%. Composting resulted in a decline in the relative concentration of small PAHs, whereas the landspreading-vegetation phase saw a decline in the relative concentration of medium PAHs in two of the three composts exhibiting PAH removal. Under controlled glasshouse conditions, vegetated soil columns of differing depths were exposed to VOCs from beneath. VOC vapour affected both shoot and root growth and soil microbial activity; effects varied with distance from the VOC source. This work demonstrated that on-site remediation of aged PAH-contaminated land can be successfully initiated by in-vessel co-composting followed by land spreading and vegetation, within a practical timeframe. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | None | Co-composting; Composted wastes; Contaminated lands; Contaminated soils; Field conditions; Forced aerations; Glasshouse conditions; In vessels; Landspreading; Organic feedstocks; Organic wastes; Relative concentrations; Root growths; Site remediations; Soil columns; Soil microbial activities; Aromatic hydrocarbons; Composting; Contamination; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Sewage; Soil pollution; Soil structure interactions; Soils; Vegetation; Volatile organic compounds; Waste treatment; Remediation; compost; contaminated land; PAH; soil pollution; volatile organic compound; waste management; Environmental Pollution; Environmental Remediation; Metallurgy; Polycyclic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic; Soil; Volatile Organic Compounds; Wales | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-73949119840 | Impact of plant upgrade and DMS on the processing capability of the Tati Nickel concentrator - A case study | Morgan P. | 2009 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 109 | 11 | None | DRA Mineral Projects Ltd., Johannesburg, South Africa | Morgan, P., DRA Mineral Projects Ltd., Johannesburg, South Africa | This paper describes DRA's involvement with the expansions at Tati Nickel, Phoenix Mine, that have taken an initial plant design of 3.6 Mtpa (originally built by Murray and Roberts), up to 5 Mtpa, and eventually 12 Mtpa capacity. Initially, the plant could not achieve the design nameplate capacity for the first few years of operation, as a consequence of the notoriously hard and abrasive nickel ore affecting primarily the operation of the crusher circuit. In order to extend the life of mine, Tati' assessed and then redefined the mining plan, choosing to increase the Phoenix mine reserves to a lower cut-off grade. In order to increase nickel units produced, the concentrator had to therefore treat additional tonnage at lower head grades. Site investigations and field tests around the comminution circuits are outlined, indicated that the milling circuit could be increased to 650 tph, from the initial design of 470 tph, for a similar feed grade and recovery. A project was initiated to debottleneck the crusher circuit and achieve the new target throughput. (Project 5M). This was followed by a feasibility study of the impact of preconcentration by DMS, which after promising laboratory tests, was followed up with the installation of a 200 tph 'demonstration' plant. The success of this demonstration plant provided the impetus to expand the supply to the 5 Mtpa mill from a large preconcentration stage.A gyratory crusher (one of the largest and most powerful) will receive ore directly from the open pit operation, feeding into a secondary-tertiary crushing plant followed by a modular DMS preparation circuit. Four large DMS processing modules have been installed to treat the tonnage, with high expected rejection levels. Finally a review of the DMS process capability on an ostensibly disseminated micro-gabbro nickel ore is given, which shows the remarkable impact that preconcentration can have on an operation, both in terms of profitability and a successful process 'expansion'. The performance of the DMS plant has significantly extended the life of mine, allowing the mine to significantly reduce mine cut-off grades and curb its previously selective mining practice. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2009. | None | Comminution circuits; Crushing plants; Cut-off grade; Demonstration plants; Feasibility studies; Feed grade; Field test; Gyratory crusher; Initial design; Laboratory test; Milling circuits; Mine reserves; Nameplate capacity; Nickel ores; Open pit; Plant designs; Plant upgrades; Pre-concentration; Process capabilities; Processing capability; Processing modules; Rejection levels; Remarkable impact; Site investigations; Concentration (process); Crushed stone plants; Crushers; Crushing; Diamonds; Grinding (comminution); Mining; Nameplates; Nickel; Nickel alloys; Ores; Profitability; Siphons; Open pit mining | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748963805 | Enhancement of GMM speaker identification performance using complementary feature sets | Lerato L., Mashao D.J. | 2005 | SAIEE Africa Research Journal | 96 | 1 | None | Intelleca Voice and Mobile (Pty) Ltd., P O Box 1537, Parklands, 2121, South Africa; Speech Technology and Research (STAR), Dept. of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7800, South Africa | Lerato, L., Intelleca Voice and Mobile (Pty) Ltd., P O Box 1537, Parklands, 2121, South Africa; Mashao, D.J., Speech Technology and Research (STAR), Dept. of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7800, South Africa | This paper describes a way of enhancing speaker identification (SiD) performance using N-best list method which utilises complementary feature sets. The SiD process is first done by training the Gaussian mixture model (GMM) classifier using parameterised feature sets (PFS) to form speaker models. During testing, the likelihood of a speaker, given a set of speaker models is her score. Performance scores of SiD system is normally degraded as the population of speakers increases. This paper addresses this problem by using linear prediction cepstral coefficients (LPCC) to complement the results obtained from the PFS and the final identification is performed on a smaller population set. Results obtained using 2-best list indicate performance improvement. | LPCC; N-best list; PFS; Speaker identification | Linear prediction cepstral coefficients (LPCC); N-best list; Parameterised feature sets (PFS); Speaker identification; Classification (of information); Identification (control systems); Linear systems; Mathematical models; Problem solving; Speech recognition | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897631156 | Impact of three years training on operations capacities of research ethics committees in Nigeria | Folayan M.O., Adaranijo A., Durueke F., Ajuwon A., Adejumo A., Ezechi O., Oyedeji K., Akanni O. | 2014 | Developing World Bioethics | 14 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1471-8847.2012.00340.x | Department of Child Dental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Osun State, Nigeria; New HIV Vaccine and Microbicide Advocacy Society, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Health Promotion, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Psychology, | Folayan, M.O., Department of Child Dental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Osun State, Nigeria; Adaranijo, A., New HIV Vaccine and Microbicide Advocacy Society, Lagos, Nigeria; Durueke, F., New HIV Vaccine and Microbicide Advocacy Society, Lagos, Nigeria; Ajuwon, A., Department of Health Promotion, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adejumo, A., Department of Psychology, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ezechi, O., Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria; Oyedeji, K., University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Akanni, O., New HIV Vaccine and Microbicide Advocacy Society, Lagos, Nigeria | This paper describes a three-year project designed to build the capacity of members of research ethics committes to perform their roles and responsibilities efficiently and effectively. The project participants were made up of a cross-section of the membership of 13 Research Ethics Committees (RECs) functioning in Nigeria. They received training to develop their capacity to evaluate research protocols, monitor trial implementation, provide constructive input to trial staff, and assess the trial's success in promoting community engagement in the research. Following the training, technical assistance was provided to participants on an ongoing basis and the project's impacts were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results indicate that sustained investment in capacity building efforts (including training, ongoing technical assistance, and the provision of multiple tools) improved the participants' knowledge of both the ethical principles relevant to biomedical research and how effective REC should function. Such investment was also shown to have a positive impact on the knowledge levels of other RECs members (those who did not receive training) and the overall operations of the RECs to which the participants belonged. Building the capacity of REC members to fulfill their roles effectively requires sustained effort and investment and pays off by enabling RECs to fulfill their essential mission of ensuring that trials are conducted safely and ethically. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. | Bioethics; Committees; Developing world; Research ethics; Sub-Saharan Africa | clinical trial (topic); consumer; education; ethics; human; human experiment; methodology; needs assessment; Nigeria; professional standard; program evaluation; qualitative research; questionnaire; research ethics; Clinical Trials as Topic; Consumer Participation; Ethics Committees, Research; Ethics, Research; Human Experimentation; Humans; Needs Assessment; Nigeria; Program Evaluation; Qualitative Research; Questionnaires; Research Design | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883637090 | Durability performance potential and strength of blended Portland limestone cement concrete | Githachuri K., Alexander M.G. | 2013 | Cement and Concrete Composites | 39 | None | 10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2013.03.027 | Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit, Dept. of Civil Eng., Univ. of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa | Githachuri, K., Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit, Dept. of Civil Eng., Univ. of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa; Alexander, M.G., Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit, Dept. of Civil Eng., Univ. of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa | This paper describes a study on the durability potential and strength of composite Portland-limestone cement (PLC) concrete mixtures blended with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and/or fly ash (FA). Their performance was compared against ordinary Portland cement, plain PLC and Portland-slag cement concrete mixtures. Using the South African Durability Index approach, results indicate reductions in the penetrability of the composite PLC blends compared to the other mixtures. The durability indicators are chloride conductivity, gas (oxygen) permeability and water sorptivity. Compressive strength of the composite PLC mixtures containing both GGBS and FA showed competitive performance with the comparative mixtures, but FA blended PLC mixtures had diminished compressive strength values. The paper also presents considerations on the practical implications of using blended PLC concrete mixtures. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Durability; Fly ash; Limestone; Slag; Strength | Cement concrete; Competitive performance; Durability performance; Ground granulated blast furnace slag; Limestone cement concretes; Ordinary Portland cement; Strength; Water sorptivity; Blast furnaces; Chlorine compounds; Compressive strength; Durability; Fly ash; Gas permeability; Limestone; Slag cement; Slags; Mixtures | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-55249096499 | Lansat images for assessment of the impact of land use and land cover changes on the Barekese catchment in Ghana | Boakye E., Odai S.N., Adjei K.A., Annor F.O. | 2008 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 21 | 4 | None | Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi, Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana | Boakye, E., Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi, Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana; Odai, S.N., Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi, Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana; Adjei, K.A., Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi, Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana; Annor, F.O., Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi, Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana | This paper describes assessment of the land use and land cover changes in the Barekese catchment of Ghana. The Barekese catchment forms part of the Offin River catchment which flows through the catchment before eventually feeding into the Barekese reservoir. Because of the economic importance of the reservoir, the Barekese catchment has been earmarked and reserved for the protection and development of the water resource. However increasing siltation in the reservoir has been attributed to land use and land cover changes in the catchment due to encroachment. LandSat TM images of 1973, 1986 and 2000 were analyzed using Erdas Imagine software and ArcGIS. A total of five broad land use and land cover classes were identified and mapped for 1973, 1986 and 2000. These were forest (close), open forest, grasslands, water bodies and open areas/towns. The results of the analysis showed that between 1973 and 2000, forest decreased by about 43%, open forest decreased by about 32%, while grassland and open areas/towns increased by about 700% and 1000%, respectively. The study identified population growth, timber logging and lack of proper education as causes of the changes in land use and land cover in the catchment area. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2008. | Barekese catchment; Ghana; Land cover change; Land use change; LandSat TM image | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-55249126424 | Landsat images for assessment of the impact of land use and land cover changes on the Barekese catchment in Ghana | Boakye E., Odai S.N., Adjei K.A., Annor F.O. | 2008 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 22 | 2 | None | Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Boakye, E., Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Odai, S.N., Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Adjei, K.A., Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Annor, F.O., Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | This paper describes assessment of the land use and land cover changes in the Barekese catchment of Ghana. The Barekese catchment forms part of the Offin River catchment which flows through the catchment before eventually feeding into the Barekese reservoir. Because of the economic importance of the reservoir, the Barekese catchment has been earmarked and reserved for the protection and development of the water resource. However increasing siltation in the reservoir has been attributed to land use and land cover changes in the catchment due to encroachment. LandSat TM images of 1973, 1986 and 2000 were analyzed using Erdas Imagine software and ArcGIS. A total of five broad land use and land cover classes were identified and mapped for 1973, 1986 and 2000. These were forest (close), open forest, grasslands, water bodies and open areas/towns. The results of the analysis showed that between 1973 and 2000, forest decreased by about 43%, open forest decreased by about 32%, while grassland and open areas/towns increased by about 700% and 1000%, respectively. The study identified population growth, timber logging and lack of proper education as causes of the changes in land use and land cover in the catchment area. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2008. | Barekese catchment; Ghana; Land cover change; Land use change; LandSat TM image | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84909578962 | Determination of triclosan and ketoprofen in river water and wastewater by solid phase extraction and high performance liquid chromatography | Madikizela L.M., Muthwa S.F., Chimuka L. | 2014 | South African Journal of Chemistry | 67 | None | None | Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, South Africa; School of Chemistry, University of Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg, South Africa | Madikizela, L.M., Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, South Africa, School of Chemistry, University of Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg, South Africa; Muthwa, S.F., Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, South Africa; Chimuka, L., School of Chemistry, University of Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg, South Africa | This paper describes a simple, sensitive and rapid method for the determination of triclosan and ketoprofen in wastewater influent, effluent and river water. The method involves solid phase extraction (SPE) of target compounds using Oasis HLB sorbent. Several extraction parameters such as sample pH, sample volume, SPE cartridge and SPE elution solvent were optimized. The pH of the collected samples was adjusted to 5.5, and then 100 mL of the sample was loaded into an Oasis HLB cartridge. Methanol was used to elute the retained compounds. The eluted compounds were analyzed using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography with photo diode array detection (HPLC-PDA). The method was validated by spiking ultra-pure water and wastewater with different concentrations of both compounds ranging from 5 μg L-1 to 1000 μg L-1. Recoveries were in the range of 73%to 104 %, and%RSD ranged from8%to 15%. The method gave good detection limits of 0.01 and 0.08 μg L-1 for triclosan and ketoprofen, respectively. Traces of both compounds were detected in all wastewater (influent and effluent) samples at a range of 1.2 to 9.0 μg L-1 and in some river water samples. | High performance liquid chromatography; Ketoprofen; Solid phase extraction; Triclosan; Wastewater treatment plants | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000267270800004 | Evaluating multi-stakeholder perceptions of project impacts: a participatory value-based multi-criteria approach | Mendoza, Guillermo A.,Prabhu, Ravi | 2009 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND WORLD ECOLOGY | 16 | 3 | 10.1080/13504500902919672 | International Livestock Research Institute, University of Illinois System, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | "Mendoza, Guillermo A.: University of Illinois System","Mendoza, Guillermo A.: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign","Prabhu, Ravi: International Livestock Research Institute" | This paper describes a participatory multi-stakeholder impact assessment approach based on the concept of a value tree (VT), generated using the value focused thinking method (VFT) developed by Keeney (1992). This approach allows stakeholders to specify impact parameters to be evaluated, which in the context of the VT, are organized as goals, objectives and alternatives. The approach is implemented in two phases: Phase I is designed to formulate stakeholders' collective VT following VFT concepts and the cognitive mapping method, and Phase II is a participatory valuation approach based on the VT formed in Phase I. The Wand the VFT concepts are adopted as tools to capture different stakeholders' values, goals and perceptions. The resulting VT is structured as a hierarchy between goals and objectives, and a network consisting of relationships, linkages and cross-impacts of the different alternatives and objectives. The hierarchy and network structure enables stakeholders to decompose complex assessment problem into 'smaller' units, which makes for easier and clearer assessment context, without ignoring linkages of the units or assessment elements. The second phase allows stakeholders to express their preferences with respect to each assessment element, through a voting system that ultimately leads to measures of importance or relative weights associated with each element. A modified Analytic Hierarchy Process (called Analytic Network Process) was used to distill relative weights from the voting results. Results obtained from a case study in a Zimbabwean community forest show that the proposed approach is easy to implement and can address questions about whether a project can lead to a positive change in attitudes, and whether the changes actually lead to a propensity to adopt alternatives that the project supports (e.g. conservation-oriented alternatives). | "analytic network process","multi-criteria analysis","participatory analysis","project assessment","ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS","FOREST MANAGEMENT",POLICY,PREFERENCES | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950025974 | Investigating heap bioleaching: Effect of feed iron concentration on bioleaching performance | van Hille R.P., van Zyl A.W., Spurr N.R.L., Harrison S.T.L. | 2010 | Minerals Engineering | 23 | 6 | 10.1016/j.mineng.2010.01.011 | Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | van Hille, R.P., Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; van Zyl, A.W., Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Spurr, N.R.L., Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Harrison, S.T.L., Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | This paper describes an investigation into the effect of iron concentration in the leach solution on the bioleaching of a low grade copper ore, where chalcopyrite was the dominant copper sulphide. The concentration of dissolved iron is primarily controlled by pH and the relative proportion of ferric to ferrous iron, with significant jarosite precipitation occurring above pH ≈ 1.8 in a highly oxidised system. The solution pH may be increased by the dissolution of acid soluble gangue and when iron oxidation is significantly higher than sulphur oxidation. The study was approached using two experimental systems. In the former, the leach solution was recycled through an ore bed of low aspect (reactor height divided by diameter) ratio for a portion of the experiment. During the recycle phase, no acid was added to the system and acid consumption by gangue material led to a pH increase (1.6-2.2). The resulting jarosite precipitation reduced soluble iron from 2.5 g/l to less than 250 mg/l. Copper recovery decreased, but not in proportion to the decrease in iron. This was partly attributed to adsorption on, or entrainment within, the jarosites. To study the effect of reduced iron concentration on leach performance under more controlled conditions, bioleaching was performed in packed bed column reactors with feed iron concentrations ranging from 5 g/l to 200 mg/l. Observations indicated an initial decreased rate of copper liberation with reduced iron concentration in the feed. The relationship between available Fe3+ concentration and copper liberation was not proportional. However, with time, the liberation of copper became independent of iron concentration in the percolation liquor. Further, the specific rate of copper liberation was consistently below the theoretical value on a basis of ferric iron concentration. The highest values of copper liberation were reported at the lowest iron concentrations. In summary, while increased iron concentration in solution may enhance the initial rate of leaching, mineral availability appears to dominate CuFeS2 leach kinetics through the majority of the leach. Furthermore, high iron concentrations in solution aggravate jarosite formation with concomitant retention of copper in the ore bed. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Bioleaching; Hydrometallurgy; Reaction kinetics; Sulphide ores | Acid consumption; Concentration of; Controlled conditions; Copper ore; Copper recovery; Copper sulphides; Dissolved iron; Experimental system; Ferric iron; Ferrous iron; Heap bioleaching; Initial rate; Iron concentrations; Iron oxidation; Jarosite precipitation; Jarosites; Leach solutions; Low grade; Mineral availability; Packed bed column; Reduced iron; Solution pH; Sulphide ores; Theoretical values; Acids; Adsorption; Aspect ratio; Association reactions; Bioleaching; Concentration (process); Copper; Copper compounds; Dissolution; Hydrometallurgy; Iron; Metallurgy; Ores; Oxidation; Packed beds; pH; Reaction kinetics; Recycling; Solvents; Sulfur; Metal recovery | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-51449086024 | Fusion of heterogeneous speaker recognition systems in the STBU submission for the NIST Speaker Recognition Evaluation 2006 | Brümmer N., Burget L., Černocký J.H., Glembek O., Grézl F., Karafiát M., Van Leeuwen D.A., Matějka P., Schwarz P., Strasheim A. | 2007 | IEEE Transactions on Audio, Speech and Language Processing | 15 | 7 | 10.1109/TASL.2007.902870 | Spescom DataVoice, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa; FIT, Faculty of Information Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno 612 66, Czech Republic; TNO Human Factors, 3769 ZG Soesterberg, Netherlands; Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa | Brümmer, N., Spescom DataVoice, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa; Burget, L., FIT, Faculty of Information Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno 612 66, Czech Republic; Černocký, J.H., FIT, Faculty of Information Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno 612 66, Czech Republic; Glembek, O., FIT, Faculty of Information Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno 612 66, Czech Republic; Grézl, F., FIT, Faculty of Information Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno 612 66, Czech Republic; Karafiát, M., FIT, Faculty of Information Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno 612 66, Czech Republic; Van Leeuwen, D.A., TNO Human Factors, 3769 ZG Soesterberg, Netherlands; Matějka, P., FIT, Faculty of Information Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno 612 66, Czech Republic; Schwarz, P., FIT, Faculty of Information Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno 612 66, Czech Republic; Strasheim, A., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa | This paper describes and discusses the "STBU" speaker recognition system, which performed well in the NIST Speaker Recognition Evaluation 2006 (SRE). STBU is a consortium of four partners: Spescom DataVoice (Stellenbosch, South Africa), TNO (Soesterberg, The Netherlands), BUT (Brno, Czech Republic), and the University of Stellenbosch (Stellenbosch, South Africa). The STBU system was a combination of three main kinds of subsystems: 1) GMM, with short-time Mel frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC) or perceptual linear prediction (PLP) features, 2) Gaussian mixture model-support vector machine (GMM-SVM), using GMM mean supervectors as input to an SVM, and 3) maximum-likelihood linear regression-support vector machine (MLLR-SVM), using MLLR speaker adaptation coefficients derived from an English large vocabulary continuous speech recognition (LVCSR) system. All subsystems made use of supervector subspace channel compensation methods-either eigenchannel adaptation or nuisance attribute projection. We document the design and performance of all subsystems, as well as their fusion and calibration via logistic regression. Finally, we also present a cross-site fusion that was done with several additional systems from other NIST SRE-2006 participants. © 2006 IEEE. | Eigenchannel; Fusion; Gaussian mixture model (GMM); Nuisance attribute projection (NAP); Speaker recognition; Support vector machine (SVM) | Eigenchannel; Fusion; Gaussian mixture model (GMM); Nuisance attribute projection (NAP); Speaker recognition; Support vector machine (SVM); Communication channels (information theory); Continuous speech recognition; Image retrieval; Magnetostrictive devices; Maximum likelihood; Mixtures; Object recognition; Trellis codes; Vectors; Support vector machines | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745726656 | Modelling the demographic impact of HIV/AIDS in South Africa and the likely impact of interventions | Johnson L.F., Dorrington R.E. | 2006 | Demographic Research | 14 | None | 10.4054/DemRes.2006.14.22 | Centre for Actuarial Research, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Johnson, L.F., Centre for Actuarial Research, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Dorrington, R.E., Centre for Actuarial Research, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This paper describes an approach to incorporating the impact of HIV/AIDS and the effects of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programmes into a cohort component projection model of the South African population. The modelled HIV-positive population is divided into clinical and treatment stages, and it is demonstrated that the age profile and morbidity profile of the HIV-positive population is changing significantly over time. HIV/AIDS is projected to have a substantial demographic impact in South Africa. Prevention programmes - social marketing, voluntary counselling and testing, prevention of mother-to-child transmission and improved treatment for sexually transmitted diseases - are unlikely to reduce AIDS mortality significantly in the short term. However, more immediate reductions in mortality can be achieved when antiretroviral treatment is introduced. © 2006 Max-Planck-Gesellschaft. | Antiretroviral treatment; Demographic impact; HIV/AIDS prevention; Simulation model; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746298345 | The design of an ERT system for 3D data acquisition and a quantitative evaluation of its performance | Wilkinson A.J., Randall E.W., Long T.M., Collins A. | 2006 | Measurement Science and Technology | 17 | 8 | 10.1088/0957-0233/17/8/006 | Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Wilkinson, A.J., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Randall, E.W., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Long, T.M., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Collins, A., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | This paper describes a multi-plane implementation of a current-pulse electrical resistance tomography (ERT) data capture system. This is achieved by extending a single plane system, with 16 electrodes and 16 parallel measurement channels, to a one capable of acquiring data in a specified sequence across multiple planes (up to eight) by inserting multiplexer modules in parallel between the instrument and the electrode array. This approach allows high-speed capture systems to be configured for applications such as dual plane cross-correlation velocity measurements or more complex current injection and measurement sequences yielding 3D data sets. The measurement timing and multiplexer measurement sequences are implemented by an embedded processor. Both the executable code and the measurement sequence tables are downloaded to the instrument at start-up. This allows flexibility in specifying the data acquisition sequences and timing required for specific applications without modification of the hardware or embedded code. The effect of measurement noise on the estimated conductivity is quantified and spatial resolution discussed for the case of a 2D online imaging algorithm. Example reconstructions from recorded data sets are presented which verify the operation of the instrument. © 2006 IOP Publishing Ltd. | 3D; Current pulse; Electrical resistance tomography; ERT; Multiplexing; Noise; Resolution | Acoustic noise; Data acquisition; Electrodes; Multiplexing; Optical resolving power; Tomography; Current pulse; Electrical resistance tomography (ERT); High-speed capture systems; Multiplexer modules; Electric resistance; Acoustic noise; Data acquisition; Electric resistance; Electrodes; Multiplexing; Optical resolving power; Tomography | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863903220 | Impact of demographic variables on voluntary labour turnover in South Africa | Wöcke A., Heymann M. | 2012 | International Journal of Human Resource Management | 23 | 16 | 10.1080/09585192.2011.639028 | Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Sandton, South Africa | Wöcke, A., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Sandton, South Africa; Heymann, M., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Sandton, South Africa | This paper demonstrates the relevance of employee demographic variables as extended factors in the voluntary turnover process since these models currently do not sufficiently explain the factors impacting the turnover decision. Over 1000 managers and knowledge workers were surveyed using a cross-sectional questionnaire to identify potential similarities in demographic variables in the decision to leave the organisation. Findings indicate that various demographic variables (age, race and gender) influence whether pull or push factors are cited in the turnover process. In addition, it is found that the level of education has a stronger relationship to employee mobility than race, which contradicts the current sentiment in the South African labour market. Furthermore, it is concluded that demographic variables of employees should be considered in the extension of contemporary turnover models. The findings have implications for human resource management practices in organisations that are more dependent on knowledge workers. Consequently, the findings have implications for current prevailing theory on voluntary turnover research. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | employee mobility; retention; turnover | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945363835 | Synthesis, characterisation and electrochemical evaluation of reduced graphene oxide modified antimony nanoparticles | Silwana B., Van Der Horst C., Iwuoha E., Somerset V. | 2015 | Thin Solid Films | 592 | None | 10.1016/j.tsf.2015.09.010 | Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Stellenbosch, South Africa; SensorLab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa | Silwana, B., Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Stellenbosch, South Africa, SensorLab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Van Der Horst, C., Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Stellenbosch, South Africa, SensorLab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Iwuoha, E., SensorLab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Somerset, V., Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Stellenbosch, South Africa | This paper demonstrates some aspects on the synthesis and characterisation of nanoparticles of metallic alloys using polyvinyl alcohol as a stabiliser, which combines high surface area and superior hybrid properties. The present experimental design was to synthesise a nanocomposite of reduced graphene oxide and antimony nanoparticles to be used as thin films for macro- and micro-carbon electrodes for enhancing sensing of different toxic metal pollutants in the environment. The synthetic process of reduced graphene oxide was done using the modified Hummers method while antimony pentachloride was reduced with sodium borohydride into nanoparticles of antimony using polyvinyl-alcohol as a stabiliser. The systematic investigation of morphology was done by scanning electron microscopy and high resolution-transmission electron microscope, which revealed the synthesis of a product, consists of reduced graphene oxide antimony nanoparticles. The electrochemical behaviour of the reduced graphene oxide antimony nanoparticles coated on a glassy carbon electrode was performed using voltammetric and impedance techniques. Electrochemical impedance measurements showed that the overall resistance, including the charge-transfer resistance, was smaller with reduced graphene oxide antimony nanoparticles than reduced graphene oxide and antimony nanoparticles, on their own. Evaluation of the reduced graphene oxide antimony nanoparticle sensor in the stripping voltammetry has shown a linear working range for concentration of platinum (II) between 6.0 × 10- 6-5.4 × 10- 5 μg L- 1 with limit of detection of 6 × 10- 6 μg L- 1 (signal-to-noise ratio = 3), which is below the World Health Organisation guidelines for freshwater. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Adsorptive stripping voltammetry; Antimony nanoparticles; Bi-metallic film; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Platinum analysis; Reduced graphene oxide | Carbon films; Charge transfer; Electrochemical electrodes; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Electrodes; Glass membrane electrodes; High resolution transmission electron microscopy; Metal nanoparticles; Metallic compounds; Nanocomposite films; Nanoparticles; Oxide films; Platinum; Polyvinyl alcohols; Scanning electron microscopy; Signal to noise ratio; Synthesis (chemical); Voltammetry; Adsorptive stripping voltammetry; Bi-metallic films; Charge transfer resistance; Electrochemical behaviour; Electrochemical evaluations; Electrochemical impedance measurements; Glassy carbon electrodes; Reduced graphene oxides; Graphene | University of the Western Cape |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929614187 | Use of electromagnetic non-destructive techniques for monitoring water and chloride ingress into concrete | Villain G., Ihamouten A., Du Plooy R., Palma Lopes S., Dérobert X. | 2015 | Near Surface Geophysics | 13 | 3 | 10.3997/1873-0604.2015016 | LUNAM Université de Nantes Angers Le Mans, IFSTTAR Centre de Nantes, CS4, Bouguenais, France; CEREMA, DLRCA, Techniques Physiques Avancées, ERA17, Angers, France; AURECON, Aurecon Center Lynnwood Bridge Office, Tshwane (Pretoria), South Africa | Villain, G., LUNAM Université de Nantes Angers Le Mans, IFSTTAR Centre de Nantes, CS4, Bouguenais, France; Ihamouten, A., CEREMA, DLRCA, Techniques Physiques Avancées, ERA17, Angers, France; Du Plooy, R., LUNAM Université de Nantes Angers Le Mans, IFSTTAR Centre de Nantes, CS4, Bouguenais, France, AURECON, Aurecon Center Lynnwood Bridge Office, Tshwane (Pretoria), South Africa; Palma Lopes, S., LUNAM Université de Nantes Angers Le Mans, IFSTTAR Centre de Nantes, CS4, Bouguenais, France; Dérobert, X., LUNAM Université de Nantes Angers Le Mans, IFSTTAR Centre de Nantes, CS4, Bouguenais, France | This paper deals with the use of three electromagnetic non-destructive in situ techniques to assess concrete conditions: electrical resistivity, capacimetry, and ground-penetrating radar. It shows the potential of these methods to monitor the ingress of water and chlorides into concrete. The electromagnetic properties that are studied here are dielectric permittivity and electrical resistivity, both sensitive to volumetric water content and chloride content. Results are presented from an experimental study conducted on concrete slabs (and corresponding core cylinders) in a controlled laboratory environment. Then, the discussion is focused on the ability of three electromagnetic techniques to assess the depth of the ingress front of different salt solutions and to discern between the 3 NaCl concentrations (0, 15 and 30 g/L). © 2015 European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943821329 | The impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on commercial bank performance: Evidence from South Africa | Binuyo A.O., Aregbeshola R.A. | 2014 | Problems and Perspectives in Management | 12 | 3 | None | South Africa | Binuyo, A.O., South Africa; Aregbeshola, R.A., South Africa | This paper contributes to the ongoing debate regarding the contribution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to firm's performance. As the ICT impact on bank performance is beyond the scope pf most similar studies, this study further investigates the impact of Information and Communication Technology Cost Efficiency (ICTCE) on the performance of banks as well. The study assessed the impact of ICT on the performance of South African banking industry using annual data over the period 1990-2012 published by Bankscope - World banking information source. Data analysis is carried out in a dynamic panel environment using the orthogonal transformation approach. The robustness of the results was affirmed by residual cointegration regression analysis using both Pedroni and Kao methods. The findings of the study indicated that the use of ICT increases return on capital employed as well as return on assets of the South African banking industry. The study discovers that more of the contribution to performance comes from information and communication technology cost efficiency compared to investment in information and communication technology. The study recommends that banks emphasize policies that will enhance proper utilization of existing ICT equipment rather than additional investments. © Adekunle Oluwole Binuyo, Rafiu Adewale Aregbeshola, 2014. | Bank; Information and communication technology cost efficiency; Performance; Return on assets; Return on capital employed; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897139760 | From philanthropy to impact investing: Shifting mindsets in South Africa | Viviers S., Ractliffe T., Hand D. | 2011 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 8 | 0.16666666667 | None | Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | Viviers, S., Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Ractliffe, T.; Hand, D. | This paper contributes to the body of knowledge on impact investing in South Africa by defining the phenomenon, outlining the relationship between philanthropy, responsible investing (RI) and impact investing, and discussing the moral roots and historical development of these three concepts. Attention is also given to the current status of philanthropy, RI and impact investing internationally and locally. A review of 53 local RI funds established over the period 1 June 1992 to 31 December 2010 reveal that the majority have an impact investing focus, either on its own or in combination with other RI strategies. The challenges in stimulating growth in impact investing in South Africa are highlighted and suggestions provided to address these challenges. | Impact investing; Philanthropy; Responsible investing; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894078924 | International perspectives on the strengthening of impact assessment through integration and focus | Retief F., Bond A., Gunn J.A.E., Pope J., Morrison-Saunders A. | 2014 | Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal | 32 | 1 | 10.1080/14615517.2014.885638 | School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom; Department of Geography and Planning, School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada; Integral Sustainability, South Fremantle, Australia; Curtin University, Sustainability Policy Institute, Perth, Australia; Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia | Retief, F., School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Bond, A., School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom; Gunn, J.A.E., Department of Geography and Planning, School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada; Pope, J., School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, Integral Sustainability, South Fremantle, Australia, Curtin University, Sustainability Policy Institute, Perth, Australia; Morrison-Saunders, A., School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, Integral Sustainability, South Fremantle, Australia, Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia | This paper consolidates international responses to the argument that there is a need to strengthen impact assessment (IA) through greater integration and focus. It is based on invited reflections by various international authors in the field of IA. The main conclusions are that power and context are important underlying reasons for the diversity of IA types; that in certain instances IA legislation works against achieving integration and focus; and that there is a pressing need to be able to measure and demonstrate added value and effectiveness in practice. The paper concludes by setting a research agenda reflecting the need to better understand why diversity exists in IA, what stakeholders expect from the process and how to improve practice based on greater understanding of what the various types of IA deliver. © 2014 © 2014 IAIA. | focus; integration; inter-disciplinarity; proliferation; scoping; silo-based expertise | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857293258 | Traffic congestion: Modelling its economic impact on petroleum products distribution in a metropolis | Nwalozie G.K., Oni S.I., Ege E.E., Onuoha D.I., Oke S.A., Asenime C. | 2011 | International Journal of Applied Management Science | 3 | 2 | 10.1504/IJAMS.2011.040233 | Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Federal University of Technology, C/o Head of Department's Office, Ihiagwa, Owerri PMB 1526, Owerri, Imo | Nwalozie, G.K., Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Oni, S.I., Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Ege, E.E., Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Onuoha, D.I., Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Federal University of Technology, C/o Head of Department's Office, Ihiagwa, Owerri PMB 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Oke, S.A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos, Room 10, Mezzanine Complex, Lagos, Nigeria; Asenime, C., Department of Transport Policy and Planning, School of Transport, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria | This paper considers the financial implications of the traffic congestion problem in the distribution of petroleum products in a Nigerian metropolis. Data relating to truck movements, their servicing costs and other parameters that are connected with traffic congestion are collected and analysed using SPSS. The regression models that describe the differences in expenditure and variation in incomes from the use of the trucks are established. In terms of monetary losses, about $99.7 per truck per year were lost owing to traffic congestion as part of the fleet maintenance cost, which was not budgeted for and about $1,559.1 in deficit of the budgeted income per truck per year (deficit in income). Thus, the transportation haulage industry loses substantial money due to traffic congestion on an annual basis. Information in this work could be utilised for performance improvement purpose when performance targets/reward schemes are set and monitored for cost saving activities due to traffic congestion. © 2011 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Delays; Lagos; Tanker drivers; TAT; Traffic congestion; Trucks; Turn around time | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547132052 | Qualitative assessment of municipal water resource management strategies under climate impacts: The case of the Northern Cape, South Africa | Mukheibir P. | 2007 | Water SA | 33 | 4 | None | Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa | Mukheibir, P., Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa | This paper considers existing coping strategies in times of climate variability and proposes long- term strategies for dealing with future projected climate change and variability. A qualitative strategy assessment methodology is proposed and tested for climate conditions in the Northern Cape. The analysis of the results suggests that dry sanitation, education projects and tariff structures are identified as being the most useful strategies. Key factors which were perceived to inhibit the implementation of appropriate drought adaptation strategies are the lack of local capacity and the low financial resource base to cover the capital and running costs of most of the strategies. With the likelihood of increased future rainfall variability, it is important that planners and decision-makers take into account the effects of climate change and variability on water resources. In so doing, they need to adopt sustainable water supply and demand solutions for the longer term. | Climate change; Climate variability; Northern Cape; Water resource management | Climate change; Enzyme inhibition; Municipal engineering; Rain; Sanitation; Water supply; Climate variability; Decision makers; Northern Cape; Water management; Climate change; Enzyme inhibition; Municipal engineering; Rain; Sanitation; Water management; Water supply; assessment method; capacity building; climate effect; climate variation; coping strategy; decision making; local adaptation; sanitation; sustainability; tariff structure; water management; water resource; water supply; Africa; Northern Cape; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33645507774 | Method for the evaluation of a average glandular dose in mammography | Okunade A.A. | 2006 | Medical Physics | 33 | 4 | 10.1118/1.2179150 | Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Okunade, A.A., Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | This paper concerns a method for accurate evaluation of average glandular dose (AGD) in mammography. At different energies, the interactions of photons with tissue are not uniform. Thus, optimal accuracy in the estimation of AGD is achievable when the evaluation is carried out using the normalized glandular dose values, g(x,E), that are determined for each (monoenergetic) x-ray photon energy, E, compressed breast thickness (CBT), x, breast glandular composition, and data on photon energy distribution of the exact x-ray beam used in breast imaging. A generalized model for the values of g(x,E) that is for any arbitrary CBT ranging from 2 to 9 cm (with values that are not whole numbers inclusive, say, 4.2 cm) was developed. Along with other dosimetry formulations, this was integrated into a computer software program, GDOSE.FOR, that was developed for the evaluation of AGD received from any x-ray tube/equipment (irrespective of target-filter combination) of up to 50 kVp. Results are presented which show that the implementation of GDOSE.FOR yields values of normalized glandular dose that are in good agreement with values obtained from methodologies reported earlier in the literature. With the availability of a portable device for real-time acquisition of spectra, the model and computer software reported in this work provide for the routine evaluation of AGD received by a specific woman of known age and CBT. © 2006 American Association of Physicists in Medicine. | None | article; beam therapy; computer program; device; diagnostic accuracy; dosimetry; energy; evaluation; filter; human; imaging; mammography; methodology; Monte Carlo method; priority journal; radiation dose; spectroscopy; statistical analysis; X ray tube; Algorithms; Body Burden; Breast; Female; Humans; Mammography; Organ Specificity; Radiation Dosage; Radiation Protection; Radiometry; Relative Biological Effectiveness; Risk Assessment; Software | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60149111274 | Numerical evaluation of high-order finite element time domain formulations in electromagnetics | Marais N., Davidson D.B. | 2008 | IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation | 56 | 12 | 10.1109/TAP.2008.2007374 | Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | Marais, N., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Davidson, D.B., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | This paper compares three full-wave finite-element time-domain (FETD) formulations. The first is based on the vector wave equation; the others on Maxwell's equations, viz. the EBHD formulation that discretizes E, B, H and D and the EB formulation that discretizes only E and B. The latter two formulations use a combination of 1- and 2-form discretization to avoid an auxiliary mesh. A novel method for making the EBHD formulation operational is presented. Conditions for finite-difference time-domain (FDTD)-like explicit operation are discussed. The formulations are compared numerically by solving a three-dimensional cavity and a rectangular waveguide using high-order field representations up to mixed fourth order. The error balance between time integration and field representation is investigated. Difficulties in making the EBHD formulation operational which have not previously been addressed in the literature are discussed and worked around. Novel numerical results show that the EBHD formulation has serious performance limitations. © 2008 IEEE. | Electromagnetic transient analysis; Finite element methods; High-order methods; Numerical analysis | Electromagnetism; Finite difference time domain method; Maxwell equations; Numerical methods; Three dimensional; Time domain analysis; Transient analysis; Transients; Wave equations; Discretization; Electro-magnetics; Electromagnetic transient analysis; Field representations; Finite difference time domains; Finite element methods; Finite element time domains; Fourth orders; High orders; High-order methods; Maxwell's equations; Novel methods; Numerical analysis; Numerical evaluations; Numerical results; Performance limitations; Time domains; Time integrations; Vector wave equations; Finite element method | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877289297 | Comparative evaluation of the leakage current and aging performance of htv sr insulators of different creepage lengths when energized by ac, dc+ or dc-in a severe marine environment | Elombo A.I., Holtzhausen J.P., Vermeulen H.J., Pieterse P.J., Vosloo W. | 2013 | IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation | 20 | 2 | 10.1109/TDEI.2013.6508743 | NamPower, Windhoek, Namibia; University of Stellenbosch, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7000, Saudi Arabia; Eskom, Cape Town, South Africa | Elombo, A.I., NamPower, Windhoek, Namibia; Holtzhausen, J.P., University of Stellenbosch, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7000, Saudi Arabia; Vermeulen, H.J., University of Stellenbosch, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7000, Saudi Arabia; Pieterse, P.J., University of Stellenbosch, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7000, Saudi Arabia; Vosloo, W., Eskom, Cape Town, South Africa | This paper compares the performance of HTV (high temperature vulcanized) silicone rubber power line insulators under AC and both polarities DC when subjected to natural pollution. The investigation was conducted at Koeberg Pollution Test Station (KIPTS) which is situated near Cape Town and is known for its severe coastal pollution and high humidity during the night. High rainfall is experienced during winter. Five insulators of different creepage lengths and of the same manufacture were energized by each voltage type, while being exposed to the environment for 310 days. The leakage current data of all insulators were logged, together with the weather data. Pollution levels were measured on a regular basis, using the ESDD (equivalent salt deposit density) method and directional dust deposit gauges (DDDG). High leakage current levels were recorded in summer due to the high pollution levels and high humidity. During winter, in contrast, lower levels of leakage current were recorded, confirming the washing effect of the winter rain. The leakage current levels for the silicone rubber insulators were of a similar order of magnitude for AC and positive DC, but lower for negative DC. Electrical discharge activities on the insulators were recorded at night and surface erosion was monitored at set intervals. A polarity effect relating to pollution performance and aging was confirmed on DC energized insulators. © 1994-2012 IEEE. | Dielectric materials; insulator contamination; insulators; pollution; testing; transmission lines | Aging performance; Coastal pollution; Comparative evaluations; Electrical discharges; Equivalent salt deposit density; High temperature; Insulator contamination; Silicone rubber insulators; Deposits; Dielectric materials; Electric discharges; Electric insulators; Electric lines; Marine pollution; Pollution; Rain; Salt deposits; Silicones; Testing; Leakage currents | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-74349087778 | Hall and thermoelectric evaluation of p-type InAs | Wagener M.C., Wagener V., Botha J.R. | 2009 | Physica B: Condensed Matter | 404 | 23-24 | 10.1016/j.physb.2009.08.256 | Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Wagener, M.C., Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Wagener, V., Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Botha, J.R., Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | This paper compares the galvanometric and thermoelectric evaluation of the electrical characteristics of narrow gap semiconductors. In particular, the influence of a surface inversion layer is incorporated into the analysis of the temperature-dependent Hall and thermoelectric measurements of p-type InAs. The temperature at which the Seebeck coefficient of p-type material changes sign is shown to be unaffected by the presence of degenerate conduction paths. This finding consequently facilitated the direct determination of the acceptor density of lightly doped thin film InAs. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Hall effect; InAs; p-Doping; Thermoelectric effect | Acceptor density; Conduction paths; Direct determination; Electrical characteristic; InAs; Material change; Narrow-gap semiconductors; P-doping; P-type; Surface inversion layer; Temperature dependent; Thermoelectric effect; Thermoelectric effects; Thermoelectric measurements; Gyrators; Hall effect; Semiconducting indium; Semiconductor doping; Magnetic field effects | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900396430 | The impact of Nigeria microfinance banks on poverty reduction: Imo state experience | Ihugba O.A., Bankong B., Ebomuche N.C. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 16 SPEC.ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n16p97 | Department Of Economics, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri Imo State, Nigeria | Ihugba, O.A., Department Of Economics, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri Imo State, Nigeria; Bankong, B., Department Of Economics, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri Imo State, Nigeria; Ebomuche, N.C., Department Of Economics, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri Imo State, Nigeria | This paper attempts to provide a critical appraisal of the debate on the effectiveness of microfinance as an effective tool for eradicating poverty and also the history of microfinance banks in Nigeria. It argues that while microfinance has developed some innovative management and business strategies, its impact on poverty reduction remains in doubt. Micro finance impact on poverty reduction in Imo state was studied by a stratified sampling method in the selection of the customers. The study area was divided into 16 sample units based on the various local government areas in Imo state. Four (4) MFBs were purposefully selected from each of the 3 Senatorial Zones, making a total of 12 MFBs. In order to have unbiased selection of samples, Three Hundred and eighty two questionnaires (382) were randomly distributed to customers of these selected microfinance Banks in the three senatorial Zones as follows, namely: Owerri (82), Okigwe (100) and Orlu (200). The result revealed that majority of respondents were male constituting about 78% while women 22% and majority of the respondents were married (65%), single (33%) divorced (2%). 137 of the respondents do not have any formal education, 67 possess primary school leaving certificate. 81 indicated having secondary school certificate. 71 with diploma/NCE and its equivalent. 28 of them have first degree certificate and above representing 36%, 17%, 21%, 19% and 7% respectively. The monthly income brackets of the respondents show that One hundred and eleven (111) respondents (29%) indicated earning N10,000 N15,000, 95 respondents or 25% indicated N15,001 - N20,000 as their income bracket, 94 or 24% were earning above N20,000, while 84 (22%) indicated earning below N10,000. From the result, high income class has more capacity to save than poor dwelling in rural areas. The finding appears to support the predication of Economics theory of savings which argues that saving is a function of the level of income. The implication of this study is that the federal government of Nigeria and financial institutions in the country should take up the challenge of establishing bank branches in the rural areas or make formidable arrangement for supplying more credit to the rural dwellers. | Micro credit; Micro finance; Poverty reduction | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-81855176565 | Exploring the impact of national system of innovation on the outcomes of foreign direct investment | Baskaran A., Muchie M., Muchie M. | 2009 | International Journal of Technological Learning, Innovation and Development | 2 | 4 | 10.1504/IJTLID.2009.02682 | Business School, Middlesex University, London NW4 4BT, United Kingdom; Institute for Economic Research on Innovation, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; DIIPER, Aalborg University, Denmark | Baskaran, A., Business School, Middlesex University, London NW4 4BT, United Kingdom; Muchie, M., Institute for Economic Research on Innovation, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Muchie, M., DIIPER, Aalborg University, Denmark | This paper attempts to explore the possible relationship between the characteristics of a National System of Innovation (NSI) and their impact on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) outcomes, particularly in developing countries. We employ a heuristic NSI-FDI conceptual framework linking the robustness of NSI to the benefits or lack of it from FDI. We create a taxonomy of NSIs as well-functioning/strong, relatively well-functioning and weak and try to empirically find out how each NSI type is related to the corresponding FDI outcomes. We examine whether a strong NSI can bring a high-end benefit from FDI, whether those with a weak NSI are at the low end of the FDI potential benefit spectrum, and whether a relatively well-functioning NSI is linked to medium or average FDI outcomes. We used descriptive data from selected developing economies - China, India, South Africa, Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Zambia - and applied this conceptual framework. Despite some data limitations, our case studies show that the characteristics and robustness (or lack of robustness) of NSI can impact on how FDI flows to a country and the kinds of outcomes it will produce, other things being equal. Therefore, how countries build their NSI matters significantly to national policy making. © 2009 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | China; Ethiopia; FDI; foreign direct investment; Ghana; India; national innovation system; South Africa; Tanzania; technology spillovers; Zambia | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000316322300003 | Economic Impacts of Integrated Agricultural Research for Development (IAR4D) in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria | Adekunle, Adolphus Adekunle,Adeyemo, Victoria Adeyemi,Akinola, Akinboye Adebayo,Ayanwale, Adeolu Babatunde | 2013 | AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT REVIEW-REVUE AFRICAINE DE DEVELOPPEMENT | 25 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1467-8268.2013.12011.x | Obafemi Awolowo University, Forum Agr Res Africa | "Adeyemo, Victoria Adeyemi: Obafemi Awolowo University","Akinola, Akinboye Adebayo: Obafemi Awolowo University","Ayanwale, Adeolu Babatunde: Obafemi Awolowo University", | This paper assesses the potential economic impacts of Integrated Agricultural Research for Development (IAR4D) conceived to address observed low productivity, prevailing poverty level, slow growth and general underperformance of the agricultural sector associated with the traditional agricultural and rural development (ARD) approach. The economic surplus analysis suggested that IAR4D research and extension, with respect to maize production, could achieve returns ranging from 30 to 38 per cent and a maximum adoption of 25 to 50 per cent for the conservative and baseline scenario, respectively. Similarly, with the same range of maximum adoption, the approach could yield returns ranging from 22 to 29 per cent for the conservative and baseline scenario, respectively in millet production. However, the same range of adoption could result in 29 to 37 per cent for the conservative and baseline scenario, respectively in sorghum production. The estimated benefits are sensitive to expected adoption rates but much less so to changes in research and extension costs. However, the estimates indicate that the production of all the crops was socially profitable under the IAR4D option. Our results were consistent with earlier economic analyses which showed that IAR4D was more productive, profitable and acceptable to farmers than the conventional Research for Development (R&D) approach. | None | None | None |
| None | None | Rice for food and income: Assessing the impact of rice research on food security in the Kyela and Kilombero districts of Tanzania | Mwaseba D.L., Kaarhus R., Johnsen F.H., Mattee A.Z., Mvena Z.S.K. | 2007 | Outlook on Agriculture | 36 | 4 | None | Department of Agricultural Education and Extension, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of International Environment and Development Studies (Noragric), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB), PO Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway | Mwaseba, D.L., Department of Agricultural Education and Extension, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Kaarhus, R., Department of International Environment and Development Studies (Noragric), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB), PO Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway; Johnsen, F.H., Department of International Environment and Development Studies (Noragric), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB), PO Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway; Mattee, A.Z., Department of Agricultural Education and Extension, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Mvena, Z.S.K., Department of Agricultural Education and Extension, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania | This paper assesses the impact of rice research on household food security in Tanzania. The adoption of research-based innovations in rice farming, on which the impact of rice research is assumed to depend, is outlined. Rice production and consumption levels are presented. The paper shows that farmers produce rice for meeting a range of livelihood outcomes, including food security. However, meeting household needs such as education, health and building good houses are as important as food security. In this context, it is argued that food security should be understood within the framework of household livelihood strategies rather than being seen as dependent on household rice production. | Food security; Impact assessment; Livelihoods; Rice research; Tanzania | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000272022600007 | The Impact of Ethiopia's Productive Safety Net Programme and its Linkages | Gilligan, Daniel O.,Hoddinott, John,Taffesse, Alemayehu Seyoum | 2009 | JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES | 45 | 10 | 10.1080/00220380902935907 | International Food Policy Research Institute, African Ctr Study African Econ, IFPRI | "Gilligan, Daniel O.: International Food Policy Research Institute","Hoddinott, John: International Food Policy Research Institute", | This paper assesses the impact of Ethiopia's Productive Safety Nets Programme (PSNP), the largest social protection programme in sub-Saharan Africa outside of South Africa. Using propensity score matching techniques, we find that the programme has little impact on participants on average, due in part to transfer levels that fell far below programme targets. Participants with access to both the PSNP and packages of agricultural support are more likely to be food secure, to borrow for productive purposes, use improved agricultural technologies, and operate non-farm own business activities. However, beneficiaries did not experience faster asset growth. | ,"ECONOMETRIC EVALUATION ESTIMATOR" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905158972 | Impact of climate change on river flows in the Black Volta River | Sawai N., Kobayashi K., Apip, Takara K., Ishikawa H., Yokomatsu M., Samaddar S., Juati A.-N., Kranjac-Berisavljevic G. | 2014 | Journal of Disaster Research | 9 | 4 | None | Research and Development Center, Nippon Koei Co., Ltd., 2304 Inarihara, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-1259, Japan; Research Center for Urban Safety and Security, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai-machi, Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8501, Japan; Research Centre for Limnology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Cibinong Science Centre, Jl. Raya Jakarta km 46, Cibinong, Jawa Barat, Indonesia; Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan; Ghana Meteorological Agency, Legon, Accra, LG 87, Ghana; University for Development Studies, UDS, P.O. Box TL, 1350 Tamale, Ghana | Sawai, N., Research and Development Center, Nippon Koei Co., Ltd., 2304 Inarihara, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-1259, Japan; Kobayashi, K., Research Center for Urban Safety and Security, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai-machi, Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8501, Japan; Apip, Research Centre for Limnology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Cibinong Science Centre, Jl. Raya Jakarta km 46, Cibinong, Jawa Barat, Indonesia; Takara, K., Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan; Ishikawa, H., Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan; Yokomatsu, M., Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan; Samaddar, S., Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan; Juati, A.-N., Ghana Meteorological Agency, Legon, Accra, LG 87, Ghana; Kranjac-Berisavljevic, G., University for Development Studies, UDS, P.O. Box TL, 1350 Tamale, Ghana | This paper assesses the impact of climate change in the Black Volta River by using data output from the atmospheric general circulation model with a 20-km resolution (AGCM20) through the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the Meteorological Research Institute (MRI). The Black Volta, which flows mainly in Burkina Faso and Ghana in West Africa, is a major tributary of the Volta River. The basin covers 142,056 km2 and has a semi-arid tropical climate. Before applying AGCM20 output to a rainfall-runoff model, the performance of the AGCM20 rainfall data is investigated by comparing it with the observed rainfall in the Black Volta Basin. To assess the possible impact of rainfall change on river flow, a kinematic wave model, which takes into consideration saturated and unsaturated subsurface soil zones, was performed. The rainfall analysis shows that, the correlation coefficient of the monthly rainfall between the observed rainfall and AGCM20 for the present climate (1979-2004) is 0.977. In addition, the analysis shows that AGCM20 overestimates precipitation during the rainy season and underestimates the dry season for the present climate. The analysis of the AGCM20 output shows the precipitation pattern change in the future (2075-2099). In the future, precipitation is expected to increase by 3%, whereas evaporation and transpiration are expected to increase by 5% and by 8%, respectively. Also, daily maximum rainfall is expected to be 20 mm, or 60%, higher. Thus, the future climate in this region is expected to be more severe. The rainfall-runoff simulation is successfully calibrated at the Bamboi discharge gauging station in the Black Volta fromJune 2000 to December 2000 with 0.72 of the Nash-Sutcliffe model efficiency index. The model is applied with AGCM20 outputs for the present climate (1979-2004) and future climate (2075-2099). The results indicate that future discharge will decrease from January to July at the rate of the maximum of 50% and increase fromAugust to December at the rate of the maximumof 20% in the future. Therefore, comprehensive planning for both floods and droughts are urgently needed in this region. | AGCM20; Climate change; Distributed rainfall-runoff model; Flood; The Black Volta River | Climate change; Computer simulation; Drought; Floods; Flow of water; Rain; Rivers; Runoff; Transpiration; AGCM20; Atmospheric general circulation models; Correlation coefficient; Distributed rainfall-runoff models; Meteorological research institutes; Precipitation patterns; Rainfall-runoff modeling; Rainfall-runoff simulations; Climate models | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957017187 | The impact of water scarcity on environmental health in selected residential areas in Bulawayo City, Zimbabwe | Nyemba A., Manzungu E., Masango S., Musasiwa S. | 2010 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 35 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2010.07.028 | Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Nyemba, A., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Manzungu, E., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Masango, S., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Musasiwa, S., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | This paper assesses the extent of water scarcity at household level and the resultant environmental health impacts in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city. The paper is based on two separate surveys that were undertaken in low and high income suburbs between June 2007 and January 2008. The first survey investigated the extent and impacts of water scarcity at household level. Data was collected by means of a household questionnaire, key informant interviews, review of clinic records and physical observation. The second survey assessed microbial levels in the main water sources and was complemented by examining water-related disease profiles. Water scarcity was found to be more severe in low income than in high income suburbs. This was a consequence of the city's skewed water distribution policy which favoured the former and failure by residents of the latter to invest in safer water alternatives. Per capita water consumption in both suburbs was below internationally recommended levels. Microbial assessment indicated presence of coliforms in water obtained from the tap and alternative sources at levels above WHO and Zimbabwean standards. Water scarcity resulted in an increase in the incidence of water-related diseases and environmental contamination. The evidence suggests that water scarcity in Bulawayo represents a huge cost to residents and the environment. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Bulawayo; Disease profile; Environmental health; Water scarcity; Zimbabwe | Alternative source; Bulawayo; Coliforms; Environmental contamination; Environmental health; Environmental-health impact; Household level; Microbial levels; Per capita; Residential areas; Water consumption; Water distributions; Water scarcity; Water source; Water-related disease; Zimbabwe; Environmental engineering; Surveys; Water supply; Water supply systems; Health; coliform bacterium; disease incidence; health impact; household survey; resource scarcity; safety; standard (regulation); suburban area; water resource; water use; World Health Organization; Bulawayo [Bulawayo (PRV)]; Bulawayo [Zimbabwe]; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894436876 | Impact of improved maize adoption on welfare of farm households in Malawi: A panel data analysis | Bezu S., Kassie G.T., Shiferaw B., Ricker-Gilbert J. | 2014 | World Development | 59 | None | 10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.01.023 | Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Scarborough, Canada; International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Partnership for Economic Policy, Nairobi, Kenya; Purdue University, West Lafayette, United States | Bezu, S., Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Scarborough, Canada; Kassie, G.T., International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Shiferaw, B., Partnership for Economic Policy, Nairobi, Kenya; Ricker-Gilbert, J., Purdue University, West Lafayette, United States | This paper assesses rural households' decision to use improved maize varieties in Malawi and examines its impact on household welfare using a three-year household panel data. The distributional effect of maize technology adoption is investigated by looking at impacts across wealth and gender groups. We applied control function approach and IV regression to control for possible endogeneity of input subsidy and area under improved maize. We found that area under improved maize varieties is positively correlated with own maize consumption, income and asset holdings. We found evidence that improved maize adoption has a stronger impact on welfare of poorer households. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Africa; Food security; Improved maize; Input subsidy; Malawi; Technology adoption | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649727315 | The impact of colonial agreements on the regulation of the waters of the river nile | Kasimbazi E.B. | 2010 | Water International | 35 | 6 | 10.1080/02508060.2010.533642 | Faculty of Law, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | Kasimbazi, E.B., Faculty of Law, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | This paper assesses how the Nile Basin agreements that were signed during the colonial period continue to affect the regulation of the waters of the Nile. The agreements signed by Britain and other European colonial powers regarding the regulation of the waters of the Nile are interpreted by the lowest riparian state, Egypt, as binding and while the other upper riparian states such as Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda argue that since the countries got their independence the agreements are not binding. The two parallel positions have made it difficult to develop a Nile Basin Agreement to regulate the use of the waters of the Nile Basin up to the present day. © 2010 International Water Resources Association. | Colonial agreements; Cooperative framework agreement; Nile river; Regulation water; Riparian | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960103770 | Impact of job stress on Managers' Performance | Salami A.O., Ojokuku R.M., Ilesanmi O.A. | 2010 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 45 | 2 | None | Department of Management and Accounting, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Business Administration, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Salami, A.O., Department of Management and Accounting, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Ojokuku, R.M., Department of Management and Accounting, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Ilesanmi, O.A., Department of Business Administration, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | This paper assesses empirically the impact of job stress on Nigerian Managers' Performance. In carrying out the study, random sampling technique was used to select 135 managers who have worked at least 5 years in a managerial position. Relevant data were collected using structured questionnaire. The Z-score was used to test the study hypothesis. The findings showed that job stress brings about subjective effects such as fear, anger and anxiety among Nigerian managers resulting in poor concentration, mental block and poor decision making skills. Based on these findings, it was recommended that organizations in Nigeria should reduce psychological strain, work overload and role ambiguity through adoption of job redesign techniques. Organizational support activities such as counseling and stress reduction workshops should also be increased. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2010. | Job redesign; Job stress; Managerial performance; Organizational support | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-61749094806 | Internalisation and firm performance: Evidence from estimates of efficiency in banking in Namibia and Tanzania | Okeahalam C.C. | 2008 | Journal of International Development | 20 | 7 | 10.1002/jid.1455 | BAR, AGH Group, Private Bag X9, Benmore 2010 Johannesburg, South Africa | Okeahalam, C.C., BAR, AGH Group, Private Bag X9, Benmore 2010 Johannesburg, South Africa | This paper assesses and compares the impact of internationalisation on the economic performance of firms in the banking sector in Namibia and Tanzania. With the aid of financial ratios and econometric analysis, measures of efficiency are used as proxies for overall economic performance and comparisons are made. In Namibia, the market is more concentrated than in Tanzania, all the foreign banks are fromone country, and they have had a presence in the country for a long time. In Tanzania, the market is less concentrated than in Namibia, foreign entry is from a number of countries and has been more recent. The study finds that in Namibia, all the foreign banks are larger but more inefficient than domestically owned banks. In Tanzania, foreign banks are more efficient than domestic banks. These results suggest that the generation of foreign entry and industry structure are significant determinants of positive spillovers of internationalisation. They also indicate that the type of foreign entrant, not, just foreign entry determines the impact on efficiency and the competitive landscape. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Banking; Competition; Effciency; Internationalisation; Namibia; Performance; Tanzania | banking; competition (economics); competitiveness; globalization; technical efficiency; Africa; East Africa; Namibia; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883671528 | Industrial upgrading in sub-Sahara Africa: the competitive impact of China on supplier linkage development potentials of resident Asian entrepreneurs | Na-Allah A., Muchie M., Muchie M. | 2010 | International Journal of Technological Learning, Innovation and Development | 3 | 3 | 10.1504/IJTLID.2010.036494 | Institute for Economics Research on Innovation, Faculty of Economics and Finance, Tshwane University of Technology, 159 Skinner Street, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Institute for Economics Research on Innovation, Faculty of Economics and Finance, Tshwane University of Technology, 159 Skinner Street, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Research Centre on Development and International Political Economy, Aalborg Universitet, Fibigerstrade 2, DK-9220 Aalborg 0, Denmark | Na-Allah, A., Institute for Economics Research on Innovation, Faculty of Economics and Finance, Tshwane University of Technology, 159 Skinner Street, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Muchie, M., Institute for Economics Research on Innovation, Faculty of Economics and Finance, Tshwane University of Technology, 159 Skinner Street, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Muchie, M., Research Centre on Development and International Political Economy, Aalborg Universitet, Fibigerstrade 2, DK-9220 Aalborg 0, Denmark | This paper argues that the emergent profile of China as a top global exporter of apparel input material is undermining the spill-over potentials of Asian direct investment in apparel production abroad. The experience of subSaharan Africa is presented as an illustration of this claim. Insights from the GVC literature are used to show that Asian investors in Lesotho’s apparel manufacturing business rely principally on China for their input supplies. As a result of this, the incidence of Asian entrepreneurship in the country’s apparel sector is revealed to be associated with significant negative impact on supplier linkage development. Measures to promote local supplier development as well as improve the quality of service deliveries in key infrastructural areas are put forward as interventions needed to encourage firms to look inward for their supply needs. © 2010 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | apparel; China; global value chain; industrial upgrading; sub-Sahara Africa; supplier linkage development | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891350049 | Impact assessment: Eroding benefits through streamlining? | Bond A., Pope J., Morrison-Saunders A., Retief F., Gunn J.A.E. | 2014 | Environmental Impact Assessment Review | 45 | None | 10.1016/j.eiar.2013.12.002 | School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom; School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, South Africa; Integral Sustainability, Australia; Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, Australia; Environmental Science, Murdoch University, Australia; Department of Geography and Planning, School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Canada | Bond, A., School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom, School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, South Africa; Pope, J., Integral Sustainability, Australia, Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, Australia; Morrison-Saunders, A., School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, South Africa, Environmental Science, Murdoch University, Australia; Retief, F., School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, South Africa; Gunn, J.A.E., Department of Geography and Planning, School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Canada | This paper argues that Governments have sought to streamline impact assessment in recent years (defined as the last five years) to counter concerns over the costs and potential for delays to economic development. We hypothesise that this has had some adverse consequences on the benefits that subsequently accrue from the assessments. This hypothesis is tested using a framework developed from arguments for the benefits brought by Environmental Impact Assessment made in 1982 in the face of the UK Government opposition to its implementation in a time of economic recession. The particular benefits investigated are 'consistency and fairness', 'early warning', 'environment and development', and 'public involvement'. Canada, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Western Australia are the jurisdictions tested using this framework. The conclusions indicate that significant streamlining has been undertaken which has had direct adverse effects on some of the benefits that impact assessment should deliver, particularly in Canada and the UK. The research has not examined whether streamlining has had implications for the effectiveness of impact assessment, but the causal link between streamlining and benefits does sound warning bells that merit further investigation. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. | Consistency and fairness; Cost and benefits; Early warning; Public involvement | Consistency and fairness; Cost and benefits; Early warning; Economic development; Economic Recession; Environment and development; Impact assessments; Public involvement; Planning; Environmental impact assessments; economic conditions; economic impact; economic system; environmental economics; environmental impact assessment; Australia; Canada; United Kingdom; Western Australia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892543514 | Lesson learned from institutional self-evaluation: Infusing pockets of excellence from the reviews experiences | Selesho J.M. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p339 | Vaal University Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Selesho, J.M., Vaal University Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | This paper argue from the premise that while higher education institutions are engaging in self-evalaution process, there are possibilites of developing patterns of excellence. In return this patterns of excellence will then be developed into best practices that can inform our quality assurance process in higher education institution. This paper intends to establish the learning experiences that can be learners from the self-evaluation particular with regard to teaching and learning. The research was conducted using data from the two academic departments, two reviewers panel reports and finally the quality assurance manager plan. As the study was based on interpretive study, data was collected using documental analysis of the self-evaluation reports and reviewers reports from the two department. Surely, if there is a clear system in place it will be easy for HOD's to monitor QA at programme level, furthermore to monitor the improvement based on the initial monitoring process. However, HOD's argue that the only monitoring that was in place in the institution relate to the external moderation of the assessment process. This was the only quality monitoring process that was certified and confirmed unanimously by all respondents. They did confirm that it is the policy of the university to appoint external examiners for all the subjects at the exit level. The findings reveal that although the general idea of internal quality guidelines is to improve institutional self-evaluation, its operational process was hampered by accelerated societal changes in the HE, academic heads were further compelled to take into consideration those self evaluation guidelines which are aimed at achieving the relationships between strategy, the environment, the reaction of management, the quality system and institutional improvements on the holistic view of quality mechanisms. Furthermore, it was etsablished that central idea is to eventually legitimise institutional self-evaluation programmes which will be externally validated by outside quality agencies. HoD's further reveal that, accreditation is still the most important phase, because it legitimises internally and externally defined. | Assessment; Best practice; Lesson learned; Monitoring | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956950520 | Enhancing PMIPv6 for better handover performance among heterogeneous wireless networks in a micromobility domain | Magagula L.A., Falowo O.E., Chan H.A. | 2010 | Eurasip Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking | 2010 | None | 10.1155/2010/274935 | Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Magagula, L.A., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Falowo, O.E., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Chan, H.A., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This paper analyzes the reduction of handover delay in a network-based localized mobility management framework assisted by IEEE 802.21 MIH services. It compares the handover signaling procedures with host-based localized MIPv6 (HMIPv6), with network-based localized MIPv6 (PMIPv6), and with PMIPv6 assisted by IEEE 802.21 to show how much handover delay reduction can be achieved. Furthermore, the paper proposes and gives an in-depth analysis of PMIPv6 optimized with a handover coordinator (HC), which is a network-based entity, to further improve handover performance in terms of handover delay and packet loss while maintaining minimal signaling overhead in the air interface among converged heterogeneous wireless networks. Simulation and analytical results show that indeed handover delay and packet loss are reduced. Copyright © 2010 Linoh A. Magagula et al. | None | Air interface; Analytical results; Handover; Handover coordinators; Handover delay; Handover performance; Heterogeneous wireless network; Host-based; IEEE802.21; In-depth analysis; Micro-mobility; Network-based; Network-based localized mobility management; Signaling overheads; Signaling procedure; Packet loss; Signaling; Wireless networks | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900398574 | The impact of inflation on the automobile sales in South Africa | Chifurira R., Mudhombo I., Chikobvu M., Dubihlela D. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 7 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n7p200 | School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Sciences, University of KwaZulu - Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | Chifurira, R., School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Sciences, University of KwaZulu - Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; Mudhombo, I., Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa; Chikobvu, M., Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa; Dubihlela, D., Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | This paper analyses the relationship between inflation (INF) and Automobile sales in South Africa by using the co-integration and causality tests. The analysis has been conducted using monthly data over the period 1960:1 through 2013:9. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller Unit Root test indicates that the two series are stationary in the first-difference not in level. The Johansen-Juselius co-integration test show that INF and new vehicle sales (NVS) are co-integrated in the long run, hence, long-run equilibrium exist between the two variables. This study, using the Granger-Causality test has found that there is oneway causal effect (unidirectional causality) running from INF to NVS at 5% level of significance. Given that the automotive industry contributes 6% to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and creating more than 300 000 jobs, South Africa must double its efforts in managing inflation at very low levels. | Causality test; Co-integration; Inflation; New vehicle sales; South Africa | None | None |
| None | None | Performance and revenue potential of excise taxation in Tanzania | Osoro N.E., Mwinyimvua H.H., Mpango P.I.N. | 2006 | Journal of African Economies | 15 | 1 | 10.1093/jae/eji031 | Department of Economics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; World Bank, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Osoro, N.E., Department of Economics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mwinyimvua, H.H., Department of Economics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mpango, P.I.N., World Bank, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | This paper analyses the performance of excise taxation in Tanzania in terms of revenue generation objective with a view to identifying its revenue potential. In pursuit of this objective, the paper measures the buoyancy and elasticity of excise taxes, estimates demand functions for excisable goods and computes revenue-maximising tax rates. Consequently, the paper identifies goods that should bear excise tax. Both short- and long-run estimation results for buoyancy and elasticity show that excise tax revenue is inelastic with respect to the quarterly change in GDP. In addition, the buoyancy of excise tax has been higher than elasticity, implying that discretionary changes undertaken over the period of the study enhanced revenue collection. The estimation results of the demand functions for cigarettes, motor fuel, beer, 'Chibuku' and 'Konyagi' gin, show inelastic own-price elasticity of demand implying that the government can collect more revenue by levying higher rates of excise tax on these products. The revenue-maximising tax rates for cigarettes, motor fuel and beer are high both in the short and long run. © 2006 Oxford University Press. | None | tax system; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884540221 | Impacts of tie-lines and wind generator location on small signal stability of a power system | Ayodele T.R., Jimoh A.A., Munda J.L., Agee J.T. | 2013 | International Journal of Renewable Energy Research | 3 | 1 | None | Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa | Ayodele, T.R., Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa; Jimoh, A.A., Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa; Munda, J.L., Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa; Agee, J.T., Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa | This paper analyses the impact of tie-lines connecting different areas of power system and the location of wind farms on the small signal stability of a power system. The analysis is conducted using Monte Carlo simulation via modal analysis. The random samples are generated from two-parameter Weibull distribution to obtain possible representation of wind speed needed for the generation of wind power using Latin hypercube sampling techniques. The sampling technique allows the usage of a small sample size, which helps in reducing the simulation cost without jeopardising the accuracy ofthe result. Different scenarios are created and the oscillatory modes are calculated for different operating condition. The changes in modal characteristic of the system due to different operating conditions are evaluated by observing the movement on the complex plane. The results of the modal analysis for each scenario are validated using time domain simulation. Some of the key results show that wind power can have either positive or negative impact on the oscillation of a power system depending on the location in which it is integrated into the power system. It is also found out that strengthening the weak tie-lines can greatly improve the inter-area mode. This paper is useful in the planning stage of wind power projects. | Monte Carlo simulation.; Power systems; Small signal stability; Tie-lines; Wind power; Wind power location | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000246542000007 | A multivariate evaluation of mainstream and academic development courses in first-year microeconomics | Edwards, Lawrence,Smith, Leonard | 2007 | SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS | 75 | 1 | None | University of Cape Town | None | This paper analyses the impact of the University of Cape Town's first-year microeconomics academic development course on performance in examinations. The paper makes two advances to existing empirical literature in this area. Firstly, we compare performance with a control group drawn from the mainstream economic course. Secondly, we evaluate performance in subsequent courses in first-year macroeconomics and second-year microeconomics. The results suggest that the academic development course has a major impact on students' performance in the structured/essay questions, relative to the control group, in first- and second-year microeconomics, and for the multiple-choice questions in first-year macroeconomics.
Matriculation results, mathematics, English first language, physical science and gender are also important determinants of performance. | "ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT","economic education","SOUTH AFRICA","student performance",ACHIEVEMENT,"COLLEGE PRINCIPLES",DETERMINANTS,EDUCATION,GENDER,"HIGH-SCHOOL ECONOMICS",IMPACT,"MALE-FEMALE DIFFERENCES","STUDENT PERFORMANCE" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866264534 | Measuring the impact of educational interventions on the academic performance of academic development students in second-year microeconomics | Smith L.C., Ranchhod V. | 2012 | South African Journal of Economics | 80 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2011.01287.x | Centre for Higher Education Development, University of Cape Town, South Africa; School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Smith, L.C., Centre for Higher Education Development, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Ranchhod, V., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa | This paper analyses the impact of educational interventions made in the first- and second-year microeconomics courses on academic development students' final mark in the second-year course. It also addresses issues of methodology, specification, and statistical analysis with respect to other studies in the field. The results suggest that the educational interventions in the first-year had a positive impact on the academic performance of the academic development cohort, relative to the mainstream cohort for the first period (2000-2002). The results also suggest that the educational interventions introduced in the second period (2003-2005), in the form of voluntary workshops, improved the academic performance of the academic development and mainstream cohorts. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 Economic Society of South Africa. | Academic development; academic performance; economic education; educational interventions; microeconomics; multivariate analysis; South Africa | academic performance; curriculum; geography education; microeconomics; multivariate analysis; student; South Africa | None |
| None | None | Taxation in the Tanzanian gold sector: Overview of impacts and possible solutions | Magai P.S., Márquez-Velázquez A. | 2013 | Development Southern Africa | 30 | 2 | 10.1080/0376835X.2013.797225 | Department of General Management, University of Dar es Salaam, Business School, PO Box 35046, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; DAAD Partnership on Economic Development Studies, HTW Berlin, University of Applied, Hoenower Straße 34, Berlin, 10318, Germany | Magai, P.S., Department of General Management, University of Dar es Salaam, Business School, PO Box 35046, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Márquez-Velázquez, A., DAAD Partnership on Economic Development Studies, HTW Berlin, University of Applied, Hoenower Straße 34, Berlin, 10318, Germany | This paper analyses the factors that reduce the gold sector's contribution to the Tanzanian government's revenue. Tanzania is among Africa's largest gold exporters. Yet ordinary Tanzanians have seen little benefit from this. This is partly because the government has enacted tax laws that are, as we shall see, overly favourable to multinational mining companies, and partly because of the same companies' business practices. Critics argue that the government fails to capture a substantial amount of state revenue as a result of low royalty rates, unpaid corporate taxes and tax evasion by major gold mine operators. This paper argues that the Tanzanian government should try to increase its share of revenues by taxation based on revenues, increasing its auditing skills and its involvement in mining, as well as by increasing the transparency of contracts and limiting the discretionary power of policy-makers in negotiating contracts. © 2013 Copyright Development Bank of Southern Africa. | gold; impacts; revenue; Tanzania; taxation | export; gold; mining industry; policy making; tax system; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879840172 | Perceptions of the Impact of Refugees on Host Communities: The Case of Liberian Refugees in Ghana | Codjoe S.N.A., Quartey P., Tagoe C.A., Reed H.E. | 2013 | Journal of International Migration and Integration | 14 | 3 | 10.1007/s12134-012-0249-1 | Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 96, Legon, Ghana; Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 74, Legon, Ghana; CUNY Institute for Demographic Research and Department of Sociology, Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY), New York,11367, United States | Codjoe, S.N.A., Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 96, Legon, Ghana; Quartey, P., Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 74, Legon, Ghana; Tagoe, C.A., Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 74, Legon, Ghana; Reed, H.E., CUNY Institute for Demographic Research and Department of Sociology, Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY), New York,11367, United States | This paper analyses the effects of the presence of Liberian refugees on cost of goods/services and business activities, pressure on resources/facilities, social vices and environmental activities based on perceptions (although attempts have been made to buttress the perceptions with information from focus group discussions) of hosts and refugees. The analysis included gender and type of occupation from within and among the groups. The aim was to ascertain whether the presence of refugees are viewed as having positive, negative or mixed impacts. Data are from 10 focus group discussions and 120 household surveys undertaken in April 2007. Results show that although there are gender and occupational differentials, host communities contend that refugees have increased the costs of goods and services, brought pressure on facilities, increased social vices and deteriorated environmental resources. However, refugees are viewed as a source of income and market, and trade partners, who have brought a lot of infrastructural developments. Thus, one can describe refugee presence as having mixed impacts. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Environmental activities; Gender; Goods and services; Impact; Liberian refugees; Perceptions; Social vices | gender relations; international migration; occupation; perception; refugee; Ghana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-73149090995 | The chairman's statements and annual reports: Are they reporting the same company performance to investors? | Bhana N. | 2009 | Investment Analysts Journal | 70 | 1 | None | Regent Business School, PO Box 10686, Marine Parade, Durban 4056, South Africa; University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom | Bhana, N., Regent Business School, PO Box 10686, Marine Parade, Durban 4056, South Africa, University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom | This paper analyses the chairman's statements of the top 50 and bottom 50 companies listed on the JSE ranked by percentage change in profit before taxation. The research examines whether companies with improving and declining performance report good and bad news in different ways. The findings are in line with expectations and both groups of companies show a preference to emphasise the positive aspects of their performance. Furthermore, both groups prefer to take credit for good news themselves, while blaming the external environment for bad news. Managers use accounting narratives in a self-serving manner, rather than reporting performance objectively. The research in this paper has implications for the current state of financial reporting whereby auditors do not formally audit but instead review the chairman's statement to ascertain its consistency with the financial statements. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000299437500004 | A proposed methodology for contextualised evaluation in higher education | Belluigi, Dina Zoe,Nygaard, Claus | 2011 | ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION | 36 | 6 | 10.1080/02602931003650037 | Copenhagen Business School, Rhodes University | "Belluigi, Dina Zoe: Rhodes University","Nygaard, Claus: Copenhagen Business School" | This paper aims to inspire stakeholders working with quality of higher education (such as members of study boards, study programme directors, curriculum developers and teachers) to critically consider their evaluation methods in relation to a focus on student learning. We argue that many of the existing methods of evaluation in higher education are underpinned by a conception of learning that is de-contextualised. As a consequence, many data collection methods do not address aspects that affect students' learning. This is problematic because the core aim of higher education is to facilitate student learning. We propose a contextualised evaluation methodology, guided by 10 key questions, which can help evaluators address concepts and questions of student learning in their evaluations. | "contextualised learning",evaluation,FEEDBACK,methodology,WORK | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-61849157507 | South African teachers' reflections on the impact of culture on their teaching of sexuality and HIV/AIDS | Helleve A., Flisher A., Onya H., Mukoma W., Klepp K.-I. | 2009 | Culture, Health and Sexuality | 11 | 2 | 10.1080/13691050802562613 | GLOBINF Centre for Prevention of Global Infections, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Adolescent Health Research Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Research Centre of Health Promotion, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Health Promotion Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa; Children's Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Helleve, A., GLOBINF Centre for Prevention of Global Infections, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Flisher, A., Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Adolescent Health Research Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Research Centre of Health Promotion, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Onya, H., Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Adolescent Health Research Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Health Promotion Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa; Mukoma, W., Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Adolescent Health Research Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Children's Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Klepp, K.-I., GLOBINF Centre for Prevention of Global Infections, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway | This paper aims to explore South African Life Orientation teachers' perception and practice of teaching HIV/AIDS and sexuality in a cultural perspective. We aim to investigate how teachers respond to perceived cultural differences between the local community and the content of their teaching. Data were collected through interviews with teachers who taught students in grades 8 or 9 in public high schools. The teachers expressed differing viewpoints regarding the rationale for teaching about HIV/AIDS and sexuality. Many teachers saw teaching these topics as a response to declining moral standards, while others suggested that they were teaching issues that parents failed to address. The teachers were more concerned about young people's sexual behaviour than about preventing HIV/AIDS. They perceived that cultural contradictions between what was taught and local cultural values were an issue to which they needed to respond, although they differed in terms of how to respond. Some took an adaptive approach to try to avoid conflicts, while others claimed the moral neutrality of their teaching. Teaching about sexuality was perceived to be challenging in terms of language and communication norms. Teaching about HIV/AIDS was perceived as challenging because teachers often needed to convince students about the reality of AIDS. | HIV/AIDS; Prevention; Sex education; South Africa; Teachers | Adult; Cultural Characteristics; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Safe Sex; Sexual Behavior; South Africa; Teaching | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930762222 | The performance of higher education research in South Africa: a post-2004 synthesis | Odhiambo N.M., Ntenga L. | 2015 | Journal of Development Effectiveness | 7 | 2 | 10.1080/19439342.2014.1002522 | Department of Economics, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, Unisa, Pretoria, South Africa; Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC), Private Bag X69, Halfway House, Midrand, South Africa | Odhiambo, N.M., Department of Economics, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, Unisa, Pretoria, South Africa; Ntenga, L., Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC), Private Bag X69, Halfway House, Midrand, South Africa | This paper aims to examine the performance of higher education research in South Africa, since the introduction of the New Funding Formula in 2004. The analysis includes both accredited publication research outputs from peer-reviewed articles and books and master’s and doctoral research outputs (based on the number of graduates). The study also compares the research publication outputs produced by South African researchers with those produced by researchers from other countries. The study shows that there has been an overall increase in both masters’ and doctoral graduates, since the introduction of the New Funding Framework (NFF) in 2004. Similarly, there has been an increase in the number of publications from South African public universities, since the onset of the NFF. The study also finds that, although South Africa’s research publication outputs have increased significantly since 2004, the country’s research publication output growth is still much lower than those reported in countries, such as China, India and Brazil during the same period. This paper, therefore, recommends that further studies should be done in order to ascertain whether the recent increase in higher education research outputs from South Africa is as a result of the country’s NFF; or it is just a common research trend in the current world of knowledge. © 2015 Taylor & Francis. | Africa; higher education; research output; South Africa | higher education; performance assessment; research work; university sector; Brazil; China; India; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931363521 | Clients' perceptions of architect performance on building projects in Ghana | Adinyira E., Dafeamekpor C.A. | 2015 | Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice | 141 | 3 | 10.1061/(ASCE)EI.1943-5541.0000218 | Dept. of Building Technology, KNUST-Kumasi, Ghana; Ghana Education Trust Fund, 42nd 4th Close Airport Residential Area, Accra, Ghana | Adinyira, E., Dept. of Building Technology, KNUST-Kumasi, Ghana; Dafeamekpor, C.A., Ghana Education Trust Fund, 42nd 4th Close Airport Residential Area, Accra, Ghana | This paper aims to establish clients' perception of the performance of architects on building projects in Ghana. It reports on a survey of both public and private clients of recently completed building projects in two major metropolitan areas of the country. Data from the survey were analyzed by first computing performance indexes and subsequently comparing similarities and differences between results obtained for the two sector clients. The results showed that private sector clients are likely to be more concerned with cost, while public sector clients are more concerned with buildability of design. A total of 71% of the 28 architect performance assessment criteria identified from literature were similarly selected by both sectors with respect to importance of the criteria. Using these, both public and private sector clients were asked to assess the performance of their architects. The results showed that architects were perceived to perform better on public sector building projects than on private sector ones. Their performance on 25% of the performance assessment criteria employed was indicated as being statistically different. The study also revealed that clients expected their architects to improve their performance significantly in approximately 82% of the 28 performance assessment criteria used in the study. The results from this study provide vital feedback to architects on their perceived performance on building projects in Ghana. On a broader level, the paper offers practicing architects some useful feedback that will allow for correction of misconceptions about their true role so as to improve on their relationship with project clients for improved project delivery. © 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers. | Architect performance; Building project; Client perception; Ghana | Buildings; Surveys; Architect performance; Building projects; Client perception; Computing performance; Ghana; Perceived performance; Performance assessment; Public and private sector; Architecture | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879762775 | Conceptualising the effectiveness of impact assessment processes | Chanchitpricha C., Bond A. | 2013 | Environmental Impact Assessment Review | 43 | None | 10.1016/j.eiar.2013.05.006 | School of Environmental Health, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Maung District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; Unit for Environmental Sciences, Management School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North West University, Potchefstroom campus, Internal Box 375, South Africa | Chanchitpricha, C., School of Environmental Health, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Maung District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; Bond, A., School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom, Unit for Environmental Sciences, Management School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North West University, Potchefstroom campus, Internal Box 375, South Africa | This paper aims at conceptualising the effectiveness of impact assessment processes through the development of a literature-based framework of criteria to measure impact assessment effectiveness. Four categories of effectiveness were established: procedural, substantive, transactive and normative, each containing a number of criteria; no studies have previously brought together all four of these categories into such a comprehensive, criteria-based framework and undertaken systematic evaluation of practice. The criteria can be mapped within a cycle/or cycles of evaluation, based on the 'logic model', at the stages of input, process, output and outcome to enable the identification of connections between the criteria across the categories of effectiveness. This framework is considered to have potential application in measuring the effectiveness of many impact assessment processes, including strategic environmental assessment (SEA), environmental impact assessment (EIA), social impact assessment (SIA) and health impact assessment (HIA). © 2013 Elsevier Inc. | Impact assessment tools; Logic model; Normative effectiveness; Procedural effectiveness; Substantive effectiveness; Transactive effectiveness | Impact assessment tools; Logic models; Normative effectiveness; Procedural effectiveness; Substantive effectiveness; Transactive effectiveness; Environmental impact; Environmental impact assessments; environmental impact assessment; identification method; numerical model; social change; strategic environmental assessment | None |
| None | None | Residents' perceptions of institutional performance in water supply in Dar es Salaam | Mwakalila S. | 2007 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 32 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2007.07.037 | Department of Geography, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35049, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Mwakalila, S., Department of Geography, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35049, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | This paper addresses the performance of institutions in water supply systems for improving social and economic benefits of people living in Dar es Salaam city. The methods employed in field data and information collection included interviews, questionnaire, focus group discussions and participatory observation. Kinondoni and Ilala Districts were used as case study. The study revealed that, the main water sources in the study areas are boreholes, shallow wells, rain water and water vendors. Other minor sources are piped water and natural water sources, such as rivers and streams. The supply of piped water by Dar es Salaam Water Sewerage and Sanitation Company (DAWASA/DAWASCO) meets only 45% of the total water demands. Individuals own and sell water from boreholes, shallow wells, piped water connected to their individual houses and natural wells located in their individual plots. The price of one 20 l bucket of water from a water vendor depends on the availability of water and the distance walked from the water source to the customer. Majority of the respondents (77.5%) indicated that individual water delivery systems provide sufficient water as compared to five years ago in the study areas. Few of the respondents (6.3%) said individual water delivery systems have no capacity to provide sufficient water while 16.3% indicate that individual water delivery systems provide moderate water supply but are important in supplementing other water providers in the study areas. The study reveals that a majority of the local population are satisfied with the capacity of individual water delivery systems in providing water for household uses. This paper recommends some improvements to be done to water supply systems in the Dar es Salaam city. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Piped water; Shallow wells; Water delivery systems; Water vendors | Boreholes; Economic and social effects; Rain; Rivers; Water supply; Water wells; Shallow well; Water delivery system; Water demand; Water distribution systems; artesian well; drinking water; performance assessment; water availability; water demand; water industry; water management; water supply; Africa; Dar es Salaam [Dar es Salaam (RGA)]; Dar es Salaam [Tanzania]; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547153730 | Globalisation and poverty: Impacts on households of employment and restructuring in the Textiles industry of South Africa | Bezuidenhout A., Khunou G., Mosoetsa S., Sutherland K., Thoburn J. | 2007 | Journal of International Development | 19 | 5 | 10.1002/jid.1308 | Sociology of Work Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Development Studies, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom | Bezuidenhout, A., Sociology of Work Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Khunou, G., Sociology of Work Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mosoetsa, S., Sociology of Work Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sutherland, K., School of Development Studies, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; Thoburn, J., School of Development Studies, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom | This paper addresses an important but often neglected theme in debates on globalisation - the consequences for workers of engagement in global markets, particularly for those workers who are retrenched in the process. Using the South African textiles industry as a case study, the paper investigates the impact on workers' household livelihoods of industrial restructuring following trade liberalisation in the 1990s. Interviews with textile workers and retrenched textile workers were conducted in five locations in three provinces - the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal - in order to capture different local dynamics. Workers employed in textiles generally enjoy a relatively stable formal sector wage, which, though less than the manufacturing average, is well above the national poverty line. However, the benefits were not evenly spread between the regions and job insecurity has been increasing. Workers retrenched from textile employment have faced extreme difficulties in a country with exceptionally high levels of open unemployment, and many families have fallen into deep poverty, which may now be transmitted intergenerationally. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Globalisation; Households; Poverty; South Africa; Textiles; Trade liberalisation | employment; globalization; industrial restructuring; poverty; textile industry; trade liberalization; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79251638802 | Comparative ports performance efficiency measurement in developing nations: A matching framework analysis (M FA) approach | Ogunsiji A.S., Ogunsiji O.O. | 2011 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 18 | 4 | None | Department of Management and Accounting, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Heriot - Watt University Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Ogunsiji, A.S., Department of Management and Accounting, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Ogunsiji, O.O., Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Heriot - Watt University Edinburgh, United Kingdom | This paper acknowledges the significance of ports operation as the driver of engine of growth in developing nations. It also accepted logistics as the formidable influencer of ports "Core Competence" and its management as the roadmap involved in the efficient and effective configuration of two important flows (product and information) which often facilitates distribution. The paper explored the problems bedeviling the various efficiency measurement techniques of performance at the ports. It identified the matching framework analysis as the appropriate method for measuring performance efficiency at the Nigeria ports cognizant of disproportionate problems attendant to the simple operations there. The application of MFA, matched the identifiable problems to the three major configuration of environment, structure and strategy over a period six years (2001-2006) therefore make ground breaking recommendations that could plummet the driving capability of the port for economic growth and development. | Configuration; Environment; Infrastructural-rejuvenation; Matching framework; Occupancy berth rate; Strategy; Structure | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865738456 | An outcome evaluation of a youth development programme | Maposa J.F., Louw-Potgieter J. | 2012 | Social Work (South Africa) | 48 | 2 | None | Section of Organisational Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Maposa, J.F., Section of Organisational Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Louw-Potgieter, J., Section of Organisational Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | This outcome evaluation assessed whether a development programme for youths aging out of foster care attained its goals. Relationship building was the only short-term outcome that was achieved. The medium-term outcomes of securing internships and finding suitable accommodation were achieved for some beneficiaries. The programme proved good enough for some beneficiaries regarding the long-term outcomes of securing employment, responsible alcohol use, resistance to drug use, safe sex and attending mentoring sessions. The programme did not succeed in attaining its most challenging long-term outcomes, namely finding habitable accommodation, improving education levels and community involvement. | None | drug user; educational development; employment; local participation; social development; young population | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-27644434475 | On farm evaluation of the effect of low cost drip irrigation on water and crop productivity compared to conventional surface irrigation system | Maisiri N., Senzanje A., Rockstrom J., Twomlow S.J. | 2005 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 30 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2005.08.021 | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ministry of Agriculture, P.O. Box CY 639, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt. Pleasant, Zimbabwe; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt. Pleasant, Zimbabwe; ICRISAT-Matopos, P.O. Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | Maisiri, N., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ministry of Agriculture, P.O. Box CY 639, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe; Senzanje, A., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt. Pleasant, Zimbabwe; Rockstrom, J., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt. Pleasant, Zimbabwe; Twomlow, S.J., ICRISAT-Matopos, P.O. Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | This on-farm research study was carried out at Zholube irrigation scheme in a semi-arid agro tropical climate of Zimbabwe to determine how low cost drip irrigation technologies compare with conventional surface irrigation systems in terms of water and crop productivity. A total of nine farmers who were practicing surface irrigation were chosen to participate in the study. The vegetable English giant rape (Brassica napus) was grown under the two irrigation systems with three fertilizer treatments in each system: ordinary granular fertilizer, liquid fertilizer (fertigation) and the last treatment with no fertilizer. These trials were replicated three times in a randomized block design. Biometric parameters of leaf area index (LAI) and fresh weight of the produce, water use efficiency (WUE) were used to compare the performance of the two irrigation systems. A water balance of the inflows and outflows was kept for analysis of WUE. The economic profitability and the operation, maintenance and management requirements of the different systems were also evaluated. There was no significant difference in vegetable yield between the irrigation systems at 8.5 ton/ha for drip compared to 7.8 ton/ha in surface irrigation. There were significant increases in yields due to use of fertilizers. Drip irrigation used about 35% of the water used by the surface irrigation systems thus giving much higher water use efficiencies. The leaf area indices were comparable in both systems with the same fertilizer treatment ranging between 0.05 for surface without fertilizer to 6.8 for low cost drip with fertigation. Low cost drip systems did not reflect any labour saving especially when manually lifting the water into the drum compared to the use of siphons in surface irrigation systems. The gross margin level for surface irrigation was lower than for low cost drip irrigation but the gross margin to total variable cost ratio was higher in surface irrigation systems, which meant that surface irrigation systems gave higher returns per variable costs incurred. It was concluded that low cost drip systems achieved water saving of more than 50% compared to surface irrigation systems and that it was not the type of irrigation system that influenced the yield of vegetables significantly but instead it is the type of fertilizer application method that contribute to the increase in the yield of vegetables. It was recommended that low cost technologies should be used in conjunction with good water and nutrient management if higher water and crop productivity are to be realized than surface irrigation systems. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Brassica napus; Fertigation; Low cost drip; Water productivity; Water use efficiency | Cost effectiveness; Crops; Economics; Evaporation; Fertilizers; Flow of water; Productivity; Soils; Transpiration; Water supply; Brassica napus; Fertigation; Low cost drip; Water productivity; Water use efficiency; Irrigation; crop production; drip irrigation; performance assessment; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World; Zimbabwe; Brassica napus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875870637 | Effect of dietary protein on performance of four broiler strains and on the allometric relationships between carcass portions and body protein | Danisman R., Gous R.M. | 2013 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 43 | 1 | 10.4314/sajas.v43i1.3 | Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Danisman, R., Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Gous, R.M., Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | This is the second paper in a series that reports the allometric relationships between some of the physical parts and body protein weight of commercial broiler strains reared, sexes separate, on different dietary protein levels. In this trial, four commercial broiler strains were sampled at day old and then weekly from each of three dietary protein treatments to determine the weights of the physical parts and the chemical composition of each of 936 birds. Allometric regressions were compared between strains, sexes and dietary protein levels using linear regression with groups. Whereas these regressions were similar over strains and sexes, some interactions were evident between factors, the largest differences occurring when broilers were fed differing dietary protein levels. These differences may be explained on the basis that lipid is deposited to different extents in each of the parts in response to dietary protein. Day-old breast meat and wing weights fell below the regression that best fitted the remaining observations and so were omitted from allometric analyses. The allometric regressions presented are an attempt to provide information that would enable the prediction of the weights of breast meat, thigh, drum and wing at different stages of growth of broilers whose genotype and feed composition are adequately described. | Breast meat; Carcass yield; Drum; Thigh; Wing | Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36249012553 | Global streamflows - Part 2: Reservoir storage-yield performance | McMahon T.A., Vogel R.M., Pegram G.G.S., Peel M.C., Etkin D. | 2007 | Journal of Hydrology | 347 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2007.09.021 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Vic., Australia; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States; Civil Engineering Programme, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | McMahon, T.A., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Vic., Australia; Vogel, R.M., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States; Pegram, G.G.S., Civil Engineering Programme, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Peel, M.C., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Vic., Australia; Etkin, D., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States | This is the second of three papers describing hydrologic analyses of monthly and annual streamflow data for a global set of 729 unregulated rivers with at least 25 years of continuous data. Capacity estimates of hypothetical reservoirs are computed for each river using the Sequent Peak Algorithm (SPA), Behaviour analysis and the Gould-Dincer Gamma procedure. Based on SPA and Behaviour procedures, empirical relationships relating reservoir capacity and yield were developed which accounted for 87-96% of the variance in capacity estimates across the global data set of monthly streamflows. The theoretical Gould-Dincer Gamma procedure was also shown to be a suitable technique to estimate reservoir capacity-yield relationships. It is noted that the three procedures are based on different definitions of supply reliability. Continental variations of the estimated capacities under equivalent conditions are examined. Reservoir performance measures - reliability, resilience and dimensionless vulnerability - are computed and their continental variations described. As a result of these analyses a number of differences are noted about the performance of reservoirs across continental regions. For example, the median continental reservoir capacity as a ratio of the mean annual flow varied by a factor of 9 across the continental regions. Furthermore, based on the reliability metric as an example of reservoir performance, high reliabilities occur in the South Pacific and Europe, slightly less reliable systems in North and South America, lower still in northern Africa, followed by Australia and the lowest value in southern Africa. This distribution follows inversely with the coefficient of variation of annual streamflow between continents. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Global hydrology; Global rivers; Reservoir capacity-yield; Reservoir performance | Algorithms; Computation theory; Parameter estimation; Reservoirs (water); Global hydrology; Global rivers; Reservoir capacity-yield; Reservoir performance; Stream flow; Algorithms; Computation theory; Parameter estimation; Reservoirs (water); Stream flow; algorithm; data set; global perspective; hydrology; reliability analysis; reservoir; resilience; streamflow; vulnerability; Africa; Australasia; Australia; Eurasia; Europe; North America; Pacific Ocean; Pacific Ocean (South); South Africa; South America; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33644527592 | Royal jelly production in East Africa: Performance potential of the honey bees, Apis mellifera scutellata and Apis mellifera monticola in Kenya | Muli E.M., Raina S.K., Mueke J.M. | 2005 | Journal of Apicultural Research | 44 | 4 | None | International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), 30772, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Zoology, Kenyatta University, 438844 Nairobi, Kenya | Muli, E.M., International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), 30772, Nairobi, Kenya; Raina, S.K., International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), 30772, Nairobi, Kenya; Mueke, J.M., Department of Zoology, Kenyatta University, 438844 Nairobi, Kenya | This is the first study to evaluate the royal jelly production potential of two honey bee races in Kenya, Apis mellifera monticola and Apis mellifera scutellata. No significant differences were observed in cell acceptance rates and royal jelly yields between the two races. However, the age of larvae at grafting, supplementary feeding and time between grafting and harvest had significant effects on cell acceptance rates and royal jelly yields. © IBRA 2005. | Apis mellifera monticola; Apis mellifera scutellata; Cell acceptance; Honey bees; Kenya; Royal jelly; Royal jelly yields | Apinae; Apis mellifera; Apis mellifera scutellata; Monticola | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890794785 | The impact of Pseudotheraptus wayi Brown (Hemiptera: Coreidae) on premature fruit drop and yield of Litchi chinensis in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa | Schoeman P.S., Mohlala R. | 2013 | International Journal of Pest Management | 59 | 4 | 10.1080/09670874.2013.859332 | Agricultural Research Council - Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Private Bag X 11208, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa | Schoeman, P.S., Agricultural Research Council - Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Private Bag X 11208, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa; Mohlala, R., Agricultural Research Council - Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Private Bag X 11208, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa | This is the first record of the coconut bug Pseudotheraptus wayi on litchis in South Africa. Although damage on immature fruit was often in excess of 50%, chemical control of P. wayi did not necessarily increase yields. Litchi trees flower profusely and are probably able to compensate for damage which occurs early in the production season. Because litchis have a strong tendency towards biennial bearing, it was speculated that P. wayi could have a detrimental effect in orchards producing below-average yields. Since P. wayi damaged approximately 50% of the immature fruit in the Nelspruit region, it is safe to assume that litchi is a good alternative host for this insect. Producers of other subtropical fruit should take cognizance of this observation and adapt control programmes for hemipterans in adjoining orchards if necessary. © 2013 Agricultural Research Council, South Africa. | host plants; Litchi chinensis; Pseudotheraptus wayi; stink bugs; subtropical fruit | chemical control; crop damage; fruit production; host plant; insect; new record; orchard; yield response; Mpumalanga; South Africa; Coreidae; Hemiptera; Hexapoda; Litchi chinensis; Pentatomidae; Pseudotheraptus wayi | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938527105 | Impact of destruction – Introduction to the Josephus Seminar, Theological University Kampen | van Bekkum K. | 2015 | HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | 71 | 1 | 10.4102/hts.v71i1.2943 | Old Testament at Theologische Universiteit Kampen, Netherlands; Department of New Testament Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa | van Bekkum, K., Old Testament at Theologische Universiteit Kampen, Netherlands, Department of New Testament Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This is an introduction to the contributions of Jan Willem van Henten and William den Hollander to the Josephus Seminar ‘Impact of destruction. Methodological questions in the study of Jewish and Christian reactions to the demolition of the Temple’ held at the Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands. The introduction sketches the status quaestionis and the methodological issues in comparing the works of Josephus and the Gospels in reconstructing the impact of the destruction of the Temple in AD 70 on Judaism and Early Christianity. © 2015 The Authors. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000314371300020 | 'Acquisitive Culture' and its Impact on Nigeria's Socio-Economic Development | Ademakinwa, Adebisi,COLLIER, G | 2012 | FOCUS ON NIGERIA: LITERATURE AND CULTURE | 40 | None | None | University of Ibadan, University of Lagos | None | This is an interdisciplinary study of the role of culture in the development of Nigeria as a nation. The essay raises questions, among which are: what are the externalized and internalized aspects of Nigerian national culture? Which innate concepts of this culture do contemporary Nigerians understand and which concepts are grasped or misunderstood by foreigners? Russian and Nigerian literary works - Nikolai Gogol's and Chinua Achebe's, to mention but two - are utilized to determine similarity and dissimilarity of the pervasive nature of materialism in two different cultures. The essay finds philistine the platitude of Nigerian cultural managers inherent in such externalized cultural fiestas as FESTAC '77 and Nigerian Carnivals, while the more beneficial one, the internalized aspects which we call the fundamental culture, are merely mulled over, wholly misjudged, and mostly left unexplored. The essay finds, furthermore, that development can only be strengthened when the internalized aspects of Nigerian traditional societies are understood and synthesized with modern hybrid cultures before human development can take place. The essay makes no pretence to being a specialist study; rather, it crosses the borders of fiction, the social sciences, cultural anthropology, and history. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938691863 | The impact of the global economic crisis on HIV and AIDS programmes directed at women and children in Zambia | Serieux J., Njelesani M., Chompolola A., Sepehri A., Guliani H. | 2015 | African Journal of AIDS Research | 14 | 2 | 10.2989/16085906.2015.1040806 | Department of Economics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), UNESCO, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Economics, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada | Serieux, J., Department of Economics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Njelesani, M., Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), UNESCO, Johannesburg, South Africa; Chompolola, A., Department of Economics, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Sepehri, A., Department of Economics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Guliani, H., University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada | This investigation sought to ascertain the extent to which the global economic crisis of 2008-2009 affected the delivery of HIV/AIDS-related services directed at pregnant and lactating mothers, children living with HIV and children orphaned through HIV in Zambia. Using a combined macroeconomic analysis and a multiple case study approach, the authors found that from mid-2008 to mid-2009 the Zambian economy was indeed buffeted by the global economic crisis. During that period the case study subjects experienced challenges with respect to the funding, delivery and effectiveness of services that were clearly attributable, directly or indirectly, to the global economic crisis. The source of funding most often compromised was external private flows. The services most often compromised were non-medical services (such as the delivery of assistance to orphans and counselling to HIV-positive mothers) while the more strictly medical services (such as antiretroviral therapy) were protected from funding cuts and service interruptions. Impairments to service effectiveness were experienced relatively equally by (HIV-positive) pregnant women and lactating mothers and children orphaned through HIV. Children living with AIDS were least affected because of the primacy of ARV therapy in their care. © 2015 NISC (Pty) Ltd. | case studies; crisis transmission; external funding; financial crisis; health care funding; HIV-related services | anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adolescent; adult; Article; case study; child; childhood disease; clinical effectiveness; economic aspect; female; funding; health care delivery; health program; health service; human; lactation; major clinical study; male; maternal disease; medical service; orphaned child; patient counseling; pregnant woman; Zambia; Zambian | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-29244444236 | Monitoring the ingestion of anti-tuberculosis drugs by simple non-invasive methods | Sirgel F.A., Maritz J.S., Venter A., Langdon G., Smith P.J., Donald P.R. | 2006 | International Journal of Pharmaceutics | 307 | 2 | 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2005.09.033 | Medical Biochemistry, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; MRC Biostatistics Unit, Tygerberg, South Africa; Division of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Therapy, Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden; Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Tygerberg, South Africa | Sirgel, F.A., Medical Biochemistry, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Maritz, J.S., MRC Biostatistics Unit, Tygerberg, South Africa; Venter, A., Medical Biochemistry, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Langdon, G., Division of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Therapy, Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden; Smith, P.J., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Donald, P.R., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Tygerberg, South Africa | This investigation retrospectively assessed inexpensive non-invasive qualitative methods to monitor the ingestion of anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid, rifampicin and rifapentine. Results showed that commercial test strips detected the isoniazid metabolites isonicotinic acid and isonicotinylglycine as efficiently as the isonicotinic acid method in 150 urine samples. The presence of rifamycins in urine samples (n = 1085) was detected by microbiological assay techniques and the sensitivity compared to the n-butanol extraction colour test in 91 of these specimens. The proportions detected by the two methods were significantly different and the sensitivity of the n-butanol procedure was only 63.8% (95% CL 51.2-76.4%) as compared to that of the superior microbiological method. Final validation (n = 691) showed that qualitative assays measure isoniazid and rifamycin ingestion with an efficiency similar to high-performance liquid chromatography. The qualitative procedures may therefore be valuable in clinical trials and in tuberculosis clinics to confirm drug ingestion. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Anti-tuberculosis drugs; Monitoring adherence; Urine testing | butanol; drug metabolite; isoniazid; isonicotinic acid; isonicotinylglycine; rifampicin; rifamycin; rifapentine; tuberculostatic agent; unclassified drug; article; drug monitoring; extraction; high performance liquid chromatography; human; ingestion; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; microbiology; non invasive procedure; priority journal; qualitative analysis; retrospective study; sensitivity analysis; test strip; urinalysis; validation process; Antitubercular Agents; Drug Monitoring; Humans; Isoniazid; Isonicotinic Acids; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Patient Compliance; Reproducibility of Results; Retrospective Studies; Rifampin; Self Administration; Staphylococcus aureus | None |
| WoS | WOS:000250115500017 | The impact of health education on reproductive health knowledge among adolescents in a rural Nigerian community | Mba, C. I.,Obi, S. N.,Ozumba, B. C. | 2007 | JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY | 27 | 5 | 10.1080/01443610701478991 | University of Nigeria | None | This intervention study was to evaluate the impact of reproductive health education on the knowledge and attitude of adolescents in a rural Nigerian community to reproductive health issues. It compared adolescents in a secondary school (study group), which received health education on reproductive health with another secondary school (control group), which did not receive any. The impact of the programme was evaluated with a pre-test baseline knowledge and post-test gain in the knowledge 6 weeks later, using the same questionnaire. A total of 180 students selected by systematic sampling from each of the two randomly selected schools in Item, a rural community in south-east Nigeria participated in the programme. While all the respondents have heard of reproductive health and could identify at least one of its components, their knowledge of it prior to the health education were defective and were obtained mainly from peers and the mass media. Such information was incomplete and often coloured with cultural and religious bias. However, there was a significant (p < 0.05) gain in correct knowledge following the health education. The students in the study group showed a positive and permissive attitude towards reproductive health education and there was a drop in risky sexual behaviour following the intervention. Pre-marital sex (94.3%), pregnancy prevention and abortion (88.5%) and sexually transmitted infections (82.8%) were common reproductive health problems raised by the students. Reproductive health education as part of the school curriculum will provide an effective means of improving knowledge and reducing reproductive health problems among adolescents in developing countries. | ADOLESCENTS,EDUCATION,NIGERIA,"REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892523423 | Grandparent-headed families' influence on the academic performance of secondary school learners | Gasa V., Plaatjies P. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p429 | University of South Africa, South Africa | Gasa, V., University of South Africa, South Africa; Plaatjies, P., University of South Africa, South Africa | This exploratory study investigated the influence of grandparent-headed families on the academic performance of secondary school learners. Using semi-structured open-ended interviews, the study was conducted in five secondary schools in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The findings reveal that learners who live in a grandparent-headed household face challenges which may hamper their academic achievement. Accordingly, this study argues that the grandparent-headed family is a very important family unit - one that needs to be supported in order to function well. Proper backing enables such families to provide better parental support and guidance and helps affected learners to achieve well academically. The study also recommends intervention strategies to help both grandparents and learners in grandparent-headed families to cope with the situation in which they find themselves. | Kinship; Second-time parent; Surrogate | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649534728 | Evaluation of yam starch (Discorea rotundata) as aquatic feed binder | Orire A.M., Sadiku S.O.E., Tiamiyu L.O. | 2010 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 9 | 7 | None | Department of Water Resources, Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | Orire, A.M., Department of Water Resources, Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Sadiku, S.O.E., Department of Water Resources, Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Tiamiyu, L.O., Department of Water Resources, Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | This experiment was conducted to evaluate the suitability of yam starch as a local alternative binding agent in aquatic feed, which is effective and nutritive. The binding property of yam starch in feed pellet, increased significantly with the levels of inclusion in fish feed production. Five percent (5%), inclusion level was found to be appropriate in producing desirable water stable pellet that is also firm to handling during transportation and storage. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Aquatic feed; Binder; Yam starch | aquatic feed binder; food additive; starch; unclassified drug; yam starch; animal food; article; controlled study; food analysis; food composition; food handling; food processing; hardness; nutritional value; physical parameters; tablet friability; yam; Dioscorea alata; Dioscorea rotundata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925543842 | Performance of weaner rabbits fed a concentrate diet supplemented with pawpaw leaves | Aderinboye R.Y., Oladeji O.T., Abaire M.A., Sobayo R.A., Oso A.O., Oni A.O., Yusuf K.O., Osho S.O., Bamgbose A.M. | 2014 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 47 | 2 | 10.1007/s11250-014-0723-1 | Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Aderinboye, R.Y., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oladeji, O.T., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Abaire, M.A., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Sobayo, R.A., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oso, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oni, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Yusuf, K.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Osho, S.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Bamgbose, A.M., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | This experiment investigated the performance of weaner rabbits fed concentrate diets supplemented with pawpaw leaves (PPL). Twenty-four male weaner rabbits aged 5 weeks, weighing between 350 and 450 g were used. Concentrate diet was supplemented with PPL in ratios 100:0, 70:30, 50:50 and 30:70. Rabbits were randomly allotted to the four diets in a completely randomised design for 8 weeks, with six rabbits per diet. Results showed that rabbits supplemented with 30 and 50 % PPL had higher (P < 0.05) dry matter intake to sole concentrate. At 70 % PPL, dry matter intake did not vary with other treatments. Weight gain was higher (P < 0.05) in rabbits fed 30 and 50 % PPL than sole concentrate. Rabbits fed 70 % PPL had lower (P < 0.05) weight gain to animals fed 30 % PPL but gained similarly (P > 0.05) to those fed on 50 % PPL and sole concentrate. Feed conversion ratio improved (P < 0.05) in animals fed 30, 50 and 70 % PPL. Rabbits fed 30 % PPL had the highest (P < 0.05) protein efficiency ratio. Rabbits had higher dry matter digestibility (P < 0.05) with PPL supplementation than sole concentrate while crude protein and fibre digestibility was higher with 30 and 50 % PPL. Haematological and serum parameters in rabbits were unaltered with feeding PPL. It is concluded that weaner rabbits can utilise PPL as supplement to concentrate diet at 30 to 70 % dry matter with positive responses in performance and nutrient digestibility without deleterious effect on the physiological status of the rabbits. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Concentrate; Feed conversion; Haematology; Pawpaw leaves; Rabbit; Supplement | animal; animal food; Asimina; diet supplementation; male; plant leaf; rabbit; randomization; weaning; weight gain; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Asimina; Dietary Supplements; Male; Plant Leaves; Rabbits; Random Allocation; Weaning; Weight Gain | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866883494 | 'Seeing is believing': The effect of viewing and constructing a composite on identification performance | Kempen K., Tredoux C.G. | 2012 | South African Journal of Psychology | 42 | 3 | None | Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Kempen, K., Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Tredoux, C.G., Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, South Africa | This experiment investigated the effects of composite construction and viewing on later identification recognition accuracy. A total of 122 participants were exposed to a composite target for five seconds and then randomly assigned to one of three groups: control, view, or construction. Participants in the construction group were required to produce a composite of the original target. Participants in the view group were exposed to a composite created by another participant (a constructor). The control group completed a distractor task. After a delay, all participants returned to select the target from a lineup. Individual lineups were created for each participant. Lineups were constructed by blending the participant's construction with the target face to form a graded lineup of similar faces. The construction group performed significantly more poorly than the control group (51.22% vs. 23.26%) and target identifications were also lower for the view group compared to the control group (26.23% vs. 51.22%). This study showed similar results to those of previous work, indicating that composite construction decreases identification performance. Furthermore, mere exposure to a composite may also contaminate the memory trace for the original target. | Blends; Composites; Construction; Eyewitness; Identification; Lineups; Morphing; Recognition; Testimony | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860612173 | Effect of dietary monensin inclusion on performance, nutrient utilisation, rumen volatile fatty acid concentration and blood status of West African dwarf bucks fed with basal diets of forages | Aderinboye R.Y., Onwuka C.F.I., Arigbede O.M., Oduguwa O.O., Aina A.B.J. | 2012 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 44 | 5 | 10.1007/s11250-011-0043-7 | Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Pasture and Range Management, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Uni | Aderinboye, R.Y., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Onwuka, C.F.I., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Arigbede, O.M., Department of Pasture and Range Management, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oduguwa, O.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Aina, A.B.J., Department of Animal Production and Health, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | This experiment investigated the effect of dietary monensin on performance, nutrient utilisation, rumen volatile fatty acid and blood status in West African dwarf (WAD) goats fed with basal diets of forages. Four concentrate supplements were formulated to include 0 (MO), 15 (M15), 30 (M30) and 45 (M45) mg monensin/kg dry matter. Twenty-four WAD bucks (7.3 ± 1.20 kg initial body weight, aged 9-12 months) were randomly allotted to four experimental diets in a completely randomised design for 90 days, six animals per diet. Results indicated that animals fed M15, M30 and M45 diets had lower (P < 0.01) dry matter and water intake than those fed M0 diet. Crude protein and neutral detergent fibre intakes by the bucks followed similar trend. Animals on M15, M30 and M45 had better (P < 0.001) feed and protein efficiency ratio than those fed M0 diet. Rumen pH and total volatile fatty acid concentration were maintained (P > 0.05) while monensin decreased (P < 0.001) acetate/propionate ratio. Blood glucose increased (P < 0.001) from 59.1 mg/dl in animals on M0 diet to 67.8, 66.0 and 66.3 mg/dl in animals on M15, M30 and M45 diets. Overall, there were no variations among animals on M15, M30 and M45 diets. It is concluded that feeding monensin at 15 to 45 mg/kg DM of supplemental concentrate diets to West African dwarf bucks could be effective in improving feed and protein efficiency, manipulating the rumen for increased propionate production and increasing blood glucose levels. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Goats; Haematology; Intake; Monensin; Volatile fatty acids; Weight gain | monensin; volatile fatty acid; animal; animal disease; animal food; animal husbandry; article; blood; blood analysis; chemistry; diet; digestion; feces; goat; growth, development and aging; male; metabolism; Nigeria; randomization; ruminant stomach; Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Blood Chemical Analysis; Diet; Digestion; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Feces; Goats; Male; Monensin; Nigeria; Random Allocation; Rumen; Animalia; Capra hircus | None |
| WoS | WOS:000280964800005 | Free Primary Education in Kenya: An Impact Evaluation Using Propensity Score Methods | COCKBURN, J,KabuboMariara, J,Mueni, Esther,Muyanga, Milu,Olwande, John,Wambugu, Stella | 2010 | CHILD WELFARE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | None | None | 10.1007/978-1-4419-6275-1_5 | Egerton University | "Muyanga, Milu: Egerton University","Olwande, John: Egerton University","Wambugu, Stella: Egerton University" | This chapter attempts to evaluate the impact of the free primary education programme in Kenya, which is based on the premise that government intervention can lead to enhanced access to education especially by children from poor parental backgrounds. Primary education system in Kenya has been characterized by high wastage in form of low enrolment, high drop-out rates, grade repetition as well as poor transition from primary to secondary schools. This scenario was attributed to high cost of primary education. To reverse these poor trends in educational achievements, the government initiated free primary education programme in January 2003. This chapter therefore analyzes the impact of the FPE programme using panel data. Results indicate primary school enrolment rate has improved especially for children hailing from higher income categories; an indication that factors that prevent children from poor backgrounds from attending primary school go beyond the inability to pay school fees. Grade progression in primary schools has slightly dwindled. The results also indicate that there still exist constraints hindering children from poorer households from transiting to secondary school. The free primary education programme was found to be progressive, with the relatively poorer households drawing more benefits from the subsidy. | "benefit incidence analysis",KENYA,"PRIMARY EDUCATION","programme evaluation","PROPENSITY SCORE",ESTIMATORS,PROGRAMS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904805226 | English and the academy for african skilled migrants: The impact of english as an 'Academic Lingua Franca' | Hurst E. | 2014 | International Perspectives on Higher Education Research | 11 | None | 10.1108/S1479-362820140000011015 | Humanities Education Development Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Hurst, E., Humanities Education Development Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | This chapter analyses interviews with 13 African scholars from a range of countries who are currently working at a South African university. The interviews explore aspects of their migration journeys and the role that language, particularly the English language, has played in their mobility. The majority of the participants originate from Englishspeaking African countries, and are fluent English speakers. English is currently the international language of the academy, and English fluency can almost be seen as a prerequisite for an international academic career. The driving question behind this research is what have these African highly skilled academic migrants gained and lost from English in terms of their mobility, careers and identities? The participants show complex orientations towards the medium. On the one hand, English is recognised as an enabling medium for international success in academia, and for career and educational opportunities aboard. On the other hand, participants perceive that the emphasis on the English medium has negative effects on their relationships with their home languages and their home countries. The research raises questions about the role of English in higher education in Africa. © 2014 by Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-43149126334 | The impact of employment equity regulations on psychological contracts in South Africa | Wöcke A., Sutherland M. | 2008 | International Journal of Human Resource Management | 19 | 4 | 10.1080/09585190801953525 | Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Wöcke, A., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Sutherland, M., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This article will show the impact of employment equity legislation on the psychological employment contracts of the three main employee groupings in South African society. This study is important in that it fills the gap in the literature that identifies labour market regulations as an important shaping influence on the psychological contract. More than 500 managers from across South African industry and from all ethnic groups were surveyed to identify differences in psychological contracts and attitudes towards the social transformation regulations. We found that the legislation has impacted differentially on the three groupings mainly in terms of their loyalty to stay with their organizations, the focus on their career development in terms of the external labour market and the degree to which they felt they had been affected by the legislation. Additionally we find that the perceived linkage between job satisfaction and labour turnover is significantly weakened by labour market legislation in the case of the beneficiaries of the legislation, but that this may not be the case for those negatively affected by the legislation. The findings have significant implications for the HRM practices of multinationals operating in societies with significant labour market regulatory interventions. | Diversity management; Employment equity; Psychological contract; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84961314114 | The impact and effects of trauma resulting from excommunication | Kubeka M.J., Masango M.J. | 2010 | HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | 66 | 1 | 10.4102/hts.v66i1.803 | Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Kubeka, M.J., Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Masango, M.J., Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This article will attempt to critically analyse various aspects of the state of trauma. It will analyse the impact, consequences and effects of trauma resultant from excommunication of clergy and how the practice has been handed down through the ages. The ultimate aim of the authors is an understanding of how excommunication evolved throughout the ages and the nature of its impact on the victims or survivors thereof. The author’s own first-hand encounter prompted him to research this subject. It is imperative to look at the scientific application of the ritual as it affects all the stakeholders and participants, active or passive. An overview of various biblical eras will be given, including the Old Testament prophets, Christ’s own views as well as the period of St Paul in the New Testament. © 2010. The Authors. | Effects; Impact; Pain; Stories; Trauma | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548636216 | Girls' performance in mathematics in upper primary schools of Addis Ababa | Kassahun T., Kedir B. | 2006 | Indian Journal of Gender Studies | 13 | 3 | 10.1177/097152150601300304 | Ethiopian Civil Service College, Research and Publication Office, P.O. Box 5648, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; National Organisation for Examinations, Ministry of Education, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Kassahun, T., Ethiopian Civil Service College, Research and Publication Office, P.O. Box 5648, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Kedir, B., National Organisation for Examinations, Ministry of Education, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | This article was designed to make a comprehensive comparative analysis of mathematics achievement for females and males at the upper primary education level. It was also aimed at investigating the extent of association between females' maths achievement and school ownership, and probing into existing gender stereotypes among the minds of schoolchildren. To this end, the article has employed both objective and subjective data-gathering instruments. The instruments were applied to 309 boys and 302 girls drawn from 10 schools (five government and five non-government) on the basis of diversified sampling techniques. The results of data analyses revealed that mathematics achievement was strongly associated with student gender, and girls' achievement was significantly lower than that of boys'. However, girls' mathematics performance did not show significant difference in government and non-government schools. Further, it was evident that traditional stereotypes, which favour male dominance in mathematical ability, were still prevalent at a modest level in the schools studied. © 2006 Sage Publications. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000238161000006 | Psychology and the art of programme evaluation | Potter, C | 2006 | SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY | 36 | 1 | None | University of Witwatersrand | None | This article suggests that psychologists may find value in the literature on programme evaluation, both theoretically and methodologically. Programme evaluation is an eclectic and diverse field and its literature reflects the contributions of persons trained within a variety of disciplines. It draws on a number of fields, which include management and organisational theory, policy analysis, education, sociology, social anthropology and the literature on social change. As such, the literature on programme evaluation may have value for psychologists planning evaluations of social programmes, in providing access to evaluation approaches and models developed within these different traditions. In terms of the breadth of perspectives and research traditions on which the evaluation literature draws, different forms of evaluation research can contribute to a psychology in South Africa which deals with multiple values and issues. On a theoretical level, this article suggests that the issues and debates reflected in the evaluation literature (e.g., those on empowerment) mirror debates that have occurred within the mainstream of psychology over the past 20 years. For this reason, the issues raised in the evaluation literature are relevant to the development of psychology as a discipline. The approaches and models proposed for the evaluation of social programmes are also potentially useful on a methodological level, particularly to those psychologists who work in community settings. | "COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY",EMPOWERMENT,methodology,"programme evaluation","PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORY","social programmes",ADVOCACY,SCIENCE,"THEORY-DRIVEN APPROACH",VALIDITY | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924952535 | New development: Regulatory impact assessment in developing countries—tales from the road to good governance | Adelle C., Macrae D., Marusic A., Naru F. | 2015 | Public Money and Management | 35 | 3 | 10.1080/09540962.2015.1027500 | Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa; General for Law and Regulation in Defra, London, United Kingdom; World Bank Group, Nairobi, Kenya; OECD, Paris, France | Adelle, C., Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Macrae, D., General for Law and Regulation in Defra, London, United Kingdom; Marusic, A., World Bank Group, Nairobi, Kenya; Naru, F., OECD, Paris, France | This article sets out the challenges facing the practice of regulatory impact assessment (RIA) in developing countries and then goes on to propose a set of guiding principles with which to attempt to overcome these. The discussion is based on the findings of a practitioner workshop held at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. © 2015, © 2015 CIPFA. | Better regulation; developing countries; policy appraisal; regulatory impact assessment; regulatory reform | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900308543 | Using systemic structural activity approach in identifying strategies enhancing human performance in mining production drilling activity | Sanda M.-A., Johansson J., Johansson B., Abrahamsson L. | 2014 | Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science | 15 | 3 | 10.1080/1463922X.2012.705916 | Department of Organization and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School, PO Box LG 78, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Division of Industrial Work Environment, Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå 97187, Sweden | Sanda, M.-A., Department of Organization and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School, PO Box LG 78, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Johansson, J., Division of Industrial Work Environment, Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå 97187, Sweden; Johansson, B., Division of Industrial Work Environment, Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå 97187, Sweden; Abrahamsson, L., Division of Industrial Work Environment, Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå 97187, Sweden | This article seeks to identify performance-enhancing strategies that could be used to improve and optimise human-technology collaboration in rock drilling 'activity' in deep mines. Results from the analysis of miners' motor actions during rock drilling activity showed that by using procedurally driven strategies, they were able to perform simultaneously two specific tasks that required high levels of concentration and visual control in the normal visual field available to them from inside the protective cabin of the high-technology equipment they were using. The miners simultaneously combine their mental actions and motor actions in recognising and remedying the constraining effects of unfamiliar stimuli during the rock drilling task. It is concluded that the functional efficiency and effectiveness of rock drilling as well as the miner's productive performance in future automated and digitised deep mines could be enhanced by identifying the procedural characteristics of their performance-enhancing actions and operational strategies. © 2014 Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | digitised deep mine; performance-enhancing strategy; procedural and declarative knowledge; rock drilling task; systemic structural analysis | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70350043584 | Innovation in Nigerian small and medium enterprises: Types and impact | Egbetokun A.A., Olamade O.O., Siyanbola W.O., Adeniyi A.A., Irefin I.A. | 2009 | Journal of Electronic Commerce in Organizations | 7 | 4 | 10.4018/jeco.2009070104 | National Centre for Technology Management (Federal Ministry of Science and Technology), Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria; Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria | Egbetokun, A.A., National Centre for Technology Management (Federal Ministry of Science and Technology), Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria; Olamade, O.O., National Centre for Technology Management (Federal Ministry of Science and Technology), Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria; Siyanbola, W.O., National Centre for Technology Management (Federal Ministry of Science and Technology), Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria; Adeniyi, A.A., Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria; Irefin, I.A., Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria | This article seeks to explore the types of innovation that are predominant in SMEs in developing countries and to investigate the impact of these innovations on different dimensions of firm performance based on an industry-wide innovation survey carried out in Nigeria in 2007. Although innovation is important for superior firm performance, our result found that the type of innovation that SMEs pursue is not a critical consideration in their performance. While there was no difference found in the focus of SMEs on either of product or process innovations, evidence showed that SMEs would focus more on incremental product and process innovations. Incremental innovation was found to be very important for Nigerian SMEs and a significant predictor of product quality and not of revenue. The authors conclude that SMEs chooses to pursue such innovations that most fit their strategies and available resources. Such level of innovation affords Nigerian SMEs to more extensively exploit the domestic market but cannot support extensive new product development required to enter export markets. Copyright © 2009, IGI Global. | Impact; Innovation; Nigeria; Small and medium enterprises | Domestic markets; Export markets; Firm Performance; Impact; Incremental innovation; Level of innovation; New product development; Nigeria; Nigerians; Process Innovation; Product quality; Small and medium enterprise; Small and medium enterprises; Developing countries; Online searching; Product development; Project management; Innovation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548037886 | REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS: TEACHERS' EVALUATION OF PUPILS' SOLUTIONS | Chacko I. | 2007 | Studies in Educational Evaluation | 33 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.stueduc.2007.07.008 | School of Education, University of Limpopo, South Africa | Chacko, I., School of Education, University of Limpopo, South Africa | This article scrutinizes the solutions of real-world problems by pupils and the evaluations of these by their teachers in a semi-rural school in Zimbabwe. Generally, real-world problems are solved as if these are standard problems expecting a solution and a correct answer. In most cases, the solutions of the pupils are considered correct by the teachers thereby suggesting teachers' unfamiliarity with the nature of these problems. There is not much variation in the solution approaches among pupils as well as between pupils and teachers. As assessment in many ways dictates teaching, it is suggested to incorporate continuous assessment into the system, which should include more open ended tasks from real-world contexts. This may encourage teachers to include the same in their day to day teaching. © 2006. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872776434 | Evaluating the Impact of Health Programmes on Productivity | Keswell M., Burns J., Thornton R. | 2012 | African Development Review | 24 | 4 | 10.1111/1467-8268.12002 | School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa; Department of Economics, University of Michigan, 611 Tappan St., 213 Lorch Hall, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, United States | Keswell, M., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa; Burns, J., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa; Thornton, R., Department of Economics, University of Michigan, 611 Tappan St., 213 Lorch Hall, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, United States | This article reviews some of the key methodological approaches available to researchers interested in identifying a causal relationship between health interventions and economic indicators of productivity. We then discuss some of the empirical work that has utilized these techniques in making the case for a causal relationship from health interventions to productivity. We conclude that while considerable progress has been made in addressing concerns over attribution, much work remains to be done in expanding our knowledge of why certain interventions work whilst others do not. © 2013 African Development Bank. | None | health impact; labor productivity; methodology; public health | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927561652 | The plight of absent fathers caused by migrant work: Its traumatic impact on adolescent male children in Zimbabwe | Nyanjaya A.K., Masango M.J. | 2012 | HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | 68 | 1 | 10.4102/hts.v68i1.1004 | Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Nyanjaya, A.K., Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Masango, M.J., Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This article revealed the degree of trauma experienced by male adolescents when their fathers are absent. The cost of this absence could not be balanced with the material benefits the children have enjoyed, for the benefits have been outweighed by the trauma that children experience in the absence of their fathers. The emotions and tears expressed during the research journey have revealed that material support cannot compensate for the love and presence children expect from their fathers. The deep hurt instilled in their hearts by the periods of absence angered them and led to traumatic experiences. The protracted period of living with only one primary caregiver has imprisoned them into the feminised environment, thereby robbing them of a male identity. Therefore, this article was devoted to creating a shepherding model of caring for boys whose fathers are absent. © 2012. The Authors. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548386628 | The international performance of the South African academic institutions: A citation assessment | Pouris A. | 2007 | Higher Education | 54 | 4 | 10.1007/s10734-006-9034-4 | Institute for Technological Innovation, Main Campus, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Pouris, A., Institute for Technological Innovation, Main Campus, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This article reports the results of an investigation to identify the disciplinary strengths and the international standing of the higher education institutions in South Africa. Even though comparative assessments provide valuable information for research administrations, researchers and students such information is not available in South Africa currently. The Essential Science Indicators database of the Institute for Scientific Information is utilized for the investigation and six South African universities are identified to be included in the top 1% of the world's institutions cited in the international scientific literature. The identified institutions are University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, Orange Free State University, University of Witwatersrand, University of Natal and University of Stellenbosch. Analysis of the scientific disciplines in which the South African institutions meet the threshold requirements for inclusion in the database shows that the country has citation footprints in only nine of the 22 broad scientific disciplines. The article identifies the international standing of the South African universities in the various scientific disciplines, and elaborates on the consequences relevant to higher education and science and technology policy. | Assessment; Citations; Evaluation; Higher education; Rankings; South Africa; Universities | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938201454 | Performance assessment of poly (methacrylic acid)/silver nanoparticles composite as corrosion inhibitor for aluminium in acidic environment | Solomon M.M., Umoren S.A. | 2015 | Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology | 29 | 21 | 10.1080/01694243.2015.1066235 | Corrosion Protection and Materials Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria; Centre of Research Excellence in Corrosion, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia | Solomon, M.M., Corrosion Protection and Materials Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria; Umoren, S.A., Centre of Research Excellence in Corrosion, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia | This article reports the preparation of poly (methacrylic acid)/silver nanoparticles composite (PMAA/AgNPs) by in situ mixing of aqueous solutions of PMAA and 1 mM AgNO<inf>3</inf> with natural honey as reducing and stabilizing agent. The prepared PMAA/AgNPs composite was characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) while the morphology of the AgNPs in the composite was obtained by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM results revealed that the AgNPs were spherical in shape. The performance of PMAA/AgNPs composite as anticorrosion material for Al in acidic environment was examined by electrochemical, weight loss methods, complemented by surface analysis characterization with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), EDS and water contact angle measurements. Results obtained indicate that PMAA/AgNPs composite is effective corrosion inhibitor for Al in an acid-induced corrosive environment. Inhibition efficiency increased with increase in composite concentration but decreased with rise in temperature. From potentiodynamic polarization results, PMAA/AgNPs composite is found to function as a mixed-type corrosion inhibitor. The adsorption of the composite onto Al surface was found to follow El-Awady et al. adsorption isotherm model. SEM, EDS and water contact angle results confirmed the adsorption of the composite on Al surface. © 2015 Taylor and Francis. | acid corrosion; aluminium; composite; corrosion inhibition; nanoparticles; poly (methacrylic acid) | Adsorption; Aluminum; Composite materials; Contact angle; Corrosion; Electron microscopy; Energy dispersive spectroscopy; High resolution transmission electron microscopy; Nanoparticles; Scanning electron microscopy; Solutions; Surface analysis; Transmission electron microscopy; X ray diffraction; Acid corrosion; Adsorption isotherm model; Anti-corrosion materials; Corrosion inhibition; Energy dispersive spectroscopies (EDS); Performance assessment; Poly (methacrylic acid); Water contact angle measurement; Corrosion inhibitors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855973874 | Reading between the lines: contributing factors that affect Grade 5 student reading performance as measured across South Africa's 11 languages | van Staden S., Howie S. | 2012 | Educational Research and Evaluation | 18 | 1 | 10.1080/13803611.2011.641270 | Centre for Evaluation and Assessment, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | van Staden, S., Centre for Evaluation and Assessment, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Howie, S., Centre for Evaluation and Assessment, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This article reports on the South African results of a study to identify and explain relationships between some major factors associated with successful reading at Grade 5. With 11 official languages, educational policy in South Africa advocates an additive bilingualism model, and students in Grades 1 to 3 are taught in their mother tongue. Thereafter, the language of learning and teaching changes to a second language, which in most cases is English. With this complexity of issues, hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was used to determine the effect of a number of explanatory variables at student and school level on reading achievement as outcome variable, while controlling for language using the South African Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2006 data. Utilizing Creemers' comprehensive model of educational effectiveness (Creemers & Reezigt, 1999) as theoretical point of departure, this article will focus on the results of an overall South African model with student- and school-level variables. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | educational policies; PIRLS 2006; reading literacy; secondary analysis | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866619901 | Impact of clicker technology in a mathematics course | Simelane S., Skhosana P.M. | 2012 | Knowledge Management and E-Learning | 4 | 3 | None | Department of Teaching and Learning with Technology, Higher Education and Support, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa | Simelane, S., Department of Teaching and Learning with Technology, Higher Education and Support, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa; Skhosana, P.M., Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa | This article reports on the implementation of clickers to improve the success rate of first-year mathematics students. There were 105 students registered in this course, in a university of technology in South Africa. In order to do this, an orientation test in the form of a paper-based assessment was first conducted to determine what students already knew. About 21.9% of the students did not take the test and 20% did not pass it. These results raised concerned. Thereafter students were taught. After four weeks they were evaluated on their understanding of the concept taught in class. Results did not improve much, as 48.6% of the students did not pass the test. Therefore, a technology-engagement teaching strategy (TETS) using clicker technology was developed and implemented in order to improve the pass rate. Weekly continuous assessments or diagnostic tests were conducted in order to establish the changes in students' academic performance. A survey questionnaire was administered after the teaching and learning of incorporating clickers. This questionnaire also examined students' perspective on the usefulness of clickers in teaching and learning. The results showed that the effective implementation of clickers with the integration of a TETS improved students' success rate. | Academic performance; Clickers; Technology-engagement teaching strategy | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000232555300005 | Globalization: Its impact on scientific research in Nigeria | Ani, OE,Biao, EP | 2005 | JOURNAL OF LIBRARIANSHIP AND INFORMATION SCIENCE | 37 | 3 | 10.1177/0961000605057482 | University of Calabar | None | This article reports on a study which investigated the impact of globalization on scientific research in Nigeria. The research data were collected using a questionnaire survey which was administered to academics in science-based disciplines in four Nigerian universities: University of Calabar, University of Uyo, University of Lagos and University of lbadan. The results of the study show that ease of scientific communication, an increased access to current scientific books/journals and improvements in the quality of research were considered the main effects of globalization on scientific research in Nigeria. The findings of the study also show that the major factors considered to impede globalization of science in the country were frequent power cuts, a poor maintenance culture of ICT infrastructures/ facilities, and an inadequate knowledge/awareness of the potential and capabilities of ICT by Nigerian scientists. Relevant recommendations based on these findings are made. | GLOBALIZATION,NIGERIA,"RESEARCH SCIENTISTS","SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH",UNIVERSITIES | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34948902242 | Brand management and strategic performance: Some evidence from South Africa | Berthon J.-P., Opoku R.A., Pitt L.F., Nel D. | 2007 | Journal of African Business | 8 | 2 | 10.1300/J156v08n02_03 | Industrial Marketing and e-Commerce Research Group, Division of Business Administration and Management, Lulea University of Technology, Lulea, Sweden; Department of Marketing, Segal School of Business, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC V6C 1W6, Canada; Department of Marketing, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Berthon, J.-P., Industrial Marketing and e-Commerce Research Group, Division of Business Administration and Management, Lulea University of Technology, Lulea, Sweden; Opoku, R.A., Industrial Marketing and e-Commerce Research Group, Division of Business Administration and Management, Lulea University of Technology, Lulea, Sweden; Pitt, L.F., Department of Marketing, Segal School of Business, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC V6C 1W6, Canada; Nel, D., Department of Marketing, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | This article reports on a study using a previously published checklist to assess the brand management practices of South African firms. Indications are that the perceptions of a sample of senior managers regarding how well their institutions manage their brands are reasonably positive, and that the management of brands has effects on a firm's profitability, market share and growth compared to competitors. While the checklist used seems to possess the characteristic of reliability, further development needs to be done on aspects of its underlying structure. Implications for managers and further avenues for research are identified and discussed. © 2007 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved. | Brand management; South Africa; Strategic performance | competitiveness; corporate strategy; industrial practice; performance assessment; profitability; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859138208 | The impact of a community service learning project on the professional growth of pre-service teachers [Die trefkrag van'n gemeenskapsdiens leerprojek op die professionele ontwikkeling van onderwysstudente] | Bansilal S., Mthembu Z. | 2011 | Acta Academica | 43 | 4 | None | School of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, Faculty of Education, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X03, Ashwood 3605, South Africa | Bansilal, S., School of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, Faculty of Education, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X03, Ashwood 3605, South Africa; Mthembu, Z., School of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, Faculty of Education, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X03, Ashwood 3605, South Africa | This article reports on a qualitative study based on a group of third- and fourth-year science student teachers, who participated in a community service learning (CSL) project. This study followed five students at three community drop-in centres in order to explore how their participation contributed to their learning. Data was generated from the lecturer's field notes and reports, as well as from the students' reflections, summative reports and presentations. The findings indicate that students found the experience academically, personally and professionally enriching. Working with poor orphans and community workers also helped the students develop a greater awareness of social responsibility. © UV/UFS. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36348947933 | The relationship between lecture attendance and academic performance in an undergraduate psychology class | Thatcher A., Fridjhon P., Cockcroft K. | 2007 | South African Journal of Psychology | 37 | 3 | None | Discipline of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand WITS, 2050, South Africa; School of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Discipline of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Thatcher, A., Discipline of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand WITS, 2050, South Africa; Fridjhon, P., School of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Cockcroft, K., Discipline of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | This article reports on a preliminary investigation into the impact of non-attendance at lectures on the performance of students in a second-year psychology class. Results suggest that the frequency of lecture attendance is significantly, but moderately, related to better academic performance and that 'always' attending lectures is the best indicator of academic performance. These results are discussed in relation to understanding lecture non-attendance and improving academic performance. © Psychological Society of South Africa. All rights reserved. | Academic performance; Lecture attendance; Teaching psychology; Undergraduate psychology classes | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897437969 | The impact of a sport-for-education programme in the South African context of poverty | Burnett C. | 2014 | Sport in Society | 17 | 6 | 10.1080/17430437.2014.882903 | Department of Sport and Movement Studies, University Of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Burnett, C., Department of Sport and Movement Studies, University Of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | This article reports on a baseline study of a school-based, incentive-driven, sport-for-development programme (Mighty Metres) in the South African context of poverty. It is underpinned by multiple theoretical frameworks (the interpretative phenomenological approach). The baseline study entailed retrospective social impact collected from 15 schools where the Mighty Metres programme was implemented. A mixed-method approach was used for conducting 57 interviews and 35 focus group sessions, and 159 questionnaires were completed by learners and 29 by school and cluster coordinators. Various models of implementation render nuanced findings at meso- and micro-levels. At the meso-level findings relate to associative branding, improved image and recruitment capacity for schools, regular physical activity, inclusivity and a decrease in absenteeism. Parents obtained 'bragging rights', and teachers and learners improved their physical and health profiles, reported improved inter-personal relations, recognition and psychological benefits. © 2014 © 2014 Taylor & Francis. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-51949095633 | Educational jeopardy and its impact on inclusive education: A critical ethnographic account from a remote Ethiopian High School | Hussein J.W. | 2008 | Journal of Negro Education | 77 | 2 | None | Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | Hussein, J.W., Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | This article reported accounts of educational jeopardy in ABC Secondary School (pseudonym) in eastern Ethiopia. The data were collected through school and classroom observations and from the reflections of schoolteachers, school administrators, school pupils, and University student teachers. The critical ethnographic research approach used in this study revealed that there was real student disengagement during the learning process. The article pointed out the historical base of blaming students for disengagement in the educational processes in the classroom and their other untenable behaviors. The article argued that stating students are unwilling or unmotivated to learn was one aspect of explaining problems as caused mainly due to the deficiencies of the victim and seeking solutions in changing the victim rather than addressing the core cause of the problem. © The Journal of Negro Education. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956144948 | Rethinking the impact of microfinance in Africa: Business change or social emancipation | De Haan L., Lakwo A. | 2010 | European Journal of Development Research | 22 | 4 | 10.1057/ejdr.2010.32 | Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Hague, Netherlands; Uganda Martyrs University, Institute of Ethics and Development Studies, Nkozi, Uganda | De Haan, L., Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Hague, Netherlands; Lakwo, A., Uganda Martyrs University, Institute of Ethics and Development Studies, Nkozi, Uganda | This article questions received wisdom that the benefits of microfinance start with poverty reduction and are subsequently followed by social emancipation. Taking the case of Uganda and by using a consensual people-centred relevance test to assess the impact of microfinance on poverty alleviation, microfinance is shown not to improve the well-being of microfinance clients much, with only marginal well-being gains achieved by clients. However, a subsequent (gender) power relations analysis reveals that in spite of these marginal well-being gains, women clients achieved more emancipation. The article therefore calls for a rethinking of the microfinance outreach campaign in Africa, and of the controversy between the adoption of a business or welfarist approach to microfinance, suggesting that social emancipation should be pursued in its own right rather than waiting for poverty reduction to occur first. © 2010 European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes. | gender; livelihoods; microfinance; poverty alleviation; Uganda | business development; microfinance; poverty alleviation; power relations; socioeconomic impact; welfare impact; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937977400 | Killing from a distance: A christian ethical evaluation of CIA targeted drone killings | Vorster N. | 2015 | Heythrop Journal - Quarterly Review of Philosophy and Theology | 56 | 5 | 10.1111/heyj.12262 | North-West University, South Africa | Vorster, N., North-West University, South Africa | This article provides an ethical evaluation of the CIA's use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's) to target so-called terror suspects and insurgents. It utilises Christian informed deontological and virtue-ethical criteria to assess this practise. These criteria include just intent, charity, proportionality, moral consistency, truthfulness, mercy, courage and prudence. The article concludes that the UAV target programme is morally problematic. The United States' 'kill not capture' policy as exemplified in the use of 'signature' strikes defies the virtues at stake. By using UAV's as tools for preventive warfare, utilising armed UAV's that are weapons of war outside areas of armed conflict and disregarding the principles of transparency, last resort and proportionality, the United States is employing UAV's in a morally illegitimate and imprudent way, and is setting precedents that might have dire consequences for global peace and the security of future generations. © 2015 Trustees for Roman Catholic Purposes Registered. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957483022 | Assessing the potential impact of integrated agricultural research for development (IAR4D) on adoption of improved cereal-legume crop varieties in the Sudan Savannah zone of Nigeria | Nyemeck Binam J., Abdoulaye T., Olarinde L., Kamara A., Adekunle A. | 2011 | Journal of Agricultural and Food Information | 12 | 2 | 10.1080/10496505.2011.563233 | Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Sub-Saharan Africa Challenge Program (SSA CP), KKM PLS-IAR-Agric Research Station (ARS), ABU Sabo Bakin Zuwo (Wudil) Road, P.O. Box 1062, Kano, Nigeria; International Institute for Tropical Agriculture-Kano Station, Croydon, United Kingdom; Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Accra, Ghana | Nyemeck Binam, J., Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Sub-Saharan Africa Challenge Program (SSA CP), KKM PLS-IAR-Agric Research Station (ARS), ABU Sabo Bakin Zuwo (Wudil) Road, P.O. Box 1062, Kano, Nigeria; Abdoulaye, T., International Institute for Tropical Agriculture-Kano Station, Croydon, United Kingdom; Olarinde, L., Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Sub-Saharan Africa Challenge Program (SSA CP), KKM PLS-IAR-Agric Research Station (ARS), ABU Sabo Bakin Zuwo (Wudil) Road, P.O. Box 1062, Kano, Nigeria; Kamara, A., International Institute for Tropical Agriculture-Kano Station, Croydon, United Kingdom; Adekunle, A., Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Accra, Ghana | This article provides an assessment of the potential impact of operationalizing agricultural innovation platforms (IPs) in the Sudan Savannah zone of Nigeria on adoption of improved maize/legume crop varieties, as measured by the potential outcome approach. The results show that, if the whole population in the intervention area were exposed to these varieties, the adoption rate could be increased to 69% instead of 49%. The study also shows that exposure, as well as adoption, is influenced by numerous social and institutional factors and suggests that the operationalization of IPs could help boost the adoption rate to around 51%. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Africa; ATE and LATE estimation; Ex-ante impact assessment; IAR4D; Improved cereal and legume varieties; Innovation platforms; Nigeria; Sudan | Ips | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-55249105452 | Science and technology policy in South Africa: Past performance and proposals for the future | Kaplan D. | 2008 | Science, Technology and Society | 13 | 1 | 10.1177/097172180701300104 | Department of Economics, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701 Cape Town, South Africa | Kaplan, D., Department of Economics, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701 Cape Town, South Africa | This article provides a high-level review of the performance of the S&T system in South Africa. All the indicators suggest that, at a high level, performance has not been strong. This is despite the fact that more resources have been devoted to S&T and that there has been extensive policy experimentation. The argument advanced is that the key factor explaining this weak performance is poor provision of skilled labour. The article critically examines the recent OECD review of S&T in South Africa in this light. Finally, the article examines the proposed future direction of S&T policy in South Africa as reflected in the twenty-year plan of the Department of Science and Technology. The plan is highly ambitious, considerably expanding the scope of S&T policy and projects. While it recognises the critical importance of increasing high-level skills for innovation, it fails to give adequate recognition to the fact that this will take time. Accordingly, new projects will need to be undertaken after, and not contemporaneously with, the expansion in the supply of skills. | None | Performance; Science and Technology; South Africa; Technology Policy; future prospect; innovation; OECD; science and technology; skilled labor; technological development; technology policy; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-23944490137 | Through the magnifying glass: A descriptive theoretical analysis of the possible impact of the South African higher education policies on academic staff and their job satisfaction | Mapesela M., Hay H.R. | 2005 | Higher Education | 50 | 1 | 10.1007/s10734-004-6358-9 | Center for Higher Education Studies and Development, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 4345, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Mapesela, M., Center for Higher Education Studies and Development, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 4345, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Hay, H.R., Center for Higher Education Studies and Development, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 4345, Bloemfontein, South Africa | This article provides a descriptive theoretical analysis of the most important higher education policies and initiatives which were developed by the democratically elected government of South Africa after 1994 to transform the South African higher education system. The article sheds light on the rationale for the policies under scrutiny; how they take cognisance of academics' diverse needs; as well as how their implementation is bound to affect academics and possibly influence job satisfaction. The article argues that the South African higher education fraternity, currently overwhelmed by mammoth change initiatives, is simultaneously faced with two processes, namely transforming the socio-political state of the country, as well as transformation to respond to national higher education policy imperatives. Seemingly South African policy-makers, in their attempts to break away from the past, are oblivious of the realities of thorough policy implementation and do not take the voluminous nature of policies into consideration as an inhibiting factor. Undoubtedly this could have adverse effects for academic staff who are expected to propel change and transformation, but who are oftentimes confronted with the complexities of implementation which entail among others, dealing with cumbersome procedures, processes, bureaucratic structures as well as increasing workloads. © Springer 2005. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901256592 | PCIA theory in field practice: World vision's pursuit of peace impact and programming quality across sectors | Kamatsiko V.V. | 2014 | Journal of Peacebuilding and Development | 9 | 1 | 10.1080/15423166.2014.893168 | World Vision East Africa's, South Africa; Peacebuilding Learning Center, United States | Kamatsiko, V.V., World Vision East Africa's, South Africa, Peacebuilding Learning Center, United States | This article provides a critical reflection of World Vision's field practice with Peace and Conflict Impact Assessment (PCIA) related frameworks drawing from experiences in Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda. It particularly discusses the value-added of PCIA and its contribution to programming quality. The article examines the uptake of PCIA findings to inform design, monitoring and evaluation, highlighting the importance of influencing as an approach as well as the integrative power of relationship and relationship-building. The article examines important challenges associated with the application of the conventional logical framework. It also discusses promising practices that derive from PCIA, including being informed by complex adaptive systems theories and the importance of community participation and engagement in PCIA processes. It concludes with a discussion of implications for effective PCIA micro- (project) and meso- (programme) level usability. The article suggests that minimum standards for PCIA processes, methodology and content are needed. It makes clear that influencing and relationship-building are core competencies for PCIA practice. It concludes that effective peacebuilding results are achieved when PCIA is internalised by practitioners as a worldview rather than simply deployed as a tool. © Journal of Peacebuilding & Development. | conflictsensitivity; Do no harm; I-PACS; integrating peacebuilding; PCIA, field practice; Peacebuilding Learning Center; World Vision | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886918057 | Performance optimisation of solar receivers that use oil as a heat transfer fluid | Mlatho J.S.P., McPherson M. | 2013 | International Journal of Sustainable Energy | 32 | 5 | 10.1080/14786451.2012.716060 | Physics Department, Chancellor College, University of Malawi, PO Box 280, Zomba, Malawi; Cape Peninsula University of Technology, PO Box 652, Cape Town 8000, South Africa | Mlatho, J.S.P., Physics Department, Chancellor College, University of Malawi, PO Box 280, Zomba, Malawi; McPherson, M., Cape Peninsula University of Technology, PO Box 652, Cape Town 8000, South Africa | This article presents the use of a wire mesh in optimising the performance of two volumetric solar receivers that use oil as a heat transfer fluid. Computational fluid dynamics models have been used to optimise the receivers. Varied parameters (including the use of a wire mesh) of the receiver models were changed in the optimisation process. Based on the models, prototype receivers were developed and tested. After that, the models were validated against experiments and the results compare well. The results indicate that the use of a wire mesh placed inside a receiver improves its performance. An optimal wire mesh porosity was found as ≈0.95 mainly because the efficiency is increased without inducing an adverse pressure drop inside the receiver. © 2013 © 2013 Taylor & Francis. | efficiency; solar receiver model; wire mesh | Computational fluid dynamics models; Optimisations; Performance optimisation; Receiver models; Solar receiver; Varied parameters; Volumetric solar receivers; Wire meshes; Computational fluid dynamics; Efficiency; Heat transfer; Solar equipment; Wire; Optimization; computational fluid dynamics; efficiency measurement; equipment; experimental study; heat transfer; optimization; parameterization; performance assessment; porosity; solar power | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-20444456737 | The perceptions of students and lecturers of some factors influencing academic performance at two South African universities | Fraser W., Killen R. | 2005 | Perspectives in Education | 23 | 1 | None | Department of Teaching and Training Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle, Australia | Fraser, W., Department of Teaching and Training Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Killen, R., Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle, Australia | This article presents the results of two recent empirical investigations at universities in South Africa (University of Pretoria and University of South Africa) where an attempt was made to identify the pre- and post-enrolment factors that lecturers and students perceived as having the most important influence on students' success in their university studies. The opinions of lecturers were compared with those of various groups of undergraduate students within and across the two universities. Different genders, different years of study, different home languages, different languages of instruction, and different modes of study (contact and distance education) were considered. The investigations revealed a strong level of agreement between lecturers and students concerning most factors that were identified as being likely to contribute to students' academic success. However, there was considerable diversity in the opinions of lecturers and students concerning the factors that were identified as being likely to contribute to students' failure at university. These differences were more pronounced at the distance education institution than at the contact university. At both universities the results of the studies pointed to a number of instructional practices that seem to be limiting the opportunities for students to develop the levels of understanding and insight that lecturers expect of undergraduates. The studies also showed that some students were taking counter-productive approaches to their study. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054900405 | The influence of separation distance on the performance of perforated plates as a blast wave shielding technique | Langdon G.S., Nurick G.N., du Plessis N.J. | 2011 | Engineering Structures | 33 | 12 | 10.1016/j.engstruct.2011.07.017 | Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Langdon, G.S., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Nurick, G.N., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; du Plessis, N.J., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This article presents the results of an experimental investigation into the performance of perforated plates as a blast wave mitigation method in tunnel-like structures. Combinations of three different blockage ratios and three different separation distances (defined as the distance between the perforated plates and target plates) were used during the blast experiments to ascertain the influence of the two variables, while the charge to target plate stand-off distance was kept constant. The results were compared to those obtained during similar test work at a lower separation distance of 25 mm, and also to baseline experiments with no perforated plate at a similar stand-off distance. Results of the blast tests showed that the perforated plates with higher blockage ratios reduced the damage imparted to the target plate. This effect was more significant at the lower separation distances. Increasing the separation distance also reduced the damage for a given blockage ratio and impulse. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Blast loading; Mitigation; Perforated plates; Plastic deformation | Blast loading; Blast waves; Blockage ratio; Experimental investigations; Mitigation; Mitigation methods; Separation distances; Stand-off; Target plates; Experiments; Perforated plates; blasting; experimental study; loading; plastic deformation; structural component | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955279919 | Performance of mild steel perforated plates as a blast wave mitigation technique: Experimental and numerical investigation | Langdon G.S., Rossiter I.B., Balden V.H., Nurick G.N. | 2010 | International Journal of Impact Engineering | 37 | 10 | 10.1016/j.ijimpeng.2010.06.001 | Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Langdon, G.S., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Rossiter, I.B., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Balden, V.H., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Nurick, G.N., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This article presents the results of an experimental and numerical investigation into the influence of hole size and thickness on the performance of mild steel perforated plates as a blast wave mitigation technique. Results of the blast tests showed that the perforated plates with small hole sizes reduced the damage imparted to the target plate by reducing the target plate mid-point deflection and increasing the tearing threshold impulse. Ansys Autodyn was used to model the experiments and the perforated plate hole diameter was varied during the simulations. The impulse imparted to the pendulum, target plate and perforated plate deflections compared favourably to the experimental results. The modelling simulations also gave further insight into the interaction between the blast wave and the plates. The simulations showed that the impulse imparted to the target plate was higher than the impulse measured from the experimental pendulum swing and that the difference increased with increasing blockage ratio. The simulations also showed that the total load duration was much longer than the response time of the plate, indicating that a proportion of the impulse does not contribute to the deformation of the target plate. The response time was shown to increase with increasing blockage ratio and decrease with increasing impulse. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Blast loading; Mitigation; Numerical modelling; Perforated plates; Plastic deformation | Blast loading; Blast waves; Blockage ratio; Hole diameter; Hole size; Mild steel; Mitigation; Mitigation techniques; Numerical investigations; Numerical modelling; Perforated plate; Response time; Small Hole; Target plates; Total load; Carbon steel; Computer simulation; Pendulums; Plastic deformation; Targets; Perforated plates | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956901748 | Testing the impact of social forces on the evolution of Sahelian farming systems: A combined agent-based modeling and anthropological approach | Saqalli M., Gérard B., Bielders C., Defourny P. | 2010 | Ecological Modelling | 221 | 22 | 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2010.08.004 | REEDS UVSQ Université Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, 47 boulevard Vauban, 78280 Guyancourt, France; International Livestock Research Institute, Addis-Abeba, Ethiopia; Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium | Saqalli, M., REEDS UVSQ Université Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, 47 boulevard Vauban, 78280 Guyancourt, France; Gérard, B., International Livestock Research Institute, Addis-Abeba, Ethiopia; Bielders, C., Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; Defourny, P., Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium | This article presents the results of a methodology based on an extensive sociological fieldwork in three different sites settled along a gradient of aridity in Nigerien Sahel. This fieldwork led to build a set of rules for the behaviour of individuals in non-pastoralist villages. We implemented these rules into an agent-based model simulating three village archetypes. Each archetype includes biophysical, economical, social agricultural and livestock modules. Results from simulations with no social transition processes show that villages specialize themselves into different economic activities according to natural resource specificities: A decreasing intensification gradient is observed from the most favoured site, with more local productions and good ecological indicators, to the less-favoured site, with a growing proportion of the population wealth coming from migration remittances and " off-shore" livestock. Two family transition processes were implemented, following field observations and literature-based hypotheses: family organizations evolve between a patriarchal mode and a non-cooperative mode following tensions due to income redistribution. Family inheritance systems evolve from a " customary" one-heir mode to a " local Muslim" mode in which all males inherits land. This evolution depends on family tensions due to land availability. Once introducing these processes, the population of each site differentiates itself into specialized groups according to size, assets and social status. Meanwhile, the group proportions and specializations strongly vary according to the sites but they are all characterized by the emergence of individualistic family types and the increase of the village populations' robustness. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. | Family organization; Family transition processes; Individual agent-based modeling; Inheritance; Social distribution of economic assets | Family organization; Family transition processes; Individual agent; Inheritance; Social distribution; Computational methods; Ecology; Economics; Agriculture; anthropology; aridity; economic activity; family structure; farming system; literature review; rural area; social behavior; Nigeria; Sahel [Sub-Saharan Africa] | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929147808 | Development of a novel control for a matrix converter interfaced wind energy conversion system for dynamic performance enhancement | Kumar V., Joshi R.R., Bansal R.C. | 2015 | Electric Power Components and Systems | 43 | 42592 | 10.1080/15325008.2015.1016194 | Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Technology and Engineering, Udaipur, India; Department of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Kumar, V., Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Technology and Engineering, Udaipur, India; Joshi, R.R., Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Technology and Engineering, Udaipur, India; Bansal, R.C., Department of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This article presents the development of a novel control for matrix converter interfaced permanent magnet wind energy conversion system. Here, an adaptive fuzzy control algorithm incorporated with a reversed matrix converter is proposed to yield maximum energy with enhanced dynamic performance and low harmonic characteristics. The control algorithm is implemented using a dSPACE DS1104 real-time board (dSPACE, Paderborn, Germany). Feasibility of the proposed system has been verified through simulation and experiment results using a laboratory 1.2-kW prototype of a wind energy conversion system under dynamic conditions. © 2015 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | matrix converter; synchronous generator; wind energy conversion system; wind turbine emulator | Algorithms; Energy conversion; Fuzzy control; Matrix converters; Permanent magnets; Power converters; Synchronous generators; Wind turbines; Adaptive fuzzy control; Dspace ds1104; Dynamic condition; Dynamic performance; Low harmonics; Real time boards; Wind energy conversion system; Wind turbine emulator; Wind power | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60649093491 | Examining the implementation of the mathematics strand of the Key Stage 3 Strategy: What are the bases of evaluation? | Venkat H., Brown M. | 2009 | British Educational Research Journal | 35 | 1 | 10.1080/01411920802041665 | University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; King's College London, United Kingdom; Marang Centre for Maths and Science Education, Education Campus, University of the Witwatersrand, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Private Bag 3, Wits, 2050, South Africa | Venkat, H., University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, Marang Centre for Maths and Science Education, Education Campus, University of the Witwatersrand, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Private Bag 3, Wits, 2050, South Africa; Brown, M., King's College London, United Kingdom | This article presents findings from a comparative case study examining the implementation of the mathematics strand of the Key Stage 3 Strategy in two contrasting schoolsone using setting and whole-class teaching, the other incorporating mixed-ability grouping and individualised learning. A number of 'outcomes' of implementation are considered, including teachers' and students' experiences, changes in pedagogic practice and students' attainment. Whilst both schools achieved highly in relation to similar schools, higher attainment gains between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 in the school using setting/whole-class teaching were associated with increasing student disaffection and dependence on teachers. In contrast, the attainment gains at the school using individualised learning were associated with increasing enthusiasm and independence. The mixed picture of outcomes and their complex interconnections suggest that evaluations of implementation resting on attainment-based outcomes are problematic in terms of longer-term aims of increasing the proportions of students choosing to study mathematics and developing the skills of independent learning. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951786726 | Women war survivors of the 1989-2003 conflict in Liberia: The impact of sexual and gender-based violence | Liebling-Kalifani H., Mwaka V., Ojiambo-Ochieng R., Were-Oguttu J., Kinyanda E., Kwekwe D., Howard L., Danuweli C. | 2011 | Journal of International Women's Studies | 12 | 1 | None | Clinical Psychology, Coventry University, Makerere University, Uganda; Makerere University, Uganda; Isis-Women's International Cross Cultural Exchange, Kampala, Uganda; Information and Documentation at Isis-WICCE, Uganda; MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda; Ministry of Gender and Development, Cottingham University, Liberia; University of York, United Kingdom; University of Liberia, Liberia | Liebling-Kalifani, H., Clinical Psychology, Coventry University, Makerere University, Uganda; Mwaka, V., Makerere University, Uganda; Ojiambo-Ochieng, R., Isis-Women's International Cross Cultural Exchange, Kampala, Uganda; Were-Oguttu, J., Information and Documentation at Isis-WICCE, Uganda; Kinyanda, E., MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda; Kwekwe, D., Ministry of Gender and Development, Cottingham University, Liberia; Howard, L., University of York, United Kingdom; Danuweli, C., University of Liberia, Liberia | This article presents a summary of the qualitative data from research carried out in post-conflict Liberia by Isis-WICCE, a women's international non-government organisation, in conjunction with the Ministry of Gender and Development of Liberia and Women in Peace-building Network, WIPNET. Analysis of research findings detail women's experiences of conflict and the serious effects of sexual violence and torture on their physical and psychological health. The paper also describes the omission of women from justice and rehabilitation processes. In support of women participants' views, the authors' recommend that funding is urgently required for the provision of holistic and sustainable, gender- sensitive services. Additional recommendations are made with respect to health, justice and policy changes in line with enhancing women survivor's roles and utilising their skills and resilience. | Gender-based violence; Liberia; Sexual; War; Women | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928014992 | The Phathisi dance of Botswana: Decoding the meanings in the traditional performances of a dance | Mojaki P.G. | 2014 | Journal of the Musical Arts in Africa | 11 | 1 | 10.2989/18121004.2014.995443 | Department of Music and Musicology, Rhodes University, South Africa | Mojaki, P.G., Department of Music and Musicology, Rhodes University, South Africa | This article presents a study of the Bakwena Phathisi dance by a non-Bakwena group, the Diwetse Cultural Troupe. It is based on interviews with members of the troupe and audience members at performances given by the troupe. The study examines how the Diwetse Cultural Troupe engages with and interprets the Phathisi dance before, during and after performance, seeking to understand the performance structure and essential features of the dance such as gender roles, attire, basic sequences as well as the relationship between what is deemed traditional or modern. The article focuses on decoding the embedded meanings in Phathisi performances with the aim of contextualising a Mokwena herdboy's lifestyle (represented by the dancer), his environment and in the Kweneng region. This study also explores how the historical and cultural traits of the dance are recreated, choreographed and presented to the audience. © 2014 NISC (Pty) Ltd. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900853903 | Subtitles and eye tracking: Reading and performance | Kruger J.-L., Steyn F. | 2014 | Reading Research Quarterly | 49 | 1 | 10.1002/rrq.59 | School of Languages, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; Statistical Consultation Services, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Kruger, J.-L., School of Languages, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; Steyn, F., Statistical Consultation Services, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | This article presents an experimental study to investigate whether subtitle reading has a positive impact on academic performance. In the absence of reliable indexes of reading behavior in dynamic texts, the article first formulates and validates an index to measure the reading of text, such as subtitles on film. Eye-tracking measures (fixations and saccades) are expressed as functions of the number of standard words and word length and provide a reliable index of reading behavior of subtitles over extended audiovisual texts. By providing a robust index of reading over dynamic texts, this article lays the foundation for future studies combining behavioral measures and performance measures in fields such as media psychology, educational psychology, multimedia design, and audiovisual translation. The article then utilizes this index to correlate the degree to which subtitles are read and the performance of students who were exposed to the subtitles in a comprehension test. It is found that a significant positive correlation is obtained between comprehension and subtitle reading for the sample, providing some evidence in favor of using subtitles in reading instruction and language learning. The study, which was conducted in the context of English subtitles on academic lectures delivered in English, further seems to indicate that the number of words and the number of lines do not play as big a role in the processing of subtitles as previously thought but that attention distribution across different redundant sources of information results in the partial processing of subtitles. © 2013 International Reading Association. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856060931 | Making music, making money: Informal musical production and performance in venda, South Africa | McNeill F.G. | 2012 | Africa | 82 | 1 | 10.1017/S000197201100074X | Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | McNeill, F.G., Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This article presents an ethnographic analysis of the popular economy of informal musical production in the Venda region of South Africa. It focuses on the activities surrounding the Burnin' Shak Studio, a recording house that specializes in reggae music. Reliant on second-hand computers, pirated software, borrowed instruments, networks of trust and cycles of debt, musicians and producers in the Burnin' Shak occupy a distinctly peripheral position in South Africa's music industry. Unlike artists in the formal sphere of musical production, who sign deals with specific record labels, musicians in the informal sector seek out sponsors usually young local businessmen to fund their recordings with local producers. Marketing and distribution is the sole responsibility of the artist and the sponsor, who often develop a patronclient relationship. And yet whilst the artists' entrepreneurial activity often earns them significant airplay on local radio stations, and associated cultural capital, the financial benefits are slim. In order to convert their cultural capital into cash, musicians in the informal sector must compete in the market for performances at government-sponsored shows. These shows are well funded by lucrative tenders, but they present musicians with a double-edged sword. To secure a contract with tender holders or to entertain hopes of regular paid performances musicians must ensure that these performances do not express critical political sentiment. As purveyors of a genre renowned for its critical social commentary, reggae musicians are particularly affected by this expectation of self-censorship. Informal musical production in the post-apartheid era thus affords musicians little artistic freedom. Rather, whilst the products of this culture industry may appear to be part of a secondary economy, removed from the spheres of formalized production and control, they are in fact regulated and standardized through the process of tender allocation. © International African Institute 2012. | None | informal sector; music; Limpopo; South Africa; Venda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960845624 | Evaluation of groundwater resources in the Geba basin, Ethiopia | Tesfagiorgis K., Gebreyohannes T., De Smedt F., Moeyersons J., Hagos M., Nyssen J., Deckers J. | 2011 | Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment | 70 | 3 | 10.1007/s10064-010-0338-3 | Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; NOAA-CREST Center, City College of New York, T-107 Steinman Hall, 140th St. and Convent Ave., New York, NY 10031, United States; Mekelle University, PO Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Royal Museum for Central Africa, 3080 Tervuren, Belgium; Department of Geography, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S8, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Division for Land and Water Management, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E, 3001 Leuven, Belgium | Tesfagiorgis, K., Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium, NOAA-CREST Center, City College of New York, T-107 Steinman Hall, 140th St. and Convent Ave., New York, NY 10031, United States; Gebreyohannes, T., Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium, Mekelle University, PO Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; De Smedt, F., Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Moeyersons, J., Royal Museum for Central Africa, 3080 Tervuren, Belgium; Hagos, M., Mekelle University, PO Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Nyssen, J., Department of Geography, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S8, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Deckers, J., Division for Land and Water Management, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E, 3001 Leuven, Belgium | This article presents an assessment of the groundwater resources in the Geba basin, Ethiopia. Hydrogeological characteristics are derived from a combination of GIS and field survey data. MODFLOW groundwater model in a PMWIN environment is used to simulate the movement and distribution of groundwater in the basin. Despite the limited data available, by simplifying the model as a single layered semi-confined groundwater system and by optimising the transmissivity of the different lithological units, a realistic description of the groundwater flow is obtained. It is concluded that 30,000 m3/day of groundwater can be abstracted from the Geba basin for irrigation in a sustainable way, in locations characterised by shallow groundwater in combination with aquitard-type lithological units. © 2010 Springer-Verlag. | Ethiopia; Geba basin; Groundwater modelling; Transmissivity | Ethiopia; Field surveys; Geba basin; Groundwater modelling; Groundwater models; Groundwater system; Hydrogeological characteristics; Limited data; MODFLOW; Shallow groundwater; Transmissivity; Aquifers; Groundwater flow; Lithology; Groundwater resources; aquitard; computer simulation; field survey; flow modeling; GIS; groundwater abstraction; groundwater flow; groundwater resource; hydrological modeling; resource assessment; Ethiopia; Geba Basin | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-13244263032 | Targeting education: The politics of performance and the prospects of 'Education For All' | Jansen J.D. | 2005 | International Journal of Educational Development | 25 | 4 SPEC. ISS. | 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2005.04.009 | University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Jansen, J.D., University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | This article offers a critical examination of the public claims about the potential, reach and impact of "target setting in education" within the context of developing countries. The argument is made that the target - setting enterprise is undermined by three fallacies-conceptual, methodological and organizational - with negative consequences for the achievement of education quality in poor countries. While acknowledging the logic of targets on the part of international development agencies, the article nevertheless suggests that target setting could be seen as a transnational system of surveillance that takes measures of control, measurement and accountability beyond the confines of national borders. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Comparative education; Curriculum; Development; Education policy; Educational administration; International education; Literacy | curriculum; education policy; performance assessment; targeting | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880044301 | Legal education in Nigeria: An evaluation of the recruitment practice for the teaching of law as a career | Ajetunmobi A. | 2013 | Commonwealth Law Bulletin | 39 | 2 | 10.1080/03050718.2013.804263 | Department of Public and International Law, Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Km 8.5 Afe Babalola Way, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria | Ajetunmobi, A., Department of Public and International Law, Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Km 8.5 Afe Babalola Way, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria | This article makes a critical assessment of legal education in Nigeria, focusing on the standard of hiring for the teaching of law as a career in the country. Legal academics are hired based upon an accreditation standard that requires a vocational qualification determined through a call to the Nigerian Bar. The article argues that making a vocational qualification a criterion for academic appointment - apart from other achievements demonstrated through higher law degrees - inhibits innovation in teaching and learning and needs to change. This change is premised on three reasons: the growth of interdisciplinary legal scholarship; the trend in the legal marketplace; and the correlation between a law faculty and a department of religion. And it concludes with some proposals to think about for a more scholarly approach towards the teaching of law within Nigerian academia. The aim of this article is to inform the essential dichotomy between legal scholarship and practice, and the transnational aspirations of legal academics, for those involved in the development of law teaching and study, as well as those concerned with educational policy and administration around the world. © 2013 Commonwealth Secretariat. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78149369683 | Using school performance data to drive school and education district office accountability and improvement: The case of Ghana | Prew M., Quaigrain K. | 2010 | Educational Management Administration and Leadership | 38 | 6 | 10.1177/1741143210379057 | Centre for Education Policy Development (CEPD), PostNet Suite 561, Private Bag X113, Melville 2109, South Africa | Prew, M., Centre for Education Policy Development (CEPD), PostNet Suite 561, Private Bag X113, Melville 2109, South Africa; Quaigrain, K., Centre for Education Policy Development (CEPD), PostNet Suite 561, Private Bag X113, Melville 2109, South Africa | This article looks at a school management tool that allows school managers and education district offices to review the performance of their schools and use the broad-based data to undertake orchestrated planning with districts planning delivery based on the needs of schools and in support of school improvement plans. The review process also allows communities to engage with their schools and hold them accountable for their performance and to steer schools to meet community expectations. A district in northern Ghana is presented as a case study. The article concludes that this generation of school-level data and its use to inform improved planning and delivery also allows districts and schools to monitor how well they are doing in promoting access for all children to school and monitoring the quality of schooling they receive. This is critical information needed to understand the dynamics of school enrolment and drop-out and to make schools more accountable. So school performance review, as practised in Ghana, allows schools to improve while becoming more accountable to their communities. © The Author(s) 2010. | accountability; inspection; quality education; school and district leadership; school improvement; school performance review; universal primary education | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-73149109275 | SUPPORT tools for Evidence-informed policymaking in health 18: Planning monitoring and evaluation of policies | Fretheim A., Oxman A.D., Lavis J.N., Lewin S. | 2009 | Health Research Policy and Systems | 7 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1186/1478-4505-7-S1-S18 | Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, P.O. Box 7004, St. Olavs plass, N-0130 Oslo, Norway; Section for International Health, Institute of General Practice and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, P.O. Box 7004, St. Olavs plass, N-0130 Oslo, Norway; Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Political Science, McMaster University, 1200 Main St. West, HSC-2D3, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5, Canada; Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, P.O. Box 7004, St. Olavs plass, N-0130 Oslo, Norway; Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa, South Africa | Fretheim, A., Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, P.O. Box 7004, St. Olavs plass, N-0130 Oslo, Norway, Section for International Health, Institute of General Practice and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Oxman, A.D., Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, P.O. Box 7004, St. Olavs plass, N-0130 Oslo, Norway; Lavis, J.N., Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Political Science, McMaster University, 1200 Main St. West, HSC-2D3, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5, Canada; Lewin, S., Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, P.O. Box 7004, St. Olavs plass, N-0130 Oslo, Norway, Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa, South Africa | This article is part of a series written for people responsible for making decisions about health policies and programmes and for those who support these decision makers The term monitoring is commonly used to describe the process of systematically collecting data to inform policymakers, managers and other stakeholders whether a new policy or programme is being implemented in accordance with their expectations. Indicators are used for monitoring purposes to judge, for example, if objectives are being achieved, or if allocated funds are being spent appropriately. Sometimes the term evaluation is used interchangeably with the term monitoring, but the former usually suggests a stronger focus on the achievement of results. When the term impact evaluation is used, this usually implies that there is a specific attempt to try to determine whether the observed changes in outcomes can be attributed to a particular policy or programme. In this article, we suggest four questions that can be used to guide the monitoring and evaluation of policy or programme options. These are: 1. Is monitoring necessary? 2. What should be measured? 3. Should an impact evaluation be conducted? 4. How should the impact evaluation be done? © 2009 Fretheim et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | article; controlled study; evaluation; evidence based practice; expectation; funding; health care planning; health care policy; health program; information; manager; monitoring; outcome assessment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902523905 | African primary care research: Performing a programme evaluation | Dudley L. | 2014 | African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine | 6 | 1 | 10.4102/phcfm.v6i1.634 | Community Health Division, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa | Dudley, L., Community Health Division, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa | This article is part of a series on Primary Care Research in the African context and focuses on programme evaluation. Different types of programme evaluation are outlined: developmental, process, outcome and impact. Eight steps to follow in designing your programme evaluation are then described in some detail: engage stakeholders; establish what is known; describe the programme; define the evaluation and select a study design; define the indicators; plan and manage data collection and analysis; make judgements and recommendations; and disseminate the findings. Other articles in the series cover related topics such as writing your research proposal, performing a literature review, conducting surveys with questionnaires, qualitative interviewing and approaches to quantitative and qualitative data analysis. © 2014. The Authors. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44349168404 | Informatics for historians: Tools for medieval document XML markup, and their impact on the history-sciences | Burkard B., Vogeler G., Gruner S. | 2008 | Journal of Universal Computer Science | 14 | 2 | None | Hist.-Kulturw. Inf.-Verarbeitung, Univ. zu Köln, Germany; Histor. Seminar, Ludwig-Max.-Univ. München, Germany; Dept. of Comp.-Science, Univ. of Pretoria, South Africa | Burkard, B., Hist.-Kulturw. Inf.-Verarbeitung, Univ. zu Köln, Germany; Vogeler, G., Histor. Seminar, Ludwig-Max.-Univ. München, Germany; Gruner, S., Dept. of Comp.-Science, Univ. of Pretoria, South Africa | This article is a revised and extended version of [VBG, 07]. We conjecture that the digitalization of historical text documents as a basis of data mining and information retrieval for the purpose of progress in the history sciences is urgently needed. We present a novel, specialist XML tool-suite supporting the working historian in the transcription of original medieval charters into a machine-readable form, and we also address some latest developments which can be found in the field, since the publication of [VBG, 07]. © J.UCS. | Digitalization and preparation of medieval documents for the semantic web; History-informatics; Tool-support; XML tagging | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000242192600012 | Using qualitative methods for course evaluation - A case study from Botswana | Brown, Marie Scott,Mogobe, Keitshokile D.,Ntsayagae, Esther,Sabone, Motshedisi,Sebego, Miriam,Seboni, Naomi | 2006 | NURSE EDUCATOR | 31 | 6 | None | Washington State University, Univ Botswana & Swaziland | None | This article is a report of a qualitative evaluation of a course on human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome carried out jointly by faculty from Botswana and the United States at a University in Botswana. It demonstrates the importance of both international nurse educator expertise in impacting a major pandemic and the use of qualitative methods for course evaluation. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33747838015 | 'My eyes went wide open' - An evaluation of the special needs education awareness course at Molepolole College of Education, Botswana | Dart G. | 2006 | British Journal of Special Education | 33 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1467-8578.2006.00428.x | Molepolole College of Education, Private Bag 008, Molepolole, Botswana | Dart, G., Molepolole College of Education, Private Bag 008, Molepolole, Botswana | This article is an evaluation of the special needs education awareness course run at Molepolole College of Education, Botswana. The course directly reflects the Government of Botswana's policy on special education and seeks to provide students with a wide range of skills and knowledge to help them identify and support pupils with a variety of special needs. It also seeks to examine teachers' attitudes towards the inclusion of children with a wide range of learning support needs in the ordinary school. The evaluation was carried out by Gareth Dart, senior lecturer in the Department of Special Needs Education at Molepolole College of Education, who, in this article, reports the views of the first cohort of student graduates to complete the full course. This account also includes feedback from staff at schools who were involved with supervising the students as they did their special education assignments while on teaching practice. Feedback from the students and teachers is very positive in terms of the content and effect of the course although Gareth Dart suggests that a more thorough evaluation will have to wait until the graduates have been in the field some time. In the future, there will be a need to assess the long-term impact of the course upon the practice of teachers; to review the sustainability of this form of teacher education; and to make judgements about the influence that new generations of teachers have upon schools and policies promoting inclusion. © nasen 2006. | Attitudes; Disabilities; Inclusion; Special educational needs; Teacher education | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000269490000010 | The Impact of Agricultural Extension and Roads on Poverty and Consumption Growth in Fifteen Ethiopian Villages | Dercon, Stefan,Gilligan, Daniel O.,Hoddinott, John,Woldehanna, Tassew | 2009 | AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS | 91 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1467-8276.2009.01325.x | Addis Ababa University, International Food Policy Research Institute, University of Oxford | "Dercon, Stefan: University of Oxford","Hoddinott, John: International Food Policy Research Institute","Woldehanna, Tassew: Addis Ababa University" | This article investigates whether public investments that led to improvements in road quality and increased access to agricultural extension services led to faster consumption growth and lower rates of poverty in rural Ethiopia. Estimating an Instrumental Variables model using Generalized Methods of Moments and controlling for household fixed effects, we find evidence of positive impacts with meaningful magnitudes. Receiving at least one extension visit reduces headcount poverty by 9.8 percentage points and increases consumption growth by 7.1 percentage points. Access to all-weather roads reduces poverty by 6.9 percentage points and increases consumption growth by 16.3 percentage points. These results are robust to changes in model specification and estimation methods. | ETHIOPIA,EXTENSION,GROWTH,POVERTY,ROADS,PROGRAMS,"RURAL ETHIOPIA",SHOCKS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-41549130056 | The role of the firm and owner characteristics on the performance of agritourism farms | Barbieri C., Mshenga P.M. | 2008 | Sociologia Ruralis | 48 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1467-9523.2008.00450.x | Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Missouri 105 Anheuser-Busch Natural Res. Bldg., Columbia, MO 65211, United States; Department of Agriculture Economics and Agribusiness Management, Egerton University, Box 536, Njoro 20107, Kenya | Barbieri, C., Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Missouri 105 Anheuser-Busch Natural Res. Bldg., Columbia, MO 65211, United States; Mshenga, P.M., Department of Agriculture Economics and Agribusiness Management, Egerton University, Box 536, Njoro 20107, Kenya | This article investigates the role of firm and owner characteristics on the gross income of farms engaged in agritourism. The findings indicate that the length of time in business, the number of employees and the farm acreage have a positive impact on performance in terms of annual gross sales of agritourism farms. Owners of farms with greater annual gross sales than the rest are male or white or their main occupation is farming. The age of the farmer has an inverse relationship on gross sales. Other characteristics including location, if it is a working farm, whether the operator had business and marketing plans, sources of start-up capital and the entrepreneur's education level did not have a significant relationship on the performance of these farms. © Journal Compilation © 2008 European Society for Rural Sociology. | None | age; agricultural performance; agricultural worker; farm; firm ownership; occupation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955914258 | The impact of educational attainment on household poverty in South Africa [Die impak van opvoeding op huishoudelike armoede in Suid-Afrika] | Botha F. | 2010 | Acta Academica | 42 | 4 | None | Dept of Economics and Economic History, Rhodes University, P O Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | Botha, F., Dept of Economics and Economic History, Rhodes University, P O Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | This article investigates the relationship between the educational attainment of the household head and household poverty in South Africa. The results indicate a clear negative relationship between education and poverty. Households in which the head has a low level of education are more likely to be poor compared to a household where the head has a higher level of education. Literacy of the household head is also inversely related to household poverty. Rural and black households are the most vulnerable, with distinct differences between the province of residence. Despite large resource allocation towards education, educational outcomes have not improved. This raises questions concerning the lack of association between resource allocation and educational outcomes. © UV/UFS. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000321917200007 | Public Hearing or 'Hearing Public'? An Evaluation of the Participation of Local Stakeholders in Environmental Impact Assessment of Ghana's Jubilee Oil Fields | Bawole, Justice Nyigmah | 2013 | ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT | 52 | 2 | 10.1007/s00267-013-0086-9 | University of Ghana | None | This article investigates the involvement of local stakeholders in the environmental impact assessment (EIA) processes of Ghana's first off-shore oil fields (the Jubilee fields). Adopting key informants interviews and documentary reviews, the article argues that the public hearings and the other stakeholder engagement processes were cosmetic and rhetoric with the view to meeting legal requirements rather than a purposeful interest in eliciting inputs from local stakeholders. It further argues that the operators appear to lack the social legitimacy and social license that will make them acceptable in the project communities. A rigorous community engagement along with a commitment to actively involving local stakeholders in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes of the partners may enhance the image of the partners and improve their social legitimacy. Local government agencies should be capacitated to actively engage project organisers; and government must mitigate the impact of the oil projects through well-structured social support programmes. | "ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT",GHANA,"public hearing","public participation","Social legitimacy and license",stakeholder,"APPLIED LINGUISTICS",COMMUNITY,EIA,INDIA,MANAGEMENT,"QUALITATIVE INTERVIEWS" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890016895 | The Importance of Trust in Procurement Practices and Its Impact on Business Performance: An Empirical Investigation From the Perspective of the Buyer-Supplier Dyad | Dahwa M.P., Al-Hakim L., Ng E. | 2013 | Journal of Relationship Marketing | 12 | 4 | 10.1080/15332667.2013.846768 | Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply-Southern Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; School of Management and Marketing, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia | Dahwa, M.P., Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply-Southern Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Al-Hakim, L., School of Management and Marketing, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia; Ng, E., School of Management and Marketing, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia | This article investigates the importance of trust in procurement practices and its impact on business performance from the perspective of the buyer-supplier dyad within Zimbabwe's banking industry. This study was exploratory in nature and adopted the use of a case study methodology. The study involved 22 cases in the banking industry, with a total of 44 interviews being conducted. Findings revealed that 29 dimensions across 7 trust attributes in buyer-supplier procurement practices had an impact on business performance for firms in Zimbabwe's banking industry. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | banking; business to business; buyer-supplier procurement; relationships; trust theory; Zimbabwe | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906899448 | The impact of housing and basic service delivery on low-income communities in South Africa: The case of the northern free state region | Meyer D.F. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 13 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n13p11 | North-West University (Vaal Triangle Campus), South Africa | Meyer, D.F., North-West University (Vaal Triangle Campus), South Africa | This article investigates the impact of the provision of housing and basic services on poor communities in the northern Free State (NFS) region of South Africa. Service delivery and housing backlogs in poor communities have led to an increase in violent protest marches throughout the country. Poor communities seem frustrated with the rate of service delivery since the election of the first democratic government in 1994. A community household survey, which included 2 900 households, was conducted in 2013 in the NFS region and included twelve poor communities. The regional result was compared with four selected poor communities in the region, namely Moakeng (Moqhaka Local Municipality), Qalabotjha (Mafube Local Municipality), Tumahole (Ngwathe Local Municipality) and Zamdela (Metsimaholo Local Municipality). The impact of delivery of basic services and housing were analysed regarding poverty levels, as well as the relationship between the concepts of poverty and service delivery. Results of the survey indicate that 75.9 percent of the households reside in formal subsidised houses with high levels of ownership but a relatively low average monthly household income of only R1 458 ($140/month) relating to high levels of poverty. Only 35.6 percent of all households surveyed are of the subjective opinion that local government delivers quality services. More detailed results per specific area are analysed and discussed in the article. The results could play an important role in development policy formulation and policy adjustment. The results should also be taken into account in the formulation of local economic development (LED) plans for the areas under investigation with a focus on the benefits of housing delivery and associated basic services. Improved service delivery must be promoted by means of improved coordination between all spheres of government. | Housing provision; Local government; Northern Free State region; Poverty; Service delivery | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927553887 | The impact of spousal violence on the children: A pastoral care approach | Sifo L.G., Masango M.J. | 2014 | HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | 70 | 2 | 10.4102/hts.v70i2.2044 | Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Sifo, L.G., Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Masango, M.J., Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This article investigates the impact of spousal violence on children. Spousal violence in the home affects children negatively and its impact goes beyond their childhood years into adulthood. Some children become dysfunctional in life as a result of their exposure to violence between their parents. These children may exhibit symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) later on in life. A case study of a family exposed to violence was undertaken. Findings from this case scenario were measured against existing literature. A pastoral care method of responding to the victims is proposed in order for them to be healed. © 2014. The Authors. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930642455 | Impacts of large-scale farming on local communities' food security and income levels - Empirical evidence from Oromia Region, Ethiopia | Shete M., Rutten M. | 2015 | Land Use Policy | 47 | None | 10.1016/j.landusepol.2015.01.034 | The IS Academy of Land Governance, African Studies Centre, PO Box 9555, RB Leiden, Netherlands; St Mary's University, PO Box 18490, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; African Studies Center, PO Box 9555, RB Leiden, Netherlands; Department of Human Geography, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands | Shete, M., The IS Academy of Land Governance, African Studies Centre, PO Box 9555, RB Leiden, Netherlands, St Mary's University, PO Box 18490, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Rutten, M., African Studies Center, PO Box 9555, RB Leiden, Netherlands, Department of Human Geography, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands | This article investigates the impact of large-scale agricultural investment on household incomes and food security in Oromia Regional State in Ethiopia. It considers an agricultural investment project that has leased an area of about 12,000. ha for 45 years and was operational from 2008 to 2012. Primary data were collected from 300 households selected using systematic random sampling techniques from communities that had lost access to the de facto customarily owned grazing and farmland as a result of the project and a control sample that was not affected by the investment. Data were analyzed using the propensity scores matching technique. Our results in Bako show that in situations of long-standing competing claims to land resources and relatively high population densities, putting land into large-scale farming reduces local communities' food-security status and results in a loss of income among local people. Before leasing out farmlands for large-scale farming, local people's previous livelihood patterns and their de facto customary property rights should be taken into consideration. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Food security; Impact; Income; Large-scale farms; Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia; Propensity score matching | agricultural economics; empirical analysis; farming system; food security; income; investment; population density; Ethiopia; Oromia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34249801761 | Migration of husbands, remittances and agricultural production: Impacts when wives are left to manage households in rural Kenya | Kiriti-Nganga T.W. | 2007 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 5 | 2 | None | University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya | Kiriti-Nganga, T.W., University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya | This article investigates the forces leading to migration of husbands from rural Kenya, the economic situation and activities of wives with migrant husbands, receipt and use of remittances by wives and the possible influences of remittances on capital formation in rural Kenya, using the Nyeri district as a case study. Although the residual sample of rural wives whose husbands have migrated to urban areas in Kenya is small, the analysis of this sample highlights several important points worthy of further investigation. It seems that rural husbands who migrate from rural Kenya have limited education and skills and are mostly pushed out of rural areas rather than pulled. The wives seem not to be empowered in relation to economic and family decision-making. The husband and his relatives retain control of important economic and household decisions and this has negative impacts on agricultural productivity. The wives are hampered by their relative lack of access to agricultural extension officers, finance for farm investment and capital resources for use on their farm. Probit analysis suggests that the probability of a wife obtaining remittances from a migrant husband declines with the number of years of his absence and the age of the wife but increases with the number of her dependent children and whether or not she employs hired labour. Duration of migration is important in explaining the amount of remittances but not in explaining the likelihood of wives receiving remittances. Overall indications are that remittances are mostly motivated by altruism or social obligation of the migrant to his family. This study was limited by lack of resources but nonetheless provides useful pointers to further research. | Altruism; Migration; Pull; Push; Remittances | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938520071 | Do Stock Prices Impact Consumption and Interest Rate in South Africa? Evidence from a Time-varying Vector Autoregressive Model | Aye G.C., Gupta R., Modise M.P. | 2015 | Journal of Emerging Market Finance | 14 | 2 | 10.1177/0972652715584267 | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Aye, G.C., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Gupta, R., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Modise, M.P., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This article investigates the existence of spillovers from stock prices onto consumption and the interest rate for South Africa using a time-varying parameter vector autoregressive (TVP-VAR) model with stochastic volatility. In this regard, we estimate a three-variable TVP-VAR model comprising real consumption growth rate, the nominal three-months Treasury bill rate and the growth rate of real stock prices. We find that the impact of a real stock price shocks on consumption is in general positive, with large and significant effects observed at the one-quarter-ahead horizon. However, there is also evidence of significant negative spillovers from the stock market to consumption during the financial crisis, at both short and long horizons. The monetary policy response to stock price shocks has been persistent, and strong especially post the financial liberalisation in 1985, but became weaker during the financial crisis. Overall, we provide evidence of significant time-varying spillovers on consumption and interest rate from the stock market. JEL Classification: C11, C15, C32, E31, E32, E44, E52 © 2015, © 2015 Institute for Financial Management and Research. | Bayesian inference; consumption; Markov chain Monte Carlo; monetary policy; stochastic volatility; stock price; structural vector autoregression; time-varying parameter | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891619479 | Key indicators for optimising supply chain performance: The case of light vehicle manufacturers In South Africa | Ambe I.M. | 2014 | Journal of Applied Business Research | 30 | 1 | None | Department of Business Management, University of South Africa (UNISA), South Africa | Ambe, I.M., Department of Business Management, University of South Africa (UNISA), South Africa | This article investigates key indicators for optimising supply chain performance of light vehicle manufacturers in South Africa. The article is based on a survey conducted among light vehicle manufacturers in South Africa with origins in Asia and Europe. Semi-structured interview questionnaire was used based on purposive sampling technique and the data was analysed using SPSS. The findings revealed that quality, final product delivery reliability and cost were highly rated and the most important indicators for the South African automotive market. Innovation (radical and incremental changes) was the least important among the indicators sampled. The article further revealed that there is a perceived difference on the importance of supply chain indicators between manufacturers of Asian and European origins. Final product delivery reliability and order delivery lead time tended to be more important to European manufacturers compared to Asian manufacturers. The article attests to the fact that competitiveness in cost, quality and product offerings are paramount to automotive manufacturers in today's turbulent environment. It also reveals key competitive criteria used by European and Asian manufacturers based in South Africa. The article contributes to literature on SCM and reveals the way in which vehicle manufacturers in South Africa do business. © by author(s); CC-BY. | Performance Indicators; South Africa; Supply Chain Management; Vehicle Manufacturers | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000207829600007 | Budget Monitoring and Control in South African Township Schools Democratic Governance at Risk | Mestry, Raj,Naidoo, Gans | 2009 | EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION & LEADERSHIP | 37 | 1 | 10.1177/1741143208098166 | University of Johannesburg | "Mestry, Raj: University of Johannesburg" | This article investigates budget monitoring and control in township schools in South Africa. The enactment of the Schools Act 1996 revolutionized school financial management in South Africa, making it part of the drive for democratic school governance. School governing bodies had to be established, whose responsibility it became to manage finances at school. Schools were allowed to raise funds over and above the departmental allocations, which to township schools were increased in order to redress past imbalances. However, most of these school governors lacked the necessary financial knowledge, skills and competencies required to effectively manage large sums of cash, and as a result many schools experienced financial difficulty. This study investigated the way in which a group of township schools in South Africa monitor and control their budgets. The findings revealed that the level of education plays a significant role in the way in which budget monitoring and control is perceived. It was concluded that, if applied conscientiously, the schools can remain liquid in terms of cash flow and operate within the confines of the approved budget. | "BUDGET PROCESS",CONTROL,"democratic governance",MONITORING,"school funds" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897746966 | The practical guidelines on the impact of mahadi [bride price] on the young Basotho couples prior to marriage | Semenya D.K. | 2014 | HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | 70 | 3 | 10.4102/hts.v70i3.1362 | Unit for Reformed Theology, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa | Semenya, D.K., Unit for Reformed Theology, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa | This article investigates and provides guidelines to the negative impact of mahadi on the Basotho youth before they may marry. It is important to note that marriage is one of the main parts of the life cycle amongst the Basotho and not only joins a man and a woman together, but is also considered to unite the members of the respective families of the married couple into one family. This union of two families comes into effect when the process of negotiation of the mahadi is initiated. The negotiation for mahadi is, in other words, the first stage of bonding two families together. In the hope of gaining a better understanding and results, the writer searched for a qualitative method to conduct the research. © 2014. The Authors. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958209692 | Evaluation of ore transport options from Kwesi Mensah Shaft to the mill at the Obuasi mine | Owusu-Mensah F., Musingwini C. | 2011 | International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment | 25 | 2 | 10.1080/17480930.2010.538988 | Mineral Resources Management, AngloGold Ashanti Ltd, P.O. Box 10, Obuasi, Ghana; School of Mining Engineering, University of Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa | Owusu-Mensah, F., Mineral Resources Management, AngloGold Ashanti Ltd, P.O. Box 10, Obuasi, Ghana; Musingwini, C., School of Mining Engineering, University of Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa | This article illustrates the application of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to evaluate surface ore transport options for the underground mine at Anglo-Gold Ashanti's Obuasi mine in Ghana. The mine currently transports about 175,000 tpm of ore from four shafts to the mill using contractor trucking. The mine's current business plan requires the underground ore production to be increased from 175,000 to 220,000 tpm. The extra tonnage is to feed the new tailings sulphide plant, located adjacent to the existing mill. This change necessitated a review of ore transport options between the Kwesi Mensah Shaft and the mill. The four options that were considered are the continued use of contractor trucking, purchasing mine-owned trucks and using surface or underground conveyors. The evaluation criteria were categorised under the broad areas of economic, environmental and technical criteria. Since multiple options and criteria had to be evaluated simultaneously, it was appropriate to use the AHP for the selection process. Five experts on the mine participated in the evaluation exercise which revealed that surface conveyors were the most-favoured option. This is the first time that a more structured approach has been used successfully for equipment selection at Obuasi mine and there is adequate scope for future use of the AHP technique on the mine in mine planning or equipment selection. © 2011 Taylor & Francis. | Analytic hierarchy process (AHP); Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model; Canadian conservation institute (CCI); Multi criteria decision analysis (MCDA) | Business plans; Canadian conservation institute (CCI); Continued use; Equipment selection; Evaluation criteria; Mine planning; Multi-criteria decision analysis; Ore transport; Selection process; Structured approach; Underground mine; Analytic hierarchy process; Automobiles; Contractors; Conveyors; Hierarchical systems; Mine trucks; Ores; Surface mine transportation; Truck transportation; Trucks; Underground mine transportation; Mine shafts; analytical hierarchy process; gold mine; mining; mining industry; multicriteria analysis; numerical model; ore deposit; ore mineral; production system; shaft; trucking; Ghana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897127815 | Potential impact of traffic densification on rail freight transport cost in sub-Saharan Africa | de Bod A., Havenga J.H., Pienaar W.J. | 2011 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 8 | 4 F | None | Stellenbosch University, Department of Logistics, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | de Bod, A., Stellenbosch University, Department of Logistics, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Havenga, J.H., Stellenbosch University, Department of Logistics, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Pienaar, W.J., Stellenbosch University, Department of Logistics, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | This article highlights the significant cost-reduction opportunities possible through the densification of rail freight traffic, especially over longer distances, and the concomitant implications for increased profitability for railway organisations in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Densification opportunities should also focus on the development of transport corridors throughout the region. SSA countries themselves can play a critical role in unlocking this potential by, inter alia, simplifying regional economic agreements. As with most other initiatives in SSA, unlocking this potential will require efficient cross-country collaboration. | Economies of density; Rail freight transport; Sub-saharan africa; Transport cost | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944254344 | Challenges, Changes, and Impact of the Council on Social Work Education Womens Council: An Update | Tower L.E., Lazzari M.M., Faul A.C., Alvarez A.R. | 2015 | Journal of Social Work Education | 51 | 4 | 10.1080/10437797.2015.1076279 | West Virginia University, School of Social Work, P.O. Box 6830, Morgantown, WV, United States; Social Work Program, University of Washington Tacoma, United States; University of Louisville, United States; University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Wayne State University, United States | Tower, L.E., West Virginia University, School of Social Work, P.O. Box 6830, Morgantown, WV, United States; Lazzari, M.M., Social Work Program, University of Washington Tacoma, United States; Faul, A.C., University of Louisville, United States, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Alvarez, A.R., Wayne State University, United States | This article highlights the contributions of the Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education (Womens Council) as well as the role and status of women in social work education. For this historical analysis update, the authors drew on several primary and secondary data sources. The first major theme was organizational development (e.g., organizational commitment, strategic planning, and sustainability). The second major theme was contributions to social work education (e.g., furthering the knowledge base, influencing accreditation standards, and monitoring equity). These major themes and subthemes remained constant from the previous publication on the history of the WC (Alvarez et al., 2008), underscoring the resilience, commitment and persistence of the WC to keep a sharp focus on infusing feminist perspectives into social work education. Copyright © Council on Social Work Education. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955465958 | The reasons for and the impact of principal-on-teacher bullying on the victims' private and professional lives | de Wet C. | 2010 | Teaching and Teacher Education | 26 | 7 | 10.1016/j.tate.2010.05.005 | Department of Comparative Education and Education Management, Faculty of Education, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa | de Wet, C., Department of Comparative Education and Education Management, Faculty of Education, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa | This article focuses on the reasons for principal-on-teacher bullying and the impact of the bullying on the victims. The data stem from a phenomenological study which was conducted to ascertain teachers' exposure to different types of bullying. Colaizzi's phenomenological method was employed in analysing participants' transcripts. The findings support the literature that the lack of an effective regime for monitoring of regulations governing principals' behaviour and the characteristics of the bullies and victims are reasons for bullying. This paper uses the voices of the victims of bullying to illustrate teachers' experiences of bullying. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Education management; Phenomenology; Principal-on-teacher bullying; South Africa; Workplace bullying | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-13644262402 | The negative and positive impacts of HIV/AIDS on democracy in South Africa | Butler A. | 2005 | Journal of Contemporary African Studies | 23 | 1 | 10.1080/0258900042000329439 | Department of Political Studies, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Butler, A., Department of Political Studies, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This article first sets out the reasoning of those who fear that the implications of HIV/AIDS for democratic consolidation in South Africa are profoundly negative. However, the remainder of the text argues that the politics of HIV/AIDS has in fact strengthened democratic institutions and practices over the past decade. Given the immediate threats to democratic consolidation that exist in South Africa today - challenges that I will argue derive from internal dominant party politics, the nature of knowledge creation in the African National Congress (ANC), and a shrinking space for policy contestation - the epidemic may contribute further to the endurance of democracy over coming years. I conclude that scholars should address the pandemic's positive, as well as its inevitably negative, consequences for democracy and governance. © 2005 Journal of Contemporary African Studies. | None | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; democracy; governance approach; human immunodeficiency virus; political development; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959275553 | Gendering at work: The production, performance and regulation of gendered subjects at a Stellenbosch restaurant | Crous M.E. | 2010 | South African Review of Sociology | 41 | 2 | 10.1080/21528586.2010.490376 | Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, 7602, Matieland, South Africa | Crous, M.E., Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, 7602, Matieland, South Africa | This article explores the social relations between restaurant staff in a busy Stellenbosch restaurant. Following Judith Butler's theoretical understanding of gender as a performative displacement onto bodies, I will methodologically show how the everyday practice of work in a restaurant is an example of a series of gendering performances producing gendered subjects. I analyse visible and invisible authorities that regulate subjects' performances, and reward and punish them accordingly. These authorities regulate speech acts and 'techniques of the body', which I suggest are performances of restaurant labour that produce gender. Everyday practice in a restaurant, such as tipping, shows the performative nature of gendered subjects, the multiple authorities that regulate their roles, and the limits of their agency. © South African Sociological Association. | Gender; Hierarchy; Performativity; Regulation; Restaurant work | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897057156 | Student teachers' academic backgrounds and beliefs about teaching: Predicting student engagement and performance in a developing country | Nizeyimana G., Osman R. | 2014 | Education as Change | 18 | SUPPL.1 | 10.1080/16823206.2013.877356 | Kigali Institute of Education, Curriculum and Teaching, Rwanda; University of Witwatersrand, South Africa | Nizeyimana, G., Kigali Institute of Education, Curriculum and Teaching, Rwanda; Osman, R., University of Witwatersrand, South Africa | This article explores the influence of university/college first-year student teachers' educational backgrounds and their beliefs about teaching on their performance, and identifies these as key indicators of student engagement in learning to teach in developing countries, with particular reference to Rwanda. Both quantitative data (students' marks) and qualitative data (semi-structured interviews) were collected from student teachers in the 2010 academic year. This article argues that, in developing countries where primary teacher preparation is done at high school level while secondary school teacher preparation is done at university/college level, tertiary first-year student teachers' beliefs about their teaching career are more likely to determine the level of their engagement in learning to teach and hence performance than their prior academic background in related fields of study. © 2014 © 2014 The University of Johannesburg. | academic background; beliefs; developing countries; performance; student engagement; teacher education | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859123358 | The impact of culture on performance appraisal reforms in Africa: The case of Uganda's civil service | Karyeija G.K. | 2012 | Asian Social Science | 8 | 4 | 10.5539/ass.v8n4p159 | Public Administration Higher Degrees Department, Uganda Management Institute, P. O. Box 20131, Kampala, Uganda | Karyeija, G.K., Public Administration Higher Degrees Department, Uganda Management Institute, P. O. Box 20131, Kampala, Uganda | This article explores the impact of administrative culture on performance appraisal reforms in Uganda's civil service. Data gathered from 147 questionnaires, 29 interviews and various documents indicates that administrative culture sabotages the actual conduct of performance appraisals and undermines its institutionalization. The study supports the use of power distance and uncertainty avoidance. The additional dimensions of political (neutrality) biasness and ethnicity are a highly relevant addition to the literature on administrative culture and its linkage to instruments of management. Thus, for the successful introduction of performance appraisals, culture matters because the performance appraisal is imposed from abroad and requires a compatible host administrative culture in order to take root. In this case, the host administrative culture was not compatible in many respects with the values underlying the appraisal reforms. Although the Ugandan government introduced appraisal reforms, incompatibility between the values embedded in the appraisal and the host administrative culture watered down the reform. | Administrative culture; Performance appraisal; Reforms; Uganda; Values | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84936886428 | The Gendered Impacts of Agricultural Asset Transfer Projects: Lessons from the Manica Smallholder Dairy Development Program | Johnson N., Njuki J., Waithanji E., Nhambeto M., Rogers M., Kruger E.H. | 2015 | Gender, Technology and Development | 19 | 2 | 10.1177/0971852415578041 | CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States; Cultivate Africa’s Future, International Development Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; National Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Land O’Lakes International Development, Chimoio-Manica, Mozambique; Brattle Group, Washington, DC, United States; Eden Prairie, Minnesota, United States | Johnson, N., CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States; Njuki, J., Cultivate Africa’s Future, International Development Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; Waithanji, E., International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Nhambeto, M., National Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Land O’Lakes International Development, Chimoio-Manica, Mozambique; Rogers, M., Brattle Group, Washington, DC, United States; Kruger, E.H., Eden Prairie, Minnesota, United States | This article explores the gendered impacts of a development project that provided dairy training and a superior breed of cattle to households as part of a broader effort to develop a smallholder-friendly, market-oriented dairy value chain in the Manica province of Mozambique. The project first targeted households, registered cows in the names of the household heads, and, initially, trained these cow owners in various aspects of dairy production and marketing. Subsequently, the training was expanded to two members per household to increase the capacity within households to care for cows, a change that resulted in the training of a significant number of women. Using qualitative and quantitative data on dairy production and consumption, and on gendered control over income and assets, the article explores how men and women participated in and benefited from the Manica Smallholder Dairy Development Program (MSDDP). We found that despite being registered in the name of men, in practice, dairy cattle are in some cases viewed as jointly owned by both men and women. Beneficiary households dramatically increased dairy production and income, with men, women, and children all contributing labor to this endeavor. Women’s incentives for participation in dairy were less clear. Despite their recognized rights and responsibilities related to dairy cow management, women exercised relatively little control over milk and milk income as compared to men. This article explores the various monetary and nonmonetary benefits of MSDDP and dairying for women along with their implications for the level of effort put in by women, and the overall project outcomes. © 2015, © 2015 Asian Institute of Technology. | assets; dairy development; Gender; mixed methods; Mozambique; property rights | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881247342 | An exploration of the impact of students' prior genre knowledge on their constructions of 'audience' in a Marketing course at postgraduate level | Bangeni B. | 2013 | English for Specific Purposes | 32 | 4 | 10.1016/j.esp.2013.05.001 | Academic Development Programme, University of Cape Town, Hoerikwaggo Building, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Bangeni, B., Academic Development Programme, University of Cape Town, Hoerikwaggo Building, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This article explores the development of audience awareness for two English additional language (EAL) graduate students making the transition from undergraduate Social Science disciplines into the professional discipline of Marketing at a South African university. The article examines the ways in which their conceptualisations of 'audience' shape their negotiation of the generic move structure informing a dominant genre within the discipline: the written case analysis. I argue that the students' struggle with realising the communicative purposes of the genre in their analyses has implications for how they engage with disciplinary theory within crucial moves. Data yielded by semi-structured interviews, reflection papers, as well as selected case analyses written by the students in the initial months of their postgraduate year illustrate how this struggle can be traced to a mismatch between their embodied understandings of the concept of 'audience' which are transported from undergraduate learning contexts, and 'audience' as prescribed by the communicative purpose of the written case analysis within a professional discipline. In making this argument, the article examines the ways in which an antecedent genre, the Social Science argumentative essay, contributes to this mismatch. The article concludes by outlining the pedagogical implications of the findings from an ESP perspective. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Antecedent genre; Audience awareness; Disciplinarity; Prior genre knowledge; Transition; Written case analysis | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955800417 | Assessing the impact of university reputation on stakeholder intentions | Ressler J., Abratt R. | 2009 | Journal of General Management | 35 | 3 | None | Rinker School of Business, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Florida, United States; Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University, Florida, United States; Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Ressler, J., Rinker School of Business, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Florida, United States; Abratt, R., Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University, Florida, United States, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | This article explores the concept of university reputation and its impact on stakeholder intentions. The authors seek a greater understanding of how different stakeholders perceive the reputation of universities. The literature dealing with identity, image and reputation is explored, as well as stakeholder theory, the measurement of reputation and various models of university reputation. The article concludes with a proposed model for testing the reputation of a university. Alist of attributes that should be used to test stakeholder perceptions of university reputation is presented. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84954399107 | Comprehensive Community Initiative: Evaluation of a transformation system in Mhakwe community in Zimbabwe | Tirivanhu P., Matondi P.B., Groenewald I. | 2015 | Development Southern Africa | 32 | 6 | 10.1080/0376835X.2015.1063983 | Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Rural Development and Extension, University of Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Ruzivo Trust, 28 Greendale Drive, Harare, Zimbabwe | Tirivanhu, P., Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Rural Development and Extension, University of Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Matondi, P.B., Ruzivo Trust, 28 Greendale Drive, Harare, Zimbabwe; Groenewald, I., Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Rural Development and Extension, University of Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa | This article explores community perceptions on implementation and impacts of the Mhakwe Comprehensive Community Initiative (CCI) in Mhakwe Ward, Zimbabwe. A mixed-methods research methodology was adopted. Qualitative data were collected from action research, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire from a random cluster sample, and were analysed using SPSS and Stata with binomial logistic regression to determine factors significantly affecting selected variables and the chi-square test for independence to determine association between variables. Thematic reviews were utilised to analyse qualitative data. Community perceptions on issues affecting multi-stakeholder collaborations, ownership, and control, internal and external enabling factors were explored. The article concludes that leadership development, strengthening family institutions, enhancing ownership and building capacity of local institutions to coordinate such initiatives are fundamental building blocks for CCIs. This article recommends CCIs as a practical framework for empowering marginalised communities. © 2015 Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC). | Comprehensive Community Initiative; Mhakwe; Mixed-methods research; Perceptions; Zimbabwe | capacity building; community development; empowerment; local participation; perception; research method; stakeholder; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908364911 | Benchmarking sustainable high performance companies | Hough J. | 2012 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 9 | 42403 | None | Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Hough, J., Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | This article examines various approaches to benchmarking and measuring sustainable performance in order to identify long-term high performance companies in South Africa. We set guidelines and select the criteria for benchmarking high performance.This benchmarking approach (based on the accessibility and reliability of standardized financial data) addresses the critical issues in the measurement of sustainable performance: benchmarking approaches, measuring strategic performance, finding the right guidelines for peer performance benchmarks, calibrating sustainability and long-term performance, and comparing individual high performers with the established benchmark.This study sheds light on the practical guidelines for and the benefit of benchmarking high performance. Forty-four peer performance benchmarks and clusters based on 166 Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE) listed companies were established. Furthermore, fourteen high and superior performers were identified on the basis of this benchmark process. © 2012 Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Performance benchmark; Performance clusters; Superior performing companies; sustainable high performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887192581 | The impact of index migrations on share prices: Evidence from the Johannesburg stock exchange | Kruger R., Toerien F. | 2013 | Journal of Applied Business Research | 29 | 6 | None | The University of Cape Town, South Africa | Kruger, R., The University of Cape Town, South Africa; Toerien, F., The University of Cape Town, South Africa | This article examines the quantum and persistence of abnormal returns (positive and negative) for shares that entered or left the JSE Top 40 Index during quarterly index rebalancing between 2002 and 2013. Using an event study methodology based on the market model, we find evidence of anticipatory trading for both deletions and additions, which is, however, significant only for the former. These abnormal returns are reversed over our window period, which supports international studies indicating downward sloping share demand curves. Our findings imply informational inefficiencies that investors could use to trade profitably in anticipation of index additions or deletions. © author(s) Creative Commons License CC-BY. | Index migration; Johannesburg stock exchange; Quarterly reviews | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887087518 | Performance Appraisal or Praising Performance? The Culture of Rhetoric in Performance Management in Ghana Civil Service | Bawole J.N., Hossain F., Domfeh K.A., Bukari H.Z., Sanyare F. | 2013 | International Journal of Public Administration | 36 | 13 | 10.1080/01900692.2013.773030 | Department of Public Administration, University of Ghana Business School, Accra, Ghana; Institute for Development Policy and Management, School of Environment and Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Department of Social, Political and Historical Studies, University for Development Studies, Wa, Ghana | Bawole, J.N., Department of Public Administration, University of Ghana Business School, Accra, Ghana; Hossain, F., Institute for Development Policy and Management, School of Environment and Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Domfeh, K.A., Department of Public Administration, University of Ghana Business School, Accra, Ghana; Bukari, H.Z., Institute for Development Policy and Management, School of Environment and Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Sanyare, F., Department of Social, Political and Historical Studies, University for Development Studies, Wa, Ghana | This article examines the practice of performance appraisal as a critical element of administrative culture in the Ghana Civil Service (CS). It relies on three focus group discussions with senior civil servants to analyze the practice and its implications for performance of civil servants in Ghana. The article argues that: leadership seldom gives the needed attention to this administrative practice; the process lacks objectivity; it is fraught with superstition, spirituality, and fear; appraisers are rarely trained; and civil servants only become more interested in performance appraisals (PAs) during promotion-related interviews. The article therefore concludes that this process has become rhetoric rather than an important practice and that performance only gets praised rather than being appraised. The article recommends an overhaul of the PA system by integrating it into a holistic performance management program; integrating PA training into civil service mandatory training programs; and the revision and computerization of the PA system. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | administrative culture; Ghana Civil Service; performance appraisal; performance management; rhetoric | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79956313431 | Maximising the Local Pro-Poor Impacts of Dive Tourism: Sodwana Bay, South Africa | Mograbi J., Rogerson C.M. | 2007 | Urban Forum | 18 | 2 | 10.1007/s12132-007-9002-9 | School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Mograbi, J., School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Rogerson, C.M., School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | This article examines the local impacts of dive tourism in a South African case study, namely Sodwana Bay in Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal province. Using extensive primary research interviews with key tourism stakeholders and local product owners, dive tourism at Sodwana Bay is considered an example of niche tourism in small-town South Africa. It is argued that opportunities exist for extending local pro-poor impacts if several challenges are addressed concerning improved skill levels, the institutional environment and extending local small business opportunities. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Local development; Small business development | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000259794900001 | Impact of cooperatives on smallholders' commercialization behavior: evidence from Ethiopia | Bernard, Tanguy,Gabre-Madhin, Eleni,Taffesse, Alemayehu Seyoum | 2008 | AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS | 39 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1574-0862.2008.00324.x | International Food Policy Research Institute, African Ctr Econ & Hist Studies, Int Food Policy Res Inst | "Bernard, Tanguy: International Food Policy Research Institute","Gabre-Madhin, Eleni: International Food Policy Research Institute", | This article examines the impact of marketing cooperatives on smallholder commercialization of cereals using detailed household data in rural Ethiopia. We use the strong government role in promoting the establishment of cooperatives to justify the use of: propensity score matching to compare households that are cooperative members to similar households in comparable areas without cooperatives. The analysis reveals that although cooperatives obtain higher prices for their members, they are not associated with it significant increase in the overall share of cereal production sold commercially by their members. However, these average results hide considerable heterogeneity across households. In particular, we find that smaller farmers tend to reduce their marketed Output as a result of higher prices, whereas the opposite is true for larger farmers. | cooperatives,"MARKET PARTICIPATION","PROGRAM EVALUATION","propensity score matching",EASTERN,FARMERS,INDIA,INVESTMENTS,MARKET-EFFICIENCY,MODEL,PROPENSITY-SCORE,RISK,"SOUTHERN AFRICA" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000251053500027 | The impact of lexicographical work on language use: The case of shona monolingual dictionaries in Zimbabwe | Mapara, J.,Nyota, S. | 2007 | LEXIKOS | 17 | None | None | Masvingo State Univ | None | This article examines the impact of current lexicographical work in Zimbabwe on some sectors of Shona language use, namely education, media, medicine and local government. It looks specifically at Shona monolingual lexicographical projects completed by the African Languages Research Institute (ALRI),. successor to the African Languages Lexical Project (ALLEX). It analyses how users of Shona in these particular sectors are responding to the different lexicographical products published by ALRI. The article maintains that Shona monolingual lexicography has resulted in language raising and awareness. It has also led to term creation and has contributed towards standardisation of the language. Shona has furthermore gained the abstractive power it needs to explain its own and other concepts. All these have caused diglossia leakage from Low (L) Shona to High (H) Shona in some areas of Shona language usage. The overall effect is that Shona is now used in some formal sectors such as the above-mentioned ones which previously were the preserve of English in Zimbabwe. | ALLEX,ALRI,DICTIONARIES,"GENERAL DICTIONARIES","language awareness","language raising","LANGUAGE USE","monolingual lexicography",SLCA,Specialised,standardisation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898721705 | Influence of home based factors on the academic performance of girl learners from poverty stricken families: A case of Zimbabwe | Chinyoka K., Naidu N. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 6 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n6p223 | Great Zimbabwe University, Department of Educational Foundations, Zimbabwe; Department of Psychology of Education, University of South Africa (UNISA), College of Education, South Africa | Chinyoka, K., Great Zimbabwe University, Department of Educational Foundations, Zimbabwe; Naidu, N., Department of Psychology of Education, University of South Africa (UNISA), College of Education, South Africa | This article examines the home based factors that influence the academic performance of the girl child from poverty stricken households in Masvingo province, Zimbabwe. With the prevailing economic hardships faced by the majority of the people in Zimbabwe since 1990, the number of girl children living in poverty is continually increasing and it has become a growing issue. A qualitative phenomenological design was used incorporating focus group discussions, interviews and observations as data collection instruments with ten girl children, six parents and four teachers at two secondary schools, one rural and another urban in Masvingo province. The participants comprised girl students doing form three, their parents and also some of their teachers. The study is informed by Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory. This study established that the girl child's academic performance is affected by multiple contexts including family, home, neighbourhood and school. The study concluded that family income, parental level of education, gender, home circumstances, and family size influenced academic achievement of girls in secondary schools. The home circumstances of girls from poor backgrounds were observed to be not conducive to learning because of a lack of lighting, spending much time on domestic chores, having no desk or table to work at, or not having books at home. The girl learners also did not get basic needs met like food, sanitary pads and school fees. Recommendations are that the government should sensitize parents on the need and importance of supporting the education of girls and on the importance of providing for the needs of the girl child. Finally, every effort must be made to ensure that the affected children have stable, preferably home/family based care and adequate social support. Various policies and interventions can help to attenuate poverty's negative influence on child development. | Academic performance; Ecological; Girl child; Home-based; Phenomenological; Poverty | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960748565 | University lecturers' perceptions of students evaluation of their instructional practices | Machingambi S., Wadesango N. | 2011 | Anthropologist | 13 | 3 | None | Walter Sisulu Universit, Centre for Learning and Teaching Development, South Africa | Machingambi, S., Walter Sisulu Universit, Centre for Learning and Teaching Development, South Africa; Wadesango, N., Walter Sisulu Universit, Centre for Learning and Teaching Development, South Africa | This article examines lecturers' perceptions of student evaluations on their instructional practices. A total of sixty lecturers from an institution of higher learning in South Africa participated in the study. Data were collected through a researcher- constructed 20-item Likert-type questionnaire. Data were analysed using frequency tables and the discussion revolved around the three research questions that formed the pillar of the study. The study established that generally university lecturers had negative perceptions of students' evaluation of their instructional practices. The study specifically revealed that while lecturers were sometimes positive about the use of results of student evaluations for formative purposes, they were strongly opposed to the use of such information for summative purposes. The study, therefore, recommends that student evaluations of teaching must always be triangulated with other multidimensional evaluation methods so as to increase validity and reliability in the evaluation of teaching effectiveness in higher education. © Kamla-Raj 2011. | Formative; Lecture; Summative; Teaching | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863471615 | The secular and the sacred in the thinking of John Milbank: A critical evaluation | Vorster N. | 2012 | Journal for the Study of Religions and Ideologies | 11 | 32 | None | North-West University, Faculty of Theology, South Africa | Vorster, N., North-West University, Faculty of Theology, South Africa | This article examines John Milbank's deconstruction of secular social theory, and the counter master narrative that he proposes. Milbank depicts secular social theory as based on an ontology of 'violence'. Instead, he proposes a participatory Christian master narrative based on an ontology of peace. Two questions are posed in this article. First, is Milbank's description of secular thought as under girded by an ontology of violence valid? Second, does the Christian counter narrative that he proposes provide an adequate and viable social theory? After explicating Milbank's analysis of secular social theory and his alternative of an ontology of peace, the article comes to the conclusion that Milbank's analysis of secular theory is seriously flawed because of the very comprehensive and universal content that he gives to the term 'violence'. His alternative social theory is also not viable because of the ecclesiocentric nature of his model. It is argued that Milbank's alternative narrative displays contradictions and does not escape theocratic, relativist and 'violent' elements. © SACRI. | Church; Gift; John milbank; Narrative; Ontology; Participation; Peace; Secular; Social theory; Violence | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-40349095162 | The impact of social transformation on the non-government welfare sector and the social work profession | Lombard A. | 2008 | International Journal of Social Welfare | 17 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1468-2397.2007.00550.x | Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Hillcrest, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Lombard, A., Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Hillcrest, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | This article examines changes to non-government social welfare, their impact on service delivery and on the social work profession. To redress the legacy of the past and the consequent inequalities in social welfare, in the first decade of democracy the government allocated the bulk of its welfare resources to transforming the social security system at the expense of social service delivery. As a result, South Africa has a costly social security budget with social services on the brink of collapse, leaving social workers and other social service professionals with low morale in the face of the huge challenge of providing welfare services with scarce resources, especially in the non-government sector. Nevertheless, social work remains an important role player in social development. From its marginalised position in the first decade of democracy, in the second decade it is repositioning itself as a recognised contributor to reconstruction and development in South Africa. © Journal compilation © 2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the International Journal of Social Welfare. | Non-government social welfare; Social service delivery; Social work; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67650113627 | South African Law of evidence as it applies to the child witness: A Critical evaluation | Whitear-Nei N. | 2009 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 19 | 1 | None | University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Faculty of Law, Pietermaritzburg Campus, P.O. Box X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Whitear-Nei, N., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Faculty of Law, Pietermaritzburg Campus, P.O. Box X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | This article examines aspects of the South African criminal justice system which are of particular relevance to the child witness, and the reception of testimony by the court. The author focuses on: 1) the need to prepare the child witness for the experience in court, 2) establishing the competence of the child witness, 3) the procedure for swearing In a child who does not understand the religious sanctity of the oath, 4) the use of an intermediary to convey the child's testimony to court, 5) circumstances in which the child does not have to enter the court room to testify, 6) the admissibility of pre recorded videotaped statements of the child witness, 7) the evaluation of the child's evidence, and 8) whether the adversarial model of criminal justice is appropriate In the context of the child witness. The article concludes by suggesting that reform is needed in these areas. Copyright © 2009 Journal of Psychology in Africa. | Child witness; Evaluation; Law of evidence; South africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845340163 | Multiple accountability relationships and improved service delivery performance in Hyderabad City, Southern India | Caseley J. | 2006 | International Review of Administrative Sciences | 72 | 4 | 10.1177/0020852306070082 | Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya | Caseley, J., Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya | This article examines a series of service delivery reforms that were undertaken at the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board in Andhra Pradesh State, southern India. Key to sustained improvements in service delivery performance were three effective accountability relationships, triangulating between citizens, senior managers, and frontline workers. In this dynamic, consistent citizen demand for accountability provided new sources of performance information to senior managers, which they could then use to hold frontline workers to account for responsive service provision. Transparent and accessible citizen-based accountability mechanisms have the potential to contribute to organizational change and sustained improvements in service delivery performance in public sector service providers. | Accountability; India; Public sector reform; Service delivery performance; South Asia; Urban water supply | accountability; organizational change; public sector; service provision; water supply; Andhra Pradesh; Asia; Eurasia; Hyderabad; India; South Asia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952508083 | Evaluation of quality concepts influencing a manufacturing environment in South Africa | Erasmus P., Van Waveren C.C. | 2009 | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering | 20 | 2 | None | Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Erasmus, P., Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Van Waveren, C.C., Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This article evaluates the influence that quality concepts and tools in a manufacturing environment may have on parameters possibly affecting the future design and development of products in the same company. It attempts to establish how quality results can be utilised to determine the level of quality control tools used, such as Quality Function Deployment and Concurrent Engineering, in a company that designs for manufacture. By establishing links from quality results and customer requirements, the research determines what critical quality tools are necessary to determine the capability to manufacture an item without the use of excessive planning resources. | None | Critical quality; Customer requirements; Future designs; Manufacturing environments; Quality concepts; Quality control tool; South Africa; Concurrent engineering; Industry; Product design; Quality function deployment; Tools; Quality control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956576845 | Experimental analysis of reciprocating compressor performance with eco-friendly refrigerants | Bolaji B.O. | 2010 | Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: Journal of Power and Energy | 224 | 6 | 10.1243/09576509JPE936 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Agriculture, UNAAB, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Bolaji, B.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Agriculture, UNAAB, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | This article evaluates the compressor performance using five eco-friendly refrigerants in comparison to R12. Experimental apparatus of a complete refrigeration system with reciprocating compressor was developed and the performance of the system with selected refrigerants was evaluated. The results obtained showed that only R134a and R152a have their coefficients of performances close to that of R12 with 6.6 per cent and 3.1 per cent reductions, respectively. Comparison between refrigeration capacities showed the superiority of R152a with 4.9 per cent higher than that of R12. The volumetric efficiencies obtained were 75.8 per cent, 74.4 per cent, and 77.9 per cent for R12, R134a, and R152a, respectively, whereas those of R23, R32, and R143a were 56.8 per cent, 60.6 per cent, and 69.7 per cent respectively. Therefore, R134a and R152a will perform well as substitutes for R12 in vapour compression refrigeration system. | compressor; eco-friendly; experimental apparatus; refrigerants; refrigeration | Coefficients of performance; Compression refrigeration systems; Compressor performance; Eco-friendly; Experimental analysis; Experimental apparatus; Reciprocating compressor; Refrigeration capacity; Refrigeration system; Volumetric efficiency; Compressors; Environmental protection; Refrigerants; Refrigerating machinery; Refrigerators; Refrigeration | None |
| WoS | WOS:000261307600008 | School monitoring and change: a critical examination of Whole School-Evaluation | De Clercq, Francine | 2007 | EDUCATION AS CHANGE | 11 | 2 | None | University of Witwatersrand | None | This article engages with the challenges of school change, and the conceptual framework and assumptions of using accountability and support as improvement tools. It looks at lessons from various conceptual and empirical analyses and evaluation studies of school change interventions to critically examine the Whole-School Evaluation (WSE) policy introduced in South African education in 2001. It analyses the content, form and underlying assumptions that schools can be improved through monitoring/evaluation and development. This article argues that the WSE policy, in its present form, will not be able to achieve its intended outcomes. A different form of school monitoring and evaluation system, which is more appropriate to the context of South African schools, is needed to achieve the desired outcomes. | DEVELOPMENT,evaluation,"School Monitoring",ACCOUNTABILITY,ENGLAND,LESSONS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84913530785 | Transforming south african libraries through leadership education: A programme evaluation | Hart G.C., Hart M. | 2014 | Libri | 64 | 4 | 10.1515/libri-2014-0030 | Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Arts, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Commerce, Cape Town, South Africa | Hart, G.C., Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Arts, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Hart, M., Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Commerce, Cape Town, South Africa | This article emanates from the independent evaluation of a South African library leadership education programme, run by the Centre for African Library Leadership (CALL). The programme's rationale lies in the drive to transform South African librarianship in the face of a range of challenges-some of them inherited from the apartheid past, others shared with libraries throughout the world. The Carnegie Corporation-sponsored programme aimed at developing leadership insights and qualities in current and potential future library managers. The article reports on the evaluative methodology, which comprised a questionnaire survey of all course alumni, interviews of CALL managers, and five sets of focus group interviews with course alumni and alumni of the followup Train-the-Trainer courses. The very positive results of the questionnaire survey are described and analysed, and key themes and comments emerging from several openended questions are discussed. Triangulation is provided by in-depth comments from the five focus groups, and in the process important themes are uncovered. The distinctive strengths of the programme were found to be its sensitivity to the South African context and its "inside-out" approach to leadership training. In most aspects the programme was found to be very successful, although there was uncertainty about its further continuance and the roles of the Train-the-Trainer alumni. The evaluation suggests that the CALL programme should serve as a model for transformative leadership education in South Africa and beyond. Recommendations include continuation of such projects to a wider set of libraries and their staff, with further use of the experiential approach to training, theory grounded in hands-on practice, and emphasis on self-development and self-awareness. However, the full potential of such programmes can only be realised if senior library management buys in to the values of the programme, and is engaged in implementation plans. © 2014 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin/Boston 2014. | Education; Evaluation; Leadership; South Africa; Transformation | None | Carnegie Corporation of New York |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84913615124 | Impact of the integrated food and nutrition programme in Kungwini, South Africa | Prinsloo R., Pillay V. | 2014 | Social Work and Social Sciences Review | 17 | 2 | 10.1921/9603170202 | Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Prinsloo, R., Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Pillay, V. | This article discusses the impact of the Integrated Food and Nutrition Programme (IFNP) in light of collaborative partnerships for poverty reduction in a developing municipal area in South Africa. The programme aimed to develop home, community and school food gardens to meet the daily nutritional needs of poor households and the process was then to be broadened into marketing surplus garden produce, providing employment and income-generating opportunities. The programme thus aimed to address more than just basic food and nutrition. The purpose of the research was to obtain data through participant observation, focus group discussions and extended household interviews. Drawing on the qualitative interviews conducted with the beneficiaries of the IFNP, the article describes the manner in which poverty can continue to entrench the social exclusion of the poor (despite a specific policy intervention to improve their circumstances) when appropriate stakeholder collaboration is not fully developed and harnessed. The research recommendations include improving weak institutional environments, which may hinder effective service delivery, identifying appropriate skills development for the poor, ensuring community involvement in policy processes, maintaining efficient communication in collaborative partnerships, and maintaining personnel training on policy development and in project management skills. | collaborative partnerships; household food needs; nutrition; policy intervention; poverty reduction | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900553934 | Participation and performance: Decentralised planning and implementation in ethiopia | Snyder K.A., Ludi E., Cullen B., Tucker J., Zeleke A.B., Duncan A. | 2014 | Public Administration and Development | 34 | 2 | 10.1002/pad.1680 | International Water Management Institute, Ethiopia; International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Nairobi, Kenya; Overseas Development Institute, United Kingdom; International Livestock Research Institute, Ethiopia | Snyder, K.A., International Water Management Institute, Ethiopia, International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Nairobi, Kenya; Ludi, E., Overseas Development Institute, United Kingdom; Cullen, B., International Livestock Research Institute, Ethiopia; Tucker, J., Overseas Development Institute, United Kingdom; Zeleke, A.B., International Livestock Research Institute, Ethiopia; Duncan, A., International Livestock Research Institute, Ethiopia | This article discusses how decentralisation policies are enacted in the planning and implementation of natural resource management interventions in rural Ethiopia. A key element of decentralisation policy is the emphasis on greater participation by local communities. Drawing on qualitative research conducted with government staff and farmers, this paper illustrates how different actors perceive and implement national policy and how these actions affect the longer-term sustainability of land management interventions. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Agricultural development; Decentralisation; Ethiopia; Natural resources management; Participatory planning | agricultural development; decentralization; land management; local participation; participatory approach; performance assessment; policy implementation; resource management; rural area; sustainability; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864054602 | An evaluation of a family support programme in the southern Free State ['n evaluasie van'n gesinsondersteuningsprogram in die Suid-Vrystaat] | Marais J.G.L., Ingle M.K., Skinner D., Sigenu K. | 2012 | Acta Academica | 44 | 1 | None | Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Unit for Research on Health and Society, University of Stellenbosch, P O Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa | Marais, J.G.L., Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Ingle, M.K., Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Skinner, D., Unit for Research on Health and Society, University of Stellenbosch, P O Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Sigenu, K., Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | This article details the evaluation of an NGO Family Support Programme (FSP) that was implemented in the southern Free State's Kopanong local municipality. The FSP is primarily aimed at strengthening Early Childhood Development (ECD) in what is a very socio-economically deprived environment for small children. The article argues for the critical importance of ECD within the human development paradigm. It then reports on the actual FSP assessment and advances a number of recommendations for how the initiative could be bolstered. It concludes that the FSP methodology is sound in principle and that it warrants replication at scale. © UV/UFS. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000318778100001 | An impact evaluation design for the Millennium Villages Project in Northern Ghana | Acharya, Arnab,Barnett, Chris,Dogbe, Tony,Masset, Edoardo | 2013 | JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT EFFECTIVENESS | 5 | 2 | 10.1080/19439342.2013.790914 | O.P. Jindal Global University, University of Sussex, ITAD, Participatory Dev Associates Ltd | "Acharya, Arnab: O.P. Jindal Global University","Masset, Edoardo: University of Sussex", | This article details the design of an impact evaluation of the Millennium Villages Project in Northern Ghana. The evaluation is particularly challenging because the intervention cannot be randomised; it is clustered in a group of homogeneous communities and likely to generate spill-over effects. We propose a difference-in-differences design selecting control communities based on a propensity score and collecting five rounds of yearly data. We address a number of evaluation questions in relation to testing the breaking of the poverty trap, assessing project externalities, the role of qualitative research, cost-effectiveness and project synergies, sustainability and scalability in the presence of scale economies. | "COST EFFECTIVENESS","DIFFERENCE IN DIFFERENCES","evaluation design","Millennium Villages Project","poverty trap",AFRICA,DYNAMICS,MODEL,"POVERTY TRAPS" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746223270 | Evaluation of community-based rehabilitation programs in Ghana and Benin [Evaluation de la réadaptation à base communautaire (RBC) au Ghana et au Bénin] | Jadin O., Agbogbe N., Barima O. | 2005 | Medecine Tropicale | 65 | 6 | None | Ecole Supérieure de Kinésithérapie, Cotonou, Benin; Faculté des Science de la Santé de Cotonou, Benin; Programme National RBC du Bénin, Cotonou, Benin; Department of Social Welfare, Programme National RBC du Ghana, Ghana; Ecole Supérieure de Kinésithérapie, 01 BP 3089 RP, Cotonou, Benin | Jadin, O., Ecole Supérieure de Kinésithérapie, Cotonou, Benin, Faculté des Science de la Santé de Cotonou, Benin, Ecole Supérieure de Kinésithérapie, 01 BP 3089 RP, Cotonou, Benin; Agbogbe, N., Programme National RBC du Bénin, Cotonou, Benin; Barima, O., Department of Social Welfare, Programme National RBC du Ghana, Ghana | This article describes two community-based rehabilitation programs set up for disabled persons in Ghana and Benin in the early 1990s. Both programs were based on the model described by the World Health Organization but differed greatly with regard to implementation. This difference had great impact on the respective effectiveness, efficiency and viability. Analysis of 624 disabled persons ranging in age from 0 to 30 years showed better progress in the Beninese group for all areas considered with a resulting improvement in quality of life. Assessment of the cost-effectiveness indicated that spending was higher and less effective in Ghana for globally less benefit than in Benin. Data also suggested that differences in implementation impacted program viability since the Ghana program collapsed in 1999 while the Beninese program is ongoing. The authors speculate that the differences in the two programs were related to failure to observe the basic principles of any com-munity development strategy hi Ghana. For successful community response to difficult local situations, populations require technical assistance from outside sources. National authorities must provide players at both lower levels with the necessary resources including subsidies, training, salaries, planning, monitoring and legislation. These basic rules were largely applied in Benin but almost completely ignored in Ghana. | Community-based rehabilitation; Developing countries; Disability | adolescent; adult; aged; article; Benin; child; community based rehabilitation; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; disability; disabled person; Ghana; health program; human; infant; major clinical study; newborn; quality of life; world health organization | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-51349086709 | The Amma radiosonde program and its implications for the future of atmospheric monitoring over Africa | Parker D.J., Fink A., Janicot S., Ngamini J.-B., Douglas M., Afiesimama E., Agusti-Panareda A., Beljaars A., Dide F., Diedhiou A., Lebel T., Polcher J., Redelspergerk J.-L., Thorncroft C., Wilson G.A. | 2008 | Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society | 89 | 7 | 10.1175/2008BAMS2436.1 | University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom; University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; LOCEAN, IRD, Paris, France; ASECNA, Dakar, Senegal; National Severe Storms Laboratory, NOAA, Norman, OK, United States; NIMET, Abuja, Nigeria; ECMWF, Reading, Uni | Parker, D.J., University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom; Fink, A., University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Janicot, S., LOCEAN, IRD, Paris, France; Ngamini, J.-B., ASECNA, Dakar, Senegal; Douglas, M., National Severe Storms Laboratory, NOAA, Norman, OK, United States; Afiesimama, E., NIMET, Abuja, Nigeria; Agusti-Panareda, A., ECMWF, Reading, United Kingdom; Beljaars, A., ECMWF, Reading, United Kingdom; Dide, F., DMN, Cotonou, Benin, South Africa; Diedhiou, A., LTHE, IRD, Grenoble, France; Lebel, T., LTHE, IRD, Grenoble, France; Polcher, J., IPSL, CNRS, Paris, France; Redelspergerk, J.-L., CNRM, CNRS, Toulouse, France; Thorncroft, C., SUNY at Albany, Albany, NY, United States; Wilson, G.A., GMet, Accra, Ghana | This article describes the upper-air program, which has been conducted as part of the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA). Since 2004, AMMA scientists have been working in partnership with operational agencies in Africa to reactivate silent radiosonde stations, to renovate unreliable stations, and to install new stations in regions of particular climatic importance. A comprehensive upper-air network is now active over West Africa and has contributed to high-quality atmospheric monitoring over three monsoon seasons. During the period June to September 2006 high-frequency soundings were performed, in conjunction with intensive aircraft and ground-based activities: some 7,000 soundings were made, representing the greatest density of upper air measurements ever collected over the region. An important goal of AMMA is to evaluate the impact of these data on weather and climate prediction for West Africa, and for the hurricane genesis regions of the tropical Atlantic. Many operational difficulties were encountered in the program, involving technical problems in the harsh environment of sub-Saharan Africa and issues of funding, coordination, and communication among the many nations and agencies involved. In facing up to these difficulties, AMMA achieved a steady improvement in the number of soundings received by numerical weather prediction centers, with a success rate of over 88% by August 2007. From the experience of AMMA, we are therefore able to make firm recommendations for the maintenance and operation of a useful upper-air network in WMO Region I in the future. © 2008 American Meteorological Society. | None | Climatology; Forecasting; Network protocols; Radiosondes; Sensor networks; Weather forecasting; African monsoon multidisciplinary analysis; Atmospheric monitoring; Climate predictions; Ground-based; Harsh environments; High frequencies; High-quality; Maintenance and operation; New stations; Numerical weather prediction; Sub-Saharan Africa; Technical problems; Tropical atlantic; Upper air; West-Africa; Atmospherics | 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-s2.0-84908670736 | Strengthening patient-centred communication in rural Ugandan health centres: A theory-driven evaluation within a cluster randomized trial | Nayiga S., DiLiberto D., Taaka L., Nabirye C., Haaland A., Staedke S.G., Chandler C.I.R. | 2014 | Evaluation | 20 | 4 | 10.1177/1356389014551484 | Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Uganda; London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom; University of Oslo, Norway | Nayiga, S., Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Uganda; DiLiberto, D., London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom; Taaka, L., Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Uganda; Nabirye, C., Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Uganda; Haaland, A., University of Oslo, Norway; Staedke, S.G., London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom; Chandler, C.I.R., London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom | This article describes a theory-driven evaluation of one component of an intervention to improve the quality of health care at Ugandan public health centres. Patient-centred services have been advocated widely, but such approaches have received little attention in Africa. A cluster randomized trial is evaluating population-level outcomes of an intervention with multiple components, including ‘patient-centred services.’ A process evaluation was designed within this trial to articulate and evaluate the implementation and programme theories of the intervention. This article evaluates one hypothesized mechanism of change within the programme theory: the impact of the Patient Centred Services component on health-worker communication. The theory-driven approach extended to evaluation of the outcome measures. The study found that the proximal outcome of patient-centred communication was rated 10 percent higher (p < 0.008) by care seekers consulting with the health workers who were at the intervention health centres compared with those at control health centres. This finding will strengthen interpretation of more distal trial outcomes. © The Author(s) 2014. | Africa; complex intervention; patient centred communication; quality of health care; theory-driven evaluation | None | Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903202538 | Critical incidents impact management among South African police service officers | Gumani M.A., Fourie E., Blanche M.T. | 2013 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 23 | 3 | 10.1080/14330237.2013.10820655 | Department of Psychology, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, Pretoria, 0950, South Africa; University of South Africa, South Africa | Gumani, M.A., Department of Psychology, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, Pretoria, 0950, South Africa; Fourie, E., University of South Africa, South Africa; Blanche, M.T., University of South Africa, South Africa | This article describes and interprets the law enforcement processes of managing critical incidents in a South African police district. Twenty participants from various police units were selected through purposive and theoretical sampling techniques. Data were collected using unstructured open-ended interviews, field notes, diaries and follow-up telephone interviews, and analysed through the constant comparative data analysis method. Findings suggest the police to have individual and in-group preferences for particular inner strategies of coping, as well as the external resources of relying on various formsofsupport from others and professional consultation in the form of debriefing. The study recommends that individualistic and contextual trauma management be considered. Copyright © 2013 Journal of Psychology in Africa. | Grounded theory; Linear and multilateral styles of trauma management; Police critical incidents impact management; Resilience; SAPS; Vicarious traumatisation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951615444 | Umgidi at the Mabambas': Gender, practice and performance among farm workers in the Sundays River Valley | Connor T. | 2010 | Journal of Southern African Studies | 36 | 1 | 10.1080/03057071003607345 | Department of Development Studies, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Campus, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Connor, T., Department of Development Studies, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Campus, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | This article describes and analyses an umgidi, a celebratory feast that usually accompanies the final 'coming out' phase of circumcision, among farm workers in the Sundays River Valley, Eastern Cape. Anthropological monographs describing circumcision rituals among Xhosa-speakers appear not to discuss such a feast at all, despite this event being familiar to most rural and urban Xhosa-speakers, particularly in the western half of the Eastern Cape. In the absence of comparative information, this article introduces an umgidi feast as a multivocal event that comments on the spatial, performative and practice-oriented elements of life among workers in the Sundays River Valley. I show that farm workers have a definite sense of identity and place connected to the occupation of land as labour tenants and later as labourers. Their conservative rural values are closely associated with the memories of previous land occupation, but are also combined with experiences of displacement, so that memories of lost land directly inform the creation of current identities. An umgidi feast allows the unification of fragmented groups of kin and clan, and provides an opportunity for workers to articulate the pressures of modern farm employment. The prominence of female workers at umgidi feasts also heightens the use of domestic space as an idiom for commentary on experiences of disruption and labour domination. Broadly, the article contributes to an understanding of ritual among displaced communities in southern Africa, particularly labour tenants and farm workers on white farms. © 2010 The Editorial Board of the Journal of Southern African Studies. | None | agricultural worker; cultural identity; cultural tradition; gender; kinship; memory; Eastern Cape; South Africa; Sundays Valley | None |
| None | None | The impact of diversity and equality management on firm performance: Beyond high performance work systems | Armstrong C., Flood P.C., Guthrie J.P., Liu W., MacCurtain S., Mkamwa T. | 2010 | Human Resource Management | 49 | 6 | 10.1002/hrm.20391 | Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland; Dublin City University, Ireland; University of Kansas, United States; Capital University of Economics and Business, Beijing, China; University of Limerick, Ireland; Saint Augustine University of Tanzania, Tanzania | Armstrong, C., Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland; Flood, P.C., Dublin City University, Ireland; Guthrie, J.P., University of Kansas, United States; Liu, W., Capital University of Economics and Business, Beijing, China; MacCurtain, S., University of Limerick, Ireland; Mkamwa, T., Saint Augustine University of Tanzania, Tanzania | This article demonstrates that a diversity and equality management system (DEMS) contributes to firm performance beyond the effects of a traditional high-performance work system (HPWS), which consists of bundles of work practices and policies used extensively in high-performing firms. A DEMS typically includes diversity training and monitoring recruitment, pay, and promotion across minority or other disadvantaged groups. Our analysis of quantitative data from service and manufacturing organizations in Ireland confirms that HPWS practices are associated with positive business performance and finds specifically that DEMS practices are positively associated with higher labor productivity and workforce innovation and lower voluntary employee turnover. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | Diversity and equality management; Firm-level performance; High performance work system; Labor productivity; Voluntary turnover; Workforce innovation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547246322 | The impact of emotional intelligence on human modeling therapy given to a youth with bipolar disorder | Maree J.G., Finestone M. | 2007 | International Journal of Adolescence and Youth | 13 | 3 | None | Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa | Maree, J.G., Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa; Finestone, M., Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa | This article deals with the impact of emotional intelligence on human modeling therapy that is used as a point of departure. Human modeling therapy is a creative therapeutic technique during which something new is created from material that already exists. The possible relationship between emotional intelligence and creativity made human modeling and creativity a suitable form of therapy for the purposes of this study. The BarOn EQ-i: YV™ was used as a measuring instrument to determine the emotional intelligence of the youth in this study. © 2007 A B Academic Publishers. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60349100666 | National AIDS Commissions in Africa: Performance and emerging challenges | Morah E., Ihalainen M. | 2009 | Development Policy Review | 27 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1467-7679.2009.00442.x | UNEP, UN-Habitat; UNAIDS Country Office, P.O. Box 30218-00100, Nairobi, Kenya | Morah, E., UNEP, UN-Habitat; Ihalainen, M., UNAIDS Country Office, P.O. Box 30218-00100, Nairobi, Kenya | This article consolidates and expands on evidence on how National AIDS Commissions (NACs) in sub-Saharan Africa are measuring up to expectations that drove their rapid adoption across the continent. While their overall performance seems reasonably good, most NACs still lack adequate power and incentive structures to hold line ministries accountable, a key requirement for co-ordinating activities and mainstreaming HIV-AIDS across the public sector. Second-generation African NACs urgently need the authority and institutional stature to effectively co-ordinate the channelling of the larger funds now available through government bureaucracy. The evolution of the epidemic also imposes requirements different from those when the current NAC architecture was crafted. © 2009 Overseas Development Institute. | Africa; AIDS; HIV; NACs | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; bureaucracy; epidemic; human immunodeficiency virus; institutional framework; performance assessment; Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650022217 | Practitioner guidelines for career counselling in light of cross-cultural influences on WAIS-III IQ test performance | Shuttleworth-Edwards A.B. | 2010 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 20 | 3 | None | Department of Psychology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa | Shuttleworth-Edwards, A.B., Department of Psychology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa | This article consists of two aspects, Including: (i) The delineation of WAIS-III normative date derived from prior research conducted by the present author (Shuttleworth-Edwards et al., 2004) in respect of a black African first language sample in the age range 19-30, stratified for level and quality of education; and (ii) The presentation of two case vignettes in order to illustrate the utility of these norms. The WAIS-III normative scores for the black African first language groups with advantaged education are commensurate with the USA standardization, whereas for black African first language participants with disadvantaged education scores fall in the Borderline Impairedand Low Average ranges for Grade 12s and Graduates, respectively. The two case vignettes highlight the need to take account of such culturally induced performance decrements on the standard administration the WAIS-III, in order to facilitate reality based indications concerning educational and career possibilities. In particular, there is the risk of underestimating potential in black African first language populations with relatively disadvantaged education. | African; Culture; Language; Qualitative; WAIS-III | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856431067 | The Difference of Performance as Research | Fleishman M. | 2012 | Theatre Research International | 37 | 1 | 10.1017/S0307883311000745 | Department of Drama, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Fleishman, M., Department of Drama, University of Cape Town, South Africa | This article considers the proposition that performance as research is a series of embodied repetitions in time, on both micro (bodies, movements, sounds, improvisations, moments) and macro (events, productions, projects, installations) levels, in search of a series of differences. It investigates the proposition in terms of Bergson's notion of b creative evolutionb and Deleuze's engagement with it, and is concerned with questions such as: what nature of differences does performance as research give rise to? Where do the differences lie, in the repetitions or in the spaces in between? And is there a point at which the unleashing of differences is exhausted, a point at which, perhaps, the evolution becomes an involution, either a shrinkage of difference, an inverted return to the same, or, in the Deleuzian sense, a new production no longer dependent on differentiation but on transversal modes of becoming? © International Federation for Theatre Research 2012. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943573717 | Comparing the performance of different meta-heuristics for unweighted parallel machine scheduling | Adamu M.O., Adewumi A. | 2015 | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering | 26 | 2 | None | Department of Mathematics, University of Lagos, Nigeria; School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Adamu, M.O., Department of Mathematics, University of Lagos, Nigeria; Adewumi, A., School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | This article considers the due window scheduling problem to minimise the number of early and tardy jobs on identical parallel machines. This problem is known to be NP complete and thus finding an optimal solution is unlikely. Three meta-heuristics and their hybrids are proposed and extensive computational experiments are conducted. The purpose of this paper is to compare the performance of these meta-heuristics and their hybrids and to determine the best among them. Detailed comparative tests have also been conducted to analyse the different heuristics with the simulated annealing hybrid giving the best result. © 2015, South African Institute of Industrial Engineering. All rights reserved. | None | Business machines; Simulated annealing; Comparative tests; Computational experiment; Identical parallel machines; Meta heuristics; NP Complete; Optimal solutions; Parallel machine scheduling; Tardy jobs; Scheduling | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748867207 | Assessing the performance of SIA in the EIA context: A case study of South Africa | du Pisani J.A., Sandham L.A. | 2006 | Environmental Impact Assessment Review | 26 | 8 | 10.1016/j.eiar.2006.07.002 | School of Social and Government Studies, North-West University, P.O. Box 19772, Potchefstroom, 2522 Noordbrug, South Africa; School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | du Pisani, J.A., School of Social and Government Studies, North-West University, P.O. Box 19772, Potchefstroom, 2522 Noordbrug, South Africa; Sandham, L.A., School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | This article, a theoretical perspective based on a literature study, is a critical evaluation of SIA as part of the EIA process in South Africa against the background of international guidelines and best practices. It includes sections on the historical background of the development of SIA in South Africa, the legal status and requirements of SIA in the country, and a critical evaluation of SIA regulation in South Africa. The conclusion reached in the article is that the persistent problems of SIA practice, experienced in other parts of the world, are also evident in South Africa. Apart from institutional, financial and professional constraints, there are also serious problems associated with approach and methods. This conclusion confirms the findings of empirical studies that SIA in South Africa is neglected, that the practice of SIA in South Africa is not yet on a sound footing, and that it does not receive the professional attention it deserves in a country beset by enormous social challenges. To conclude the article recommendations are made to improve the level of SIA practice in South Africa, and the possible significance of this national case study for international practice is indicated. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA); Integrated impact assessment; National legislation; Social Impact Assessment (SIA); South Africa | Economic and social effects; Environmental impact; Finance; Laws and legislation; Professional aspects; Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA); Integrated impact assessment; National legislation; Social Impact Assessment (SIA); South Africa; International law; development level; environmental impact assessment; financial crisis; guideline; historical ecology; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937074095 | Is South Africa's 20 years of democracy in crisis? Examining the impact of unrest incidents in local protests in the post-apartheid South Africa | Mkhize M.C. | 2015 | African Security Review | 24 | 2 | 10.1080/10246029.2015.1038285 | Centre for Military Studies (CEMIS), Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Mkhize, M.C., Centre for Military Studies (CEMIS), Stellenbosch University, South Africa | This article assesses South Africa's 20 years of democracy, which has frequently been bedevilled by local protests. This article is particularly interested in those unrest incidents that have been distinct for one reason or another. In South Africa, the surge in local unrest incidents is often linked to police behaviour, which has become increasingly militant and brutal when quelling protests. While the right to protest is constitutional, the damage caused during protest action can be immense owing to acts of violence. Protestors' resorting to violent protest action is often linked to increased frustrations as a result of the government's inability to live up to the expectations of marginalised and poor communities. While this article draws primarily on existing scholarly debates focusing on social protests, the primary objective is to examine the impact of unrest incidents on local protests in post-apartheid South Africa. The article further argues that ‘spaces’ for participation in local governance should be created so that citizens can become architects of development and their own future. © 2015 Institute for Security Studies. | globalisation; grassroots resistance; local protests; neoliberalism; police brutality; South Africa; spaces of participation; unrest incidents | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000339068500002 | The Impact of Microcredit on Child Education: Quasi-experimental Evidence from Rural China | Annim, Samuel,You, Jing | 2014 | JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES | 50 | 7 | 10.1080/00220388.2014.903243 | Renmin University of China, University of Cape Coast | "Annim, Samuel: University of Cape Coast","You, Jing: Renmin University of China" | This article assesses causal effects of formal microcredit on children's educational outcomes by using household panel data (2000 and 2004) in north-west rural China. The unobservables between borrowers and non-borrowers are controlled in static and dynamic regression-discontinuity designs. The static analysis reveals significant positive impact of microcredit on schooling years in 2000 only, and no influence on academic performance for either wave. The dynamic analysis shows progressive treatment effects on both longer schooling years and higher average scores. Formal microcredit improves education in the longer term compared to the short term, and hence may help relaxing the grip of educational poverty traps. | ,BANGLADESH,HOUSEHOLDS,MICROFINANCE,POOR,POVERTY,"REGRESSION-DISCONTINUITY DESIGN" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-26444440936 | Impact of social services on human, social and economic development and the promotion of human rights in South Africa | Lombard A. | 2005 | Social Work | 41 | 3 | None | Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Lombard, A., Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This article argues that research findings on how social service interventions impact on human, social and economic development and the promotion of human rights should provide the necessary evidence that will inform and persuade government to make an increased financial investment in social service delivery beyond that of social security. | None | human rights; service provision; social work; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World | None |
| WoS | WOS:000281682300025 | An impact assessment of a prototype financial literacy flagship programme in a rural South African setting | Tustin, Deon Harold | 2010 | AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | 4 | 9 | None | University of South Africa | None | This article applies experimental research to investigate the impact of the Bubomi financial literacy flagship programme developed by Absa Group Limited, one of South Africa's largest financial service organizations. The programme aims to improve essential financial literacy skills, habits and behaviour of South Africans. The impact of the programme is measured by comparing the level of financial knowledge, confidence, attitude and accountable management practices of statistically representative experimental (people exposed to the Absa training) and control (people not exposed to Absa training) groups residing in village areas surrounding the Giyani town in the Limpopo province located in the north-eastern parts South Africa. By accepting the test hypotheses that the financial knowledge, confidence, attitudes and accountable management of the experimental group exceed that of the control group at a statistically significant level, the article investigates the immediate and intermediate impact of a prototype training programme that can effectively improve the basic financial skills, habits and behaviours of consumers. The research findings is even more pertinent when considering that a prototype skills development programme has been evaluated and found to be most applicable to skills improvement in poor village communities where financial literacy are at acute low levels. The programme evaluation research represents the first of its kind in a rural setting and outlines unique elements of a prototype training programme that indisputably contributes to the urgent need for improved money management skills in South Africa. | "Financial behavior","Financial literacy","money management" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000304472900001 | The Moral Case for Restorative Justice as a Corollary of the Responsibility to Protect: A Rwandan Case Study of the Insufficiency of Impact of Retributive Justice on the Rights and Well-Being of Genocide Survivors | Schimmel, Noam | 2012 | JOURNAL OF HUMAN RIGHTS | 11 | 2 | 10.1080/14754835.2012.674454 | UN Int Criminal Tribunal Rwanda | None | This article analyzes how the current framework of retributive justice pursued by the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda fails to respect the human rights and to enable the well-being of Rwandan genocide survivors. Rwandan genocide survivors currently suffer from widespread poverty, lack of access to health care and housing, inadequate educational opportunity, and food insecurity and malnutrition. It calls for the application of restorative justice as an extension of the principle of the Responsibility to Protect for genocide survivors to be included in the remit of the Tribunal and UN humanitarian and development programs in Rwanda. It examines current and past restorative justice programs in various countries around the world to provide tangible examples of ways in which restorative justice can be implemented. It critically questions the moral logic of exclusive reliance on retributive justice that ignores the consequences of genocide by punishing the guilty without simultaneously assisting the victims. Finally, it urges that the Declaration of Basic Principles on Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Human Rights Violations and Article 75 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court be applied to the work of the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. | ,REPARATIONS,TRAUMA,VICTIMS,VIOLENCE,WOMEN | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70450208864 | Impacts of policy reforms on the livestock industry in Kenya: The case of the dairy sector | Nyariki D.M. | 2009 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 21 | 10 | None | Department of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology, University of Nairobi, PO Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya | Nyariki, D.M., Department of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology, University of Nairobi, PO Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya | This article analyses the impact of liberalization on the dairy industry in Kenya. Much debate rages over the effects of this policy. This debate is, however, not well informed; it lacks recent studies to show events and processes taking place from the farmer to the consumer, that inform whether the policy changes have had the intended effects. The results indicate that milk production and dairy herd productivity have reduced or remained low, on average. Food security with respect to milk has reduced from a position of sufficiency to that of insufficiency. Prices have improved slightly because of increased competition, leading to a stabilization of milk supply from year to year. Dairy capital stock in the form of processing plants has increased but is underutilized because of reduced milk deliveries as a result of an upsurge of small traders that offer more competitive prices. The negative impacts of liberalization policies are mainly attributed to the unsynchronized manner in which they were introduced. | Dairy sector liberalization; Food security; Herd productivity; Milk value chain | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903215482 | Community engagement as liberal performance, as critical intellectualism and as praxis | Seedat M. | 2012 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 22 | 4 | 10.1080/14330237.2012.10820560 | Institute for Social and Health Sciences, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 1087, Lenasia, 1820, South Africa; Medical Research Council, South Africa | Seedat, M., Institute for Social and Health Sciences, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 1087, Lenasia, 1820, South Africa, Medical Research Council, South Africa | This article aims to illustrate that engagement is a dynamic and evolutionary process, moulded by contesting ideological, social actor and contextual forces. For purposes of illustration, I draw on a university-affiliated, participatory enactment of community engagement asacase example. The case illustrates that community engagement may assume a form of action, critical intellectualism and praxis. As action, community engagement is oriented towards performance of liberal democracy. Community engagement, as shaped by the critical intellectualism of the Black Consciousness philosophy, reflects community self-affirmation, autonomy and intellectual independence. Community engagement as praxis may be characterised by reflexivity, vision-making and the building of interpersonal relationships. Community engagement is marked by a dynamic interplay between race, power and counter-hegemonic ideology. Copyright © 2012 Journal of Psychology in Africa. | Action; Community engagement; Critical intellectualism; Interpersonal relationship building; Praxis | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880941308 | Psychological resources as predictors of academic performance of first-year students in higher education | Kotzé M., Niemann R. | 2013 | Acta Academica | 45 | 2 | None | School of Higher Education Studies, University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; UFS Business School, University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Kotzé, M., School of Higher Education Studies, University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Niemann, R., UFS Business School, University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | This article aims to determine whether psychological resources (hope, optimism and resilience) can be potential predictors of academic performance. A cross-sectional survey design was used and the sample consisted of 789 first-year students in Industrial Psychology. The measuring instruments included the State Hope Scale (SHS), the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R), and the Adult Resilience Indicator (ARI). The results of the simple multiple regression analysis showed that state hope, and specifically pathways, and three dimensions of resilience were statistically significantly related to academic performance, whereas optimism was not a statistically significant predictor of academic performance. © UV/UFS Bibliography. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84917698943 | Towards contestation of perceptions, Distortions and misrepresentations of meanings, Functions and performance contexts in south african indigenous cultural practices | Mugovhani N.G., Mapaya M.G. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 27 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p1201 | Department of Performing Arts Department of Music, Tshwane University of Technology University of Venda, South Africa | Mugovhani, N.G., Department of Performing Arts Department of Music, Tshwane University of Technology University of Venda, South Africa; Mapaya, M.G., Department of Performing Arts Department of Music, Tshwane University of Technology University of Venda, South Africa | This article aims to contest the distortions and misrepresentations in the earlier writings of western scholars on the indigenous cultural practices of indigenous African language groups. The focus area will be Vhavenda communities around the Vhembe district of the Limpopo province of South Africa. This is the territory which was encroached by the various western missionary societies from as early as 1863. By 1940, most notable missionaries were almost well established in Venda. By the beginning of the 20th century, schools and hospitals also began to mushroom around Venda due to this missionary enterprise. Through interrogation of the various available sources; previous literature, our findings from participatory observations and the openended (sometimes-convergent) interviews and discussions, this article explores a number of the nomenclature and clichés that arose out of this missionary and ethnographic enterprise. The primary objective is to redress the resultant distortions of the information; with the objective of repositioning the distorted facts. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All right reserved. | Indigenous african music; Indigenous knowledge systems; Malende; Malombo; Tshigombela; Tshikona; Venda cultural practices | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33645704318 | Impact of trade liberalization on the environment in developing countries: The case of Nigeria | Feridun M., Ayadi F.S., Balouga J. | 2006 | Journal of Developing Societies | 22 | 1 | 10.1177/0169796X06062965 | Cyprus International University, Cyprus; University of Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Economics, Cyprus International University, Cyprus; Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, Cyprus; Economics Departme | Feridun, M., Cyprus International University, Cyprus, Department of Economics, Cyprus International University, Cyprus, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, Cyprus; Ayadi, F.S., University of Lagos, Nigeria, Economics Department, University of Lagos, Nigeria, Economics Department, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Balouga, J., University of Lagos, Nigeria, Economics Department, University of Lagos, Nigeria, Economics Department, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | This article aims at investigating the impact of trade openness on pollution and resource depletion in Nigeria. Results indicate that pollution is positively related to trade intensity and real GDP per square kilometer, while capital to labor ratio and GNP are negatively related to pollution. In addition, strong evidence suggests that trade intensity, real GDP per square kilometer and GNP are positively related to environmental degradation indicating that the technique, scale, and total effects of liberalization are detrimental to the environment. The composition effect of trade liberalization on natural resource utilization, on the other hand, is beneficial. A number of policy implications emerge from the study for Nigeria as well as other developing economies. Copyright © 2006 SAGE Publications. | Development; Environmental degradation; Environmental Kuznets Curve; Trade liberalization | liberalization; trade policy; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| WoS | WOS:000230393700002 | Major factors influencing HIV/AIDS project evaluation | Green, JM,Niba, MB | 2005 | EVALUATION REVIEW | 29 | 4 | 10.1177/0193841X05276654 | University of Kwazulu Natal | None | This article aimed at finding out if participatory processes (group discussions, enactments, and others) do make a valuable contribution in communication-based project implementation/evaluation and the fight against HIV/AIDS. A case study backed by documentary analysis of evaluation reports and occasional insights from interviews stood as the main methods. To identify values, the state of beneficiaries prior to and after project implementation/evaluation was compared. Participatory processes were noted to have created an enabling environment for project beneficiaries to become activists for social change, leading to the limiting of the spread of HIV/AIDS through sexual behavior and a change of attitude-the essence required for successful intervention. Group participatory processes were also noted to have contributed in overriding, to a great extent, limitations arising from sociodemographic differences in the attainment of project objectives and limitations arising from differences informs of evaluation (internal versus external evaluators). | EMPOWERMENT,EVALUATIONS,HIV/AIDS,INTERVENTIONS,PARTICIPATION | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905003469 | Improving schools through evaluation: The experience of Catholic schools in South Africa | Potterton M., Northmore C. | 2014 | International Studies in Catholic Education | 6 | 2 | 10.1080/19422539.2014.929806 | Holy Family College Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sacred Heart College, Observatory, Johannesburg, South Africa | Potterton, M., Holy Family College Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Northmore, C., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Sacred Heart College, Observatory, Johannesburg, South Africa | This article addresses the development of quality assurance approaches in South Africa, with particular reference to Catholic schools. It also addresses questions of why whole school evaluation in general has failed to play any meaningful role in improving the quality of schools in South Africa. Reference is also made to specific school cases. The article considers the role of both pressure and support in the education system and ends with some recommendations on how to ensure that school evaluation impacts on school improvement. Catholic education authorities are asked to take note. © 2014 Taylor & Francis. | Catholic ethos; Catholic schools; school evaluation; school evaluation instruments; school improvement; school inspection | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924240896 | Performance, haematological parameters and faecal egg count of semi-intensively managed West African dwarf sheep to varying levels of cassava leaves and peels supplementation | Fasae O.A., Amos A.O., Owodunni A., Yusuf A.O. | 2015 | Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science | 38 | 1 | None | Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Fasae, O.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Amos, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Owodunni, A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Yusuf, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Thirty West African dwarf (WAD) sheep aged 18-24 months with average weight of 17.96±0.89kg, managed under semi-intensive system, were used in a 56-day experiment to investigate the effects of varying levels of cassava leaves (CL) and cassava peels (CPL) supplementation on the performance, haematological indices and faecal egg count of sheep. Animals were subjected to 6 dietary treatments of 100% CL, 100% CPL, 75% CL/25% CPL, 25% CL/75% CPL, 50% CL/50% CPL, and natural pasture (0% CL/0% CPL) in a complete randomized design. Results showed that weight gain (g/day) varied (P<0.05) across treatments from 26.25 to 44.64 with sheep supplemented with 75CL/25CPL having the highest (P < 0.05) growth rate and the least values observed in sheep on control treatment. The dry matter and crude protein digestibilities were least (P<0.05) in sheep supplemented with 100%CPL relative to other treatments. The white blood cells and total protein of sheep varied (P<0.05) across treatments, while supplementary diets of CL reduced faecal egg count in sheep. It was therefore concluded that the performance of sheep managed under the semi-intensive system, grazing natural pasture could further be enhanced through the supplementation of cassava leaves and peels with dietary levels of 75% CL/25% CPL recommended for sheep's optimum performance. © Universiti Putra Malaysia Press. | Cassava leaves; Cassava peels; Faecal egg count; Haematology; Performance; Sheep | Animalia; Manihot esculenta; Ovis aries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38049080630 | Growth performance, organ characteristics and carcass quality of weaner rabbits fed different levels of wild sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia Hemsl A. Gray) leaf-blood meal mixture | Olabanji R.O., Farinu G.O., Akinlade J.A., Ojebiyi O.O. | 2007 | International Journal of Agricultural Research | 2 | 12 | None | Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso Oyo State, Nigeria | Olabanji, R.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso Oyo State, Nigeria; Farinu, G.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso Oyo State, Nigeria; Akinlade, J.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso Oyo State, Nigeria; Ojebiyi, O.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso Oyo State, Nigeria | Thirty-two crossed-bred rabbits of mixed sexes were used to investigate the effect of different inclusion levels of Wild Sunflower Leaf-blood Meal (WSFLBM) mixture on growth performance, carcass and organ characteristics of weaned rabbits in a completely randomized experimental design. Four diets were formulated to contain 0% (control), 5, 10 and 20% WSFLBM. The trial lasted for 56 days. Results showed that rabbits on 5, 10 and 20% inclusion levels had daily feed intake, average daily weight gain and feed to gain ratio that were comparable (p>0.05) to those on control diet. The feed cost per kg diet was significantly (p<0.05) reduced as the level of inclusion of WSFLBM mixture increased. The feed cost per kg weight gain was however not affected (p>0.05). Relative weights of heart, lung, kidney, spleen, stomach pancreas and large intestine of rabbits on WSFLBM diets compared favourably with those rabbit on the control diet (p>0.05). It was concluded that wild sunflower leaf-blood meal mixture (WSFLBM) could be efficiently utilized and tolerated by weaner rabbits up to 20% inclusion level without any deleterious effect. However, further investigation into the long - term effect on internal organs and reproductive performance is suggested. © 2007 Academic Journals Inc. | Cross-bred rabbits; Feed cost; Feed intake; Organ weights; WSFLBM | Helianthus; Helianthus annuus; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Tithonia diversifolia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646406811 | Performance and cost evaluation of substituting rubber seed cake for groundnut cake in diets of growing pigs | Madubuike F.N., Ekenyem B.U., Obih T.K.O. | 2006 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 5 | 1 | 10.3923/pjn.2006.59.61 | Department of Animal Science, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria | Madubuike, F.N., Department of Animal Science, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria; Ekenyem, B.U., Department of Animal Science, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria; Obih, T.K.O., Department of Animal Science, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria | Thirty six weeks old (Large white X Landrace) hybrid weaner pigs (fifteen females and fifteen males) were used in a 12-week experiment to determine the cost effectiveness of substituting rubber seed cake for groundnut cake on the growth rate of weaner pigs. Graded levels of rubber seed cake (0%, 25%, 50%, 70% and 100%) replaced corresponding levels of groundnut cake in five Iso-Nitrogenous and Iso-caloric treatments (A, B, C, D and E) respectively which were further replicated three times in a completely randomized design. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum to the experimental pigs while medication (wormers) were administered to maintain good health. Feed intake was recorded everyday while body weight was taken every week in all the treatments. The average weight of pigs at eighteen (18) weeks were 40.30c, 41.70bc, 39.30c, 41.80b and 47.20a for treatments A, B, C, D, E respectively while the average feed cost (naira) per kilogram of pork gained were N86.95a, N77.47b, N84.04a, N68.00bc and N56.56c for treatments A, B, C, D, and E respectively. Results showed that treatment E had both significantly (P<0.05) higher weight gain and lowest cost of production. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2006. | Groundnut cake; Growing pigs; Rubber seed cake | animal experiment; animal food; article; body weight; controlled study; cost; cost control; diet supplementation; food composition; food intake; nonhuman; nutrient supply; nutritional health; nutritional value; peanut; pig farming; randomization; statistical significance; weight gain; Animalia; Arachis hypogaea; Pieris brassicae; Sus scrofa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34047170305 | Effects of replacing maize with sun-dried cassava waste meal on growth performance and carcass characteristics of meat type rabbit | Olorunsanya B., Ayoola M.A., Fayeye T.R., Olagunju T.A., Olorunsanya E.O. | 2007 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 19 | 4 | None | Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | Olorunsanya, B., Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Ayoola, M.A., Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Fayeye, T.R., Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Olagunju, T.A., Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Olorunsanya, E.O., Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | Thirty rabbits of mixed sexes with an average initial weight of 600g were used to evaluate the effect of replacing maize with sun dried cassava waste meal on growth performance and carcass characteristics of rabbits. Five experimental isonitrogenous (18%cp) diets were formulated such that sun dried cassava waste replace maize at 0%, 25%, 75% and 100%. The rabbits were randomly allocated to these 5 isonitrogenous diets. Each dietary treatment consists of 2 replicates with 3 rabbits in each replicate. Water and feed were provided ad-libitum throughout the experimental period of 91 days. The result shows that dietary treatment did not have effect on feed in take, average daily weight gain, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics. The cost of producing a unit weight of rabbit was greatly reduced by replacing maize with cassava waste meal. Cassava waste meal may therefore be used instead of maize in rabbit diets to reduce cost of feed and the heavy dependence on maize in animal feeding. | Carcass characteristics; Cassava waste; Growth performance; Rabbit | Animalia; Manihot esculenta; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84882992145 | In-home performance and variability of Biosand filters treating turbid surface and rain water in rural Kenya | McKenzie E.R., Jenkins M.W., Tiwari S.-S.K., Darby J., Saenyi W., Gichaba C.M. | 2013 | Journal of Water Sanitation and Hygiene for Development | 3 | 2 | 10.2166/washdev.2013.050 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Trussell Technologies, Inc., 232 North Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101, United States; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya; Department of Geology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya | McKenzie, E.R., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Jenkins, M.W., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Tiwari, S.-S.K., Trussell Technologies, Inc., 232 North Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101, United States; Darby, J., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Saenyi, W., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya; Gichaba, C.M., Department of Geology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya | Thirty low-income Kenyan households using turbid river and relatively cleaner rain water participated in a 6 month in-home Biosand filter (BSF) performance study comprised of surveys and monthly monitoring of BSF influent and effluent water for turbidity and fecal coliforms (FC). River-river (influent-effluent) sample pairs (n = 155; 90% of observations) resulted in average BSF instantaneous FC and turbidity removals of 1.41 log10 (96.1%) and 32.5%, respectively. Cumulative distributions of influent and effluent quality demonstrated unambiguous improvement of river water but rain water improvement was limited and less reliable. Filter performance varied considerably within and across units. A hierarchical set of hypothesized factors affecting filter bacterial performance variability was assessed. BSF effluent FCs were positively correlated with influent (flush water) FCs and influent and effluent turbidity, and negatively correlated with turbidity applied to-date and days since maintenance. Interrupted use and moving the BSF negatively impacted effluent quality. Households with children age 6-10 collecting BSF filtered drinking water, or with more members, had higher effluent FCs. BSFs fed only river water performed better, on average, than mixed-source filters. Implications for BSF implementation in developing countries are discussed, including aqueous chemistry aspects of performance. © IWA Publishing 2013. | Aqueous chemistry; Bacteria removal; Fecal coliform; Household water treatment; Multivariate modeling; Point-of-use; Socio-economic status; Turbidity; Water hardness | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923269425 | First detection of extraterrestrial material in ca. 2.49 Ga impact spherule layer in Kuruman iron formation, South Africa | Simonson B.M., Goderis S., Beukes N.J. | 2015 | Geology | 43 | 3 | 10.1130/G36225.1 | Geology Department, Oberlin College, 52 W. Lorain Street, Oberlin, oH, United States; Earth System Science, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S12, Ghent, Belgium; Geology Department, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, South Africa | Simonson, B.M., Geology Department, Oberlin College, 52 W. Lorain Street, Oberlin, oH, United States; Goderis, S., Earth System Science, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels, Belgium, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S12, Ghent, Belgium; Beukes, N.J., Geology Department, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, South Africa | Thin layers rich in formerly molten spherules interpreted as distal ejecta from large impacts by extraterrestrial bodies have been found in 8 stratigraphic units deposited between ca. 2.63 Ga and 2.49 Ga and attributed to a minimum of 4 separate impacts. Here we report geochemical evidence of extraterrestrial material in the only one of these spherule layers where it has not been previously reported, the Kuruman spherule layer (KSL) in the Kuruman Iron Formation, a banded iron formation (BIF) in the Griqualand West Basin (South Africa). We identified the KSL in 3 drill cores separated by as much as ~350 km and analyzed 2 core samples that have a mean Ir concentration of ~12.9 ppb and nearly chondritic interelement ratios of platinum group elements Ir, Ru, Pt, and Rh. This suggests that the samples contain ~1%-3% by mass extraterrestrial material even though the spherules are highly diluted by ambient sediment. Our geochemical data strongly support the correlation of the KSL with the Dales Gorge spherule layer (DGSL) in a penecontemporaneous BIF in the Hamersley Basin (Western Australia). The KSL and DGSL are close matches in terms of major and various trace element contents and the DGSL has a comparable Ir content of ~11.5 ppb. Therefore it is very likely the KSL and DGSL are distal ejecta from a ca. 2.49 Ga impact by a single extraterrestrial object >10 km across. The lack of any significant changes in the stratigraphic succession in either basin also implies that large impacts alone are not sufficient to cause longterm changes in Earth's surface environments. © 2015 Geological Society of America. | None | Economic geology; Gallium; Geochemistry; Iron; Platinum; Ruthenium; Stratigraphy; Trace elements; Banded iron formations; Extraterrestrial bodies; Extraterrestrial material; Geochemical evidence; Platinum group elements; Stratigraphic units; Trace element content; Western Australia; Iridium; banded iron formation; ejecta; extraterrestrial matter; platinum group element; sediment chemistry; spherule; trace element; Australia; Griqualand West Basin; Hamersley Basin; Kuruman; Northern Cape; South Africa; Western Australia | NNX08AI29G, NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919949725 | Solid State Reaction of Ruthenium with 6H-SiC Under Vacuum Annealing and the Impact on the Electrical Performance of its Schottky Contact for High Temperature Operating SiC-Based Diodes | Munthali K.V., Theron C., Auret F.D., Coelho S.M.M., Prinsloo L., Njoroge E. | 2014 | Brazilian Journal of Physics | 44 | 6 | 10.1007/s13538-014-0257-z | Department of Physics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Mathematics, Science and Sports Education, University of Namibia, HP Campus, P/Bag 5507, Oshakati, Namibia | Munthali, K.V., Department of Physics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Mathematics, Science and Sports Education, University of Namibia, HP Campus, P/Bag 5507, Oshakati, Namibia; Theron, C., Department of Physics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Auret, F.D., Department of Physics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Coelho, S.M.M., Department of Physics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Prinsloo, L., Department of Physics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Njoroge, E., Department of Physics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Thin films and Schottky diodes dots of ruthenium (Ru) on bulk-grown n-type-6-hexagonal-silicon carbide (6H-SiC) were annealed isochronally in a vacuum furnace at temperatures ranging from 500–1,000 °C. Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy analysis of the thin films showed formation of ruthenium silicide (Ru2Si3) at 800 °C, while diffusion of Ru into 6H-SiC commenced at 800 °C. Raman analysis of the thin films annealed at 1,000 °C showed clear D and G carbon peaks which was evidence of formation of graphite. At this annealing temperature, the Schottky contact was observed to convert to an ohmic contact, as evidenced by the linearity of current–voltage characteristic, thereby, rendering the diode unusable. The transformation from Schottky contact to ohmic contact is attributed to graphite formation at the interface. © 2014, Sociedade Brasileira de Física. | 6H-SiC; D and G carbon peaks; Graphite; Raman spectroscopy; Ruthenium; Ruthenium silicide; Rutherford backscattering spectrometry; Schottky contacts | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926687213 | Galactic production of 138La: Impact of 138,139La statistical properties | Kheswa B.V., Wiedeking M., Giacoppo F., Goriely S., Guttormsen M., Larsen A.C., Bello Garrote F.L., Eriksen T.K., Görgen A., Hagen T.W., Koehler P.E., Klintefjord M., Nyhus H.T., Papka P., Renstrøm T., Rose S., Sahin E., Siem S., Tornyi T. | 2015 | Physics Letters, Section B: Nuclear, Elementary Particle and High-Energy Physics | 744 | None | 10.1016/j.physletb.2015.03.065 | IThemba LABS, P.O. Box 722, Somerset West, South Africa; Physics Department, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland,Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Institut d'Astronomie et d'Astrophysique, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP 226, Brussels, Belgium | Kheswa, B.V., IThemba LABS, P.O. Box 722, Somerset West, South Africa, Physics Department, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland,Stellenbosch, South Africa; Wiedeking, M., IThemba LABS, P.O. Box 722, Somerset West, South Africa; Giacoppo, F., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Goriely, S., Institut d'Astronomie et d'Astrophysique, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP 226, Brussels, Belgium; Guttormsen, M., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Larsen, A.C., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Bello Garrote, F.L., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Eriksen, T.K., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Görgen, A., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Hagen, T.W., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Koehler, P.E., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Klintefjord, M., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Nyhus, H.T., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Papka, P., Physics Department, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland,Stellenbosch, South Africa; Renstrøm, T., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Rose, S., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Sahin, E., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Siem, S., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Tornyi, T., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway | The γ-ray strength functions and nuclear level densities of 138La and 139La have been measured below the neutron separation energies. These new data were used to calculate astrophysical Maxwellian-averaged (n, γ) cross-sections to investigate the production and destruction of the p-nucleus 138La in the photodisintegration process. The results confirm the underproduction of 138La in the p-process with respect to the observed abundances and strongly support the ν-process through νe capture on 138Ba as the main contributor to the synthesis of 138La in Type II supernovae. © 2015 The Authors. | Maxwellian averaged cross-sections; Nuclear level densities; γ-ray strength functions | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82655173307 | Performance of smallholder agriculture under limited mechanization and the fast track land reform program in Zimbabwe | Obi A., Chisango F.F. | 2011 | International Food and Agribusiness Management Review | 14 | 4 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, Eastern Cape, 5700, South Africa | Obi, A., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, Eastern Cape, 5700, South Africa; Chisango, F.F., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, Eastern Cape, 5700, South Africa | The Zimbabwean government has long been committed to expansion of agricultural production through mechanization and pursued this goal under the unpopular fast track land reform program (FTLRP). The acquisition and use of tractors by arable crop farmers in communal and resettlement state land were encouraged. This research examines the performance of the program in the Bindura District. Ninety farmers were interviewed using a multistage sampling technique of structured questionnaires to collect data on demographic background, investment levels and production in terms of costs and returns. The Stochastic Frontier Model revealed the significant impact of the program on participating farmers, highlighting the significance of land and other productive factors. While overall production and productivity remain low, triggering a hyperinflationary situation due to supply constraints, practical implications for agribusinesses are foreseen. © 2011 International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA). | Agribusiness management; Agricultural development; Agricultural mechanization; Fast track land reform; Stochastic frontier model; Technical efficiency | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36148991468 | Evaluation of diversity of Candida species isolated from fermented cassava during traditional small scale gari production in Nigeria | Oguntoyinbo F.A. | 2008 | Food Control | 19 | 5 | 10.1016/j.foodcont.2007.05.010 | Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | Oguntoyinbo, F.A., Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | The yeast population dynamics during cassava fermentation at different time regimes was determined and the Candida species isolated from the fermented mash were identified using combined phenotypic and genomic methods. The yeast population increases as the fermentation progresses with corresponding pH reduction mediated by lactic acid bacteria and yeast co-metabolism. The phenotypic characteristic of the Candida species isolated from fermented cassava during gari production in Nigeria was determined using the sugar fermentation profile of the API 20AUX that generated the phenotypic identity of Candida species as Candida guilliermondii, Candida krusei, Candida maris, Candida galabrata. Only strain 1RB identified phenotypically as C. guilliermondii fermented all the sugars except inositol and lactose. Although, the strain 2RB identified by the API 20AUX as C. maris fermented galactose, all other strains could only ferment glucose with the presence of pseudohypae. The result of the comparison of the 18S rDNA gene sequencing with the blast database identified the strains of C. guilliermondii 100% C. krusei 98%, Candida inconspicua 100%, Candida rugopelliculosa 98%. The results also demonstrated that different strains of Candida species participated in the traditional fermentation of cassava and differentiated C. krusei from C. inconspicua using the 18S rDNA gene sequencing. C. inconspicua has not been previously reported due to its phenotypic relatedness to C. krusei. C. inconspicua may not be a good candidate to be selected as starter culture due to its medical importance; it must be genetically differentiated from the diverse strains of C. krusei that participated in the fermentation. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Candida; Cassava; Characterization; Fermentation | Bacteria (microorganisms); Candida; Candida inconspicua; Candida maris; Candida rugopelliculosa; Gari; Issatchenkia orientalis; Manihot esculenta; Pichia guilliermondii | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908133635 | Diagnostic performance of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay for tuberculous lymphadenitis on fine needle aspirates from Ethiopia | Biadglegne F., Mulu A., Rodloff A.C., Sack U. | 2014 | Tuberculosis | 94 | 5 | 10.1016/j.tube.2014.05.002 | College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Institute of Medical Microbiology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Institute of Clinical Immunology, University Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine (TRM)-Leipzig, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany | Biadglegne, F., College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany, Institute of Clinical Immunology, University Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany, Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine (TRM)-Leipzig, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Mulu, A., College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia, Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Rodloff, A.C., Institute of Medical Microbiology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Sack, U., Institute of Clinical Immunology, University Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany, Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine (TRM)-Leipzig, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany | The Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) test is a novel automated molecular diagnostic recently endorsed by the World Health Organization for rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). Nevertheless, performance related data from high TB prevalence regions to investigate clinically suspected TB lymphadenitis are limited. To evaluate the performance of Xpert test for direct detection of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and rifampicin (RIF) resistance in lymph node aspirates, a cross-sectional study was conducted at four main hospitals in northern Ethiopia. Culture served as a reference standard for growth of MTBC and phenotypic and MTBDRplus drug susceptibility testing for detecting RIF resistance. Two-hundred-thirty-one fine needle aspirate (FNAs) specimens were processed simultaneously for smear, culture, and Xpert test. When compared to culture, the Xpert test correctly identified 29 out of 32 culture positive cases, 5 out of 11 contaminated cases, and 56 out of 188 culture negative cases. The overall sensitivity of the test was 93.5% [95% CI, 78.3-98.9%] and specificity 69.2% [95% CI, 66.4-70.0%]. The Xpert test identified the rpoB mutations associated with RIF resistance concordant with GenoType MTBDRplus and phenotypic drug susceptibility testing. In conclusion, the Xpert assay was found to perform well in detecting MTBC and RIF resistance in TB lymphadenitis patients. Furthermore, the test is simple and suitable to use in remote and rural areas for the diagnosis of TB lymphadenitis directly from FNAs in Ethiopia where TB/MDR-TB is rampant. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Fine needle aspirates; TB lymphadenitis; Xpert test | rifampicin; RNA polymerase beta subunit; bacterial protein; diagnostic kit; rifampicin; rpoB protein, Mycobacterium tuberculosis; tuberculostatic agent; adolescent; adolescent; antibiotic resistance; antibiotic resistance; antibiotic sensitivity; antibiotic sensitivity; Article; Article; bacterial growth; bacterial growth; bacterium culture; bacterium culture; bacterium detection; bacterium detection; controlled study; controlled study; cross-sectional study; cross-sectional study; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test accuracy study; diagnostic test accuracy study; diagnostic value; diagnostic value; Ethiopia; Ethiopia; female; female; fine needle aspiration biopsy; fine needle aspiration biopsy; gene mutation; gene mutation; human; human; lymph node biopsy; lymph node biopsy; major clinical study; major clinical study; male; male; molecular diagnosis; molecular diagnosis; multicenter study; multicenter study; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis test kit; Mycobacterium tuberculosis test kit; nonhuman; nonhuman; phenotype; phenotype; sensitivity and specificity; sensitivity and specificity; tuberculous lymphadenitis; tuberculous lymphadenitis; antibiotic resistance; cell culture; clinical trial; comparative study; diagnostic kit; drug effects; evaluation study; fine needle aspiration biopsy; genetics; genotype; isolation and purification; lymph node; microbial sensitivity test; microbiology; mutation; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nucleotide sequence; predictive value; prevalence; procedures; real time polymerase chain reaction; Tuberculosis, Lymph Node; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant; Adolescent; Antitubercular Agents; Bacterial Proteins; Biopsy, Fine-Needle; Cells, Cultured; Cross-Sectional Studies; DNA Mutational Analysis; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Ethiopia; Female; Genotype; Humans; Lymph Nodes; Male; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Mutation; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Phenotype; Predictive Value of Tests; Prevalence; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rifampin; Tuberculosis, Lymph Node; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant | DAAD, German Academic Exchange Service |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925249889 | Improving the sensitivity of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay on sputum pellets by decreasing the amount of added sample reagent: A laboratory and clinical evaluation | Dharan N.J., Amisano D., Mboowa G., Ssengooba W., Blakemore R., Kubiak R.W., Armstrong D.T., Jones M., Manabe Y.C., Joloba M.L., Ellner J.J., Dorman S.E., Alland D. | 2015 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 53 | 4 | 10.1128/JCM.03619-14 | New Jersey Medical School - Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States; Makerere University College of Health Sciences Mycobacteriology Laboratory, Kampala, Uganda; Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, United States; Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States; New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, United States; Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Science-Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States | Dharan, N.J., New Jersey Medical School - Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States; Amisano, D., New Jersey Medical School - Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States, New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, United States; Mboowa, G., Makerere University College of Health Sciences Mycobacteriology Laboratory, Kampala, Uganda; Ssengooba, W., Makerere University College of Health Sciences Mycobacteriology Laboratory, Kampala, Uganda; Blakemore, R., New Jersey Medical School - Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Science-Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States; Kubiak, R.W., Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Armstrong, D.T., Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Jones, M., Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, United States; Manabe, Y.C., Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Joloba, M.L., Makerere University College of Health Sciences Mycobacteriology Laboratory, Kampala, Uganda; Ellner, J.J., Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States; Dorman, S.E., Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Alland, D., New Jersey Medical School - Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States | The Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) assay permits rapid near-patient detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum; however, the test sensitivity remains suboptimal in paucibacillary specimens that are negative for acid-fast bacilli using smear microscopy. Xpert testing includes dilution with sample reagent, and when processed sputum pellets are tested, the recommended sample reagent/pellet ratio is 3:1. We evaluated whether a decreased sample reagent/pellet ratio of 2:1 increased Xpert sensitivity compared to the recommended 3:1. The limit of detection was determined by inoculating serial dilutions of M. tuberculosis into sputum samples, preparing sputum pellets, and testing each pellet by Xpert at both sample reagent ratios. Processed sputum pellets obtained from M. tuberculosis culture-positive clinical specimens were also tested by Xpert at both ratios. Among spiked sputum pellets, the limit of detection was 1,478 CFU/ml (95% confidence interval [CI], 1,211 to 1,943) at a 3:1 ratio and decreased to 832 CFU/ml (95% CI, 671 to 1,134) at 2:1. The proportion of specimens in which M. tuberculosis was detected was greater at 2:1 than at 3:1 for almost all numbers of CFU/ml; this difference was most prominent at lower numbers of CFU/ml. Among 134 concentrated sputum pellets from the clinical study, the sensitivity of Xpert at 2:1 was greater than at 3:1 overall (80% versus 72%; P = 0.03) and for smear-negative specimens (67% versus 58%; P = 0.12). For Xpert testing of sputum pellets, using a lower sample reagent/pellet ratio increased M. tuberculosis detection, especially for paucibacillary specimens. Our study supports use of a 2:1 sample reagent/pellet dilution for Xpert testing of sputum pellets. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | reagent; sample reagent; unclassified drug; Article; bacterium detection; colony forming unit; controlled study; diagnostic test accuracy study; female; human; limit of detection; major clinical study; male; MTB RIF assay; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; priority journal; sensitivity analysis; sputum; sputum analysis; sputum pellet; tuberculosis; tuberculosis rapid test; Bacilli (class); Mycobacterium tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890826738 | The impact of hygiene and localised treatment on the quality of drinking water in Masaka, Rwanda | Uwimpuhwe M., Reddy P., Barratt G., Bux F. | 2014 | Journal of Environmental Science and Health - Part A Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering | 49 | 4 | 10.1080/10934529.2014.854674 | Department of Community Health Studies, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa | Uwimpuhwe, M., Department of Community Health Studies, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Reddy, P., Department of Community Health Studies, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Barratt, G., Department of Community Health Studies, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Bux, F., Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa | The worldwide prevalence of waterborne diseases has been attributed to the lack of safe water, inadequate sanitation and hygiene. This study evaluated socio-demographic factors, microbiological quality of water at source and point of use (POU) at households, water handling and sanitation practices in a rural Rwandan community. Thirty five water samples from the source, Nyabarongo River, and water at point of use (POU) treated with the Slow Sand Filter (SSF) and SûrEau methods, were analysed for total coliform and faecal coliform counts. Turbidity was measured in household samples. A structured questionnaire regarding water collection, storage, usage and waterborne disease awareness was administered to 324 women. Despite the significant reduction in coliforms and faecal coliforms from the Nyabarongo River following treatment using either SSF or SûrEau, the water at point of use was found to be unsafe for human consumption. The frequency of diarrheal diseases were significantly higher among people who did not wash hands before food preparation (P = 0.002) and after using a toilet (P = 0.007) than among those who did. There was a statistically significant association between education levels and water treatment practices at the households (P < 0.05). Participants had limited knowledge regarding water storage practices for prevention of household water contamination. A combination of treatment methods with appropriate water handling should be considered. In addition, education is a fundamental precursor to advocating water treatment at POU. © 2014 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | Microbiological water quality; SSF; SûrEau; Waterborne diseases | Human consumption; Microbiological quality; Microbiological water quality; Slow sand filters; Socio-demographic factors; SSF; Treatment methods; Water-borne disease; Sanitation; Water pollution; Water quality; Water treatment; drinking water; adult; article; educational status; fecal coliform; female; household; human; hygiene; middle aged; river; Rwanda; structured questionnaire; turbidity; water contamination; water quality; water treatment; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Attitude; Cooking; Diarrhea; Drinking Water; Enterobacteriaceae; Family Characteristics; Feces; Female; Humans; Hygiene; Middle Aged; Rural Population; Rwanda; Socioeconomic Factors; Water Microbiology; Water Purification; Water Quality; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33847779261 | Technologies that contribute to reducing environmental impacts of electrical production | Kahn M.T.E., Fritz W. | 2006 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 17 | 4 | None | Centre for Distributed Power Electronic Systems, Department of Electrical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa; Department of Electrical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | Kahn, M.T.E., Centre for Distributed Power Electronic Systems, Department of Electrical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa; Fritz, W., Department of Electrical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) was attended by approximately 21 000 international delegates in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2002. The aim was to institute ecologically sound environmental management. Research has shown that fossil fuel or coal fired power plants are the major cause of air pollution in electricity generation. This paper seeks to show technologies that can contribute to reducing the environmental impacts of electricity production, via emission control systems, industry energy policy, renewable energy technologies etc. and the promotion of active research and development in alternative energy applications in Africa. Innovative energy technology research and development and applications such as smaller scale distributed generation and solid state lighting (SSL) are seen as capable of adding a positive contribution in this area. | Electrical production; Energy consumption; Energy technology; Environmental impacts; Research and development | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84889672330 | Monitoring and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms associated with aquatic animals | Smith P., Alday-Sanz V., Matysczak J., Moulin G., Lavilla-Pitogo C.R., Prater D. | 2013 | OIE Revue Scientifique et Technique | 32 | 2 | None | School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland; Pescanova S.A., Portal del Angel 3-5, 08002 Barcelona, Spain; Center for Veterinary Medicine, United States Food and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Place, HFV-131, Roc | Smith, P., School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland; Alday-Sanz, V., Pescanova S.A., Portal del Angel 3-5, 08002 Barcelona, Spain; Matysczak, J., Center for Veterinary Medicine, United States Food and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Place, HFV-131, Rockville, MD 28055, United States; Moulin, G., French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (Anses), National Agency for Veterinary Medicinal Products, 8 rue Claude Bourgelat, 35302 Fougères, France; Lavilla-Pitogo, C.R., Integrated Aquaculture International LLC, 1F No. 6, Bangunan Lim Seng Kok, Simpang 628, Jalan Tutong, Bandar Seri Begawan BF 1120, Nigeria; Prater, D., FDA Europe Office, United States Food and Drug Administration, United States Mission to the European Union, Rue Zinner 13, 1000 Brussels, Belgium | The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Aquatic Animal Health Code recommends that programmes for the monitoring and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms associated with aquatic animals be initiated by the appropriate authorities. This paper discusses the classes of bacteria to be studied in such programmes and the methods of sample collection to be employed. It also discusses the susceptibility test protocols appropriate for use in such programmes, the interpretive criteria that should be applied to the data they generate and the form in which the output of such programmes should be reported. The authors argue that it is essential that all monitoring and surveillance programmes should employ standardised and internationally harmonised susceptibility test methods to the greatest extent possible. With respect to bacteria capable of infecting aquatic animals, it is recommended that the set of consensus-based standards and guidelines published by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute be adopted as the basis for international harmonisation of test protocols, as they are significantly more developed than any alternatives. It is further recommended that, for the purpose of evaluating antimicrobial resistance trends, such as emerging resistance, the data generated by these protocols should be interpreted by the application of epidemiological cut-off values. However, as yet, internationally agreed cut-off values have been produced for only one species. Thus, for many species, authorities will be obliged to set their own local and laboratory-specific cut-off values. It is recommended that laboratories use a statistical and standardised method of establishing such local cut-off values. Internationally harmonised standard test protocols and interpretive criteria have, to a large extent, been developed to monitor antimicrobial resistance in bacterial species capable of infecting humans. These methods can also be applied to microorganisms capable of infecting humans that are isolated from aquatic animals reared for human consumption or for sale as companion animals. | Antimicrobial agents; Antimicrobial susceptibility test methods; Aquatic animals; Epidemiological cut-off values; Monitoring and surveillance; Reporting data; Resistance; Sampling protocols; Standardisation and harmonisation | antiinfective agent; animal; animal disease; antibiotic resistance; aquaculture; article; bacterium; classification; drug effect; ecosystem; fish; human; microbiological examination; microbiology; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Aquaculture; Bacteria; Bacteriological Techniques; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Ecosystem; Fishes; Humans | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877022912 | Untapped potential of health impact assessment [Un potentiel inexploité de l'évaluation de l'impact sanitaire] | Winkler M.S., Krieger G.R., Divall M.J., Cissé G., Wielga M., Singer B.H., Tannera M., Utzingera J. | 2013 | Bulletin of the World Health Organization | 91 | 4 | 10.2471/BLT.12.112318 | Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; New Fields, Denver, United States; SHAPE Consulting Ltd, Pretoria, South Africa; Temkin Wielga and Hardt LLP, Denver, United States; Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States | Winkler, M.S., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; Krieger, G.R., New Fields, Denver, United States; Divall, M.J., SHAPE Consulting Ltd, Pretoria, South Africa; Cissé, G., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; Wielga, M., Temkin Wielga and Hardt LLP, Denver, United States; Singer, B.H., Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States; Tannera, M., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; Utzingera, J., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland | The World Health Organization has promoted health impact assessment (HIA) for over 20 years. At the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), HIA was discussed as a critical method for linking health to "green economy" and "institutional framework" strategies for sustainable development. In countries having a high human development index (HDI), HIA has been added to the overall assessment suite that typically includes potential environmental and social impacts, but it is rarely required as part of the environmental and social impact assessment for large development projects. When they are performed, project-driven HIAs are governed by a combination of project proponent and multilateral lender performance standards rather than host country requirements. Not surprisingly, in low-HDI countries HIA is missing from the programme and policy arena in the absence of an external project driver. Major drivers of global change (e.g. population growth and urbanization, growing pressure on natural resources and climate change) inordinately affect low- and medium-HDI countries; however, in such countries HIA is conspicuously absent. If the cloak of HIA invisibility is to be removed, it must be shown that HIA is useful and beneficial and, hence, an essential component of the 21st century's sustainable development agenda. We analyse where and how HIA can become fully integrated into the impact assessment suite and argue that the impact of HIA must not remain obscure. | None | health impact; human development index; population growth; public health; sustainable development; urbanization; World Health Organization; article; climate change; economic aspect; environmental impact assessment; environmental protection; health care policy; health impact assessment; health program; human; human development; population growth; social aspect; sustainable development; United Nations; urbanization; world health organization; Conservation of Natural Resources; Decision Making; Developing Countries; Environment; Health Impact Assessment; Humans; Policy; Population Dynamics; World Health; World Health Organization | None |
| None | None | The measurement of wool fibre properties and their effect on worsted processing performance and product quality. Part 1: The objective measurement of wool fibre properties | Botha A.F., Hunter L. | 2010 | Textile Progress | 42 | 4 | 10.1080/00405167.2010.486932 | CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, Fibres and Textiles Industrial Support Centre, PO Box 1124, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; Department of Textile Science, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Botha, A.F., CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, Fibres and Textiles Industrial Support Centre, PO Box 1124, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; Hunter, L., CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, Fibres and Textiles Industrial Support Centre, PO Box 1124, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa, Department of Textile Science, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | The world has moved away from subjective appraisal of raw wool characteristics and has entered an era of objective measurement and specification, and the raw wool trade is rapidly moving towards sale by total description which necessitates the accurate, rapid and cost effective measurement of all the raw wool characteristics important in determining price, textile performance and end-use. The development and availability of new technologies and equipment have enabled the objective measurement of many more raw wool characteristics than was possible in the past. Over the past few decades, a considerable amount of research has been carried out worldwide on the effect of the raw wool characteristics on topmaking and spinning performance, as well as on yarn properties. This was done in order to gain a better understanding of, and to quantify, the effects of fibre and processing parameters on processing behaviour and performance and on the properties of the top and yarn and even the fabric. An important aim of the research was to improve the processing of wool and the productivity and cost effectiveness of the various processing stages. This research led to a better understanding of which raw wool characteristics influence textile processing behaviour and performance, as well as the product quality and end-use performance, and ultimately the raw wool price. On the basis of this, technologies and instruments were developed and commercialised for measuring the key raw wool characteristics rapidly, accurately and cost effectively. In parallel to this, the associated test methods were developed and standardised largely under the umbrella of the IWTO, many of these being adopted and used in raw wool marketing and trading worldwide. This review covers the research and development carried out over more than half a century on the development and standardisation of technologies, instruments and test methods for the measurement of those characteristics determining the price and textile quality of raw wool and which are therefore important in terms of the global marketing and trading of raw wool. Research and development in this field is still continuing, but at a much lower intensity and pace than during the second half of the previous century. © 2010 The Textile Institute. | coarse edge; coloured fibres; dark fibres; fibre crimp; fibre curvature; fibre diameter; fibre length; Hauteur; medullated fibres; pigmented fibres; raw wool properties; resistance to compression; staple crimp; staple length; staple strength; vegetable ma | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78349270877 | The impact of globalization on housing in Nigeria | Mosaku T.O., Kuroshi P.A. | 2009 | International Journal for Housing Science and Its Applications | 33 | 3 | None | Department of Building Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria | Mosaku, T.O., Department of Building Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Kuroshi, P.A., Department of Building Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria | The world has become a global village. Culture, attitude, and the entire social structure of a nation have all been influenced one way or the other by this phenomenon. These changes are manifest in many ways especially as regards what we do and how we do what we do. This paper examines and discusses the impact of globalization on housing in Nigeria by focusing on aspects of planning, design, and construction. It intends to propose how a developing country as Nigeria, in striving to be an active participant in the general global trend in the housing sector, should evolve policies that would harmonize culture/ attitudes with the advantages of globalization. Copyright©2009 IAHS. | Design; Globalization; Image; Technological adaptability; Traditional housing | Global trends; Globalization; Housing sectors; Image; Nigeria; Social structure; Technological adaptability; Traditional housing; Design; Developing countries; Housing | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923427644 | Self-governance for sustainable global supply chains: Can it deliver the impacts needed? | Vermeulen W.J.V. | 2015 | Business Strategy and the Environment | 24 | 2 | 10.1002/bse.1804 | Utrecht University - Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht, Netherlands; Stellenbosch University - Sustainability Institute, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Vermeulen, W.J.V., Utrecht University - Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht, Netherlands, Stellenbosch University - Sustainability Institute, Stellenbosch, South Africa | The world community convened in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012 for the third UN Conference on Sustainable Development. We are, however, increasingly facing major persistent threats, which despite being known for a few decades are still far from being solved - or are even still increasing. On the individual business level, this has four major implications: increased social pressures; possible reputational damage; exposure to resource wars; and front-running competitors adjusting their value chain strategies. In supply chain governance this leads to four main types of strategies: do it yourself; join forces; the 5C-approach and harmonising. The key question is: is this sufficient? Imagine 2022 - where will we be 10 years after Rio 2012? Is a rapid and structural transition to a circular and fair global economy possible, using this path of self-governance for products traded in the global economic arena? This will strongly depend on four key factors: rapid growth of consumer demand; 'all-inclusiveness' of these supply chain governance approaches; successful uplifting production practices of all suppliers; and addressing the major issues of unsustainability. Here we see various serious weaknesses, like the lack of third-order evaluation and biases causing some of the more recent issues to be overlooked and less visible supply chains. The challenge is to develop a form of 'meta'-governance, including new approaches by governments, combining public policy strategies with the demonstrated virtues of self-governance. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. | Certification; Global trade; Governance; Sustainable supply chains | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875399709 | Investigation of the impact in variation of secondary radioclimatic variables on microwave at the lower atmosphere | Jonas A.U., Okechukwu U.D. | 2013 | Meteorology and Atmospheric Physics | 120 | 02-Jan | 10.1007/s00703-013-0234-z | Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 41010 Enugu State, Nigeria | Jonas, A.U., Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 41010 Enugu State, Nigeria; Okechukwu, U.D., Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 41010 Enugu State, Nigeria | The work discusses the effect in the variations of secondary radioclimatic parameters in Nsukka, Nigeria. The data collected from the measured atmospheric profile using two automatic wireless weather stations for 3 years were used to estimate the propagation condition, geoclimatic factor, and effective earth radius. The result shows that, the calculated median value of k-factor is 1. 595, with an absolute span of 0. 26 of the standard value of k-factor 1. 333 owing to the increase in relative humidity during the rainy seasons and intensive temperature inversion in the morning and early afternoon periods of December due to the dry harmattan for the season. Also, from the result super-refraction propagation condition was observed for about 7 months of a year, while ducting condition dominates the remaining 5 months in the region. The regression analysis of k-factor as a function of ground refractivity showed that the pair is strongly correlated (0. 9996). These results have not been obtained in the region and it will help in planning of radio wave line-of-sight for better signal reception. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Wien. | None | air temperature; microwave radiation; radio wave; regression analysis; relative humidity; Enugu [Nigeria]; Nigeria; Nsukka | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877709343 | High performance marine vehicles in the seaward extension of city highways | Onyemechi C.H., Ekwenna D.U. | 2013 | Journal of Maritime Research | 9 | 2 | None | Department of Maritime Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Ihiagwa, Owerri, 234 034, Nigeria | Onyemechi, C.H., Department of Maritime Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Ihiagwa, Owerri, 234 034, Nigeria; Ekwenna, D.U., Department of Maritime Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Ihiagwa, Owerri, 234 034, Nigeria | The work assesses new ways of developing the overall transport system in a sustainable way using methods that extends the road transport system to newly developed marine highways. A model that argues that present transport system is extensible where technology constraints are broken is portrayed. Government policy initiatives that support the sea transport alternative must however be in place to encourage this new developing sustainable transport option.A study was carried out to ascertain ways through which developing countries can benefit from this sustainable transport alternative which reduces road congestion,increases intermodal effectiveness,with comparable cost savings compared to air transport.High performance marine vehicles is viewed in this work as the missing link which developing third world nations must embrace to solve the ever increasing problem of road congestion arising from low transport infrastructure.Methods for assessing modal shares were applied in the work to determine ways for government assessment of modal overload in the distribution of passenger and freight traffic. In this respect, high performance marine vehicles are viewed as just part of the solutions to the existing problem. An analysis of traffic distribution in Nigeria was made to reflect the imbalance in the modal distribution of the entire sector leaning towards the road sector using available freight data. © SEECMAR / All rights reserved. | Marine technology nigeria; Short sea shipping | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855863624 | Evaluation of aeolian emissions from gold mine tailings on the Witwatersrand | Ojelede M.E., Annegarn H.J., Kneen M.A. | 2012 | Aeolian Research | 3 | 4 | 10.1016/j.aeolia.2011.03.010 | Dept. of Geography Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Dept. of Geosciences, University of Texas, Dallas, United States | Ojelede, M.E., Dept. of Geography Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Annegarn, H.J., Dept. of Geography Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kneen, M.A., Dept. of Geography Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa, Dept. of Geosciences, University of Texas, Dallas, United States | The Witwatersrand is known for the high frequency of aeolian dust storm episodes arising from gold mine tailings storage facilities (TSFs). Source and ambient atmosphere are poorly characterized from the point of view of particle size distribution and human health risk assessment. For years, routine monitoring was limited to sampling of dust fallout ≥30μm. Sampling and analyses of source and receptor material was conducted. Thirty-two bulk soils were collected from TSF along the east-west mining corridor, and size distribution analysis was performed in the range 0.05-900μm using a Malvern® MS-14 Particle Size Analyser. Ambient aerosols in the range 0.25-32μm were monitored at two separate locations using a Grimm® aerosol monitor, in the vicinity of three large currently active and a dormant TSF. Statistical analyses indicate that TSFs are rich in fine erodible materials, particularly active TSFs. Concentration of ≤PM5 and ≤PM10 components in source material was: recent slimes (14-24vol.%; 22-38vol.%), older slimes (6-17vol.%; 11-26vol.%) and sand (1-8vol.%; 2-12vol.%). Concentrations of airborne aerosols were below the South African Department of Environmental Affairs 24-h limit value of 120μgm -3. With wind speeds exceeding 7ms -1, ambient concentration reached 2160μgm -3. This maximum is several times higher than the limit value. Erosion of tailings storage facilities is a strong driver influencing ambient particulate matter loading with adverse health implications for nearby residents. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. | Aeolian dust; Dust storm; Mine tailings; Mining; Tailings storage facilities; Witwatersrand | aerosol; concentration (composition); dust storm; emission; eolian deposit; eolian process; gold mine; mining; particle size; size distribution; tailings; South Africa; Witwatersrand | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880918429 | Feasibility, performance, and acceptability of the wisebag™ for potential monitoring of daily gel applicator use in Durban, South Africa | Van Der Straten A., Montgomery E., Pillay D., Cheng H., Naidoo A., Cele Z., Naidoo K., Hartmann M., Piper J., Nair G. | 2013 | AIDS and Behavior | 17 | 2 | 10.1007/s10461-012-0330-y | Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, 114 Sansome Street, San Francisco, CA 94104, United States; Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, United States; Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), EThekwini, Durban, South Africa; DAIDS, NIAID/NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States | Van Der Straten, A., Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, 114 Sansome Street, San Francisco, CA 94104, United States, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, United States; Montgomery, E., Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, 114 Sansome Street, San Francisco, CA 94104, United States; Pillay, D., Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), EThekwini, Durban, South Africa; Cheng, H., Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, 114 Sansome Street, San Francisco, CA 94104, United States; Naidoo, A., Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), EThekwini, Durban, South Africa; Cele, Z., Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), EThekwini, Durban, South Africa; Naidoo, K., Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), EThekwini, Durban, South Africa; Hartmann, M., Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, 114 Sansome Street, San Francisco, CA 94104, United States; Piper, J., DAIDS, NIAID/NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States; Nair, G., Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), EThekwini, Durban, South Africa | The Wisebag™, a lunchbag-style container with an electronic events-monitoring system, was designed as a real-time indirect objective measure of microbicide gel use. Due to cost, alternative functionalities (i.e. use of offline and dummy versions) were explored. We conducted a three-arm, double-blinded pilot study among 50 HIV-negative women in Durban, South Africa to assess participant adherence and Wisebag acceptability and performance. Participants were randomized 2:2:1 to Wisebag with online (events transmitted via cellular signal in real-time), offline (events stored in device memory) or inactive "dummy" devices. Participants were instructed to open the Wisebag daily for 2 weeks, retrieve a study sticker and affix it on a diary card. All participants completed the study. At exit, 94 % did not know which device they had received, nor could they differentiate the Wisebag types when presented with the three options. Five offline devices failed (no data recorded). Per Wisebag events, 26 % of women were perfectly adherent compared to 48 % by self-report and 46 % per diary card. Of reported non-adherence, 92 % did not open the Wisebag (travelling or forgot) and 22 % opened Wisebag >1×/day (curiosity). Participants liked and were comfortable carrying Wisebag. Successful blinding will allow inclusion of offline and/or dummy Wisebags in future study designs. Perfect adherence by opening events was significantly lower than by self-report, highlighting the importance of objective measures of adherence in clinical trials. Additional studies to validate Wisebag data with actual products, with and without SMS and online functionality, in different populations and settings, and in comparison to biomarkers are warranted. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media New York. | Adherence; Africa; Electronic monitoring; Microbicide gel | agents used intravaginally; topical antiinfective agent; adolescent; adult; article; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; double blind procedure; drug monitoring; equipment design; feasibility study; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; medication compliance; middle aged; patient attitude; patient satisfaction; pilot study; randomized controlled trial; reproducibility; South Africa; statistics; Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Double-Blind Method; Drug Monitoring; Equipment Design; Feasibility Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Medication Adherence; Middle Aged; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Patient Satisfaction; Pilot Projects; Reproducibility of Results; South Africa; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies | 5UM1AI068633, NIAID, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; NICHD, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; NIMH, National Institute of Mental Health |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38949191215 | Flower structure and nectar availability in Aloe greatheadii var. davyana: An evaluation of a winter nectar source for honeybees | Human H., Nicolson S.W. | 2008 | International Journal of Plant Sciences | 169 | 2 | 10.1086/524113 | Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Human, H., Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Nicolson, S.W., Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | The winter-flowering Aloe greatheadii var. davyana is a major indigenous bee plant in South Africa, widely distributed across the northern summer rainfall areas. Migratory beekeepers take advantage of its highly nutritious pollen for colony increase and strong nectar flow for honey production. We looked at variation on different levels in assessing this nectar resource for bees. There were no significant differences in nectar volume and concentration between the basal swelling (bulb) and the floral tube, only between flower stages. Nectar was continuously available, with volume and concentration remaining relatively constant throughout the day despite pronounced diurnal temperature changes and very low afternoon humidities. Bee foraging reduced mean nectar volumes in unscreened flowers by 50%, from 30.7 to 14.7 μL; bees are unable to access nectar in the bulb. Nectar volume was lowest and nectar concentration highest late in the flowering season, while the highest sugar content (3.54 mg per flower) was recorded in the middle of the flowering season. Aloe greatheadii var. davyana nectar, although dilute from a bee perspective (ca. 20% w/w), is more concentrated than that of many bird-pollinated Aloe species and is an ideal source of energy and water for honeybees during dry winter months. © 2008 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved. | Dilute nectar; Honeybees; Indigenous bee plant; Pollination; Sugar content | angiosperm; entomophily; flower; honeybee; nectar; pollination; Aloe; Apis mellifera; Apoidea; Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960458669 | Evaluating the performance of wind turbines in selected locations in Oyo state, Nigeria | Adaramola M.S., Oyewola O.M. | 2011 | Renewable Energy | 36 | 12 | 10.1016/j.renene.2011.04.029 | Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Adaramola, M.S., Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Oyewola, O.M., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The wind speed distribution and wind energy potential are investigated in three selected locations in Oyo state using wind speed data that span between 12 and 20 years measured at 10 m height. In addition, the performance of selected small to medium size wind turbines in these sites were examined. The annual energy output and capacity factor for these turbines were determined. It was found that the monthly mean wind speeds in Oyo state ranges from 2.85 m/s to 5.20 m/s. While the monthly mean power density varies between 27.08 W/m2 and 164.48 W/m2, while the annual mean power density is in the range of 67.28 W/m2 and 106.60 W/m2. Based on annual energy output, wind turbines with cut-in wind speed of about 2.5 m/s and moderate rated wind speeds will be best suited for all the sites. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Capacity factor; Energy output; Nigeria; Wind speed; Wind turbine | Annual mean; Capacity factors; Energy output; Mean power; Mean wind speed; Medium size; Nigeria; Wind speed; Wind speed data; Wind speed distribution; Speed; Wind effects; Wind power; Wind turbines; data set; energy efficiency; measurement method; performance assessment; wind power; wind turbine; wind velocity; Nigeria; Oyo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-66349134266 | The cost of environmental impact assessment (EIA) in South Africa | Retief F., Chabalala B. | 2009 | Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management | 11 | 1 | 10.1142/S1464333209003257 | School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Centre for Environmental Management, North West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | Retief, F., School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Chabalala, B., Centre for Environmental Management, North West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | The wide adoption of EIA internationally is implicitly or explicitly based on the assumption that the benefits of EIA outweigh the costs. However, there has been surprisingly little empirical research conducted on the "cost" of EIA. The latter has been mostly because of the difficult methodological challenges it presents, which include the difficulties associated with clarifying terminology and disentangling what is meant by "cost". South Africa has been a leading developing country in terms of the introduction of EIA. However, almost a decade of mandatory EIA practice has raised serious questions about unjustified and unnecessary time delays and monetary costs and a desperate need for improved efficiency and effectiveness. In light of the latter the urgent need to gain a better understanding of the "cost" of EIA is evident. This paper presents preliminary results of an empirical study on the "direct EIA cost" in relation to "overall project cost" in South Africa. The data was obtained from a detailed survey of 148 EIAs conducted in the Free State, North West and the Northern Cape Provinces. The research suggests that the average direct cost of EIA within this region of South Africa is particularly low compared to international EIA systems. However, as a percentage of total project cost, EIA in South Africa compares with the higher spectrum of international practice. The latter suggests that within the South African context a large number of EIAs are being conducted for relatively small scale projects and that the main cost burden is placed on small and medium economic enterprise. In conclusion the overall profile of EIA cost in the South African context is described in relation to four broad project categories. To take the debate forward and to allow for regional comparative analysis, it is proposed that the research be expanded to include other provinces. © Imperial College Press. | Cost of EIA; Direct EIA costs; Indirect EIA costs | developing world; empirical analysis; environmental impact assessment; environmental planning; methodology; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-18844437026 | Enhancing the capacity of national scientists to generate and transfer maize technology in West and Central Africa: Research implementation, monitoring and evaluation | Badu-Apraku B., Fakorede M.A.B., Menkir A., Marfo K.A., Akanvou L. | 2005 | Experimental Agriculture | 41 | 2 | 10.1017/S0014479704002492 | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, c/o Lambourn (UK) Limited, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon CR9 3EE, United Kingdom; Department of Plant Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.M.B. 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Crops Research Institute, Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; CNRA, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire | Badu-Apraku, B., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, c/o Lambourn (UK) Limited, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon CR9 3EE, United Kingdom; Fakorede, M.A.B., Department of Plant Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Menkir, A., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.M.B. 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Marfo, K.A., Crops Research Institute, Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Akanvou, L., CNRA, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire | The West and Central Africa Collaborative Maize Research Network (WECAMAN) was established in 1987 to strengthen the capacity and capability of national programmes of West and Central Africa (WCA) to tackle regional constraints to maize production. The Network created several mechanisms for implementing, monitoring and evaluating maize research and development activities, including research project development and implementation, attendance and quality of paper presentation at technical conferences organized by the Network, scientific monitoring tours, consultation visits, mid-term reviews, and end-of-project reviews and impact assessment. WECAMAN's approach to the system of allocating research responsibilities and competitive grants resulted in increased research efficiency and the generation of susiainable technologies that have catalysed increased maize production in the region. © 2005 Cambridge University Press. | None | Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883830215 | 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-s2.0-84894456748 | Impact of magnification and size bias on the weak lensing power spectrum and peak statistics | Liu J., Haiman Z., Hui L., Kratochvil J.M., May M. | 2014 | Physical Review D - Particles, Fields, Gravitation and Cosmology | 89 | 2 | 10.1103/PhysRevD.89.023515 | Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States; Institute for Strings, Cosmology, and Astroparticle Physics (ISCAP), Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States; Department of Physics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States; Department of Physics, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States; Astrophysics and Cosmology Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Physics Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, United States | Liu, J., Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States; Haiman, Z., Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States, Institute for Strings, Cosmology, and Astroparticle Physics (ISCAP), Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States; Hui, L., Institute for Strings, Cosmology, and Astroparticle Physics (ISCAP), Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States, Department of Physics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States; Kratochvil, J.M., Department of Physics, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States, Astrophysics and Cosmology Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, 4000, South Africa; May, M., Physics Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, United States | The weak lensing power spectrum is a powerful tool to probe cosmological parameters. Additionally, lensing peak counts contain cosmological information beyond the power spectrum. Both of these statistics can be affected by the preferential selection of source galaxies in patches of the sky with high magnification, as well as by the dilution in the source galaxy surface density in such regions. If not accounted for, these biases introduce systematic errors for cosmological measurements. Here we quantify these systematic errors, using convergence maps from a suite of ray-tracing N-body simulations. At the cutoff magnitude m of ongoing and planned major weak lensing surveys, the logarithmic slope of the cumulative number counts s≡d log n(>m)/d log m is in the range 0.1â‰sâ‰0.5. At s≈0.2, expected in the I band for Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, the inferred values of Ωm, w, and σ8 are biased by many σ (where σ denotes the marginalized error), and therefore the biases will need to be carefully modeled. We also find that the parameters are biased differently in the (Ωm, w, σ8) parameter space when the power spectrum and the peak counts are used. In particular, w derived from the power spectrum is less affected than w derived from peak counts, while the opposite is true for the best-constrained combination of σ8Ωmγ (with γ=0.62 from the power spectrum and γ=0.48 from peak counts). This suggests that the combination of the power spectrum and peak counts can help mitigate the impact of magnification and size biases. © 2014 American Physical Society. | None | None | AST-1210877, NSF, National Science Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-47249124443 | Evaluation of an integrated asset life-cycle management (ALCM) model and assessment of practices in the water utility sector | Haffejee M., Brent A.C. | 2008 | Water SA | 34 | 2 | None | Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Natural Resources and the Environment, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa | Haffejee, M., Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Brent, A.C., Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Natural Resources and the Environment, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa | The water utility sector in South Africa is presently facing numerous challenges. Amongst the most urgent and important priorities is ageing infrastructure, which has the potential to end in failures with detrimental impacts on local communities and the natural environment. Furthermore, to manage the majority of strategic assets in terms of total performance, i.e. environmental, financial, social and technical, is often difficult as a large portion of assets, such as buried pipelines, cannot be easily accessed. These issues highlight the need for a generic asset life-cycle management model for the water utility sector. Such an integrated model is introduced: it was evaluated in the largest water utility in South Africa. Although it was found to have relevance, practicability, applicability, and usability, the model still needs rigorous testing amongst other water utilities in South Africa, and in other countries. The perceptions of the water utility sector were also assessed in terms of the practices of the principles of integrated Hfe-cyele asset management. The results indicate a fairly good understanding of the concept of asset life-cycle management, but allude to challenges with fully implementing all the principles when it comes to asset performance measurements; particular attention must be given to develop mechanisms to measure environmental and social aspects. Nevertheless, it is highlighted that for strategic assets, the practices and principles of ALCM have many benefits, including better maintenance management, infrastructural planning, risk management, and sustainable development. | Asset management; Life-cycle management; South Africa; Sustainable development | Electric utilities; Environmental engineering; Environmental protection; Finance; Hydraulic models; Industrial management; Insurance; Life cycle; Maintenance; Management; Pipelines; Planning; Port structures; Public utilities; Risk analysis; Risk assessment; Risk management; Risk perception; Social aspects; Strategic planning; Water management; Water supply; Ageing infrastructures; Asset life; Buried Pipelines; Integrated modelling; Local communities; Maintenance management; Natural environments; Performance measurement (quality); South Africa (SA); Strategic assets; Total performance; Water utilities; Asset management; assessment method; infrastructure planning; life cycle; pipeline; risk assessment; sustainable development; utility sector; water management; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67651087210 | Suitability assessment of water quality of river shinta and its impacts on the users: A case study from gondar town of ethiopia | Khan M.M., Admassu M., Sharma H.R. | 2009 | Indian Journal of Environmental Protection | 29 | 2 | None | Department of Environmental Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; Department of Chemistry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; Department of Applied Science, Higher College of Tenhnology, University of Gondar, P. O. Box No. 47, Alkhuwair, Muscat, Oman; Department of Public Health and President, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia | Khan, M.M., Department of Environmental Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia, Department of Chemistry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia, Department of Applied Science, Higher College of Tenhnology, University of Gondar, P. O. Box No. 47, Alkhuwair, Muscat, Oman; Admassu, M., Department of Environmental Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia, Department of Public Health and President, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; Sharma, H.R., Department of Environmental Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia, Department of Public Health and President, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia | The water quality of river Shinta was assessed near Azuzu area of Gondar town of Ethiopia with the view of determining the effects of urban activities, human settlement and industrial effluent discharge on its water quality. The water samples were analyzed and the range of values observed were pH (6.98-8.95), electronic conductivity (3.22-9.09 dS/m), dissolved oxygen (4.4-5.9mg/L), total solids (556-869mg/L), total alkalinity (300-345mg/L), total hardness (234-300mg/L), chloride (119-411 mg/L), calcium (41.60-95.0 mg/L) and iron(0.5-3.0 mg/L). Lead and zinc were remained below detection limits. There were distinct variations observed in some water quality parameters, as river flows from Azuzu upstream to Azuzu down stream stations in Gondar town. The survey results showed that about 25% of the respondent's children face health problems and about 18.75% of the respondent's complaints about irritation after taking bath from river water. About 25% of respondents reported illness of their domestic animals as they believed it may be due to consumption of polluted river water whereas, 59% who are using river water for irrigation purposes complained of wilting of seasonal crops and decrease in crop yields. © 2009 - Kalpana Corporation. | Health impacts; Maximum permissible levels; Pollution; Shinta river; Water quality | Animalia | None |
| 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-s2.0-59849117172 | Fe mineralogy of rocks from the Vredefort impact structure investigated with Mössbauer spectroscopy | Bharuth-Ram K., Hart R.J., Gunnlaugsson H.P. | 2008 | Hyperfine Interactions | 186 | 42372 | 10.1007/s10751-008-9854-y | IThemba Labs, Somerset West 7129, South Africa; School of Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa; Institute of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark | Bharuth-Ram, K., IThemba Labs, Somerset West 7129, South Africa, School of Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa; Hart, R.J., IThemba Labs, Somerset West 7129, South Africa; Gunnlaugsson, H.P., Institute of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark | The Vredefort impact structure in South Africa is the largest and oldest remnant impact structure on Earth. Observations from above the crater reveal lower than average magnetic field intensities, but the rocks in the crater have been shown to possess much higher magnetic intensities than the regional average that varies on a centimeter scale. Various mechanisms, including the presence of single domain magnetite structures, have been proposed for this anomaly. Mössbauer spectroscopy has been applied to study the Fe-mineralogy of samples from near the centre of the Vredefort crater. Transmission Mössbauer measurements on bulk and microtomics sections of samples showed that the magnetic minerals were magnetite and hematite, and we suggest that oxidation of olivine during the impact is responsible for the magnetic properties of the rocks. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Fe mineralogy; Impact structure; Magnetic field intensities; Mössbauer spectroscopy; Vredefort impact structure | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856611254 | Lightning remagnetization of the Vredefort impact crater: No evidence for impact-generated magnetic fields | Carporzen L., Weiss B.P., Gilder S.A., Pommier A., Hart R.J. | 2012 | Journal of Geophysical Research E: Planets | 117 | 1 | 10.1029/2011JE003919 | Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States; Équipe de Paléomagnétisme, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, University of Paris VII-Denis Diderot, 1 rue Jussieu, Paris F-75005, France; Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ludwig Maximilians University, D-80333 Munich, Germany; School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States; IThemba Labs, Private Bag 11 WITS, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa | Carporzen, L., Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States, Équipe de Paléomagnétisme, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, University of Paris VII-Denis Diderot, 1 rue Jussieu, Paris F-75005, France; Weiss, B.P., Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States; Gilder, S.A., Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ludwig Maximilians University, D-80333 Munich, Germany; Pommier, A., Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States, School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States; Hart, R.J., IThemba Labs, Private Bag 11 WITS, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa | The Vredefort impact crater in South Africa is one of the oldest and largest craters on Earth, making it a unique analog for planetary basins. Intense and randomly oriented remanent magnetization observed in surface samples at Vredefort has been attributed to impact-generated magnetic fields. This possibility has major implications for extraterrestrial paleomagnetism since impact-generated fields have been proposed as a key alternative to the dynamo hypothesis for magnetization on the Moon and asteroids. Furthermore, the presence of single-domain magnetite found along shock-generated planar deformation features in Vredefort granites has been widely attributed to the 2.02 Ga impact event. An alternative hypothesis is that the unusual magnetization and/or rock magnetic properties of Vredefort rocks are the products of recent lightning strikes. Lightning and impact-generated fields can be distinguished by measuring samples collected from below the present surface. Here we present a paleomagnetic and rock magnetic study of samples from two 10 m deep vertical boreholes. We show that the magnetization at depth is consistent with a thermoremanent magnetization acquired in the local geomagnetic field following the impact, while random, intense magnetization and some of the unusual rock magnetic properties observed in surface rocks are superficial phenomena produced by lightning. Because Vredefort is the only terrestrial crater that has been proposed to contain records of impact-generated fields, this removes a key piece of evidence in support of the hypothesis that paleomagnetism of the Moon and other extraterrestrial bodies is the product of impacts rather than past core dynamos. Copyright 2012 by the American Geophysical Union. | None | asteroid; extraterrestrial matter; hypothesis testing; impact structure; lightning; magnetic field; magnetite; Moon; paleomagnetism; remagnetization; remanent magnetization; Free State; South Africa; Vredefort Dome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36448937088 | Stable isotope study of the Archaean rocks of the Vredefort impact structure, central Kaapvaal Craton, South Africa | Fagereng Å., Harris C., La Grange M., Stevens G. | 2008 | Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology | 155 | 1 | 10.1007/s00410-007-0224-6 | Department of Geological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa; Department of Geology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Department of Geology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9001, New Zealand | Fagereng, Å., Department of Geological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa, Department of Geology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9001, New Zealand; Harris, C., Department of Geological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa; La Grange, M., Department of Geological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa; Stevens, G., Department of Geology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | The Vredefort dome in the Kaapvaal Craton was formed as a result of the impact of a large meteorite at 2.02 Ga. The central core of Archaean granitic basement rocks is surrounded by a collar of uplifted and overturned strata of the Witwatersrand Supergroup, exposing a substantial depth section of the Archaean crust. Orthogneisses of the core show little variation in whole-rock δ18O value, with the majority being between 8 and 10‰, with a mean of 9.2% (n = 35). Quartz and feldspar have per mil differences that are consistent with O-isotope equilibrium at high temperatures, suggesting minimal interaction with fluids during subsequent cooling. These data refute previous suggestions that the Outer Granite Gneiss (OGG) and Inlandsee Leucogranofels (ILG) of the core represent middle and lower crust, respectively. Granulite-facies greenstone remnants from the ILG have δ18O values that are on average 1.5% higher than the ILG host rocks and are unlikely, therefore, to represent the residuum from the partial melting event that formed the host rock. Witwatersrand Supergroup sedimentary rocks of the collar, which were metamorphosed at greenschist-to amphibolite-facies conditions, generally have lower δ18O values than the core rocks with a mean value for metapelites of 7.7% (n = 45). Overall, through an 20 km thick section of crust, there is a general increase in whole-rock δ18O value with increasing depth. This is the reverse of what is normal in the crust, largely because the collar rocks have δ18O values that are unusually low in comparison with metamorphosed sedimentary rocks worldwide. The collar rocks have δD values ranging from -35 to -115‰ (average -62‰, n = 29), which are consistent with interaction with water of meteoric origin, having a δD of about -25 to -45‰. We suggest that fluid movement through the collar rocks was enhanced by impact-induced secondary permeability in the dome structure. © Springer-Verlag 2007. | Archaean basement; Fluid-rock interaction; Stable isotopes; Vredefort impact structure; Witwatersrand Supergroup | Archean; basement rock; granite; granulite facies; greenstone; host rock; impact structure; lower crust; meteorite; orthogneiss; partial melting; stable isotope; Africa; Free State; Kaapvaal Craton; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Vredefort Dome; Witwatersrand | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-59349089045 | The Roodekraal Complex as a constraint on the size of the Vredefort impact crater, South Africa | de Waal S. | 2008 | South African Journal of Geology | 111 | 42403 | 10.2113/gssajg.111.2-3.305 | Centre for Research on Magmatic Ore Deposits, Department of Geology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; PO Box 21167, Windhoek, Namibia | de Waal, S., Centre for Research on Magmatic Ore Deposits, Department of Geology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, PO Box 21167, Windhoek, Namibia | The volcanic Roodekraal Complex, situated about 40 km from the proposed center of the ∼2.02 Ga Vredefort cratering event, overlies the rocks of the Pretoria Group with an angular unconformity. The unsheared basal contact of the Roodekraal Complex, a succession of alkaline basic lava intruded by diorite sills, defines an ∼2.05 Ga palaeosurface and as such constrains the size of the transient Vredefort crater to a maximum of ca. 80 km in diameter. A group of concentric thrust and normal faults with listric characteristics, the Ensel Thrust System, probably represents the expected normal faults that caused collapse of the transient crater rim during the modification stage of the cratering event. A series of semi-concentric thrust faults of the order of 200 km diameter and centered on the point of impact may define the total size of the Vredefort astrobleme (taken to be the entire area of impact-induced deformation). The indicated diameters of the transient and final craters agree well with those suggested by recent numerical models. © 2008 September Geological Society of South Africa. | None | astrobleme; crater; cratering; normal fault; numerical model; paleosurface; thrust fault; unconformity; Africa; Free State; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Vredefort Dome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878985790 | Preliminary toxicological evaluation of some biochemical parameters and lipid profile in Thevetia Neriifolia seed oil supplemented diet in albino rats | Nwozo S.O., Ajayi I.A., Iorliam B.E. | 2013 | Leonardo Electronic Journal of Practices and Technologies | 12 | 22 | None | Nutrition and Industrial Biochemistry Unit, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Industrial Chemistry Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Nwozo, S.O., Nutrition and Industrial Biochemistry Unit, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ajayi, I.A., Industrial Chemistry Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Iorliam, B.E., Nutrition and Industrial Biochemistry Unit, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Thevetia Neriifolia was analyzed for fatty acid composition by using Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometer (GC-MS). The oil consist of 97.583% fatty acid of which the most abundant is the monounsaturated (C18H34O2) Oleic acid (52%), and the others are saturated fatty acids (C18H36O2) Stearic acid (25%) and the other Palmitic acid (C16H32O2). The physicochemical studies of the seed oil showed: acid value of 0.515 ± 0.27 mg KOH/g; 117.125±2.38 saponification value and 74.145 ± 0.784 iodine value. Growth performance in albino rats following a feeding period of 6 weeks, using 5%, 10% and 15% of the seed oil compounded feed showed a significant decrease in body weight gain and feed intake in 10% and 15% oil-based feed group relative to control. Enzymatic antioxidant, biomarkers of kidney/liver toxicity and lipid profile of visceral organs were evaluated. | Characteristics; Chemical composition; Feed formulation; Growth performance; Toxicological evaluations | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-75749140517 | Trombe wall redesign for a poultry chick brooding application in the equatorial region - analysis of the thermal performance of the system using the Galerkin finite elements | Nwosu N.P. | 2010 | International Journal of Sustainable Energy | 29 | 1 | 10.1080/14786450903295861 | National Center for Energy Research and Development (NCERD), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Nwosu, N.P., National Center for Energy Research and Development (NCERD), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | The vertical Trombe wall configuration with a pole-facing orientation is a relatively inadequate design for the equatorial climatic belt. In this work, a hemispherical, passive design is proposed for a poultry brooding enterprise in the region. An analysis is undertaken of the heat transfer balance across the wall; it is found that improvement in the absorptive and storage capacity of the wall is enhanced with high absorptive coating quality, also, the thermal condition of the brooding space, which is fed by the stored heat, is enhanced by a low convection heat transfer coefficient. © 2010 Taylor & Francis. | Galerkin finite elements; Poultry brooding; Solar; Trombe | Coating quality; Convection heat transfer coefficients; Equatorial regions; Galerkin finite elements; Inadequate design; Passive design; Storage capacity; Thermal condition; Thermal Performance; Trombe wall; Galerkin methods; Heat convection; Heat exchangers; Finite element method; brood rearing; design; equipment; finite element method; Galerkin method; heat balance; heat transfer; poultry; solar power; solar radiation | None |
| WoS | WOS:000300869600003 | How Can Micro and Small Enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa Become More Productive? The Impacts of Experimental Basic Managerial Training | Iddrisu, Alhassan,Mano, Yukichi,Sonobe, Tetsushi,Yoshino, Yutaka | 2012 | WORLD DEVELOPMENT | 40 | 3 | 10.1016/j.worlddev.2011.09.013 | The World Bank, FASID, Minist Finance & Econ Planning, Natl Grad Inst Policy Studies GRIPS | "Yoshino, Yutaka: The World Bank", | The vast majority of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in developing countries are located in industrial clusters, and the majority of such clusters have yet to see their growth take off. The performance of MSE clusters is especially low in Sub-Saharan Africa. While existing studies often attribute the poor performance to factors outside firms, problems within firms are seldom scrutinized. In fact, entrepreneurs in these clusters are unfamiliar with standard business practices. Based on a randomized experiment in Ghana, this study demonstrates that basic-level management training improves business practices and performance. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Africa,GHANA,"INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT","management training","RANDOMIZED EXPERIMENT","survival clusters",CLUSTER,DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES,FAILURE,FIRMS,INDUSTRIALIZATION,INDUSTRY,MANAGEMENT-PRACTICES,PERFORMANCE,VALLEY | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869504734 | Impact of disease frequency and host density on pollination and transmission of an African anther-smut fungus | Curran H.R., Dreyer L.L., Roets F. | 2012 | Planta | 236 | 6 | 10.1007/s00425-012-1727-6 | Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Curran, H.R., Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Dreyer, L.L., Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Roets, F., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | The vast majority of flowering plants rely solely on insects for pollination. A number of pathogens have evolved mechanisms to exploit these close associations and use pollinators as vectors of infective propagules. Factors that affect pollinator movements and successful pollination may in turn also influence successful transmission of fungal spores. Here we investigate the effect of host density and the frequency of diseased Oxalis lanata individuals infected by the anther-smut fungus, Thecaphoracapensis, on the likelihood of receiving pollen and fungal spores. Specifically, we determined the numbers of spores and pollen grains deposited on stigmatic surfaces of selected flowers under natural and standardized conditions where host density and disease frequency varied. The effect of host flower density and diseased flower frequency on pollen and spore transfer was variable under natural conditions and these factors interacted significantly. However, an increase in host density and disease frequency significantly influenced pollen and spore deposits under standardized conditions. The effect of host density was, however, not linear and an optimal flower density for pollen and fungal spore transmission was found. Similar to other systems of vector-borne disease, the transmission of anther-smut of Oxalislanata is more frequency-dependent than density-dependent. This study represents a first step towards understanding the disease transmission process of T. capensis on Oxalis and lays the foundation for future comparative studies between this and other systems to develop and test general hypotheses of disease dynamics in vector-borne disease transmission systems. © 2012 Springer-Verlag. | Anther-smut; Microbotryum violaceum; Oxalis lanata; Spore transmission; Thecaphora capensis | animal; article; Basidiomycetes; fern; flower; fungus spore; growth, development and aging; insect; microbiology; physiology; plant disease; pollen; pollination; reproduction; South Africa; statistical model; statistics; Animals; Basidiomycota; Ferns; Flowers; Insects; Linear Models; Plant Diseases; Pollen; Pollination; Reproduction; South Africa; Spores, Fungal; Bacteria (microorganisms); Fungi; Hexapoda; Magnoliophyta; Microbotryum violaceum; Oxalis; Thecaphora | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920108850 | Integrating livestock feeds and production systems into agricultural multi-market models: The example of IMPACT | Msangi S., Enahoro D., Herrero M., Magnan N., Havlik P., Notenbaert A., Nelgen S. | 2014 | Food Policy | 49 | P2 | 10.1016/j.foodpol.2014.10.002 | International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), 2033 K Street NW, Washington, DC, United States; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Accra, Ghana; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Brisbane, Australia; Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States; International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria; International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Nairobi, Kenya; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya | Msangi, S., International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), 2033 K Street NW, Washington, DC, United States; Enahoro, D., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Accra, Ghana; Herrero, M., Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Brisbane, Australia; Magnan, N., Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States; Havlik, P., International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria; Notenbaert, A., International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Nairobi, Kenya; Nelgen, S., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya | The various ways in which livestock production systems can be incorporated into economic, partial-equilibrium, multi-market models are presented, and the challenges outlined. A particular focus and illustrative case is livestock feed. Foremost among the challenges is the reconciliation of scientific understanding of livestock feed requirements and production characteristics with the available national data. Another challenge is in estimating herd structures. An economic, multi-market modeling approach is presented which has been widely used in policy analysis and advocacy, and an account is given of the necessary recent enhancements for addressing livestock. © 2014 The Authors. | Agriculture; Foresight; Livestock; Multi-market; Policy; Production; Trade | agricultural economics; economic analysis; food supplementation; livestock farming; model test; planning method; policy approach | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36849087324 | Health impact assessment of solid waste disposal workers in Port Harocurt, Nigeria | Wachukwu K.C., Eleanya E.U. | 2007 | Journal of Applied Sciences | 7 | 22 | None | Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Wachukwu, K.C., Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Eleanya, E.U., Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | The various health risks associated with solid waste disposal workers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State of Nigeria, were investigated. The aim is to assess the extent of exposure in terms of inhalation of toxic substances and its inherent adverse health effects on them since the workers are not adequately protected while doing their jobs. About 10 mL of venous blood was collected from each of the 35 solid waste disposal workers aged 21-50 years and from each of the 15 control subjects of the same age bracket who are not exposed. A well structured questionnaire was also given to all the solid waste disposal workers to assess their health profile. Haematological parameters, liver function test (LFT) and toxic substance (Pb, Cu, Zn) concentration in the blood were carried out. There were slight decrease in the haematological parameters and liver function test (LFT) results, as compared with the control subjects. The values obtained are: Hb 13.43±1.14 g dL-1, HCT 37.13±3.22%, WBC 6.35±1.86×109 L-1, platelet 236.15±104.33×109 L-1, neutrophil 42.60±11.11% and monocyte 3.05±2.41% for solid waste workers. While the values for control subjects are: Hb 14.69±0.4 g dL-1, HCT 41.77±2.74%, WBC 7.23±1.21×109 L-1, platelets 282.40±33.76×109 L-1, neutrophil 58.65±5.87% and monocyte 5.77±2.03%. The lymphocyte counts for waste disposal workers was significantly higher (50.42±11.30%) and (32.83±5.32%) for the control subjects. The AST values increased significantly for solid waste workers with a mean AST concentration of (11.19±2.36 μ L-1) and 8.97±4.07 μL-1 for the control subjects. And mean total bilirubin increased progressively as the number of years of exposure increased (19.00 μmol L-1). The peak value was for workers exposed for about 7 year. The result also showed that mean lead, copper and Zinc concentrations were high for the solid waste workers (Ph = 0.07±0.05 mg L-1, Cu =0.22±0.08 mg L-1 and Zn = 0.56±0.48 mg L-1) while that of control subjects were Ph = 0.02±0.01 mg L-1, Cu =0.11±0.04 mg L-1 and Zn = 0.30±0.04 mg L-1. Malaria parasitaemia was high amongst the solid waste disposal workers. Adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be provided to avoid epidemic among the workers. It can be inferred that the lymphocytosis observed in this category of workers may indicate the presence of bacterial and protozoal infections, while a mild eosinophilia might be as a result of allergic disorders and helminthic infections. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Dump site; Health risk; Solid waste workers; Toxic waste exposure assessment and inhalation of pollutants | Adverse health effects; Allergic disorder; Copper and zinc; Dump site; Exposure assessment; Health impact assessment; Personal protective equipment; Toxic substances; Body fluids; Health; Health risks; Lead; Platelets; Protective clothing; Toxic materials; Waste disposal; Zinc; Solid wastes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845491086 | Natural variation in macroinvertebrate assemblages and the development of a biological banding system for interpreting bioassessment data - A preliminary evaluation using data from upland sites in the south-western Cape, South Africa | Dallas H.F., Day J.A. | 2007 | Hydrobiologia | 575 | 1 | 10.1007/s10750-006-0374-y | Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Cape Town, Western Cape 7700, South Africa | Dallas, H.F., Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Cape Town, Western Cape 7700, South Africa; Day, J.A., Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Cape Town, Western Cape 7700, South Africa | The variability of macroinvertebrate assemblages was investigated at 27 upland reference sites in the south-western Cape, South Africa. Multivariate analyses showed that sites did not group on the basis of geomorphological zonation, i.e. mountain stream and foothill-cobble bed. When separate analyses were undertaken for mountain stream (n = 21) and foothill-cobble bed sites (n = 6), assemblages formed three and two groups, respectively. Similarity amongst groups ranged from 47% to 52%, while within-group similarity was between 54% and 67%. Environmental variables shown to contribute to this variability included distance from source, cation ratio ([Na+]+[K+]/([Na +]+[K+]+[Ca2+]+[Mg2+]), pH, longitude and stream width. Whilst overall variability in the metrics of the biotic index, SASS (South African Scoring System), is high at reference sites, the interpretation of monitoring-site data using biological bands derived from a range of reference sites, ensured that variability was taken into account and that detection of disturbance at a monitoring site was not impeded. A biological banding system has been developed for upland sites in the south-western Cape, together with a list of reference or expected SASS-taxa. This list includes details pertaining to seasonality and biotope preferences. The ability to define reference conditions that take intrinsic variability amongst reference sites into account is important for the accurate interpretation of bioassessment data. © 2006 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Bioassessment; Biological bands; Biotic indices; Reference condition; SASS; South African Scoring System; Spatial variability | Assembly; Data reduction; Positive ions; Sodium; Bioassessment data; Biological banding system; Biological bands; Cation ratio; Geomorphological zonation; Macroinvertebrate assemblages; Reference condition; South African Scoring System (SASS); Natural sciences computing; bioassay; macroinvertebrate; mountain stream; multivariate analysis; spatial variation; upland region; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953530956 | Rapid on-site evaluation of transbronchial aspirates: Randomised comparison of two methods | Diacon A.H., Koegelenberg C.F.N., Schubert P., Brundyn K., Louw M., Wright C.A., Bolliger C.T. | 2010 | European Respiratory Journal | 35 | 6 | 10.1183/09031936.00050809 | Dept. of Medicine, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Dept. of Anatomical Pathology and National Health Laboratory Service, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa | Diacon, A.H., Dept. of Medicine, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Koegelenberg, C.F.N., Dept. of Medicine, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Schubert, P., Dept. of Anatomical Pathology and National Health Laboratory Service, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Brundyn, K., Dept. of Anatomical Pathology and National Health Laboratory Service, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Louw, M., Dept. of Anatomical Pathology and National Health Laboratory Service, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Wright, C.A., Dept. of Anatomical Pathology and National Health Laboratory Service, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Bolliger, C.T., Dept. of Medicine, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa | The value of different staining methods for rapid analysis of transbronchial needle aspirates during bronchoscopy has not been explored. In the present study, we compared a Papanicolaou-based rapid stain, prepared by a technologist and read by a cytopathologist, and a Wright-Giemsa-based rapid stain, prepared and read by a cytopathologist alone. Gold standard was the final laboratory report issued on each aspirate. We harvested 827 aspirates from 218 target sites in 126 consecutive patients. At least one positive aspirate was found in 99 (79%) patients. In those 99 patients, 288 of 574 (50%) aspirates were positive for neoplastic (83%) or non-neoplastic (17%) disease. False-negative aspirates and target sites were more frequent with the rapid Wright-Giemsa than with the rapid Papanicolaou stain (14.2 versus 7.3%, p=0.008, and 13.7 versus 3.6%, p=0.021, respectively). The sensitivity of the Wright-Giemsa-based and Papanicolaou-based rapid stains for detecting diagnostic material was 93 and 100% in patients, 83.1 and 95.5% in target sites, and 72.8 and 84.9% in aspirates, respectively. Specificity was 100% for both methods in patients and target sites, and 90.4 and 95% in aspirates. We concluded that a Papanicolaou-based stain has superior yield and accuracy to a Wright-Giemsa-based stain for rapid on-site evaluation of transbronchial needle aspirates. Copyright©ERS 2010. | Biopsy; Bronchoscopy; Cytodiagnosis; Fine-needle; Lung neoplasms | adult; article; bronchoscopy; cytopathology; diagnostic accuracy; false negative result; female; Giemsa stain; gold standard; human; human cell; intermethod comparison; lung non small cell cancer; lung small cell cancer; lymphoma; major clinical study; male; neoplasm; Papanicolaou test; priority journal; randomization; sarcoidosis; sensitivity and specificity; transbronchial aspiration; tuberculosis; Wright Giemsa stain; Adenocarcinoma; Adult; Aged; Azure Stains; Biopsy, Needle; Bronchoscopy; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cytodiagnosis; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Lymphoma; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Reference Standards; Reproducibility of Results; Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary; Sensitivity and Specificity; Staining and Labeling; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904323956 | Growth performance of feedlot weaners cattle fed diet containing different levels of cold press soya bean oilcake | Chipa M.J., Siebrits F.K., Ratsaka M.M., Leeuw K.-J., Nkosi B.D. | 2010 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 40 | 5SUPPL.1 | None | ARC-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X 2, Irene 0062, South Africa; Department of Animal Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X 680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | Chipa, M.J., ARC-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X 2, Irene 0062, South Africa; Siebrits, F.K., Department of Animal Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X 680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Ratsaka, M.M.; Leeuw, K.-J.; Nkosi, B.D. | The value of cold press soya bean oil cake (CPSBOC) as the source of protein in beef cattle was evaluated. CPSBOC was included in the diets of beef weaners at different levels i.e. 0%, 6%, 13% and 20%. The control diet contained cotton seed oil cake (CSOC) as a protein source. The diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous. A total of 40 weaners (20 heifers and 20 steers) at an average weight of 192.3 ± 20 kg were used. The experiment was a randomized block design with ten replicates per treatment and was conducted over 98 days. The group mass of the steers (700 ± 7.80 kg) was significantly heavier when compared with the heifers (6480 ± 7.80 kg). The average daily gain (ADG) (1.5 ± 2.72) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (5.5 ± 0.051) of the steers was significantly better than the heifers (1.35 ± 2.72 and 5.7 ± 0.051, respectively) while the steers consume more feed (8.2 ± 14.4 kg) per day as compared to the 7.4 ± 14.4 kg consumed by heifers. The weaners that were fed the diet containing 6% and 13% inclusion of CPSBOC grew significantly better than the other treatments. According to this study, an inclusion level of CPSBOC of between 6 and 13% will yield suitable growth in feedlot cattle. More research is needed to determine the optimum inclusion level of CPSBOC. © South African Society for Animal Science. | Feed conversion ratio; Feed intake; Growth; Heifers; Steers | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84954323650 | Forensic performance of Investigator DIPplex indels genotyping kit in native, immigrant, and admixed populations in South Africa | Hefke G., Davison S., D'Amato M.E. | 2015 | Electrophoresis | 36 | 24 | 10.1002/elps.201500243 | Forensic DNA Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; South African Police Service Forensic Science Laboratory, Biology Unit, Panorama, South Africa | Hefke, G., Forensic DNA Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa, South African Police Service Forensic Science Laboratory, Biology Unit, Panorama, South Africa; Davison, S., Forensic DNA Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; D'Amato, M.E., Forensic DNA Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa | The utilization of binary markers in human individual identification is gaining ground in forensic genetics. We analyzed the polymorphisms from the first commercial indel kit Investigator DIPplex (Qiagen) in 512 individuals from Afrikaner, Indian, admixed Cape Colored, and the native Bantu Xhosa and Zulu origin in South Africa and evaluated forensic and population genetics parameters for their forensic application in South Africa. The levels of genetic diversity in population and forensic parameters in South Africa are similar to other published data, with lower diversity values for the native Bantu. Departures from Hardy-Weinberg expectations were observed in HLD97 in Indians, Admixed and Bantus, along with 6.83% homozygotes in the Bantu populations. Sequencing of the flanking regions showed a previously reported transition G>A in rs17245568. Strong population structure was detected with Fst, AMOVA, and the Bayesian unsupervised clustering method in STRUCTURE. Therefore we evaluated the efficiency of individual assignments to population groups using the ancestral membership proportions from STRUCTURE and the Bayesian classification algorithm in Snipper App Suite. Both methods showed low cross-assignment error (0-4%) between Bantus and either Afrikaners or Indians. The differentiation between populations seems to be driven by four loci under positive selection pressure. Based on these results, we draw recommendations for the application of this kit in SA. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. | Assignment; Indels; Population structure; Positive selection; South Africa | classification algorithm; DNA flanking region; expectation; gene frequency; genetic polymorphism; genetic variability; genotype; homozygote; human; immigrant; indel mutation; Indian; major clinical study; population structure; South Africa; Xhosa (people) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051699689 | Ultrasonographic and laparoscopic evaluation of the reproductive tract of the captive female African lion (Panthera leo) | Kirberger R.M., Schulman M.L., Hartman M.J. | 2011 | Theriogenology | 76 | 5 | 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.04.013 | Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa | Kirberger, R.M., Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Schulman, M.L., Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Hartman, M.J., Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa | The use of transabdominal ultrasonography to assess the oestrous cycle has not been previously described in the African lion (Panthera leo). Twelve sexually mature lionesses and five female cubs had their reproductive organs assessed by transabdominal ultrasound. Ovarian findings were compared to laparoscopic findings while performing laparoscopic ovariectomy or salpingectomy. Vaginal cytology was performed and serum progesterone levels were determined. By combining all data the oestrous cycle stage of each lion was determined. One lion was far pregnant and was not operated on. In adults a uterine body could be seen ultrasonographically in 67% of lions while mural structures could be distinguished in 44% of lions. Five uterine horns could be seen in 3 lions. In 12 adults 10 ovaries were found of which eight had discernable follicles or luteal structures. During laparoscopy 12 active ovaries were seen with luteal structures seen in 11 ovaries and follicles in 2 ovaries. Using laparoscopy as the gold standard, ultrasonography had a sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 83% to detect ovarian reproductive activity. Two uterine cysts and a cluster of periovarian cysts were seen in three different lions. Three lions were pregnant, two were in oestrus, three in a luteal phase (dioestrus), and four were in anoestrus. Transabdominal ultrasound in combination with serum progesterone levels and vaginal cytology can be used to assess ovarian cyclical activity with reasonable accuracy in captive bred lions. © 2011 Elsevier Inc. | Cyclical activity; Laparoscopy; Lioness; Panthera leo; Reproduction; Ultrasound | progesterone; animal; animal disease; article; blood; comparative study; cytology; echography; estrus cycle; female; histology; laparoscopy; lion; ovary; pregnancy; reproduction; uterus; vagina; Animals; Estrous Cycle; Female; Laparoscopy; Lions; Ovary; Pregnancy; Progesterone; Reproduction; Ultrasonography; Uterus; Vagina; Panthera; Panthera leo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33744482828 | Comparison of yield performance and profitability in hybrid yam varieties cultivated under staked and unstaked production systems | Agbaje G.O., Adegbite A.A. | 2006 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 4 | 2 | None | Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, PMB 5029, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Agbaje, G.O., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, PMB 5029, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Adegbite, A.A., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, PMB 5029, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | The use of stakes in yam production poses environmental hazards due to its effect on rapid deforestation of the forest ecology. The practice is cumbersome, labour intensive and it is a major cost input that makes yam production expensive and less profitable. To discourage this practice, fourteen hybrid lines and four local cultivars of white Guinea yam varieties were screened (2002-2004) for yield performance under staked and unstaked production practices. The experiment was carried out in the rain forest research substation of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, located in Orin-Ekiti. The results showed that seven of the the eight hybrid varieties evaluated in 2002 except TDr 89/02565 showed no significant yield difference between staked and unstaked practice. In 2003 and 2004, 87-89% of the eighteen lines/cultivars evaluated gave similar yields (P<0.05) under staked and unstaked practice including TDr 89/02565. The highest tuber yields in both staking and non-staking systems were obtained from varieties TDr 89/02665 and TDr 89/02565. For TDr 89/02665, yields were not significantly different between staked and unstaked in all the years of trial. Economic analysis showed that the local cultivars, N010, 93-31 and 93-2, whether staked or unstaked, gave negative returns while hybrid varieties TDr 89/02665 and TDr 89/02565 gave the highest net returns of over $2,000 per hectare. The benefit to cost ratio was >1.0 in 2002 and 2004 in TDr 89/02665 and TDr 89/02565 while other varieties had <1.0 in all the three years of the trial. This indicated that the highest yielding varieties gave highest net returns under staked and unstaked systems. The results suggest that breeding for increased tuber yield potential in yam is essential for profitable yam production under unstaked production system. | Benefit to cost ratio; Dioscorea rotundata Poir; Economic analysis; Tuber yield | Dioscorea alata; Dioscorea rotundata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879254256 | Evaluation of complementary food Prepared from sorghum, African yam bean (sphenostylis stenocarpa) and mango mesocarp flour blends | Yusufu P.A., Egbunu F.A., Egwujeh S.I.D., Opega G.L., Adikwu M.O. | 2013 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 12 | 2 | None | Department of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences, Kogi State University, P.M.B 1008, Anyigba, Nigeria | Yusufu, P.A., Department of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences, Kogi State University, P.M.B 1008, Anyigba, Nigeria; Egbunu, F.A., Department of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences, Kogi State University, P.M.B 1008, Anyigba, Nigeria; Egwujeh, S.I.D., Department of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences, Kogi State University, P.M.B 1008, Anyigba, Nigeria; Opega, G.L., Department of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences, Kogi State University, P.M.B 1008, Anyigba, Nigeria; Adikwu, M.O., Department of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences, Kogi State University, P.M.B 1008, Anyigba, Nigeria | The use of Sorghum, African yam bean (Sphenostylis Stenocarpa) and Mango mesocarp (Mangifera indica) flour blends in the formulation of complementary food was studied. Traditional Weaning Food (TWF) obtained from 100% sorghum was used as the control sample. The sorghum, African yam bean and mango mesocarp flour were blended in the ratio of 5:3:2 respectively and used to formulate complementary food (SAM). The sample of complementary foods produced were subjected to chemical, functional and sensory properties analyses. The result of the chemical composition showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in the protein and fat level of the formulated complementary food (8.9±1.09 to 17.4±1.19% and 1.5±0.11 to 3.50±0.31%, respectively. However, a significant p<0.65) decrease in the carbohydrate level (78±1.00 to 67.59±1.35) was observed vitamins A composition of formulated food was 3.54μg/mg. Functional properties evaluated showed no significant (p<0.05) difference in the bulk density but a high water absorption (70.6±3.3%), Emulsion (6.00±0.30%) capacities and reconstitution index (85±1.0%) were noticed. The sensory panelists rated the formulated complimentary food highly for taste, colour, flavour, texture and the overall acceptability. The formulated complementary food is a protein-rich product with good functional and sensory properties. Use of plant protein sources in local food formulations appeared to be vital in upgrading their nutritional, functional and sensory properties. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2013. | Chemical properties; Complementary food; Functional; Sensory | carbohydrate; retinol; vegetable oil; vegetable protein; African yam-bean; article; baby food; bulk density; complementary food; concentration (parameters); controlled study; emulsion; flour; food analysis; food color; food composition; food processing; food texture; mango; nonhuman; physical chemistry; sorghum; taste; water absorption; Mangifera indica; Sphenostylis stenocarpa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548578692 | Evaluation of sorption capacity of scrap tyre in the removal of copper (II) ion from aqua system | Oladoja N.A., Ofomaja A., Ebare E. | 2006 | Pakistan Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research | 49 | 6 | None | Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, University of Benin, Nigeria; Department of Polymer Technology, Auchi Polytechnic, Nigeria | Oladoja, N.A., Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Nigeria; Ofomaja, A., Department of Chemistry, University of Benin, Nigeria; Ebare, E., Department of Polymer Technology, Auchi Polytechnic, Nigeria | The use of scrap-tyre (ST), which was both a waste and pollutant was investigated as a low-cost sorbent to sorbed Cu (II) from aqueous solution. The influence of pH, sorbent dosage, contact time, and initial sorbate concentration on the uptake of Cu (II) by ST were studied. Optimum sorption of Cu (II) by ST was achieved at pH 6. The amount of sorbate sorbed per gram of sorbent decreased with increase in sorbent dosage. Maximum uptake of the Cu (II) was achieved within the first thirty minutes of contact between the ST and the Cu (II). The equilibrium relationship between the concentration of the Cu (II) in the fluid phase and the concentration in the ST particles at a given temperature showed that the sorption mechanism was like adsorption rather than distribution into any phase. Analysis of the results using Langmuir and Freundlich models showed that it conformed to Langmuir equation based on the formation of a monomolecular layer. The adsorption capacity due to monolayer coverage was 12.95 mg/g, while the energy of adsorption was 3.95 dm/mg. | Adsorption; Cu2+ ion; Scrap tyre | adsorption; copper; ion; pH; removal experiment; tire | None |
| WoS | WOS:000250391300001 | The reliability and validity of self-report measures used to evaluate adolescent HIV/AIDS prevention programs in Sub-saharan Africa | Aastrom, Anne N.,Klepp, Knut-Inge,Komro, Kelli A.,Kugler, Karl C.,Masatu, Melkiory,Mnyika, Kagoma S.,Stigler, Melissa H. | 2007 | AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION | 19 | 5 | None | Florida State University System, University of Bergen, University of Florida, University of Minnesota System, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, University of Oslo, Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota | None | The use of reliable and valid tools to evaluate theory-based health interventions is widely accepted as critical to the behavioral sciences. However, quite often the psychometric properties of survey instruments used to evaluate behavioral interventions are not published, limiting our understanding of how the theory works. The purpose of this study was to present the results of psychometric analyses on measures used to evaluate an HIV/AIDS prevention program for youth in Tanzania. We first began by pilot-testing a self-administered questionnaire with sixth-and seventh-grade students in nine schools in 11 villages throughout the Kahe ward of Tanzania (n = 524). Theory-based scales tapped into intrapersonal, social and attitudinal factors. Reliability was evaluated by examining internal consistency, while validity was determined by examining content, construct and discriminant validities. The results indicate that the scales constructed are reasonably reliable and valid measures. Use of these measures should be considered when designing, implementing, and analyzing interventions targeting youth in sub-Saharan Africa. | ,"AIDS EDUCATION","CONDOM USE",HIV,INTENTIONS,PREDICTORS,"PRIMARY-SCHOOL CHILDREN",RISK,SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR,TANZANIA,YOUTH | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899445523 | Synthesis of standards and procedures for specimen preparation and in-field evaluation of cold-recycled asphalt mixtures | Tebaldi G., Dave E.V., Marsac P., Muraya P., Hugener M., Pasetto M., Graziani A., Grilli A., Bocci M., Marradi A., Wendling L., Gaudefroy V., Jenkins K., Loizos A., Canestrari F. | 2014 | Road Materials and Pavement Design | 15 | 2 | 10.1080/14680629.2013.866707 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, United States; IFSTTAR, Nantes, France; Department of Civil and Transport Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; EMPA, Dübendorf, Switzerland; Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Department of Civil Engineering, Construction and Architecture, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Civil Engineering, University of San Marino, San Marino, Italy; Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Transportation Planning and Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece | Tebaldi, G., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Dave, E.V., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, United States; Marsac, P., IFSTTAR, Nantes, France; Muraya, P., Department of Civil and Transport Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Hugener, M., EMPA, Dübendorf, Switzerland; Pasetto, M., Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Graziani, A., Department of Civil Engineering, Construction and Architecture, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Grilli, A., Department of Civil Engineering, University of San Marino, San Marino, Italy; Bocci, M., Department of Civil Engineering, Construction and Architecture, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Marradi, A., Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Wendling, L., IFSTTAR, Nantes, France; Gaudefroy, V., IFSTTAR, Nantes, France; Jenkins, K., Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Loizos, A., Department of Transportation Planning and Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Canestrari, F., Department of Civil Engineering, Construction and Architecture, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy | The use of recycled asphalt (RA) materials in pavement rehabilitation processes is continuously increasing as recycling techniques, such as cold recycling (CR), are being utilised in increasing magnitude and greater awareness for use of recycled materials and consideration of sustainable practices is becoming common in the construction industry. The focus of this paper is on developing a state of the art and state of the practice summary of processes used for classification of RA as well as the curing and specimen preparation practices for cold-recycled asphalt mixtures. A variety of topics were explored through an exhaustive literature search, these include RA production methods, definition of RA materials, stockpiling practices, industrial operations, specimen curing and preparation practices and in-field evaluation of cold-recycled rehabilitation. This paper was developed through efforts of CR task group (TG6) of RILEM Technical Committee on Testing and Characterization of Sustainable Innovative Bituminous Materials and Systems (TC-237 SIB). © 2014 Taylor & Francis. | cold-recycling; material characterisation; RAP; recycled asphalt; specimen preparation | Asphalt mixtures; Construction industry; Curing; Mixtures; Recycling; cold-recycling; Industrial operations; Material characterisation; Pavement rehabilitation; RAP; Recycled asphalt; Sustainable practices; Synthesis of standards; Specimen preparation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-35348879830 | Large-scale human immunodeficiency virus rapid test evaluation in a low-prevalence ugandan blood bank population | Eller L.A., Eller M.A., Ouma B.J., Kataaha P., Bagaya B.S., Olemukan R.L., Erima S., Kawala L., De Souza M.S., Kibuuka H., Wabwire-Mangen F., Peel S.A., O'Connell R.J., Robb M.L., Michael N.L. | 2007 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 45 | 10 | 10.1128/JCM.00894-07 | Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; U.S. Military Human Immunodeficiency Virus Research Program, Rockville, MD, United States; Uganda National Blood Transfusion Service, Kampala, Uganda; Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Rockville, MD, United States; Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD, United States; Makerere University, Faculty of Medicine, Pathology Building, A-10, Old Mulago Hill Rd., Kampala, Uganda | Eller, L.A., Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda, U.S. Military Human Immunodeficiency Virus Research Program, Rockville, MD, United States, Makerere University, Faculty of Medicine, Pathology Building, A-10, Old Mulago Hill Rd., Kampala, Uganda; Eller, M.A., Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda, U.S. Military Human Immunodeficiency Virus Research Program, Rockville, MD, United States; Ouma, B.J., Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; Kataaha, P., Uganda National Blood Transfusion Service, Kampala, Uganda; Bagaya, B.S., Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; Olemukan, R.L., Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; Erima, S., Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; Kawala, L., Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; De Souza, M.S., U.S. Military Human Immunodeficiency Virus Research Program, Rockville, MD, United States, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand; Kibuuka, H., Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; Wabwire-Mangen, F., Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; Peel, S.A., Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Rockville, MD, United States; O'Connell, R.J., Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Rockville, MD, United States; Robb, M.L., Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD, United States; Michael, N.L., Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Rockville, MD, United States | The use of rapid tests for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has become standard in HIV testing algorithms employed in resource-limited settings. We report an extensive HIV rapid test validation study conducted among Ugandan blood bank donors at low risk for HIV infection. The operational characteristics of four readily available commercial HIV rapid test kits were first determined with 940 donor samples and were used to select a serial testing algorithm. Uni-Gold Recombigen HIV was used as the screening test, followed by HIV-1/2 STAT-PAK for reactive samples. OraQuick HIV-I testing was performed if the first two test results were discordant. This algorithm was then tested with 5,252 blood donor samples, and the results were compared to those of enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) and Western blotting. The unadjusted algorithm sensitivity and specificity were 98.6 and 99.9%, respectively. The adjusted sensitivity and specificity were 100 and 99.96%, respectively. This HIV testing algorithm is a suitable alternative to EIAs and Western blotting for Ugandan blood donors. Copyright © 2007, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | algorithm; article; blood bank; blood donor; device; enzyme immunoassay; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; infection risk; intermethod comparison; nonhuman; prevalence; priority journal; screening test; sensitivity and specificity; Uganda; validation study; virus detection; Western blotting; Adolescent; Adult; Algorithms; Blood Banks; Blood Donors; False Positive Reactions; Female; HIV; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Sensitivity and Specificity; Human immunodeficiency virus | None |
| None | None | Proficiency testing as a tool to assess the performance of visual TLC quantitation estimates | Risha P., Msuya Z., Ndomondo-Sigonda M., Lavloff T. | 2006 | Journal of AOAC International | 89 | 5 | None | Management Sciences for Health, PO Box 50104, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Tanzania Food and Drug Authority, PO Box 77150, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Risha, P., Management Sciences for Health, PO Box 50104, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Msuya, Z., Tanzania Food and Drug Authority, PO Box 77150, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Ndomondo-Sigonda, M., Tanzania Food and Drug Authority, PO Box 77150, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Lavloff, T., Management Sciences for Health, PO Box 50104, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | The use of rapid and inexpensive nonlaboratory-based screening tests for drug quality assessments is recommended as a component of a drug quality assurance program in poor resource settings. We have established routine Minilab® test procedures to screen product quality and a proficiency testing program to determine the competency of the inspectors and reliability of results. Samples for the proficiency testing were prepared by pulverizing a standard reference tablet of the appropriate drug and making serial dilutions with starch to obtain concentrations of 0, 40, and 100%. The samples, which were labeled only with the drug name and an identifying letter, were given to inspectors for quality screening using Minilab procedures. In round 1 of the proficiency test, only 3 of 28 substandard samples were correctly identified. Round 2 of the proficiency test, which was administered after a performance qualification test for the analytical method, showed much improvement: 19 of 27 substandard drugs were correctly identified, while 5 out of 9 inspectors made the correct inference on the quality of 45 samples. However, in both rounds, 2 inspectors failed to identify substandard samples, indicating that their technical competencies need to be improved for the reliability of the results. Although the thin-layer chromatography screening methods provide a rapid means for drug quality assessment, they need to be put in the hands of competent users. The inclusion of a proficiency test in the screening program provides a measure of determining competency of the personnel and reliability of the results. | None | Dilutions; Drug quality; Proficiency test; Screening tests; Comminution; Personnel; Quality assurance; Reliability; Screening; Drug products; drug; article; methodology; quality control; reproducibility; standard; tablet; Tanzania; thin layer chromatography; Chromatography, Thin Layer; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Quality Control; Reproducibility of Results; Tablets; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-62649112701 | Evaluation of plantain peelings ash extract as coagulant aid in the coagulation of colloidal particles in low pH aqua system | Oladoja N.A., Aliu Y.D. | 2008 | Water Quality Research Journal of Canada | 43 | 03-Feb | None | Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria | Oladoja, N.A., Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria; Aliu, Y.D., Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria | The use of plantain peelings ash extract (PPAE) as a coagulant aid in a low pH water was evaluated in the present studies. Plantain peelings were collected, washed, dried, and ashed in a furnace. The ash was extracted using deionized water, and the chemical composition was examined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Synthetic turbid water of varying turbidities (50, 100, 300 NTU) and varying pHs (2, 3, 4) were prepared by clay dispersion in deionized water. The optimum alum dosages for the coagulation of colloidal particles in different turbid waters of varying pHs were determined by method of continuous variation using the jar test procedure. The residual turbidities of the treated waters were determined, and the alum doses that gave the minimum residual turbidities were taken as the optimum dosage for the removal of colloidal particles. The use of PPAE as a coagulant aid with alum showed an improvement in the value of residual turbidities of the treated waters. Results obtained from the different studies showed that treated waters of lower residual turbidities were obtained from synthetic waters of higher initial turbidities and pHs. The pH of the treated water decreased with an increase in alum dosage, whereas an increase in the pH value was observed with the addition of PPAE as a coagulant aid. High correlation coefficient values (r2) were obtained when the changes in pH (i.e., ΔpH = pHf -pH) of the treated waters were correlated with alum and PPAE additions, and mathematical relationships were derived from the linear graph. Studies on the effect of flocculation time on residual turbidity showed that an optimum flocculation time of 30 minutes was attained, when alum was used alone, before redistribution and redispersion of the flocs was noticed. This phenomenon did not occur when PPAE was used as a coagulant aid. © 2008, CAWQ. | Alum; Ash; Coagulant; Plantain peel extract; Turbidity | Alum; Atomic absorption spectrophotometer; Chemical compositions; Clay dispersion; Colloidal particle; Correlation coefficient; Jar test; Linear graph; Mathematical relationship; pH value; Redispersions; Residual turbidity; Synthetic waters; Turbid water; Coagulation; Flocculation; Solvent extraction; Turbidity; Water absorption; Water treatment; Deionized water; ash; atomic absorption spectroscopy; chemical composition; coagulation; colloid; dispersion; flocculation; pH; plant extract; turbidity; water quality; water treatment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939477017 | Hepatotoxicity following separate administration of two phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (sildenafil&tadalafil) and opioid (tramadol); evaluation of possible reversal following their withdrawal | Nna V.U., Akpan U.P., Okon V.E., Atangwho I.J. | 2015 | Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science | 5 | 8 | 10.7324/JAPS.2015.50817 | Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences Univ | Nna, V.U., Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Akpan, U.P., Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; Okon, V.E., Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Atangwho, I.J., Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria | The use of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) and tramadol in the absence of erectile and ejaculatory dysfunctions in Nigeria has become a norm. In this study, we comparatively assess the effects of chronic use of these drugs on hepatotoxicity. Fifty male albino wistar rats weighing 180-200g were randomly assigned into 5 groups (n=10) as follows; control, sildenafil (1mg/100g b.w), tadalafil (1mg/100g b.w), tramadol (2mg/100g b.w) and sildenafil+tramadol treated group (1mg/100g and 2mg/100g b.w, respectively). Drugs were orally administered, once, every two days for 8weeks, at the end of which five animals were sacrificed per group (batch 1), while the remaining five animals per group were allowed for another 8weeks without drug administration (batch 2). Serum concentration of liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) and bilirubin were assessed in both batches. Serum concentrations of AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin were significantly (p<0.001) increased in all treated groups (batch 1), while conjugated bilirubin concentration was significantly (p<0.001) reduced in all treated groups, compared with control. Serum concentrations of AST and ALT were significantly reduced in sildenafil (p<0.01), tadalafil (p<0.05), tramadol (p<0.001) and sildenafil+tramadol (p<0.001) recovery groups, compared with their treated groups. Total and unconjugated bilirubin fractions were significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively) reduced in tadalafil recovery group, compared with the treated group. Sildenafil+tramadol recovery group showed significantly (p<0.001) reduced total and unconjugated bilirubin concentrations, compared with the treated group. Chronic administration of PDE5i and tramadol reversibly altered liver functions. © 2015 Victor U. Nna et al. | Hepatotoxicity; Liver; Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors; Sildenafil; Tadalafil; Tramadol | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960761924 | Evaluation of sustainability of low-volume roads treated with nontraditional stabilizers | Van Der Merwe Steyn W., Visser A. | 2011 | Transportation Research Record | None | 2204 | 10.3141/2204-24 | University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa | Van Der Merwe Steyn, W., University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa; Visser, A., University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa | The use of nontraditional stabilizers to treat unpaved (mostly lowvolume) roads has received attention over the past several years as various types of stabilizers have been developed and become available. Evaluation of the sustainability of various infrastructure actions, including the provision and maintenance of roads, is becoming more relevant as the effects of actions taken in the natural environment on itself and on the human environment are evaluated and understood in more detail. The Greenroads rating system offers a method for evaluation of the sustainability of the design, construction, and maintenance of roads. The system was developed with a focus on surfaced higher-volume roads. In this paper, the potential applicability of the Greenroads system for the evaluation of the sustainability of unsurfaced low-volume roads is investigated through two case studies of experiments in which unpaved low-volume test sections were treated with various types of traditional and nontraditional material stabilizers. Appropriate parameters were selected from the general Greenroads metric to ensure that those affecting unpaved low-volume roads would be evaluated (e.g., runoff quality and use of regional materials) while parameters such as paving emission reduction were excluded from the analysis. The assumption was made that all compulsory project requirements would be met by each of the options evaluated. It was concluded that the Greenroads metric can be used to evaluate the potential sustainability of unpaved low-volume roads treated with nontraditional stabilizers and that the metric can provide insight into the potential effect of various parameters on the sustainability of the various stabilization options. | None | Emission reduction; Human environment; Natural environments; Potential effects; Project requirement; Rating system; Runoff quality; Test sections; Maintenance; Rating; Sustainable development; Quality control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877823410 | Mutagenic evaluation of 10 long-term stored medicinal plants commonly used in south africa | Aremu A.O., Moyo M., Amoo S.O., Van Staden J. | 2013 | South African Journal of Botany | 87 | None | 10.1016/j.sajb.2013.03.002 | Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Aremu, A.O., Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Moyo, M., Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Amoo, S.O., Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Van Staden, J., Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | The use of medicinal plants is an increasing phenomenon among the majority of people in many developing countries. Some of the harvested medicinal plants are often stored for shorter or longer periods prior to usage. Evidence from recent studies has demonstrated the pharmacological efficacy of short and long-term stored plant materials when compared to freshly-harvested ones. In an attempt to evaluate the effect of long-term storage on the safety of some commonly used medicinal plants, the Ames test which involved the use of three Salmonella typhimurium tester strains (TA98, TA100 and TA1535) were conducted. Current findings indicate the absence of any mutagenic effects resulting from the storage of medicinal plant materials for as long as 16. years. Although freshly collected Acokanthera oppositifolia extract demonstrated a mutagenic effect against TA1535 strain at the highest concentration tested, no such effect was observed in the stored material. Further studies involving metabolic activation systems and in vivo conditions may further elucidate the effect of long-term storage on the safety of medicinal plants. © 2013 South African Association of Botanists. | Ames test; Conservation; Safety; Toxicity; Traditional medicine | concentration (composition); genetic analysis; harvesting; medicinal plant; metabolism; mutagenicity; safety; storage; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-39549114625 | Evaluation of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) live mulch at different spacings for weed suppression and yield response of maize (Zea mays L.) in southwestern Nigeria | Aladesanwa R.D., Adigun A.W. | 2008 | Crop Protection | 27 | 6 | 10.1016/j.cropro.2007.11.019 | Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management, The Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | Aladesanwa, R.D., Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management, The Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Adigun, A.W., Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management, The Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | The use of living plants for ground cover management in food crops is very recent in spite of the fact that food crop production in chemically killed sod has been practiced for years. A randomized complete block field experiment was conducted over 2 years to evaluate the influence of sweet potato live mulch at different intra row spacings (60 cm×25 cm, 60 cm×50 cm and 60 cm×75 cm) on weed suppression and yield response of maize in southwestern Nigeria. Hoe-weeding once at 3 and 7 weeks after planting was included in the experimental set-up as the standard cultural weed control practice. Results indicated that all the spacing regimes tested significantly (P<0.05) suppressed weed growth and increased grain yield over the unweeded sole maize. Regressing weed growth parameters (Y) against decreasing intra row spacing expressed as increasing plant population density of the sweet potato intercrop (X) showed highly significant (P≤0.001) negative relationships. Of the treatments tested, maize plus sweet potato at 60 cm×25 cm and weeding once at 3 and 7 weeks after planting (WAP) produced the highest yields, but bearing in mind the economics of labour input, weed control and yield, maize plus sweet potato at 60 cm×50 cm would appear to be the most promising of all the treatments. The results of this study further confirm the potential of sweet potato as a suitable crop for use as live mulch that can be effectively exploited for weed suppression and improved growth and yield responses in maize. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Arable crop; Live mulch; Tropics; Weed control | crop production; ground cover; intercropping; maize; mulch; population density; potato; regression analysis; weed control; yield response; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Ipomoea batatas; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-42549097736 | Creating an African Riviera: Revisiting the Impact of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Development in Cape Town | Ferreira S., Visser G. | 2007 | Urban Forum | 18 | 3 | 10.1007/s12132-007-9008-3 | Department of Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Department of Geography, University of Free States, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | Ferreira, S., Department of Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Visser, G., Department of Geography, University of Free States, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | The use of leisure and tourism to re-image and redevelop cities has been interpreted as a mechanism for attracting capital and people. In a period of intense inter-place competition and urban entrepreneurialism, whole built environments become centerpieces of urban spectacle and display. Waterfront developments have become emblematic in this regard. Over the past two decades the redevelopment of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (V&AW) in Cape Town has been transformed from 'port' to 'playground' and is internationally acknowledged as one of the most successful of these developments. This redevelopment has, as has been the case with numerous other waterfront developments, not been uncontroversial. New tensions and conflicts have arisen over the use, meaning, and ownership of this space. The acquisition of the waterfront by a consortium of London- and Dubai-based property developers in 2006 has renewed concerns about the 'plasticization' of the waterfront and signals the symbolic start of a new phase in this waterfront's development trajectory. The paper tracks the development of the V&AW since its inception in the late 1980s and argues that general critiques of waterfront developments sit uneasily in the Cape Town context. It is also suggested that these developments can fulfil a very significant and positive role for developing world cities. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Cape Town; South Africa; Urban regeneration; Urban renewal; V&A Waterfront | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875026546 | Haematological evaluation of normal rabbits treated with aqueous stem bark extracts of Irvingia gabonensis for twenty-four weeks | Omonkhua A.A., Onoagbe I.O. | 2012 | Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Research | 11 | 2 | None | Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Omonkhua, A.A., Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Onoagbe, I.O., Department of Biochemistry, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | The use of Irvingia gabonensis in the treatment of several ailments is documented. Our previous studies have established the long-term anti-obesity, hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects of aqueous stem bark extracts in normal rabbits. This study was designed to evaluate the long term (24 weeks) effect of daily oral administration of aqueous bark extracts of I. gabonensis on haematological parameters, assessed at pre-determined intervals, of normal rabbits as part of the biochemical evaluation of the plant. Plant extract administration caused significant (p<0.05) increases in red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (HbJ concentration, as well as platelet count. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) of I. gabonensis treated rabbits were mostly similar to control throughout the period of monitoring. White blood cell (WBC), and differential counts were largely unaffected by medicinal plant administration. This study revealed that long-term treatment of rabbits with I. gabonensis bark extracts improved haematopoietic system of rabbits and did not negatively affect their immune system. © CMS UNIBEN JMBR. | Haematological evaluation; Irvingia gabonensis; Medicinal plants; Rabbits; Toxicity | hematologic agent; hemoglobin; Irvingia gabonensis extract; plant extract; unclassified drug; animal experiment; animal model; aqueous solution; article; bark; chronic drug administration; controlled study; drug isolation; erythrocyte count; hematocrit; hematopoietic system; hemoglobin blood level; Irvingia gabonensis; leukocyte differential count; low drug dose; mean corpuscular hemoglobin; mean corpuscular volume; medicinal plant; nonhuman; phytochemistry; rabbit; thrombocyte count; toxicity testing; treatment duration | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871945216 | Evaluation of compliance to radiation safety standard amongst radiographers in radiodiagnostic centres in South West, Nigeria | Adejumo S.B., Irurhe N.K., Olowoyeye O.A., Ibitoye A.Z., Eze C.U., Omiyi O.D. | 2012 | World Journal of Medical Sciences | 7 | 3 | 10.5829/idosi.wjms.2012.7.3.6313 | Department of Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy, Radiodiagnosis and Radiography, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-araba, Lagos, Nigeria | Adejumo, S.B., Department of Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy, Radiodiagnosis and Radiography, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Irurhe, N.K., Department of Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy, Radiodiagnosis and Radiography, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Olowoyeye, O.A., Department of Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy, Radiodiagnosis and Radiography, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Ibitoye, A.Z., Department of Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy, Radiodiagnosis and Radiography, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Eze, C.U., Department of Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy, Radiodiagnosis and Radiography, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Omiyi, O.D., Department of Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy, Radiodiagnosis and Radiography, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-araba, Lagos, Nigeria | The use of ionizing radiation has become very common in medicine since its discovery more than a century ago. Radiation protection has been the concern of national and international bodies because of the potential hazardous effects associated with ionizing radiation if not properly controlled. Radiographers, who are the major dispenser of ionizing radiation, need proper monitoring for safe practice. In Nigeria, Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) is saddled with the responsibility to regulate and monitor the use of ionizing radiation the country. International Commission on radiation Protection (ICRP), international commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) in conjunction with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had provided series of documents on radiation safety standards. One hundred radiographers from public and private radiodiagnostic centres administered questionnaires on compliance rate of safety standard as described by national and international commission on ionizing radiation. The result reveals high compliance rate in majority of radiodiagnostic centres located in south west Nigeria. Conclusively, this study showed that radiographers working in both private and public establishments in south west, Nigeria were been monitored and they strictly followed the radiation protection standard rules to be within radiation workers dose limits. © IDOSI Publications, 2012. | Compliance; Protection; Radiation; Radiographer; Safety; Standard | adult; article; clinical practice; controlled study; device safety; health personnel attitude; human; ionizing radiation; job satisfaction; Nigeria; occupational exposure; occupational hazard; occupational safety; protective equipment; radiation exposure; radiation protection; radiation safety; radiologist; work environment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-35948991958 | Design and performance of BNR activated sludge systems with flat sheet membranes for solid-liquid separation | du Toit G.J.G., Ramphao M.C., Parco V., Wentzel M.C., Ekama G.A. | 2007 | Water Science and Technology | 56 | 6 | 10.2166/wst.2007.643 | Water Research Group, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Palermo, Palermo 90100, Italy; Ninham Shand (Pty) Ltd., 81 Church Street, Cape Town 8000, South Africa | du Toit, G.J.G., Water Research Group, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa, Ninham Shand (Pty) Ltd., 81 Church Street, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; Ramphao, M.C., Ninham Shand (Pty) Ltd., 81 Church Street, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; Parco, V., Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Palermo, Palermo 90100, Italy; Wentzel, M.C., Water Research Group, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Ekama, G.A., Water Research Group, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa | The use of immersed membranes for solid-liquid separation in biological nutrient removal activated sludge (BNRAS) systems was investigated at lab scale. Two laboratory-scale BNR activated sludge systems were run in parallel, one a MBR system and the other a conventional system with secondary settling tanks. Both systems were in 3 reactor anaerobic, anoxic, aerobic UCT configurations. The systems were set up to have, as far as possible, identical design parameters such as reactor mass fractions, recycles and sludge age. Differences were the influent flow and total reactor volumes, and the higher reactor concentrations in the MBR system. The performances of the two systems were extensively monitored and compared to identify and quantity the influence of the membranes on system response. The MBR UCT system exhibited COD, FSA, TKN, TP and TSS removals that were consistently equivalent or superior to the conventional system. Better P removal in the MBR was attributed to lower observed P uptake in the anoxic zone. High nitrate loads to the anoxic reactor appeared to be the determining factor in stimulating P uptake. The MBR UCT system had a greater sludge production than the conventional system. This was partly attributable to the retention of all solids in the MBR reactor. For steady state design this increase is accommodated by increasing the influent unbiodegradable particulate COD fraction. Additionally an attempt was made to determine the Alpha values in the oxygen transfer rate. This paper briefly summarises and compares the results from both systems, and the conclusions that can be drawn from these results. © IWA Publishing 2007. | Activated sludge; Alpha; Anoxic P uptake; Biological nutrient removal; Membrane bioreactor | Bioreactors; Chemical oxygen demand; Nutrients; Phase separation; Phosphorus; Removal; Sewage settling tanks; Biological nutrient removal; Membrane bioreactor; Activated sludge process; nitrogen; oxygen; phosphorus; Activated sludge process; Bioreactors; Chemical oxygen demand; Nutrients; Phase separation; Phosphorus; Removal; Sewage settling tanks; activated sludge; bioreactor; membrane; activated sludge; aerobic reactor; anaerobic reactor; article; biodegradability; chemical oxygen demand; controlled study; intermethod comparison; membrane reactor; oxygen transport; particulate matter; process design; quantitative analysis; separation technique; solid liquid separation; steady state; suspended particulate matter; Bioreactors; Nitrogen; Phosphorus; Sewage; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Water Purification | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60349111330 | Evaluation of resistance in selected cocoa genotypes to the brown cocoa mirid, Sahlbergella singularis Haglund in Nigeria | Anikwe J.C., Omoloye A.A., Aikpokpodion P.O., Okelana F.A., Eskes A.B. | 2009 | Crop Protection | 28 | 4 | 10.1016/j.cropro.2008.11.014 | Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5244, Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Bioversity International, URAD, Agropolis, France | Anikwe, J.C., Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5244, Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Omoloye, A.A., Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Aikpokpodion, P.O., Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5244, Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Okelana, F.A., Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5244, Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Eskes, A.B., Bioversity International, URAD, Agropolis, France | The use of host-plant resistance is the most economic and ecologically sound option for the control of the most important insect pest of cocoa, Sahlbergella singularis leaving no deleterious side effects on the produce and the environment. 44 genotypes comprising 24 hybrids and 20 clones were assessed for antixenosis whereas 25 and 28 genotypes were tested for antibiosis and tolerance, respectively. The brown cocoa mirids showed significant non-preference for genotypes T65/7xT57/22, T65/7xT9/15, P7xPa150, T53/5xN38, T53/5xT12/11, T65/35xT30/13, F3 Amazon, T86/2xT16/17, T65/7xT53/8, T86/2xT65/35, T82/27xT16/17, T9/15, T12/5, T30/13, C77, T53/8, T53/5, EET59, Pa150, UF 676, Amaz15-15, BE 10, SPEC54 and Pa107. Mirid survival (antibiosis) was lowest in EET59 (28.7%) while it ranged from 52.2 to 67.8% in genotypes BE10, Amaz15-15, SPEC54, UF 676, P7xPa150, and Pa107. The indigenous clone N38 had the highest number of lesions of 12.2 in the field while EET59, IFC-5, Playa Alta, BE10, Amaz15-15 and SPEC54 had mirid lesions of 2.7, 3.3, 5.2, 5.3, 5.5 and 5.5; respectively. However, in terms of recovery from mirid damage and dieback progression which were important parameters assessed in tolerance, Clones ICS1, EET59, BE 10, Amaz15-15, SPEC54 and Pa 102 showed highest rate of recovery from mirid damage and lowest dieback progression. Clones UF 676, C77, Pa150 and F3 Amazon also showed moderate recovery from mirid damage with mean scores of 1.2, 2.3, 1.6, 1.4, 1.7, 1.4 and 1.5, respectively. UF 676, C77, Pa150 and F3 Amazon performed moderately well in terms of tolerance. Some of these genotypes such as BE10, Amaz15-15, SPEC54, UF 676, P7xPa150, and Pa107 were very consistent in all mechanisms of resistance tested and therefore adjudged as resistant cocoa genotypes. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Antibiosis; Antixenosis; Cocoa genotypes; Sahlbergella singularis; Tolerance | clone; cocoa; genotype; host plant; pest resistance; testing method; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Hexapoda; Miridae; Sahlbergella singularis; Theobroma cacao | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867747561 | The effect of frother type and dosage on flotation performance in the presence of high depressant concentrations | Wiese J., Harris P. | 2012 | Minerals Engineering | None | None | 10.1016/j.mineng.2012.03.028 | Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Wiese, J., Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Harris, P., Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa | The use of high dosages of polysaccharide depressants in order to depress the undesired naturally floatable gangue (NFG) present in ores beneficiated from the Bushveld Complex, South Africa, results in a significant decrease in the stability of flotation froths. These unstable froths can result in restricted mass pull and decreased valuable mineral recovery. Previous work using a single polyglycol ether type frother, DOW 200, has shown that an increase in frother dosage could be used to overcome the destabilisation of the froth to a certain extent and improve valuable mineral recovery. This resulted in an increase in water recovery and dilution of the concentrate by entrained material. This work extends this study to examine the effect of using a stronger frother, DOW 250, on the recovery of sulphide minerals and floatable gangue from a Merensky ore at different dosages of guar gum and CMC, which are typically used as depressants in the processing of Merensky ore. Results indicate that an increase in the strength of the frother resulted in a more robust froth. Depressant type also had an influence on results obtained. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Flotation depressants; Flotation frothers; Froth flotation; Precious metal ores | Bushveld Complex; Floatable gangue; Flotation depressants; Flotation frothers; Flotation froths; Flotation performance; Frothers; Guar gums; Merensky ore; Mineral recovery; Polyglycol ethers; Precious metal ores; South Africa; Water recovery; Ethers; Froth flotation; Ores; Precious metals; Recovery; Ore treatment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872745024 | Physicochemical analysis and evaluation of trace metals in some locally prepared herbal decoctions sold in Niger Delta region of Nigeria | Alade G.O., Vaikosen E.N., Ebeshi B.U. | 2012 | International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research | 4 | 2 | None | Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Nigeria; Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Nigeria | Alade, G.O., Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Nigeria; Vaikosen, E.N., Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Nigeria; Ebeshi, B.U., Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Nigeria | The use of herbal products in Yenagoa and the rate of their increasing promotion on mass media is also alarming. Their safety is not really clearly understood.The physiochemical properties and heavy metal contaminants (Pb, Cd, Co, Zn and Fe) in four (4) decoctions marketed by hawkers in Yenagoa and its environs in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria were investigated. Heavy metals were determined using Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). All the decoctions were acidic and pH values ranged between 6.18 ± 0.004 and 6.96 ± 0.071. The total solids are between 1.96 ± 0.011 and 4.35 ± 0.045 % w/v.The level of Cd were below detection limit (BDL) in all decoctions. Pb and Co were only detected in samples 4 and 1 respectively. The concentrations of Pb and Co were 60.669 ± 1.893 μg/mL and 0.015± 0.001 μg/mL respectively. The daily consumption of Pb and Co is equivalent to 18200.7μg/day and 4.5 μg/day respectively as prescribed by hawkers. The Pb content significantly exceeded the WHO acceptable daily intake of 200 - 250 μg/day for an adult. The concentration of zinc in decoctions ranged from BDL -1.578 ± 0.002 μg/mL and is detected only in sample 4, while Fe content ranged from BDL - 7.183 ± 0.051 μg/m. Their daily equivalents as prescribed were below the maximum permissible levels acceptable to FAO/WHO and UK dietary regulatory limits. | Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS); Decoctions; Hawkers; Heavy metals | cadmium; cobalt; iron; lead; trace metal; zinc; accuracy; article; atomic absorption spectrometry; chemical analysis; concentration (parameters); controlled study; food analysis; food intake; herb; herbal medicine; limit of detection; Nigeria; nonhuman; pH measurement; physical chemistry; phytochemistry; relative density; risk assessment; risk factor; soil pollution | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-50649120173 | Evaluation of knowledge base of hospital pharmacists and physicians on herbal medicines in Southwestern Nigeria | Fakeye T.O., Onyemadu O. | 2008 | Pharmacy Practice | 6 | 2 | None | Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Fakeye, T.O., Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Onyemadu, O., Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The use of herbal medicines among Nigerian patients and the tendency to combine this class of medicines with allopathic drugs while on hospital admission have been on the increase. Earlier studies show that community pharmacists from Nigeria believe that they need more training to counsel patients on their use of herbal medications. Objective: To evaluate knowledge base, use, acceptability, attitudes and beliefs of hospital pharmacists and physicians in South-western Nigeria on herbal products/phytopharmaceuticals/dietary supplements (HP/PP/DS). Methods: A 20-odd questionnaire including an 8-item herbal medicine question was used to assess the knowledge of the physicians and pharmacists in the area of pharmacology of HP/PP/DS. Effects of demographic information such as age, sex, year post graduation, years of experience and area of specialization on the scores obtained were evaluated using Fisher's exact tests. Level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Pharmacists (51.4%) believed that the training they had was not adequate while physicians (44.6%) believed HP/PP/DS are not safe and 18.5% believed they are not effective. Pharmacovigilance centres were not significantly used for adverse reactions reported by patients. Pharmacists (67.6%) and physicians (29.3%) believed phytopharmaceuticals interact with other drugs. Year of graduation had a significant effect on the perception of the possibilities of interaction for pharmacists. 5.6% of the physicians and 62.4% of the pharmacists scored ≥50% with the questions on use and interaction potentials of HP/PP/DS, with cadre and years of practice having significant effects. Conclusions: There is a deficiency in the knowledge base of physicians, especially on the pharmacology and potential interaction of herbal medicines. There is an urgent need for the inclusion of pharmacology of common herbal medicines in the curriculum of Nigerian medical degree and an improvement in the pharmacy curriculum in this area. | Herb-drug interactions; Medicine, herbal; Nigeria; Pharmacists; Physicians | garlic extract; Ginkgo biloba extract; herbaceous agent; warfarin; adult; age; allopathy; article; clinical practice; controlled study; curriculum development; demography; diet supplementation; drug efficacy; drug manufacture; drug potentiation; drug safety; drug surveillance program; drug use; drug withdrawal; education program; female; Fisher exact test; food and drug administration; garlic; Ginkgo biloba; headache; herbal medicine; hospital admission; hospital pharmacy; hospital physician; human; knowledge base; male; medical education; medical specialist; nausea; Nigeria; normal human; patient counseling; pharmacist attitude; pharmacology; physician attitude; questionnaire; scoring system; sex difference; skin pruritus; work experience | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926178570 | Herbal and alternative medicine: The impact on anesthesia | Dippenaar J.M. | 2015 | Southern African Journal of Anaesthesia and Analgesia | 21 | 1 | 10.1080/22201181.2015.1013321 | Department of Maxillo-Facial-Oral Surgery, Oral and Dental Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Dippenaar, J.M., Department of Maxillo-Facial-Oral Surgery, Oral and Dental Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | The use of herbal and alternative therapies is increasing all over the developed as well as the developing world. As pharmacological data on drug interactions involving herbal therapies becomes available, it is important to be familiar with the challenges that concomitant use of these medications may present within the peri-operative period. This review aims to shed light on the more commonly used herbal drugs, and to discuss drug interactions and complications that may be expected in their use. © 2015 The Author(s). | Anaesthesia; Drug interactions; Herbal medicine | acetylsalicylic acid; antacid agent; anticoagulant agent; anticonvulsive agent; antihistaminic agent; benzodiazepine; buspirone; chamomile; corticosteroid; cyclosporin; cytochrome P450; fluoxetine; furosemide; garlic extract; histamine H2 receptor antagonist; hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase; kava extract; levodopa; nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor; nonsteroid antiinflammatory agent; oral contraceptive agent; primrose oil; proton pump inhibitor; theophylline; thromboxane A2; trazodone; unindexed drug; valerian; von Willebrand factor; warfarin; Aloe vera; alternative medicine; anesthesia; Article; bleeding; central nervous system; clinical trial (topic); drug bioavailability; Echinacea angustifolia; electrolyte transport; Ginkgo biloba; Glycyrrhiza glabra; heart arrhythmia; herb drug interaction; herbal medicine; human; Hypericum perforatum; hypertension; immune response; immunomodulation; kidney dysfunction; liver toxicity; Matricaria recutita; Panax quinquefolius; pharmacodynamics; physician; Piper methysticum; sedation; serotonin syndrome; Tanacetum parthenium; vasoconstriction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887556023 | Nutritional evaluation of complementary food gruels formulated from blends of soybean flour and ginger modified cocoyam starch | Ojinnaka M.C., Ebinyasi C.S., Ihemeje A., Okorie S.U. | 2013 | Advance Journal of Food Science and Technology | 5 | 10 | None | Department of Food Science and Technology, Imo State University, PMB 2000 Owerri Imo State, Nigeria | Ojinnaka, M.C., Department of Food Science and Technology, Imo State University, PMB 2000 Owerri Imo State, Nigeria; Ebinyasi, C.S., Department of Food Science and Technology, Imo State University, PMB 2000 Owerri Imo State, Nigeria; Ihemeje, A., Department of Food Science and Technology, Imo State University, PMB 2000 Owerri Imo State, Nigeria; Okorie, S.U., Department of Food Science and Technology, Imo State University, PMB 2000 Owerri Imo State, Nigeria | The use of ginger modified starch and soybean flour blends in the formulation of low-cost, nutritive complementary food gruels were studied. The complementary food samples were analyzed for their nutritional, functional, anti-nutritional and sensory properties. The nutritional composition of the samples showed that the protein content increased with increased supplementation with the soybean flour from 2.68% in sample A (10:90) to 3.97% in sample D (40:60). The functional properties of the samples showed an increase in the swelling index and water absorption capacities from samples A to sample D while the bulk densities were relatively constant. The complementary food samples also showed low levels of oxalate and phytate in the range of 0.03 to 0.06% for oxalate and 0.04 to 0.07% for phytate. The sensory evaluation carried out on the complementary food samples after reconstituting into gruel with warm water, milk and sugar showed that all the samples were well accepted by the judges. © 2013 Maxwell Scientific Organization. | Cocoyam; Complementary food; Soybean | Cocoyam; Functional properties; Nutritional compositions; Nutritional evaluations; Sensory evaluation; Sensory properties; Soybean; Water absorption capacity; Food additives; Oxalic acid; Sensory perception; Water quality; Starch | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67349267289 | Performance of Toggenburg dairy goats in smallholder production systems of the eastern highlands of Kenya | Ahuya C.O., Ojango J.M.K., Mosi R.O., Peacock C.P., Okeyo A.M. | 2009 | Small Ruminant Research | 83 | 03-Jan | 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2008.11.012 | FARM-Africa, Kenya Country Office, P.O. Box 49502, Nairobi, Kenya; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya; University of Nairobi, Department of Animal Production, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya; Animal Breeding and Genetics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, Box 536, 20107 Njoro, Kenya | Ahuya, C.O., FARM-Africa, Kenya Country Office, P.O. Box 49502, Nairobi, Kenya; Ojango, J.M.K., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya, Animal Breeding and Genetics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, Box 536, 20107 Njoro, Kenya; Mosi, R.O., University of Nairobi, Department of Animal Production, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya; Peacock, C.P., FARM-Africa, Kenya Country Office, P.O. Box 49502, Nairobi, Kenya; Okeyo, A.M., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya | The use of exotic dairy goats in breeding programmes for smallholder production systems is popular in Eastern Africa. However, information on the performance of exotic breeds within these systems is scarce. This paper presents information on performance of Toggenburg dairy goats under smallholder production systems in a medium to high agricultural potential environment in Kenya under a community-based set-up as part of the characterization of its adaptive and productive attributes. Environmental factors affecting growth of 646 goats born in the environment, and fertility and milk production of 160 does from 1997 to 2005 were evaluated. Genetic parameters were also estimated for early growth traits. The average birth weight (BW) for 607 kids was 3.27 kg. Corrected weaning weights (CW), and average daily gain to weaning (ADG) for 646 kids were 19.12 kg and 136 g/day, respectively. The results indicated that the smallholder farmers were able to maintain comparably high levels of milk production in the first three parities (LMY), with yields of 475 ± 9 l in 201 days for 160 does in the first parity, 507 ± 9 l in 264 days from 130 does in the second parity and 513 ± 13 l in 296 days for 82 does in the third parity. Kidding intervals though initially long decreased with time to reasonable levels (302 ± 117 days). The heritability estimates obtained were low (0.23 ± 0.13 for BW, 0.18 ± 0.11 for CW and 0.14 ± 0.11 for ADG). Genetic correlations between the traits were also low. Genetic and phenotypic trends indicated little change in BW, CW and LMY over the years. The phenotypic trend in the kidding interval showed a reducing interval over time. The results demonstrated that the Toggenburg goats were able to perform and thrive reasonably well under the low-input farming conditions. © 2009. | Genetic parameters; Goat milk; Smallholder farming; Toggenburg | Capra hircus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548148242 | Performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with graded levels of Roxazyme G® | Omojola A.B., Adesehinwa A.O.K. | 2007 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 6 | 5 | None | Meat Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, P.M.B. 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria | Omojola, A.B., Meat Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adesehinwa, A.O.K., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, P.M.B. 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria | The use of exogenous enzymes as feed additives is still undergoing a lot of research. A total of three hundred and sixty unsexed three week-old Abor Acre plus strain broiler chicken were randomly allocated to four experimental dietary treatments in a completely randomized design to evaluate the effect of Roxazyme® on performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. The diets 1, 2, 3, and 4 contained 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% enzyme supplementation respectively. The birds were fed the experimental diets for a 35-day period during which data were obtained on feed intake, weight gain, dry matter digestibility (DMD) and feed conversion ratio. At the end of the feeding trial, ten birds were sacrificed per replicate to evaluate carcass and meat characteristics. The inclusion of the exogenous enzyme did not significantly (P>0.05) improve the average weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and DMD. The dressing percentage of birds fed the enzyme-supplemented diets was significantly (P<0.05) superior compared to the control. There were no significant differences between all the primal cuts except the head and neck of the birds on the control diet that were significantly (P<0.05) lower in weight. The inclusion of the enzyme did not (P>0.05) affect the relative weights of the kidney, gizzard, heart and the liver of all experimental birds. The flavour, tenderness and juiciness scores of the meat of birds fed the enzyme supplemented diets were significantly (P<0.05) higher than the control while the colour, texture and the overall acceptability were not significantly affected by the inclusion of the enzyme in the diet. The Waner Braztler shear force result showed no significant increase (P>0.05) in toughness in agreement with the sensory panel result that adjudged the meat from birds fed enzyme supplemented diets as more tender (P<0.05) than that of the control. The breast muscle of the chickens had higher cooking loss than the thigh muscle while the highest (P<0.05) cooking loss was recorded for both muscle parts of birds reared on 0.2% enzyme supplementation. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2007. | Broiler chickens; Carcass characteristics; Growth performance; Roxazyme® | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84889853531 | Performance monitoring of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Dried culture spots for use with the Genexpert system within a national program in south Africa | Gous N., Cunningham B., Kana B., Stevens W., Scott L.E. | 2013 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 51 | 12 | 10.1128/JCM.01715-13 | Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; National Priority Program of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa | Gous, N., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Cunningham, B., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kana, B., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Stevens, W., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, National Priority Program of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Scott, L.E., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | The use of dried culture spots (DCSs) has been reported in the verification of GeneXpert instruments as being "fit for purpose" for the South African National implementation program. We investigated and compared the performance of the DCSs for verification across different bulk batches, testing the settings and cadre of staff, and the Xpert MTB/RIF assay version. Four bulk batches (V005 to V008) were used to prepare (i) 619 DCS panels for laboratory testing on G3 or G4 cartridges by a technologist, (ii) 13 DCS panels (batch V005) used for clinic verification on G3 cartridges by a nurse or lay counselor, and (iii) 20 DCS panels (batch V005) used for the verification of 10 GeneXpert 16 module instruments in mobile vehicles on the G3 cartridge performed by a scientist. The stabilities of the DCSs over 6 months at 4C, room temperature, and 37C were investigated. The mean cycle threshold (CT) and standard deviation (SD) for probe A were calculated. The proportions of variability in the CT values across bulk batches, assay versions, and settings and cadre of staff were determined using regression analysis. Overall, the DCSs demonstrated SDs of 3.3 (n660) for the G3 cartridges and 3.8 (n1,888) for the G4 cartridges, with an overall error rate of 1.5% and false rifampin resistance rate of 0.1%. The proportions of variability (R2) in the CT values explained by batch were 14%, by setting and cadre of staff, 5.6%, and by assay version, 4.2%. The most stable temperature in a period of up to 6 months was 37C (SD, 2.7). The DCS is a robust product suitable for storage, transport, and use at room temperature for the verification of the GeneXpert instrument, and the testing can be performed by non-laboratory-trained personnel in nonlaboratory settings. Copyright © 2013, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | rifampicin; analytical equipment; antibiotic resistance; antibiotic sensitivity; article; bacterium culture; dried culture spot; microbiology; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; priority journal; regression analysis; room temperature; South Africa; temperature; Desiccation; Humans; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Reproducibility of Results; South Africa; Specimen Handling; Temperature; Time Factors; Tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-68649083047 | Evaluation of the CDC safe water-storage intervention to improve the microbiological quality of point-of-use drinking water in rural communities in South Africa | Potgieter N., Becker P.J., Ehlers M.M. | 2009 | Water SA | 35 | 4 | None | Dept of Microbiology, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, Limpopo Province, South Africa; MRC, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng Province, South Africa; Dept of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, Gauteng Province, South Africa | Potgieter, N., Dept of Microbiology, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, Limpopo Province, South Africa; Becker, P.J., MRC, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng Province, South Africa; Ehlers, M.M., Dept of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, Gauteng Province, South Africa | The use of different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite solutions (placebo; 1% and 3.5% sodium hypochlorite solutions) and 2 water-storage containers (traditional plastic container and the improved CDC safe water-storage container) as interventions in 2 rural communities using different water sources (improved vs. unimproved) was evaluated over a period of 4 months. Standard methods were used to determine the presence of indicator organisms (total coliforms, faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, faecal enterococci, Clostridium perfringens, male-specific F-RNA and somatic coliphages) in the water samples. The results indicated that the 1% and the 3.5% sodium hypochlorite solutions effectively reduced the numbers of indicator microorganisms to undetectable counts in both types of water-storage containers. However, no statistical differences were seen between the 2 types of water-storage containers in the numbers of indicator microorganisms present in the stored water with the addition of a placebo sodium hypochlorite solution. Compliance of households with the use of the sodium hypochlorite intervention ranged between 60% and 100%. A household questionnaire survey indicated an urgent need for education concerning the risk of waterborne diseases, the proper use of safe household water-storage devices and water treatment processes and improvement of hygiene and sanitation practices in these rural households. | Rural households; Safe water-storage container; Sodium hypochlorite solution; South Africa; Store drinking water | Rural households; Safe water-storage container; Sodium hypochlorite solution; South Africa; Store drinking water; Chemicals removal (water treatment); Escherichia coli; Hydrometallurgy; Microorganisms; Nucleic acids; Plastic containers; RNA; Sodium; Surveys; Wastewater treatment; Water supply; Potable water; drinking water; fecal coliform; household survey; microorganism; rural area; safety; water storage; water treatment; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Clostridium perfringens; Enterococcus; Escherichia coli | 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-s2.0-84903362394 | In vivo antimalarial evaluation of MAMA decoction on Plasmodium berghei in mice | Adepiti A.O., Elujoba A.A., Bolaji O.O. | 2014 | Parasitology Research | 113 | 2 | 10.1007/s00436-013-3680-0 | Department of Pharmacognosy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Adepiti, A.O., Department of Pharmacognosy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Elujoba, A.A., Department of Pharmacognosy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Bolaji, O.O., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | The use of decoctions of different plant materials is common practice in antimalarial ethnomedicine in Africa. Scientific evaluation of such herbal combinations to verify the claims is important. The study has evaluated the antimalarial efficacy of MAMA decoction (MD), a multicomponent herbal preparation and its individual plant components, namely leaves of Morinda lucida Benth [Rubiaceae] (ML), Azadirachta indica A. Juss [Meliaceae] (AI), Alstonia boonei De Wild [Apocynaceae] (AB) and Mangifera indica L [Anacardiaceae] (MI) in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Each decoction was prepared by boiling the powdered leaf in water, concentrated in vacuo and freeze-dried. The acute toxicity of MD (LD50 = 3.8 g/kg) was determined using Lorke's method. The antimalarial activities of MD and its plant components were evaluated by oral administration of the freeze-dried extracts (15-240 mg/kg) using the early malaria infection test model. The established malaria infection test was used to evaluate MD (60-240 mg/kg) while amodiaquine [10 mg/kg] (AQ) and distilled water were employed as the positive and negative controls, respectively. From the early malaria infection test, the effective doses at 50 % (ED50) and 90 % (ED90) for MD, AB, AI, ML, MI and AQ were 43, 79, 140, 134, 208 and 3.9 mg/kg and 202, 276, 291, 408, 480 and 9.2 mg/kg, respectively. For the established infection test, MD (240 mg/kg) and AQ gave parasite clearance of 55 and 95 % on day 5 of treatment. MD possesses antimalarial activity and is relatively safe. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | None | Alstonia boonei extract; amodiaquine; antimalarial agent; Azadirachta indica extract; herbaceous agent; Mangifera indica extract; Morinda lucida extract; plant extract; unclassified drug; acute toxicity; Alstonia; alstonia boonei; animal experiment; antimalarial activity; article; Azadirachta indica; controlled study; female; freeze drying; in vivo study; LD 50; malaria; male; mango; Morinda lucida; mouse; nonhuman; parasite clearance; parasitemia; plant leaf; Plasmodium berghei; Plasmodium berghei infection; priority journal; treatment duration; Alstonia boonei; Anacardiaceae; Apocynaceae; Azadirachta indica; Mangifera indica; Meliaceae; Morinda lucida; Mus; Plasmodium berghei; Rubiaceae; Africa; Alstonia; Animals; Antimalarials; Azadirachta; Female; Malaria; Male; Mangifera; Medicine, Traditional; Mice; Morinda; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Plasmodium berghei; Random Allocation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927178733 | Impact of Different Systems of Manure Management on the Quality of Cow Dung | Ewusi-Mensah N., Logah V., Akrasi E.J. | 2015 | Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis | 46 | 2 | 10.1080/00103624.2014.967854 | Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana | Ewusi-Mensah, N., Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana; Logah, V., Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana; Akrasi, E.J., Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana | The use of cow dung as a source of plant nutrients is widespread among many smallholder farmers in Ghana. The benefits of cow dung application in crop production depend on the amount, quality, nutrient-release patterns, and uptake by crops. Samples of cow dung from three main systems of manure management (free range, semi-intensive, and intensive) were collected from the Kumasi Metropolis in the semideciduous forest zone of Ghana and analyzed for nitrogen (N), carbon (C), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium, (Mg), and ash contents. This research was undertaken to corroborate results of an earlier study in the interior savanna zone of Ghana, because manure quality is a function of its management (handling, storage, and transport), animal breed, and vegetation type (feed). Nitrogen content varied from 1.44 to 2.10% with the intensive system of management recording the greatest value. Phosphorus varied from 0.48% under free-range (field) system to 0.80% under the intensive system. The greatest and lowest total K values of 1.74% and 1.11% were respectively recorded under the intensive and free-range management systems. Generally, the study indicated there was relatively better manure quality under the intensive system than in the semi-intensive and free-range (field) systems. The cow dung collected under the various manure-management systems was then incubated in a laboratory study to assess their nutrient-release patterns. The results revealed that the manure under the intensive system mineralized ammonium N during the first 6 weeks of incubation with peak mineralization in the fourth week. Immobilization of nitrate N was observed from the second to the eighth week of incubation from cow dung under all the management systems. Total N [nitrate (NO<inf>3</inf> −) + ammonium (NH<inf>4</inf> +)] was immobilized under the free-range and semi-intensive management systems throughout the incubation period except in the first week. Peak net N mineralization was observed during the fourth week of incubation from cow dung under the intensive system of manure management. Results of the study suggested that total mineral N needs of crops might not be met entirely through application of cow dung to Ferric Acrisol due to immobilization during appreciable period of decomposition of the manure. ©, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Cow dung; immobilization; manure management; mineralization; quality | Acrisol; agricultural management; ammonium; cattle; crop production; decomposition; immobilization; manure; mineralization; nitrate; savanna; smallholder; Ashanti; Ghana; Kumasi; Animalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867270694 | Impact of conductive backfills on resistivity of nonuniform soil for grounding grid design | Eduful G., Amoako S., Okyere P.Y., Anto E.K., Asante K.N. | 2011 | International Journal of Applied Engineering Research | 6 | 1 | None | Electricity Company of Ghana, Project Office, P.O. Box 5278, Accra-North, Ghana; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana; Research and Development, Electricity Company of Ghana Project Office, P.O. Box AN 5278, Accra, Ghana | Eduful, G., Electricity Company of Ghana, Project Office, P.O. Box 5278, Accra-North, Ghana; Amoako, S., Electricity Company of Ghana, Project Office, P.O. Box 5278, Accra-North, Ghana; Okyere, P.Y., Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana; Anto, E.K., Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana; Asante, K.N., Research and Development, Electricity Company of Ghana Project Office, P.O. Box AN 5278, Accra, Ghana | The use of conductive backfills is one of the major techniques that can be used to lower soil resistivity and still achieve safety restriction imposed by standard regulations. The challenge is how to estimate the impact of a conductive backfill on local soil resistivity. In this study, electrodes were installed in a conductive backfill and their resistance measured. To determine impact of the conductive soil on the local soil resistivity, equivalent resistivity of the electrode (made up the resistivity of the conductive backfill and the local soil) was calculated using deep-driven analytical formula for soil resistivity calculation. Impact was obtained by a ratio of the equivalent resistivity to the resistivity of the local soil. To confirm the impact, electrodes were connected in a grid form and their combined resistance measured. The measured resistance value was compared with a calculated resistance value. The strong relation between the measured and the calculated values confirmed the impact. © Research India Publications. | Conductive Backfill; Ground Electrode; Grounding Grid; Soil resistivity | None | None |
| None | None | Evaluation of nutritive value of browse tree fodder species in semi-arid Kiteto and Kongwa districts of Tanzania | Nassoro Z., Rubanza C.D.K., Kimaro A.A. | 2015 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 13 | 42433 | None | Department of Conservation Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Dodoma, P.O Box 338, Dodoma, Tanzania; ICRAF Tanzania, P.O Box 6226, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Nassoro, Z., Department of Conservation Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Dodoma, P.O Box 338, Dodoma, Tanzania; Rubanza, C.D.K., Department of Conservation Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Dodoma, P.O Box 338, Dodoma, Tanzania; Kimaro, A.A., ICRAF Tanzania, P.O Box 6226, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | The use of browse tree fodder as supplements to ruminant feeding in the tropics is limited by lack of information on their nutritive potential. A study was carried out based on objectives: (1) to determine chemical composition and concentration of minerals and (2) to assess in vitro digestibility potential of five foliage species of Acacia (A. mellifera, A. senegal, A. tortilis and A. xanthophloea); and Boscia spp. indigenous to Kongwa and Kiteto districts, compared to Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena pallida and Melia azedarach that are established in farmlands in the two districts aiming to fill the existing feed gap for ruminants and soil improvement purposes. Data on chemical and mineral composition were analysed for ANOVA by using SAS software. The browse tree species had high levels of crude protein (CP) that varied (P < 0.05) among the species from 130 to 230 g/kg DM for A. xanthophloea and G. sepium, respectively. The species had moderate to low (P < 0.05) contents of fibers which varied among the species. The NDF ranged from 342 (A. xanthophloea) to 644 g/kg DM (Boscia spp.), ADF from 184 g/kg DM (L. pallida) to 577 g/kg DM (M. azedarach) and ADL from 38 to 175 g/ kg DM. The browse species had adequate levels of macro minerals ranging 2.2 - 12.6, 1.8 - 7.1, 1.4 - 6.4 and 1.5 - 3.1 g/kg DM for Ca, P, Mg and S, respectively. Concentrations of micro minerals were moderate to high (P < 0.05) (4.3 - 53, 155 - 300, 13.1 - 80.9 and 15.2 - 46 mg/kg DM for Cu, Fe, Man and Zn, respectively). The species had high (P < 0.05) in vitro digestibility potential 320 - 671 and 325 - 658 g/kg DM for IVOMD and IVDMD, respectively. Browse tree fodder species with enough foliage biomasses such as A. tortilis (pods), G. sepium, L. pallida and M. azedarach and in the current study could be utilized as protein supplements to ruminant livestock fed on low quality feeds including hays, stovers and crop residues due to their high levels of crude protein and minerals, low fibre contents as well as high digestibility potential. © 2015, World Food Ltd. and WFL Publishers. All rights reserved. | Acacia; Browse fodder; Chemical composition; In vitro digestibility; Minerals; Ruminants | calcium; lignin; magnesium; mineral; organic matter; phosphorus; protein; sulfur; Acacia; acid detergent fiber; animal food; Article; chemical composition; concentration (parameters); digestion; feeding; foliage; Gliricidia; Leucaena; livestock; Melia azedarach; neutral detergent fiber; nonhuman; nutritional value; plant residue; season; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957488704 | Engine performance, exhaust emissions and combustion characteristics of a CI engine fuelled with croton megalocarpus methyl ester with antioxidant | Kivevele T.T., Kristóf L., Bereczky A., Mbarawa M.M. | 2011 | Fuel | 90 | 8 | 10.1016/j.fuel.2011.03.048 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Department of Energy Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Megyetem rkp. 3-9, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary | Kivevele, T.T., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Kristóf, L., Department of Energy Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Megyetem rkp. 3-9, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary; Bereczky, A., Department of Energy Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Megyetem rkp. 3-9, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary; Mbarawa, M.M., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | The use of biodiesel as a substitute for petroleum-based diesel has become of great interest for the reasons of combating the destruction of the environment, the price of petroleum-based diesel and dependency on foreign energy sources. But for practical feasibility of biodiesel, antioxidants are added to increase the oxidation stability during long term storage. It is quite possible that these additives may affect the clean burning characteristics of biodiesel. This study investigated the experimental effects of antioxidants on the oxidation stability, engine performance, exhaust emissions and combustion characteristics of a four cylinder turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel engine fuelled with biodiesel from croton megalocarpus oil. The three synthetic antioxidants evaluated its effectiveness on oxidation stability of croton oil methyl ester (COME) were 1, 2, 3 tri-hydroxy benzene (Pyrogallol, PY), 3, 4, 5-tri hydroxy benzoic acid (Propyl Gallate, PG) and 2-tert butyl-4-methoxy phenol (Butylated Hydroxyanisole, BHA). The fuel sample tested in TDI diesel engine include pure croton biodiesel (B100), croton biodiesel dosed with 1000 ppm of an effective antioxidant (B100 + PY1000), B20 (20% croton biodiesel and 80% mineral diesel) and diesel fuel which was used as base fuel. The result showed that the effectiveness of the antioxidants was in the order of PY > PG > BHA. The brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) of biodiesel fuel with antioxidants decreased more than that of biodiesel fuel without antioxidants, but both were higher than that of diesel. Antioxidants had few effects on the exhaust emissions of a diesel engine running on biodiesel. Combustion characteristics in diesel engine were not influenced by the addition of antioxidants in biodiesel fuel. This study recommends PY and PG to be used for safeguarding biodiesel fuel from the effects of autoxidation during storage. Overall, the biodiesel derived from croton megalocarpus oil can be utilized as partial substitute for mineral diesel. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Antioxidants; Combustion; Croton methyl ester; Emissions; Engine performance | Antioxidants; Benzoic acid; Bio-diesel fuel; Brake specific fuel consumption; CI engine; Clean burning; Combustion characteristics; Croton methyl ester; Emissions; Energy source; Engine performance; Exhaust emission; Fuel samples; Long-term storage; Methyl esters; Oxidation stability; Propyl gallate; Synthetic antioxidants; TDI diesel engine; Benzene; Biodiesel; Carboxylic acids; Combustion; Diesel engines; Diesel fuels; Direct injection; Engines; Esterification; Esters; Fuel consumption; Fuel storage; Machine design; Oxidation; Phenols; Silicate minerals; Synthetic fuels; Vegetable oils; Engine cylinders | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929159019 | Performance analysis of power converter based active rectifier for an offshore wind park | Musasa K., Gitau M.N., Bansal R.C. | 2015 | Electric Power Components and Systems | 43 | 42592 | 10.1080/15325008.2015.1025009 | Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Musasa, K., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Gitau, M.N., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Bansal, R.C., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa | The use of a DC system in wind parks is becoming a more promising technology. Low weight and compact components in the offshore wind park are crucial to use due to strong wind perturbations out in the sea. A wind park with a DC collector is more compact than one using an AC collector. A DC collector employs power converters instead of a 50- or 60-Hz power transformer. For similar voltage/current ratings, the power converter is compact and of small weight compared to the power transformer. The full-bridge voltage source converter is commonly used as topology of the power converter resulting high power losses. This article proposes the use of cascade connection of a non-controlled full-bridge diode rectifier and a controlled DC-DC boost converter. The proposed topology differs from the conventional full-bridge voltage source converter by having a reduced number of operating switches. The power loss is reduced, thus improving the efficiency of the wind park. A DC collection grid consisting of series-parallel connections of wind energy conversion units (WECUs) is investigated. The impact caused to the wind park for a fault or a collapse of a given number of WECU is analyzed and mitigated. It is demonstrated that the use of large numbers of wind energy conversion units in a wind park improves the fault ride-through capabiliy. © 2015 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | DC collector; DC-DC boost converter; offshore wind park; pulse-width modulation controller; signal model | DC transformers; Electric connectors; Electric load dispatching; Electric rectifiers; Energy conversion; Power converters; Power transformers; Pulse width modulation; Rectifying circuits; Topology; Voltage control; Wind power; DC collector; DC-DC boost converters; Off-shore wind parks; Pulse width modulation controllers; Signal modeling; DC-DC converters | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920252018 | Environmental impact assessment of a new nuclear power plant (NPP) based on atmospheric dispersion modeling | Aliyu A.S., Ramli A.T., Saleh M.A. | 2014 | Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment | 28 | 7 | 10.1007/s00477-014-0856-9 | Nuclear Laboratory, Department of Physics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Malaysia; Department of Physics, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria | Aliyu, A.S., Nuclear Laboratory, Department of Physics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Department of Physics, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria; Ramli, A.T., Nuclear Laboratory, Department of Physics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Malaysia; Saleh, M.A., Nuclear Laboratory, Department of Physics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Malaysia | The US Environmental Protection Agency’s short-range atmospheric dispersion model (AERMOD 12345) is a good candidate for radiological dose calculations to the general public and the environment. It advanced capability should provide better confidence in the accuracy of offsite dose and risk assessment. The code has been used to compute the scaling factors for air concentration and ground level deposition of fission products based on routine and hypothetical accident releases from the NPP site in Geregu, Nigeria (7°33′N, 6°41′E). All computations were within the 16 km emergency planing zone of a generic reactor design considered by the study. The scaling factors have been used to assess the potential environmental risk of the NPP using an integrated approach to the assessment and management of environmental risks from ionizing radiation (D-ERICA). Obtained results should provide baseline information for decision making in terms of operation license provision for the pioneer NPP. © 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | AERMOD; Atmosphere; Environmental risk; ERICA Tool; Nigeria; Nuclear power plant | Atmospheric movements; Decision making; Earth atmosphere; Environmental impact assessments; Environmental Protection Agency; Fission products; Ionizing radiation; Nuclear energy; Nuclear power plants; Nuclear reactor accidents; Risk assessment; Structural design; AERMOD; Air concentrations; Atmospheric dispersion modeling; Environmental risks; Integrated approach; Nigeria; Radiological dose; US Environmental Protection Agency; Environmental impact | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939497330 | Determining the number of participants needed for the usability evaluation of e-learning resources: A Monte Carlo simulation | Davids M.R., Harvey J., Halperin M.L., Chikte U.M.E. | 2015 | British Journal of Educational Technology | 46 | 5 | 10.1111/bjet.12336 | Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for Statistical Consultation, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Division of Nephrology, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Davids, M.R., Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Harvey, J., Centre for Statistical Consultation, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Halperin, M.L., Division of Nephrology, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Canada; Chikte, U.M.E., Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | The usability of computer interfaces has a major influence on learning. Optimising the usability of e-learning resources is therefore essential. However, this may be neglected because of time and monetary constraints. User testing is a common approach to usability evaluation and involves studying typical end-users interacting with the application being tested. Determining the minimum number of users that are required for such an evaluation is important as it has a direct bearing on the costs and time requirements. This issue has long been a subject of debate and the widely cited recommendation of five users being enough has been questioned. We conducted a usability evaluation of an e-learning resource for electrolyte and acid-base disorders by studying the interaction of medical doctors with the application. A total of 15 serious usability problems were detected, most of these related to an interactive treatment simulation. With this report, we are making available the data on the detection of serious usability problems by each of our participants. We have used these data to run a Monte Carlo simulation and examine how many users would be sufficient to test our application. The simulation revealed that we would have required 10 participants to detect 80% of the serious usability problems. The MATLAB® code for running the simulation is supplied, as are our calculations of problem discovery rates. The e-learning resource which was evaluated is freely available, together with a revised version with all identified usability problems addressed. © 2015 British Educational Research Association. | None | E-learning; Intelligent systems; MATLAB; Usability engineering; Acid-base disorders; E-learning resources; Medical doctors; Monetary constraints; Time requirements; Treatment simulation; Usability evaluation; Usability problems; Monte Carlo methods | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-17444385257 | Performance of NCEP-NCAR reanalysis variables in statistical downscaling of daily precipitation | Cavazos T., Hewitson B.C. | 2005 | Climate Research | 28 | 2 | None | Departmento de Oceanografia Fisica, CICESE, Km 107 Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada, Ensenada, Baja California 22860, Mexico; Environmental/Geograghical Science, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Cavazos, T., Departmento de Oceanografia Fisica, CICESE, Km 107 Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada, Ensenada, Baja California 22860, Mexico; Hewitson, B.C., Environmental/Geograghical Science, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | The urgent need for realistic regional climate change scenarios has led to a plethora of empirical downscaling techniques. In many cases, widely differing predictors are used, making comparative evaluation difficult. Additionally, it is not clear that the chosen predictors are always the most important. These limitations and the lack of physics in empirical downscaling highlight the need for a systematic assessment of the performance of physically meaningful predictors and their relevance in surface climate parameters. Accordingly, the objectives of this study are 2-fold: to examine the skill and errors of 29 individual atmospheric predictors of daily precipitation in 15 locations that encompass diverse climate regimes, and to evaluate the best combination of predictors that are able to capture different sources of variation. The predictors utilized are from the National Center for Environmental Prediction-National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP-NCAR) reanalysis. Mid-tropospheric geopotential heights and mid-tropospheric humidity were the 2 most relevant controls of daily precipitation in all the locations and seasons analyzed. The role of the tropospheric thickness, and the surface and 850 hPa meridional wind components appear to be regionally and seasonally dependent. The predictors showed low performance in the near-equatorial and tropical locations analyzed where convective processes dominate and, possibly, where the reanalysis data sets are most deficient. Summer precipitation was characterized by the largest errors, likely also due to the enhanced role of convection and sub-grid scale processes. Nevertheless, the model was able to reproduce the seasonal precipitation and the phase of daily events in the mid-latitude locations analyzed. In general, the proposed downscaling models tended to underestimate (overestimate) large (small) rainfall events, which reveal the sensitivity of the downscaling to the spatial resolution of the predictors. © Inter-Research 2005. | Artificial neural networks; Climate downscaling; Daily precipitation; Skill of predictors | climate modeling; downscaling; precipitation (climatology); prediction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67649934111 | Evaluation of the uptake and accumulation of metals by some commonly irrigated vegetables in soils treated with different concentrations of these metals | Haliru M., Ajibola V.O., Agbaji E.B. | 2009 | Journal of Applied Sciences | 9 | 8 | 10.3923/jas.2009.1573.1577 | Department of Chemistry, Federal College of Education, Zaria, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Haliru, M., Department of Chemistry, Federal College of Education, Zaria, Nigeria; Ajibola, V.O., Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Agbaji, E.B., Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | The uptake of some trace elements namely, chromium, nickel, cadmium and lead by some vegetables commonly irrigated were studied under glasshouse conditions. Experiments were conducted in plastic pots using some selected vegetables, lettuce (Lactuca sativa), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and pepper (Capsicum annum) grown on sandy loam soils treated with different concentrations of these metals. The treatments investigated include zero application (control), 10, 50 and 100 μg dm-3 metal applications. In general, each plant showed similar growth responses and tolerance but different metal uptake patterns in the same metal contaminated media for eight weeks. The enrichment factor of each metal in the different parts of the vegetables was highly varied. However, the fruits of pepper were more enriched with these metals than the okra fruits. Despite the concentration of metals used, the plants were still capable of controlling the metal uptake, no matter the concentration of metal solution applied to the soil. © 2009 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Metals; Uptake; Vegetables | Abelmoschus esculentus; Cadmium and leads; Enrichment factors; Glasshouse conditions; Metal solutions; Sandy loam soils; Uptake; Uptake and accumulations; Fruits; Soils; Vegetables; Metals | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-55549100291 | Hydrological impacts of flood storage and management on irrigation water abstraction in upper Ewaso Ng'iro River Basin, Kenya | Ngigi S.N., Savenije H.H.G., Gichuki F.N. | 2008 | Water Resources Management | 22 | 12 | 10.1007/s11269-008-9257-5 | Department of Environmental and Biosystems Engineering, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-0065, Nairobi, Kenya; Millennium Villages Project, Earth Institute at Columbia University c/o MDG Center, P.O. Box 30677-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Institute for Water Education (UNESCO-IHE), P.O. Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, Netherlands; Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600 GA Delft, Netherlands; International Water Management Institute (IWMI), P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka | Ngigi, S.N., Department of Environmental and Biosystems Engineering, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-0065, Nairobi, Kenya, Millennium Villages Project, Earth Institute at Columbia University c/o MDG Center, P.O. Box 30677-00100, Nairobi, Kenya, Institute for Water Education (UNESCO-IHE), P.O. Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, Netherlands; Savenije, H.H.G., Institute for Water Education (UNESCO-IHE), P.O. Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, Netherlands, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600 GA Delft, Netherlands; Gichuki, F.N., Department of Environmental and Biosystems Engineering, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-0065, Nairobi, Kenya, International Water Management Institute (IWMI), P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka | The upper Ewaso Ng'iro basin, which starts from the central highlands of Kenya and stretches northwards transcending different climatic zones, has experienced decreasing river flows for the last two decades. The Naro Moru sub-basin is used to demonstrate the looming water crisis in this water scarce river basin. The objective of the study was to show the extent of dry seasons' irrigation water abstractions on river flows, and to assess the hydrological impact of flood storage on temporal water distribution and irrigation water management. Decreasing river flows are attributed to over-abstraction mainly for irrigating horticultural crops. The number of abstractors has increased four times over a period of 10 years. The amount of water abstracted has also increased by 64% over the last 5 years. Moreover, the proportion of unauthorized abstractions has been increasing over the years, currently at about 80% and 95% during high and low flows respectively. This has resulted in alarming conflicts among various water users. The situation is aggravated by low irrigation efficiency (25-40%) and inadequate flood storage facilities. The paper analyzes over 40 years' observed river flow data and 5-year interval water abstraction monitoring records for 15 years. It assesses whether flood storage and management, can reduce dry seasons' irrigation water abstractions without significantly reducing river flows to affect the sustenance of natural ecosystems downstream. The results demonstrate that flood storage and management can reduce water abstraction and increase river flows during the dry seasons, without significantly reducing high flows to affect the downstream water users. However, socio-economic, hydrological and environmental implications should be considered if a sustainable river basin water resources management strategy is to be developed and implemented. The case study of Naro Moru sub-basin is representative of the situation in the other sub-basins, and hence can be taken as a pilot basin for developing an integrated water resources management strategy that will foster socio-economic development with minimal negative hydrological impacts in the water scarce upper Ewaso Ng'iro river basin. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2008. | Flood storage; Low river flows; River basin water resources management; River water withdrawals; Water conflicts | Abstracting; Curing; Digital signal processing; Drought; Evaporative cooling systems; Flow of water; Fusion reactions; Information management; Irrigation; Knowledge management; Management; Planning; Rivers; Strategic planning; Water; Water conservation; Water management; Water supply; Watersheds; Abstractors; Case studies; Different climatic zones; Dry seasons; Economic developments; Environmental implications; High flows; Horticultural crops; Hydrological impacts; Integrated water resources managements; Irrigation efficiencies; Irrigation water managements; Irrigation waters; Low flows; Low river flows; Natural ecosystems; Pilot basins; River basin water resources management; River basins; River flows; River water withdrawals; Storage facilities; Water abstractions; Water conflicts; Water crisis; Water distributions; Water resources managements; Water scarce; Water users; Water resources; flooding; horticulture; hydrological response; irrigation; resource scarcity; river flow; sustainability; water availability; water management; water use efficiency; Africa; East Africa; Ewaso Ngiro Basin; Kenya; Rift Valley; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| WoS | WOS:000336837700001 | MEASURING PROGRESS OF THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS: A FUZZY COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION APPROACH | Afful-Dadzie, Anthony,Afful-Dadzie, Eric,Oplatkova, Zuzana Kominkova | 2014 | APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE | 28 | 1 | 10.1080/08839514.2014.862770 | Tomas Bata University Zlin, University of Ghana | "Afful-Dadzie, Anthony: University of Ghana","Afful-Dadzie, Eric: Tomas Bata University Zlin","Oplatkova, Zuzana Kominkova: Tomas Bata University Zlin" | The United Nations' target date to achieve its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to free people from extreme poverty and multiple deprivations is 2015. As the date approaches, several attempts have been made to evaluate the performance of the set goals, targets, and indicators. Although the methodology used to measure the performance of member countries has been questioned by many, the fiercest criticism so far has been the apparent lack of data with which to measure progress. The subjectivity of the MDGs further increases the complexity of the evaluation systems, but an effective measurability of each MDG is key to the overall success. This study applies a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method (FCEM) in evaluating the performance of individual member countries with regard to the MDGs. The result shows how, in the absence of data, the FCEM can be used to evaluate performance of member countries involved in the MDG project. | ,SUCCESS,TARGETS | None | None |
| None | None | Watching the watcher: An evaluation of local election observers in Tanzania | Makulilo A.B. | 2011 | Journal of Modern African Studies | 49 | 2 | 10.1017/S0022278X11000036 | Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Dar Es Salaam, PO Box 75, 116 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Makulilo, A.B., Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Dar Es Salaam, PO Box 75, 116 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | The unfolding of the Third Wave of democracy cast a mounting weight on election observation in transition countries, partly due to the inability of regimes in power to conduct free and fair elections. However, observation is not always neutral. Sometimes observers distance themselves from the data they collect, leading to controversial certification of elections. In this case stakeholders may view them as partial, hence downsizing their credibility and trust. Yet observers' reports have rarely been reviewed. This article evaluates three reports by the leading election observer in Tanzania, the Tanzania Election Monitoring Committee (TEMCO) for the 1995, 2000 and 2005 general elections. It notes that despite the prevalence of the same factors that TEMCO considered as irregularities in the 1995 and 2000 general elections when it certified those elections as free but not fair, it issued a clean, free and fair verdict on the 2005 general elections. This conclusion, at variance from the data, reveals problems in assuring observer neutrality. © 2011 Cambridge University Press. | None | democracy; election; historical perspective; political history; stakeholder; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78851470158 | Towards a performance-oriented management for large- scale irrigation systems: Case study, Rahad scheme, Sudan | Hamid S.H., Mohamed A.A., Mohamed Y.A. | 2011 | Irrigation and Drainage | 60 | 1 | 10.1002/ird.546 | Hydraulic Research Station, Wad Medani, Sudan; Institute of Water Management and Irrigation, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan; International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; UNESCO-IHE, Delft, Netherlands | Hamid, S.H., Hydraulic Research Station, Wad Medani, Sudan; Mohamed, A.A., Institute of Water Management and Irrigation, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan; Mohamed, Y.A., International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, UNESCO-IHE, Delft, Netherlands | The underperformance problem of large-scale irrigation systems particularly in developing countries, has adversely affected levels of production of those systems. The fact that these irrigation systems are not managed in response to their performance has been identified as the main reason behind their malfunctioning. A performance-oriented management approach is demonstrated here to help irrigation system managers take the right decisions, through continuous in-season performance assessment. The Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer satellite images of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA-AVHRR) for the year 2000, complemented by water release data, were used to assess the performance of the Rahad irrigation scheme, Sudan (126 000ha), on a 10-day time step. The Surface Energy Balance Algorithm (SEBAL) was used to process the NOAA-AVHRR images. The decisions on irrigation water allocation are guided by maps of the relative water supply and soil moisture content generated for the last time step. Further decision support could be realized using the performance indicators of the system and the soil water balance for the given time step. A semiautomatic computer program was developed which can be easily used by field staff to support their management decisions. It is anticipated that the application of such an approach will improve the performance of large-scale irrigation systems, and support development of a performance-oriented management culture among the staff of these irrigation systems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Irrigation systems management; Performance; Remote sensing | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36148993897 | Yeast vitality - A holistic approach toward an integrated solution to predict yeast performance | Lodolo E.J., Cantrell I.C. | 2007 | Journal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists | 65 | 4 | 10.1094/ASBCJ-2007-0809-01 | SABMiller Group Brewing Research, Sandton, South Africa; SABLtd. Brewing Centre of Excellence, P.O. Box 123902, Alrode 1451, South Africa | Lodolo, E.J., SABMiller Group Brewing Research, Sandton, South Africa, SABLtd. Brewing Centre of Excellence, P.O. Box 123902, Alrode 1451, South Africa; Cantrell, I.C., SABMiller Group Brewing Research, Sandton, South Africa | The underlying philosophy behind yeast vitality tests has been reconsidered and a new holistic approach proposed to predict brewing yeast fermentation performance. In this holistic approach, special emphasis is placed on the impact of yeast physiology when combined with varying growth media. Two methods of applying this approach are described, and a "low-tech" (quartets) approach that can be applied readily in commercial breweries is recommended. © 2007 American Society of Brewing Chemists, Inc. | DNA; Fermentation performance; Flow cytometry; Quartets; Vitality; Yeast | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-46249096316 | Protecting a vulnerable groundwater resource from the impacts of waste disposal: A South African waste governance perspective | Oelofse S.H.H. | 2008 | International Journal of Water Resources Development | 24 | 3 | 10.1080/07900620802127390 | CSIR, Pretoria, South Africa | Oelofse, S.H.H., CSIR, Pretoria, South Africa | The underlying causes of groundwater pollution from waste disposal on land could be related back to fragmented legislation, ineffective policy, enforcement, education, capacity or even skill of landfill operators. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry has the mandate to protect South Africa's water resources, while the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism is responsible for integrated pollution and waste management, including authorization of waste management facilities. Mining waste, on the other hand, fall within the mandate of the Department of Minerals and Energy. Legislation administered by all three departments contains clauses addressing waste management. This paper critically evaluates successes and or failure of the legislation, policies and minimum requirements to protect the South African vulnerable groundwater resources from the impact of waste management practices. | None | Energy conversion; Garnets; Groundwater; Groundwater pollution; Groundwater resources; Hydrogeology; Laws and legislation; Management; Minerals; Pollution; Silicate minerals; Sulfate minerals; Underground reservoirs; Waste disposal; Water conservation; Water management; (R ,s ,S) policy; Department of Minerals and Energy (DME); Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF); Environmental affairs; Landfill operators; mining wastes; South Africa (SA); Underlying causes; waste management facilities; waste management practices; Waste management; environmental legislation; environmental protection; groundwater pollution; groundwater resource; mine waste; vulnerability; waste disposal; water resource; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | 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 |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869431263 | The impact of non-formal education on skills and knowledge of community development workers: A case study | Kotzé D.A. | 2012 | Africa Development | 37 | 2 | None | Department of Development Studies, University of South Africa, South Africa | Kotzé, D.A., Department of Development Studies, University of South Africa, South Africa | The ultimate route to address the needs of the poor is through a community development process with projects as the main vehicle. The main role player to facilitate this process is the community development worker. This article focuses firstly on the role and importance of non-formal education in community development and, secondly, on the impact of non-formal education and training on the knowledge and skills of community development workers responsible for the facilitation of projects. The article is based on an evaluation of a nonformal education programme that was developed to enhance the knowledge and skills of community development workers involved in the planning and execution of community-based development projects. © Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa, 2012. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000293559000026 | Overview of Impact Assessment Methodologies | Anandajayasekeram, P,Anandajayasekeram, P.,Babu, S,Babu, S.,Keswani, CL,Liebenberg, F,Rukuni, M | 2007 | IMPACT OF SCIENCE ON AFRICAN AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY | None | None | None | International Food Policy Research Institute, International Livestock Research Institute, Capac Strengthening Unit CaSt | "Babu, S.: International Food Policy Research Institute", | The ultimate interest of investors in agricultural research and development (R&D) is the extent to which their investment eventually bears a positive outcome on the lives of the poor and hungry people of developing nations without seriously harming the natural resource base. Consequently, most donors, governments and financiers of agricultural and natural resource research focus on outcome and impact assessment as a major step in their strategy. In impact assessment of R&D investments, one needs to differentiate between the research results and the contribution of research to development (i.e. the people-level impact). Moreover, both of these aspects should be addressed simultaneously.
This chapter summarizes the various methods and techniques used in R&D using a comprehensive framework that addresses intermediate product, direct product and people-level impact simultaneously. Owing to the wide-ranging implications of agricultural research results to society, no single technique or method is sufficient to adequately address the impact. However, there is consensus that the most appropriate approaches to impact assessment should involve a mixture of both qualitative and quantitative methods and active participation of the beneficiaries. Case studies are also essential for further refining the approaches and lessons learned. The chapter concludes by outlining suggested best practices in understanding impact assessment of agricultural R&D investments. | ,AGRICULTURAL-RESEARCH | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878282341 | Requirements for the clinical evaluation of new anti-tuberculosis agents in children | Donald P.R., Ahmed A., Burman W.J., Cotton M.F., Graham S.M., Mendel C., McIlleron H., Mac Kenzie W.R., Nachman S., Schaaf H.S., Starke J.R., Wingfield C., Hesseling A.C. | 2013 | International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease | 17 | 6 | 10.5588/ijtld.12.0567 | Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Center for Pediatric Research, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, United States; University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Infectious Diseases Clinic of Denver Public Health, Denver Health Hospital, Denver, CO, United States; Children's Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Global Alliance for TB Drug Development, New York, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Tuberculosis Trials Consortium, Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Health Science Center, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, United States; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; TB/HIV Project, Treatment Action Group, New York, NY, United States | Donald, P.R., Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Ahmed, A., Center for Pediatric Research, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, United States, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Burman, W.J., Infectious Diseases Clinic of Denver Public Health, Denver Health Hospital, Denver, CO, United States; Cotton, M.F., Children's Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Graham, S.M., Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Mendel, C., Global Alliance for TB Drug Development, New York, NY, United States; McIlleron, H., Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Mac Kenzie, W.R., Tuberculosis Trials Consortium, Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Nachman, S., Department of Pediatrics, Health Science Center, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, United States; Schaaf, H.S., Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Starke, J.R., Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Wingfield, C., TB/HIV Project, Treatment Action Group, New York, NY, United States; Hesseling, A.C., Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa | The ultimate goal of evidence-based drug treatment is to produce a desired pharmacological response in a predictable manner and also to minimise adverse effects. This goal requires not only an increased awareness of the need to provide specific dosing recommendations aimed at specific patient groups, but also the implementation of a consistent integrative approach to recognise all factors contributing to the within- and between-subject variability in drug disposition and response. The assessment of new anti-tuberculosis agents and regimens in children requires a specific programme of investigation, and should be included early in human drug evaluation programmes. Appreciation of this principle is an important step forward towards the full integration of children into the tuberculosis research agenda and control programmes. The development of anti-tuberculosis drug formulations and regimens tailored to the requirements of children needs to consider physiological age-related differences for pharmacokinetics and toxicity between adults and children. Research based on these principles will create an evidence base that will inform the appropriate treatment of children with novel agents and regimens and will also inform future research, including the use of chemoprophylaxis and treatmentshortening strategies in children. © 2013 The Union. | Children; Drugs; Evaluation; Framework; Requirements; Tuberculosis | tuberculostatic agent; article; awareness; chemoprophylaxis; clinical evaluation; drug disposition; drug formulation; drug response; evidence based medicine; health program; human; priority journal; tuberculosis; Adult; Age Factors; Antitubercular Agents; Child; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Design; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Research Design; Tuberculosis | None |
| None | None | Evaluation of the Atraedes™ Lure for Collection of Culex quinquefasciatus in Gravid Traps | Irish S.R., Batengana B.M., Eiras A.E., Cameron M.M. | 2015 | Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association | 31 | 1 | 10.2987/14-6420R.1 | London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop G49, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, United States; Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Muheza, Tanzania; Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil | Irish, S.R., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop G49, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, United States; Batengana, B.M., Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Muheza, Tanzania; Eiras, A.E., Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Cameron, M.M., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom | The typical attractant used in gravid trapping of Culex quinquefasciatus is an aged infusion of organic materials, which can change in attractiveness over time. A standardized chemical attractant dispenser derived from grass infusion, the AtrAedes™ lure, has been produced for the surveillance of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti. A study using this lure in combination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gravid traps was conducted in Tanga, Tanzania. The addition of the lure to traps baited with either grass infusion or tap water did not result in significant increases in trap catch. Grass infusion-baited traps (with and without the AtrAedes lure) collected significantly more Cx. quinquefasciatus than traps baited with AtrAedes + tap water, tap water alone, or AtrAedes alone. The catches of the traps baited with AtrAedes + tap water, tap water alone, and AtrAedes alone were not significantly different from each other. Although the placement of the lure in the base of the trap may have decreased trap catches, it seems that the AtrAedes is not as effective as grass infusion for collecting Cx. quinquefasciatus in Tanzania. © 2015 by The American Mosquito Control Association, Inc. | AtrAedes; Culex quinquefasciatus; gravid trap; Tanzania | Aedes aegypti; Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus; insect attractants; pheromone; plant extract; water; animal; chemistry; Culex; devices; female; mosquito; Poaceae; species difference; standards; Tanzania; Animals; Culex; Female; Mosquito Control; Pheromones; Plant Extracts; Poaceae; Species Specificity; Tanzania; Water | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952612956 | Impact of the HIV epidemic and Anti-Retroviral Treatment policy on lymphoma incidence and subtypes seen in the Western Cape of South Africa, 2002-2009: Preliminary findings of the Tygerberg Lymphoma Study Group | Abayomi E.A., Somers A., Grewal R., Sissolak G., Bassa F., Maartens D., Jacobs P., Stefan C., Ayers L.W. | 2011 | Transfusion and Apheresis Science | 44 | 2 | 10.1016/j.transci.2011.01.007 | Division of Haematopathology, Tygerberg Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Division of Clinical Haematology, Tygerberg Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Division of Anatomical Pathology, Tygerberg Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Department of Paediatrics, Tygerberg Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43240, United States; Sub-Saharan Africa Lymphoma Consortium (SSALC/NCI), South Africa | Abayomi, E.A., Division of Haematopathology, Tygerberg Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa Lymphoma Consortium (SSALC/NCI), South Africa; Somers, A., Division of Haematopathology, Tygerberg Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Grewal, R., Division of Haematopathology, Tygerberg Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Sissolak, G., Division of Clinical Haematology, Tygerberg Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Bassa, F., Division of Clinical Haematology, Tygerberg Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Maartens, D., Division of Anatomical Pathology, Tygerberg Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Jacobs, P., Division of Haematopathology, Tygerberg Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Stefan, C., Department of Paediatrics, Tygerberg Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Ayers, L.W., Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43240, United States, Sub-Saharan Africa Lymphoma Consortium (SSALC/NCI), South Africa | The Tygerberg Lymphoma Study Group was constituted in 2007 to quantify the impact of HIV on the pattern and burden of lymphoma cases in the Western Cape of South Africa which currently has an HIV prevalence of 15%. South Africa has had an Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) policy and a roll-out plan since 2004 attaining 31% effective coverage in 2009. This study is designed to qualify and establish the impact of HIV epidemic and the ARV roll-out treatment program on the incidence of HIV Related Lymphoma (HRL). Early data document that despite the ART roll out, cases of HRL are increasing in this geographical location, now accounting for 37% of all lymphomas seen in 2009 which is an increase from 5% in 2002. This is in contrast to trends seen in developed environments following the introduction of ART. Also noted are the emergence of subtypes not previously seen in this location such as Burkitt and plasmablastic lymphomas. Burkitt lymphoma is now the commonest HRL seen in this population followed by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma subtypes. The reasons for this observed increase in HRL are not ascribable to improved diagnostic capacity as the tertiary institute in which these diagnoses are made has had significant expertise in this regard for over a decade. We ascribe this paradoxical finding to an ART treatment environment that is ineffective for a diversity of reasons, paramount of which are poor coverage, late commencement of ART and incomplete viral suppression. © 2011. | None | antiretrovirus agent; angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia; article; Burkitt lymphoma; cancer incidence; diagnostic procedure; epidemic; follicular lymphoma; health care policy; Hodgkin disease; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; human tissue; immunohistochemistry; large cell lymphoma; lymphoblastoma; lymphocytoma; lymphoma; major clinical study; marginal zone lymphoma; peripheral T cell lymphoma; plasmablastic lymphoma; primary effusion lymphoma; South Africa; trend study; Anti-HIV Agents; Communicable Disease Control; Epidemics; Health Policy; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Incidence; Lymphoma; Public Health; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922985341 | Radiologic Evaluation of the Orbital Index among the Igbo Ethnic Group of Nigeria | Ezeuko V.C., Om'Iniabohs F.A.E. | 2015 | European Journal of Anatomy | 19 | 1 | None | Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | Ezeuko, V.C., Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Om'Iniabohs, F.A.E., Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | The two orbits in the human face serve as sockets for the eyeball and other visual apparatus. It is pyramidal in shape with the apex directed posteriorly and the base which forms the orbital margin located anteriorly. The purpose of this study was to radiologically evaluate the orbital index of the Igbo ethnic group of Nigeria. Three hundred and fifty frontal plain radiological films of the skull were obtained from the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. The films comprised of 217 males and 133 females aged between zero and seventy nine years (0-79 years). The maximal orbital height was measured from the frontal film as the maximum vertical distance between the superior and inferior orbital rims while the maximal orbital width was determined as the maximum horizontal distance between the medial and lateral orbital rims. The orbital indices were estimated from the data gathered using the formula: Orbital index=[maximal orbital height/maximal orbital width]*100. The analyses were done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. The results are reported as mean ± standard deviation. The orbital indices of both sides as well as both sexes were compared using the Student t-test. The differences were considered statistically significant when probability was less than 0.05 (P<0.05). The results showed that the mean orbital index was 73.09±13.47. This study also revealed that the orbital index was significantly higher (P<0.05) in males than in females. There were no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) between the right and left orbital indices in both sexes. It is recommended that further populationbased studies be carried out in different geographical locations. | Igbo ethnic group; Orbital height; Orbital index; Orbital width; Radiology | adolescent; adult; aged; Article; child; ethnic group; female; human; Igbo (people); infant; inferior orbital rim; major clinical study; male; maximal orbital width; maximum horizontal distance; maximum vertical distance; middle aged; musculoskeletal system parameters; newborn; Nigeria; orbit; orbital height; orbital index; preschool child; school child; sex difference; skull radiography; superior orbital rim; very elderly | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884549824 | Turks and Caicos Islands climate and its impacts | Jury M.R. | 2013 | Earth Interactions | 17 | 18 | 10.1175/2012ei000490.1 | Physics Department, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico; University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa | Jury, M.R., Physics Department, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa | The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) climate is described using mesoscale ocean and atmosphere datasets with a focus on thermodynamic versus kinematic controls, the influence of the nearby island of Hispaniola, and factors affecting early colonization and fluctuations of marine resources. The key findings include the following: trade winds accelerate to 7 m s21 north of Hispaniola and enhance anticyclonic subsidence; there is a dry-south/wet-north pattern of rainfall that opposes surface temperature and salinity fields; ocean currents near TCI are northwestward but there is a counterclockwise gyre near Haiti that guided colonization; conch catch increases when trade winds strengthen and SST declines; TCI's dry climate limits groundwater resources, food production, and population density; and Caicos Island sheds a wind wake that boosts SST and local convection, as evident in Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) observations and operational model products. Further studies of small island climates will benefit from an ever-increasing stream of mesoscale datasets. © 2013. | Antilles climate; Caicos Island wind wake; Impacts on resources; Marine environment | Antilles; Impacts on resources; Kinematic control; Marine environment; Operational model; Population densities; Quick scatterometer (QuikSCAT); Surface temperatures; Atmospheric temperature; Commerce; Groundwater; Marine biology; Ocean currents; Population statistics; Wakes; Climate models; anticyclone; atmospheric dynamics; climate effect; climatology; island; kinematics; mesoscale meteorology; QuikSCAT; rainfall; sea surface temperature; thermodynamics; trade wind; wake; Turks and Caicos Islands | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749248312 | Impacts of the 26 December 2004 tsunami in Eastern Africa | Obura D. | 2006 | Ocean and Coastal Management | 49 | 11 | 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2006.08.004 | CORDIO East Africa, P.O. BOX 10135, Mombasa, 80101, Kenya | Obura, D., CORDIO East Africa, P.O. BOX 10135, Mombasa, 80101, Kenya | The tsunami of 26 December 2004 was the largest ever recorded in the Indian Ocean, triggered by the 3rd largest earthquake in 100 years measuring 9.2 moment magnitude. The epicenter of the earthquake was off Banda Aceh on the Indian Ocean coast of the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, centered at 3.316°N, 95.854°E. A sudden upward movement of the seafloor that averaged ∼6 m occurred along almost 1300 km of the north-east Indian Ocean plate at 0059 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and lasted 8 min. Because of the lack of preparedness and absence of warning systems in the Indian Ocean the tsunami spread silently across the ocean over a span of 8 h causing massive destruction including the deaths of over 250,000 people, with maximum damages occurring in Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives. Moderate to low damages were recorded in the Seychelles, Socotra (Yemen) and Somalia, though in the latter a highly vulnerable town was impacted resulting in over 300 deaths. Most of eastern Africa was spared massive damages from the waves due to (a) distance from the epicenter (>6000 km), (b) the dissipation of energy of the tsunami by shallow banks in the middle of the Indian Ocean (the Seychelles banks, Saya de Malha and Cargados Carajos Shoals) and (c) at least for Kenya and Tanzania, the first and largest waves hit at low tide. In Kenya and Tanzania these factors resulted in the waves being experienced as tidal surges of 1-1.5 m amplitude lasting 5-10 min. Damages recorded for eastern Africa include 11 deaths in Tanzania and 1 in Kenya, of people walking and swimming over shallow intertidal flats being trapped by the advancing and receding tidal surges, damage to boats anchored in shallow water and inundation in Mauritius and Rodrigues. Official information, warning and response networks were nonexistent, and even when an official response was generated in Kenya the public demonstrated no faith or willingness to act on warnings from officials such as the police. Importantly, information on the tsunami and the generation of an official response was dependent on two technologies, satellite television and mobile telephony, and these should be built into future warning systems as key mechanisms and backups to official information and warning networks. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | None | Alarm systems; Earthquake effects; Energy dissipation; Satellites; Television; Tidal power; Inundation; Mobile telephony; Satellite televisions; Tidal surges; Tsunamis; earthquake; earthquake damage; earthquake epicenter; intertidal environment; seafloor; tsunami; warning system; Africa; Asia; East Africa; Eurasia; Greater Sunda Islands; India; Indian Ocean; Indian Ocean (Northeast); Indian Ocean islands; Kenya; Malay Archipelago; Maldives; Middle East; Seychelles; Socotra; Somalia; South Asia; South Yemen; Southeast Asia; Sri Lanka; Sub-Saharan Africa; Sumatra; Sunda Isles; Thailand; Yemen | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888319054 | Ozone concentrations and their potential impacts on Vegetation in Southern Africa | Laakso L., Beukes J.P., Van Zyl P.G., Pienaar J.J., Josipovic M., Venter A., Jaars K., Vakkari V., Labuschagne C., Chiloane K., Tuovinen J.-P. | 2013 | Developments in Environmental Science | 13 | None | 10.1016/B978-0-08-098349-3.00020-7 | Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland; Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Cape Point GAW Observatory, ZAFn Weather Service, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Sustainability and Innovation, Environmental Sciences Department, Eskom, Johannesburg, South Africa | Laakso, L., Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland, Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Beukes, J.P., Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Van Zyl, P.G., Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Pienaar, J.J., Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Josipovic, M., Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Venter, A., Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Jaars, K., Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Vakkari, V., Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland, Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Labuschagne, C., Cape Point GAW Observatory, ZAFn Weather Service, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Chiloane, K., Sustainability and Innovation, Environmental Sciences Department, Eskom, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tuovinen, J.-P., Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland | The tropospheric ozone concentrations over southern Africa are relatively high due to large precursor emissions from biomass burning, vegetation and anthropogenic sources and the intensity of solar radiation. In this study, we summarize ozone concentration data from both literature and new measurements. Further, we present data on the accumulated vegetation exposure to ozone in terms of the AOT40 index, which is calculated for the sites with hourly ozone and radiation data, with an aim to assess the potential for adverse effects on vegetation. As the seasonal variation of ozone concentrations is large, we discuss the effect of growing season onset on the stomatal gas exchange and the related potential for vegetation impacts. Finally, future research needs are discussed. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Air pollution; AOT40; South Africa; Tropospheric ozone; Vegetation impacts | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958792768 | Cover Crop Management in a Sauvignon blanc/Ramsey vineyard in the semi-arid Olifants River Valley, South Africa. 2. Effect of different cover crops and cover crop management practices on grapevine performance | Fourie J.C., Louw P.J.E., Agenbag G.A. | 2007 | South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture | 28 | 2 | None | ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Department of Agronomy, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; Sapex Exports, 11 Victoria Street, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa | Fourie, J.C., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Louw, P.J.E., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa, Sapex Exports, 11 Victoria Street, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Agenbag, G.A., Department of Agronomy, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | The trial was conducted over a period of ten years (1993/94 to 2002/03) on a sandy soil in a Sauvignon blanc/Ramsey vineyard near Lutzville (31°35'S, 18°52'E), situated in the semi-arid Olifants River Valley of the Western Cape. Fourteen treatments, consisting of three grain species and four legumes, managed according to two cover crop management practices, were included. One management practice consisted of cover crops which were sown annually and full surface, post-emergence chemical control which was applied before bud break and when the berries reached pea size (BB). The second management practice consisted of cover crops which were sown biennially. Post-emergence chemical control was applied to the vine row before bud break and full surface when the berries reached pea size (AB). From 1999/2000 to 2002/03 the cover crops were sown annually, while the full surface post-emergence control applied at the end of November was advanced to mid-October. Two treatments in which Avena sativa L. v. Saia ('Saia' oats) and Vicia dasycarpa Ten. (grazing vetch) were sown annually, controlled mechanically in the work row and chemically in the vine row from bud break to harvest (MC), were also applied. These treatments were compared to a control, in which no cover crop was sown and MC was applied. A treatment in which no cover crop was sown and BB was applied (weedchem), was also included. During the third growing season of the vines (1994/95), the grapevine shoot mass of the BB treatments of grazing vetch and Medicago truncatula Gaertn. v. Paraggio ('Paraggio' medic) was significantly more than that of the AB and MC treatments, with the exception of Secale cereale L. v. Henog (AB) and grazing vetch (MC). The first harvest (1994/95) from the grapevines in the BB treatments was significantly higher than that of weedchem and the MC treatments. The grape yield of the BB treatments, grazing vetch (AB) and Ornithopus sativus L. v. Emena (pink Seradella) (AB) was significantly more than that of weedchem and the control during the 1997/98 season. The NO 3-N concentration in the leaf petioles in all the cover crop treatments was, with the exception of the AB treatments of rye, M. truncatula Gaertn. v. Parabinga ('Parabinga' medic) and grazing vetch, significantly higher than that in weedchem and the control, as measured during the 1994/95 season. The NO 3-N concentration in the leaf petioles of the BB and AB treatment of a species differed significantly. The N concentration in the juice of the cover crop treatments during the 1995/96 season was, with the exception of 'Saia' oats (MC) and 'Parabinga' medic (AB), significantly higher than that of weedchem and the control. During the 1998/99 season, the N concentration of the juice in the BB and AB treatments of grazing vetch and pink Seradella was significantly higher than that of the MC treatments, two rye treatments, weedchem and the AB treatments of the other cover crops. The concentration of Ca in the juice of the cover crop treatments was, with the exception of the pink Seradella treatments, significantly higher than that of weedchem and the control. Wine quality did not differ between treatments. | Cover crops; Grape juice; Grape yield; Grapevines; Shoot growth; Soil management | Avena; Avena sativa; Medicago truncatula; Ornithopus sativus; Pisum sativum; Secale cereale; Vicia; Vicia villosa varia; Vitaceae; Vitis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877071825 | Performance of broiler chickens fed diets containing cassava leaf: Blood meal mix as replacement for soybean meal [Rendimiento de pollos de engorde alimentados con dietas conteniendo una mezcla de hojas de yuca: Harina de sangre como reemplazo de harina d | Adeyemi O.A., Adekoya J.A., Sobayo R.A. | 2012 | Revista Cientifica UDO Agricola | 12 | 1 | None | Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production, Olabisi Onabanjo University, PMB 0012, Ayetoro, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Nutrition, Universit | Adeyemi, O.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adekoya, J.A., Department of Animal Production, Olabisi Onabanjo University, PMB 0012, Ayetoro, Ogun State, Nigeria; Sobayo, R.A., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | The trial reported herein investigated the performance of broiler chicken on diet containing cassava leaf meal (CLM)/blood meals (BM) mix in replacement for soybean meal (SBM). One hundred and fifty, two weeks-old broilers were randomly allotted to five experimental diets such that each dietary treatment was replicated six times with five birds per replicate. The experimental diets were formulated such that the diets contained 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% CLM/BM mix as replacement for SBM respectively. The diets were fed over a 6-week period. Birds fed 100% CLM/BM replacement for SBM had the highest (P<0.05) feed intake, lower weight gain and poorer feed conversion ratio than the control. Weight gain and FCR were significantly higher in birds fed 50% CLM/BM in replacement for SBM than the other CLM/BM based groups. The values for the dressed weight, thigh muscle and drumstick were higher (P<0.05) in birds fed 50% CLM/BM diets than in the other dietary groups. The breast weight and abdominal fat were not affected by the diets. The weights of the liver, kidney, heart and spleen were not affected by the treatments whereas those of the crop, gizzard, proventriculus and caecum increased (P<0.05) with increasing dietary inclusion of CLM/BM in the diet. In conclusion, it can be inferred based on the general observations recorded in this study that broiler diets containing cassava leaf meal: blood meal mixture in replacement for soybean meal promote comparable daily feed intake and feed to gain ratio as their soybean based control diet and had no deleterious effect on performance. The results obtained in this trial showed that birds on diet 3 (with dietary level of inclusion 50% SBM: 50%CLM: BM) elicited the best response in terms of weight gain, feed intake and feed: gain ratio. It is concluded that not more than 50% of dietary CLM/BM should be used as a replacement for soybean. | Broiler chicken; Cassava leaf: blood meal mix; Performance | Aves; Gallus gallus; Glycine max; Manihot esculenta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868148971 | Evaluation of antimalarial potential of aqueous stem bark extract of bombax buonopozense P. Beauv. (Bombacaceae) | Iwuanyanwu T.C., Akuodor G.C., Essien A.D., Nwinyi F.C., Akpan J.L., Okorafor D.O., Osunkwo U.A. | 2011 | Eastern Journal of Medicine | 17 | 2 | None | Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), P.M.B 21 Garki, Abuja, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Abakaliki, Nigeria; Departme | Iwuanyanwu, T.C., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), P.M.B 21 Garki, Abuja, Nigeria; Akuodor, G.C., Department of Pharmacology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Abakaliki, Nigeria; Essien, A.D., Department of Pharmacology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Abakaliki, Nigeria; Nwinyi, F.C., Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria; Akpan, J.L., Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria; Okorafor, D.O., Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Abakaliki, Nigeria; Osunkwo, U.A., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), P.M.B 21 Garki, Abuja, Nigeria | The treatment of malaria in Africa is becoming increasingly difficult due to rising prevalence of plasmodium falciparum resistant to antimalarial drugs. This study was undertaken to investigate the in vivo antiplasmodial effect of the aqueous stem bark extract of Bombax buonopozense in mice infected with chloroquinesensitive plasmodium berghei NK65. The in vivo antiplasmodial effect against early infection and curative effect against established infection were studied. The extract at all doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) used, exhibited significant (P<0.05), dose-dependent activity against the parasite in suppressive and curative tests. These results show that the stem bark extract of Bombax buonopozense plant has significant antiplasmodial effect. The reduction in parasitemia levels in the two employed models suggest that a part of its antimalarial activity is mediated by direct plasmocidal effect on the parasite. | Antimalaria; Bombax buonopozense; Medicinal plant; Mice; Plasmodium berghei | antimalarial agent; Bombax buonopozense extract; chloroquine; plant extract; unclassified drug; animal experiment; animal model; antimalarial activity; antimalarial drug susceptibility; article; bark; Bombax; Bombax buonopozense; controlled study; dose response; drug effect; drug efficacy; female; male; medicinal plant; mouse; nonhuman; outcome assessment; phytochemistry; plant stem; Plasmodium berghei; Plasmodium berghei infection | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67649850525 | Factors influencing irrigation technology adoption and its impact on household poverty in Ghana | Adeoti A.I. | 2008 | Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics | 109 | 1 | None | Dept. of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Adeoti, A.I., Dept. of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The treadle pump technology was promoted and disseminated as an alternative to traditional rope and bucket for irrigation in Ghana by the International Non-Governmental Organization, Enterprise Works. The aim is to improve output, increase incomes and consequently reduce poverty among farm households. The paper employed the Heckman two-stage and the Ordinary Least Square procedures to identify the factors that influence adoption of the technology and the impact of adoption on the poverty status of farm households. Farm and household level data were obtained from 108 farmers consisting of 52 adopters and 58 non-adopters. The results demonstrated that availability of labor and increases in number of extension visits per year are factors that increase the probability of adoption. The results also showed that increase in irrigated area has the highest impact on poverty followed by adoption of treadle pump and literacy level of farmers. | Ghana; Irrigation technology; Poverty; Treadle pump adoption | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951572966 | Is enhanced tourism a reasonable expectation for transboundary conservation? An evaluation of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park | Scovronick N.C., Turpie J.K. | 2009 | Environmental Conservation | 36 | 2 | 10.1017/S037689290999018X | Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa | Scovronick, N.C., Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa; Turpie, J.K., Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa | The transnational nature of biodiversity provides impetus for transboundary protected areas, however support for these also stems from expectations of political, social or economic benefits. The sociopolitical context of southern Africa makes conservation initiatives incorporating economic development particularly appealing, and supporters of transboundary conservation advance visions of tourism growth in this regard; however, this assertion has not been objectively assessed. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, straddling South Africa and Botswana, is Africa's oldest formally recognized transfrontier park and widely viewed as the prototype for regional transboundary conservation. This paper examines visitation data combined with results from a visitor survey to indicate the tourism performance of the Park. Visitor numbers to the Park have not grown since its opening, but average length of stay and total visitor days have increased. However, it appears that this increase is primarily due to growth in bed numbers; the survey indicates that the Park's new features are only modestly used, and fewer than 10% of guests visit the adjacent country. Potential barriers to further growth include road conditions, Park size and homogeneity, and a lack of innovative tourism strategies. The need to expand socioeconomic monitoring of transboundary conservation areas in order to ensure their viability is reaffirmed. © 2009 Foundation for Environmental Conservation. | Peace park; Tourism; Transboundary conservation; Transfrontier | Average length of stays; Botswana; Economic benefits; Economic development; Peace Park; Potential barriers; Protected areas; Road condition; South Africa; Trans-boundary; Transboundary conservation; Visitor numbers; Biodiversity; Economics; Surveys; Parks; conservation management; conservation status; economic development; ecosystem management; ecotourism; protected area; tourism management; Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954921893 | Safety evaluations of the cry1Ia1 protein found in the transgenic potato 'SpuntaG2' | Quemada H., Zarka K., Pett W., Bothma G., Felcher K., Mirendil H., Koch M., Brink J., Douches D. | 2010 | Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science | 135 | 4 | None | Institute of International Agriculture, Michigan State University, 319 Agriculture Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States; Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University, A499B Plant and Soil Science Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States; Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, 444 Natural Science Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States; Agricultural Research Council, Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute, Private Bag X293, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Department of Biology, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI, United States; 4502 Donnelly Drive, RR#4, Merrickville, ON K0G 1N0, Canada | Quemada, H., Institute of International Agriculture, Michigan State University, 319 Agriculture Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States; Zarka, K., Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University, A499B Plant and Soil Science Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States; Pett, W., Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, 444 Natural Science Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States; Bothma, G., Agricultural Research Council, Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute, Private Bag X293, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Felcher, K., Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University, A499B Plant and Soil Science Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States; Mirendil, H., Department of Biology, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI, United States; Koch, M., 4502 Donnelly Drive, RR#4, Merrickville, ON K0G 1N0, Canada; Brink, J., Institute of International Agriculture, Michigan State University, 319 Agriculture Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States; Douches, D., Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University, A499B Plant and Soil Science Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States | The transgenic potato 'SpuntaG2' (Solanum tuberosum), which is resistant to potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella), was subjected to protein safety evaluations including protein equivalency tests for the Cry1Ia1 protein from 'SpuntaG2' and bacterially produced Cry1Ia1, toxicity and allergenicity evaluations of Cry1Ia1 protein, and compositional equivalency of 'SpuntaG2' compared with non-transgenic 'Spunta'. Western blot analysis and biological activity assays showed molecular and functional equivalency between 'SpuntaG2'-derived Cry1Ia1 protein and bacteria-derived Cry1Ia1 protein. Comparison of the Cry1Ia1 amino acid sequence to known amino acid sequences revealed no significant homology to known toxins or known allergens. Acute toxicity studies using rodents were used to calculate an acceptable daily intake (ADI) value of 20 mg·kg-1 body weight per day. The ADI value was then used to calculate a margin of exposure (MOE) of 2,222,222, which is more than 22,000 times greater than the commonly used target MOE of 100. Digestibility and thermostability assays determined that Cry1Ia1 was fully digested within 30 s of exposure to pepsin and inactive after 3 to 4 minutes at 100°C, indicating that it would not be a potential allergen. Compositional analyses revealed no difference between 'SpuntaG2' and non-transgenic 'Spunta'. These results strongly indicate that the Cry1Ia protein and the transgenic potato 'SpuntaG2' is not a human health risk. | Bt; Insect resistance; NPTII; Phthorimaea operculella; Tuber moth | Bacteria (microorganisms); Hexapoda; Lepidoptera; Phthorimaea operculella; Rodentia; Solanum tuberosum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873123830 | Biological evaluation of Trans-African highways | Adamatzky A., Kayem A.V.D.M. | 2013 | European Physical Journal: Special Topics | 215 | 1 | 10.1140/epjst/e2013-01714-6 | Unconventional Computing Centre, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom; Department of Computer Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Adamatzky, A., Unconventional Computing Centre, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom; Kayem, A.V.D.M., Department of Computer Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | The Trans-African highway network is a unique concept of integrated development of transport corridors spanning all African countries and providing landlocked countries access to seaports. The planned road system is still maturing and just partially complete, thus giving us a chance to play with different scenarios of its growth and to consider potential alternative transport networks. We study the evolving transport network in the African continent with a groundbreaking technique of imitating growing transport networks with slime mould Physarum polycephalum. We represent the major urban areas of Africa with a source of nutrients, inoculate a piece of the slime mould in Cairo and allow the mould to span all urban areas with its network of protoplasmic tubes. We then compare the slime mould networks with existing and planned highway corridors. We found that slime mould provides a good approximation of the Trans-African highway network, with some roads of Eastern Africa delineated by P. polycephalum in a larger number of laboratory experiments. We demonstrate direct matches between protoplasmic tubes and Trans-Sahelian as well as Lagos-Mombasa corridors. Finally we analyse the bio-logic of transport network development in families of generalised Physarum graphs. © 2013 EDP Sciences and Springer. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901811985 | Receding horizon trajectory optimization with terminal impact specifications | Zhang L., Sun M., Chen Z., Wang Z., Wang Y. | 2014 | Mathematical Problems in Engineering | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/604705 | Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, College of Computer and Control Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; School of Mechanical Engineering, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin, Liaoning 123000, China; Department of Electrical and Mining Engineering, University of South Africa, Florida 1710, South Africa | Zhang, L., Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, College of Computer and Control Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China, School of Mechanical Engineering, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin, Liaoning 123000, China; Sun, M., Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, College of Computer and Control Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; Chen, Z., Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, College of Computer and Control Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; Wang, Z., Department of Electrical and Mining Engineering, University of South Africa, Florida 1710, South Africa; Wang, Y., Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, College of Computer and Control Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China | The trajectory optimization problem subject to terminal impact time and angle specifications can be reformulated as a nonlinear programming problem using the Gauss pseudospectral method. The cost function of the trajectory optimization problem is modified to reduce the terminal control energy. A receding horizon optimization strategy is implemented to reject the errors caused by the motion of a surface target. Several simulations were performed to validate the proposed method via the C programming language. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and that the real-time requirement can be easily achieved if the C programming language is used to realize it. © 2014 Limin Zhang et al. | None | Aerodynamics; Computer programming languages; Nonlinear programming; Optimization; Specifications; Trajectories; Gauss pseudo-spectral methods; Nonlinear programming problem; Real time requirement; Receding horizon; Receding horizon optimization; Surface target; Terminal control; Trajectory optimization; Problem oriented languages | 78673, National Research Foundation; 81705, National Research Foundation |
| WoS | WOS:000340085300006 | CHI-SQUARE TESTS FOR COMPLEX SURVEY DESIGNS: A CASE STUDY OF BOTSWANA AIDS IMPACT SURVEY III | Arnab, Raghunath,Mlambo, Tokozile,North, D. | 2014 | PAKISTAN JOURNAL OF STATISTICS | 30 | 3 | None | University of Botswana, University of Kwazulu Natal, Limkokwing Univ Creat Technol | "North, D.: University of Kwazulu Natal", | The traditional Pearsonian chi-square tests for goodness of fit, independence and homogeneity are valid when the sample size is large and the sample is selected using the simple random sampling with replacement (SRSWR) method. These tests however are not valid for complex survey designs, such as those for example which involve stratification, clustering and varying probability sampling designs. The standard statistical packages SPSS, BMDP and SAS provide chi-square statistics where it is assumed that the sample is selected by SRSWR methods and hence very often provide inaccurate results. In this article we present more appropriate methods of chi-square test procedures for complex survey designs. Some numerical illustrations are provided using BAIS III survey data which is based on a complex survey design. The results show that the traditional chi-square statistics provide higher values in most of the cases, while improved Rao-Scott adjustments produce lower values for the test statistics. In many cases different conclusions are reached, depending on which of the traditional or improved chi-square statistic are employed. | "CHI-SQUARE TESTS","complex survey design",P-VALUE,"Rao-Scott corrections","SAMPLING DESIGN","self- weighting design","WALD STATISTIC" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44649178916 | Measures of batting performance in a short series of cricket matches | Lemmer H.H. | 2008 | South African Statistical Journal | 42 | 1 | None | Department of Statistics, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa | Lemmer, H.H., Department of Statistics, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa | The traditional average is not a satisfactory measure of batting performance if a batsman has many not-out scores. The purpose of this paper is, firstly, to define an estimator that will always give a reliable estimate of the average, even in the case of a batsman having a large percentage of not-out scores, and secondly also a comprehensive measure of batting performance for a short series, e.g. a test or ODI series. Strong arguments are given why the traditional average should not be used in the case of high proportions of not-out scores. | Batting average; Cricket; Not-out scores | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054751982 | Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense enzymes in Clarias gariepinus as useful biomarkers for monitoring exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons | Otitoloju A., Olagoke O. | 2011 | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment | 182 | 04-Jan | 10.1007/s10661-010-1870-0 | Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | Otitoloju, A., Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Olagoke, O., Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | The toxicological evaluations of crude oil, xylene, toluene and benzene were carried out against juvenile stages of Clarias gariepinus. On the basis of LC 50 value, benzene (0.017 ml/l) was found to be the most toxic followed by xylene (0.086 ml/l), toluene (0.398 ml/l) and crude oil (2.219 ml/l) was the least toxic. The results of the lipid peroxidation assay showed that the level of malonaldehyde (MDA) in liver and gills of fish exposed to all the test chemicals increased significantly (P < 0.05) when compared to control. Measurement of activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in liver and gill of fishes exposed to sublethal concentration of the test chemicals over a 28-day period was found to decrease significantly (P < 0.05) when compared to control. The observed reduction in the activities of antioxidant defense enzymes such as SOD, CAT and GST in conjunction with an increase in MDA levels in the gill and liver tissues of test animals exposed to aromatic hydrocarbon compounds were recommended as a good battery of biomarkers for early detection of pollution during biomonitoring programmes. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Antioxidant enzymes; Aromatic hydrocarbons; Biomarkers; Biomonitoring; Lipid peroxidation | Antioxidant defense; Antioxidant enzyme; Biomonitoring; Clarias gariepinus; Early detection; Glutathione-S-transferase; Hydrocarbon compounds; Lipid peroxidation; Liver tissue; Malonaldehyde; Superoxide dismutases; Toxicological evaluation; Aldehydes; Animals; Aromatic compounds; Aromatization; Benzene; Computer system firewalls; Crude oil; Enzymes; Hydrocarbons; Oxidation; Oxidative stress; Oxygen; Pollution detection; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Tissue; Toluene; Toxic materials; Xylene; Catalysts; benzene; biological marker; catalase; glutathione transferase; malonaldehyde; petroleum; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon; superoxide dismutase; toluene; xylene; bioassay; biomarker; biomonitoring; enzyme activity; fish; lipid; oxidation; PAH; pollution exposure; toxicity test; toxicology; acclimatization; animal experiment; animal tissue; article; biological monitoring; Clarias gariepinus; concentration (parameters); controlled study; environmental exposure; environmental monitoring; enzyme activity; enzyme inhibition; fingerling; gill; LC 50; lipid peroxidation; liver toxicity; nonhuman; oxidative stress; physical chemistry; signal transduction; Siluriformes; toxicity testing; Animals; Biological Markers; Catalase; Catfishes; Environmental Monitoring; Gills; Glutathione Transferase; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Nigeria; Petroleum Pollution; Polycyclic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic; Superoxide Dismutase; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Animalia; Clarias gariepinus; Pisces | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859295158 | Toxicological evaluation and usefulness of lipid peroxidation as biomarker of exposure to crude oil and petroleum products tested against african catfish, clarias gariepinus and hermit crab, clibanarius africanus | King M.A., Sogbanmu T.O., Osibona A.O., Doherty F., Otitoloju A.A. | 2012 | Nature Environment and Pollution Technology | 11 | 1 | None | Department of Zoology, Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Management Unit, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Marine Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Biological Sciences, Ya | King, M.A., Department of Zoology, Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Management Unit, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Sogbanmu, T.O., Department of Zoology, Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Management Unit, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Osibona, A.O., Department of Marine Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Doherty, F., Department of Biological Sciences, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Otitoloju, A.A., Department of Zoology, Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Management Unit, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | The toxicological evaluations of crude oil, petrol, kerosene and diesel were carried out against the African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings and Hermit crab (Clibanarius africanus). On the basis of 96hr LC 50 value, petrol (LC 50 = 2.449 mL/L) was found to be the most toxic followed by diesel (LC50 = 7.839 mL/L), kerosene (LC 50 = 8.095 mL/L), and crude oil (LC 50= 9.355 mL/L) to Clarias gariepinus. For Clibanarius africanus also, petrol (LC 50 = 4.569mL/L) was the most toxic followed by kerosene (LC 50 = 8.705 mL/L), diesel (LC 50 = 13.852 mL/L) and (LC 50 = 35.955 mL/L). On the basis of the computed susceptibility factor, hermit crab was found to be 2x, 2x, 6.1x and slightly more tolerant than catfish when exposed to petrol, diesel, crude oil and kerosene respectively. The results of the lipid peroxidation assay against juveniles of C. gariepinus showed that the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver of fish exposed to sublethal concentrations of all the test chemicals increased significantly when compared to control animals. The observed increase in MDA levels in the liver tissues of test animals exposed to crude oil and refined petroleum products was recommended as a good biomarker for early detection of oil related pollution during biomonitoring programmes. | African catfish; Biomarker; Hermit crab; Lipid peroxidation; Petroleum products; Toxicological evaluation | African catfish; Biomonitoring; Clarias gariepinus; Hermit crab; Lipid peroxidation; Liver tissue; Malondialdehyde; Toxicological evaluation; Aldehydes; Biomarkers; Computer system firewalls; Fish; Gasoline; Kerosene; Oxidative stress; Petroleum products; Petroleum refining; Pollution detection; Shellfish; Tissue; Crude oil; biomarker; biomonitoring; crab; crude oil; lipid; pollution exposure; sublethal effect; teleost; toxicology; Animalia; Clarias gariepinus; Clibanarius; Decapoda (Crustacea) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749640288 | Evaluation of toxic action mechanisms of binary mixtures of spent lubricant oil and detergent against littoral estuarine macro-invertebrates | Chukwu L.O. | 2006 | Pollution Research | 25 | 2 | None | Aquatic Toxicology and Ecophysiology Laboratory, Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | Chukwu, L.O., Aquatic Toxicology and Ecophysiology Laboratory, Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | The toxicities of spent engine oil and a Nigerian brand of detergent (Omo), and their binary mixture in ratio of 9:1 were evaluated against hermit crab, Clibanarius africanus and periwinkle, Tympanotfonus fuscatus in laboratory bioassays. The interactions between binary mixture showed significant variations from the action of the individual constituent toxicants when acting singly. On the basis of synergistic ratio (SRs) and concentration-addition models, the relationship between binary mixture. (9:1) of spent engine oil and detergent against C africanus and T fuscatus were in conformity with the models of synergism (S.R=4.12; RTU=3.95 and S.R=1.21; RTU=10 respectively) indicating that the toxicity of the constituent toxicants in the mixtures were enhanced. The importance of the results obtained from the joint action toxicity evaluations in setting effective and environmentally safe limits for control and management of petroleum pollutants is discussed. Copyright © Enviromedia. | None | bioassay; crab; detergent; laboratory method; oil; pollution monitoring; snail; synergism; toxicity test; Catharanthus roseus; Clibanarius; Decapoda (Crustacea); Invertebrata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-21544477256 | Quantitative determination of the group of flavonoids and saponins from the extracts of the seeds of Glinus lotoides and tablet formulation thereof by high-performance liquid chromatography | Endale A., Kammerer B., Gebre-Mariam T., Schmidt P.C. | 2005 | Journal of Chromatography A | 1083 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.chroma.2005.05.095 | Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 45, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Endale, A., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Kammerer, B., Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 45, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Gebre-Mariam, T., Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Schmidt, P.C., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany | The total flavonoids and saponins of the seeds of Glinus lotoides in the crude extracts and tablet formulation thereof were quantified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) methods with UV detection. The saponins were analyzed after acid hydrolysis in 3 M HCl at 100°C for 1 h. Vicenin-2 and mollugogenol B were isolated and used as reference substances for the quantification of total flavonoids and saponins, respectively. The identity and purity (>97%) of the standards were confirmed by spectroscopic (UV, MS, and NMR) and chromatographic (HPLC) methods. The flavonoids and saponins of the crude extract of the seeds and tablet formulation were separated by RP-HPLC (Nucleosil RP-18 column, 250 mm × 4.6 mm) using linear gradient elution systems of acetonitrile-water-0.1 M H3PO4 for flavonoids and methanol-water for saponins. Satisfactory separation of the compounds was obtained in less than 30 and 25 min, for the flavonoids and saponins, respectively. The methods were validated for linearity, repeatability, limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ). Repeatability (inter- and intra-day, n = 6 and 9, respectively) showed less than 2% relative standard deviation (RSD). The LOD and LOQ were found to be 0.075 and 0.225 mg/mL, respectively, for vicenin-2 and 0.027 and 0.082 mg/100 mL, respectively, for mollugogenol B. The content of flavonoids and saponins of six single tablets was between 95 and 103% for flavonoids and 94-98% for saponins. The validated HPLC methods were employed to standardize a fingerprint of a laboratory produced purified extract, which could be used as a secondary standard for the routine quality control. Accordingly, the purified extract was found to contain 21.3% flavonoids (vicenin-2, 10%) and 25.4% saponins (glinuside G, 14.2%). © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Glinus lotoides; Glinuside G; Mollugogenol B; Quantitative determination; RP-HPLC; Vicenin-2 | Acetonitrile; Aromatic compounds; Extraction; Hydrolysis; Mass spectrometry; Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; Purification; Seed; Ultraviolet radiation; Ultraviolet spectroscopy; Crude extracts; Limits of detection (LOD); Limits of quantification (LOQ); Relative standard deviation (RSD); Tablet formulation; High performance liquid chromatography; acetonitrile; flavonoid; Glinus lotoides extract; glinuside G; hydrochloric acid; methanol; mollugogenol B; plant extract; saponin derivative; unclassified drug; vicenin 2; vitexin 2'' o glucoside; water; analytical equipment; article; drug purity; elution; glinus lotoides; high performance liquid chromatography; hydrolysis; mass spectrometry; medicinal plant; nuclear magnetic resonance; plant seed; priority journal; quality control; reproducibility; reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography; separation technique; standard; tablet formulation; temperature; ultraviolet radiation; ultraviolet spectroscopy; validation process; Apigenin; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Flavonoids; Glucosides; Molluginaceae; Reference Standards; Saponins; Seeds; Tablets; Extractives; Flavonoids; Liquid Chromatography; Saponins; Seeds; Ultraviolet Radiation; Glinus lotoides | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84936744415 | Ceo pay-performance sensitivity in the South African context | Bussin M. | 2015 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 18 | 2 | 10.17159/2222-3436/2015/v18n2a7 | Department of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Bussin, M., Department of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | The topic of executive pay-performance sensitivity has resulted in mixed research findings. Literature related to executive remuneration constructs, company performance measures and the underlying theories is critically reviewed in this article. The literature is compared to research findings within the South African context pre, during and post the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. The researcher found similar results in the South African context compared to research in other countries and industries. The research challenges the notion that there is one dominant theory driving CEO compensation. The principal-agent theory, supported by the optimal contract theory, are foremost during periods of strong economic performance, while the influence of managerial power and other behavioural theories appear to prevail during periods of weak economic performance. This article proposes some critical considerations in order to manage this tension. © 2015, University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. | CEO remuneration; Company performance; Compensation; Governance; Optimum contracting; Pay-performance sensitivity; principal-agent theory; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868307948 | Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of some novel substituted 2-chloroacetanalides | Aschale M. | 2012 | International Journal of ChemTech Research | 4 | 4 | None | Head of Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Computation Sciences, Haramaya University, Ethiopia | Aschale, M., Head of Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Computation Sciences, Haramaya University, Ethiopia | The title compounds were prepared by the reaction of substituted primary amines with chloroacetylchloride in benzene. Structures of all these compounds have been elucidated by their elemental analysis, spectral studies and molecular weights. All the products were assayed for their antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Xanthomonas holcicola bacteria and Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum fungi and results were compared with that of reference drugs. | Antibacterial; Antifungal; Substituted chloroacetinilides | 2 chloroacetanilide; 2 iodo 2 chloroacetanilide; 3 bromo 2 chloroacetanilide; 3 chloro 2 chloroacetanilide; 4 bromo 2 chloroacetanilide; 4 dimethylamino 2 chloroacetanilide; acetanilide derivative; amine; antifungal agent; antiinfective agent; benzene; carbendazim; chloramphenicol; chloride; unclassified drug; 2 chloroacetanilide; 3 bromo 2 chloroacetanilide; 3 chloro 2 chloroacetanilide; 4 bromo 2 chloroacetanilide; 4 dimethylamino 2 chloroacetanilide; acetanilide derivative; antibiotic agent; antifungal agent; carbendazim; chloramphenicol; iodo 2 chloroacetanilide; antibacterial activity; antifungal activity; article; Aspergillus niger; carbon nuclear magnetic resonance; controlled study; drug synthesis; Fusarium oxysporum; infrared spectroscopy; molecular weight; nonhuman; physical chemistry; proton nuclear magnetic resonance; Staphylococcus aureus; substitution reaction; ultraviolet spectroscopy; Xanthomonas; Xanthomonas holcicola; drug structure; drug synthesis; Xanthomonas holicicola | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650198222 | Impact of microfinance bank on standard of living of hairdresser in ogbomoso north local government of Oyo State, Nigeria | Abiola I., Salami A.O. | 2011 | International Business Management | 5 | 1 | 10.3923/ibm.2011.27.32 | Department of Management and Accounting, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria | Abiola, I., Department of Management and Accounting, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Salami, A.O., Department of Management and Accounting, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria | The thrusts of this study are to determine the impact of Microfinance bank on standard of living of hairdressers in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State and to examine the impact of Microfinance on asset acquisition and savings of hairdressers in that LGA. A total of 49 hairdressers who registered with Ogbomoso North LGA were used as study sample. Data were collected using questionnaire and hypothesis was used using Chi-square technique. The hypothesis was rejected at 5% significant level. It was then concluded that there is a significant relationship between Microfinance bank efforts and standard of living of hairdressers in Ogbomoso North LGA. Recommendations was thus made that government through the Apex bank (CBN) should ensure that Microfinance bank loans are easily obtainable and repayment should include a grace period with reasonable schedule instead of weekly payment period that is commonly found among the microfinance banks in Nigeria. © Medwell Journals, 2011. | Hairdressing; Liquidity; Micro enterprises; Micro-credit; Microfinance bank; Poverty; Standard of living | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891806345 | Management concepts and project performance: Perceptions from the South African public sector environment | Emuze F.A., Smallwood J.J. | 2013 | Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering | 55 | 2 | None | Department of Built Environment, Central University of Technology, Free State, Private Bag X20539, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Department of Construction Management, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa | Emuze, F.A., Department of Built Environment, Central University of Technology, Free State, Private Bag X20539, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Smallwood, J.J., Department of Construction Management, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa | The thrust of this paper is to examine management strategies that could engender performance improvement in construction. Using the South African infrastructure sector as the geographical limit of the study, the research reported upon emanates from a quantitative study that was underpinned by the review of related literature. A survey was conducted among general contractor (GC) members of the South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors (SAFCEC), consulting engineer members of Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) and selected public sector clients. Based on inferential statistics, selected findings show that inconsistent and inadequate risk allocation and management practices could lead to inappropriate choice of procurement strategy. Inadequate documentation and transfer of experience and performance could also result in limited organisational knowledge, learning and transfer. The lack of delivery management skills within public sector establishments could result in poor execution of projects, and an inappropriate organisational culture among project partners may lead to resistance to the changes that are necessary for inculcating performance improvement. Although these aforementioned perceptions pertain to a limited number of respondents, especially the individuals working for the clients in the public sector, their views are insightful. As most of the participants were generally involved in public sector construction projects, their opinions can point to a way forward. | Construction; Infrastructure; Project performance; South Africa | Engineering contractors; Inferential statistics; Infrastructure; Infrastructure sector; Organisational culture; Organisational knowledge; Project performance; South Africa; Civil engineering; Construction; Engineers; Contractors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80155187973 | Soil nutrient stock evaluation under different land use types in the smallholder farming systems of Jimma zone, Ethiopia | Aticho A., Elias E. | 2011 | International Journal of Agricultural Research | 6 | 9 | 10.3923/ijar.2011.707.713 | Department of Natural Resources Management, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Country Manager of Wageningen University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Aticho, A., Department of Natural Resources Management, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Elias, E., Country Manager of Wageningen University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | The threats of soil nutrient depletion and food insecurity due to unsustainable farming practices are the problems for most of developing countries including of Ethiopia. This investigation was conducted to determine the status of soil nutrient stock under different land use types in the smallholder farmers and to evaluate the relationship between N, P and K stocks, different soil parameters and land use types. Soil samples were collected from each land use types and tested in laboratory for bulk density, % sand, % silt, % clay, total N, total P and total K. Soil N, P and K stocks for the land use types were calculated through multiplying the concentration of N, P and K with their respective bulk density and sampling depth. Mean comparisons were carried out to soil bulk density, % sand, % silt, % clay, total N, total P and total K. One way ANOVA was used to determine N, P and K stocks significant difference (p = 0.05) under different land use types. Also, 2-tiled Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between soil nutrient stocks, soil parameters and land use types. Accordingly, the mean values of soil physico-chemical properties were varied among land use types but none significant difference (p<0.05) was observed for N, P and K stock. Because, soil nutrient management practices applied to each land use types are not adequate to improve soil nutrient stocks and compensate losses. There was a positive correlation between some soil physico-chemical properties, nutrient stocks and land use types. Therefore, to improve soil nutrient stocks and availability of nutrients for plants in order to achieve food security intensive soil nutrient management practice across land use types are compulsory. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc. | Land use types; N; Nutrient depletion; P and K stock; Soil physico-chemical properties | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869988258 | Thermochemical evaluation of hydroxyl and peroxyl radical precursors in the formation of tropospheric ozone reactions | Igbafe A.I., Umukoro S.E. | 2010 | International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa | 3 | None | 10.4028/www.scientific.net/JERA.3.74 | Air Pollution Climatology and Energy Research Unit, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Igbafe, A.I., Air Pollution Climatology and Energy Research Unit, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Umukoro, S.E., Air Pollution Climatology and Energy Research Unit, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | The thermochemical properties of varieties of species needed to assess the most prominent pathways of tropospheric ozone transformation have been established. In the troposphere, ozone which is a secondary pollution produced by photochemical induced transformation, acts as an oxidizing agent to numerous atmospheric reactions leading to the formation of particulate matter. Based on the climate related problems resulting from the precursor of particulate matter, it is adequate to establish the feasible routes of ozone formation. In this study, the electronic structure methods which approximate the Schrödinger equation to compute Gibbs free energies and enthalpies of formation of the various chemical species participating in the reactions were used. These thermodynamic properties were determined using four computational model chemistry methods integrated in the Gaussian 03 (G03) chemistry package. Five known reaction pathways for the formation of NO2 (the O3 precursor specie), as well as the dominant ozone formation route from NO 2 were examined and their energies determined. Of all the computational methods, the complete basis set (CBS-4M) method produced energies for all species of the five reaction routes. Out of the five routes, only the reactions involving radical species were favoured to completion over a temperature range of -100 and +100°C. The most relevant reaction route for the formation of NO2 and subsequently O3 is that involving the peroxyl acetyl nitrate (PAN) and hydroxyl radicals. Chemical equilibrium analyses of the reaction routes also indicated that reduction in temperature encourages NO2 formation while increase in temperature favours O 3 production. © (2010) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland. | Chemical equilibrium; Nitrogen dioxide; Peroxyl acetyl nitrate; Thermochemical properties; Tropospheric ozone | Atmospheric reactions; Chemical equilibriums; Chemical species; Complete basis sets; Computational model; Dinger equation; Enthalpies of formation; Gaussians; Hydroxyl radicals; Nitrogen dioxides; Oxidizing agents; Ozone formation; Particulate Matter; Peroxyl radical; Radical species; Reaction pathways; Reaction routes; Relevant reactions; Secondary pollution; Temperature range; Thermochemical properties; Tropospheric ozone; Computational methods; Electronic structure; Nitrogen oxides; Ozone; Photochemical reactions; Troposphere; Air pollution | 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-s2.0-65549145508 | Performance evaluation of a refrigerant-charged integrated solar water heater in northern Nigeria | Enaburekhan J., Yakasai U.T. | 2009 | Desalination | 243 | 03-Jan | 10.1016/j.desal.2008.05.014 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Bayero University, PMB 3011, Gwarzo Road, Kano, Nigeria | Enaburekhan, J., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Bayero University, PMB 3011, Gwarzo Road, Kano, Nigeria; Yakasai, U.T., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Bayero University, PMB 3011, Gwarzo Road, Kano, Nigeria | The thermal performance of the refrigerant-charged integrated solar water heater was analyzed to show its applicability in Nigeria, using data of several sunny and cloudy days. This unit, having three identical small-scale solar water heating systems using refrigerants R-134a, R12, and ethanol, was constructed and tested side by side under various environmental and load conditions in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. The thermal performance was evaluated extensively throughout the months of August and September 2006; the maximum water temperature increases of 28°C, 37°C and 40°C for R12, ethanol and R-134a were attained at about 14:00 h respectively, while the maximum collection efficiencies computed were 40.63%, 50.78% and 56.59% for R12, ethanol and R-134a respectively. Best performance was obtained using R134a, probably due to its higher latent heat, higher liquid thermal conductivity, and lower viscosity and high surface tension to improve capillary pumping. This reveals a good capability of the system to convert solar energy to heat which can be used for heating water in northern Nigeria. © 2009. | Heat-pipe solar collector; Phase-change; Refrigerant-charged solar collector; Solar water heating | Capillary pumping; Cloudy days; Collection efficiencies; Heat-pipe solar collector; Integrated solar water heaters; Load conditions; Nigeria; Northern Nigeria; Performance evaluations; Phase-change; Refrigerant-charged solar collector; Solar water heating; Solar water heating systems; Thermal performance; Water temperatures; Ethanol; Heat pipes; Heating; Heating equipment; Mixed convection; Refrigerants; Solar collectors; Solar heating; Solar water heaters; Surface tension; Solar energy; equipment; heating; performance assessment; thermal conductivity; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-18044368489 | Impact of different pasteurization temperatures on the survival of microbial contaminants isolated from pasteurized milk | Dumalisile P., Witthuhn R.C., Britz T.J. | 2005 | International Journal of Dairy Technology | 58 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1471-0307.2005.00189.x | Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag XI, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Dumalisile, P., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag XI, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Witthuhn, R.C., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag XI, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Britz, T.J., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag XI, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | The thermal inactivation of selected microbes was studied using the low temperature long time (LTLT), high temperature short time (HTST) and 'pot' pasteurization methods. Survivors were enumerated after heating for up to 40 min for the LTLT and HTST pasteurization methods and after heating for up to 30 min for the 'pot' pasteurization method. With the exception of the Bacillus cereus strain, the selected microbes did not survive the LTLT and HTST pasteurization methods. The results from the 'pot' pasteurizer showed that B. cereus, Chryseobacterium meningosepticum, Pseudomonas putida, Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli strains survived the pasteurization conditions applied, showing that the 'pot' pasteurizer does not pasteurize effectively. © 2005 Society of Dairy Technology. | 'Pot' pasteurization; Bacillus; Microbial survival; Spoilage microbes | article; Bacillus cereus; bacterial strain; bacterium identification; bacterium isolate; Chryseobacterium meningosepticum; heating; low temperature procedures; microbial contamination; milk; nonhuman; pasteurization; priority journal; Pseudomonas putida; survival; temperature dependence; Acinetobacter baumannii; Bacillus cereus; Chryseobacterium meningosepticum; Escherichia coli; Pseudomonas; Pseudomonas putida | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650761334 | Evaluation of the effect of temperature on the stability of metal soaps of trichosanthes cucumerina seed oil | Folarin O.M., Enikanoselu O.N. | 2010 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 9 | 10 | None | Chemistry Department, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Folarin, O.M., Chemistry Department, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Enikanoselu, O.N., Chemistry Department, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | The thermal behaviour of metal soaps of Trichosanthes cucumerina seed oil at 433, 453 and 473K was investigated and the thermodynamic parameters of the decomposition process determined. The kinetics of the decomposition was studied thermogravimetrically at various temperatures. The rates of the first stage decomposition were used to assess the effect of temperature on the susceptibility of metal soaps of Trichosanthes cucumerina seed oil. The values of rate constant are of the order 10-2min-1 and temperature-dependent. The enthalpy, entropy and free energy of activation for the decomposition of the metal soaps were determined. The thermodynamic values obtained showed that the system is endothermic and that the reaction process is a non-spontaneous one. | Decomposition; Energy of activation; Thermal stability; Thermodynamic parameters | Trichosanthes; Trichosanthes cucumerina | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871480070 | Evaluation of prophylactic and therapeutic properties of ogi in rabbits infected with Salmonella typhi | Aderiye B.I., David O.M. | 2013 | International Food Research Journal | 20 | 1 | None | Department of Microbiology, Ekiti State University, PMB 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Aderiye, B.I., Department of Microbiology, Ekiti State University, PMB 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; David, O.M., Department of Microbiology, Ekiti State University, PMB 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | The therapeutic and prophylactic effects of fermented maize gruel (ogi) in protecting against and reducing the concentration of Salmonella typhi in rabbits were determined using standard methods. All the experimental animals were fed with commercial diet during the first feed trial. The control group was maintained only on the diet while the first treatment group fed with the commercial diet was later substituted with ogi in the third phase of the trial. The second treatment group was fed with ogi in both the second and third phases of the study. In the second feed trial, the treatment groups were challenged with Salmonella typhi. Infected rabbits that were fed with commercial diets showed high load of Salmonella typhi in the faeces and blood compared to those fed with ogi. The weights gained and food intakes of the animals in the control group were higher than the experimental group. The animals in the first treatment group recorded the least food intake while there was weight loss in the second treatment group. Bacteremia was established in the treatment groups. The level of white blood cells (WBCs) in the rabbits infected with Salmonella typhi but later maintained on ogi, decreased from 4900 mm3 to 4200 mm3. Similarly the WBC count decreased from 7300 mm3 to 6300 mm3 in rabbits that were initially infected (but fed on commercial diet) and later fed with ogi. It could be concluded that ogi could be potent in preventing Salmonella infection and the reduction of microbial load of Salmonella typhi in the blood of the mammals as shown by the microbial and haematological indices. © 2008 IFRJ, Faculty of Food Science & Technology, UPM. | fermented food; Ogi; prophylactic; Salmonella typhi; therapeutic | Animalia; Mammalia; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Salmonella; Salmonella typhi; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-15244344272 | Fast heated ballast furnace atomizer for atomic absorption spectrometry: Part 2. Experimental assessment of performances | Katskov D.A., Sadagov Y.M., Banda M. | 2005 | Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry | 20 | 3 | 10.1039/b413345e | Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Cortech Ltd., Ozernaya St. 46, Moscow 119361, Russian Federation | Katskov, D.A., Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Sadagov, Y.M., Cortech Ltd., Ozernaya St. 46, Moscow 119361, Russian Federation; Banda, M., Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | The theoretical predictions concerning atomization efficiency in the fast heated ballast furnace atomizer were examined by determination of Pb in the organic and inorganic matrices using a Quantum Z.ETA atomic absorption spectrometer. The instrument provided fast heating of the tube atomizer (10 K ms-1) and temperature stabilization on the pre-set level. In the experiments the tube was furnished with compact ballast (e.g., a graphite rod 1 mm in diameter and 5-9 mm in length or other refractive materials of similar volume and configuration). The samples were injected into the tube, disregarding their exact location on the wall or ballast. It is shown that in the employed ballast furnace for the sampling volumes below 10-15 μ1 the vapor release into the gas phase occurs after interim condensation on the ballast. For the samples of tetraethyllead, base oil and lead nitrate respective analytical signals are observed after stabilization of tube temperature (below 2673 K), independent of the volatility of the analyte and level of temperature setting. High gas phase temperature provides, for those samples, complete recovery of the analyte without involvement of chemical modifiers. The reduction of spectral background from sea-water matrix at Pb determination and behavior of analytical signals for In and Cr confirm common mechanism of sample vapor release via interim condensation on the ballast. The optimization of material for the ballast is still needed taking into consideration physical properties and the chemical activity of its surface towards the sample vapor. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2005. | None | Absorption; Condensation; Data acquisition; Graphite; Lead compounds; Magnetic field effects; Magnets; Porosity; Problem solving; Quantum theory; Reaction kinetics; Sensitivity analysis; Signal to noise ratio; Spectroscopic analysis; Vaporization; Atomic absorption spectrometry; Ballast furnaces; Fast heated ballast furnaces; Gas phases; Refractive materials; Furnaces | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053235776 | Design and performance of wideband DRFM for radar test and evaluation | Olivier K., Cilliers J.E., Du Plessis M. | 2011 | Electronics Letters | 47 | 14 | 10.1049/el.2011.0362 | Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Building 44, Meiring Naude Road, Pretoria, South Africa; University of Pretoria, Carl and Emily Fuchs Institute for Microelectronics, Pretoria, South Africa | Olivier, K., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Building 44, Meiring Naude Road, Pretoria, South Africa; Cilliers, J.E., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Building 44, Meiring Naude Road, Pretoria, South Africa; Du Plessis, M., University of Pretoria, Carl and Emily Fuchs Institute for Microelectronics, Pretoria, South Africa | The test and evaluation of modern radars using hardware in the loop simulators requires the use of wideband high-fidelity, digital radio frequency memories (DRFM) in order to generate realistic target returns. Important aspects of wideband DRFM design on a printed circuit board are highighted and the architecture of the DRFM that was implemented using commercial-off-the-shelf components is presented. The spurious free dynamic range of the DRFM was characterised as -47dBc worst case over an instantaneous bandwidth of 800MHz. An experimental pulse-Doppler radar was used to compare the fidelity of the returns from the DRFM and an optical delay line. © 2011 The Institution of Engineering and Technology. | None | Commercial off-the-shelf components; Digital radio frequency memory; Hardware in the loop simulator; High fidelity; Instantaneous bandwidth; Optical delay lines; Pulse-Doppler radar; Spurious free dynamic range; Test and evaluation; Wide-band; Worst case; Digital radio; Doppler radar; Printed circuit boards; Printed circuit design | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924286466 | Comparison of effective population size, rate and level of inbreeding and its potential impact on village chicken populations of Southern Africa | Zulu S.G., Muchadeyi F.C., Dzomba E.F. | 2015 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 14 | 1 | None | Discipline of Genetics, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort, South Africa | Zulu, S.G., Discipline of Genetics, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Muchadeyi, F.C., Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Dzomba, E.F., Discipline of Genetics, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | The term village chicken best describes the scavenging chickens because of the effect of the village socio-economic and biophysical environment on the production and health status of the chicken. These chickens are predominantly farmed in African villages by small holder farmers. The purpose of this study was to compare rates and levels of inbreeding in village (free range) chickens in Southern Africa. In addition the study sought to investigate the major economic traits that could be negatively affected by inbreeding. The study was carried out in 2007 and 2009 by sampling households in five agro-ecological zones (AEZ) in Zimbabwe and three farming regions in South Africa. Data was captured in the form of surveys conducted using pre-tested questionnaires and included farmer socio-demographic information and household chicken flock sizes and composition. Data was also captured on traits that chicken farmers target when selecting or culling the flocks by ranking traits in order of importance, one being most important and eight being the least important. Three parameters i.e. effective population size (Ne), rate of inbreeding (AF) and the level of inbreeding (F) were estimated using different mathematical formulas. Statistical analysis of the effect of agro-ecological zone and country on each of the three parameters was done using Generalized Linear Models procedure in SAS. Results showed that Limpopo province of South Africa and AEZ III of Zimbabwe had highest and lowest Ne, respectively. Consequently, Limpopo and AEZ III had the lowest and the highest AF respectively. Both effective population size and rate of inbreeding varied significantly (p<0.05) between farming regions/agro ecological zones within countries. It was observed that chicken body size, reproductive performance, mothering ability and health were ranked high while body conformation and morphological traits (plumage color and comb shape) were ranked the least important traits for choosing animals for breeding and for culling chickens from the flock. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2015. | Effective population size; Farming region; Inbreeding; Village chicken | Animalia; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-62449339139 | Frequency-independent performance of elliptic profile tem horns | Malherbe J. | 2009 | Microwave and Optical Technology Letters | 51 | 3 | 10.1002/mop.24109 | Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Malherbe, J., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | The TEM horn with elliptic E-plane profile has been shown to give extremely wide bandwidth performance as far as VSWR and gain is concerned. In this article, the variation in radiation pattern versus frequency is explored, and it is shown that, dependant on choice, E-plane or H-plane radiation patterns that are virtually independent of frequency can be obtained. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | Elliptic profile; Frequency-independent properties; TEM horn | Elliptic profile; Frequency-independent properties; H planes; Radiation patterns; TEM horn; Wide-bandwidth performance | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33750624282 | Extended grinding curves are essential to the comparison of milling performance | Powell M., Mainza A. | 2006 | Minerals Engineering | 19 | 15 | 10.1016/j.mineng.2006.08.004 | Mineral Processing Research Unit, University of Cape Town, P/B Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | Powell, M., Mineral Processing Research Unit, University of Cape Town, P/B Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Mainza, A., Mineral Processing Research Unit, University of Cape Town, P/B Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | The technique of developing curves of how the operation and product of a mill responds to a change in one of the prime operating variables is presented. This has been investigated to the great benefit of research into the comparison of mill performance when an operating parameter of interest is changed. These 'grindcurves' can be used to select the correct conditions for meaningful comparative tests. It is shown that the conclusions drawn from pilot work can be totally changed by shifting the mill to operate under optimal conditions for the comparison. The use of the technique in quantifying SAG mill performance is demonstrated. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Comminution; Grinding; Process control; SAG milling | Grinding (comminution); Optimal control systems; Process control; Production control; Operating parameters; Pilot work; SAG milling; Comminution | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920708383 | Multi-Criteria Evaluation of Small-Scale Sprinkler Irrigation Systems Using Grey Relational Analysis | Tu Q., Li H., Wang X., Chen C., Luo Y., Dwomoh F.A. | 2014 | Water Resources Management | 28 | 13 | 10.1007/s11269-014-0765-1 | Research Center of Fluid Machinery Engineering and Technology, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China; School of Electromechanical Engineering, Changzhou College of Information Technology, Kejiaocheng, Wujin District, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China; School of Engineering, Koforidua Polytechnic, Koforidua, Eastern Region, Ghana | Tu, Q., Research Center of Fluid Machinery Engineering and Technology, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China, School of Electromechanical Engineering, Changzhou College of Information Technology, Kejiaocheng, Wujin District, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China; Li, H., Research Center of Fluid Machinery Engineering and Technology, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China; Wang, X., Research Center of Fluid Machinery Engineering and Technology, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China; Chen, C., Research Center of Fluid Machinery Engineering and Technology, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China; Luo, Y., Research Center of Fluid Machinery Engineering and Technology, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China; Dwomoh, F.A., Research Center of Fluid Machinery Engineering and Technology, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China, School of Engineering, Koforidua Polytechnic, Koforidua, Eastern Region, Ghana | The technical and socioeconomic evaluation of small-scale sprinkler irrigation systems is a multi-criteria problem characterized by complexity and uncertainty. In order to solve that, the application of Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) was presented. An evaluation model with ten sub-criteria under four groups, namely, technical, economic, environmental and social, was established. Among the criteria, calculation method of labor use in the small-scale sprinkler systems was originally addressed, and Life Cycle Cost (LCC) was used as an economic indicator. In the design of GRA, a combination weighting method based on Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and entropy measurement was employed to take into account the experts’ knowledge and the inherent information in the experimental data. Six irrigation systems for three field sizes 0.5 ha, 2 ha and 5 ha respectively were considered to verify the model. The systems were optimized with Genetic Algorithms (GAs) first to figure out the optimal combinations of sprinklers and pipes and further, field tests were performed. The discussions show that: the developed approach has successfully provided the ranking of systems for three field sizes. When different types of sprinklers are used, the criteria including atomize index, application efficiency and specific energy consumption change greatly. And the ownership cost, particularly the energy consumption fee, accounts for the largest part of LCC in most of the systems. In comparison, System 5 and System 1 are generally the best. The evaluation model solved by GRA integrated with GAs is effective and can be extended to the comprehensive evaluation and optimization of other irrigation systems. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Evaluation; Grey relational analysis; Irrigation system; Life cycle cost; Multi-criteria analysis | Cost benefit analysis; Costs; Economics; Energy utilization; Hose; Irrigation; Life cycle; Evaluation; Grey relational analysis; Irrigation systems; Lifecycle costs; Multi Criteria Analysis; Sprinkler systems (irrigation) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-56849088350 | Technical and institutional evaluation of geray irrigation scheme in West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia | Checkol G., Alamirew T. | 2008 | Journal of Spatial Hydrology | 8 | 1 | None | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | Checkol, G.; Alamirew, T., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | The technical and institutional performance evaluation of Geray Irrigation Scheme was made in order to identify management practices for implementation to improve the system operation and the performance of the irrigation system. The evaluation was made based on the selected performance indicators such as conveyance efficiency, application efficiency, water delivery performance, and maintenance indicators. The availability of institutional and support services were also investigated through a questionnaire administered to beneficiary farmers and other stakeholders. The results obtained showed that the main and tertiary canal conveyance efficiencies were 92 and 82 percents respectively. Many of the secondary and tertiary canals are poorly maintained and many of the structures are dysfunctional. Application efficiency monitored on three farmers' plot located at different ends of a given secondary canal ranges from 44 to 57 percent. Water delivery performance was only 71% showing a very substantial reduction from the design of the canal capacity. Maintenance indicator evaluated in terms of water level change (31.9%) and effectiveness of the infrastructures showed that the scheme management was in a very poor shape. Dependability of the scheme evaluated in terms of duration and irrigation interval showed that the scheme is performing below the intended level. The 47% of the land initially planned for development is currently under irrigation while there is no change in the water supply indicating that the sustainability of the scheme is in doubt. The cooperative support services that had been rendered to the beneficiaries in the past four years were found to be minimal. Moreover, there were few indicators that show the production was market oriented. The evaluation clearly revealed the fact that conflict resolution remains to be the duty of the local community authorities and Water User Associations (WUA) has no legal right to enforce its bylaws. In conclusion, the overall technical adequacy of the scheme is rated very poor requiring tremendous mobilization of the community to sustainably manage it. Proper institutional setup needs to be in place, and WUA needs to be more empowered in order to enforce its by-laws. | Ethiopia; Irrigation institution; Irrigation performance; Support services | irrigation system; questionnaire survey; water management; water supply; Africa; Amhara; East Africa; Ethiopia; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38349113846 | Technical and economic evaluation of the utilization of solar energy at South Africa's SANAE IV base in Antarctica | Olivier J.R., Harms T.M., Esterhuyse D.J. | 2008 | Renewable Energy | 33 | 5 | 10.1016/j.renene.2007.05.044 | Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; South African Weather Service, Private Bag X097, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | Olivier, J.R., Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Harms, T.M., Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Esterhuyse, D.J., South African Weather Service, Private Bag X097, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | The technical and economic feasibility of utilizing solar energy at South Africa's SANAE IV station in Antarctica was evaluated in order to estimate potential financial and external savings, and to alleviate the programme's dependence on the special blend of diesel shipped annually from Cape Town. The average global horizontal and tilted insolation rates at the base were studied, energy consumption data of the station was investigated, technical performance characteristics of devices for harnessing solar energy were assessed and an economic analysis was completed. It was shown that at SANAE IV flat-plate solar thermal collectors could potentially be used in conjunction with the snow smelter (a device that meets the station's fresh water demand) and that photovoltaic modules could feasibly be used to reduce the station's electrical demand. Flat-plate solar thermal collectors could collect solar energy at an average of 3.13 R/kWh (viz. 0.49 US$/kWh) from a suggested 143 m2 array, while comparatively a 40 kWp photovoltaic system would be less economically sound and only able to pay back costs at the end of the system's expected 25-year lifetime, generating electricity at an estimated 3.20 R/kWh (annual electrical consumption at SANAE IV amounts to more than 1062 MWh). The total diesel savings of the solar thermal and photovoltaic systems were estimated at approximately 12 245 and 9958 l, respectively, which represent savings in externalities of R67 338 and R55 879 each. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Antarctica; Economic analysis; Feasibility study; SANAE IV; Solar energy; Technical analysis | Economic analysis; Energy utilization; Photovoltaic cells; Antarctica; Feasibility study; Technical analysis; Solar energy; Economic analysis; Energy utilization; Photovoltaic cells; Solar energy; economic analysis; energy use; feasibility study; performance assessment; photovoltaic system; solar power; technical efficiency; Africa; Antarctica; Cape Town; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Western Cape | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879604021 | Taxonomic evaluation of the genus Enterobacter based on multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA): Proposal to reclassify E. nimipressuralis and E. amnigenus into Lelliottia gen. nov. as Lelliottia nimipressuralis comb. nov. and Lelliottia amnigena comb. nov., | Brady C., Cleenwerck I., Venter S., Coutinho T., De Vos P. | 2013 | Systematic and Applied Microbiology | 36 | 5 | 10.1016/j.syapm.2013.03.005 | LM-UGent, Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; BCCM/LMG Bacteria Collection, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Brady, C., LM-UGent, Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cleenwerck, I., BCCM/LMG Bacteria Collection, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Venter, S., Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Coutinho, T., Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; De Vos, P., BCCM/LMG Bacteria Collection, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium | The taxonomy of Enterobacter has a complicated history, with several species transferred to and from this genus. Classification of strains is difficult owing to its polyphyletic nature, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. It has been previously acknowledged that Enterobacter contains species which should be transferred to other genera. In an attempt to resolve the taxonomy of Enterobacter, MLSA based on partial sequencing of protein-encoding genes (gyrB, rpoB, infB and atpD) was performed on the type strains and reference strains of Enterobacter, Cronobacter and Serratia species, as well as members of the closely related genera Citrobacter, Klebsiella, Kluyvera, Leclercia, Mangrovibacter, Raoultella and Yokenella. Phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated nucleotide sequences revealed that Enterobacter can be divided into five strongly supported MLSA groups, suggesting that the species should be reclassified into five different genera. Further support for this was provided by a concatenated amino acid tree, phenotypic characteristics and fatty acid profiles, enabling differentiation of the MLSA groups. Three novel genera are proposed: Lelliottia gen. nov., Pluralibacter gen. nov. and Kosakonia gen. nov. and the following new combinations: Lelliottia nimipressuralis comb. nov., Lelliottia amnigena comb. nov., Pluralibacter gergoviae comb. nov., Pluralibacter pyrinus comb. nov., Kosakonia cowanii comb. nov., Kosakonia radicincitans comb. nov., Kosakonia oryzae comb. nov., Kosakonia arachidis comb. nov., Cronobacter helveticus comb. nov. and Cronobacter pulveris comb. nov. Additionally, the novel epithet Cronobacter zurichensis nom. nov. is proposed for the reclassification of Enterobacter turicensis into the genus Cronobacter, as Cronobacter turicensis (Iversen et al., 2008) is already in use. © 2013 Elsevier GmbH. | Cronobacter; Enterobacter; Enterobacteriaceae; MLSA; Taxonomy | granzyme B; RNA polymerase beta subunit; article; bacterial strain; Cronobacter; Cronobacter helveticus; Cronobacter pulveris; Cronobacter zurichensis; DNA DNA hybridization; Enterobacter; enterobacter amnigenus; Enterobacter arachidis; Enterobacter cowanii; enterobacter gergoviae; Enterobacter helveticus; Enterobacter nimipressuralis; Enterobacter oryzae; Enterobacter pulveris; Enterobacter pyrinus; Enterobacter radicincitans; Enterobacter turicensis; gene sequence; Kosakonia; Kosakonia arachidis; Kosakonia cowanii; Kosakonia oryzae; Kosakonia radicincitans; Lelliottia; Lelliottia amnigena; Lelliottia nimipressuralis; multilocus sequence typing; nonhuman; nucleotide sequence; phylogenetic tree; phylogeny; Pluralibacter; Pluralibacter gergoviae; Pluralibacter pyrinus; priority journal; Serratia; taxonomy; Bacterial Proteins; Bacterial Typing Techniques; Cluster Analysis; Cronobacter; DNA, Bacterial; Enterobacter; Fatty Acids; Multilocus Sequence Typing; Phylogeny; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Sequence Homology; Citrobacter; Enterobacter; Enterobacter amnigenus; Enterobacter gergoviae; Enterobacter nimipressuralis; Enterobacter pyrinus; Enterobacteriaceae; Klebsiella; Kluyvera; Leclercia; Raoultella; Serratia; Yokenella | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-40749116957 | The genus Hyalomma koch, 1844: V. re-evaluation of the taxonomic rank of taxa comprising the H. (Euhyalomma) marginatum koch complex of species (Acari: Ixodidae) with redescription of all parasitic stages and notes on biology | Apanaskevich D.A., Horak I.G. | 2008 | International Journal of Acarology | 34 | 1 | None | United States National Tick Collection, Institute of Arthropodology and Parasitology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460-8056, United States; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | Apanaskevich, D.A., United States National Tick Collection, Institute of Arthropodology and Parasitology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460-8056, United States; Horak, I.G., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | The systematic morphology of species within the Hyalomma (Euhyalomma) marginatum Koch complex of ticks is illustrated and their relationships within this assemblage are discussed. Traditionally this group comprises the extremely polymorphic species Hyalomma (Euhyalomma) marginatum Koch, 1844 subdivided into four subspecies, namely H. (E.) marginatum marginatum Koch, 1844; H. (E.) marginatum rufipes Koch, 1844; H. (E.) marginatum isaaci Sharif, 1928 and H. (E.) marginatum turanicum Pomerantzev, 1946. A fifth member of the association, namely H. (E.) glabrum Delpy, 1949, has recently been re-instated as a full species. The taxonomic rank of the first mentioned four ticks is herein raised to species level. Details on the repositories of type specimens, synonyms, descriptions, variability, hosts, geographic distribution, and disease relationships of these four ticks are provided, and all their developmental stages are illustrated. | Acari; Female; Geographic distribution; H (E.) isaaci sharif; H (E.) turanicum pomerantzev; H. (E.) marginatum koch; H. (E.) rufipes koch; Hyalomma (euhyalomma) marginatum koch complex; Ixodidae; Larva; Male; Nymph; Systematics | Acari; Hyalomma; Hyalomma marginatum; Hyalomma marginatum marginatum; Hyalomma marginatum rufipes; Hyalomma rufipes; Ixodida; Ixodidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906538667 | Design, synthesis and evaluation of Ospemifene analogs as anti-breast cancer agents | Kaur G., Mahajan M.P., Pandey M.K., Singh P., Ramisetti S.R., Sharma A.K. | 2014 | European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 86 | None | 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.08.050 | School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Apeejay Stya University, Institutional Area, Gurgaon 122001, India; Apeejay Stya Research Foundation, Institutional Area, Gurgaon 122001, India; Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, CH72 Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, United States; School of Chemistry and Physics, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN), Westville Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa | Kaur, G., School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Apeejay Stya University, Institutional Area, Gurgaon 122001, India; Mahajan, M.P., School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Apeejay Stya University, Institutional Area, Gurgaon 122001, India, Apeejay Stya Research Foundation, Institutional Area, Gurgaon 122001, India; Pandey, M.K., Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, CH72 Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, United States; Singh, P., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN), Westville Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa; Ramisetti, S.R., Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, CH72 Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, United States; Sharma, A.K., Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, CH72 Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, United States | The synthesis of some novel Ospemifene derived analogs and their evaluation as anti-breast cancer agents against MCF-7 (ER-positive) and MDA-MB-231 (ER-negative) human breast cancer cell lines are described. Few of these analogs for instance, compounds 6, 7 and 8 are shown to be more effective than recent Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) i.e. Ospemifene and Tamoxifen, against these cell lines. Compound 8 was relatively more cytotoxic to MCF-7 cells similar to Ospemifene and Tamoxifen, while most potent compounds 6 and 7 were equally effective in inhibiting growth of both ER-positive and ER-negative cell lines. The observed activity profiles were further supported by the docking studies performed against estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ). Compounds 6, 7 and 8 exhibited stronger binding affinities with both ERα and ERβ compared to Ospemifene and Tamoxifen. © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. | Anti-breast cancer agents; Docking studies; Ospemifene; SERMs; Tamoxifen | 2 [ 4 ( 4 amino 1,2 diphenylbut 1 enyl)phenoxy]ethanol; 2 [ 4 ( 4 azido 1,2 diphenylbut 1 enyl)phenoxy]ethanol; 4 [ 4 ( 2 aminoethoxy)phenyl] 3,4 diphenylbut 3 en 1 amine; antineoplastic agent; estrogen receptor; estrogen receptor alpha; estrogen receptor beta; hormone receptor stimulating agent; ospemifene; ospemifene derivative; phenyl 4 [ 4 ( 2 hydroxyethoxy)phenyl] 3,4 diphenylbut 3 enylcarbamic acid; selective estrogen receptor modulator; tamoxifen; unclassified drug; 2 [4 (4 amino1,2 diphenylbut 1 enyl) phenoxy]ethanol; 2 [4 (4 azido 1,2 diphenylbut 1 enyl)phenoxy]ethanol; 2 [4 (4 chloro 1,2 diphenylbut 1 enyl) phenoxy]ethanol; 2 [4 (4 chloro 1,2 diphenylbut 1 enyl)phenoxy]ethyl methanesulfonate; 4 [4 (2 aminoethoxy)phenyl] 3,4 diphenylbut 3 en 1 amine; antineoplastic agent; ospemifene; ospemifene derivative; phenyl 4 [4 (2 hydroxyethoxy)phenyl] 3,4 diphenylbut 3 enylcarbamate; selective estrogen receptor modulator; tamoxifen; [1 [4 (2 azidoethoxy) phenyl] 4 chlorobut 1 ene 1,2 diyl]dibenzene; [4 azido 1 [4 (2 azidoethoxy)phenyl]but 1 ene 1,2 diyl]dibenzene; antineoplastic agent; ospemifene; antineoplastic activity; article; binding affinity; breast cancer cell line; cell viability; controlled study; cytotoxicity; drug design; drug potency; drug protein binding; drug synthesis; growth inhibition; human; human cell; IC 50; MCF 7 cell line; molecular docking; animal cell; antineoplastic activity; Article; breast cancer; cancer inhibition; concentration response; drug cytotoxicity; drug screening; drug selectivity; embryo; IC50; mouse; nonhuman; analogs and derivatives; Breast Neoplasms; cell proliferation; cell survival; chemical structure; chemistry; dose response; drug effects; drug screening; pathology; structure activity relation; synthesis; tumor cell culture; Antineoplastic Agents; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Design; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Humans; MCF-7 Cells; Models, Molecular; Molecular Structure; Structure-Activity Relationship; Tamoxifen; Tumor Cells, Cultured | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906874909 | Kinetic evaluation of dendrimer-encapsulated palladium nanoparticles in the 4-nitrophenol reduction reaction | Bingwa N., Meijboom R. | 2014 | Journal of Physical Chemistry C | 118 | 34 | 10.1021/jp505571p | Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland-Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa | Bingwa, N., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland-Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa; Meijboom, R., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland-Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa | The synthesis of dendrimer-encapsulated palladium nanoparticles with ratios of 13 and 55 metal atoms to templating dendrimer, (Pd13- and Pd 55-DENs) was successfully demonstrated with the use of hydroxyl-terminated generation 4 and 5 (G4 and G5) poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers as both templating and stabilizing agents. These Pd-DENs catalysts were fully characterized using spectroscopic techniques. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was used for the determination of particle size. The average particle sizes were found to be 1.33 ± 0.15 and 1.66 ± 0.20 nm in diameters for Pd13 and Pd 55-DENs, respectively. These catalysts were evaluated using the widely utilized model reaction, 4-nitrophenol (NP) reduction by sodium borohydride (NaBH4). The experimentally determined kinetic data was modeled using the Langmuir-Hinshelwood equation which relates the apparent rate kapp, NP and BH4 - adsorption constants, K NP and KBH4- respectively, the surface rate constant k, and the surface area, S. The behavior of the adsorption constants with increasing temperature was also investigated by varying the reaction temperature between 298 and 318 K. The Pd13-DENs showed greater adsorption of NP and BH4 - when compared to Pd55-DENs. The overall results showed that the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model can be successfully used for full kinetic analysis of NP reduction by BH4 - in the presence of Pdn-DENs catalysts. © 2014 American Chemical Society. | None | Adsorption; Catalysts; High resolution transmission electron microscopy; Kinetics; Nanoparticles; Particle size; Phenols; Rate constants; Adsorption; Catalysts; Dendrimers; High resolution transmission electron microscopy; Kinetics; Metal nanoparticles; Nanoparticles; Particle size; Rate constants; Synthesis (chemical); 4-Nitrophenol reductions; Average particle size; Increasing temperatures; Langmuir Hinshelwood equation; Langmuir-Hinshelwood models; Palladium nanoparticles; Polyamidoamine dendrimers; Spectroscopic technique; Dendrimers; Palladium | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924769603 | Facile synthesis and biological evaluation of assorted indolyl-3-amides and esters from a single, stable carbonyl nitrile intermediate | Veale C.G.L., Edkins A.L., De La Mare J.-A., De Kock C., Smith P.J., Khanye S.D. | 2015 | Tetrahedron Letters | 56 | 14 | 10.1016/j.tetlet.2015.02.090 | Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Biomedical Biotechnology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Department of Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Veale, C.G.L., Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Edkins, A.L., Biomedical Biotechnology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; De La Mare, J.-A., Biomedical Biotechnology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; De Kock, C., Department of Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Department of Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, South Africa; Khanye, S.D., Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | The synthesis of biologically relevant amides and esters is routinely conducted under complex reaction conditions or requires the use of additional catalysts in order to generate sensitive electrophilic species for attack by a nucleophile. Here we present the synthesis of different indolic esters and amides from indolyl-3-carbonyl nitrile, without the requirement of anhydrous reaction conditions or catalysts. Additionally, we screened these compounds for potential in vitro antimalarial and anticancer activity, revealing 1H-indolyl-3-carboxylic acid 3-(indolyl-3-carboxamide)aminobenzyl ester to have moderate activity against both lines. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Amide; Carbonyl nitrile; Ester; Indole | 1 h indolyl 3 carboxylic acid 3 (indolyl 3 carboxamide)aminobenzyl ester; amide; antimalarial agent; antineoplastic agent; carbonyl derivative; ester derivative; indole derivative; nitrile; unclassified drug; animal cell; antimalarial activity; antineoplastic activity; Article; breast cancer cell line; bromination; controlled study; drug cytotoxicity; drug screening; drug stability; drug synthesis; electrophilicity; fluorination; IC50; in vitro study; nonhuman; nucleophilicity; Plasmodium falciparum; structure activity relation; triple negative breast cancer | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908874692 | Evaluation of some 1H-pyrazole derivatives as a dual acting antimalarial and anti-leishmanial agents | Bekhit A.A., Haimanot T., Hymete A. | 2014 | Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences | 27 | 6 | None | Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt | Bekhit, A.A., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; Haimanot, T., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Hymete, A., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | The synthesis of a novel series of 1H-pyrazole derivatives was achieved by condensation of pyrazole aldehyde 1 with hydrazine hydrate to give hydrazone 7. On the other hand, cyclization of α,β-unsaturated ketone counterpart 2 using hydrazine hydrate in liquid aliphatic acids rendered compounds 4-6 and hydrazine hydrate in ethanol afforded compound 3. The later was allowed to react with aroyl chloride giving rise to compounds 8, 9. All compounds were tested for their in vivo anti-malarial and in vitro antileishmanial activities. The anti-malarial activity was performed using Plasmodium berghei infected mice, while the anti-leishmanial activity of the compounds was determined against Leishmania aethiopica promastigotes using alamar blue reduction assay. Compound 3, 1-(4-methylphenyl)-3-phenyl-4-[3-(2-thienyl)-2-pyrazolin-5-yl]-1H-pyrazole, possessed the highest anti-malarial activity with suppression of 70.26%. The highest anti-leishmanial activity was exhibited by compound 2, 1-(4-methylphenyl)-3-phenyl-4-[1-(2-thienyl)-prop-2-en-1-one]-1H-pyrazole, with an IC50 of 0.079μg/ml. Hydrazone 7 showed appreciable dual anti-malarial (suppression = 62.30%) and anti-leishmanial activity (IC50 = 1.823μg/ml). © 2014, Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. All rights reserved. | 1H-pyrazole; Acute toxicity; Alamar blue; Anti-malarial activity; Antileishmanial activity; Leishmania aethiopica; Plasmodium berghei | 1 (4 methylphenyl) 3 (phenyl) 1h pyrazole 4 carboxaldehyde hydrazone; 1 (4 methylphenyl) 3 phenyl 4 [1 (2 thienyl) prop 2 en 1 one] 1h pyrazole; 1 (4 methylphenyl) 3 phenyl 4 [1 propyl 3 (2 thienyl) 2 pyrazolin 5 yl] 1h pyrazole; 1 (4 methylphenyl) 3 phenyl 4 [3 (2 thienyl) 2 pyrazolin 5yl] 1h pyrazole; 1h pyrazole derivative; 4 [1 acetyl 3 (2 thienyl) 2 pyrazolin 5 yl] 1 (4 methylphenyl) 3 phenyl 1h pyrazole; 4 [1 aroyl 3 (2 thienyl) 2 pyrazolin 5 yl] 1 (4 methylphenyl) 3 phenyl 1h pyrazole; 4 [1 butyl 3 (2 thienyl) 2 pyrazoline 5 yl] 1 p methylphenyl 3 phenyl 1h pyrazole; alcohol; aliphatic carboxylic acid; antileishmanial agent; antimalarial agent; chloride; hydrazine; hydrazone derivative; ketone; pyrazole derivative; unclassified drug; antimalarial agent; pyrazole derivative; antimalarial activity; Article; controlled study; cyclization; drug design; drug effect; drug screening; drug synthesis; IC50; in vitro study; in vivo study; Leishmania; Leishmania aethiopica; male; mouse; nonhuman; Plasmodium berghei; promastigote; animal; drug effects; toxicity; Animals; Antimalarials; Leishmania; Male; Mice; Plasmodium berghei; Pyrazoles | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866121518 | Cobalt mediated ring contraction reaction of lapachol and initial antibacterial evaluation of naphthoquinones derived from lapachol | Eyong K.O., Kumar S.P., Kuete V., Folefoc G.N., Langmi H., Meyer M.J.J., Lall N., Baskaran S. | 2012 | Medicinal Chemistry Research | 21 | 8 | 10.1007/s00044-011-9788-9 | Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai 600 036, India; Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Yaounde 1, BP 812, Yaounde, Cameroon; Department of Biochemistry, University of Dschang, BP 67, Dschang, Cameroon; Department of Chemistry, University of Buea, 63, Buea, Cameroon; Department of Chemistry, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada; Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Science, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Eyong, K.O., Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai 600 036, India, Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Yaounde 1, BP 812, Yaounde, Cameroon; Kumar, S.P., Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai 600 036, India; Kuete, V., Department of Biochemistry, University of Dschang, BP 67, Dschang, Cameroon, Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Science, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Folefoc, G.N., Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Yaounde 1, BP 812, Yaounde, Cameroon, Department of Chemistry, University of Buea, 63, Buea, Cameroon; Langmi, H., Department of Chemistry, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada; Meyer, M.J.J., Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Science, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Lall, N., Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Science, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Baskaran, S., Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai 600 036, India | The synthesis of 2-hydroxy-2-(3-methylbut- 2-enyl)-2H-indene-1,3-dione 3, from lapachol which involves a ring contraction via the Hooker intermediate 1,2-dihydroxy-2-(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro- 1H-indene-1- carboxylic acid 2 is described. Different pyranonaphthoquinone derivatives, obtained in our previous synthetic work, were screened for antimycobacterial (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) activity and against resistant strains of Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The results indicated significant activity of all the tested samples against M. tuberculosis and only moderate activity against the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011. | Antibacterial; Antituberculosis; Lapachol; Naphthoquinones; Ring contraction | 1 (2,3,4,9 tetrahydro 4,9 dioxonaphtho[2,3 b]furany 2 yl) 1 methylethyl nitrate; 1,4 dihydro 3 hydroxy 1,4 dioxo 2 naphthaleneacetaldehyde; 2 (1 methylethenyl) 2,3 dihydronaphtho[2,3 b]furan 4,9 dione; 2 (1' methylethenyl)naphtho[2,3 b]furan 4,9 dione; 2 (3 hydroxy 1,4 dioxo 1,4 dihydronaphthalene 2 yl)vinyl acetate; 2 acetyl furanonapthoquinone; 2 hydroxy 2 (3 methylbut 2 enyl) 2h indene 1,3 dione; beta lapachone; cobalt; gentamicin; isoniazid; lapachol; naphthoquinone; unclassified drug; antibacterial activity; article; Bacillus cereus; bacterial strain; chemical reaction; controlled study; drug screening; Escherichia coli; minimum inhibitory concentration; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; ring contraction reaction; Staphylococcus aureus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891595215 | Heterometallic half-sandwich complexes containing a ferrocenyl motif: Synthesis, molecular structure, electrochemistry and antiplasmodial evaluation | Nkoana W., Nyoni D., Chellan P., Stringer T., Taylor D., Smith P.J., Hutton A.T., Smith G.S. | 2014 | Journal of Organometallic Chemistry | 752 | None | 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2013.11.025 | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, 7925, South Africa | Nkoana, W., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Nyoni, D., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Chellan, P., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Stringer, T., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Taylor, D., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, 7925, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, 7925, South Africa; Hutton, A.T., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Smith, G.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | The synthesis and characterisation of a series of new half-sandwich ruthenium(II), rhodium(III) and iridium(III) heterometallic complexes containing a ferrocenyl motif is reported. The dinuclear complexes were prepared by reaction of the ferrocenyl-salicylaldimine complex (1) with either [Ru(p-cymene)Cl2]2, [Rh(C5Me 5)Cl2]2 or [Ir(C5Me 5)Cl2]2 to yield heterobimetallic complexes where complex 1 acts as a bidentate anionic donor to ruthenium, rhodium or iridium via the imine nitrogen and phenolic oxygen atoms. The structures of the compounds have been confirmed using a variety of spectroscopic and analytical techniques, including single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of complexes 2-4. The electrochemical behaviour of the heterometallic complexes was examined using cyclic voltammetry and a positive shift in the half-wave potential (E 1/2) of the ferrocene/ferrocenium couple was observed for the Platinum Group Metal (PGM) complexes, indicating that the ferrocenyl moiety becomes harder to oxidise. The complexes were evaluated for antiplasmodial activity in vitro against the chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium falciparum strain NF54, yielding IC50 values in the low micromolar range. Further analysis of complexes 1-4 using a β-hematin inhibition assay revealed that these complexes are able to inhibit the formation of synthetic hemozoin. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Antiplasmodial activity; Bioorganometallic chemistry; Cyclic voltammetry; Ferrocene; Heterometallic | Antiplasmodial activity; Bio-organometallic chemistry; Electrochemical behaviour; Ferrocenes; Hetero bimetallic complexes; Heterometallic complexes; Heterometallics; Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis; Chlorine compounds; Cyclic voltammetry; Dyes; Iridium; Iridium compounds; Metallic compounds; Organometallics; Rhodium; Rhodium compounds; Ruthenium; Ruthenium compounds; X ray diffraction analysis; Synthesis (chemical) | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899459491 | Effects of feeding bovine rumen content-blood meal (50:50) mixtures on performance and slaughter characteristics of growing rabbits | Ojebiyi O.O., Saliu A.S. | 2014 | Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences | 24 | 2 | None | Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, PMB 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Ojebiyi, O.O., Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, PMB 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Saliu, A.S., Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, PMB 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | The synergistic effects of combining bovine rumen content-blood meal (50:50) (BRC-BM) mixtures on the performance characteristics and nutrient digestibility of growing rabbits was investigated in a 12 week feeding experiment. The mixture replaced palm kernel cake and groundnut cake of the control at 10 and 20% levels. Thirty (30) cross-bred growing rabbits with average initial weights of 521.3-524.5 ±85.10 g were divided into three treatment groups of ten (10) rabbits each. Each rabbit served as a replicate in a complete randomized design experiment. The three groups were assigned to the three dietary treatments as T1 (control) - 0% Rumen content/ blood meal mixture (50:50), T2 (RB 10)- 10% Rumen content/ blood meal mixture (50:50) and T3 (RB 20) -20% Rumen content/ blood meal mixture (50:50). The final weight of rabbits on RB10 (1916g) was higher (P<0.05) compared with the control (1715g) and RB20 (1700.g) treatments. Similarly the average daily weight gain of rabbits on RB10 (16.2) was higher (P<0.05) compared with the control (11.8g) and RB20 (12.4g). The average daily feed intake of rabbits in RB10 and RB 20 (87.29g) and (85.50g) respectively was higher (P<0.05) compared to the control (82.84g). The cost per kg gain was lower (P<0.05) in the RB10 compared with control and RB20 treatments. The digestibility of nutrients was not affected (P>0.05) by the dietary treatment. The dressing percentage, relative heart and spleen weights were not affected (P>0.05) by the dietary treatments; however, liver, lungs and kidney were affected (P<0.05). The relative kidney weights of rabbits on control diet 0.43 was lower (p<0.05) than 0.49 and 0.62 for RB10 and RB20 respectively. In a similar pattern the liver weights increased (p<0.05) as the level of inclusion increases. The relative lung weights of rabbits in RB10 (0.59) and RB20 (0.60) are similar (P>0.05) but higher (p<0.05) than 0.45 of the control. Experiment concluded that bovine rumen content-blood meal mixtures (BRC-BM) can replace 10% of palm kernel cake and groundnut cake in growing rabbit diets without adverse effect on growth performance, reduce the production cost and environmental pollution and the attendant impact on climate. | Bovine rumen-blood content; Digestibility; Final weights; Growing rabbits; Organ weights | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33644799663 | Evaluation and prediction of the swelling characteristics of Nigerian black clays | Nwaiwu C.M.O., Nuhu I. | 2006 | Geotechnical and Geological Engineering | 24 | 1 | 10.1007/s10706-004-1928-2 | Department of Civil and Water Resources Engineering, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri 600004 Borno State, Nigeria; Al-Kay Limited (Building and Civil Engineering), Lozumba Shopping Complex, UTC Area, Garki, FCT Abuja, Nigeria | Nwaiwu, C.M.O., Department of Civil and Water Resources Engineering, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri 600004 Borno State, Nigeria; Nuhu, I., Al-Kay Limited (Building and Civil Engineering), Lozumba Shopping Complex, UTC Area, Garki, FCT Abuja, Nigeria | The swelling characteristics of black clays from two major areas of occurrence in Borno State, Nigeria, were investigated in the laboratory. Clay samples derived from lagoonal clay deposits showed high swelling tendencies while those samples derived from Olivine basalts showed medium to high swelling tendencies. Although interparticle swelling was the dominant swelling mechanism, soil samples with higher clay contents exhibited higher swelling tendencies. The developed predictive models show that the free swell percentage as well as the swelling pressure can be predicted from measured values of electrical conductivity, specific gravity, clay content and plasticity index. On the other hand, swell percent can be predicted from measured values of electrical conductivity and specific gravity only. © Springer 2006. | Free swell; Regression analysis; Swell percent; Swelling pressure; Tropical black clays | Clay deposits; Composition; Density measurement (specific gravity); Electric conductivity measurement; Plasticity; Pressure measurement; Regression analysis; Sampling; Swelling; Clay content; Plasticity index; Swell percent; Swelling pressure; Tropical black clays; Clay; clay; swelling | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349535949 | Estimating the impacts of land-cover change on runoff using the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT): Case study of Nzoia catchment, Kenya | Githui F., Mutua F., Bauwens W. | 2009 | Hydrological Sciences Journal | 54 | 5 | 10.1623/hysj.54.5.899 | Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium; Department of Meteorology, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya | Githui, F., Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium; Mutua, F., Department of Meteorology, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya; Bauwens, W., Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium | The SWAT model was used to investigate the impact of land-cover changes on the runoff of the River Nzoia catchment, Kenya. The model was calibrated against measured daily discharge, and land-cover changes were examined through classification of satellite images. Land-cover change scenarios were generated, namely the worst- and best-case scenarios. Historical land-cover change results showed that agricultural area increased from 39.6 to 64.3% between 1973 and 2001, while forest cover decreased from 12.3 to 7.0%. A comparison between 1970-1975 and 1980-1985 showed that land-cover changes accounted for a difference in surface runoff ranging from 55 to 68% between the two time periods. The land-cover scenarios used showed the magnitude of changes in runoff due to changes in the land covers considered. Compared to the 1980-1985 runoff, the land-cover scenarios generated changes in runoff of about -16% and 30% for the best and worst case scenarios respectively. Copyright © 2009 IAHS Press. | CLUE-S; Hydrology; Land-cover change; Runoff; SWAT; Western Kenya | Agricultural areas; CLUE-S; Daily discharge; Forest cover; Land cover; Land-cover change; Satellite images; Soil and water assessment tool; Surface runoffs; SWAT; SWAT model; Time periods; Western Kenya; Worst case scenario; Catchments; Runoff; Water; Landforms; catchment; land cover; land use change; modeling; runoff; satellite imagery; Africa; East Africa; Kenya; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903939422 | Impacts of Lesotho Highlands Water Project on sustainable livelihoods | Manwa H. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 15 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n15p640 | Tourism Department, North West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa | Manwa, H., Tourism Department, North West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa | The sustainable livelihood framework was used to understand and interpret communities' perceptions of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project's impacts on livelihoods in the highlands of Lesotho. In-depth interviews were held with representatives of households in three villages who were part of Phase 1A of the Lesotho Highland Project. The results suggest that the Lesotho Highland Water Project has changed the livelihoods of the mountain people living nearby. The water project should embark on image building by involving people from the affected communities in setting up new priorities and a new vision concerning how the project can aid in sustaining the livelihoods of affected villages. Most importantly, the project should educate the concerned villages regarding its prime objectives and how communities can benefit from them. | Economic; Environmental impacts; Lesotho Highland Water Project; Livelihoods; Sociocultural; Sustainable development; Tourism | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84948747276 | Justice perceptions of performance management practices in a company in the chemical industry | Govender T., Grobler A., Joubert Y.T. | 2015 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 18 | 4 | 10.17159/2222-3436/2015/v18n4a9 | Graduate School for Business Leadership, University of South Africa, South Africa; Department of Human Resource Management, University of South Africa, South Africa | Govender, T., Graduate School for Business Leadership, University of South Africa, South Africa; Grobler, A., Graduate School for Business Leadership, University of South Africa, South Africa; Joubert, Y.T., Department of Human Resource Management, University of South Africa, South Africa | The sustainability of corporations globally is becoming increasingly problematic. Combined with the unique challenges of an operating entity, this could potentially expose the profitability of sustainable businesses on a daily basis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate employees’ justice perceptions of performance management practices in a company in the chemical industry. The population includes all the employees in the chemical industry that was used in this study. A total of 140 questionnaires were issued to all the employees in an organisation which had undergone a performance appraisal and 102 respondents completed the surveys, giving a response rate of 72 per cent. A cross-sectional survey design was used in this study. The justice perceptions were measured according to an existing framework developed by Thurston and McNall (2010). The framework is founded on a hypothesised four-factor model constructed according to theories on organisational justice. The employees of the organisation in the chemical sector were involved in this study. Descriptive statistical analyses were used to measure perceptions of justice based on theories on organisational justice. The measuring instrument used was based on recognised models and theories. The study supports the construct validity of the measuring instrument and the reliability of the scales used. The justice constructs were used to identify specific items in the performance management practice that required improvement. The implications of the results are that continual interventions are required if employee commitment and productivity levels are to improve, resulting in a positive impact on business performance. Significant differences in perceptions by demographic groups were reported and discussed. This study explored the importance of understanding justice perceptions of performance management practices as an enabler for sustained business performance. Further, the study confirmed that justice perceptions have a direct impact on both the organisational climate and employee morale. © University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. | Performance appraisal; Performance management; Performance management practices | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953065848 | Evaluation of the suspending property of Khaya snegalensis gum in co-trimoxazole suspensions | Mahmud H.S., Oyi A.R., Allagh T.S., Gwarzo M.S. | 2010 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 2 | 1 | None | Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria | Mahmud, H.S., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Oyi, A.R., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Allagh, T.S., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Gwarzo, M.S., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria | The suspending property of Khaya senegalesis (Family Meliaceae) gum in Co-trimoxazole suspension was evaluated. The gum obtained from plants grown in Zaria town of northern Nigeria was processed using standard procedures and its physicochemical properties such as solubility, water sorption, pH and rheology were determined. The gum was used to formulate 4.8% w/v co-trimoxazole suspension in concentrations of 0.2-5.0% w/v. Acacia senegal gum was used as a standard for comparison. The sedimentation rates, sedimentation volume, ease of redispersibility and viscosity of the suspension were studied over a period of 8 weeks. Other properties evaluated were drug release profile and particle size distribution of formulated suspensions to detect crystal growth. The results show that the sedimentation rate (4×10-4 cm/sec), sedimentation volume (50ml), degree of flocculation (1.52) and viscosity (118.8 m.pas) at 50 r.p.m are values obtained for the suspension containing 0.2%w/v khaya gum after 28 days period of storage. Particle size analysis as an exception, the values of all other parameters obtained for the suspensions containing equivalent concentrations of acacia gum were lower. The suspensions were stable, pourable and redispersible with no evidence of crystal growth. The mean particle size of the drug was 3.5 micrometer. The suspension met the pharmacopoeial requirement for drug release. On the basis of these findings, khaya gum may find application as suspending agent at 0.2%w/v concentrations. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2009. | Co-trimoxazole; Crystal growth; Drug release; Khaya senegalensis gum; Sedimentation volume and suspension | Acacia gum; Co-trimoxazole; Drug release; Equivalent concentrations; Khaya senegalensis gum; Mean particle size; Meliaceae; Northern Nigeria; Physicochemical property; Sedimentation rates; Senegal; Standard procedures; Suspending agents; Water sorption; Air ejectors; Cobalt; Crystal growth; Crystallization; Flocculation; Particle size; Particle size analysis; Sedimentation; Sorption; Viscosity; Suspensions (fluids) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877646793 | Technical evaluation of ondo bitumen for direct asphalt concrete mix design | Adeleke A.A., Adeosun A.S., Disu A.O., Olorunniwo E.O. | 2012 | Petroleum and Coal | 54 | 3 | None | Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Adeleke, A.A., Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Adeosun, A.S., Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Disu, A.O., Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Olorunniwo, E.O., Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | The suitability or otherwise of the abundant Nigerian Ondo bitumen as a binder in hot mix asphalt concrete mix design for roadmaking has not been established. Samples of Ondo bitumen (as-received and as-refined) were tested for specific gravity, softening point and penetration. Concrete mixes were also prepared with standard proportions of aggregates with Ondo bitumen (as-received and as-refined) and standard bitumen as binders. The concrete mixes were then compacted to standard cylindrical specimens for Marshall stability indices tests. The results of physico-chemical tests gave the specific gravity, softening point and penetration for the Ondo bitumen as-received as 1.12, 77°C and 44.3 mm, while the values for the refined product were 1.03, 52°C and 67 mm, respectively. The Marshall stability tests for Ondo bitumen (as-received) at 5.8% of the weight of aggregate yielded 25.5 KN, 15 mm, 77.4%, while that of Ondo bitumen as-refined gave 13.03 KN, 35 mm, 77.4%; respectively. When the physico-chemical properties Ondo bitumen (as-received and asrefined) were compared with those of standard bitumen, only the refined product was found to satisfy the requirements for concrete mix design. The Marshall stability results however showed that Ondo bitumen concrete mixes (as-received and as-refined) do not meet the standard specifications for stability and flow. The results obtained thus suggest that Ondo bitumen may not be useable alone for direct asphalt mix design. | Aggregate; Bitumen; Concrete; Marshall; Penetration; Stability | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908285007 | Growth performance and nutrient utilization of African mud catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings fed different levels of fermented pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) meal | Alegbeleye W.O., Obasa S.O., Olude O.O., Moronkeji T., Abdulraheem I. | 2012 | Israeli Journal of Aquaculture - Bamidgeh | 64 | None | None | Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Alegbeleye, W.O., Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Obasa, S.O., Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Olude, O.O., Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Moronkeji, T., Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Abdulraheem, I., Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | The suitability of fermented pigeon pea meal as a protein ingredient in diets for Clarias gariepinus fingerlings was evaluated. A strain of Rhizopus oligoporus was used to ferment the meal for six days at 37°C. Five isonitrogenous (30% crude protein) and isoenergetic (16.45 MJ/kg) diets were formulated in which fermented meal was used to replace soybean meal at five inclusion levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%). Diets were fed to triplicate groups of C. gariepinus fingerlings for 70 days. Crude protein content (22.6%-27.0%), total sugar, calcium, and phosphorus increased while lipids, carbohydrate, crude fiber, and antinutritional factors decreased in catfish fed increasing levels of pigeon pea meal. The group fed the 100% diet had significantly (p<0.05) better growth, which declined as the inclusion level declined. The apparent digestibility coefficients protein and dry increased with the inclusion level. No histopathological changes were observed in the liver. The highest crude protein content in catfish tissues was obtained in the group that received the highest inclusion level. The study shows that fermented pigeon pea meal can replace soybean meal in practical feeds for C. gariepinus without compromising growth performance or nutrient utilization. © Israeli Journal of Aquaculture - Bamigdeh. | Cajanus cajan; Clarias gariepinus; Fermentation; Growth; Nutrient utilization; Soybean | artificial diet; fermentation; fish culture; growth rate; histopathology; nutrient dynamics; performance assessment; protein; soybean; Cajanus cajan; Clarias gariepinus; Glycine max | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-40549111622 | Evaluation of the controlled release potential of Adansonia digitata mucilage: A super gel forming polymer | Builders P.F., Okeke U., Egieye A.S. | 2007 | Journal of Phytomedicine and Therapeutics | 12 | None | None | Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abuja, Nigeria | Builders, P.F., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abuja, Nigeria; Okeke, U., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abuja, Nigeria; Egieye, A.S., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abuja, Nigeria | The suitability of A. digitata mucilage (ADM) as an excipient in the formulation of matrix tablets, the mechanism and kinetics of drug delivery were studied. Aminophyline was the prototype drug while these properties were compared to those of HPMC and Cp. ADM was used at concentration levels of 10, 15 and 30% of the tablet weight while HPMC and Cp were used at 30% concentration. The tablet friability, attrition and dissolution characteristics were evaluated. All the tablets formulated showed good physical properties. The ADM matrix tablets showed similar drug release and attrition pattern to those of Cp in both SIF and SGF. Generally the drug release retardation efficiency of the ADM tablets at equal polymer concentration was higher than those of Cp but less than that of HPMC in both SGF and SIF. The mechanism of release of aminophyline from ADM as in Cp and HPMC was by diffusion. | Adansonia digitata mucilage; Carbopol; Hydroxymethylpropylcellulose; Matrix tablets | Adansonia digitata extract; hydroxypropylmethylcellulose; polymer; Adansonia; article; concentration (parameters); controlled release formulation; dissolution; drug delivery system; drug formulation; drug release; gel; nonhuman; tablet | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846026049 | Evaluation of pine bark or pine bark with goat manure or sewage sludge cocomposts as growing media for vegetable seedlings | Mupondi L.T., Mnkeni P.N.S., Brutsch M.O. | 2006 | Compost Science and Utilization | 14 | 4 | None | University of Fort Hare, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, Department of Agronomy, Alice, South Africa | Mupondi, L.T., University of Fort Hare, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, Department of Agronomy, Alice, South Africa; Mnkeni, P.N.S., University of Fort Hare, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, Department of Agronomy, Alice, South Africa; Brutsch, M.O., University of Fort Hare, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, Department of Agronomy, Alice, South Africa | The suitability as growing media of composts made from pine bark or pine bark cocomposted with goat manure or sewage sludge and either inoculated or not inoculated with effective microorganisms, was evaluated under greenhouse conditions with and without fertilization using cabbage as the test crop. The treatments were replicated three times and arranged in a randomized complete block design in a fibre glass covered greenhouse. Cabbage seedlings were grown in cavity trays for five weeks, after which plants were harvested and fresh and dry weights determined. Samples were also analyzed for N, P, K and selected heavy metal concentrations. Results revealed that pine bark-goat manure cocomposts supported good seedling growth and could thus be good substitutes for pine bark alone as a growing medium where goat manure or similar manures are available. The results also showed that despite the superior nutritional value of these alternative growing media, nutrient supplementation may still be necessary where seedlings are kept in the nursery for extended periods due to nutrient exhaustion through plant uptake and leaching. Pine bark-sewage sludge compost also had positive effects on seedling growth but could only be recommended as a growing medium for nonfood plants because its composting did not reach the thermophillic temperatures necessary for adequate pathogen kill. Inoculation with effective microorganisms improved seedling growth in sewage sludge and goat manure based composts but the mechanisms involved remain to be established. | None | Fertilizers; Growth kinetics; Manures; Microorganisms; Plants (botany); Sewage sludge; Soils; Fertilization; Seedlings; Composting; bark; compost; goat; manure; seedling; sewage; sludge; vegetation; Brassica oleracea var. capitata; Capra hircus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548790817 | Sensory evaluation of four FHIA tetraploid hybrids for Kaakle (a Local Dish) in Ghana | Dzomeku B.M., Darkey S.K., Bam R.K., Ankomah A.A. | 2007 | Journal of Plant Sciences | 2 | 6 | None | Crops Research Institute, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana | Dzomeku, B.M., Crops Research Institute, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Darkey, S.K., Crops Research Institute, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Bam, R.K., Crops Research Institute, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Ankomah, A.A., Crops Research Institute, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana | The success of the introduction of any new Musa hybrid hinges on the acceptance of common dishes prepared from these hybrids by the local people. A study was conducted to assess the consumer acceptability of four FHIA hybrids (FHIA-21, FHIA-01, FHIA-03 and FHIA-25 for a popular food preparation called kaakle with local Apantu (local False Horn plantain) as control. Kaakle is prepared by blending the pulp of over-ripened pulp of plantain or banana fruits. The paste produced is mixed with 20% corn flour. Salt and spices are added to the composite paste produced to taste. The composite paste is then packaged and wrapped in green plantain leaves and boiled for 1 h. In some localities it is boiled for 1 h especially in the evening and left on fire overnight. It is eaten without sauce after peeling off the plantain leaves. An untrained panel reflecting the range of social class of consumers within the ethnic group was presented with coded samples of the food preparation. All the varieties were accepted for use in preparing kaakle with overall acceptance ranging from 70% (FHIA-25) to 100% (FHIA-21 and FHIA-01). The local Apantu and FHIA-21 were highly accepted compared to the other hybrids. In the processed form the tetraploid hybrids compare favourably with the triploids. There was a significant difference in the overall acceptance between cooking bananas (FHIA-25 and FHIA-03) and plantains (FHIA-21) and dessert banana (FHIA-01). This is not surprising since in the raw ripe state the cooking bananas have low sugar content. FHIA-25 in the raw ripe state lack the banana aroma associated with bananas. The results indicated that considering the food habit of the ethnic group, the new varieties that may be rejected in some localities may receive favourable responses from others. It is therefore relevant to allow various ethnic groups to evaluate new hybrids according to the food habits and if possible release these varieties as ecotypes. © 2007 Academic Journals Inc. | Cooking banana; Hybrid; Plantain; Sensory evaluation | Musa; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876592052 | Injector Fouling Performance and Solubility of GTL Diesel Dosed with Zinc | Velaers A.J., de Goede S., Woolard C., Burnham R. | 2013 | SAE International Journal of Fuels and Lubricants | 6 | 1 | None | Sasol Fuels Technology, South Africa; University of Cape Town, South Africa | Velaers, A.J., Sasol Fuels Technology, South Africa; de Goede, S., Sasol Fuels Technology, South Africa; Woolard, C., Sasol Fuels Technology, South Africa; Burnham, R., University of Cape Town, South Africa | The success of modern diesel passenger cars is, to some extent, attributable to the advent of common rail diesel injection technology. Today almost all new diesel engines use this technology which is characterised by high fuel injection pressure and very small diameter nozzle holes. The industry rapidly developed a new test procedure to assess a fuel's propensity to cause injector fouling and also to assess the ability of additives to clean and to keep such injectors clean. The CEC F-98-08 DW10 test procedure was approved in March 2008 by the CEC and is now considered an industry standard test method. The test method requires 1ppm zinc to be dosed into all test fuels in order to accelerate injector fouling. This paper presents DW10 test results for gas-to-liquids (GTL) diesel. A similar test method, using a different engine, was developed in-house and showed good correlation with the DW10 test. The results confirm a significantly different response with GTL diesel compared to regular diesel when both have been dosed with zinc. A series of chemical laboratory test work investigated the solubility of zinc in GTL. The results reveal that, when compared to EN590 diesel, zinc more readily drops out of a GTL-zinc solution, prepared in a similar way to that used in the DW10 test. It was also found that zinc is less readily taken up into solution with GTL from solid zinc components than it is by EN590 diesel. The lower solvency of GTL diesel results in greater injector deposit formation due to zinc drop-out in the DW10 test method. Zinc pick-up tests, however, demonstrate that GTL diesel is less likely to pick up zinc in the logistic chain in the market. It is shown that various deposit control additives are very effective in preventing deposit formation in a GTL-zinc solution and have the ability to clean up zinc-fouled injectors. © 2013 SAE International. | None | Deposit control; Deposit formation; Diesel injection; Diesel passenger cars; Good correlations; Industry standards; Injection pressures; Test procedures; Diesel engines; Drops; Fouling; Jet pumps; Passenger cars; Solubility; Zinc | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924283498 | Mega-sporting events: The impact on host stock markets and investment prospects | Mohamed S., Oettlé T., Stewart S. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 2Continued2 | None | Department of Finance and Tax, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Mohamed, S., Department of Finance and Tax, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Oettlé, T., Department of Finance and Tax, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Stewart, S., Department of Finance and Tax, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | The success of mega-sporting events such as the Summer Olympics and the FIFA World Cup brings pride and a focus to their host nations. This paper aims to find the effects of the announcement and the actual event on the host stock market. It then recommends an investment strategy. The paper finds that the announcement of the Olympics and World Cup creates statistically significant abnormal returns and the actual sporting event has little effect on the stock market. By factoring size of the economy, it is found that smaller economies tend to have larger abnormal returns than bigger economies. We then provide recommendation on investment strategies in order to exploit the significant abnormal return on the day of the World Cup announcement. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Investment prospects; Mega-sporting events; Stock markets | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887138674 | Why Namibian Farmers Are Satisfied With the Performance of Their Livestock Guarding Dogs | Potgieter G.C., Marker L.L., Avenant N.L., Kerley G.I.H. | 2013 | Human Dimensions of Wildlife | 18 | 6 | 10.1080/10871209.2013.803211 | Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo, Namibia; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; National Museum of South Africa, Bloemfontein, South Africa; University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Potgieter, G.C., Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo, Namibia, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Marker, L.L., Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo, Namibia; Avenant, N.L., National Museum of South Africa, Bloemfontein, South Africa, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Kerley, G.I.H., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | The success of livestock guarding dogs (LGDs) in mitigating farmer-predator conflict relies on the perceptions of farmers that use them. Purebred LGDs are provided to Namibian farmers by the Cheetah Conservation Fund as a farmer-predator conflict mitigation measure. We examined the perceptions of farmers using 164 of these LGDs by analyzing data collected during face-to-face interviews from 2000-2010. Although most respondents reported reduced livestock losses since LGD introduction, satisfaction with LGD performance was more strongly linked to their observations of LGD behavior. The most commonly reported negative behaviors were staying home (29 LGDs, 18%) and chasing wildlife (25 LGDs, 15%). On subsistence farms, care provided was negatively correlated with LGD age (r = -.34, n = 35, p =.04) and LGDs reportedly staying home were provided with less care than other LGDs. Overall, LGDs performed satisfactorily on commercial and subsistence farms, and thus contributed to farmer-predator conflict mitigation. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | farmer perceptions; human-wildlife conflict; livestock losses; Namibia | None | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919765729 | Impact of key organizational factors on knowledge transfer success in multi-national enterprises [Organizacijski aspekti uspjeha u prijenosu znanja u multinacionalnim poduzećima] | Ekore J.O. | 2014 | Management (Croatia) | 19 | 2 | None | University of Ibadan, Department of Psychology, Ibadan, Nigeria | Ekore, J.O., University of Ibadan, Department of Psychology, Ibadan, Nigeria | The study, which was designed as a survey, sets to establish the capacity of some organizational components to predict knowledge transfer success in multinational enterprises. It involved a sample size of 125 drawn from employees in the production unit of Cadbury Nigeria Plc and Nestle Foods Plc. Questionnaires that contained scales which measured dimensions of organizational components and knowledge transfer success were used for data collection. It was hypothesized that organizational components (organizational culture, strategy, information technology, training and organizational performance) will significantly predict knowledge transfer success. The hypothesis was confirmed by the results [R2 =.21, F (5,124) = 7.74; p <.05]. However, training was the main significant contributor with 44%. It was concluded that training as a major factor interact with other components to significantly predict knowledge transfer success in the multinational enterprises examined. This implied that organizations emphasizing knowledge management have to ensure effective training while taking into consideration other organizational components. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate effective training in the effort to drive successful knowledge transfer that enhances productivity. Organizations are advised to de-emphasize demographic characteristics of employees and focus on result-oriented training programs. © 2014, University of Split - Faculty of Economics. All rights reserved. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891802809 | In vivo antirabies activity evaluation of hydroethanolic extract of roots and leaves of Phytolacca dodecandra | Admasu P., Deressa A., Mengistu A., Gebrewold G., Feyera T. | 2014 | Global Veterinaria | 12 | 1 | 10.5829/idosi.gv.2014.12.01.81150 | Jigjiga University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ethiopia; Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Ethiopia | Admasu, P., Jigjiga University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ethiopia; Deressa, A., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Ethiopia; Mengistu, A., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Ethiopia; Gebrewold, G., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Ethiopia; Feyera, T., Jigjiga University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ethiopia | The study was undertaken to evaluate antirabies activity of hydroethanolic extract of roots and leaves of Phytolacca dodecandra (L' Herit) (Phytolaccaceae), one of the widely used plants for traditional treatment of rabies in humans and animals in Ethiopia, by using mice model. The antirabies activity of both parts of plant extract in the doses of 300, 600 and 1000 mg/kg were compared with negative control based on the difference in survival rate and period (days) of group of mice challenged with rabies virus (CVS-11). The result showed that all doses of roots and 300 and 600 mg/kg doses of leaves of the plant extract didn't significantly (P>0.05) increase the survival period of mice compared to negative control group and significant (P<0.05) survival period decrement was obtained compared to both positive control groups. However, 1000 mg/kg dose of leaves of the plant extract was significantly (P<0.05) increased the survival period of mice as compared to their respective negative control group. The finding indicated the existence of some antirabies activity in extract of leaves of P. dodecandra at higher dose, for which further research is needed to elucidate its active ingredients. © IDOSI Publications, 2014. | Antirabies; Hydroethanolic extract; In vivo; Phytolacca dodecandra | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856587278 | Study of secondary schools students performance in mathematics from Zimbabwe | Wadesango N., Dhliwayo E. | 2012 | Anthropologist | 14 | 2 | None | Walter Sisulu University, Teaching and Learning Centre, East London, South Africa | Wadesango, N., Walter Sisulu University, Teaching and Learning Centre, East London, South Africa; Dhliwayo, E., Walter Sisulu University, Teaching and Learning Centre, East London, South Africa | The study was set up to determine some causes of poor performance in Mathematics examinations at Ordinary ('O') levels in Gweru District Day Secondary Schools in Zimbabwe. For the purpose of establishing the causes, ten day secondary schools in the district were investigated. The research design employed was the descriptive survey because of its ability to address current issues during the time of the study. Ten 'O' level mathematics teachers and their heads of departments were sampled. This information was collected through the use of teacher questionnaire and Head of Departments (H.O.D) questionnaires which enabled the researchers to have a wider view on the research problem. The questionnaires were physically administered by the researchers from school to school which facilitated a 100% return rate. Data collected was grouped and presented in tables in the form of numbers and interpretation. The results obtained from the study indicated that teaching methods and negative attitudes by students of both sexes are some of the causes of poor performance by students at 'O' level mathematics. The study recommends regular staff development workshops. © Kamla-Raj 2012. | 'O' Level; Both Sexes; Day Schools; Gweru; Secondary Schools | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054884052 | Effects of fruit maturity and pre-sowing water treatment on germinative performance of Gmelina aborea seeds | Adebisi M.A., Adekunle M.F., Odebiyi O.A. | 2011 | Journal of Tropical Forest Science | 23 | 4 | None | University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Adebisi, M.A., University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adekunle, M.F., University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Odebiyi, O.A., University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | The study was initiated to determine the effects of four fruit maturity levels (colour index of maturity: greenish yellow, yellow brown, dark brown, yellow and green) and four pre-sowing water soaking treatments (0, 24, 36 and 48 hours) on five seed germinative performance traits in Gmelina arborea. Significant differences were exhibited among the fruit maturity levels and pre-sowing water treatments for all the five traits evaluated. Differences in these five traits between maturity levels were significantly influenced by pre-sowing water treatments. Seeds soaked in water for 48 hours had the highest germinative performance traits. Seeds obtained from yellow brown fruits gave superior germinative performance traits, followed closely by seeds from yellow fruits. Seeds of dark brown fruit had poor germinative performance traits. Standard germination of yellow brown fruit exhibited strong relationships with seedling length, seedling vigour index and germinative index while good relationship was found between plumule length and seedling vigour index under all fruit maturity levels except dark brown fruits. Seeds from yellow brown fruits with the best germinative performance traits when soaked in water for 48 hours were recommended for producing good and robust seedlings in forest plantation establishment. © Forest Research Institute Malaysia. | Correlation; Fruit colour; Maturation level; Relationship; Seed quality; Soaking; Vigour | Maturation level; Relationship; Seed quality; Soaking; Vigour; Forestry; Seed; Water treatment; Fruits; color morph; correlation; deciduous tree; food quality; fruit; germination; maturation; performance assessment; plantation; vigor; water treatment; Forestry; Fruits; Seeds; Water Treatment; Gmelina; Gmelina arborea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054764420 | Recipe development, chemical and organoleptic evaluation of complementary food blends made from available agricultural products | Nwamarah J.U., Ugwumba C.G. | 2011 | Journal of Home Economics Research | 14 | None | None | Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Nwamarah, J.U., Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ugwumba, C.G., Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | The study was done to improve on the traditional infant complementary food. The nutrient potential and organoleptic attributes of porridges based on processed maize and sweet potato flour, in which was added either of these: groundnut paste, palm oil or soybean oil were produced. Maize, sweet potato and groundnut were processed. Palm and soybean oils were purchased from the Nsukka main market. Four products PSP (maize + sweet potato flour + palm oil) (65:30:5), PSG-(maize + sweet potato flour + groundnut paste) (60:30:10) and PSS-(maize+ sweet potato flour + soybean oil) (65:30:5) were developed and CON-(maize gruel) (100:0) used as control. Nutrient content of the porridges and their organoleptic attributes were analyzed using standard techniques. Data were statistically analyzed using percentages, mean and standard deviation of means. Duncan's New Multiple Range Test was used to separate and compare means. The PSG had the highest protein (14.73%), folate (0.8mg), iron (4.0mg) than others. The PSG also had the highest organoleptic attributes (6.97-7.68) on a 9-point hedonic scale than any of the products. The PSG appears to have the most desirable nutrient profile (protein 14.73%, fibre 0.95%, ash 6.45% and energy value 328.40kcal). While samples PSP and PSS had comparable energy values (314.90 and 313.77 kcal). | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876003669 | Evaluation of cement-bonded particle board produced from Afzelia africana wood residues | Sotannde O.A., Oluwadare A.O., Ogedoh O., Adeogun P.F. | 2012 | Journal of Engineering Science and Technology | 7 | 6 | None | Department of Forestry and Wildlife, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria; Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Sotannde, O.A., Department of Forestry and Wildlife, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria; Oluwadare, A.O., Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Ogedoh, O., Department of Forestry and Wildlife, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria; Adeogun, P.F., Department of Forestry and Wildlife, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria | The study was design to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of cement-bonded particleboards produced from Afzelia africana wood residues. The production variables investigated were three wood particle types (flakes, flake-sawdust mix and sawdust), three chemical accelerators (CaCl2, MgCl2 and AlCl3) and four wood-cement ratios (1:2.0, 1:2.5, 1:3.0 and 1:3.5). The accelerators were based on 2% by weight of cement used. The boards produced were subjected to physical tests such as density, percentage water absorption and thickness swelling. Mechanical properties evaluated were modulus of rupture, internal bonding strength and compressive strength. The results revealed that the type of particle used, wood-cement ratio and chemical additives had a marked influence on the physical and mechanical properties of the boards (p < 0.05). From quality view point, flake-sawdust composite ranked best while flake boards ranked least. Similarly, CaCl2 had the best influence on the setting of the boards followed by MgCl2 and AlCl3. Finally, it has been shown that particle boards that satisfied the BISON type HZ requirement and ISO 8335 can be produced from Afzelia africana particularly at wood-cement of 1:2.5 and above. © School of Engineering, Taylor's University. | Afzelia africana; Chemical additives; Physico-mechanical properties; Sawdust; Wood flakes | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866972182 | Retrospective evaluation of analgesics prescribing pattern in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria | Ehikhamenor E.E., Aghahowa S.E., Azodo C.C. | 2012 | Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Research | 11 | 1 | None | Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, 300001, Nigeria | Ehikhamenor, E.E., Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, 300001, Nigeria; Aghahowa, S.E., Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, 300001, Nigeria; Azodo, C.C., Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, 300001, Nigeria | The study was designed to retrospectively evaluate the analgesics prescribing pattern in the Accident and Emergency (A and E) Unit of University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. The data was retrieved from the pharmacy archives type of analgesics and its routes of administration whether oral or parenteral in all prescriptions from January 2000- December 2006. The analysis was done using SPSS version 13.0 and data presented in tabular form. The total utilization trend in this study showed that analgesic prescription increased over the years except for considered year 2003. The total analgesics utility increment from 2000 to 2006 was 189.5% which was high. Seventeen different types of analgesics were prescribed and utilized. Among them, 8 were utilized orally only, 3 were utilized parenterally only and 6 were used both orally and parenterally for different clinical conditions. Oral administration was more frequently used than parental route. Non-opioid type of analgesics was utilized more than opioid. With oral route being the most favoured route of administration and opioids with exception of tramadol were exclusively administered parenterally. Paracetamol was the commonest prescribed analgesic in accident and emergency department. The result of this study may help to predict the needs of patients thus providing a database for pharmacy stocking template for analgesics to prevent unnecessary donations and purchases. Relevant studies need to be carried out to determine the effectiveness of analgesics in the Accident and Emergency unit of our Centre. | Analgesics; Hospital; Nigeria; Pattern; Prescription | acetylsalicylic acid; analgesic agent; celecoxib; diclofenac; dipyrone; fentanyl; ibuprofen; indometacin; ketorolac; morphine; naproxen; narcotic analgesic agent; paracetamol; pentazocine; piroxicam; tenoxicam; tramadol; article; drug use; drug utilization; needs assessment; Nigeria; prescription; retrospective study; tertiary health care | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928974435 | Nutritional evaluation of some legumes and vegetables cultivated and consumed in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria | Sarkiyayi S., Hamman B.M. | 2015 | Advance Journal of Food Science and Technology | 7 | 9 | None | Department of Biochemistry, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria | Sarkiyayi, S., Department of Biochemistry, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria; Hamman, B.M., Department of Biochemistry, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria | The study was designed to evaluate the nutritional and anti-nutritional content Legumes and vegetables consumed in Adamawa state. The investigations were carried out on Proximate (Moisture, fibre, Ash, Protein, Nitrogen, fat, carbohydrate and Energy), mineral elements (Na, K, Zn, Cu, Pb and Mn, respectively). Vitamins (vitamin A (retinol), β-carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B<inf>1</inf> and Vitamin B<inf>2</inf> and Anti-ntrient composition (phytate, oxalate and Tannins). The percentage moisture ranges between 4.28% for baobab leaves to 12.78% in sesame leaves. Legumes contained higher protein contents, the highest was observed in legumes (ground nut) with 25.40% the percentage for fat and carbohydrates were higher in legumes than in vegetables. Zinc was higher in vegetables (senna leaves and sesame leaves) (5.90 mg/kg) and was absent in one of the legumes (cowpea, red). Lead was only detected in vegetable leaves. It was higher in Sesame leaves with 2.0 mg/kg, lead was not detected in all the other sample used for this research. Vitamin A was only detected in vegetable samples and some legume (cowpea), the values ranges between 7.46 to 37.42 μg/100 g in senna leaves and cowpea (red) respectively. Vitamin C was not detected in the vegetable samples, but was detected in legume samples. Vitamin B<inf>1</inf> is higher in vegetable samples (baobab) with 1.32 mg/100 g. Riboflavin (B<inf>2</inf>) was higher in sesame leaves with 1.01 mg/100 g. The values for phytate ranges between 0.03 mg/100 g in baobab and sesame leaves condiment sample to 5.33 mg/100 g in legume (cowpea, red) respectively. Legumes and vegetables investigated revealed that the anti-nutrient contents were very high especially Oxalate and tannins but lower in phytate. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2015. | Anti-nutrient; Legumes; Mineral elements; Proximate composition; Vegetables; Vitamins | Carbohydrates; Flavonoids; Lead; Manganese; Minerals; Moisture; Nutrients; Oxalic acid; Proteins; Tannins; Vitamins; Zinc; Anti-nutritional; Legumes; Mineral element; Nutrient contents; Nutritional evaluations; Protein contents; Proximate compositions; Vegetable samples; Vegetables | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960823797 | Performance of growing cockerel chickens fed diets containing graded levels of processed horse eye bean meal (Mucuna urens) | Effiong O.O., Umoren U.E., Akpan I.A. | 2011 | Global Veterinaria | 6 | 4 | None | University of Calabar, Nigeria | Effiong, O.O., University of Calabar, Nigeria; Umoren, U.E., University of Calabar, Nigeria; Akpan, I.A., University of Calabar, Nigeria | The study was designed to determine the optimum replacement level of processed horse eye bean meal (HEBM) for soybean meal (SBM) in the diet of growing cockerel chicks. The raw horse eye beans were cracked, soaked in water for 48 hours, cooked for 90 minutes, rinsed in fresh clean water, sundried, toasted on open fire at 100°C, milled and used for feed formulation. Six experimental (grower mash) diets were formulated, with diet 1 as control, while HEBM was used to replace SBM in the control diet at 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75% for diets 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, respectively. One hundred and eighty (180) spotted cockerel chicks at 56 days old were used for the experiment which lasted for 84 days (12 weeks). The chicks were weighed into six (6) of thirty (30) chicks with two replicates of fifteen (15) chicks. Each group was randomly assigned to one of the six experimental diets in a completely randomised design. The result showed that average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake, cost of feed consumed and kg of feed per kg weight gain were statistically (P<0.05) influenced with elevated level of HEBM in the diet. Feed conversion ration and cost/kg of feed were not significantly affected. It was concluded that the cost of production can be reduce by reducing up to 30% of SBM with HEBM in the cockerel's diet. © IDOSI Publications, 2011. | Cooking; Horse eye bean; Soaking; Toasting cockerels | Equidae; Gallus gallus; Glycine max; Mucuna; Mucuna urens | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-37349095631 | The effect of mode of entry into medical school on performance in the first two years | Afolabi A.O., Mabayoje V.O., Togun V.A., Oyadeyi A.S., Raji Y. | 2007 | Journal of Medical Sciences | 7 | 6 | None | Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Haematology, College of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University o | Afolabi, A.O., Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Mabayoje, V.O., Department of Haematology, College of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Togun, V.A., Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Oyadeyi, A.S., Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Raji, Y., Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The study was designed to compare the relative performance of students admitted into the Medical Programme through Pre-degree Science with those of students admitted through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The performance indices used were the University 100 level Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) and Physiology examination score during the 200 level Comprehensive Examination. The files of students admitted into the Medical Programme in 1998/1999, 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 Sessions were obtained from the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences. The following data were extracted from each file-age, sex, school certificate result, mode of entry (JAMB, Pre-degree, Direct at 100 level or transfer at 200 level), 100 level CGPA and Physiology score in the 200 level Comprehensive examinations. The study showed that the students admitted through JAMB performed better in 200 level Physiology examinations but there was no correlation between the University Matriculation Examination (UME) Scores and the O-Level aggregate, 100 level CGPA and 200 level Physiology results. The Pre-degree examination score however showed a strong positive correlation with the O-Level aggregate, 100 level CGPA and the 200 level Physiology examination scores. It is therefore recommended that the Pre-degree examination results be used in admitting students into Medicine, as it is a more reliable predictor of success in Medical School Examinations. | CGPA; Direct; JAMB/UME; O-level aggregates; Pre-degree; Transfer | academic achievement; age; article; correlation analysis; education program; intermethod comparison; medical education; medical school; medical student; prediction; reliability; sex difference; task performance | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929333726 | School variables on junior secondary school students' mathematics performance in Cross River State, Nigeria | Opie O.N., Ovat S.V., Meremikwu A.N. | 2014 | International Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Learning | 22 | 1 | None | Department of General Studies Obudu, Cross River State, Nigeria; Department of Education Foundations, Guidance and Counselling, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Department of Curriculum and Teaching, Faculty of Education, Univer | Opie, O.N., Department of General Studies Obudu, Cross River State, Nigeria; Ovat, S.V., Department of Education Foundations, Guidance and Counselling, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Meremikwu, A.N., Department of Curriculum and Teaching, Faculty of Education, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria | The study was designed to assess the influence of some selected school variables on students' mathematics performance among Junior Secondary School three (JSS3) students in Cross River State, Nigeria. The school variables considered were school proprietorship, school model (boarding/day), and school sex-type. Students' performance in mathematics was measured using the outcomes of a state-wide final examination in mathematics for junior secondary schools conducted by the State Ministry of Education in 2009/10 session. A total of 1600 students from 81 public, private and mission schools were used for the study. Data collected were subjected to t-test and ANOVA at .05 level. The results showed that school proprietorship (F=26.13, p <.05), school model (t=4.15, p<.05) and school sex-type (F=3.822, p<.05) significantly influenced Junior Secondary School students' performance in mathematics in Cross River State, Nigeria. © Common Ground, Oko Ngaji Opie, Sylvia Victor Ovat, Anne Ndidi Meremikwu. | Mathematics; Model; Performance; Proprietorship; Sex; Students | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-15044364080 | Evaluation of the xerovac process for the preparation of heat tolerant contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) vaccine | Litamoi J.K., Ayelet G., Rweyemamu M.M. | 2005 | Vaccine | 23 | 20 | 10.1016/j.vaccine.2004.11.031 | PANVAC, P.O. Box 1746, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; National Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 19, Debre-Zeit, Ethiopia; AVIS College, London, United Kingdom | Litamoi, J.K., PANVAC, P.O. Box 1746, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Ayelet, G., National Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 19, Debre-Zeit, Ethiopia; Rweyemamu, M.M., AVIS College, London, United Kingdom | The study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the xerovac process as a method for preparing contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) vaccine with increased heat resistance. The thermo-protective effects of various concentrations of trehalose in mycoplasma growth medium, various concentrations of trehalose in the dehydration stabilizer and the importance of some divalent cations were assessed. The results obtained indicate that a rapid dehydration of CBPP vaccine following the xerovac method and in an excipient composed of a high concentration of trehalose, renders the product more heat tolerant than a similar vaccine prepared using a regular or an extended freeze drying regime. It was also demonstrated that the addition of chitosan as a mycoplasma precipitating agent conferred additional heat resistance to the vaccine. It is suggested that the application of the xerovac process in the dehydration of CBPP vaccine offers the advantages of a faster, cheaper and easier process over the conventional dehydration methods like freeze drying. © 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd. | CBPP vaccine; Heat tolerance; Lyophilization; Xerovac | bacterial vaccine; chitosan; contagious bovine pleuropneumonia vaccine; trehalose; unclassified drug; article; bacterial growth; concentration response; contagious pleuropneumonia; culture medium; freeze drying; heat tolerance; human; medical assessment; Mycoplasma; precipitation; priority journal; promoter region; Animals; Bacterial Vaccines; Cations, Divalent; Cattle; Chitosan; Drug Compounding; Drug Stability; Excipients; Freeze Drying; Heat; Indicators and Reagents; Mycoplasma mycoides; Pleuropneumonia, Contagious; Quality Control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881221046 | The effect of barley bran, linseed meal and their mixes supplementation on the performances, carcass characteristics and economic return of Arsi-Bale sheep | Ermias T., Solomon M., Mengistu U. | 2013 | Small Ruminant Research | 114 | 1 | 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2013.05.010 | Madawalabu University, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, P.O. Box 247, Bale-Robe, Ethiopia; Haramaya University, Department of Animal Sciences, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | Ermias, T., Madawalabu University, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, P.O. Box 247, Bale-Robe, Ethiopia; Solomon, M., Haramaya University, Department of Animal Sciences, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Mengistu, U., Haramaya University, Department of Animal Sciences, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | The study was conducted using 25 yearling male Arsi-Bale sheep to see the effect of barley bran (BB), linseed meal (LSM) and their mixes supplementation on DMI, apparent nutrient digestibility, body weight (BW) gain, feed conversion efficiency (FCE), carcass characteristics and economic return of Arsi-Bale sheep. A completely randomized block design consisting of five treatments and five blocks was used for the study. The basal diet (faba bean haulms) was offered in average of 50% refusal to ensure ad libitum intake. The supplement feeds were offered in DM basis at 08:00 and 16:00. h by dividing the daily offer into two equal parts. The digestibility and feeding trials were conducted for 7 and 90 days, respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, the sheep were slaughtered for carcass analysis. The CP content of offered faba bean haulms, BB and LSM were 7.7%, 9.7% and 24.8%, respectively. Supplementation improved (P < 0.001) DMI, apparent nutrient digestibility, BW gain, carcass characteristics and economic return. Sheep supplemented with two parts of BB and one part of LSM resulted significantly (P < 0.01) the highest net return. Therefore, sheep fed on a basal diet of faba bean haulms supplemented with two parts of BB and one part of LSM is economical. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Barley bran; Body weight gain; Carcass; Haulms; Linseed meal | Hordeum; Ovis aries; Vicia faba | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-49249101708 | Comparison of body weight gain performance and carcass characteristics of the two Ethiopian cattle breeds under natural pasture grazing management | Negash M., Lemma T., Dadi H., Feyera T., Woldu T., Alemu T., Shilima B. | 2008 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 20 | 8 | None | Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia | Negash, M., Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia; Lemma, T., Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia; Dadi, H., Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia; Feyera, T., Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia; Woldu, T., Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia; Alemu, T., Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia; Shilima, B., Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia | The study was conducted to see the effect of breed and age on the body weight gain and carcass traits of Borana and Kereyu breed kept under natural pasture grazing management at Adami Tulu Agricultural research center. A total of 32 Borana and 32 Kereyu breed bulls of four age categories from each breed were used for the experiment. The parameters showed an increasing trend across age groups for Borana breed. The highest average daily weight gain were registered at the older age (4, 6, 8 years) respectively and the lowest at younger age (2 years). Fat thickness and dressing percentage of Borana breed was high, however statistically it is not significant (p>0.05). Borana breed managed under similar condition deposited significantly higher (p<0.05) internal fat. Similarly hot carcass and rib eye area were also recorded significantly higher (p<0.05) in Borana breed. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) observed between the two breeds among different age groups of bulls with regard to average total body weight gain (ATG) and average daily body weight gain (ADG). Leg total and accumulation of muscle on it was significantly higher (p<0.05) in Borana than Kereyu breed, but leg bone and fat did not significantly (p>0.05) vary. Loin total and accumulation of muscle on it was significantly higher (p<0.05) in Borana breed, but Loin bone and fat did not significantly (p>0.05) vary. Rack total, bone and accumulation of muscle on it was significantly higher (p<0.05) in Borana breed, but fat did not significantly (p>0.05) vary. Breast and Shank total, bone and accumulation of fat on it was significantly higher (p<0.05) in Borana breed, but muscle did not significantly (p>0.05) vary. Shoulder and neck total, muscle and accumulation of fat on it was significantly higher (p<0.05) in Borana breed, but bone did not significantly (p>0.05) vary. Primal cut proportions, total fat and muscle did not significantly (p>0.05) vary between the two breeds but the total bone was different between the two breeds. Generally Borana breed was preferred for good carcass yield than Kereyu breed in natural grazing management. | Age; Borana; Carcass trait; Kereyu; Range performance; Type | Bos | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858609057 | Effects of dried baker's yeast inclusion in rice husk-based diets on performance and egg quality parameters in laying hens | Alabi O.J., Shiwoya E.L., Ayanwale B.A., Mbajiorgu C.A., Ng'ambi J.W., Egena S.S.A. | 2012 | Indian Journal of Animal Research | 46 | 1 | None | Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Nigeria; Department of Agriculture, Aniaml Health and Human Ecology, University of South African, South Africa; Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Pr | Alabi, O.J., Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Nigeria; Shiwoya, E.L., Department of Agriculture, Aniaml Health and Human Ecology, University of South African, South Africa; Ayanwale, B.A., Department of Agriculture, Aniaml Health and Human Ecology, University of South African, South Africa; Mbajiorgu, C.A., Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Ng'ambi, J.W., Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Nigeria; Egena, S.S.A., Department of Agriculture, Aniaml Health and Human Ecology, University of South African, South Africa | The study was conducted to investigate the effects of dried baker's yeast inclusion in rice huskbased diets on performance and egg quality parameters in laying hens. A total of 150 Isa brown laying hens aged 25 weeks were allocated to five dietary treatments (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 % yeast inclusion level) with three replicates per treatment in a complete randomized design. The experiment lasted for twelve weeks. Hens fed diets with yeast had higher (P<0.05) final body weight, egg weight, egg albumen height and egg albumen weight than the control. The final body weight, egg weight, albumen weight and albumen height were optimized at 0.70, 0.99, 0.49 and 0.78, respectively. It was concluded that dried baker's yeast inclusion in rice husk-based diets improved egg weight, egg albumen height and albumen weight in Isa brown hens. | Dried baker; Laying hens; Rice husk; Yeast | Saccharomyces cerevisiae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929076032 | Wildlife based land reform and its impact on household food security - A case from Zimbabwe | Mushuku A., Ngwenya T.A. | 2014 | Journal of Rural Development | 33 | 4 | None | Great Zimbabwe University, Department of Rural and Urban Development, Box 1235, Masvingo, Zimbabwe | Mushuku, A., Great Zimbabwe University, Department of Rural and Urban Development, Box 1235, Masvingo, Zimbabwe; Ngwenya, T.A., Great Zimbabwe University, Department of Rural and Urban Development, Box 1235, Masvingo, Zimbabwe | The study was conducted to evaluate the Wildlife Based Land Reform Programme and its impact on household food security in Matetsi Intensive Conservation Area A1 resettlement villages. Twenty questionnaires were distributed to households in Woodlands village to gather quantitative data to assess the level of household food security in the study area. In addition, a focus group discussion was done with three village heads, the ward councillor and three members of the Village Development Committee to examine the challenges faced by the resettled farmers in the wildlife venture and assess the level of stakeholder support. Key informant interviews were done with representatives of some selected government departments to examine their roles and responsibilities in the programme. The results of the study revealed that the programme had a significant contribution towards household food security. Access to more productive land resulted in significant improvements in cereal production. The additional income from hunting dividends helped beneficiaries to purchase agricultural inputs and more non-staple foods resulting in families living on a diversified diet. The study concludes that the Wildlife Based Land Reform Programme achieved its main goal of improving household food security. The study recommends that the few challenges faced by the farmers such as lack of wildlife management knowledge and resource constraints should be priority interventions to ensure the sustainability of the livelihoods in the study area. | None | cereal; food security; land reform; quantitative analysis; stakeholder; sustainability; village; wildlife management; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879272116 | Nutritional evaluation of alkali treated neem kernel cake fed to fattening Uda rams | Aruwayo A., Maigandi S.A., Malami B.S., Daneji A.I., Saulawa L.A., Garba M.G. | 2013 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 12 | 3 | None | Department of Animal Science, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina Stat | Aruwayo, A., Department of Animal Science, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria; Maigandi, S.A., Department of Animal Science, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria; Malami, B.S., Department of Animal Science, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria; Daneji, A.I., Department of Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria; Saulawa, L.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria; Garba, M.G., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria | The study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of fattening Uda rams fed Alkali treated neem kernel cake. The experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Usmanu Danfodiyo University. Sixteen Uda rams were randomly allotted to treatment diets A, B, C and D with 0, 8.33, 16.67 and 24.99% levels of inclusion of ATNKC, respectively. The study lasted for 105 days consisting of 84 days feeding trial and 21 days of digestibility trial which comprised of 14 days for adaption and seven days for collection of feaces. The dry matter digestibility for all the nutrients in the control and test diets was comparable. The performance of the sheep in treatment B recorded the best ADG of 166.67g/day and highest dry matter intake in treatment A. It was recommended in the study that alkali treated neem kernel cake can be safely included in feed of sheep up to 24.99% for the rams. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2013. | Alkaline treated neem kernel cake; Azadirone and nimbin; Uda lambs | alkali; animal experiment; animal food; article; Azadirachta indica; biomass; body growth; controlled study; diet supplementation; feces analysis; food safety; male; neem kernel cake; Nigeria; nonhuman; nutrient uptake; nutritional value; ram (sheep); randomization; Azadirachta indica; Ovis aries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-41849118075 | Evaluation of surge flow furrow irrigation for onion production in a semiarid region of Ethiopia | Kifle M., Tilahun K., Yazew E. | 2008 | Irrigation Science | 26 | 4 | 10.1007/s00271-007-0096-6 | Tigray Agricultural Research Institute, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Haramaya University, P. O. Box 45, Haramaya, Ethiopia; Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia | Kifle, M., Tigray Agricultural Research Institute, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Tilahun, K., Haramaya University, P. O. Box 45, Haramaya, Ethiopia; Yazew, E., Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia | The study was conducted to evaluate surge irrigation against continuous irrigation in terms of irrigation and water use efficiencies to produce onion. It was carried out at Mekelle Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia on 70 m long and 0.6 m center-center spacing furrows of 0.26% average slope on a clay soil. The treatments consisted of factorial combination of two discharges (Q 1 = 1 l/s and Q 2 = 2 l/s) and three-cycle ratios (CR 1 = 1/3, CR2 = 1/2, and C = 1 for continuous irrigation). Surge flow treatments advanced faster than the respective continuous flow treatments with surge flow treatment SF21 being the fastest. The best value of application efficiency (60%) was achieved for SF11 and the least (46%) for CF2. The maximum (87%) and minimum (68%) values of distribution uniformity were obtained for cycle ratios CR1 and C, respectively. Storage efficiency was highest (89%) for CF2 and lowest (78%) for SF12. Onion yield was significantly affected (p < 0.05) by the interaction effect, the highest (14,400 kg/ha) and the lowest (13,363 kg/ha) yields were obtained for SF11 and SF21, respectively. The maximum irrigation water use efficiency (2.27 kg/m 3) was observed for SF11 and the minimum (1.68 kg/m 3) for CF2. Surge irrigation was found to be a promising irrigation practice for onion production in the study area as it saves water, reduces irrigation period, and increases the crop yield. © 2007 Springer-Verlag. | None | Arid regions; Crops; Discharge (fluid mechanics); Surge flow; Water use efficiencies; Irrigation; Arid regions; Crops; Discharge (fluid mechanics); Irrigation; clay soil; crop production; crop yield; food storage; furrow irrigation; root vegetable; semiarid region; water use efficiency; yield response; Africa; East Africa; Ethiopia; Sub-Saharan Africa; Allium cepa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34848888657 | Evaluation of egg production in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria | Haruna U., Jibril S.A., Kalla D.J.U., Suleiman H. | 2007 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 6 | 8 | None | School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria; School of Management Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria | Haruna, U., School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria; Jibril, S.A., School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria; Kalla, D.J.U., School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria; Suleiman, H., School of Management Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria | The study was conducted to evaluate small-scale egg production in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. Thirty five (35) poultry farms were purposively selected from the local government area. Structured questionnaire were used to collect data and analyzed using descriptive statistics, farm budgeting model and regression analysis. The results showed that 77.40% of the egg producers were females and 71.43% attended tertiary institutions. The returns per naira invested was found to be 1.35 and the operating ratio was 0.6 indicating the venture was profitable. Regression analysis revealed that the significant variables influencing egg production were feeds (P<0.01) and flock size (P<0.001). Avian diseases constituted the most predominant constraint (91.4%), followed by feed problems (68.6%). Farmers should be encouraged on modern poultry management systems with emphasis on disease prevention and feed formulation in order to improve the production of the enterprise. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2007. | Constraints; Cost; Egg; Evaluation; Returns | Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949032280 | Evaluation of replacing maize with mango (Mangifera indica) kernel on fertility and hatchability parameters of layer hens | Beyene G., Niguse M., Gebreslasie L., Berhe A. | 2015 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 27 | 12 | None | College of Dryland Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O.Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia | Beyene, G., College of Dryland Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O.Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Niguse, M., College of Dryland Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O.Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Gebreslasie, L., College of Dryland Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O.Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Berhe, A., College of Dryland Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O.Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia | The study was conducted to evaluate replacing maize with mango kernel on fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality and chick quality of layer hens. One hundred twenty chickens with similar body weight and age were used for the experiment. The chickens were randomly distributed to 15 pens each with 8 hens and 1 cock to the five treatments diets in completely randomized design (CRD). The chickens were kept in a deep litter housing system. The treatment rations were formulated to replace maize grain by mango kernel with 0% (MK0), 25% (MK25), 50% (MK50), 75% (MK75) and 100% (MK100). Chickens were offered a weighed amount of feed and feed leftovers were collected and weighed the next morning. The experiment lasted for 90 days during which fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality and chick quality were measured. Fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality, chick length, chick weight and chick visual score were not statistically different among the treatments. Therefore, we concluded that maize can be replaced by mango kernel up to 100% (at a rate of 390g/kg concentrate diet), since this level of replacement has not negatively affected fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality and chick quality parameters. © 2015, Fundacion CIPAV. All rights reserved. | Byproduct; Feed; Layer diet; Poultry | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957643033 | Evaluation of farmers' response to extension services on ginger production in kagarko local government area of kaduna state | Adegboye M.A. | 2011 | Scientific Research and Essays | 6 | 6 | None | Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Kuru, P. M. B. 2035 Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria | Adegboye, M.A., Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Kuru, P. M. B. 2035 Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria | The study was conducted to evaluate farmers' response to extension services on ginger production in Kagarko local government area of Kaduna State. One hundred and ten respondents were randomly selected for the study. Only 2.7% of the respondents pointed out that extension worker visited them monthly while 72.7% claimed they had never seen the extension agents on their farm. Only 9.1% of the respondents adopted improved cutting and none of them adopted any improved processing technique. However, 90.0% of the respondents used fertilizer and 100% mulched ginger even though information was not given on them by extension workers. There was a significant (p < 0.05) relationship between frequency of extension agent's contact with the farmers and the farmers response to extension services on ginger production (x2 = 84.672). Extension contact was discovered to be very low in the area. Two major problems identified by the respondents were finance and marketing problems. Hence, extension services in the area needs improvement and the farmers need loan support to increase the scale of their production. © 2011 Academic Journals. | Extension contact; Fertilizer; Ginger; Improved cutting; Mulching; Yield | Zingiber officinale | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-20044390062 | Reproductive disorders of crossbred dairy cows in the central highlands of Ethiopia and their effect on reproductive performance | Shiferaw Y., Tenhagen B.-A., Bekana M., Kassa T. | 2005 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 37 | 5 | 10.1007/s11250-005-7050-5 | Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Debrezeit, Ethiopia; Free University of Berlin, Clinic for Reproduction, Section of Production Medicine and Quality Management, Koenigsweg 65, Hs 27, 14163 Berlin, Germany | Shiferaw, Y., Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tenhagen, B.-A., Free University of Berlin, Clinic for Reproduction, Section of Production Medicine and Quality Management, Koenigsweg 65, Hs 27, 14163 Berlin, Germany; Bekana, M., Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Debrezeit, Ethiopia; Kassa, T., Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Debrezeit, Ethiopia | The study was conducted to estimate the proportion of reproductive disorders and to determine factors affecting reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows under four different production systems in the central highlands of Ethiopia. The principal postpartum reproductive disorders were retained fetal membranes (14.7%) and uterine infection (15.5%). Anoestrus was the major postpartum reproductive problem in the mixed crop-livestock production system (38.6%.) and was significantly associated with this production system. Apart from anoestrus, the occurrence of reproductive disorders was not significantly associated with a production system. Most of the reproductive disorders occurred as a complex rather than as a single abnormality. Two or more abnormal conditions were seen in 11.4% of the cases. Each reproductive trait measured was affected adversely by reproductive disorders. Cows with reproductive disorders in each production system, lactation group and suckling and non-suckling group had longer intervals from calving to first service and to conception (p < 0.001) and required more services per conception (p < 0.001). Pregnancy rate and conception to first service were 84.7% and 51.7%, respectively, for cows without reproductive health problems; and 64.2% and 15.1%, respectively, for cows with reproductive disorders (p < 0.001). Overall, intervals from calving to first service were shorter (p < 0.05) than in younger cows. Intervals from calving to first service and to conception were longer in suckling than in non-suckling cows (p > 0.05). Cows with a good body condition score (> 3.5) at calving had shorter calving to first service and conception intervals than cows in poor condition (p < 0.001). The results showed that reproductive abnormalities, coupled with poor body condition, are important factors that contributed to reproductive inefficiency. An appropriate reproductive health management, a reliable artificial insemination service and supplementary feeding could be the management options to reduce or alleviate some of the problems. © 2005 Springer. | Crossbred cattle; Ethiopia; Reproductive disorders; Reproductive performance | anestrus; animal; animal disease; article; body constitution; cattle; cattle disease; comparative study; cross breeding; dairying; Ethiopia; female; lactation; methodology; pathophysiology; physiology; pregnancy; pregnancy rate; puerperal disorder; puerperium; reproduction; risk factor; time; Anestrus; Animals; Body Constitution; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Crosses, Genetic; Dairying; Ethiopia; Female; Lactation; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Puerperal Disorders; Reproduction; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Bos taurus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942868582 | Evaluation of non-genetic factors affecting calf growth, reproductive performance and milk yield of traditionally managed Sheko cattle in southwest Ethiopia | Bayou E., Haile A., Gizaw S., Mekasha Y. | 2015 | SpringerPlus | 4 | 1 | 10.1186/s40064-015-1340-9 | Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, P.O. Box 5689, C/O ILRI Addis, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Bayou, E., Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Haile, A., International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, P.O. Box 5689, C/O ILRI Addis, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Gizaw, S., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Mekasha, Y., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | The study was conducted to estimate calf growth, reproductive performance and milk yield of Ethiopia Sheko cattle and to assess non-genetic factors affecting their performance in their home tract as a step towards designing sustainable cattle conservation and improvement strategy. All the growth traits considered in the study were significantly affected by all non-genetic factors considered except for the fixed effects of Agro ecological zones (AEZs) and season of birth which were not significant for post weaning daily gain. Calving interval (CI) and days open (DO) were significantly influenced by AEZs, season and dam parity. Cows that calved in lowland had shorter CI and DO than cows which calved in midland. Cows that calved in short rainy season had Short CI and DO than those calved during dry season or long rainy season. Cows which calved for the first time had the longest CI and DO from the other parities whereas cows on their fifth parity had the shortest CI and DO. AEZ significantly affected lactation milk yield (LMY) and lactation length (LL), but not significant on daily milk yield (DMY) and 305 days yield (305DY). Season was significant on all milk traits considered except DMY. Parity effect was significant on LMY and 305DY, whereas DMY and LL were not affected. The non-genetic factors had significant effects for all of the reproductive; and many of the growth and milk performance traits considered and hence will need to be considered in cattle breed improvement program. © 2015, Bayou et al. | Lowland; Midland; Monitoring; Non-genetic; Performance; Sheko | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58849119153 | Effects of dietary energy level and tanniferous Acacia karroo leaf meal level of supplementation at finisher stage on performance and carcass characteristics of ross 308 broiler chickens in South Africa | Ng'ambi J.W., Nakalebe P.M., Norris D., Malatje M.S., Mbajiorgu C.A. | 2009 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 8 | 1 | None | Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa | Ng'ambi, J.W., Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Nakalebe, P.M., Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Norris, D., Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Malatje, M.S., Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Mbajiorgu, C.A., Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa | The study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary energy level and tanniniferous Acacia karroo leaf meal level of supplementation at finisher stage on performance and carcass characteristics of male and female Ross 308 broiler chickens. Three hundred and sixty, 21 days old male and female broiler chickens were assigned to twelve treatments with three replications of ten birds in a 2 (sex) x 3 (dietary energy level) x 3 (tanniniferous Acacia karroo leaf meal level) factorial, complete randomized design. Supplementation with Acacia karroo leaf meal had no effect on diet intake, digestibility and live weight of broiler chickens. However, supplementation with 9 and 12 g of Acacia karroo leaf meal per kg DM feed reduced fat pad weights in male broiler chickens by 26 and 29% points, respectively. Similarly, supplementation with 9 and 12 g of Acacia karroo leaf meal per kg DM feed reduced fat pad weights in female chickens by 26% points. These reductions were achieved without any significant reduction in feed intake and digestibility. However, the physiological explanation for this effect is not clear and it, thus, merits further investigation. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2009. | Acacia karroo; Digestibility; Fat pad; Nitrogen retention; Ross 308 broiler chickens | Acacia; Acacia karroo; Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931267047 | Comparative evaluation of chemical composition of fermented ground bean flour (Kerstingella geocarpa) cowpea flour (vigna unguiculata) commercial wheat flour (triticum spp.) | Chikwendu, Ndirika J. | 2015 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 14 | 4 | None | Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Chikwendu, Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ndirika, J., Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | The study was conducted to compare the chemical composition of 3 flour samples: fermented ground bean flour, fermented cowpea flour and commercial wheat flour. Commercial wheat flour was purchased from a local market as well as cowpea and ground bean. The samples were cleaned and sorted, soaked in water at room temperature, dehulled, oven dried at 50°C for 12 h, milled into fine flour. The flours were fermented at room temperature for 3 days, oven dried at 50°C for 12 h and finally milled into flours. These flours were subjected to chemical analysis done in triplicates using standard assay. Mean, standard deviation of the samples were calculated and Duncan's multiple test was used to separate the means. The result indicated that the protein content ranged from 14.71 to 25.39%. The wheat flour had the least value (14.71%) while the ground bean flour and cowpea flour had 25.39 and 24.34%, respectively. The vitamin A composition varied from 10.80 to 29.60 mg/100 g. The wheat flour had the least vitamin A value which was significantly different from the other flours (10.80 vs 29.60 and 18.20 mg/100 g) (p<0.05). The iron composition varied. It ranged from 2.51 to 6.80 mg/100 g. The ground bean flour and the highest iron value (6.80 mg/100 g) while the cowpea flour and wheat flour had 2.51 mg and 4.70 mg/100 g. The calcium composition ranged from 166.10-308.46 mg/100 g. The cowpea flour had the highest value which was significantly different from the other flours (308.46 vs 166.10 and 183.25 mg/100 g) (p<0.05).The zinc composition differed. It varied from 8.30-28.05 mg/100 g. The wheat flour had the least value which was significantly different from the other flours at (8.30 vs 25.22 and 28.05 mg/100 g) (p<0.005). The cowpea flour had the highest zinc value (28.05 mg/100 g). Fermented cowpea and ground bean flours showed higher nutrient content mainly in nutrients of public health importance like Vitamin A and iron. These nutritional qualities calls for a greater attention to the underutilized (ground bean) crop. These flours could as well be incorporated into wheat flour to improve the nutritional qualities of confectionaries and bakery products. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2015. | Chemical composition; Comparative evaluation; Cowpea; Fermented; Flour; Ground bean; Wheat | calcium; carbohydrate; iodine; iron; magnesium; phosphorus; retinol; riboflavin; thiamine; zinc; Article; ash; bean; chemical analysis; chemical composition; comparative study; cowpea; distillation; fermentation; flour; Kerstingella geocarpa; lipid analysis; moisture; nonhuman; nutrient content; nutritional value; protein content; protein determination; public health; room temperature; titrimetry; wheat; Triticum; Triticum aestivum; Vigna subterranea; Vigna unguiculata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883514870 | Impact of soil erosion associated factors on available feed resources for free-ranging cattle at three altitude regions: Measurements and perceptions | Yisehak K., Belay D., Taye T., Janssens G.P.J. | 2013 | Journal of Arid Environments | 98 | None | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2013.07.012 | College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heide Straat 19, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium | Yisehak, K., College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Belay, D., College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Taye, T., College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Janssens, G.P.J., Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heide Straat 19, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium | The study was conducted to assess the status and trends of soil erosion and relate the perceptions of farmers on cattle productivity and botanical indicators to measured ecological conditions of rangelands in three altitude regions of southwest Ethiopia. A total of 342 farmers were interviewed. In addition, the ecological condition of rangelands was assessed. Severe soil erosion, ranked as the primary restriction to free-ranging livestock, occurred predominantly in the lower altitude region (LAR) (. P<0.05). More farmers in LAR witnessed an inadequacy of palatable plant biomass, grazable pasture as well as increased gully formation and expansion, which are strong indicators of soil erosion (. P<0.001). In addition to a decrease in grass cover and productivity of cattle, botanical composition, species richness and grazing capacity of herbaceous plants, less fodder trees and shrubs were observed (. P<0.05). There was a corresponding increase in the percentage of bare ground and soil erosion status along the degradation gradients (. P<0.05). The reported shift in botanical composition, and especially encroachment of invading plant species, can be attributed to soil erosion (. P<0.001). The results suggest that erosion is associated with reduced availability of feed resources and is related to altitude variation. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Botanical composition; Cattle; Feed resources; Gilgel Gibe; Overgrazing; Soil erosion | altitude; biomass; cattle; community dynamics; farmers attitude; food availability; nature-society relations; overgrazing; palatability; pasture; perception; productivity; rangeland; soil erosion; Ethiopia; Gilgel Gibe River | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349555984 | Reproductive performance of traditionally managed sheep in the south western part of Ethiopia | Berhanu B., Aynalem H. | 2009 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 21 | 9 | None | Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia | Berhanu, B., Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Aynalem, H., Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia | The study was conducted to assess the reproductive performance of ewes under village management condition in south western part of Ethiopia. The study was a monitoring study which took place for three years (1995-1997). The overall least squares means for lambing interval (LI) and annual reproductive rate (ARR) were 262 ±53.4 days and 1.88 ± 0.44, respectively. The overall least squares means of age at first lambing and litter size were 404 ± 65.40 day and 1.21±1.45 lambs, respectively. Lambing interval was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by parity of the ewe, type of birth and year of lambing. The ewes at their first, and six and above parity showed longer subsequent lambing interval than ewes at 2-5 parity. Ewes that suckled singles had shorter subsequent lambing interval than ewes which suckled twins (255±3.74 vs 283±5.72 days). Year of lambing and type of birth exerted a significant effect (P<0.05) on ARR. The ewes that dropped twins had higher ARR than ewes which dropped singles (1.52 Vs 2.56 lambs/ewe/year). Litter size was significantly (p<0.05) influenced by season of lambing and parity of the ewe. There was a tendency that, litter size increased with an increase of parity up to fifth parity and dropped at the sixth and more parities. The reproductive performance of ewes under village management condition is discussed in association with reports elsewhere in the tropics. | Ethiopia; Ewes; Monitoring study; Non-genetic factors; Village management | Ovis aries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70450184718 | Factors affecting growth performance of sheep under village management conditions in the south western part of Ethiopia | Bela B., Haile A. | 2009 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 21 | 11 | None | Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, P. O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia | Bela, B., Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, P. O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Haile, A., Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, P. O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia | The study was conducted to assess the growth performance of lambs under village management condition in Jimma, Ethiopia from 1995 to 1997. The overall mean body weight at birth, at weaning (180 days) and up to a year (360 days) was recorded to be 2.45, 18.8 and 25.4 kg, respectively. The overall mean growth rate up to weaning weight (180 days) and up to one year old (360 days) was 92.3 and 68.3 g/day. The non-genetic factors such as season, yea, sex, parity, litter size and district were considered in this study. The main factors had a significant effect (at least p<0.05) on weight for age and weight gains recorded. A consistent significant effect of sex and birth type (single/twin) (p< 0.05) was observed for weight for age and growth rates. The males were heavier than females, by 7.11% and 10.2% for 180 days and 360 days weight, respectively. The twins were lighter than singles by 20.1% and 8.32% for 180 days and 300 days weight, respectively. The effect of parity was significant (p<0.05). The lambs born to ewes at first parity had lower weight for ages and weight gains compared to infsequent parities. The lambs born in land scarce area (Dedo district) had lower weight gains than lambs born in Seka (land better area). Differences were significant (P<0.05) and weight gain recorded at 180 days were 85.3 and 90.9 g/day for Dedo and Seka lambs, respectively. The variation in growth performance of sheep in different districts could provide base line information to set a long-term genetic improvement plan by election. The results are discussed in comparison with data obtained from elsewhere in the tropics. | Lambs; None-genetic factors; Weight for age; Weight gain | Ovis aries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958070455 | Evaluation of nutritive value of albizia gummifera foliages as fodder source for livestock in agrisilvipastoral system | Yisehak K., Belay D. | 2011 | International Journal of Agricultural Research | 6 | 5 | 10.3923/ijar.2011.389.399 | Department of Animal Sciences, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia | Yisehak, K., Department of Animal Sciences, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Belay, D., Department of Animal Sciences, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia | The study was conducted to assess nutritional quality of Albizia gummifera (J.F. Gmel) C.A.Sm., a multipurpose tree indigenous to Ethiopia, influenced to altitude and season at hot humid tropical climatic condition. SAS version 9.1 was used for data analysis. Albizia gummifera leaf was examined for their chemical components, in vitro organic matter digestibility, digestible nutrients and dietary energy values. On DM basis, analytical results ranged between 108 to 308gCPkg-\ 367 to 396 gNDF kg 1, 283 to 313 g ADF kg 1, 68 to 72 g CT kg 1 DM, 379.8 to 430 g IVDMD kg 1, 492.5 to 683.5 g CHO kg 1, 6.1 to 6.9 MJ ME kg 1, 9.4 to 28.3 g DCP kg 1 7.02 to 8.2 g DE kg 1 and 400.4 to 460.3 g TDN kg 1. Effects of altitudes and seasons had showed a wide significant variation among many nutritive value parameters studied (p<0.05). Significantly higher CP, IVDMD and DCP contents were recorded for the higher altitude region and wet season (p<0.05). A negative correlation was observed between CT and CP, IVDMD energy values and TDN. The altitude-seas on interaction had a significant effect on most of the parameters (p<0.01). The nutrient concentrations already suggest that A. gummifera have a clear potential for being used as sustainable feed resources in wide locations on top of seasons that can maintain normal rumen microbial metabolism and to supply the quantities and balances of nutrients for different productive states in the tropics. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc. | Condensed tannin; Digestible nutrients; Fodder tree; In vitro dm digestibility; Nutritive value | Albizia gummifera; Animalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926201819 | Feed formulation and feeding impact on the performance of dairy cows in Central Highland of Ethiopia | Assaminew S., Ashenafi M. | 2015 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 27 | 4 | None | Agricultural College, ATVET, Holetta, Ethiopia; College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia | Assaminew, S., Agricultural College, ATVET, Holetta, Ethiopia; Ashenafi, M., College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia | The study was conducted on private urban and periurban dairy production systems around Holetta, Central Highland of Ethiopia, with the objective to assess the existing feed formulation and feeding of crossbred dairy cows in terms of nutrient supply in relation to the performances. Structured questionnaire and laboratory analysis for home-mixed concentrate were employed to generate data from a total of 60 dairy farms. The average of home-mixed concentrates chemical composition for urban and periurban farm, respectively, were 209 and 224 g/kg dry matter (DM) of crude protein (CP), 3.85 and 5.28 g/kg DM calcium (Ca) and 10.6 and 9.74 g/kg DM of phosphorus (P). The nutrients supplied per kg of milk through home-mixed concentrates for urban and periurban crossbred dairy cows, respectively, were 92.6 and 93.5 g CP, 1.70 and 2.21 g Ca and 4.69 and 4.04 g P. The average daily milk yield (ADMY)/cow/day, calving interval(CI) and days open(DO) for urban and periurban farms, respectively, were 11.1 and 9.28 kg, 14.3 and 15.4 months, and 152 and 176 days. Significant variations in terms of nutrient supply through home-mixed concentrate between the production subsystems of the study site existed. Thus, big variations in nutrient supply and imbalances resulted in an apparently low performance of dairy animals in terms of ADMY, CI and DO as compared to what was expected. © 2015, Fundacion CIPAV. All rights reserved. | Calving interval; Days open; Home-mixed concentrates; Milk yield; Periurban; Urban | Animalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897641690 | Production performance of dairy cows under farmer's management in and around Mekelle, Ethiopia | Kumar N., Abadi Y., Gebrekidan B., Tegegne D.T. | 2014 | Global Veterinaria | 12 | 2 | 10.5829/idosi.gv.2014.12.02.82119 | College of Veterinary Medicine, Mekelle University, P.O. Box-231, Mekelle, Ethiopia | Kumar, N., College of Veterinary Medicine, Mekelle University, P.O. Box-231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Abadi, Y., College of Veterinary Medicine, Mekelle University, P.O. Box-231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Gebrekidan, B., College of Veterinary Medicine, Mekelle University, P.O. Box-231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Tegegne, D.T., College of Veterinary Medicine, Mekelle University, P.O. Box-231, Mekelle, Ethiopia | The study was conducted on altogether 475 milch animals comprising of 223 indigenous and 252 Holstein-Friesian (HF) crossbred cows, maintained under farmer's managemental system in and around Mekelle (Ethiopia), were analyzed according to Least Squares Analysis to study the magnitude as well as direction of variation in their lactation length (LL), lactation milk yield (LMY) and peak-yield (PY) due to genetic and some non-genetic factors. The overall Least Squares Means for LL, LMY and PY were estimated to be 292.53±24.09 days, 1320.64±94.68 liters and 7.89±0.14 liters respectively. Genetic group and lactation order had significant effect (P≤0.01) on LL, LMY and PY. Season of calving had significant effect (P≤0.01) on LMY and PY but its effect on LL was non-significant. Effect of herd-size was significant (P≤0.05) on LMY while its effect on LL and PY was non-significant. Variation in all the traits due to location of herd and farming system were statistically non-significant. © IDOSI Publications, 2014. | Lactation length; Lactation milk yield; Mekelle; Peak yield | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899675678 | Reproductive performance of dairy cows under farmer's management in and around Mekelle, Ethiopia | Kumar N., Tkui K., Bisrat A. | 2014 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 26 | 5 | None | College of Veterinary Medicine, Mekelle University, PO Box-231, Mekelle, Ethiopia | Kumar, N., College of Veterinary Medicine, Mekelle University, PO Box-231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Tkui, K., College of Veterinary Medicine, Mekelle University, PO Box-231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Bisrat, A., College of Veterinary Medicine, Mekelle University, PO Box-231, Mekelle, Ethiopia | The study was conducted on 475 milch animals comprising of 223 indigenous and 252 Holstein-Friesian (HF) crossbred cows maintained under farmer's management system in and around Mekelle, Ethiopia. Data were analyzed according to least squares analysis to study the magnitude and direction of variation in days open (DO), calving interval (CI) and number of services per conception (NSC) due to genetic and some non-genetic factors. The overall least squares means for DO, CI and NSC were 157.0±62.0 days, 453.6±88.3 days and 1.7±0.2 services, respectively. The genetic constitution of the animals influenced DO, CI and NSC significantly (p<0.01). Lactation order had significant effect on CI and NSC (p<0.01) and DO (p<0.05). Season of calving, location of the herd, herd size and farming system had not statistically significant effect on all traits. | Calving interval; Days open; Service per conception | None | 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-s2.0-84867365953 | Impacts of tsetse challenge on herd composition and mortality, lactation and reproductive performance of cattle in Dawuro Zone of Southern Region, Ethiopia | Tigicho T., Belihu K., Terefe G. | 2012 | Revue de Medecine Veterinaire | 163 | 42591 | None | Dawuro Zone Agricultural Department, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State, Ethiopia; National Livestock Consultant, FAO-Ethiopia-DRRU, Awash Field Office, P.O.Box: 5536, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Pathology and Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O.Box. 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | Tigicho, T., Dawuro Zone Agricultural Department, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State, Ethiopia; Belihu, K., National Livestock Consultant, FAO-Ethiopia-DRRU, Awash Field Office, P.O.Box: 5536, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Terefe, G., Department of Pathology and Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O.Box. 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | The study was conducted in southern Ethiopia to compare herd composition, mortality, milk yield and reproductive performance of cattle in tsetse-challenged and tsetse-free areas. Questionnaire surveys were made with 156 households, and 30 pre-partum cows were selected for a follow-up study on milk yield and occurrence of the first postpartum heat. Accordingly, whereas the herd size was not significantly modified, the proportions of female calves and lactating or dry pregnant cows were significantly higher and those of dry non pregnant cows significantly lowered in the tsetse free areas than in the challenged ones. Cows in the tsetse affected areas exhibited significantly lower average milk yield and lactation length as well as significantly reduced reproductive performance (increases in the age at first calving, in the calving interval and in the number of services for conception). Additionally, the mortality rates for the whole herd and for each production type were dramatically increased in the tsetse challenged areas. It can be concluded that tsetse-challenge and associated trypanosomiasis seriously affect herd composition and performances of cattle in the Dawuro Zone. | Cattle; Herd composition; Milk yield; Mortality; Reproductive performance; Trypanosomiasis; Tsetse challenge | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872141382 | Identification and evaluation of propagation techniques of a native bee forage, 'tebeb' (becium grandflorum) | Gebremedhn H., Wakijira K. | 2013 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 25 | 1 | None | Department of Apiculture and sericulture, Mekelle Agricultural Research Center, Tigray Agricultural Research Institute, P.O.Box 492, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Holeta Bee Research Centre, P.O. Box 22, Holeta, Oromia, Ethiopia | Gebremedhn, H., Department of Apiculture and sericulture, Mekelle Agricultural Research Center, Tigray Agricultural Research Institute, P.O.Box 492, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; Wakijira, K., Holeta Bee Research Centre, P.O. Box 22, Holeta, Oromia, Ethiopia | The study was conducted in Mekelle Agricultural Research Center, Mekelle. It was designed to identify and evaluate different propagation techniques of Becium grandiflorum, one of the best honey source plants of Ethiopia. Six propagation techniques were considered, namely plant cutting, seed sowing, seedling transplanting, splitting/dividing main branch of the mother the plant, air layering and ground layering. Each propagation technique was considered as a treatment. s The study found that there were difference among the treatments in canopy cover, height, number of flowers, branches and seeds per plant. From these investigations, it is concluded that propagation of B. grandiflorum by cuttings is the best for attaining maximum flower numbers with a mean of 12910, while sowing is the least with a mean flower numbers of 5637. The study also found that the species is easy to propagate by cuttings and transplanted seedlings. | Flower number; Honeybee; Treatments | Apis mellifera; Apoidea; Becium; Becium grandiflorum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861776235 | Deep underwater seismic explosion experiments and their possible ecological impact - The case of Lake Arenguade - Central Ethiopian highlands | Girma M.B., Kifle D., Jebessa H. | 2012 | Limnologica | 42 | 3 | 10.1016/j.limno.2011.12.002 | Department of Molecular Biology, Umea University, Umea, Sweden; Department of Biology, Addis, Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Girma, M.B., Department of Molecular Biology, Umea University, Umea, Sweden; Kifle, D., Department of Biology, Addis, Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Jebessa, H., Department of Biology, Addis, Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | The study was conducted in Lake Arenguade (Lake Haro Hadho) from 2008 to 2009 and results were compared with previous studies conducted by different authors since the 1960s. The study included the chemistry and chlorophyll-a biomass in micrograms per liter (μgL -1). Results showed that chlorophyll-a biomass dramatically decreased since the 1960s. Previous studies indicated that the phytoplankton community of Lake Arenguade was dominated by a single cyanobacterium species, Arthrospira fusiformis (Voronichin) Komárek et Lund (syn. Spirulina fusiformis Voronichin) while the present study showed co-dominance of the lake's phytoplankton by another cyanobacterium species, Anabaenopsis elenkinii Miller. The trend shows that A. fusiformis is on the verge of disappearance from Lake Arenguade. While other factors can be responsible for such a change, the contribution of underwater seismological detonation experiments carried out repeatedly cannot be ruled out. Based on the results, recommendations were forwarded for possible full-fledged environmental impact assessment of explosion experiments in Lake Arenguade; and other lakes in which similar explosion experiments were carried out. © 2012 Elsevier GmbH. | Anabaenopsis; Arenguade; Arthrospira; Bishoftu; Ethiopia; Seismic explosion | biomass; chlorophyll a; cyanobacterium; ecological impact; environmental impact assessment; experimental study; phytoplankton; seismic method; seismology; water chemistry; Ethiopia; Lake Arenguade; Anabaenopsis; Anabaenopsis elenkinii; Arthrospira; Arthrospira fusiformis; Spirulina | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905472556 | Evaluation of pre-weaning growth performances and survival rate of Western Highland goats under traditional management system in Amhara Region, Ethiopia | Chanie D., Mekuriaw Z., Taye M. | 2014 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 26 | 8 | None | Mertule Mariam Agricultural Technical Vocational Educational Training College, PO. Box 01, Merule Mariam, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research institute (ILRI), LIVES Project, P.O. Box 1867, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Bahir Dar University, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, P.O. Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Chanie, D., Mertule Mariam Agricultural Technical Vocational Educational Training College, PO. Box 01, Merule Mariam, Ethiopia; Mekuriaw, Z., International Livestock Research institute (ILRI), LIVES Project, P.O. Box 1867, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Taye, M., Bahir Dar University, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, P.O. Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | The study was conducted in Enebse Sar Midir district of East Gojam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, to evaluate the growth performance and survival rate of kids. The study was carried out on 60 western highland kids owned by farmers in the area. Body weight of kids was measured and recorded from birth to 60 days at 10 days interval using a spring balance. The overall mean birth weight and weight at 60 days were found to be 2.4±0.08 kg and 7±0.18 kg, respectively. The overall mean daily weight gain from birth to 60 days of age was 72.7±2.3 g. Kids born from the second and above parity does, single born kids and male kids were heavier (p<0.001) than kids from first parity does, twin born kids and female kids, respectively. Single born and male kids had higher (P<0.001) average daily weight gains compared to twin born and female kids. Kids born from first parity does had significantly lower (P<0.01) average daily weight gains than kids born from second and above parity does. The overall survival rate of kids recorded in this study was 91.5%. The survival rate of kids was significantly affected by parity of the dam and type of birth. Kids born from first parity dams and twin born kids had the lowest survival rate. First parity does performed the lowest almost in all the traits considered which calls for differential feeding management for first parity does before and after kidding. Similarly, twin kidding dams need to be fed with additional quality feed to improve milk yield and consequently the survival and growth rate of their kids. | Birth weight; Daily weight gain; Parity; Sex; Type of birth | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054113746 | On-farm evaluation of bee space of langstroth beehive | Teffera A., Selassie Sahile G. | 2011 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 23 | 10 | None | Post-harvest technology researcher, Bahir Dar Agricultural Mechanization and Food Science Research Center, P.O. Box: 133, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Post-harvest technology technical assistant, Bahir Dar Agricultural Mechanization and Food Science Research Center, P.O. Box: 133, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Teffera, A., Post-harvest technology researcher, Bahir Dar Agricultural Mechanization and Food Science Research Center, P.O. Box: 133, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Selassie Sahile, G., Post-harvest technology technical assistant, Bahir Dar Agricultural Mechanization and Food Science Research Center, P.O. Box: 133, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | The study was conducted from July 2006 to December 2007 at East Gojjam and West Gojjam zone of Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to evaluate and identify appropriate bee spaces for different agro ecology on farm condition. For this study three trail sites that represent the highland and lowland agro ecology areas were selected. From each sits three beekeeping farmers were selected as host farmers to carry out the study. The treatments were three Langstroth bee hives contain different bee-space (7mm, 10mm and 14mm) replicated three times at each trail site and complete randomized design (CRD) was used. The collected data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. Farmer's comments also included for evaluation purpose. Based on the analysis of variance and participant farmer's comments, hives with bee spaces 7mm, and 10mm were found to be useful around lowland and highland areas. It will be most convenient to use the bee hive having 7mm bee space around lowland area and bee hive having 10mm around highland areas of the region. It is also necessary to use all management aspects so as to increase honey and honey products, since, only by maintaining bee space cannot bring good return. | None | Apoidea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876928084 | Evaluation of chemical, botanical and cultural managements of termites control | Tasisa J., Gobena T. | 2013 | World Applied Sciences Journal | 22 | 4 | 10.5829/idosi.wasj.2013.22.04.1220 | Mizan-Tepi University, P.O. Box 260, Mizan Teferi, Ethiopia; West Wollega Zone Agricultural Office, Ghimbi, Ethiopia | Tasisa, J., Mizan-Tepi University, P.O. Box 260, Mizan Teferi, Ethiopia; Gobena, T., West Wollega Zone Agricultural Office, Ghimbi, Ethiopia | The study was conducted at Bojdi Dirmaji District, Wollega Zone (Western Ethiopia) using Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Eight different treatments of chemical, botanical and cultural control methods independently and in combinations were evaluated to identify the most effective method which is environmentally sustainable and economically feasible in controlling the termite problems. The data were collected over 12 weeks and analysis of variance showed significant difference among the treatments for all parameters. Maesa lanceolata 100 gm alone showed lower percent damage between 2-8 weeks (33.3%), later on after 9-12 weeks it become non significant and the destructed mound was recovered. Mound treated with Diazinon 60% EC at the rate of 25 ml and 20 ml alone and Diazinon 60% EC combination with queen removal at rate of 15 ml and 10 ml showed significant control overall the treatment. From the results of the study the lower rate of Diazinon 60% EC (10 ml per mound) and queen removal could be better option to manage the termite problem and could be more sustainable and integrated manner in the study area. © IDOSI Publications, 2013. | Botanical; Isopteran; Maesa lanceolata; Social insects; Termites | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887910814 | Evaluation of chemical, botanical and cultural managements of termites control | Dufera J.T., Fufa T.G. | 2014 | Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences | 17 | 2 | 10.3923/pjbs.2014.272.276 | Mizan-Tepi University, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Horticulture, P.O. Box 260, Mizan Tefen, Ethiopia; West Wollega Zone Agricultural Office, Ghimbi, Ethiopia | Dufera, J.T., Mizan-Tepi University, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Horticulture, P.O. Box 260, Mizan Tefen, Ethiopia; Fufa, T.G., West Wollega Zone Agricultural Office, Ghimbi, Ethiopia | The study was conducted at Bojdi Dirmaji District, Wollega Zone (Western Ethiopia) using Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Eight different treatments of chemical, botanical and cultural control methods independently and in combinations were evaluated to identify the most effective method which is environmentally sustainable and economically feasible in controlling the termite problems. The data were collected over 12 weeks and analysis of variance showed significant difference among the treatments for all parameters. Maesa lanceolata 100 g alone showed lower percent damage between 2-8 weeks (33.3%), later on after 9-12 weeks it become non significant and the destructed mound was recovered. Mound treated with Diazinon 60% EC at the rate of 25 and 20 mL alone and Diazinon 60% EC combination with queen removal at rate of 15 and 10 mL showed significant control overall the treatment. From the results of the study the lower rate of Diazinon 60% EC (10 mL per mound) and queen removal could be better option to manage the termite problem and could be more sustainable and integrated manner in the study area. © 2014 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Botanical; Isopteran; Maesa lanceolata; Social insects; Termites | dimpylate; insecticide; plant extract; animal; article; insect control; Isoptera; methodology; Animals; Diazinon; Insect Control; Insecticides; Isoptera; Plant Extracts | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875788538 | Evaluation of growth performance of Abergele goats under traditional management systems in Sekota district, Ethiopia | Deribe B., Taye M. | 2013 | Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences | 16 | 14 | 10.3923/pjbs.2013.692.696 | Sirinka Agricultural Research Center, P O Box 74, Woldia, Ethiopia; Bahir Dar University, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, P O Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Deribe, B., Sirinka Agricultural Research Center, P O Box 74, Woldia, Ethiopia; Taye, M., Bahir Dar University, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, P O Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | The study was conducted at Abergele in the semi arid parts of Sekota district to evaluate growth performance of Abergele goats managed under traditional management systems. Data on growth and growth rates were collected from 724 kids for two years. The least squares mean birth, three months, six months and yearling weight of kids obtained were 1.91±0.04, 6.84±0.19, 9.13±0.31 and 16.42±1.20 kg, respectively. Parity of doe and birth type of kid significantly affected birth weight and three months weight while sex of kid and season of birth of kid affected birth, three months, six months and yearling weight consistently. Kids from first parity does were lighter at birth, three months and six months of age than kids from higher parity does. Twin born kids were lower in weight at birth and three months of ages than their single born counterparts. Female kids and kids born during the dry season had lower weight at all ages considered. The least squares mean pre-weaning and post-weaning growth rates obtained were 53.4±2.30 and 29.3±4.32 g day-1, respectively. Parity of doe, type of birth and season birth of kid affected pre-weaning growth rate. Kids from first parity does, twin born kids and kids born during the dry season had lower growth rate. The significant effect of fixed factors needs to be considered in an effort to improve productivity of goats in the study areas. © 2013 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Abergele goat; Birth weight; Growth rate; Sekota; Traditional management | animal; article; birth weight; body weight; Ethiopia; female; goat; growth, development and aging; male; newborn; physiology; pregnancy; season; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Ethiopia; Female; Goats; Male; Pregnancy; Seasons; Capra hircus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959780243 | Impact of palm oil processing effluent discharge on the quality of receiving soil and river in south western Nigeria | Awotoye O.O., Dada A.C., Arawomo G.A.O. | 2011 | Journal of Applied Sciences Research | 7 | 2 | None | Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Awotoye, O.O., Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Dada, A.C., Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Arawomo, G.A.O., Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria | The study was carried out to investigate the contribution of effluent from a palm oil processing unit on the receiving section of Oluwa River in Ondo State, Nigeria. Temperature, pH, COD, BOD5, major metals (NO3-, PO4-, K+, Na+, Mg2+) and heavy metals (Zn2+, Mn2) as well as TS and TDS were determined in about 45 water samples obtained from various upstream and downstream locations away from the effluent discharge. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analyses of variance (ANOVA). Significant variations exist in most of the chemical variables among the sampled sections. Comparison of the investigated parameters at the various sections of the river with the standard limit of effluent guideline showed that the downstream water is polluted, especially in NO3, Zn2+, BOD5 and COD. The need for a drastic move towards quality and environmental conservation through sustainable development and cleaner technology approach within manufacturing industries in Nigeria is highlighted. | Nigeria; Palm oil effluent; Soil; Water quality | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892855550 | The impact of tillage system and herbicides on weed density, diversity and yield of cotton (Gossipium hirsutum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) under the smallholder sector | Mavunganidze Z., Madakadze I.C., Nyamangara J., Mafongoya P. | 2014 | Crop Protection | 58 | None | 10.1016/j.cropro.2013.12.024 | Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, P. Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Matopos Research Station P.O. Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Mavunganidze, Z., Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, P. Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; Madakadze, I.C., Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, P. Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; Nyamangara, J., International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Matopos Research Station P.O. Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Mafongoya, P., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | The study was carried out to evaluate the impact of tillage system in combination with different herbicides on weed density, diversity, crop growth and yields on 18 farms in Kadoma, Zimbabwe. Experiments were set up as a split plot design with three replications on each farm. Tillage was the main plot (Conservation Tillage (CT), Conventional Tillage (CONV)) and weeding option (hand weeding, cyanazine, atrazine, glyphosate only and mixture of cyanazine+alachlor and atrazine+alachlor) as the sub-plots. Due to the heterogeneous nature of farmers' resource base, the farms were grouped into three farm types: high (Type 1), medium (Type 2) and poorly resourced farmers (Type 3). The hand hoe weeded treatments had 49 percent higher total weed densities in CT relative to CONV, and was statistically similar to the glyphosate treatment. The mixed pre-emergence herbicides reduced the diversity indices by 69 and 70 percent when compared to the hand hoe weeded treatment under CT in cotton and maize, respectively. The effectiveness of all pre-emergence herbicides were not influenced by tillage but were affected by farmers resource endowments with pronounced effect in Farm Type 1. Maximum plant heights of 85and 238cm were recorded for mixed pre-emergence herbicides under CT for cotton and maize, respectively. Minimum plant heights of 75and 217cm were recorded for the respective hand hoe weeded treatments. The hand hoe weeded treatments resulted in average cotton lint yield of 1497and 2018kgha-1 for maize. The mixed pre-emergence herbicides treatments gave yields of 2138 and 2356kgha-1 of cotton and maize, respectively. The higher weed densities in CT under hand weeded treatments underscored the need for other weeding options. Similarly, a mixture of cyanazine+alachlor in cotton and atrazine+alachlor in maize is recommended for suppressing broad and grass weed populations and enhancing yields in CT systems. © 2014. | Atrazine; Conservation Tillage; Cotton; Cyanazine; Maize; Weeding system | conservation tillage; cotton; emergence; glyphosate; maize; smallholder; species diversity; statistical analysis; weed control; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-49649103527 | Comparative assessment of draught performance of the one humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) and Bunaji work bulls in Zaria, Nigeria | Mohammed A.K., Sackey A.K.B., Tekdek L.B., Gefuo J.O. | 2007 | Journal of Camel Practice and Research | 14 | 2 | None | National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Mohammed, A.K., National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Sackey, A.K.B., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Tekdek, L.B., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Gefuo, J.O., National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | The study was carried out to evaluate the draught performance of the dromedary and Bunaji work bulls as draught animals for ridging, ploughing and weeding operations in a sub-humid environment of Nigeria. 4 work dromedaries singly harnessed and 8 Bunaji work bulls yoked in pairs were used for the evaluation. The camel's mean weight was 450 ± 12.8 kg while a pair of bulls weighed 760 ± 15.4 kg. The animals were made to plough, ridge and weed an area of 1500 m 2 of uncultivated flat land. The absolute draught force produced by one dromedary for ridging (0.80 kN), weeding (0.36 kN) and ploughing (0.18 kN) were not significantly different (P>0.05) from that produced by a pair of work bulls (0.79 kN, 0.30 kN, 0.30 kN) for same operations, although the live weight of a pair of work bulls (760 ±15.4 kg) was significantly (P<0.01) higher than that of a single dromedary (450 ± 12.8 kg). The bulls ridged 0.23 ha of land per hour (1 ha / 4.4 hours) which was significantly (P<0.01) faster than the camel's 0.18 ha per hour (1 ha / 5.3 hours). It is thus conclusive from this study that, the one humped camel can be efficiently utilised as an alternative draught ruminant in the sub-humid savannah zone of Nigeria. | Bunaji work bulls; Camelus dromedaries; Draught performance; Nigeria | Animalia; Bovidae; Camelus dromedarius | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33747359079 | Effects of partial replacement of soyabean meal with bread fruit (Artocarpus altilis) seed meal in broiler finisher diets on their performance, water consumption, nitrogen retention and carcass characteristics | Nwokoro S.O., Obasuyi J.O.I. | 2006 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 5 | 5 | 10.3923/ijps.2006.404.407 | Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Agriculture Services Department, Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, GRA, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | Nwokoro, S.O., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Obasuyi, J.O.I., Agriculture Services Department, Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, GRA, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | The study was carried out to determine the effects of partial replacement of soyabean meal in broiler finisher chickens diets with breadfruit seed meal on their performances, nitrogen retention and carcass characteristics. 300, four weeks old broiler chickens were divided into 15 replicates of twenty birds each such that three replicates were allocated to a diet. The diet (2900kcalMEkg -1 and 20%CP were formulated such that 26.7% of soyabean meal in the control diet were partially replaced with breadfruit meal at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 percent (weight- for- weight). The birds were fed and watered ad libitum. Results emanating from the study indicated that final body weight, weight gain, feed intake, water intake, nitrogen retention, eviscerated carcass weights and head portion were significantly (P<0.05) affected by dietary treatments. Apart from the nitrogen retention and head portion, the control diet (diet 1) recorded the highest values and there were significant (P<0.05) decrease between diet 1 (0) and diet 5 (40%). The best feed per gain ratio, dressing percentage and nitrogen retention were recorded in diets 1 (0), 1(0) and 3(30) respectively. There were significant increases in nitrogen retention between diet 1 and 3, followed by significant decreasing order thereafter. Higher level of breadfruit seed meal replacement beyond 30% seems not to favour the broiler finisher chickens under the conditions of the study. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2006. | Breadfruit seed meal; Broiler diet; Soyabean meal | Artocarpus altilis; Aves; Gallus gallus; Glycine max | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650688699 | Effect of feeding urea treated wheat straw based diet on biological performances and economic benefits of lactating Boran-Friesian crossbred dairy cows | Mesfin R., Ktaw G. | 2010 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 22 | 12 | None | Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Holetta Research Center, P.O.Box. 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Mesfin, R., Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Holetta Research Center, P.O.Box. 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ktaw, G., Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Holetta Research Center, P.O.Box. 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | The study was carried out at Holetta research center, Ethiopia aiming at identifying the feeding value of urea treated wheat straw for crossbred dairy cows as compared to untreated straw. The experimental animals (Boran x Friesian crossbred dairy cow) were used in Latin square design to study effect of feeding urea treated wheat straw, untreated wheat straw and hay on feed intake, milk yield, milk composition and economic benefits. As a result of the treatment, crude protein (CP) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) has risen from 20 to 57.8 (g/kg) and from 311 to 435 (g/kg) respectively. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) has reduced from 808 to 761 (g/kg) but Ash percent has increased from 74 to 96 (g/kg). Rumen degradability of all experimental feeds has increased across incubation hours. At 96 hrs of incubation, treatment of straw with urea has resulted to an increase from 403 to 500 g/kg. Highly significant (P< 0.05) differences were observed between roughage intakes. Cows fed hay based diet, urea treated straw based diet and untreated wheat straw based diet have consumed 9, 5.5 and 5 kg DM feed respectively. The difference between concentrate intakes was also highly significant (p<0.05). Cows fed hay-based diet have consumed the highest amount (4.29kg) of concentrate. Cows fed urea treated straw have consumed higher concentrate (4.22kg) than those fed untreated wheat straw based diets (4.03kg). Highly significant (P<0.05) differences were observed on total DM intake. Cows fed hay-based diet have consumed the highest (13 kg) total dry matter. Cows fed urea treated wheat straw based diet has consumed higher total dry matter (10kg) than those fed untreated straw based diet (9.6kg). With regard to nutrient intake, highly significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in intake of total crude protein (CP). Cows fed hay-based diet have consumed the highest CP (1508 g/c/d). Cows fed urea treated straw based diet have consumed higher CP (1248.9 g/c/d) than cows fed untreated straw based diet (1047.8 g/c/d). Highly significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in intake of total metabolizable energy (ME). Cows fed hay-based diet have consumed the highest ME (133 MJ/c/d). Cows fed urea treated straw based diet have consumed higher ME (92.9 MJ/c/d) than those fed untreated straw (82.44 MJ/c/d). Effects of experimental feeds on daily milk yield were highly significant (P<00.05). Cows fed hay-based diet have produced the highest milk (10.61t/cow/day). Cows fed urea treated wheat straw based diet has produced higher milk (91t/cow/day) than cows fed untreated wheat straw based diet (81t/cow/day). Effects of experimental diets on milk fat, lactose and total solids haven't differed significantly (P>0.05). However, highly significant (P<0.001) differences on milk protein were observed. Cows fed hay based diet, untreated wheat straw based diet and urea treated wheat straw based diet have produced 3.34%, 3.06% and 3.11% protein /cow/day respectively. Cows fed urea treated wheat straw based diet on average has got higher live weight (370kg) than cows fed hay-based diet (361.8kg). Cows fed untreated wheat straw based diet has relatively the least weight (357kg). Based on milk price paid by private consumers, with 8.00 Birr/1t milk, the highest net return (58.9 Birr/cow/day) was found from cows fed hay based diet. This was followed by urea treated straw based diet which has better net return of 52.6 ETB/cow/day than untreated straw based diet which had a net return of (49 Birr/cow/day). | Concentrate; Hay; Highland jeldu; Holetta; Milking cows; Molasses; Western shoa | Animalia; Bos; Friesia; Triticum aestivum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940705892 | Milk production performance of Holstein Friesian dairy cows at Holetta Bull Dam Farm, Ethiopia | Ayalew W., Aliy M., Negussie E. | 2015 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 27 | 9 | None | Department of Animal Production and Technology, Wolkite University, P.O.Box 07, Wolkite, Ethiopia; Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, P.O.Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; LUKE Natural Resources Institute Finland, Helsinki, Finland | Ayalew, W., Department of Animal Production and Technology, Wolkite University, P.O.Box 07, Wolkite, Ethiopia; Aliy, M., Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, P.O.Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Negussie, E., LUKE Natural Resources Institute Finland, Helsinki, Finland | The study was carried out at Holetta Bull Dam farm to assess the effects of non genetic factors on milk production traits of Holstein Friesian dairy cattle. Records compiled from 1981 to 2013 were used as original data of production traits like 305 days milk yield (n=3538), total lactation milk yield (n=3706) and lactation length (n=2923) of the Holstein Friesian herd in Ethiopian management and environmental situation. Effects of period, sire origin, season and parity on milk yield traits were evaluated. The data were analyzed using general linear models. Result of the non-genetic factors revealed that period of calving, parity and sire origin had significant (p<0.001) effect and were the main causes of variation in milk production traits. Season of calving had no significant effect on milk production traits except on LL. The overall least squares means of LMY and LL were: 3689±45.0 kg, 3604±38.4 kg, and 319±1.91 days, respectively. Generally the productive performance of cows reported in this study was lower than the performance reported in many tropical regions and its expected genetic potential in their countries of their origins. Therefore, improving herd management, breeding practices, as well asconsidering genotype-environmental interactions during importation of breeding sire and heifer is very essential for full exploitation of exotic dairy cattle genetic potential in Ethiopia. © 2015 Fundacion CIPAV. All rights reserved. | Genetic factors; Genotype-environmental interactions; Origin of sire | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905455188 | Milk production performances of Holstein Friesian x Arsi and Holstein Friesian x Boran cross-bred cattle at Agarfa Agricultural Technical Vocational and Educational Training (ATVET) College, Oromia, Ethiopia | Wassie T., Mekuriaw G., Mekuriaw Z. | 2014 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 26 | 8 | None | Department of Animal science, Assosa University, P.O.Box 18, Asosa, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), LIVES Project, P.O.Box 1867, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Wassie, T., Department of Animal science, Assosa University, P.O.Box 18, Asosa, Ethiopia; Mekuriaw, G., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Mekuriaw, Z., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), LIVES Project, P.O.Box 1867, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | The study was carried out at Agarfa ATVET College dairy farm to evaluate the milk production performances of Holstein Friesian x Arsi and Holstein Friesian x Boran cross cattle breeds. For the study, records compiled from 1983 to 2012 at the Agarfa dairy farm were used as original data. Effects of breed, blood level, season and parity on milk yield traits were evaluated. The data were analyzed using the general linear model of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9.1. The overall means for daily milk yield were 6.38 and 7.02 kg and for lactation milk yield 1925 and 2136 kg for Friesian x Arsi and Friesian x Boran cross, respectively. Generally the productive performance of cows reported in this study was lower than the performance reported in many tropical regions. Therefore, due consideration should be given to calf and heifer management, heat detection, feeding and health care. Furthermore, in this study Friesian x Boran cross were better than Friesian x Arsi in performance therefore attention should be given to keep this cross in the farm. | Blood level; Daily milk yield; Lactation length; Lactation milk yield | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930244335 | Sub-acute evaluation of extract of syzygium malaccense in albino rats | Adebayo A.H., Ogundare O.C., Adegbite O.S. | 2015 | Research Journal of Medicinal Plant | 9 | 2 | 10.3923/rjmp.2015.60.71 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology Covenant University, PMB 1023, Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Biochemistry Unit, Department of Science and Laboratory Technology, School | Adebayo, A.H., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology Covenant University, PMB 1023, Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Ogundare, O.C., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology Covenant University, PMB 1023, Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, Biochemistry Unit, Department of Science and Laboratory Technology, School of Technology, Lagos State Polytechnic Ikorodu, PMB, 21606, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria; Adegbite, O.S., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology Covenant University, PMB 1023, Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | The study was aimed at investigating the sub-acute evaluation of the extract of Syzygium malaccense in albino rats. Five groups of eight rats per group were orally administered with graded 50, 100, 250 and 500 mg kgG1 b.wt. doses of the extract for 28 days. Blood samples of the sacrificed rats were collected for biochemical and haematological studies while liver and kidney tissues were used for histopathological assessment. The results showed an LD50 of 1224.75 mg kgG1 b.wt. with no significant (p>0.05) changes in weight of organs tested. Biochemical parameters such as AST, ALP, protein and albumin levels in all the treated animals did not change significantly, however, there was significant (p<0.05) change in the activity of ALT as well as haematological parameters such as RBC, WBC, HGB, platelet counts, MCV and MCH when compared with the control group. The results from histopathology showed an inflammation of the liver cells at doses beyond 100 mg kgG1 b.wt. but there was no significant damage to the kidney tissue. It may be concluded that the extract of S. malaccense possesses the tendency of affecting the haematopoietic elements and may also alter the structural integrity of the liver tissue if ingested at higher doses. © 2015 Academic Journals Inc. | Biochemical parameters; Haematological indices; Histopathology; Myrtaceae; Syzygium malaccense | albumin; alkaline phosphatase; aspartate aminotransferase; hemoglobin; plant extract; protein; Syzygium malaccense extract; unclassified drug; animal experiment; animal tissue; Article; blood sampling; controlled study; drug safety; enzyme activity; erythrocyte count; hepatitis; histopathology; LD50; leukocyte count; liver cell; mean corpuscular hemoglobin; mean corpuscular volume; nonhuman; organ weight; phytochemistry; rat; Syzygium; Syzygium malaccense; thrombocyte count; toxicity testing; Animalia; Myrtaceae; Rattus; Syzygium malaccense | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930271101 | Evaluation of biochemical and quality attributes to monitor the application of heat and cold treatments in tomato fruit (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) | Polenta G., Budde C., Sivakumar D., Nanni M., Guidi S. | 2015 | Journal of Food Quality | 38 | 3 | 10.1111/jfq.12139 | Instituto de Tecnologi{dotless}a de Alimentos, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Estación Agropecuaria San Pedro, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), San Pedro, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Postharvest Technology Group, Department of Crop Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Polenta, G., Instituto de Tecnologi{dotless}a de Alimentos, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Budde, C., Estación Agropecuaria San Pedro, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), San Pedro, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Sivakumar, D., Postharvest Technology Group, Department of Crop Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Nanni, M., Instituto de Tecnologi{dotless}a de Alimentos, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Guidi, S., Instituto de Tecnologi{dotless}a de Alimentos, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina | The study was accomplished to optimize the application of stress treatment to prevent chilling injury (CI) in tomatoes. Four treatments were evaluated: control, heat shock applied for 24 (HS24) and 48h (HS48), and cold shock applied for 24h (CS24). The fruits were stored at 2 and 14C, and evaluated immediately after treatment and after 21 and 28 days of storage. An additional evaluation after 7 days of exposure at 20C following storage withdrawal was included to induce ripening and exteriorize the development of CI symptoms. Different biochemical and quality attributes were evaluated (color, titratable acidity, firmness, ethylene, CI index and heat shock protein [HSP] accumulation). Heat treatments were successful in preventing the decay of fruits under CI-inducing conditions. The significantly better performance of HS48 in comparison to the other treatments gives evidence that the effectiveness relies on the adequate intensity of application; therefore, this intensity should be strictly controlled by a proper monitoring method. In this regard, small HSP accumulation was found suitable to reflect properly the physiological condition of fruits and therefore to potentially optimize and determine the adequate intensity of treatment application. Practical Applications: Stress treatments constitute a promising technological alternative to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables because of their capacity to prevent the development of chilling injury during the cold storage of sensitive species. The main advantages are the ease of use, considering that they can be applied in commercial chambers with minor changes, and the avoidance of chemicals. By assessing the effectiveness of treatments and the suitability of different biochemical and quality attributes as monitoring parameters to maximize the efficiency of application, it became apparent that the adequate intensity of application must be accurately established, since beyond a certain limit, the effect of the stress may induce irreversible alterations, provoking a permanent damage. The study provides evidence that small heat shock protein accumulation constitutes suitable monitoring parameters to objectively establish the optimal intensity, able to maintain the quality characteristics and extend the shell life of tomatoes during the cold storage. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | None | Cold storage; Ethylene; Food storage; Fruits; Plants (botany); Proteins; Vegetables; Fruits and vegetables; Monitoring parameters; Physiological condition; Quality attributes; Quality characteristic; Small heat shock proteins; Technological alternatives; Titratable acidity; Quality control; Lycopersicon esculentum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857278136 | Seasonal weather events and their impact on buildings around Mafikeng, North West Province, South Africa | Kabanda T.H., Palamuleni L.G. | 2011 | Life Science Journal | 8 | SUPPL. 1 | None | North West University, Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, P/Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa | Kabanda, T.H., North West University, Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, P/Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Palamuleni, L.G., North West University, Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, P/Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa | The study used time series analysis of climatic data (1978 to 2009) of rainfall, temperature and wind to investigate the impact of extreme weather events on buildings and their surroundings in Mafikeng, South Africa. Questionnaires were administered on 100 households in order to establish residents' experiences on seasonal weather events. Mafikeng and its environs, belong to arid climate regions; it features a long term mean seasonal rainfall of approximately 76mm and it receives a unimodal rain season which starts in October and end in April of the following year. In this study, the results reveals that Mafikeng experienced the highest rainfall during the 1997 with a seasonal rainfall mean of 117 mm and the lowest rainfall was experienced during the 1991 season (32 mm). The 1997 rainfall resulted into waterlogging and leaking of roofs in the homes. Extreme temperatures were experienced in the area during 1992 summer season where the highest mean maximum temperature of 37°C was recorded. Usually the maximum temperature in Mafikeng range between 25°C and 32°C. The lowest minimum temperature (-7.5°C) was observed in 1994 during the cold season. The study identified that the extreme weather events in Mafikeng are associated with building fatigue, which resulted into structural damages such as cracked walls, windblown roofs, dust accumulating indoors from dust storms and noise pollution. The study highlights the need for maintaining appropriate building standards, designs and regular review of standards in Mafikeng and its surroundings in order to address climate extreme and the climate change issues. | Climate change; Mafikeng; Seasonal weather events | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051941505 | Assessing the performance of potassium dichromate and aniline on concrete steel rebar deterioration in marine and microbial media | Omotosho O.A. | 2011 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences | 6 | 3 | 10.3923/rjasci.2011.143.149 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, P.M.B. 1023 Ota, Nigeria | Omotosho, O.A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, P.M.B. 1023 Ota, Nigeria | The study used the two-parameter Weibull distribution function to analyze data obtained from electrochemical potential monitoring experiments. Two sets of fifteen steel-rebar test samples admixed with varying concentration of aniline, potassium dichromate and their synergistic combination with fixed amount of sodium chloride salt partially immersed in NaCl and H2SO4 solution at ambient temperature had their potential readings taken in accordance with ASTM C 876. Performance quality and consistency of the inhibitor was then estimated by the Weibull probability density distribution as an extreme value statistical modeling approach to study the efficacy and predict the most efficient inhibitor concentration in each media. The study also investigated the effect of the inhibitors on the compressive strengths of the reinforced concrete samples. Test sample admixed with 0.34 and 0.41 M aniline was predicted as exhibiting the best inhibiting quality in NaCl medium while in the H2SO4 medium the synergistic combination of 0.03 MK2Cr2O7 and 0.30 M aniline exhibited the best performance. The compressive strength values of test sample admixed with 0.41 M aniline was the highest in both the microbial (303 KN) and marine (315 KN) medium while the control test sample in the NaCl medium showed the highest overall increase (330 KN) in compressive strength. © 2011 Medwell Journals. | Aniline; Compressive strength; Kolmogorov-smirnov statistics; Marine/microbial medi; Potassium dichromate; Potential; Steel rebar; Weibull distribution | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-45949104696 | The Performance of South African and Kenyan Universities on the World Wide Web: A web link analysis | Onyancha O.B., Ocholla D.N. | 2007 | Cybermetrics | 11 | 1 | None | Library, University of Eastern Africa Baraton, P.O. Box 2500, Eldoret, Kenya; Department of Library and Information Science, University of Zululand, X1001 KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa | Onyancha, O.B., Library, University of Eastern Africa Baraton, P.O. Box 2500, Eldoret, Kenya; Ocholla, D.N., Department of Library and Information Science, University of Zululand, X1001 KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa | The study used Link Analysis to compare Kenyan and South African universities according to several Web-based indicators, some of which include the number of pages, and the number of in and out-links. The authors examined the external out-links in order to determine the institutions targeted by South African and Kenyan universities. Also investigated were the networks or links between universities. Web Impact Factors (WIFs) were calculated and reported in order to compare the universities' web influence. Results indicate that Kenyan universities, like most African universities, have embraced the Internet and its constructs fairly recently, hence most of their websites are at initial stages of construction. Comparatively, South African universities have made remarkable progress in their web presence, which is at an advanced stage of development, equaling counterparts in more developed countries. The study recommends that regional webometric studies be conducted periodically in order to investigate and map the web-related developments of African universities, it concludes that African universities, though not comparable to counterparts in developed countries, can have their websites evaluated webometrically. | Kenya; Link analysis; South Africa; Universities; Webometrics | 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-s2.0-84946477870 | Ultrasonographic and laparoscopic evaluation of the reproductive tract in older captive female cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) | Schulman M.L., Kirberger R.M., Tordiffe A.S.W., Marker L.L., Schmidt-Küntzel A., Hartman M.J. | 2015 | Theriogenology | 84 | 9 | 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.08.011 | Section of Reproduction, Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa; National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo, Namibia | Schulman, M.L., Section of Reproduction, Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Kirberger, R.M., Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Tordiffe, A.S.W., National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Marker, L.L., Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo, Namibia; Schmidt-Küntzel, A., Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo, Namibia; Hartman, M.J., Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa | The study uniquely described the clinical value of transabdominal ultrasonography for monitoring features characterizing the estrous cycle in female cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). The reproductive tracts of 21 female, iparous, and relatively aged (median: 11 and interquartile range: 9.25-14 years) captive cheetahs resident on two sites in Namibia were assessed by transabdominal ultrasound. Subsequently, the ovarian findings on ultrasound were compared with direct visualization while performing laparoscopic sterilization. A combination of these observations supported by concurrent sampling for vaginal cytology and serum progesterone concentrations defined the estrous status of individual animals. At one site, six cheetahs had been implanted with the GnRH agonist, deslorelin as a contraceptive at least once within the preceding 11 years. On ultrasound, 31 uterine horns and 35 ovaries with discernible structures on 28 (86%) were visualized in the 21 cheetahs. The uterine body was difficult to visualize because of its intrapelvic location. Eleven of 19 uteri (58%) visualized showed endometrial edema suggestive of estrogenization. The uteri of four cheetahs (19%) showed evidence of mild cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Paraovarian cysts were seen on ultrasound (n = 21) and laparoscopy (n = 26) in 16 (76.2%) and 18 (85.7%) cheetahs, respectively. Ovarian volumes obtained from ultrasonographically determined dimensions predicted cyclic activity. Laparoscopy showed that 19 ovaries had discernible follicular structures. In the study population, 10 (47.6%) cheetahs were in proestrus or estrus; none in the luteal phase; and 11 (52.4%) in anestrus. Transabdominal ultrasound, in combination with serum progesterone concentrations and vaginal cytology, was used with acceptable accuracy to assess cyclic ovarian activity in captive cheetahs. A considerable proportion of this aged population showed ovarian activity and the prevalence of paraovarian cysts was notable. A history of prior deslorelin treatment was not associated with either reproductive activity or uterine pathology. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. | Cheetah; Cystic endometrial hyperplasia; Deslorelin; Ovarian activity; Paraovarian cyst | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862067780 | The adoption and productivity impacts of improved management practices on lowland rice production in Niger State, Nigeria | Rahji M.A.Y. | 2008 | Tropical Agriculture | 85 | 3 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Rahji, M.A.Y., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | The study sought to identify the factors influencing rice producers' adoption of improved management practices and its impacts on their productivity in Niger State, Nigeria. The data came from a sample survey of the study area. A switching regression model comprising of probit model and production functions was adopted in data analysis. The probit model identified six key significant variables as those influencing adoption by the farmers. These are farm size, extension services, credit, farm income and the land tenure arrangement. The production function analyses indicate a structural shift in the production parameters of the adopters and significant productivity differentials between the groups. Farmland redistribution, farm income improvement, effective extension delivery services, adequate supply of improved seeds and credit delivery system were recommended. | Improved practices adoption; Niger State; Nigeria; Productivity differentials; Rice production | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937402478 | Parental involvement, parenting style, secondary school student attitude towards schooling and academic performance in Kenya | Njagi S.N., Migosi J.A., Mwania J.M. | 2014 | International Journal of Education Economics and Development | 5 | 2 | 10.1504/IJEED.2014.061453 | Rwika Technical Training Institute, Maasai Mara University, P.O. Box 1264, Embu, Kenya; Department of Education, Administration and Planning, South Eastern Kenya University, P.O. Box 170, Kitui, Kenya; Kitui Town Campus, South Eastern Kenya University, P.O. Box 170, Kitui, Kenya | Njagi, S.N., Rwika Technical Training Institute, Maasai Mara University, P.O. Box 1264, Embu, Kenya; Migosi, J.A., Department of Education, Administration and Planning, South Eastern Kenya University, P.O. Box 170, Kitui, Kenya; Mwania, J.M., Kitui Town Campus, South Eastern Kenya University, P.O. Box 170, Kitui, Kenya | The study sought to find the relationship between parental involvement, parenting style, student's attitude towards school and academic performance. A correlational survey research design was used. Cronbach's alpha (α) for questionnaires from pilot study indicated that, parental involvement α = 0.7, authoritarian parenting α = 0.6, authoritative style α = 0.8, permissive parenting style α = 0.6 and attitude towards school had α = 0.6. Pearson correlation test on data from a sample of 200 students (100 girls and 100 boys) from public secondary schools in Embu North District, showed, parental involvement had positive significant relationship with both students attitude towards school and academic performance, authoritarian style had negative insignificant correlation with attitude towards school, but had significant negative correlation with academic performance, permissive parenting style had negative significant correlation with both attitude towards school and academic performance while attitude towards had positive significant relationship with academic achievement. There is need for parents to be sensitised on parenting. Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Academic performance; Attitudes towards school ATS; Kenya; Parental involvement; Parenting style; PS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872225541 | Personality variables as predictors of leadership role performance effectiveness of administrators of public secondary schools in Cross River State, Nigeria | Akpan C.P., Archibong I.A. | 2012 | International Education Studies | 5 | 4 | 10.5539/ies.v5n4p212 | Department of Educational Administration and Planning, Faculty of Education, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Department of Educational Foundations, Administration Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Cross River State | Akpan, C.P., Department of Educational Administration and Planning, Faculty of Education, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Archibong, I.A., Department of Educational Foundations, Administration Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria | The study sought to find out the predictive effect of self-concept, self-efficacy, self-esteem and locus of control on the instructional and motivational leadership roles performance effectiveness of administrators of public secondary schools in Cross River State of Nigeria. The relative contribution of each of the independent variables to the prediction was also investigated. The survey design was adopted for the study. The study sample consistedof 400 school administrators. Two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Two sets of instruments namely, Personality Factor Questionnaire (PFQ) and Administrator Leadership Roles Performance Questionnaire (ALRPQ) with reliability indices of 0.75 and 0.72 respectively, were used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression analysis. The results of the study revealed that self-efficacy, locus of control and self-concept contributed significantly to the prediction of administrators' effectiveness in instructional leadership role performance while self-esteem did not. Also, self-concept, self-efficacy, and self-esteem relatively made significant contributions to the prediction of administrators' effectiveness in motivational leadership role performance while locus of control did not. Based on these findings, it was recommended among other things that personality test should be used as a tool for appointment of school administrators. | Effectiveness; Leadership; Locus of control; Personality; Roles; Self-concept; Self-efficacy; Self-esteem | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946069888 | Evaluation of Sodium Carboxymethyl Starch obtained from Ipomoea Batatas | Achor M., Oyeniyi J.Y., Gwarzo M.S., Zayyanu A. | 2015 | Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science | 5 | 10 | 10.7324/JAPS.2015.501022 | Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria | Achor, M., Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Oyeniyi, J.Y., Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Gwarzo, M.S., Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Zayyanu, A., Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria | The study sought to evaluate the functional properties of sodium carboxymethyl starch obtained from Ipomoea batatas, in order to facilitate their exploitation as substitute excipients for the local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The sodium carboxymethyl starch was produced by reacting native starch with sodium hydroxide and sodium monochloroacetate in various proportions and reaction time at constant temperature. Subsequently, the starches were obtained by wet separation techniques. Physicochemical properties and proximate analysis were carried out in order to determine their suitability for pharmaceutical use. Differences in the physicochemical properties, proximate composition, and functional properties of sodium carboxymethyl starches and native Ipomoea batatas starch were significant. Optimum degree of substitution and reaction efficiency of 0.52 and 1.92% were achieved when sodium hydroxide and sodium monochloroacetate in a ratio 1.5 and 2.0 Mole per anhydrous glucose unite respectively in 6 hrs was used. Generally, the carboxymethyl starches had higher bulk density, tapped density, true density, hydration and swelling capacity as compared to the native starch. © 2015 Mohammed Achor et al. | Ipomoea batatas; Sodium carboxymethyl starch; Sodium monochloroacetate | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955417672 | The impact of parenthood and birth order on the academic achievement of pupils in Abeokuta South Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria | Edun T., Oguntola S. | 2011 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 20 | 4 | None | Department of Educational, Foundations and Management Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria; Department of Sociological Studies, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Nigeria | Edun, T., Department of Educational, Foundations and Management Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria; Oguntola, S., Department of Sociological Studies, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Nigeria | The study sought to determine the impact of parenthood and birth order on the academic achievement of primary school pupils in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. The sample consisted of 250 primary six pupils selected through a stratified random sampling technique from five primary schools in the Local Government Area. Data were collected through a Demographic Questionnaire and an Achievement Test. Descriptive Statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to analyse collected data. Findings revealed that there was no significant difference in the academic achievement of pupils with both parents, single parents and no parents (Fc2,228= 1.135, P>0.05), just as there was no significant difference in the academic achievement of 'first borns' 'middle borns' and 'last borns' (Fc2,229= 1.715, P>0.05). The findings were consistent with similar findings in Africa and developing nations generally that school factors were far more important than family factors in determining school achievement. The implications of these findings for the school and the family, and the interventions required were discussed. | Academic achievement; Birth order; Parenthood; Primary school pupils | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938868848 | Reading habits among students and its effect on academic performance: A study of students of Koforidua Polytechnic | Owusu-Acheaw M., Larson A.G. | 2014 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2014 | 1 | None | Koforidua Polytechnic, Koforidua, Ghana; University of Education, Winneba, Ghana | Owusu-Acheaw, M., Koforidua Polytechnic, Koforidua, Ghana; Larson, A.G., University of Education, Winneba, Ghana | The study sought to assess the reading habits among students and their effects on their academic performance. The study was conducted in Koforidua Polytechnic situated in the Eastern Region of Ghana. A questionnaire was used for the data collection. The data collected were analyzed quantitatively with the use of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Figures and tables were used to present the results of findings. From the total of 1052 copies of questionnaire distributed, 1000 copies, representing 95.0% were filled and returned. The findings showed that majority of the respondents acknowledge the importance of reading, 81.9% of the respondents neither read novel nor fiction within the last two semesters while 62.0% of the respondents only read for the purpose of passing examination. The study confirmed that reading habit has influence on academic performance and there is a relationship between reading habit and academic performance. The study recommended among others that lecturers should be advised to stop providing handouts to students but rather encourage them to use the library for research and also, the current system of assessing students should be given a second thought with respect to the formulae of assessment. | Academic libraries; Academic performance; Reading interest; Students; Tertiary institution | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959697143 | Relationship between regulation and performance of Nigerian commercial banks | Okezie A.C., Tella S., Akingunola R. | 2011 | European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences | None | 33 | None | Department of Banking and Finance, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State Nigeria P. O. Box 6241, Shomolu, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Economics, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State Nigeria P. O. Box 1166, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun Stat | Okezie, A.C., Department of Banking and Finance, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State Nigeria P. O. Box 6241, Shomolu, Lagos, Nigeria; Tella, S., Department of Economics, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State Nigeria P. O. Box 1166, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria; Akingunola, R., Department of Banking and Finance, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, P.M.B 2002, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria | The study set out to find the relationship between commercial banks' regulation and their performance, using the period 1986 - 2004. Granger Causality test, OLS regression analysis and charting, were applied to regulation, measured by the quotient of the number of banks and the number of on-site examination and performance measured by the reciprocal of the number of distressed banks. For the entire period 1986 - 2004, there was no relationship between banks' performance and regulation. However, for both the periods, 1986-1995 and 1996-2004, the level of banks' performance determined the level of regulation, implying that banking supervision policy was reactive rather than proactive. The study, therefore, endorses the move to shift from the transaction bank supervision method to the risk based approach. © EuroJournals, Inc. 2011. | Bank performance; Regulation; Risk based supervision; Transaction based supervision | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877643218 | China's foreign aid to africa: Socio-economic impact of the tazara aid project on tanzania | Enuka C., Ifeoma O.C. | 2013 | Social Sciences (Pakistan) | 8 | 1 | 10.3923/sscience.2013.34.41 | Department of History and International Studies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria; Department of Economics, Igbariam Campus, Anambra State University, Uli, Nigeria | Enuka, C., Department of History and International Studies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria; Ifeoma, O.C., Department of Economics, Igbariam Campus, Anambra State University, Uli, Nigeria | The study researches Chinese aid relationship with Africa mirrored in the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (Tazara) aid project with a view to analyzing its socio-economic impact on the lives of the people of Tanzania. The idea of a rail link between Tanzania and Zambia dates back to the colonial era. But, the impetus for the actual construction developed in 1965. Appeals for assistance were made to the West but were rejected. China came in when the hope on the West was disappointed. Following President Nyerere's visits and appeals to China in 1967 China agreed to finance the project. The Tazara linked Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia with Dares-Salaam in Tanzania. It was the biggest aid commitment at the time costing about 400 million dollars. The study adopts the inter-dependence theory as its theoretical and analytical framework for the discussion of aid in Chinese relationship with Africa. The findings are that the railway aid project was significant in a number of positive ways and therefore developing to the economy and the state of Tanzania. Among other things, the Chinese involvement in the project demonstrated that despite the ravages of the cultural revolution and the effect that this had on Chinese foreign policy, China remained committed to Africa. By signing the deal on the project at the height of the revolution, China signaled to the continent of Africa of its commitment to her development and liberation from the shackles of imperialism and colonial hang-over. On its completion, the project by its process had transferred technology to Tanzania and left rural lives significantly transformed. © Medwell Journals, 2013. | Foreign policy; Project; Socio-economic | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84952960232 | Efficiency impacts of information and communication technologies in the Nigerian printing and publishing industry | Adeoti J.O., Adeyinka F.M., Ubaru M.O. | 2010 | International Journal of Technological Learning, Innovation and Development | 3 | 3 | 10.1504/IJTLID.2010.036493 | Economic and Technology Development Department, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Oyo Road, Ojoo, P.M.B. 5 UIPO, Ibadan, Nigeria; Technology Development Agency (NITDA), 28 Port Harcourt Crescent, Off Gimbiya Street, Garki Area 11 | Adeoti, J.O., Economic and Technology Development Department, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Oyo Road, Ojoo, P.M.B. 5 UIPO, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adeyinka, F.M., Economic and Technology Development Department, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Oyo Road, Ojoo, P.M.B. 5 UIPO, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ubaru, M.O., Technology Development Agency (NITDA), 28 Port Harcourt Crescent, Off Gimbiya Street, Garki Area 11, Abuja, Nigeria | The study reported in this paper examines the use of ICTs and their efficiency impacts in the Nigerian printing and publishing industry. The findings provide evidence of the diffusion of ICTs in the industry, and regression of technical efficiency scores on firm characteristics and indicators of ICT investment showed that age of firm, age of main production equipment, size of firm and ownership structure have no significant impact on technical efficiency of firms in the research sample. Factors that have significant impact on technical efficiency of firms include physical capital, sales turnover, proportion of workers with higher education, and three aspects of ICT investment (viz., investment in computers, investment in computer software, and investment in e-business facility). The results demonstrate that ICT investments have significant positive impacts on technical efficiency, but firms are however prone to adopting hardware without requisite in-house ICT skills and adequate knowledge of software. Promoting ICT investment should therefore, be accompanied by deliberate efforts to guide firms to acquire ICT skills and software in tandem with investment in ICT hardware. © 2010 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | ICTs; industrial development; information and communication technologies; Nigeria; printing and publishing; technical efficiency | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-61649092578 | Study of heavy metal distribution in soils impacted with crude oil in southern Nigeria | Iwegbue C.M.A., Williams E.S., Isirimah N.O. | 2009 | Soil and Sediment Contamination | 18 | 2 | 10.1080/15320380802545399 | Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria; Department of Crop/Soil Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria | Iwegbue, C.M.A., Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria; Williams, E.S., Department of Crop/Soil Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; Isirimah, N.O., Department of Crop/Soil Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria | The study presents the levels and enrichment factors of heavy metals in soils of southern Nigeria that have received significant impact of crude oil spillage. The results revealed that the concentrations of heavy metals in the examined soils fitted into levels found in agricultural soils except for cadmium. Heavily impacted sites showed elevated levels of heavy metals compared to less impacted sites and background levels. The mean enrichment factors for Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Mn, Ni, and Zn were 37.3, 2.8, 14.4, 14.0, 0.77, 5.4, and 1.27 for topsoil and 37.5, 1.30, 7.81, 1.59, 4.12, and 1.28 for subsoil, respectively. This clearly indicates that there is gradual build-up of heavy metals in these soils as a result of the oil spillage and related anthropogenic activities in this area. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Enrichment factor; Heavy metal; Niger Delta; Oil spillage; Soil contamination | Cadmium; Chromium; Crude petroleum; Lead; Manganese; Manganese compounds; Metals; Soils; Zinc; Agricultural soils; Anthropogenic activities; Background levels; Crude oil; Elevated levels; Enrichment factor; Heavy metals in soils; Metal distributions; Niger Delta; Nigeria; Oil spillage; Significant impacts; Soil contamination; Soil pollution | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862094377 | Determination of traffic load and traffic performance parameters in mobile communication in Nigeria | Osahenvemwen O.A., Emagbetere J. | 2012 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 4 | 11 | None | Department of Elect/Elect Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, AMBROSE Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; Department of Elect/Elect Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Ni | Osahenvemwen, O.A., Department of Elect/Elect Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, AMBROSE Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; Emagbetere, J., Department of Elect/Elect Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | The study presents a determination of traffic load and traffic performance parameters (indicators) in mobile communication network, using Nigeria (Lagos) as a case study. The operation and maintenance unit which is in-built with the mobile communication network was used as a measuring device. The traffic data obtained from the mobile network are; number of complete call, number of calls attempts and service time (calls duration) for the period of one year. These traffic parameters was used to determine the offered traffic, block traffic (loss traffic) and other traffic performance parameters also called Traffic Key Performance Indicator (KPI). They are Calls Completion Rate (CCR), Busy Hour Call Attempt (BHCA), Grade of Service (GOS) and Channels Utilization Percentage (CUP). It was discovered that route 9 and 10 Call Completion Rate (CCR) was not in accordance with Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC, 2008) regulation. The Grade of Service (GOS) of route 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 18 are not in accordance with NCC regulation. Also, the channel utilization percentage is above 60% stated by NCC. These will result in loss of calls or block calls in affected routes. Effort should be made by operators to provide good quality of service (QOS) and monitoring agency (NCC) should ensure that they conform to recommended standard to avoid block calls during the busy hour. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2012. | Arrival rate; Service time; Stochastic process; Traffic intensity; Traffic performance parameters | Arrival rates; Call completion rates; Channel utilization; Grade of service; Key performance indicators; Measuring device; Mobile communication networks; Mobile communications; Nigeria; Operation and maintenance; Service time; Traffic data; Traffic intensity; Traffic loads; Traffic parameters; Traffic performance; Benchmarking; Quality of service; Random processes; Telecommunication networks | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953789602 | 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-s2.0-79959431630 | Impact of HIV/AIDS on the livestock-producing communities of uganda: Case studies of moyo and kashumba sub counties | Lagu C., Mugisha A., Koma L.M.P.K. | 2011 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 23 | 6 | None | Mbarara Zonal Agriculture Research and Development Institute, P.O.Box 389, Mbarara, Uganda; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda | Lagu, C., Mbarara Zonal Agriculture Research and Development Institute, P.O.Box 389, Mbarara, Uganda; Mugisha, A., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Koma, L.M.P.K., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda | The study on the impact of HIV/AIDS on the livestock-producing communities of Uganda was carried out in Kashumba and Moyo sub counties. There was no clear data that supported the impact of HIV/AIDS situation on livestock producing communities as far as labour, decision-making, grazing and watering time and factors that could aggravate HIV/AIDS effects was concerned. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire administration, focus group discussion, observation guides for social phenomena and review of secondary data. The study showed that there was reduction in the availability of labour for grazing and watering livestock in both Moyo (χ2=5.200, p=0.023) and Kashumba (χ2=13.958, p= 0.001); There was shift in decision-making and implementation from household heads who have died to surviving household members. There was significant negative changes in livestock grazing and sale of livestock products, Moyo (p= 0.019), (p=0.017), Kashumba (p= 0.009) and (p=0.041) in households affected by HIV/AIDS compared to those none affected. Furthermore, there was reduction in grazing and watering time for livestock activities, Moyo (p=0.005), Kashumba (p=0.003). It was observed generally, that daily animal source foods reduced drastically in the households affected by the HIV/AIDS.The livestock husbandry practices that could aggravate the effects of HIV/AIDS included; rigours of grazing, spraying without protective wears leading to inhalation of the acaricide fumes, and consumption of drug residues in livestock products leading to drug resistance. The livestock plays a key role in household income and employment. The study recommended that livestock sector should plan ahead and work towards AIDS-competent communities in Uganda. This should enhance frequent community baseline assessment, community action strategies, and integrated plan for informing communities timely and effectively. Social cohesion should be strengthened and nutritional education should be directed to vulnerable groups and masses extensively sensitized on drug withdrawal periods, safe spraying and labour saving practices. | Aids competent communities; HIV/AIDS affected households; Labour | Animalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36749054748 | Economic impact assessment for technology: The case of improved soybean varieties in southwest Nigeria | Ogunsumi L.O., Adegbite A.A., Oyekan P.O. | 2007 | Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics | 108 | 1 | None | Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan, Nigeria | Ogunsumi, L.O., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adegbite, A.A., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan, Nigeria; Oyekan, P.O., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan, Nigeria | The Study on economic impact assessment for the production of improved soybean varieties in Nigeria was carried out in Nigeria using the agronomic data on yield of the nationally coordinated soybean research from two major zones namely the southwest and the middle belt. The study assesses the economic returns due to improved soybean varieties. Primary data were collected with the use of structured and validated questionnaires. A sample of 288 respondents was drawn from four states namely Oyo, Ogun, Kwara and Niger State at 72 respondents per state. Secondary data were collected from Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, (IAR & T), National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Central Bank of Nigeria CBN and Federal Office of Statistics (FOS). An internal rate of return (IRR) of 38 percent was estimated from the stream of netted real social gains at 1985 constant. The return to investment in soybean production technology is attractive and justifies the investments made on the technologies. The policy implication is that there is under-investment in soybean production research. | Economic impact assessment; Improved varieties; Nigeria; Soybean | Glycine max | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857499451 | Impact of land-use patterns on chemical properties of trace elements in soils of rural, semi-urban, and urban zones of the Niger Delta, Nigeria | Iwegbue C.M.A., Nwajei G.E., Eguavoen O.I. | 2012 | Soil and Sediment Contamination | 21 | 1 | 10.1080/15320383.2012.636772 | Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | Iwegbue, C.M.A., Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Nigeria; Nwajei, G.E., Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Nigeria; Eguavoen, O.I., Department of Chemistry, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | The study of the concentrations of Cr, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cu in soils under different land uses in rural, semi-urban, and urban zones in the Niger Delta was carried out with a view to providing information on the effects of the different land uses on the concentrations of trace elements in soils. Our results indicate significant variability in concentrations of these metals in soils under different land uses in rural, semi-urban, and urban zones. The maximum concentrations of metals in the examined soil samples were 707.5 mg.kg -1, 161.0 mg.kg -1, 2.6 mg.kg -1, 59.6 mg.kg -1, 1061.3 mg.kg -1, and 189.2 mg.kg -1 for Cr, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cu, respectively. In the rural zone, the cassava processing mill is a potent source of Ni, Cr, Cu, and Zn while agricultural activities are a source of Cd, and automobile emissions and the use of lead oxide batteries constitute the major sources of Pb. In the urban zone, soils around the wood processing mill showed elevated concentrations of Cu, Cr, Zn, and Ni, while soils around automobile mechanic works and motor parks showed elevated levels of Pb. Elevated Cd concentrations were observed in soils under the following land uses: urban motor park, playground, welding and fabrication sheds, and metallic scrap dump. The contamination/pollution index of metals in the soil follows the order: Ni > Cd > Cr > Zn > Cu > Pb. The multiple pollution index of metals at different sites were greater than 1, indicating that these soils fit into "slight pollution" to "excessive pollution" ranges with significant contributions from Cr, Zn, Cd, Ni, and Cu. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Anthropogenic activities; Contamination/pollution index; Heavy metals; Land uses; Surface soil | Agricultural activities; Anthropogenic activity; Automobile emission; Cd concentrations; Elements in soil; Elevated concentrations; Elevated level; Land-use patterns; Niger Delta; Nigeria; Pollution index; Soil sample; Surface soil; Urban zones; Wood processing; Cadmium; Chemical properties; Copper; Heavy metals; Land use; Lead; Metals; Soils; Zinc; Soil pollution; Manihot esculenta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33747329792 | Evaluation of some nutritional characteristics of Indian almond (Prunus amygdalus) nut | Agunbiade S.O., Olanlokun J.O. | 2006 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 5 | 4 | 10.3923/pjn.2006.316.318 | Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Agunbiade, S.O., Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Olanlokun, J.O., Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | The study of nutritional characteristics of Indian almond (Prunus amygdalus) showed the proximate composition to be: 97.70% dry matter, 11.52±1.10% crude protein, 6.76±0.72% ash, 5.09±0.84% crude fibre, and 21.76±1.20% fat and 54.87±2.80% carbohydrate. The antinutrient composition was found to be 0.25% phytin, 0.07% phytin phosphorus, 0.04% cyanide, 1.82%Tannin. Its fatty acid and mineral contents were 0.65% oleic acid, 0.19% phosphorus, 0.17% potassium, 0.25%magnesium, 245.65ppm sodium, 845.45ppm calcium, 92.12ppm zinc, 70.62ppm iron and 9.21ppm copper. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2006. | Almonds; Antinutrients; Minerals; Proximate composition | calcium; carbohydrate; copper; cyanide; fatty acid; iron; magnesium; mineral; oleic acid; phosphorus; potassium; sodium; tannin; vegetable oil; vegetable protein; zinc; almond; article; chemical analysis; dry weight; food composition; nonhuman; nutrient; nutritional value; plant fiber; prunus amygdalus; Prunus dulcis; Terminalia catappa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900415510 | Relationship between demographic factors and the performance of teacher educators | Sa'adatu S.L. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 15 SPEC.ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n16p9 | FCT College Of Education, Zuba, Abuja, Nigeria | Sa'adatu, S.L., FCT College Of Education, Zuba, Abuja, Nigeria | The study investigates the relationship between demographic factors on the performance of teacher educators in the FCT. Samples were drawn from teacher educators in the FCT, and a population of 111 staff were used. Data collected were statistically analyzed using single percentages and T-test. Result of the study revealed that over all mean rating on performance of teacher educator toward theirs job is low as indicated by the total grand score of 2.906. Significant differences shows an increase in performance on the basis of age group (46-55 years). Working experience (6 years and above) and educational qualification, indicates that staff with Masters/Phd are more active in carrying out their jobs with a mean of 3.039. It was recommended among others that the government should make efforts to listen to teachers need for training as well as adequate provision for physical infrastructures that will facilitate motivation thereby increasing performance. | None | None | 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-s2.0-84938775635 | The impact of inflation on financial sector performance: A case study of sub-saharan africa | Tolulope A.O., Oyeyinka O.L. | 2014 | Indian Journal of Finance | 8 | 1 | None | Economics Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Economics Department, Wesley University of Science and Technology, Ondo State, Nigeria | Tolulope, A.O., Economics Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Oyeyinka, O.L., Economics Department, Wesley University of Science and Technology, Ondo State, Nigeria | The study investigates the impact of inflation on financial sector performance in the sub-Saharan African region. To this end, dynamic panel data was employed, and the cross section covers 45 countries in the region between the period from 1980 - 2011. Three measures of financial sector performance (domestic credit to private sector, liquidity ratio, and market capitalization) were used for the study. Inflation was disaggregated to anticipated and unanticipated inflation, and the results show that both anticipated and unanticipated inflation have a negative effect on the financial sector performance, especially on the activities of the banking sector. The study, therefore, concludes that high inflation rate is inimical to financial sector performance, irrespective of the economy involved, and the government should employ necessary measures to control inflation as a way of improving the performance of the financial sector. | Anticipated inflation; Economic performance; Financial sector; Inflation; Unanticipated inflation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898752140 | The impact of managerial competencies on the performance of immigrant- owned enterprises in South Africa | Fatoki O. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 6 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n6p141 | Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Limpopo Province, South Africa | Fatoki, O., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Limpopo Province, South Africa | The study investigates the impact managerial competencies (specifically owners' education, prior and related experience) on the performance of immigrant owned enterprises in South Africa. The empirical approach consists of data collection through the use of self-administered questionnaire in a survey. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test of independence. The results indicate that there is a relationship between owners' education and performance. Higher level of education (Matric and above) is associated albeit insignificantly with business performance. Business owners with work experience prior to starting business significantly perform better than those without prior experience. Business owners with related experience prior to staring business significantly perform better than those without related experience. Recommendations to improve the level of education and experience of the owners of immigrant entrepreneurs of are suggested. | Immigrant entrepreneurs; Managerial competencies; Performance; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904095035 | The impact of interest rate on bank deposit: Evidence from the Nigerian banking sector | Ojeaga P., Odejimi O. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 16 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n16p232 | Department of Economics, Bergamo University, Bergamo, Italy; Department of Economics, Benin, Nigeria | Ojeaga, P., Department of Economics, Bergamo University, Bergamo, Italy; Odejimi, O., Department of Economics, Benin, Nigeria | The study investigates the effect of interest rates on customer savings behavior in the Nigerian banking sector, after identifying a host of factors that are likely to influence customer confidence in commercial banks such as average income, commercial lending, legal rights strength, central bank monetary policy and total annual commercial bank losses, using quantile regression estimation method, a non parametric estimation process that is based on the premise that the sample median will tend to that of the distribution and addresses issues of heteroscedastic errors and data stringency associated with the data used in the study under question. We find that interest rates were probably increasing bank deposits while income was also found to affect bank deposits in general. | Bank deposits; Bank losses and monetary policy; Income; Interest rates | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904331281 | Impact of Real Exchange Rate on Trade Balance in Nigeria | Igue N.N., Ogunleye T.S. | 2014 | African Development Review | 26 | 2 | 10.1111/1467-8268.12086 | Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria | Igue, N.N., Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria; Ogunleye, T.S., Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria | The study investigated whether the depreciation of exchange rate has a favourable impact on trade balance in Nigeria, based on the Marshall-Lerner (ML) condition. The Johansen method of cointegration and vector error correction methodology (VECM) was employed to investigate the existence of a long-run relationship between trade balance and the specified set of independent variables. The results confirm the satisfaction of the Marshall-Lerner condition in Nigeria, implying that depreciation of the exchange rate has a positive effect on trade balance in the long run. The study also established that a one per cent depreciation in the exchange rate would improve trade balance by 1.16 per cent. In the light of these findings, the study recommends a gradual depreciation of the exchange rate, which should be accompanied with export policy that encourages domestic production of non-oil products for exports. © 2014 African Development Bank. | None | balance of trade; cointegration analysis; error correction; export; real exchange rate; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956311444 | The Impact of poverty on women's psychosocial well-being: Narratives from Zimbabwean migrant women in South Africa | Chireshe R. | 2010 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 20 | 2 | None | Research Champion, Faculty of Education, Walter Sisulu University, Private Bag X1, Mthatha, 5117, South Africa | Chireshe, R., Research Champion, Faculty of Education, Walter Sisulu University, Private Bag X1, Mthatha, 5117, South Africa | The study Investigated the psychosocial Impact poverty has had on Zimbabwean migrant women. The sample comprised 7 female participants (3 professional teachers and 4 Informal traders) who had migrated to South Africa because of poverty. Their age ranged from 16 to 55 years. In-depth interviews were conducted using an interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The migrant women's health and well-being were compromised from poverty related experiences while sojourners. | Impact; Migrant; Poverty; Psychosocial well-being; Women; Zimbabwe | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-63749127277 | Performance evaluation of tillage tines operating under different depths in a sandy clay loam soil | Manuwa S.I. | 2009 | Soil and Tillage Research | 103 | 2 | 10.1016/j.still.2008.12.004 | Department of Agricultural Engineering, The Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Nigeria | Manuwa, S.I., Department of Agricultural Engineering, The Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Nigeria | The study investigated the performance of three model tillage tools (tines). The experimental tillages were made from flat 8 mm plain carbon steel. They were designated T1, T5, and T20, corresponding to tine widths of 1, 5, and 20 cm respectively. Experiments were carried out in a soil bin filled with sandy clay loam soil at average moisture content 11.5% (dry basis) and 600 kPa average cone index. The plastic limit and liquid limit and plasticity index of the soil are 20%, 31% and 11% respectively. Tests were conducted at forward speeds of 0.28, 1.0, and 2.5 m/s. Depths of operation considered were 35, 70, 150, 200 and 250 mm. Draught measurements were made for the different tines and were also calculated using soil mechanics equation. There was reasonable agreement between measured and predicted draught forces. The effects of depth of operation on draught force of the tines were studied and evaluated. It was observed that draught increased at an increasing rate with depth; the relationship was a curvilinear one best fitted by exponential function. The soil disturbance created as a result was also evaluated and reported in this paper. The parameters used to define soil disturbance of a single tine were: ridge-to-ridge distance (RRD), maximum width of soil cut (WFS), maximum width of soil throw (TDW), after furrow depth (df), height of ridge (hr) and rupture distance (f). They all increased as the depth of operation of the tool increased but less proportionately. The critical depth of the tines was also estimated. The results of analysis of variance showed that tool type and operating depth significantly affected draught at 5% level of significance (p < 0.05) and that, there was interaction between the two factors. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Depth; Draught; Soil bin; Soil disturbance; Specific draught; Tines; Velocity | Depth; Draught; Soil disturbance; Specific draught; Tines; Agricultural machinery; Agriculture; Bins; Carbon steel; Clay minerals; Regression analysis; Soil mechanics; Soils; measurement method; performance assessment; sandy clay loam; soil depth; tillage | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960096813 | The performance of library staffs in reference works in selected institutions in Ibadan | Fabunmi S.O. | 2010 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 41 | 2 | None | Department of Library, Archival and Information Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Fabunmi, S.O., Department of Library, Archival and Information Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The study investigated the performance of the work skill of reference services staffs of the selected institutions in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. It was conducted ex post facto using the descriptive survey research design. The purposive sampling technique was adopted for the selection of three libraries in the state. These are Kenneth Dike Library, The Polytechnic Library and the NISER library. Thirty-six (36) reference staffs were selected using the stratified random sampling technique. While two hundred and forty-five of the reference section users were selected using the availability sampling technique; the researcher administered copies of the questionnaire personally. It involved seeking for permission and explaining the purpose of the study to respondents. The whole exercise lasted about two weeks. Frequency and percentages were the main statistics used for the analysis of data. The study established that references services constitute an important aspect of librarianship and the library staffs performed their reference services effectively. There are no standards in terms of reference services offered in all the libraries and it is recommended that there should be standards. © 2010 EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. | Librarian work skills; Performance of reference services; Reference services; Reference work | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864538166 | School types, facilities and academic performance of students in senior secondary schools in Ondo State, Nigeria | Alimi O.S., Ehinola G.B., Alabi F.O. | 2012 | International Education Studies | 5 | 3 | 10.5539/ies.v5n3p44 | Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria | Alimi, O.S., Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria; Ehinola, G.B., Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria; Alabi, F.O., Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria | The study investigated the influence of school types and facilities on students' academic performance in Ondo State. It was designed to find out whether facilities and students' academic performance are related in private and public secondary schools respectively. Descriptive survey design was used. Proportionate random sampling technique was used to select 50 schools in Ondo state. Two set of research instruments named School Facility Descriptive and Students Academic Performance Questionnaire (SFDAPQ) for principals; and School Facility Descriptive Questionnaire (SFDQ) for the teachers were used for the study. T- test was used to analyze the data. All hypotheses were tested at a significant level of 0.05. The study revealed a significant difference in facilities available in public and private schools in Ondo State. It however revealed no significant difference in academic performance of students in the two types of secondary schools. Suggestions for the procurement of more facilities in public secondary schools were made in order to enhance students' academic performance. | Measure of effectiveness; Physical facilities; School types; Social wastage; Students performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910091599 | Impact of outdoor educational activities on pupils’ environmental knowledge and attitude in selected primary schools in Ibadan, Nigeria | Adu E.O., Olatundun S.A., Oshati T. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 23 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p1393 | University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Oyo State Secretariat, P.O.BOX 21656 U.I.P.O Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Federal Productivity Centre, Oyo State Federal Secretariat, Ibadan, Nigeria | Adu, E.O., University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Olatundun, S.A., Oyo State Secretariat, P.O.BOX 21656 U.I.P.O Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Oshati, T., Federal Productivity Centre, Oyo State Federal Secretariat, Ibadan, Nigeria | The study investigated the impact of outdoor educational activities and the interaction effect of location of pupils’ residence and gender on pupils’ knowledge of, and attitude, to selected environmental issues and problems. Treatment had significant main effect on pupils’ environmental knowledge (F (1,471) = 137.37; p<0.05) and attitude to environmental issues and problems (F (1,471) = 23.35; p<0.05). Pupils exposed to outdoor educational activities performed better in knowledge (X=19.59; SD = 1.78) and attitude (X=26.61; SD =.30) than their counterparts in the control group. Location of pupils’ residence had no significant effect on their knowledge and attitude. Pupils from the indigenous areas obtained higher environmental knowledge (X=17.89; SD=7.6 E-02) than those from planned areas (X= 17.67; SD = -.1424) and pupils from the planned areas had higher environmental attitude score (X=26.39; SD = 8.3E – 02) than their counterparts from the indigenous areas (X=26.26; SD = -4.4 E-02). Gender was found to have significant main effect on pupils’ environmental knowledge (F (1,471) = 27.45; p<0.05) and attitude (F (1,471) = 17.18; p<0.05). Female pupils performed better (X=18.58; SD =.77) than their male counterparts (X=17.22; SD= -.59) in environmental knowledge. Similarly, females performed better in environmental attitude (X=26.52; SD =0.21) than their male counterparts (X=26.15; SD = -0.16). Outdoor educational activities with discussion proved more effective at improving pupils’ knowledge and attitude of environmental issues and problems. © 2014 Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Environmental attitude; Environmental education; Environmental knowledge; Nigeria; Outdoor educational activities; Primary schools | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84882949048 | Impact of Guinea Worm Disease on the socio-economic well-being of a rural community in Oke-Gun areas of Oyo State, Nigeria | Mojoyinola J.K., Blinkhorn F.A. | 2013 | International Journal of Health Promotion and Education | 51 | 4 | 10.1080/14635240.2013.782629 | Department of Social Work, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, P.O. Box 23021, Ibadan, Nigeria; Discipline of Oral Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia | Mojoyinola, J.K., Department of Social Work, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, P.O. Box 23021, Ibadan, Nigeria; Blinkhorn, F.A., Discipline of Oral Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia | The study investigated the impact of Guinea Worm Disease on the lives of people living in rural areas of Nigeria. It examined the nature of Guinea Worm Disease, its severity and effect on the economic and social well-being of people living in the rural community of the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State, Nigeria. One hundred and forty-eight infected persons in four local government areas completed the Guinea Worm Disease Severity Questionnaire and the Socio-economic Well-being Questionnaire. The study established that there was a significant impact of severity of Guinea Worm infection on both the economic well-being (p < 0.0.05) and the social well-being of infected people (p < 0.05). It is recommended that health care providers (nurses, social workers, environmental officers, etc.) provide support in the form of identification and management of the needs of each infected person; in addition, they have a vital health promotion role to educate the local community of the dangers of drinking unclean water. © 2013 Institute of Health Promotion and Education. | Guinea Worm Disease; public health; rural community; socio-economic well-being | adult; article; disease severity; dracunculiasis; female; fluid intake; government; health care need; health care personnel; health promotion; human; major clinical study; male; Nigeria; questionnaire; rural population; social status; wellbeing | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247346043 | Effect of feeding different grain sources on the growth performance and body composition of tilapia, (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings fed in outdoor hapas | Solomon S.G., Tiamiyu L.O., Agaba U.J. | 2007 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 6 | 3 | None | Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | Solomon, S.G., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Tiamiyu, L.O., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Agaba, U.J., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | The study investigated the growth performance and body composition of tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L) fingerlings (4.70g ± 0.09) fed Isonitrogenous and Isoenergetic diet of 25% crude protein containing different grain sources (maize, wheat, rice, sorghum and millet) designated DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4 and DT5 respectively. The study lasted for 56 days. Fish fed a diet containing maize gave the highest mean weight gain (MWG) of 6.05g; highest specific growth rate (SGR) of 1.47; best food conversion ratio (FCR) of 3.31 and the best Protein efficiency ratio (PER) of 0.93. Fish fed diet containing rice gave the poorest MWG of 4.70g and the poorest SGR, FCR and PER values. However, there is no significant difference in the values of SGR, FCR, PER and ANPU recorded for the five diets (P > 0.05). There was a difference in MWG of Fish Fed Diet 1 (Maize compared to the fish fed Rice and Millet (P<0.05). The maize diet produced fish with higher ether extract and Crude Protein in the body than fish fed the other grains. The difference in ether extract and crude protein among the five diets was however not significantly different (P>0.05). It can be concluded that cereal grains inclusion in the diet of Tilapia up to 57.90% can be effectively utilized by the fish with maize being the best followed closely by sorghum while rice remain the poorest in terms of growth response and nutrient utilization. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2007. | Cereal grains; Fingerlings; Tilapia | animal food; aquaculture; article; body composition; cereal; energy consumption; fish; food intake; grain; growth rate; maize; millet; nonhuman; nutrient content; nutritional support; protein intake; rice; sorghum; Tilapia; weight gain; wheat; Oreochromis niloticus; Tilapia; Triticum aestivum; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-45749116610 | "I have undergone some metamorphosis!" The impact of REds on South African educators affected by the HIV/Aids pandemic. A pilot study | Theron L.C. | 2008 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 18 | 1 | None | North-West University, South Africa; School of Educational Sciences, Vaal Triangle Faculty, P. O. Box 1174, Vanderbijlpark 1900, South Africa | Theron, L.C., North-West University, South Africa, School of Educational Sciences, Vaal Triangle Faculty, P. O. Box 1174, Vanderbijlpark 1900, South Africa | The study investigated the efficacy of Resilient Educators (REds), a group intervention program, designed to empower educators affected by the HIV/Aids pandemic and is research in progress. Fifteen participants (three male; twelve female) from various primary schools in two different South African communities were involved. Participant ages ranged from early thirties to mid-fifties. A pre-test, post-test design was conducted. Visual data were collected in the form of symbolic drawings: participants drew symbols of their perception of the pandemic and explained the meaning of their chosen symbols either in writing or verbally. A qualitative comparison of these visual data suggested transformed perception and concomitant teacher empowerment. Prior to participation in REds, participants projected vulnerability. Following their participation, participant projections suggested self-empowerment and community mindedness. Participants perceived themselves capable of coping with the challenges of the pandemic. Copyright © 2008 Journal of Psychology in Africa. | Coping; HIV/AIDS; Perception; Resilience; Symbolic drawings; Visual data | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896332310 | Effects of nutrient density and photoperiod on the performance and abdominal fat of broilers | Oyedeji J.O., Atteh J.O. | 2005 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 4 | 3 | 10.3923/ijps.2005.149.152 | Department of Agriculture, Benson Idahosa University, P. M. B. 1100, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production,University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | Oyedeji, J.O., Department of Agriculture, Benson Idahosa University, P. M. B. 1100, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Atteh, J.O., Department of Animal Production,University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | The study investigated the effects of photoperiod and nutrient density on the performance and abdominal fat of broilers. Treatments consisted of a factorial arrangement of two diets containing 3200kcal/kg ME and 23% Protein and 2800kcal/kg ME and 18% Protein administered to broilers under either 12hour light per day, 8hour light per day or 6 hour light per day for 8 weeks. Results at market age showed that no significant interactions existed between nutrient density and photoperiod for feed intake, body weight gain and feed gain ratio (P > 0.05, P > 0.01). Also no significant interactions existed between factors for protein retention, fat utilization, available fibre, abdominal fat and cost to benefit ratio (P > 0.05, P > 0.01). Broilers subjected to low nutrient density diets experienced reduction in body weight gain and poorer feed to gain ratio (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was significant reduction in feed intake and abdominal fat of broilers exposed to only 6 hours of light per day as against the usual 12 hours of light per day (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). It was concluded that no meaningful interactions existed between nutrient density and photoperiod with respect to broilers performance. However, reducing photoperiod to 6 hours per day could be used as a tool for reducing abdominal fat hence, reducing sudden death syndrome and upgrading carcass quality of broilers. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2005. | Abdominal fat; Feed gain ratio; Feed intake; Nutrient density; Photoperiod; Weight gain | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956973323 | Effects of aloe vera as leaf protein concentrate on growth performance of cockerels | Odo B.I., Ekenyem B.U., Nwamo A.C. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 5 | None | Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Evan Enwerem University, Owerri, Nigeria | Odo, B.I., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria; Ekenyem, B.U., Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Evan Enwerem University, Owerri, Nigeria; Nwamo, A.C., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria | The study investigated the effects of Aloe vera as leaf protein concentrate for cockerels. It was conducted with 72 - day old cockerels which at 3 weeks of age were randomly allotted to 3 dietary treatments of 24 birds each with 3 replicates per treatment. The rations were standard commercial feed 0% (TO, 5% (J2) and 10% (T3) inclusion levels of Aloe vera respectively. The design of the experiment was a completely randomized design and the birds were fed for 42 days with their respective experimental diets. Records were kept on feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and mortality trend to the end of the experiment. Results showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) in weight gain and feed conversion ratio within treatment but no significant difference (p>0.05) on feed intake. Highest overall profit was obtained from the T2 group. The inclusion of Aloe vera at 5% level supports feed absorption and growth in cockerels. This can therefore be used as a good leaf protein concentrate in cockerel nutrition for improved productivity and therefore, profitability. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Aloe vera; Cockerels; Growth performance; Leaf protein | Aloe vera; Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58849134329 | Long-term impacts of pasture irrigation with treated sewage effluent on shallow groundwater quality | Gwenzi W., Munondo R. | 2008 | Water Science and Technology | 58 | 12 | 10.2166/wst.2008.583 | Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, School of Earth and Geographical Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley 6009, Perth, WA, Australia; Department of Biological Sciences, Tropical Resources Ecology Program, University of Zimbabwe, P. O Box MP167, Mt Pleasant Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, Po Box MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Gwenzi, W., Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, School of Earth and Geographical Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley 6009, Perth, WA, Australia, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, Po Box MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Munondo, R., Department of Biological Sciences, Tropical Resources Ecology Program, University of Zimbabwe, P. O Box MP167, Mt Pleasant Harare, Zimbabwe | The study investigated the effects of 26 years of effluent irrigation on chemical and bacteriological quality of shallow (<3.0m) groundwater. Annual loading rates for N and P exceeded pasture requirements, while trace metals were either lower or higher than guideline limits. Effluent irrigation removed TN (44-71%), TP (80%), Cr (96%) and coliform bacteria (87-99.9%) while Zn, Cu and Cd removal was negligible probably due to their enhanced mobility. Analysis of groundwater samples from effluent-irrigated and non-irrigated control sites showed that effluent irrigation increased the levels of all measured parameters compared to the control. Average groundwater quality parameters from effluent-irrigated sites compared to the control were: pH (6.1 vs. 5.7), EC (0.71 vs. 0.53d m-1), concentrations (mg L-1) for TP (2.3 vs. 0.3), DP (1.0 VS. 0.1), TN (15.1 VS. 2.5), NH4-N (2.6 VS. 0.5), No3-N (4.1 VS. 1.3), Zn (0.4 VS. 0.05), Cu (0.13 vs. 0.02), Cd (0.05 vs. 0.01) and Cr (0.06 vs. 0.03). Across effluent-irrigated sites, FC and TC were 25 and 288cfu/100ml, respectively, versus nil for the control. Overall, effluent irrigation led to groundwater contamination by N, P, trace metals and coliform bacteria, which could threaten the long-term sustainability of the practice. ©IWA Publishing 2008. | Effluent irrigation; Groundwater; Loading rates; Wastewater | Bacteriological quality; Control sites; Effluent irrigation; Enhanced mobility; Groundwater contamination; Groundwater quality; Guideline limits; Loading rate; Loading rates; Long-term sustainability; Measured parameters; Sewage effluents; Shallow groundwater; Trace metal; Bacteriology; Chromium; Coliform bacteria; Effluents; Groundwater; Groundwater pollution; Hydrogeology; Irrigation; Metal recovery; Sewage; Trace analysis; Trace elements; Wastewater; Wastewater treatment; Water quality; Zinc; Quality control; coliform bacterium; groundwater pollution; irrigation; irrigation system; pasture; sewage; sustainability; trace metal; waste treatment; water quality; Agriculture; Colony Count, Microbial; Enterobacteriaceae; Feces; Fresh Water; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Metals, Heavy; Nitrates; Nitrogen; Phosphates; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; Sewage; Soil; Solubility; Time Factors; Trace Elements; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Water Purification; Water Supply | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-54149083020 | Effect of mathematical games on Nigerian students' performance in mathematics in secondary schools in Port Harcourt Metropolis | Adaramola O.M., Alamina J.I. | 2008 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 20 | 2 | None | Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Adaramola, O.M., Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Alamina, J.I., Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | The study investigated the effect of mathematical games on Nigerian students' performance in mathematics in secondary schools in Port Harcourt.. The design of the study was Pretest, Posttest Control Group Design. A total of one hundred and eighty (180) JSS1 students were involved in the experimental study. This number was made up of Ninety (90) boys and Ninety (90) girls from three schools purposively chosen from the Co-educational Federal schools, State schools and Government Approved Private Schools in Port Harcourt metropolis, for a good representation of the schools. From these schools, subjects were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups i.e 60 students from each school. Two instruments were used in data collection. One was the pretest, which was used to establish the pretest mean scores, standard deviation and variance of the two groups used for study. This formed the basis for comparison with the posttest. The posttest was a parallel or an equivalent test to the pretest, and was used to determine the difference in achievement of students exposed to mathematical games and those not. The two groups were taught at different lesson times in their respective schools. The statistical tools used for the study were Mean, Standard Deviation, Variance, non-independent t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the use of mathematical games was more effective than the use of traditional lecture method in teaching mathematics. From the findings recommendations on how to improve students' performance in mathematics were made. The implications of the findings were also considered. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2008. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886439252 | The effect of dietary inclusion of jatropha curcas kernel meal on growth performance, feed utilization efficiency and survival rate of juvenile nile tilapia | Workagegn K.B., Ababbo E.D., Tossa B.T. | 2013 | Journal of Aquaculture Research and Development | 4 | 5 | 10.4172/2155-9546.1000193 | Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia | Workagegn, K.B., Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Ababbo, E.D., Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Tossa, B.T., Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia | The study investigated the effect of dietary inclusion of different proportion of heat treated and heat untreated Jatropha curcas kernel meal (JCKM) on growth performance, feed utilization efficiency and survival rate of juvenile Nile tilapia. Ten fish with an average body weight of 2.36 g fish-1 were randomly distributed in each experimental aquarium in triplicates, and fed with experimental diets for 65 days. The results revealed that the highest growth performance in terms of final body weight and specific growth rate was observed on the fish fed with heat treated control diet followed by heat untreated control diet and 10% heat treated JCKM with same survival rate. Similarly, the best feed utilization efficiency in terms of feed conversion ratio and feeding efficiency was observed on the fish fed with heat treated control diet followed by 10% heat treated JCKM and heat untreated control diet. All fish fed the above three diets had higher growth performance, feed utilization efficiency and survival rate without significant (P>0.05) variation to each other. However, fish fed with the rest of the experimental diets had significantly (P<0.05) lower. Thus, the inclusion of excess dietary JCKM (above 10% heat treated dietary JCKM and at any level of heat untreated dietary JCKM) depressed growth performance, feed utilization efficiency and survival rate of the fish. This implies that heat treatment has an effect on reduction of some of anti-nutritional factors and toxicants in JCKM. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of heat treated JCKM in fish diet increases growth performance and feed utilization efficiency of the fish without increasing mortality rare, and thus, it is a future promising feed ingredient for fish feed production. © 2013 Workagegn KB, et al. | Alternative feed source; Feed ingredient; Oreochromis niloticus; Performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867769686 | Effect of crayfish waste meal on performance characteristics and nutrient retention of broiler finishers | Asafa A.R., Ologhobo A.D., Adejumo I.O. | 2012 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 11 | 8 | None | Department of Animal Production Technology, Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria | Asafa, A.R., Department of Animal Production Technology, Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos, Nigeria; Ologhobo, A.D., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adejumo, I.O., Department of Animal Science, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria | The study investigated the effect of crayfish waste meal on the performance characteristics and nutrient retention in broiler finisher. 150 one day old chicks were used for the study which lasted for 9 weeks. The result of the study showed that the average dry matter intake ranged from 1918.96 g in broiler chicken fed diet IV (25%FM:75%CWM) to 2141.60g in diet V (100% CWM) chickens. There was no significant differences (p>0.05) between treatment means. Birds fed the control diet (100%FM) recorded the highest gain (787.30 g) followed by those fed diet III (50%FM; 50%CWM) while the least gain (679.00 g) was by diet V (100%CWM) chickens. No significant (p>0.05) difference was observed between the treatment means. The feed conversion ratio was best (2.48) with chickens fed the control diet (100%FM) and progressively decreased with diet V (100%CWM) chickens recording the least (3.19). There was, however, no significant (p>0.05) difference between treatment means. Protein efficiency ratio followed similar trend with the feed conversion ratio. Diet I (100%FM) chickens had the highest value (2.09) followed by diet II (25%FM; 75%CWM) while those fed diet V (100%CWM) was the least (1.64). © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2012. | Broiler; Crayfish waste; Finishers; Meal; Nutrient; Performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-41549099714 | Rumen degradation characteristics of sweet potato foliage and performance by local and crossbred calves fed milk and foliage from three cultivars | Etela I., Larbi A., Bamikole M.A., Ikhatua U.J., Oji U.I. | 2008 | Livestock Science | 115 | 1 | 10.1016/j.livsci.2007.06.004 | Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, University of Port Harcourt, East-West Road, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic; Department of Animal Scien | Etela, I., Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, University of Port Harcourt, East-West Road, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; Larbi, A., International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic; Bamikole, M.A., Department of Animal Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Ikhatua, U.J., Department of Animal Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Oji, U.I., Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | The study investigated rumen dry matter (DM) degradability characteristics in a completely randomized design and the effects of milk, sweet potato foliage (SPF) from three cultivars (A = TIS-87/0087; B = TIS-8164; C = TIS-2532.OP.1.13), dried brewers' grains (DBG) and cottonseed meal (CSM) as supplements to Panicum maximum (Panicum) for pre-weaned calves in randomized complete block designs. Diet 1 = milk + SPF-A foliage + Panicum, Diet 2 = milk + SPF-B foliage + Panicum, Diet 3 = milk + SPF-C foliage + Panicum, and Diet 4 = milk + DBG & CSM + Panicum (as control). Dry matter (130 ± 0.4 to 864 ± 3.9 g kg- 1), ash (54 ± 4.2 to 173 ± 2.8 g kg- 1 DM), OM (827 ± 4.2 to 946 ± 5.7 g kg- 1 DM), N (7.4 ± 0.6 to 38.6 ± 1.4 g kg- 1 DM), and NDF (439 ± 1.4 to 774 ± 8.5 g kg- 1 DM) contents were highly significant (P < 0.01). In Trial I, 16 pre-weaned calves were used over 70 d with milk intake (34.8 ± 4.4 ml kg W- 0.75 d- 1), Panicum DMI (22.3 ± 2.77 g kg W- 0.75 d- 1), total DMI (35.7 ± 2.83 g kg W- 0.75 d- 1), and LWG (198 ± 44.6 g d- 1) not significantly different (P > 0.05). Supplement DMI varied (P < 0.05) from 11.6 g kg W- 0.75 d- 1 in Diet 3 to 16.6 g kg W- 0.75 d- 1 in Diet 4. In Trial II, 16 pre-weaned local and crossbred calves were involved over 77 d with initial age of calves, Panicum intake, metabolic DMI, and LWG similar (P > 0.05) among crosses. Birthweight varied (P < 0.05) from 17.3 kg for N'Dama × Jersey crosses to 21.2 kg for White Fulani × Brown Swiss crosses. Supplement and total DMI ranged (P < 0.05) from 172 to 483 g d- 1 for N'Dama × Jersey crosses to 233 and 674 g d- 1 for non-inseminate or purebred calves, respectively. The LWG in the White Fulani × Brown Swiss and the N'Dama × Jersey calves were respectively 30% and 24% better, though not significantly, than purebred calves. In Trial III, rumen DM degradability characteristics of feeds in three N'Dama steers showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in slowly degradable fraction (b) and rate of degradation of b (c). Soluble fraction (a), 48-h degradation, potential degradability (PD) and effective degradability (ED) varied significantly (P < 0.05) and were lowest in Panicum, but similar for foliage among the three sweet potato cultivars. Panicum fodder showed improvements in degradation characteristics with supplementation. © 2007. | Cultivars; Milk intake; Pre-weaned calves; Rumen degradation characteristics; Sweet potato foliage | Animalia; Dama; Ipomoea batatas; Micropus; Panicum; Panicum maximum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953990181 | Influence of work motivation, leadership effectiveness and time management on employees' performance in some selected industries in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Oluseyi A.S., Hammed T.A. | 2009 | European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences | None | 16 | None | Department of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Guidance and Counselling, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Oluseyi, A.S., Department of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Hammed, T.A., Department of Guidance and Counselling, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The study investigated influence of work motivation, leadership effectiveness and time management on employees' performance in some selected industries in Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria. 300 participants were selected through stratified random sampling from the population of staff of the organizations. The study employed expost facto design; data were collected through Work Motivation Behaviour Profile (α = 0.89), Leadership Behaviour Rating scale (α = 0.88) and Time management Behaviour Inventory (α = 0.90) adapted from Workers' Behaviour Assessment Battery.Three research questions were answered at 0.05 level of significance. The data were analysed using multiple regression statistical method and correlation matrix. The findings revealed that the three independent variables (work motivation, leadership effectiveness and time management) accounts for 27.2% variance in employees' performance (R2 adjusted = 0.272). Each of the independent variables contributed to employees' performance. In terms of magnitude of the contribution, leadership effectiveness was the most potent contributor to employees' performance (β = 0.521, t = 7.11, P < 0.05), followed by work motivation (β = 0.289, t = 5.42, P < 0.05) while time management was the least contributor to employees' performance (β = 0.190, t = 2.43, P < 0.05), Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that employers, human resource managers and other leaders in organizations are encouraged to show greater interest in the welfare of workers to make them more valuable contributors to the success of the organization. © EuroJournals, Inc. 2009. | Employees' performance; Leadership effectiveness; Time management; Work motivation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892595113 | Classroom activities as measure of academic performance of senior secondary school students in core science subjects | Omodara M.F., Kolawole E.B., Oluwatayo J.A. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 1 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n1p209 | Department of Guidance and Counseling, University Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; Institute of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Omodara, M.F., Department of Guidance and Counseling, University Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; Kolawole, E.B., Institute of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Oluwatayo, J.A., Institute of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | The study investigated classroom activities as measure of academic performance of senior secondary school students in core science subjects. Participants were 54 science teachers and 1,620 SS2 students selected from the Schools across the 16 local Government Areas of Ekiti State using purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a 28- item interaction schedule and achievement tests in biology, chemistry and physics constructed and administered by the Ekiti State Ministry of Education. The data collected were analyzed using correlation and regression analyses. The findings revealed that there existed significant relationship between students' participation in class lessons and their academic performance, the relationship between the teachers activities in science lessons and the students' Academic performance was significant, positive and very high. The classroom activities in science lessons accounted for 94.5% of the variability in students' academic performance. | Observation; Participation and academic performance; Science activities | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33744486604 | Environmental impact of agricultural production practices in the savannas of northern Nigeria | Chianu J.N., Tsujii H., Awange J. | 2006 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 4 | 2 | None | TSBF-CIAT, c/o World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), UN Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Bioproduction Science, Faculty of Bioresources, Ishikwa Prefectural University, 1-308 Suematsu, Nonoichicho, Ishikawagun, Ishikawa, 921-8836, Japan; School of Environment and Earth Sciences, Maseno University, P.M.B., Maseno, Kenya | Chianu, J.N., TSBF-CIAT, c/o World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), UN Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya; Tsujii, H., Department of Bioproduction Science, Faculty of Bioresources, Ishikwa Prefectural University, 1-308 Suematsu, Nonoichicho, Ishikawagun, Ishikawa, 921-8836, Japan; Awange, J., School of Environment and Earth Sciences, Maseno University, P.M.B., Maseno, Kenya | The study highlights the salient agricultural production practices that impact on the environment in the savannas of northern Nigeria. Due to population pressure on land and the need to maintain household food supplies farmers have increased their land-use intensity and natural resources extraction practices that degrade the environment. Some agricultural production practices were, however, found to be environmental friendly. The study recommends remedial measures that have to be taken to avert agricultural production practices that predispose farmers to practices and extractive activities that undermine the environment. | Agricultural production practices; Environmental impact; Land-use intensity; Nigeria; Savannas | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858207345 | Performance determinants of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in mathematics of secondary schools in Nyamaiya Division, Kenya | Yara P.O., Catherine W.W. | 2011 | Asian Social Science | 7 | 2 | None | Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda | Yara, P.O., Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda; Catherine, W.W. | The study found the performance determinants of students' performance in mathematics Kenya certificate of secondary education (KCSE) in Nyamaiya division of Kenya. The study employed descriptive survey design of the ex-post facto type with a total student population of 151 and 12 teachers. Four validated research instrument developed for the study were Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT) (r = 0.67), Students Questionnaire (SQ) (r = 0.75), Teachers Questionnaire (TQ) (r = 0.60 and Head teachers Questionnaire (HQ) (r = 0.70). Three research questions were answered. The data was analyzed using multiple regression analysis. There was a positive correlation among the six independent variables and the dependent measure - mathematics performance(R= 0.238; F (6,151)=1.53843; p<0.05). The six variables accounted for 45.6% of the total variance in the independent measure (R 2 = 0.564). Teachers' experience (B=0.972, t=2.080; p<0.05), teachers' qualification (B=0.182, t=2.390; p<0.05), teachers/students' attitude (B=0.215, t= 2.821; p<0.05) and school category (B=0.064, t=0.352; p<0.05) could be used to predict students' academic performance in mathematics. It is therefore recommended that adequate attention should paid to these variables that can predict students' performance by the government and other stakeholders of education in Kenya. | Kenya certificate of education; Performance determinants; Secondary school mathematics; Students performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923091825 | Economic globalization and economic performance dynamics: Some new empirical evidence from Nigeria | Verter N., Osakwe C.N. | 2015 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 6 | 1 | 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n1p87 | Department of Regional and Business Economics, Mendel University in Brno, Nigeria; Management and Economics, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Nigeria | Verter, N., Department of Regional and Business Economics, Mendel University in Brno, Nigeria; Osakwe, C.N., Management and Economics, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Nigeria | The study focuses on the macro-economic impact of leading economic globalization indicators on the Nigerian economy, during the period from 1980 to 2012. The findings from this study lend credence to the FDI-led growth hypothesis in developing economies. Moreover, migrants’ remittances inflow was found to be positively associated with economic performance, albeit in the short-run only. In contrast, the KOF dimension of economic globalization index (ECGI) was found to have an adverse effect on economic performance in the long-run and equally showed proof of a negative relationship in the short-run even though it was statistically insignificant. Similarly, real effective exchange rate and trade openness were found to be statistically insignificant in the short-run and long-run. Policy makers in Nigeria should endeavour to create robust legislation and credible institutional frameworks that would not only encourage more capital flows into the shores of Nigeria, but also would protect the country’s ‘interest’ in the midst of ongoing economic globalization. © 2015 Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences. All rights received. | ARDL approach; Cointegration; Development; Economic growth; FDI | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892552511 | Influence of gender and age on science and non-science students' evaluation of teaching effectiveness of university lecturers | Ogunkola B.J., Akinsola O.S. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p491 | School of Education, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados; Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, Abuja, Nigeria | Ogunkola, B.J., School of Education, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados; Akinsola, O.S., Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, Abuja, Nigeria | The study focused on university students' evaluation of the teaching effectiveness of their lecturers with a view to providing diagnostic feedback to lecturers about the effectiveness of their teaching. A descriptive survey research design was employed in carrying out the study. Moreover, a stratified random sampling technique was used to select fifty second year students from each of the Faculties of Science and Arts of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria. A total of 100 students were eventually asked to evaluate the best lecturer among those teaching them during the semester by rating such lecturer using valid and reliable instrument named University Students' Evaluation of Teaching Effectiveness Scale (USETES). The students rated the lecturers on a five-point scale of very poor, poor, moderate, good and very good. The instrument was made up of forty-six items that were divided into sections of students' interest, classroom organization, and fairness to students, preparation, giving of assignments, assessment/appearance and commitment. Percentages, frequency count and t-test were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that most of the students rated their lecturers above average with respect to sympathy, friendliness, good relationship with students, readiness to assist students, respect for the view of students, good interaction with students and good sense of judgment. However, most students rated the lecturers low on traits such as supervision of projects, regular class attendance and use of instructional materials. The study further found out that there were no significant influence of sex and age of the students on their evaluation of their lecturers' teaching effectiveness in some traits while significant influence of sex and age were recorded in other traits. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949765285 | Education within public management in south africa: A focus on external whole-school evaluation process’ contribution in Mpumalanga province | Mathaba R.S.R., Dorasamy N. | 2015 | Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets and Institutions | 5 | 3CONT1 | None | Department of Education, University of Technology, South Africa; University of Technology, South Africa | Mathaba, R.S.R., Department of Education, University of Technology, South Africa; Dorasamy, N., University of Technology, South Africa | The study focused on the role played by public sector management in South Africa towards the country’s total development and improvement. This article also analyses how through the Whole School Evaluation (WSE) process, the education system in South Africa seeks to ensure that the schooling is effective. This paper examines public management, public administration as well as new public management (NPM). The aim is to illustrate a view of how education fits in the broader public management and how the WSE process assists schooling in South Africa and Mpumalanga in particular. This is to ensure that the schooling is effective and contribute towards service delivery and the country’s overall development and improvement. Furthermore, WSE as a process, is viewed through five of NPM undisputable and debatable characteristics of accountability for performance; performance measurement; performance auditing; policy analysis and evaluation; and strategic planning and management. Public management functions and public management principles are discussed from a point of how the WSE process strives to ensure that it complies with these function and principles, and how this compliance benefit school improvement. This paper came to a number of conclusions regarding education within public management from a WSE perspective. Firstly, education through the external WSE process conforms to this principle of New Public Management in that evaluation is aimed at improving the quality of education. Also, the external WSE, as a process, and education in general, through the NPM principles can be performed within public management. Furthermore, external WSE conforms to public management principles as well as Batho Pele principles. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Batho pele principles; External whole school evaluation; New public management; Public administration; Public management; Public management functions; Public management principles | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919790050 | Comparative evaluation of economic benefits of earthen fish ponds and concrete tanks in aquaculture enterprises in Oyo state, Nigeria [Usporedba procjene ekonomske koristi zemljanih bazena ribnjaka i betonskih spremnika u akvakulturnom poduzetništvu držav | Olaoye O.J., Adegbite D.A., Oluwalana E.O., Vaughan I.O., Odebiyi C.O., Adediji A.P. | 2014 | Ribarstvo, Croatian Journal of Fisheries | 72 | 3 | None | Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. | Olaoye, O.J., Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adegbite, D.A., Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oluwalana, E.O., Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Vaughan, I.O., Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State,, Nigeria; Odebiyi, C.O., Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adediji, A.P., Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | The study focused on the comparative evaluation of economic benefits of earthen fish ponds and concrete tanks in aquaculture enterprises in Ibadan, Oyo state. Primary data were collected with the aid of structured interview schedule, administered through personal interviews and obser- vations to elicit information from 100 fish farmers using purposive and convenience sampling procedure. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive, budgetary and inferential statistics. The study revealed that the mean age, male, married, household size, educated and fish farm- ing experience were 41 years, 83.0%, 87.0%, 5 persons, 96.0% and 8 years, respectively. Earthen fish ponds users earned mean revenue of ₦3,322,189.85 with gross margin of ₦2,188,397.89 while concrete tank users earned ₦2,412,271.08 with gross margin of ₦1,413,299.46. The results showed profitability indices (0.61 and 0.47), Variable Cost ratio (0.35 and 0.30), Benefit Cost Ratio (2.55 and 1.89), Gross ratio (0.40 and 0.54) and Expenses structure ratio (0.13 and 0.23) for both the earthen ponds and concrete fish tanks, respectively. There were significant differences (t = 42.53, p≤0.05) between the profit level of earthen fish ponds and con- crete tanks. Major constraints affecting economic status of the respond- ents were high cost of quality feed, insufficient funds, poaching and poor marketing channel. In conclusion, aquaculture is a more profitable and vi- able business regardless of the culture system. Government should assist the fish farmers by subsidizing feeds cost, granting and monitoring of loan. © The Author(s) 2014. Published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture. All rights reserved. | Comparative evaluation; Concrete tanks; Earthen fish ponds; Economic benefits; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929606563 | Impact of demographic factors on technological orientations of BOP entrepreneurs in Ghana | Acheampong G., Braimah M., Quaye D.M., Buame S.K. | 2014 | International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management | 11 | 6 | 10.1142/S0219877014500370 | University of Ghana, Business School, Legon, Ghana | Acheampong, G., University of Ghana, Business School, Legon, Ghana; Braimah, M., University of Ghana, Business School, Legon, Ghana; Quaye, D.M., University of Ghana, Business School, Legon, Ghana; Buame, S.K., University of Ghana, Business School, Legon, Ghana | The study explores relationship between technological orientations and demographics of bottom of the pyramid (BOP) entrepreneurs in Ghana. The study reviewed literature on the BOP concept. Based on the reviewed literature, hypotheses were developed for testing. Data was collected from 287 micro-entrepreneurs using a structured questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis. The study found some relationships between technology acceptance, connectivity to networks and entrepreneurial demographics. This provides the information necessary for information communications technology (ICT) and technology companies seeking to expand to these new markets as top of the pyramid markets saturate. © 2014 World Scientific Publishing Company. | BOP; Connectivity; Entrepreneurs; Ghana; Networks; Technology acceptance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939137644 | Regional Integration Models and Africa's Growth in the 21st Century: A Fitness Evaluation | Golit P.D., Adamu Y. | 2014 | African Development Review | 26 | S1 | 10.1111/1467-8268.12096 | The Research Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria | Golit, P.D., The Research Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria; Adamu, Y., The Research Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria | The study explores Africa's regional integration models with a view to determining their suitability or otherwise for rapid economic growth. Using annual data spanning 1980-2012, the study employs the Johansen (1998) and the Johansen and Juselius (1990) method of cointegration and Vector Error Correction Mechanism (VECM) to test for the presence of long-run equilibrium relationships among the variables and estimate their static and dynamic coefficients. The study found a significant positive role for infrastructure financing, and human and physical capital accumulation both of which significantly influenced Africa's economic growth. Intra-African trade, though positive and significant, was found to be less effective in inspiring growth compared to the above growth fundamentals. Trade openness and government spending were the only variables discovered to significantly influence Africa's economic growth in both the short and long run. The study concludes that the traditional approach to regional integration may not provide the best alternative for Africa's economic growth. It, thus, recommends the adoption of a mixed policy approach to regional economic integration to foster Africa's economic growth in the 21st century. The contribution of the study lies in its ability to subject Africa's models of regional integration to practical examination using modern approaches. © 2014 African Development Bank. | None | cointegration analysis; economic growth; economic integration; policy approach; regional trade; twenty first century | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870681073 | Residents' perception of socio-economic impacts of tourism in Tafi Atome, Ghana | Mensah C. | 2012 | Asian Social Science | 8 | 15 | 10.5539/ass.v8n15p274 | Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ho Polytechnic, P O Box 217, Ho, Ghana | Mensah, C., Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ho Polytechnic, P O Box 217, Ho, Ghana | The study explored the perception of residents of Tafi Atome on the impact of tourism development in the community. Face-to-face questionnaires were administered to 197 residents aged 18 and above in public places as well as houses in the community via convenience sampling procedure. Generally, results of the study indicate an appreciable consensus between residents that tourism has brought development to the community. Residents find tourism to have contributed to the conservation of Mona monkeys as well as enhancing the image of Tafi Atome. Results of the study indicate inconsistency of socio-demographic variables in explaining variation in residents' perception of tourism impacts. | Ghana; Impacts; Residents' perception; Tafi Atome; Tourism | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955802888 | How does dividend policy affect performance of the firm on Ghana Stock exchange? | Amidu M. | 2007 | Investment Management and Financial Innovations | 4 | 2 | None | University of Ghana Business School, Ghana | Amidu, M., University of Ghana Business School, Ghana | The study examines whether dividend policy influences firm performance in Ghana. The analyses are performed using data derived from the financial statements of listed firms on the GSE during the most recent eight-year period. Ordinary Least Squares model is used to estimate the regression equation. In order to operationalise 'dividend policy'; the study coded: '1' to represent the company has a policy to pay dividend; while '0' to represent the company has a policy not to pay dividends. The results show positive relationships between return on assets, dividend policy, and growth in sales. Surprisingly, study reveals that bigger firms on the GSE perform less with respect to return on assets. The results also reveal negative associations between return on assets and dividend payout ratio, and leverage. The results of the study generally support previous empirical studies. The main value of this study is the identification of how dividend policy affects performance of firms listed on the Ghana Stock exchange. © Mohammed Amidu, 2007. | Dividend policy; Firms; Listed Ghana; Price | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906094429 | Sheep reproductive performance and lamb survivability under mature oil palm | Larbi E., Anim-Okyere S., Danso F., Danso I., Marfo-Ahenkora E. | 2014 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 7 | 23 | None | CSIR-Oil Palm Research Institute, P.O. Box 74, Kade, Ghana; CSIR-Animal Research Institute, P.O. Box AH 20, Achimota, Accra, Ghana | Larbi, E., CSIR-Oil Palm Research Institute, P.O. Box 74, Kade, Ghana; Anim-Okyere, S., CSIR-Oil Palm Research Institute, P.O. Box 74, Kade, Ghana; Danso, F., CSIR-Oil Palm Research Institute, P.O. Box 74, Kade, Ghana; Danso, I., CSIR-Oil Palm Research Institute, P.O. Box 74, Kade, Ghana; Marfo-Ahenkora, E., CSIR-Animal Research Institute, P.O. Box AH 20, Achimota, Accra, Ghana | The study examines the seasonal reproductive performance of sheep reared under oil palm plantation and the subsequent survival of lambs up to weaning age. On-station studies were carried out from 2007 to 2010 at CSIR-Oil Palm Research Institute, Kusi (001.45 W, 0600 N and 150 m above sea level). The average total rainfall is about 1600 mm/annum with average daily maximum temperature of 32±2oC. Sheep productivity (% lambing, litter size per ewe, survival rate, monthly birth and death rates) were the variables measured. An annual average of 58 ewes and 4 lambs were used. Results show that while lambing rate was 98%, lamb survival was 63.84%. This implies that almost two-fifth of yearly reproduction was lost to mortality with significantly large number of lambs dying in August. Though there was high percentage of lambing, this was offset by high mortality of lambs. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2014. | Lamb mortality; Lamb survivability; Oil palm sheep-integration; Sheep productivity | None | CSIR, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84956686472 | MARKETING CAPABILITY, COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES and PERFORMANCE of MICRO and SMALL FAMILY BUSINESSES in GHANA | Agyapong A., Osei H.V., Akomea S.Y. | 2015 | Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship | 20 | 4 | 10.1142/S1084946715500260 | KNUST School of Business, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Agyapong, A., KNUST School of Business, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Osei, H.V., KNUST School of Business, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Akomea, S.Y., KNUST School of Business, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | The study examines the mediating role of competitive strategies (cost leadership and differentiation) in the marketing capability-performance relationship using data from 264 micro and small family firms in Ghana. The bootstrap method for exploring mediating relationships was used to examine the hypotheses. The findings indicate that although differentiation influence performance, cost leadership does not influence performance after controlling for firm age and firm size. However, marketing capability significantly influence performance. The findings further revealed that marketing capabilities do not have any indirect relationship on performance through cost leadership. However, the results indicated that marketing capability influenced firm performance through differentiation strategy. The findings indicate the need to implement both competitive strategy and marketing capability to enhance performance of micro and small family businesses. © 2015 World Scientific Publishing Company. | Businesses; capability; family; performance; strategy | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-76849104470 | Impact of private feed formulation and production as a tool for poverty alleviation among poultry farmers in Ogun state, Nigeria | Oladoja M.A., Olusanya T.P. | 2009 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 8 | 10 | 10.3923/ijps.2009.1006.1010 | Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, College of Agricultural Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Yewa Campus P.M.B. 2002, Ago-lwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria; Teaching and Research Farm, College of Agricultural Sciences, Olabisi Onabanj | Oladoja, M.A., Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, College of Agricultural Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Yewa Campus P.M.B. 2002, Ago-lwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria; Olusanya, T.P., Teaching and Research Farm, College of Agricultural Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Yewa Campus P.M.B. 2002, Ago-lwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria | The study examines the impact of private feed formulation and production as a tool for poverty alleviation among poultry farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of Ninety-four poultry farmers were selected using a multi-stage random sampling technique information was obtained from the respondents through Questionnaires. Most of the farmers were between 31 and 60 years (71.3%) males (78.7%) and married (81.9%). Majority, of them (83%) owned and managed their farms, formally educated and their income, ranges below N25.000.00 and above N50.000.00. 47.9% operates small size farms and 33% operates medium size farms. 63.8% milled their feed privately either on-farm or at commercial milling centres while assurance of feed quality and availability ranked first among perceived impacts recorded. Also, quality of feed ingredients and technical expertise ranked highest amongst constraints of private feed production. Significant relationship was found between farm size (number of birds) and source of feed production as well as constraints to private feed production while a non-significant relationship existed between farm size and impact perceived by the poultry farmers. It is recommended that research institutes in collaboration with extension agencies should conduct training and workshops for poultry farmers to build and increase their capacities, knowledge and skills to actively participate in private feed formulation and production in the study area so that their prolonged stay in the poverty bracket that has become-the burden of majority of the poultry farmers can be a thing of the past. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2009. | Feed formulation production; Impact; Poverty; Poverty alleviation | Aves | 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-s2.0-62249133727 | 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-s2.0-84943816512 | The effects of culture as a start-up factor on business performance | Radipere S. | 2014 | Problems and Perspectives in Management | 12 | 4 | None | South Africa | Radipere, S., South Africa | The study examines relationship between culture and business performance using 500 SMMEs in Gauteng province, South Africa. South Africa's low ranking in terms of global competitiveness is a source of national concern. This means that South Africa has the smallest proportion of entrepreneurs compared with other developing countries. This is a problem in a country where entrepreneurial ventures account for one-third of total employment. There is a need to find out to what extent the entrepreneurial start-up factor (culture) affects the performance of a business. Questionnaire is used to collect data from 500 SMMEs owners. Probability sampling is used to ensure that each member of the SMME population was given a known non-zero chance of selection. Simple random sampling was utilized to identify the respondents. The findings from the survey are modelled through a categorical regression model with business performance as dependent variable. The level of significance of the sixteen variables out of twenty five variables suggests that culture is classified as the strongest predictor of business performance. These findings, depicting the magnitude of the business environment in the study area, clearly confirm the positive impact of culture on business performance. © Simon Radipere, 2014. | Business performance; Cultural dimensions; Culture; SMMEs | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886393238 | Growth performance, haematological indices and some biochemical enzymes of juveniles Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) fed varying levels of moringa oleifera leaf meal diet | Ozovehe B.N. | 2013 | Journal of Aquaculture Research and Development | 4 | 2 | 10.4172/2155-9546.1000166 | University of Ilorin, Ilorin, kwara, Nigeria | Ozovehe, B.N., University of Ilorin, Ilorin, kwara, Nigeria | The study examined the utilization, hematological and biochemical enzymes of Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed varying levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal diets for a period of 8 weeks. Moringa oleifera leaf meal substituted fish meal at 0% (control), 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% in the six different diets. Clarias gariepinus juveniles (mean weight 29.69 ± 0.91 g) were randomly distributed into 18 concrete tanks at 10 fish/tank in triplicate treatments and were fed twice daily at 8.00 hrs-9.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs-18.00 hrs for 8 weeks. The mean weight gained (MWG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) were calculated. The results obtained in the experiment showed that fishes fed with the control diet did not show statistical significant (p>0.05) difference from fishes fed with 10% and 20% M. oleifera leaf meal diet in mean weight gain (MWG), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The haematological parameters results showed that the mean values of packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) and haemoglobin (Hb) were 27.17 ± 1.94%, 2.33 ± 0.38×106 mm-3 and 8.06 ± 0.54 g/100 ml respectively in the fishes in the experiment. These parameters decreased as M. oleifera leaf meal increased in the diet. The serum enzymes: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), in the fishes fed with diet containing 0%, 10% and 20% M. oleifera leaf meal were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The present study showed that M. oleifera leaf meal has good potential for use as fish meal substitute in C. gariepinus diet up to 10% level without compromising growth. The toxicological investigation indicated that at above 20% M. oleifera leaf meal in the diet, the serum enzymes increased suggesting cellular damage. © 2013 Ozovehe BN. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000261313000017 | An Evaluation of an HIV/AIDS Prevention Program in a Nigerian Setting | Ezeokana, Jude Obinna,Madu, Sylvester Ntomchukwu,Nnamdi, Azikiwe,Nnedum, Anthony | 2008 | JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY IN AFRICA | 18 | 3 | None | University of Limpopo, University of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe Univ | "Madu, Sylvester Ntomchukwu: University of Limpopo","Nnamdi, Azikiwe: University of Nigeria", | The study examined the success of a group based behavioural intervention with Nigerian youths aimed at reducing the risk of contracting and spreading HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted illness (STI). Participants were 147 youths (males=75, females=72, age range 5 to 24 years). The study explored the influence of motivational factors (self efficacy), attitudinal factors (perceived personal risk), knowledge (instrumental knowledge of AIDS) and behavioural factors (refusal of high-risk behaviour) in predicting condom use amongst youth participating in a group-based HIV prevention intervention. Findings indicated that the intervention program reliably predicted participants' attitudinal dispositions to high risk heterosexual behaviour. Instrumental knowledge of HIV/AIDS, perceived self-efficacy, perceived personal risk of HIV/AIDS and refusal of risk behaviour were significant predictors of condom use. | HIV/AIDS,INTERVENTION,"Nigeria youth",AIDS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956004029 | Structure, conduct and performance of farm gate marketing of natural rubber in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria | Giroh D.Y., Umar H.Y., Yakub W. | 2010 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 5 | 14 | None | Farming Systems Research and Extension Department, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B 1049, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Soils and Plant Nutrition Division, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B 1049, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | Giroh, D.Y., Farming Systems Research and Extension Department, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B 1049, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Umar, H.Y., Farming Systems Research and Extension Department, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B 1049, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Yakub, W., Soils and Plant Nutrition Division, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B 1049, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | The study examined the structure, conduct and performance of farm gate marketing of natural rubber in Edo and Delta States of Nigeria. Copies of questionnaires were used on 75 randomly selected rubber farmers. Data collected were analyzed using Gini coefficient and budgetary technique. The results indicated that gross margin and net profit were N17,821.31 and N17,278.47 while the gross margin and net profit per farmer were N62,588.47 and N60,682.00 respectively. The marketing margin and efficiency were 44.03 and 122% respectively. Rate of return was also high. The Gini coefficient analysis showed that the market was concentrated (0.256), showing the possibility of non-competitive behaviour and equality in earnings among marketers. ©2010 Academic Journals. | Budgetary technique; Farm gate; Gini coefficient; Marketing; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939506652 | The effects of motivation as a start-up factor on business performance | Radipere S. | 2015 | Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets and Institutions | 5 | 1 | None | Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa | Radipere, S., Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa | The study examined the relationship between entrepreneurial motivation and business performance using 500 SMEs in Gauteng province, South Africa. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 500 SME owners. The findings from the survey were modelled through a categorical regression model with business performance as the dependent variable. The level of significance of eight variables out of the twelve variables suggests that motivation be classified as the strongest predictor of business performance. These findings, depicting the magnitude of the business environment in the study area, clearly confirm the positive impact of motivation on business performance. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Business performance; Entrepreneurship; Motivation; SME | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77949695407 | Students and teachers' perception of the causes of poor academic performance in ogun state secondary schools [Nigeria]: Implications for couselling for national development | Asikhia O.A. | 2010 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 13 | 2 | None | Department of Curriculum Studies and Instruction Michael, Otedola College of Primary Education Noforija-Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria | Asikhia, O.A., Department of Curriculum Studies and Instruction Michael, Otedola College of Primary Education Noforija-Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria | The study examined the perception of students and teachers on the causes of poor academic performance among secondary school students in Ogun State, Nigeria. Subjects for the study were one hundred and thirty-five (135) students and fifty (50) teachers randomly drawn from five secondary schools in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State. Questionnaire was used to collect relevant data for the study. Percentages and chi-square were used to analyse the research questions. Responses of teachers showed that teachers' qualification and students' environment do not influence students' poor performance but teachers' methods of teaching influence poor academic performance. Students' response on the other hand showed that while teachers' qualification and students' environment influence students' poor performance, teachers' method of teaching and learning materials do not. The implications of these findings for secondary school guidance counselors interested in counseling adolescents for good academic performance were discussed. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891378371 | Comparative evaluation of the nutritional and sensory quality of major commercial whole-wheat breads in Nigerian market | Ndife J., Obiegbunna J., Ajayi S. | 2013 | Advance Journal of Food Science and Technology | 5 | 12 | None | Department of Food Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic, Nigeria; Department of Food Science and Tech., Nnamdi Azikiwe University of Tech, Awka, Nigeria | Ndife, J., Department of Food Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic, Nigeria; Obiegbunna, J., Department of Food Science and Tech., Nnamdi Azikiwe University of Tech, Awka, Nigeria; Ajayi, S., Department of Food Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic, Nigeria | The study examined the nutritional, microbial and sensory profile of regularly consumed commercial whole wheat breads in Nigeria in order to offer an insight into the overall quality of these foods. Four major local brands of commercial whole wheat breads (samples A, B, C and D) were evaluated. The normal white bread (sample E) served as control. Results of the physical properties obtained, showed that the white bread (sample E) had higher values for bread volume (2850 cm3), specific volume (4.38 cm3/g), hydration capacity (4.50%) and compressibility (45%) than the whole wheat breads. No trace of bromate was found in all the bread samples. The proximate analyses for the whole wheat bread showed the moisture content to range from (30.64-38.74%), fat (3.5-5.0%), Fibre (2.5-3.5%) higher than in white bread (26.40, 3.0 and 1.20% respectively). While the whole wheat breads had lower levels of protein (5.25-6.48%), carbohydrate (45.74-51.25%) and energy (249-258 Kcal) when compared to white bread of 9.00, 59.40% and 301 Kcal, respectively. The ash and mineral contents of the whole wheat breads were higher than that of white bread. While the viable microbial counts for the whole wheat breads (1.0×102-1.5×102) were lower than in the white bread (3.1×102). Generally, the bread samples were within the regulatory specifications and the whole wheat breads were nutritionally superior to the white bread while the white bread had better overall sensory preference than the whole wheat breads. © 2013 Maxwell Scientific Organization. | Bread; Chemical composition; Mineral; Sensory quality; Whole wheat | Bread; Chemical compositions; Comparative evaluations; Hydration capacity; Sensory preferences; Sensory qualities; Whole wheat; Whole-wheat breads; Chemistry; Food technology; Minerals; Food products | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879725149 | Impact of improved technologies on small-scale soybean production: Empirical evidence from Benue state, Nigeria | Adisa R.S., Balogun K.S. | 2013 | Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences | 50 | 2 | None | Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria | Adisa, R.S., Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Balogun, K.S., Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria | The study examined the impact of improved technologies on the lives of small-scale soybean farmers in Benue State, Nigeria. A total of 160 respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Tobit model and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Findings revealed that 35.6% of the respondents were between 31 and 40 years old, 40.6% had household size of between 6 and 10 members. Majority of the respondents were male, married, and had secondary school education. Tobit analysis revealed that farmers' socioeconomic characteristics which include gender, educational status and farming experience; and farmers' knowledge on soybean innovations were significant factors determining the adoption of improved soybean production technologies. These factors were statistically significant at p=0.05. The adoption of improved soybean technologies has had a clear positive impact on farmers' belief on soybean innovations. The major problems facing farmers in the adoption of improved soybean production technologies according to Kruskal-Wallis ranking were high cost of inputs, problem of labour availability and lack of credit/loan. The results of this study provide a strong case for the promotion of soybean as a solution for malnutrition and a means of poverty alleviation for poor people. | Impact; Improved technologies; Small-scale farmers; Soybean innovation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33644932942 | The impact of HIV/AIDS on land rights: Perspectives from Kenya | Aliber M., Walker C. | 2006 | World Development | 34 | 4 | 10.1016/j.worlddev.2005.09.010 | Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa; University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Aliber, M., Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa; Walker, C., University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | The study examined the impact of HIV/AIDS on land tenure in rural Kenya. The study found fewer examples of dispossession of widows' and orphans' land rights than had been anticipated in light of the existing literature and anecdotal accounts, and some evidence that Kenya's statutory tenure system, notwithstanding its problems, can protect vulnerable individuals from tenure loss. This is not to diminish the social and economic costs of HIV/AIDS, but to caution against focusing on HIV/AIDS as the major threat to tenure security. Where HIV/AIDS does aggravate tenure insecurity, it is due to the conjunction of population pressure, stigmatization, and gendered power relations. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Africa; AIDS; Kenya; Land tenure | health and disease; human immunodeficiency virus; land use; medical geography; Africa; East Africa; Kenya; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892747490 | Assessment of the impact of foreign aid on economic growth: Evidence From 26 HIPC Sub-Sahara African countries | Phiri Y., Tchereni B.H.M. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 13 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n13p201 | Reserve Bank of Malawi, Malawi; Regenesys Business School, South Africa | Phiri, Y., Reserve Bank of Malawi, Malawi; Tchereni, B.H.M., Regenesys Business School, South Africa | The study examined the impact of foreign aid on economic growth using a sample of 26 HIPC countries from the Sub-Saharan Africa over the period 1980 to 2006. Using Random Effects method, the results show that firstly the initial level of income, investment, growth in labour force, government size, debt service and aid intensity are the main determinants of growth in SSA. Secondly the study finds evidence of a direct positive impact of aid intensity on economic growth being significantly different from zero. However, this direct impact does not compare favourably with the impact exerted by investment and government size on economic growth. Thus while the findings support moves by the G8 to double aid to developing countries including Africa, the need for Africa to industrialize remains a necessary precondition for the growth impact of aid to be meaningful. | Economic growth; Fixed effects; Foreign aid; HIPC | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649784363 | Impact of emotional reactions on patients' recovery from physical illness: Implications for the medical social workers | Mojoyinola J.K. | 2010 | Studies on Ethno-Medicine | 4 | 2 | None | Department of Social Work, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Mojoyinola, J.K., Department of Social Work, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The study examined the impact of emotional reactions on recovery of patients from physical illness. It also examined their implications for the medical social workers.The study was carried out among 147 physicallyill patients in six selected government-owned hospitals in Oyo State, Nigeria. A single questionnaire tagged Emotional Reactions and Recovery Assessment Questionnaire (ERARAQ) was developed and used for the study. Two hypotheses were formulated and tested; using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study established that happiness has significant impact on recovery from physical illness (F = 11.589, df = 1/146, p <.05). It also established that anxiety and depression have significant impacts on recovery from physical illness (F = 3.796, df = 1/146, p <. 05). These findings have many useful implications for the medical social workers in Nigeria and in other parts of the world. Hence, it was recommended that the medical social workers have to give adequate attentions to the psycho-social needs of the patients. They have to assist the poor and helpless patients to overcome their financial, emotional, social and material problems in order to experience rapid recovery. © Kamla-Raj 2010. | Emotional Reactions; Medical Social Workers; Nurse; Patient; Physical Illness; Recovery | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892591804 | The impact of level of education of pregnant women on nutritional adherence | Bada F.O., Falana B.A. | 2012 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 3 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2012.v3n3p335 | Department of Guidance and Counselling, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Bada, F.O., Department of Guidance and Counselling, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Falana, B.A., Department of Guidance and Counselling, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | The study examined the impact of educational level of pregnant women on their adherence to nutrition recommendation in Ado-Ekiti local government area of Ekiti state. The study investigated the Impact of education, the knowledge, the social status, socioeconomic and socio-cultural factors on adherence to nutrition among pregnant women in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The research design for the study was descriptive in nature and survey approach was adopted for the entire population. The population consisted of the literate and illiterate pregnant women of child bearing ages selected through purposive random sampling technique in five hospitals in Ado-Ekiti local Government. A sample of 100 respondents was randomly selected using purposive and stratified random sampling technique. A questionnaire tilled "Education and nutrition of pregnant women in Ekiti State "was used for collecting data. To ensure the validity of the instrument copies of the instrument were given to health care practitioners and nutrition specialists in the hospitals that are not part of the sample and the Department of Health and Human kinetics Ekiti State University. They ensured face and content validities of the instrument. A reliability coefficient of 0.74 was obtained using test retest reliability. This was found significant at 0.05 level of significance. The instrument was personally administered in the maternity homes in Ado-Ekiti local Government Area of Ekiti State. The data generated were analysed using descriptive and inferential Statistics. The general question raised was answered using frequency counts and percentages. The hypothesis postulated was tested using Chi-square (x2). The analysis of the data revealed that Education determined to a large extent the nutritional adherence by pregnant women. There are significant relationship between the education level of respondent pregnant women and their nutritional adherence. Based on the findings, the curriculum planners should integrate nutritional counselling to all levels of education in Nigeria schools. The Ekiti State Government and Nigeria Government should have a nutritional guide for would be pregnant women in Ekiti State. | Level of education; Nutritional adherence; Pregnancy | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-35448972889 | The impact of changes in the work environment on the place-identity of academics: An exploratory study | Segalo P. | 2007 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 17 | 42371 | None | University of South Africa, Department of Psychology, P.O. Box 392, Unisa 0003, South Africa | Segalo, P., University of South Africa, Department of Psychology, P.O. Box 392, Unisa 0003, South Africa | The study examined the Impact of changes in the work environment on the construction of place-identity among university academics. Data were collected from five academics at a large distance learning university in South Africa. The Institution was undergoing major structural changes at the time of the study. Unstructured questions were used for the data collection. These data were analysed using content analysis and the results suggested academics construct identities towards their place of work and changes to this place may be perceived as a threat. Copyright © 2007 Journal of Psychology in Africa. | Change; Identity; Physical environment; Place-identity; Workplace | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930402354 | Comparison of artificial neural network and response surface methodology performance on fermentation parameters optimization of bioconversion of cashew apple juice to gluconic acid | Osunkanmibi O.B., Owolabi T.O., Betiku E. | 2015 | International Journal of Food Engineering | 11 | 3 | 10.1515/ijfe-2015-0072 | Biochemical Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Osunkanmibi, O.B., Biochemical Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Owolabi, T.O., Biochemical Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Betiku, E., Biochemical Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | The study examined the impact and interactions of cashew apple juice (CAJ) concentration, pH, NaNO<inf>3</inf> concentration, inoculum size and time on gluconic acid (GA) production in a central composite design (CCD). The fermentation process and parameters involved were modeled and optimized using artificial neural network (ANN) and response surface methodology (RSM). The ANN model established the optimum levels as CAJ of 250 g/l, pH of 4.21, NaNO<inf>3</inf> of 1.51 g/l, inoculum size of 2.87% volume and time of 24.41 h with an actual GA of 249.99 g/l. The optimum levels predicted by RSM model for the five independent variables were CAJ of 249 g/l, pH of 4.6, NaNO<inf>3</inf> of 2.29 g/l, inoculum size of 3.95% volume, and time of 38.9 h with an actual GA of 246.34 g/l. The ANN model was superior to the RSM model in predicting GA production. The study demonstrated that CAJ could serve as the sole carbon source for GA production. © 2015 by De Gruyter 2015. | Cashew apple juice; fermentation; fungi; gluconic acid; modeling; optimization | Carbon; Fruit juices; Fruits; Fungi; Models; Neural networks; Optimization; Surface properties; Cashew apple juice; Central composite designs; Fermentation process; Gluconic acids; Independent variables; Parameters optimization; Response surface methodology; Sole carbon source; Fermentation; Anacardium occidentale; Fungi; Malus x domestica | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70350059886 | Impact of digital revolution on the structure of Nigerian banks | Agboola A.A., Yinusa D.O., Ologunde O.O. | 2009 | Journal of Electronic Commerce in Organizations | 7 | 4 | 10.4018/jeco.2009070103 | Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria; University of Botswana, Botswana | Agboola, A.A., Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria; Yinusa, D.O., University of Botswana, Botswana; Ologunde, O.O., Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria | The study examined the extent to which digital revolution has affected the organizational structure of Nigerian banks. Twenty-five banks were selected for the study in south-western Nigeria. Interview was conducted for middle and top level managers and questionnaire was developed and administered to the other staff using a five-point Likert scale to determine the attitudes and opinions of the staff on the effects of digital revolution on the organizational structure of the banks. The mean was used as an indicator of central tendency for quantitative variables that have frequency distributions in the study. Copyright © 2009, IGI Global. | Digital revolution; E-commerce; ICT; Nigerian banks; Organizational structure | Digital revolution; E-commerce; ICT; Nigerian banks; Organizational structure; Electronic commerce | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863809434 | Effect of teacher's qualification on the performance of senior secondary school physics students: Implication on technology in Nigeria | Owolabi O.T., Adedayo J.O. | 2012 | English Language Teaching | 5 | 6 | 10.5539/elt.v5n6p72 | Department of Curriculum Studies, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Department of Curriculum Studies, Ekiti State University, P.M.B. 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Owolabi, O.T., Department of Curriculum Studies, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Adedayo, J.O., Department of Curriculum Studies, Ekiti State University, P.M.B. 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | The study examined the effect of teacher's qualification on the performance of Senior Secondary School students in Physics. The purpose was to determine whether the status of the teacher has any impact on the performance of the students in Physics. The survey type of descriptive research design was adopted. The sample for the study consisted of 100 Senior Secondary Schools Physics students in Ekiti State and the teachers that prepared and presented the students in each school for 2009/2010 West African School Certificate Examination. The year's result summary for each school was collated with the bio-data of their respective Physics teachers. Four hypotheses were postulated and tested at 0.05 significance level. The data collated were analysed using inferential statistics. The results revealed that students taught by teachers with higher qualifications performed better than those taught by teachers with lower qualifications. It was also showed that students performed better in physics when taught by professional teachers. The result also showed that teacher's gender has no effect on their ability to impact knowledge on the students, much as he/she is a skilled teacher in that field of study. However, the experience of the teacher is significant at impacting the students' academic performance in Physics. Based on the findings, it was recommended that experienced teachers with professional qualifications in higher level should teach Physics at the certificate class. | Effect; Performance; Physics; Qualification; Students; Teacher; Technology | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952876784 | Effects of feed restriction on production and reproductive performance of Rhode Island red pullets | Tesfaye E., Tamir B., Haile A., Dessie T. | 2009 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 4 | 7 | None | Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Tesfaye, E., Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Tamir, B., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; Haile, A., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Dessie, T., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | The study examined the effect of skip a-day feed restriction on Rhode Island red chicken and evaluated the effect in relation to age, body weight, egg quality, weight of reproductive tract and liver at the onset of egg laying. Two hundred 40 day-old chicks with mean body weight of 48.92 ± 1.53 g were randomly distributed to 12 pens each with 20 chicks, representing 4 feeding regimen of T1 (unrestricted, control), T2 (restricted at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of age), T3 (restricted at 35, 42, 49 and 56 days of age) and T4 (restricted at 63, 70, 77 and 84 days of age). Feed restriction was based on skipping a-day once in a week and the next day's feed offer was based on the previous day's feed intake. The average day to lay first egg was significantly longer (P < 0.05) for T3 treatment groups compared with the others. The values were 140.8 ± 0.8, 140.17 ± 2.5, 147 ± 2.2 and 143.83 ± 2.3 days for T1, T2, T3 and T4 groups, respectively. There was also highly significant (P < 0.01) difference in body weight (1305 ± 13.2, 1374.3 ± 23.2, 1352 ± 23.5 and 1429.23 ± 44.5 g for T1, T2, T3 and T4 groups, respectively) and the values were higher for birds restricted at later age of growth. Egg weight at the onset of egg lay for the respective treatments were 42.68 ± 0.72, 42.43 ± 1.91, 47.9 ± 0.87 and 41.88 ± 0.77 g. Pullets of T4 group had significantly (P < 0.01) heavier uterus weight and longer length in absolute term than the control. Except for yolk diameter and shell thickness (P < 0.05), the egg quality parameters considered were not significantly (P > 0.05) different between the treatment groups. The result revealed the conclusion that feed restriction by skip a-day feeding system at T3 resulted in higher egg weight and can be considered as the optimum age for pullet rearing. Additionally, feed restriction at T4 could also be recommended due to heavier uterus weight and longer length in absolute term as these attributes indicate good consistency for the subsequent egg production. © 2009 Academic Journals. | Body weight; Egg quality; Feed restriction; Onset of egg laying; Skip a-day | Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34748856174 | Impact of grazing on forage quality and quantity for ungulates of the Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria | Aremu O.T., Onadeko S.A., Inah E.I. | 2007 | Journal of Applied Sciences | 7 | 13 | None | Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, College of Environmental Resources Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Aremu, O.T., Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Onadeko, S.A., Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, College of Environmental Resources Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Inah, E.I., Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, College of Environmental Resources Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | The study examined the effect of grazing as simulated by clipping on forage quality and quantity in terms of above ground biomass, live, total production and nutrients content of forages utilized by ungulates of Kainji Lake National Park. Three 2.5x2.5 m plots were constructed in the three main vegetation communities in the Park, the plots were in three replicates in each vegetation community. Each plot received separate treatment including medium clipping, heavy clipping and unclipped, average forage biomass production and forage nutrients were measured. The results revealed that higher total annual above ground biomass was recorded in clipped plots which values ranged between 1642 and 2458 g m-2 year-1 when compared to unclipped plots which values ranged between 1.394 and 1.435 g m-2 yeacl-1. Equally, the values of annual total production of clipped and unclipped plots ranged between 250-471 and 210-254 g m-2 year-1 respectively, the values were significantly different at (p = 0.05). It was observed that forages in clipped plots contained higher values of crude protein and fat. Also they contained nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and sodium values above minimum values required by herbivores for body maintenance, pregnancy and lactation. Measures to improve forage quality and quantity in the Park are also discussed. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Clipping; Forage biomass; Grazing; Herbivores; Nutrients quality | Above ground biomass; Biomass productions; Clipping; Crude proteins; Forage quality; Grazing; Herbivores; Vegetation community; Animals; Forestry; Lakes; Nutrients; Biomass | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58149377947 | Corporate governance and firm performance in Africa: A dynamic panel data analysis | Kyereboah-Coleman A. | 2008 | Journal for Studies in Economics and Econometrics | 32 | 2 | None | Department of Banking and Finance, University of Ghana, Business School, Legon, Ghana; University of Stellenbosch, Business School, Cape Town, South Africa | Kyereboah-Coleman, A., Department of Banking and Finance, University of Ghana, Business School, Legon, Ghana, University of Stellenbosch, Business School, Cape Town, South Africa | The study examined the effect of corporate governance on the performance of firms in Africa by using both market and accounting based performance measures. Unique data from 103 firms drawn from Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya covering the five year period 1997-2001 was used and analysis done within the dynamic panel data framework. Results indicate that the direction and the extent of impact of governance is dependent on the performance measure being examined. Specifically, our findings show that large and independent boards enhance firm value and that combining the positions of CEO and board chair has a negative impact on corporate performance. We also find that CEO's tenure in office enhances a firm's profitability whiles board activity intensity affects profitability negatively. The size of audit committees and the frequency of their meetings have positive influence on market based performance measures and that institutional shareholding enhances market valuation of firms. For enhanced performance of corporate entities, we recommend a clear separation of the positions of CEO and board chair and also to maintain relatively independent audit committees. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892580712 | Impact of technical and vocational education on manpower development in South-West Nigeria | Obadara O.E., Oyebolu S.O. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n3p409 | Department of Educational Management, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Tai Solarin College of Education, Omu-Ijebu, Ogun State, Nigeria | Obadara, O.E., Department of Educational Management, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oyebolu, S.O., Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Tai Solarin College of Education, Omu-Ijebu, Ogun State, Nigeria | The study examined the contribution of technical and vocational education to manpower development in south-west Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The sample of 20 industries was drawn, which were typically manufacturing industries in the south-west Nigeria using purposive sampling technique. While a total number of 78, 337 workers were sampled in all the 20 industries for the study. A self-developed checklist titled "Technical and Vocational Education Manpower Development Checklist (TVEMDC)" with a cronbach-alpha reliability coefficient (α = 0.78) was used for data gathering. Descriptive statistic of percentages as well as inferential statistic of Pearson product moment correlation was used for the data analysis. The findings revealed a very low percentage of technical and vocational education graduates employed by the industries in south-west Nigeria, and significant contribution of technical and vocational education to manpower development in south west Nigeria. It is therefore concluded among others that the nation' universities, polytechnics, and colleges should be up and doing in exposing the technical and vocational trainees to new ideas and technologies so as to be relevant in the world of work and integrate more quickly into the global economy, as businesses restructure their supply chain and operations to gain from regional comparative advantages. | Efficiency; Human resource; Self-reliance; Technical and vocational training; World of work | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859531135 | Standard sports facilities as predictor for elite sports performance by Nigerian university students | Jeroh J.E. | 2012 | Journal of Physical Education and Sport | 12 | 1 | None | Department of Physical and Health Education, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria | Jeroh, J.E., Department of Physical and Health Education, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria | The study examined standard sports facilities as predictors for elite sports performance by Nigerian university students. Participants made up of 153 sports officials and 270 students were drawn from nine universities in Southern Nigeria. A validated self-structured 15-item questionnaire with a test-retest reliability co-efficient of 0.09 was the instrument used for data collection. Frequency counts, simple percentages and chi-square (X2) were the descriptive and inferential statistics used to analyze the data obtained at 0.05 level of significance. The computed chi-square value of 30.68 is more than the table value of 7.82 suggesting that availability of standard sport facilities would play a dominant role in elite sports performance by Nigerian university students. It was recommended among others that new generation federal and state-owned universities be encouraged to host NUGA games so as to benefit from facility development opportunities that NUGA games offer host institutions. © JPES. | Elite performance; Interplay; Physical infrastructure; Tax moratorium | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940035974 | The effects of start-up factor (self-efficacy) on business performance | Radipere S. | 2014 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 1CONT7 | None | Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa | Radipere, S., Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa | The study examined relationship between self-efficacy and business performance using 500 SMMEs in Gauteng province, South Africa. Questionnaire was used to collect data from 500 SMMEs owners. The findings from the survey were modelled through a categorical regression model with business performance as dependent variable. The level of significance of the fourteen variables out of eighteen variables suggests that self-efficacy be classified as the strongest predictor of business performance. These findings, depicting the magnitude of the business environment in the study area, clearly confirm the positive impact of self-efficacy on business performance. © 2014, Virtus Interpress, All rights reserved. | Business Performance; Entrepreneur; Self-Efficacy | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941134620 | The effects of business support as a start-up factor on business performance | Radipere S. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 13 | 1CONT1 | None | Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa | Radipere, S., Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa | The study examined relationship between business support and business performance using 500 SMMEs in Gauteng province, South Africa. Questionnaire was used to collect data from 500 SMMEs owners. The findings from the survey were modelled through a categorical regression model with business performance as dependent variable. The level of significance of the four variables out of eight variables suggests that business support be classified as the strongest predictor of business performance. © 2015, Virtus interpress. All rights reserved. | Business performance; Business support; Entrepreneur | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903945381 | Use of job enrichment technique and human resource management performance, among extension managers in North West Province South Africa | Thafe D.R., Oladele O.I. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 15 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n15p11 | Department of Agricultural Extension, North West University, South Africa | Thafe, D.R., Department of Agricultural Extension, North West University, South Africa; Oladele, O.I., Department of Agricultural Extension, North West University, South Africa | The study examined knowledge and utilization of job enrichment techniques among extension managers in North West Province. The population of the study area is extension managers in the North West Province of South Africa. Thirty (30) Extension Managers were sampled randomly from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development database in the four district municipalities of the Province. Data were collected using questionnaires and analysis was done with statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) using frequency counts, percentages and multiple regressions. The findings show that 70% of extension managers are married and mostly are male (66.7%), 86.7% have 1 to 3 children with 63.4% having 1-3 dependents; 33.3% of the respondents were Diploma holders; 30% were Degree holders, 30% had Honours, 6.7% had MSc; 70% are currently studying for higher degree. The most prominently used information sources were advisory leaflets (100%), most managers were not knowledgeable on removal of power of a subordinate improve job satisfaction(80); while the most prominent job enriching techniques used by extension managers was adjustment of performance target (80%). The results further show that there is a significant relationship between the independent variables and the use of job enrichment techniques with F value of 1.83, p < 0.05, R = 0.717. The result further predicted 52 percent of the variation in use of job enrichment techniques and human resource management performance by extension managers. The significant determinants of use of job enrichment techniques and human resource management performance among extension managers in North West Province are age (t = -2.155, p =.046), tenure in profession (t = 2.202, p =.042) and job designation (t = -2.273, p =.036). | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908137311 | Discontinuities effect on drilling condition and performance of selected rocks in Nigeria | Adebayo B., Bello W.A. | 2014 | International Journal of Mining Science and Technology | 24 | 5 | 10.1016/j.ijmst.2014.07.008 | Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Adebayo, B., Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Bello, W.A., Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | The study examined joint discontinuity spacing effect on drilling condition and performance in selected rocks in Ilorin and Ibese areas, Nigeria. Five samples for each rock type (gneiss and limestone) were tested in the laboratory for chemical, physical and mechanical properties. Dip direction and joint spacing were measured using compass clinometers. The chemical composition was determined using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. The results show that gneiss has SiO2 of 61.88% and limestone has CaO content of 52.3%. The average dry density of gneiss and limestone are 2.6 and 2.39 g/cm3, respectively. The uniaxial compressive strength of gneiss and limestone are 195 and 93.83 MPa, respectively. These rocks are classified as strong and moderately strong rock. Gneiss and limestone have mean joint discontinuity spacing of 0.79 and 0.25 m, which classified them as moderate and wide joint spacing respectively. Joint spacing was correlated with specific energy, bit wear and uniaxial compressive using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The regression model has multiple coefficient of correlation of R2 = 0.791 and R2 = 0.995 for gneiss and limestone, respectively. The variation in joint spacing could be attributed to specific energy, bit wear and uniaxial compressive strength which affect drilling condition and performance. Ultimately, as joint spacing gets closer, the drilling velocity increases, drill string will be stable. © 2014 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of China University of Mining & Technology. | Composition; Gneiss; Joint spacing; Limestone; Regression | Limestone; Gneiss; Joint spacing; Nigeria; Regression; Chemical analysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859206874 | Effects of roxazyme G® and maxigrain® on performance, egg quality, cost-benefit and haematological parameters of laying hens fed wheat offal, corn bran and brewery dry grain diets | Ademola S.G., Egbewande O.O., Lawal T.E., Isah A.T., Kuranga S.M. | 2012 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 11 | 1 | None | Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science and Fisheries Mg, Bowen Univer | Ademola, S.G., Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Egbewande, O.O., Department of Animal Science, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria; Lawal, T.E., Department of Animal Science and Fisheries Mg, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria; Isah, A.T., Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Kuranga, S.M., Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | The study examined effects of supplementing Roxazyme G® and Maxigrain® to wheat offal-, corn bran-and brewery dry grain-based diets on the performance, haematological parameters and economy of production in laying hens. Both enzymes were added to these 3 diets at 100 mg/kg, while control group was neither supplemented with Roxazyme G® nor Maxigrain®. The results showed that hens fed Roxazyme G® corn bran diets had the best feed conversion and maximum profit. Maxigrain® also significantly improved hen day production and egg weight of hens fed Brewery Dry Grain (BDG) than those fed Roxazyme G® BDG diet. Laying hens fed BDG diets had the lowest profits. Both enzymes failed to improve the performance and profits of hens fed Wheat Offal (WO) diet. Improvements in Red Blood Cells (RBC) for hens fed both enzyme supplemented diets were observed. Interactive effects of enzyme type and fibre source significantly (p<0.01) influence RBCs, PCV and white blood cells. The study revealed that Roxazyme G® and Maxigrain® should be added to respectively CB-and BDG-diets for improved laying performance. However, these enzymes failed to improve the laying performance of hens fed WO diet. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2012. | Brewery dry grain; Corn bran; Performance; Profit; Wheat offal | Triticum aestivum; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880506856 | Evaluating the performance of small scale maize producers in nigeria: An integrated distance function approach | Aye G.C., Mungatana E.D. | 2013 | Review of Urban and Regional Development Studies | 25 | 2 | 10.1111/rurd.12010 | Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Aye, G.C., Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Mungatana, E.D., Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | The study evaluates the performance of small scale maize producers in Nigeria using stochastic input distance function (SIDF) and variable returns to scale data envelopment analysis (VRS DEA). Further, it examines the determinants of technical efficiency using the double-bounded Tobit regression model. Results show that maize farmers are operating below the frontier. Technical efficiency estimates from SIDF and VRS DEA models are 86.7 percent and 85.5 percent, respectively. The efficiency estimates obtained from the two models are positively and significantly correlated. Given the high correlation between the two models in our analysis, and for individual variance and bias reduction, the efficiency scores from these models for each farmer are further combined into a single index using the principal component analysis (PCA) approach. Technical efficiency from the integrated model is 86.2 percent. Our findings show that maize production could still be raised by improving farm efficiency. Age, education, household size, membership of a farmer group, access to credit, and market were found to be statistically significant in explaining technical efficiency, thus emphasizing the need for policy intervention in improving farm efficiency. © The Applied Regional Science Conference (ARSC)/Wiley. | None | crop production; data envelopment analysis; maize; numerical model; principal component analysis; small scale industry; technical efficiency; Nigeria; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892548336 | External debt management techniques: An evaluation of the debt conversion programme on Nigeria economy | Henry O.A. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 10 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n10p216 | Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Department of Economics, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Nigeria | Henry, O.A., Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Department of Economics, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Nigeria | The study evaluated the various debt conversion programme used by the Federal Government of Nigeria to manage the nation's external debt. It examines the problems and prospects of management techniques with a view to improving on them or possibly suggests new techniques which might be helpful in solving the external debt problem. Therefore, the research is focused on the external debt management techniques in Nigeria, with emphasis on the efforts of the central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the federal ministry of finance (FMF). Generally, the indebtedness of the country becomes a problem when the burden of servicing the debt becomes so heavy and unbearable that it imposes intolerable constraints on the economy and on the development efforts of the authorities. Managing the debt stock without stultifying growth has always has always been the headache of economic planners in Nigeria and other developing countries The pupation of this study constitutes the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF) records and personnel, the sample used is the representative sample. This is because the sample reflects the conditions existing in the population. A total of 20 top management personnel of both the CBN and FMF including 5 top management personnel of the Debt Conversion Committee (DCC) were sampled. In this study, two types of data were collected that is, the secondary data and the primary data. In designing the instrument, care has been taken to ensure its effectiveness, the validity of the research questions were established found reliable at r = 0.82. The result showed that the management of Nigeria's external debt via debt conversion programme is effective(χ2cal 6.545 > χ2tab value of 1.635;df=4; =0.05).Also, the Nigeria's debt conversion programme is realistic. (χ2cal 4.655 > χ2tab 1.635;df=4; =0.05). However, the study revealed that the debt conversion programme is not the final solution to Nigeria's external debt problems. (χ2cal 4.655 > χ2tab 1.635; df=4; =0.05). On the basis of the findings, it is therefore recommended that the debt management should be part of the macroeconomic policies of the month. The nation need not wait until there is a debt crisis before embarking on debt management. Also, accurate information on external debts should be sourced as this aids its efficient management on a day-to-day basis and external borrowing strategies in the planning framework. | Closed system; Commercial debt; Debt conversion; Debt management; Jumbo loan | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44449158880 | Effects of cottonseed cake based diets on performance and egg quality characteristics of layers | Adeyemo G.O., Longe O.G. | 2008 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 7 | 4 | 10.3923/pjn.2008.597.602 | Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Adeyemo, G.O., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Longe, O.G., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | The study evaluated the performance of layers fed on diets in which Cottonseed cake (CSC) replaced Soybean cake (SBC) in five experimental rations such that 0% (control), 15%, 30%, 45% and 60% of CSC replaced SBC. The design of the experiment was completely randomized design (CRD). Chemical analysis was carried out to determine the crude protein (CP) and gossypol contents of CSC. In this experiment, seventy-five 23 week - old layers were fed with experimental layer diets for 12 weeks. Parameters evaluated include hen-day production (HDP), Feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg weight (EW) and haugh units (HU). All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. The determined CP of CSC was 35.11% and its gossypol content was 570g/ton. FCR ranged from 1.6 to 4.9, HDP from 47% to 68%, EW from 47.5 to 62.8 g, and HU from 3.1 to 6.7. Layers on 60% CSC replacement for SBC had higher values for the parameters measured which were not significantly different from the control. CSC can replace up to 60% SBC without adverse effects on performance and egg quality characteristics of laying birds. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2008. | Cottonseed cake; Egg quality; Layers | gossypol; protein; analysis of variance; animal experiment; animal food; article; caloric intake; chemical analysis; chicken; controlled study; cottonseed cake; egg laying; egg production; female; food composition; nonhuman; nutritional value; poultry farming; protein intake; soybean; Aves; Glycine max; Micropus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901946635 | Perception of impact of donor agencies on the socio-economic well-being of fisher folks in Southeast Nigeria [Percepcija utjecaja donatorskih agencija na socioekonomski položaj ribara u jugoistočnoj Nigeriji] | Udoh J.P., Okoko A.C. | 2014 | Ribarstvo, Croatian Journal of Fisheries | 72 | 2 | 10.14798/72.2.714 | Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Environmental Management, University of Uyo, P.M.B. 1017, Uyo - 520001, Nigeria; Fisheries Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria | Udoh, J.P., Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Environmental Management, University of Uyo, P.M.B. 1017, Uyo - 520001, Nigeria; Okoko, A.C., Fisheries Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria | The study evaluated the overall influence of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) fisheries intervention on the socio-economic wellbeing of fisher folks in Akwa Ibom State, southeast Nigeria, using bi-polar and transformed five-point likert scales. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted to select 220 beneficiaries, resident in five IFAD-intervention recipient coastal fishing settlements from five benefiting Local Government Areas in the State. The beneficiaries/respondents were mostly women (63.3%), had at least primary education (39.90%), households of 4-7 members, married (63.36%) and aged between 34 and 55 years (79.80%). The beneficiaries' perception revealed multidimensional aspects of wellbeing; what one respondent considered as important indicator of wellbeing may be different from the other. Results revealed affective and high utilization of IFAD intervention among beneficiaries. The beneficiaries reported high utilization of scarce facilities. This high level of utilization abdicates that the intervention contributed adequately to the socioeconomic wellbeing of respondents. The change in wellbeing of the beneficiaries was short-lived, most of who still lived in poor accommodation (huts = 40.37%) and depend on kerosene lamp (60.55%) for lighting. Over 56.9% of respondents depended on well water as their source of drinking water while 56.40% depended on local chemist shop for healthcare treatment. The study posits that wellbeing has several dimensions; hence, interventions in fisher folk communities should be intensive, broad and multidimensional in approach. It is possible that with repeated research and continual intervention over a ten year period visible socio-economic improvements could be effected. © The Author(s) 2014. Published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture. All rights reserved. | Fisheries development; Livelihood; Poverty; Well-being index | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858303196 | Evaluation of primary education studies programme in colleges of education in Southwest Nigeria | Babalola H.A., Yara P.O. | 2011 | Asian Social Science | 7 | 6 | 10.5539/ass.v7n6p88 | University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda | Babalola, H.A., University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Yara, P.O., Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda | The study evaluated the extent to which the PES programme has achieved the objectives for which it was introduced into the colleges of education in South West Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey using the ex-post-facto type. Purposive sampling technique was used to select seven colleges of education where PES courses are offered in the South West. 1,563 participants comprising of 37 PES lecturers, 737 PES students, 690 primary school teachers and 99 head teachers and assistant head teachers from 60 primary schools were randomly selected from the Southwestern part of Nigeria. Six validated instruments (PESLQ, PESSQ, PSTQ, HTQ, IRTPES, TAS) were used for data collection. Data collected were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, mode, standard deviation, chi-square, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and Multiple Regression analysis. The results revealed that the human and material resources were inadequate. PES lecturers used lecture and assignment methods of teaching very often. PES students obtained a positive multiple correlation (R=.528; P<0.05), (F (3,736)=94.655, P<0.05). PES students had positive attitude to PES programme (β=.486, t=16.804, P>0.05) while primary school teachers' attitude and PES lecturers' attitude made contributions which were not significant to PES programme. Very few primary school teachers improvised instructional materials. Not all the objectives of PES have been achieved in the colleges of education in Southwest Nigeria. It is recommended that more qualified PES lecturers should be employed to teach PES courses and regular in-service training should be organised for them to enhance their productivity. Adequate facilities should be made available for PES courses in the colleges of education. | Attitude and South West Nigeria; Head teachers; Objectives evaluation; PES lecturers; PES students; Primary school teachers | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-74149084703 | Laboratory and field evaluation of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) and Chinaberry (Melia azedarach L.) oils as repellents against Phlebotomus orientalis and P. bergeroti (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Ethiopia | Kebede Y., Gebre-Michael T., Balkew M. | 2010 | Acta Tropica | 113 | 2 | 10.1016/j.actatropica.2009.10.009 | Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Kebede, Y., Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Gebre-Michael, T., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Balkew, M., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | The study evaluated the efficacy of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) and Chinaberry (Melia azedarach L.) seed oils as repellents against laboratory and field populations of some sandflies in Ethiopia. In the laboratory, concentrations of 2% and 5% neem oil in coconut oil tested against Phlebotomus orientalis (vector of visceral leishmaniasis) provided 96.28% (95% CI = 95.60-96.97) protection up to a mean time of 7 h and 20 min and 98.26% (95% CI = 93.46-104. 07) protection up to 9 h, respectively. Similarly, M. azedarach oil at 2% concentration produced 95.13% (95% CI = 90.74-99.52) protection for the same duration (7 h and 20 min), while the 5% oil gave 96.20 (95% CI = 86.98-105.41) protection for 8 h and 20 min against the same species with no significant difference in percentage protection between the two oils at 2% and 5% concentrations. In the field tests with only neem oil (A. indica) against field populations of P. orientalis and P. bergeroti, similar high level of repellencies were recorded with about the same duration of protection. Application of both neem and Chinaberry oils can be safe and low-cost means of personal protection against sandfly bites in endemic areas of Ethiopia, if the community is advised and encouraged to grow the plants abundantly. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Azadirachta indica; Chinaberry; Leishmaniasis; Melia azedarach; Neem; Phlebotomus bergeroti; Phlebotomus orientalis; Plant repellents | coconut oil; insect repellent; vegetable oil; concentration (composition); deciduous tree; fly; laboratory method; leishmaniasis; neem; repellent; article; Azadirachta indica; controlled study; Ethiopia; laboratory test; Melia azedarach; nonhuman; parasite vector; Phlebotomus; Phlebotomus bergeroti; protection; Psychodidae; visceral leishmaniasis; Animals; Azadirachta; Ethiopia; Female; Glycerides; Humans; Insect Bites and Stings; Insect Repellents; Insect Vectors; Leishmaniasis, Visceral; Male; Melia azedarach; Phlebotomus; Plant Oils; Terpenes; Ethiopia; Azadirachta indica; Diptera; Melia azedarach; Phlebotominae; Phlebotomus bergeroti; Phlebotomus orientalis; Psychodidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938337719 | Effect of graded levels of roselle (hibiscus sabdariffa LINN.) calyx extract on performance and carcass characteristic of broiler chickens | Omolade A.-P., Abiola A.A., Grace L.O. | 2015 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 14 | 6 | None | Department of Animal Production, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation IbadanOyo State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of IbadanOyo State, Nigeria | Omolade, A.-P., Department of Animal Production, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation IbadanOyo State, Nigeria; Abiola, A.A., Department of Animal Science, University of IbadanOyo State, Nigeria; Grace, L.O., Department of Animal Science, University of IbadanOyo State, Nigeria | The study evaluated the effect of graded levels of the red variety of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) calyx extract on performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of two hundred Arbor acres broiler birds were used for the study, these were randomly assigned to five treatments, (T<inf>1</inf>, T<inf>2</inf>, T<inf>3</inf>, T<inf>4</inf> and T<inf>5</inf>) which had broiler chicks on water only, 2 g of roselle calyx boiled in 1 L of water for 30 min, 4 g of roselle calyx boiled in 1 L of water for 30 min, 6 g of roselle calyx boiled in 1 L of water for 30 min and 8 g of roselle calyx boiled in 1 L of water for 30 min, respectively. The birds were further randomly sub-divided into four replicates of ten birds each. The birds were given basal diets at both the starter (0-3 weeks) and finisher phases (4-6 weeks). Data obtained were subjected to ANOVA and means separated using the Duncan's New Multiple Range Test. Result showed no significant difference in average daily fluid intake, average daily weight gain, feed intake and FCR of the birds at the starter phase. However, at the finisher phase, there was significant difference (p<0.05) in the values obtained for average daily feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion. Carcass evaluation showed birds in T5 had better breast meat weight and dressing percentage. The extract was not toxic to the birds and can be administered to broiler chickens at a graded level of 8 g of Roselle calyx boiled in 1 L of water for 30 min. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2015. | Carcass characteristics; Fluid intake; Roselle calyx extract; Weight gain | Aves; Gallus gallus; Hibiscus sabdariffa | None |
| WoS | WOS:000259280900015 | The design and evaluation of a hope enhancement programme for adults | Pretorius, Charl,Temane, Michael,Venter, Chris,Wissing, Marie | 2008 | JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY IN AFRICA | 18 | 2 | None | Univ NW | None | The study evaluated the effectiveness of a hope enhancement programme for a group of adults and its impact on general psychological well-being. The intervention programme focused on participants' abilities to set feasible goals, planning ways to reach those goals (pathways) and increase determination and motivation (agency) to reach these goals. The workshop-format programme, consisted of six two-hour sessions conducted over five days. A pre and post-test design included an experimental group (n = 8), control group (n = 8) and 'chat group' (n = 8). Findings indicated that the programme increased hope levels of the experimental group as indicated by the Hope Scale and the Hopefulness Subscale of the Hunter Opinions and Personal Expectations Scale. Well-being also improved as indicated by a significant increase in sense of coherence along with a positive change in satisfaction with life. Recommendations for future research were made. | HOPE,"hope enhancement","programme evaluation","psychological well-being","SATISFACTION WITH LIFE","SENSE OF COHERENCE","COHERENCE SCALE",HAPPINESS,"LIFE SCALE",MENTAL-HEALTH,OPTIMISM,SATISFACTION,SELF-EFFICACY,SENSE,STRENGTH,VALIDATION | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938817732 | Evaluation of Some Quality Attributes of Noodles from Unripe Plantain and Defatted Sesame Flour Blends | Azeez A.T., Adegunwa M.O., Sobukola O.P., Onabanjo O.O., Adebowale A.A. | 2015 | Journal of Culinary Science and Technology | 13 | 4 | 10.1080/15428052.2015.1015670 | Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Hospitality and Tourism, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Federal University of Agri | Azeez, A.T., Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Adegunwa, M.O., Department of Hospitality and Tourism, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Sobukola, O.P., Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Onabanjo, O.O., Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Adebowale, A.A., Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | The study evaluated some quality attributes of extruded noodles from unripe plantain and defatted sesame composite flour. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken design was used to obtain the optimum conditions. Chemical compositions, functional and pasting properties of the blends, as well as proximate, quality attributes and sensory properties of the noodles from the blends were determined. The addition of defatted sesame flour to unripe plantain flour increases protein, ash, and fiber contents, while carbohydrate contents decreased. Water absorption index and bulk density increased while swelling power and dispersibility decreased with sesame flour inclusion. The independent variables significantly affected all the physical properties of the extruded noodles (p < 0.05) except for the expansion ratio. Overall acceptability of the noodles from the composite flour showed that it was slightly acceptable. In conclusion, the process-optimized conditions of the noodles are defatted sesame flour inclusion of 5% at 72°C and screw speed of 83 rpm, which improved the physical and sensory properties of the noodles. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | defatted sesame flour; Extrusion; proximate composition; quality attributes of noodles; unripe plantain flour | Extrusion; Water absorption; defatted sesame flour; Independent variables; Overall acceptability; Proximate compositions; Quality attributes; Response surface methodology; unripe plantain flour; Water absorption index; Quality control; Sesamum indicum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548150699 | Evaluation of poultry egg marketing in South-Western Nigeria | Afolabi J.A. | 2007 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 6 | 5 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | Afolabi, J.A., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | The study evaluated poultry egg marketing in Nigeria. It specifically identified the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, examined the market structure for egg in the study area, determined the profitability of egg marketing and determined the influence of some socio-economic characteristics on the sales revenue of respondents. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 200 egg marketers in the study area and structured questionnaire administered on them. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages were used to analyze the socio-economic characteristics of respondents while Gross margin analysis was employed to determine the profitability of the egg business in the study area. Gini coefficient was used to examine the market structure while production function was used to determine the influence of some factors on the sales revenue of respondents. The result showed that only 10% of the respondents were single while the remaining 90% were married. A literacy level of 70.50% was obtained among these marketers. Analysis also revealed that 67% of these marketers were retailers while only 10% were producer/sellers. The profitability analysis showed that an average marketer earned · 4222.55 as gross margin per month. The Gini coefficient of 0.87692 obtained in this study indicates a high level of inequality in income among the respondents. The result also revealed that the regressors explained about 67.1% in the variability of the regressand. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2007. | Poultry egg marketing; Profitability of egg business; Socio-economic characteristics | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919628210 | An Evaluation of Online Reference Services Through Social Networking Sites in Selected Nigerian University Libraries | Tella A., Oyedokun T.T. | 2014 | Reference Librarian | 55 | 4 | 10.1080/02763877.2014.947889 | University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Tella, A., University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Oyedokun, T.T., University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | The study evaluated online reference services through social networking sites in selected university libraries in Nigeria. A survey approach was adopted to ascertain patrons’ level of awareness, their preferences, and the sources from which they were informed of the existence of the service. Findings revealed that patrons are aware that their university libraries are on social networks but are still not familiar with reference services. Facebook, Twitter, and Ask-a-Librarian were ranked as the most preferred methods for delivering online reference services, and online reference service was indicated as more convenient than traditional desk reference service because communication is available anywhere and anytime with a reference librarian and is easily accessible. © , Published with license by Taylor & Francis. | libraries; Nigeria; online reference services; social media; social networking sites; university libraries | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861854216 | Evaluation of agricultural credit utilization by cooperative farmers in Benue state of Nigeria | Okwoche V.A., Asogwa B.C., Obinne P.C. | 2012 | European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences | None | 47 | None | Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria | Okwoche, V.A., Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Asogwa, B.C., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Obinne, P.C., Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria | The study evaluated agricultural credit utilization by cooperative farmers in Benue State of Nigeria. Data were collected from randomly sampled 130 Agricultural Cooperatives in Benue State using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution and percentages and t-test analysis. The result of study showed that majority of the farmers (41.5%) is within the age bracket of active work and therefore can make meaningful impact in agricultural production when motivated with the needed credit facilities. Furthermore, 88.5% of the respondents source their credits from non-institutional sources. More than 87.7% of the respondents utilized credits accessed for the purpose of Agricultural production. In addition, the study indicated that the loan acquired by the respondents had significant impact on their output and income. Farmer's joined the farmers' cooperative societies mainly for access to credit. It is recommended that the farmers should be adequately motivated with needed credit facilities so as to enhance their agricultural production. Furthermore, formal credit institution should increase the access of farmers to credit facilities as this will go a long way in improving their productivity and welfare. The result of study indicated that high interest rate was the major constraint of the respondents in sourcing agricultural credit. © EuroJournals, Inc. 2012. | Agricultural credit; Cooperative society; Evaluation; Farmers; Utilization | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876133239 | Evaluation of 15 varieties of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) moench to field infestation by flea beetles (Podagrica spp.) | Mohammed I.G., Osipitan A.A., Pitan O.R., Atayese M. | 2013 | African Entomology | 21 | 1 | 10.4001/003.021.0120 | Pest Management Technology Department, Niger State College of Agriculture, Mokwa, Niger State, Nigeria; Department of Crop Protection, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Plant Physiology and Crop Production, Un | Mohammed, I.G., Pest Management Technology Department, Niger State College of Agriculture, Mokwa, Niger State, Nigeria; Osipitan, A.A., Department of Crop Protection, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Pitan, O.R., Department of Crop Protection, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Atayese, M., Department of Plant Physiology and Crop Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | The study evaluated 15 okra varieties to field infestation by flea beetles, Podagrica spp., in the early and late planting seasons of 2009, at the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria (7°15′N 3°25′E), located in a sub-humid zone. The experiment was arranged in a split plot design, with three replicates. The main plot consisted of spraying regime (sprayed and unsprayed) while the sub-plot consisted of 15 okra varieties: V-35, V2-Oyo, V45-2, NH99/28, NH99/DA NH88/1-8-16-2, Enugu1, Osadep:purple Tall, LD88/1-8-5-2, LD88/1-8-16-2, Ola99/13, Ola3 Local, Olak2005, Short Mouth and Dajofolowo1. Lambda-cyhalothrin was sprayed to the appropriate plots weekly. The results showed that in both early and late seasons, sprayed okra had significantly (P < 0.05) lower number of flea beetles, lower leaf damage per plant, lower number of holes per leaf, wider stem girth, higher total plant dry biomass, higher number of pods compared with unsprayed okra. The sprayed okra had significantly (P < 0.05) higher shoot dry biomass, higher root dry weight, higher total plant dry biomass, wider pods and higher pod weight in the early planting season compared with the late season. Varieties with leaf pubescence, namely NH99/DA, V-35 and Dajofolowo1, had the lowest flea beetle population, leaf damage per plant and number of holes per leaf compared to glaborous varieties. Likewise, the okra varieties NH99/28, V-35 and Dajofolowo1 which have thorny pods had no pod damage at all in both early and late planting seasons. LD88/1-8-5-2 had the highest number of pods per plant, whereas okra variety Ola99/13 had significantly (P < 0.05) higher pod weight during early planting. There was no significant difference in okra pods weight in all varieties evaluated in the late planting season. | Abelmoschus esculentus; planting season; Podagrica spp.; spraying regime | Abelmoschus; Abelmoschus esculentus; Alticini; Coleoptera; Podagrica; Siphonaptera (fleas) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892549948 | Effects of animated agricultural science instructional package on attitude and performance of junior secondary school students in south west area, Nigeria | Tayo Abass B., Bimbo A., Ojo O.A. | 2012 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 3 | 1 | 10.5901/mjss.2012.03.01.425 | Department of Educational Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, le-Ife, Nigeria | Tayo Abass, B., Department of Educational Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, le-Ife, Nigeria; Bimbo, A., Department of Educational Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, le-Ife, Nigeria; Ojo, O.A., Department of Educational Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, le-Ife, Nigeria | The study developed a locally-produced Animated Agricultural Science Instructional Package (AASIP). It also examined the effectiveness of the package on students' attitude and performance in Agricultural Science. This was with a view to improving the performance of students in Agricultural Science.The pre-test post-test control group design was employed. The study population consisted of Junior Secondary School (JSS) III students in Ilesa West Local Government Area of Osun State. Two schools were purposively selected based on availability of Agricultural Science teachers. The sample for the study consisted of 160 students selected through simple random sampling technique into experimental and control groups. Students in the experimental group were taught using AASIP while those in the control group were taught using the conventional classroom teaching. The AASIP was developed locally based on animated topics on crop rotation and designed in modules using Macromedia Flash 8.0 and Microsoft PowerPoint 2007. Two research instruments titled Agricultural Science Achievement Test (ASAT) and Students' Attitude Towards Agricultural Science Questionnaire (SATASQ) were used for data collection. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.The results showed that students' attitude towards Agricultural Science was enhanced with the use of the animated instructional package (F = 4.398, p < 0.05). The results further showed that students exposed to the locally-produced AASIP performed significantly better than those exposed to the conventional method (F = 6.082, p < 0.05). The study concluded that the locally produced AASIP was an effective tool for teaching Agricultural Science in secondary schools. | Animated instructional package; Attitude; Instructional package | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79954480944 | 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-s2.0-84903187722 | Impacts of forest management on community assemblage and carbon stock of lianas in a tropical lowland forest, Malaysia | Addo-Fordjour P., Rahmad Z.B., Shahrul A.M.S. | 2014 | Tropical Conservation Science | 7 | 2 | None | School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang Penang, Malaysia; Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana; The Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Penang, Malaysia | Addo-Fordjour, P., School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang Penang, Malaysia, Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana; Rahmad, Z.B., School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang Penang, Malaysia, The Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Penang, Malaysia; Shahrul, A.M.S., School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang Penang, Malaysia, The Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Penang, Malaysia | The study determined the impacts of different forest management regimes on liana community assemblages and carbon stocks in the Bukit Panchor Forest Reserve, Malaysia. Based on time span, two forests treated by the Malayan Uniform System (MUS), but with different time of recovery (19 years old: MUS-19 and 42 years old: MUS-42) were selected for this study. The MUS is a silvicultural treatment involving a single harvest of trees of stipulated diameter (≥ 45 cm), followed by other silvicultural operations such as climber cutting. An untreated forest was added as a control. Lianas with diameter ≥ 2 cm were enumerated in ten 40 × 40 m2 plots within each regime. Liana above-ground carbon stocks were determined using an allometric equation. Observed species richness and Shannon diversity of lianas were significantly lower in the MUS-19 treated forest than in the untreated forest (p<0.05), but the values of these attributes were similar in the MUS-42 treated and untreated forests. Rarefied liana species richness was significantly lower in the two treated forests than in the untreated forest (p<0.05). Liana stem basal area and carbon stock decreased significantly in the MUS-19 treated forest (p<0.05) relative to the untreated forest, whereas the values in the MUS-42 treated forest were similar to those in the untreated forest. In view of the adverse impacts of complete liana cutting on liana diversity, structure and carbon stocks in the treated forests, it is recommended that selective liana cutting be used in controlling lianas. © P. Addo-Fordjour, Z.B. Rahmad and A.M.S Shahrul. | Liana carbon stock; Liana cutting; Liana diversity and community structure; Silvicultural treatments | None | 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-s2.0-84944201025 | The impact of project risk factors on national competitive tendering procurement method in Ghana | Baiden B., Abdul-Razak S., Danku J. | 2015 | International Journal of Procurement Management | 8 | 6 | 10.1504/IJPM.2015.072389 | Department of Building Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana; A and QS Consortium Ltd., P.O. Box 531, Wa, Upper West Region, Ghana | Baiden, B., Department of Building Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana; Abdul-Razak, S., A and QS Consortium Ltd., P.O. Box 531, Wa, Upper West Region, Ghana; Danku, J., Department of Building Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana | The study determined the extent of occurrence and assessed the impact of project risk factors on the choice of national competitive tendering (NCT), the dominant of the six (6) procurement methods used by public entities, in the procurement of works in Ghana. Data for study were collected by means of a questionnaire survey and analysed statistically through the comparisons of means using one-way analysis of variance. Twenty six (26) project risk factors were evaluated and ranked. Financial and design risk factors were found to have the highest impact on works procured through NCT. A public works risk impact matrix revealed that, financial and design risks factors have the high extent - high impact on projects procured through NCT. Economic related risk factors have low extent - high impact of occurrence. Environmental and construction related risks have low extent - low impact on the risk matrix. Copyright © 2015 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Contracts; Ghana; National competitive tendering; NCT; Procurement; Public; Risks; Works | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-35948984184 | Science laboratory environment and academic performance | Aladejana F., Aderibigbe O. | 2007 | Journal of Science Education and Technology | 16 | 6 | 10.1007/s10956-007-9072-4 | Institute of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Special Education and Curriculum Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Aladejana, F., Institute of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Aderibigbe, O., Department of Special Education and Curriculum Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | The study determined how students assess the various components of their science laboratory environment. It also identified how the laboratory environment affects students' learning outcomes. The modified ex-post facto design was used. A sample of 328 randomly selected students was taken from a population of all Senior Secondary School chemistry students in a state in Nigeria. The research instrument, Science Laboratory Environment Inventory (SLEI) designed and validated by Fraser et al. (Sci Educ 77:1-24, 1993) was administered on the selected students. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and Product Moment Correlation. Findings revealed that students could assess the five components (Student cohesiveness, Open-endedness, Integration, Rule clarity, and Material Environment) of the laboratory environment. Student cohesiveness has the highest assessment while material environment has the least. The results also showed that the five components of the science laboratory environment are positively correlated with students' academic performance. The findings are discussed with a view to improving the quality of the laboratory environment, subsequent academic performance in science and ultimately the enrolment and retaining of learners in science. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | Environment; Integration; Material environment; Open-endedness; Rule clarity; Student cohesiveness | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938930442 | Visual evaluation of beef tenderness by using surface structural observations and its relationship to meat colour | Modika K.Y., Frylinck L., Moloto K.W., Strydom P.E., Heinze P.H., Webb E.C. | 2015 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 45 | 3 | 10.4314/sajas.v45i3.4 | Department of Meat Science, Agricultural Research Council-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene, South Africa; Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X2, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa | Modika, K.Y., Department of Meat Science, Agricultural Research Council-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene, South Africa, Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X2, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa; Frylinck, L., Department of Meat Science, Agricultural Research Council-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene, South Africa; Moloto, K.W., Department of Meat Science, Agricultural Research Council-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene, South Africa; Strydom, P.E., Department of Meat Science, Agricultural Research Council-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene, South Africa; Heinze, P.H., Department of Meat Science, Agricultural Research Council-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene, South Africa; Webb, E.C., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X2, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa | The study describes the relationship between visual and instrumental measurements for colour and tenderness between five South African beef breeds: Bos indicus (Brahman), Sanga type (Nguni), British Bos taurus (Angus), European Bos taurus (Charolais) and the composite (Bonsmara). Ten animals per genotype were used (total = 50). The carcasses were split and the right sides were electrically stimulated, while the left sides were not stimulated. Steaks were aged until three days post mortem on polystyrene plates and until 9, 14 and 20 days post mortem in vacuum bags. The steaks were evaluated by visual analysis for colour, marbling, fibre separation, surface texture and structure integrity by a 10-member trained panel. Colour was also measured by the CIE L*, a*, b* system using a Minolta meter, and tenderness was measured by means of Warner-Bratzler shear force. High negative correlations were observed between the visual colour and L* (r =-0.809), b* (r =-0.698) and high positive correlations were observed between the visual colour and hue (r = 0.797). There were also negative correlations between shear force and structure integrity (r =-0.410) and fibre separation (r =-0.401). Very low negative correlations were observed between colour and shear force (r =-0.242). Therefore, although it may be possible to judge meat colour by visual analysis, it does not appear possible to predict tenderness by colour judgment. There is potential for an experienced eye to predict tenderness by observing visual structural properties such as fibre separation and structural integrity. | Meat colour and tenderness; Tenderness prediction; Trained visual panel; Visual analysis | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82555196415 | Impact analysis of narrow loom beat-up mechanism | Raji N.A., Erameh A.A., Ajayi F.O., Kuku R.O. | 2011 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 3 | 9 | None | Mechanical Engineering Department, Igbinedion University, Okada, Nigeria; Mechanical Engineering Department, Lagos State University, Ojo, Nigeria | Raji, N.A., Mechanical Engineering Department, Igbinedion University, Okada, Nigeria; Erameh, A.A., Mechanical Engineering Department, Igbinedion University, Okada, Nigeria; Ajayi, F.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Igbinedion University, Okada, Nigeria; Kuku, R.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Lagos State University, Ojo, Nigeria | The study considers the impulse-momentum method for the analysis of the narrow loom with impulsive force and discontinuous velocities. The system equation of motion is analyzed to determine the main body velocities used for the system variables without introducing rotational coordinates or the turning effect of the system follower on the beater. Discontinuities in the velocity are observed when an impact force results from the beat-up action of the beater on the weft-yarn. Formulation between the velocity jump and displacement is presented for the system response. The impact phenomenon is characterized by the rise in the system velocity resulting from the vibration propagation through the system. The velocity is observed to increase as the system displacement response increases. This is typical of a high speed mechanism of this type mostly used in the textile industry if not controlled. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2011. | Beat-up; Beater; Impact; Impulse; Momentum; Multibody; System | Beat-up; Beater; Impact; Impulse; Multi-body; System; Equations of motion; Looms; Momentum; Textile industry; Textile processing; Velocity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864567452 | Comparing occupational health and safety (OHS) management efforts and performance of nigerian construction contractors | Idoro G.I. | 2011 | Journal of Construction in Developing Countries | 16 | 2 | None | Department of Building, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria | Idoro, G.I., Department of Building, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria | The study compares the management efforts and performance of construction contractors in Nigeria with regard to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). The purpose of the study is to help all categories of construction contractors in Nigeria to improve their management efforts related to OHS. Toward this end, a field survey was conducted with a sample of forty contractors selected via purposive sampling. The scope of operations of the contractors was designated as multinational, national, regional or local. Six OHS management parameters and seven OHS performance parameters were used, and data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using mean and analysis of variance. The results reveal that contractors' OHS-related management efforts are not correlated with the scope of their operations. The OHS performance of the contractors remains the same in terms of six performance indicators but differs in terms of the rate of accidents per worker. The study results also reveal that the accident and injury rates in the Nigerian construction industry are high. Thus, the results reveal the challenges facing Nigerian contractors and other stakeholders working to improve the OHS performance of the industry. The findings indicate the need for effective risk management and regulation and control of OHS in the Nigerian construction industry. © Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2011. | Multinational Contractors; National Contractors; Nigeria; OHS Management Efforts; OHS Performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901200638 | Strategic innovation at the firm level: The impact of strategic management practices on entrepreneurial orientation | Murimbika M., Urban B. | 2014 | International Journal of Innovation Management | 18 | 2 | 10.1142/S1363919614500169 | Graduate School of Business Administration, WBS, University of the Witwatersrand, 2 St. David's Place, Parktown, P. O. Box 98, Johannesburg, 2193, Wits 2050, South Africa | Murimbika, M., Graduate School of Business Administration, WBS, University of the Witwatersrand, 2 St. David's Place, Parktown, P. O. Box 98, Johannesburg, 2193, Wits 2050, South Africa; Urban, B., Graduate School of Business Administration, WBS, University of the Witwatersrand, 2 St. David's Place, Parktown, P. O. Box 98, Johannesburg, 2193, Wits 2050, South Africa | The study combines the research domains of strategic management and corporate innovation by examining the impact of strategic management practices on entrepreneurial orientation (EO). Recognising the importance of internal business processes that enable firm entrepreneurial behaviour, it is hypothesised that higher levels of EO are positively associated with the strategic management practices of (1) locus of planning, (2) scanning intensity, (3) planning flexibility, (4) planning horizon, and (5) strategy and financial control attributes. Empirical testing takes place in an under-researched emerging market context on a sample of 219 financial and business services firms. The results provide support for the positive impact that the different strategic management practices have on EO. A practical consideration is for managers to leverage the strategic management practices so that the firm's position on the conservative-entrepreneurial continuum is increased by its propensity to be innovative, proactive, and be willing to take risks when confronted by uncertainty. © Imperial College Press. | Controls; Entrepreneurial orientation; Planning; Scanning; Strategic management | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892546519 | The politics of youth violence in Rumuekpe and its impact on Rumuekpe community development, 2004-2010 | Wilson G. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 6 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n6p73 | Department of Political Science, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumini, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Wilson, G., Department of Political Science, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumini, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | The study centered on politics of youth violence and its impact on Rumuekpe community development, within the period of 2004 - 2010. Rumuekpe is one of the oil producing communities in Niger Delta region of Nigeria and is noted for their peaceful coexisted and friendly relationship with their guests and neighbours. Suddenly, the communities were thrown into violence due to the inability of the community youth leadership to ensure the accountability of their government and operate all inclusive government, and insincerity in activities of the oil companies operating in Rumuekpe to effectively enforce community development programme in Rumuekpe. The unsatisfactory activities of the youth leadership resulted to agitation by some factions of the youths for a change of the youth leadership, coupled with the ill activities of the oil multinationals, the aggrieved youths were left with no option than to embark on intensive agitation for a change of youth leadership, and community development by oil multinationals. Unfortunately, the agitation graduated to youth violence in Rumuekpe. To that effect, the study is aimed at identifying the causes and effects of the violence on Rumuekpe people and community development. Secondary and primary data were used to achieve the objectives of the study. Our findings proved that the violence was caused by agitation for change in youth leadership and poor activities of Shell in Rumuekpe community. The study showed that the violence had negative impact on Rumuekpe people, community development, oil multinationals and Nigerian state. Based on that, the study made some recommendations on the modalities to avoid future youth violence and achieve community development in Rumuekpe in particular, and Niger Delta Region at large. | And oil multinationals; Community development; Politics; Youth leadership; Youth violence | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880833150 | Impact of cooperative finance on household income generation | Oluyombo O.O. | 2013 | DLSU Business and Economics Review | 23 | 1 | None | Department of Financial Studies, Redeemer's University, Ogun State, Nigeria | Oluyombo, O.O., Department of Financial Studies, Redeemer's University, Ogun State, Nigeria | The study assesses the role played by cooperative societies' loans services on members' economic condition through household income generation in rural areas where there is no bank or other formal financial providers. Using a questionnaire technique, the study covers the activities of cooperative societies located in rural communities and villages outside the state capital and local government headquarters where there is no electricity, water, and tarred road in Ogun State, Nigeria. Data are analysed using chi-square, t-test, ANOVA, and effect size. The study found that participation in a cooperative is associated with increase in household income, while membership duration, house ownership, and marital status are the three variables that contributed significantly to the increase in household income reported by members in addition to the program loan. The result indicates specifically that being a cooperative member for a longer period of time and living in rented houses were significant contributory factors towards increase in household income. However, there was no difference in the number of increase in household income reported based on marital status of the members. The use of cooperative loan increases household income level of the borrowers because the loan serves as additional investment and therefore helps to improve economic position for better living standard of the members. The increase in household income through cooperative loan is a financial capital which supports the social capital theory to explain the role of cooperatives in rural finance at the household level. © 2013 De La Salle University, Philippines. | Cooperative; Economic condition; Household income; Rural finance; Social capital | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34248170244 | The national agricultural land development programme in Nigeria: Impact on farm incomes in Oyo and Osun states | Idowu E.O. | 2006 | Land Reform, Land Settlement and Cooperatives | None | 2 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Idowu, E.O., Department of Agricultural Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | The study assesses the impact of the National Agricultural Land Development Programme on farm incomes in the Oyo and Osun states of Nigeria. In each state, 60 farmers, equally distributed between the participating and non-participating, were randomly selected. The study showed that the programme in these two states achieved less than 2 percent of the targets set for land development and placement of participants during the project life of seven years (i.e. 1992-99), and showed a participant turnover of 76 and 79 percent for Oyo and Osun states, respectively. Similarly, net farm incomes by the farmers (ranging from US$164 to US$267) were grossly inadequate to satisfy the needs of the farmers and their families. The article makes some recommendations to improve the performance of similar projects in the future. These include adequate funding, as well as the provision of rural infrastructure and credit to participants. | None | agricultural development; agricultural land; assessment method; income distribution; Africa; Nigeria; Osun; Oyo; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903965360 | Assessment of the reliability and validity of student-lecturer evaluation questionnaire: A case of North West University | Montshiwa V.T., Moroke N.D. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n14p352 | North West University, South Africa | Montshiwa, V.T., North West University, South Africa; Moroke, N.D., North West University, South Africa | The study assessed the reliability and the validity of student-lecturer evaluation questionnaire used at the North West University in South Africa. The questionnaire was first used during the second semester of the year 2011 and was distributed to all students registered and present for lectures for piloting. This tool has not been tested for statistical significance before it could be implemented. It was however circulated on round robin to academics across the University for their inputs before it could be finalised. A total of 442 questionnaires distributed to students on a particular day of the year 2013 was analysed using Statistical Analysis Software version 9.3. Preliminary data analysis results provided enough evidence to conclude that the selected sample was adequate with the correlation matrix confirming the appropriateness of factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha confirmed that individual and collective constructs in the questionnaire are reliable. Exploratory factor analysis results helped in rearranging the student-lecturer evaluation questionnaire collecting the 26 statements into four factors instead of the original five. The results obtained in this study will be presented to the academic development centre of the university and suggestions based on the findings about the questionnaire will also be given. The tool may also through the permission of the university be recommended to schools in the area. | Cronbach's alpha; Exploratory factor analysis; Reliability; Student lecturer evaluation questionnaire; Validity | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923652968 | Performance of rapid HIV testing by lay counselors in the field during the behavioral and biological surveillance survey among female sex workers and men who have sex with men in Botswana | Mine M., Chishala S., Makhaola K., Tafuma T.A., Bolebantswe J., Merrigan M.B. | 2015 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 68 | 3 | 10.1097/QAI.0000000000000434 | Botswana Harvard Reference Laboratory, National Health Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana; Family Health International 360, Gaborone, Botswana | Mine, M., Botswana Harvard Reference Laboratory, National Health Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana; Chishala, S., Botswana Harvard Reference Laboratory, National Health Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana; Makhaola, K., Botswana Harvard Reference Laboratory, National Health Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana; Tafuma, T.A., Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana; Bolebantswe, J., Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana; Merrigan, M.B., Family Health International 360, Gaborone, Botswana | The study assessed the performance of rapid HIV testing with whole blood using Kehua Bio-engineering HIV (1 + 2) and Uni-Gold HIV test kits by trained and certified lay counselors, offered to female sex workers and men who have sex with men during the 2012 survey fieldwork. The results of rapid HIV testing were compared with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing performed in a parallel algorithm at the HIV Reference Laboratory. The sensitivity and the specificity of rapid HIV testing were high for men who have sex with men and female sex workers, with 98.1% and 100%, and 98.2% and 98.5%, respectively. Misclassifications occurred with rapid testing. Copyright © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. | BBSS; Botswana; FSW; MSM; rapid HIV testing | Human immunodeficiency virus antibody; adult; Article; bioengineering; blood analysis; Botswana; diagnostic error; diagnostic test accuracy study; disease surveillance; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; health care personnel; health survey; HIV rapid test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus 2; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; lay counselor; major clinical study; male; men who have sex with men; priority journal; prostitution; sensitivity and specificity; adolescent; comparative study; cross-sectional study; diagnostic test; evaluation study; HIV Infections; hospital information system; male homosexuality; middle aged; paramedical personnel; procedures; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Allied Health Personnel; Botswana; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Female; HIV Infections; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Point-of-Care Systems; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sex Workers; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924210399 | Performance of some local Nigerian turfgrasses in sole and mixed stands | Oyedeji S., Isichei A.O., Ogunfidodo A. | 2014 | Turkish Journal of Field Crops | 19 | 1 | None | Department of Plant Biology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Botany, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Mathematics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Oyedeji, S., Department of Plant Biology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Isichei, A.O., Department of Botany, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Ogunfidodo, A., Department of Mathematics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | The study assessed the performance of Axonopus compressus, Chysopogon aciculatus, Sporobolus pyramidalis, Eleusine indica and Dactyloctenium aegyptium in turf establishment. The five grass species planted in sole and mixed stands were varied with the legume - Desmodium triflorum. Ground cover differed significantly among grass species and their mixtures from 4 - 11 weeks after planting (WAP) but ground cover in the legume and no legume subplots were not significantly different from 4 – 6 WAP. Eleusine, Axonopus and Dactyloctenium and their mixtures had higher ground cover than those of Sporobolus and Chrysopogon. There were significant differences in ground cover among grasses and mixtures at 3 and 6 weeks after clipping (WAC), and grasslegume subplots and subplots without the legume were different at 3 and 4 WAC. Recovery weeks after trampling was faster in sole stands and mixtures with Axonopus and Eleusine, indicating they are better adapted to trampling. © 2014, Society of Field Crops Science. All Rights Reserved. | Ground cover; Growth rate; Legume; Mixed stands; Trampling-tolerant; Warm-season turfgrasses | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869425858 | The Psychometric Properties of the Amharic Version of the Children's Impact of Traumatic Events Scale-Revised: A Study on Child Sexual Abuse Survivors in Ethiopia | Wondie Y., Zemene W., Reschke K., Schröder H. | 2012 | Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma | 5 | 4 | 10.1080/19361521.2012.728099 | Department of Psychology, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia; University of Leipzig, Germany | Wondie, Y., Department of Psychology, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia, University of Leipzig, Germany; Zemene, W., Department of Psychology, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia; Reschke, K., University of Leipzig, Germany; Schröder, H., University of Leipzig, Germany | The study assessed the internal consistency and construct validity of the Amharic version of the Children's Impact of Traumatic Events Scale-Revised (CITES-R). Data was collected from 318 female children. With few exceptions, the result revealed that the internal consistency and the construct validity of the scale were found to be in the expected directions. The mean alpha value for all the scales was 0.71. Social support and empowerment were significantly correlated with the positive self-worth component of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Moreover, intercorrelations between the PTSD symptoms and abuse attributions demonstrated significant positive associations. In conclusion, the Amharic version of the CITES-R was found to be comparable with the original scale and previous studies that employed this instrument. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | child sexual abuse; children's impacts of traumatic events scale; construct validity; Ethiopia; internal consistency | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907994204 | The impact of irrigation technology on the financial and economic performance of smallholder irrigation in Zimbabwe | Mupaso N., Manzungu E., Mutambara J., Hanyani-Mlambo B. | 2014 | Irrigation and Drainage | 63 | 4 | 10.1002/ird.1820 | Department of Agricultural Economics and Development, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe; Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Mupaso, N., Department of Agricultural Economics and Development, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe; Manzungu, E., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mutambara, J., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Hanyani-Mlambo, B., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | The study assessed the impact of irrigation technology on the financial and economic performance of smallholder irrigation in Zimbabwe. The study was conducted in 2011 in the Hamamavhaire and Mhende irrigation schemes in Chirumanzu District (south-central Zimbabwe). A questionnaire survey was administered to 79 respondents drawn from farmers using sprinkler (n=32), flood (n=39) and drip (n=8) systems. Gross margin analysis, in conjunction with cost-benefit analysis, was used to evaluate the financial and economic performance of farmers. Farmers using the sprinkler system obtained the highest total gross margin per hectare (US$2762), followed by the flood system with returns that were 21% lower (US$2191), while the drip system recorded 50% lower returns (US$1387). Economic analysis indicated the superiority of the flood system (NPV=US$36 699; IRR=42% and BCR=4) compared to sprinkler irrigation (NPV=US$27 813; IRR=38%; BCR=2) and the drip system (NPV=US$25 393; IRR=23%; BCR=2). While the flood system was the most desirable from the financial and economic points of view, because of low operational costs, this could be offset by negative environmental impacts. The study concluded that the choice of one particular irrigation technology over another is a fine balance between efficiencies that can be achieved and the development and operational costs. Irrigation technology alone does not determine financial and economic viability. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Cost-benefit analysis; Economic performance; Irrigation technology; Sensitivity analysis; Smallholder; Zimbabwe | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000305234200008 | The impact of NERICA adoption on productivity and poverty of the small-scale rice farmers in the Gambia | Diagne, Aliou,Dibba, Lamin,Fialor, Simon C.,Nimoh, Fred | 2012 | FOOD SECURITY | 4 | 2 | 10.1007/s12571-012-0180-5 | Africa Rice Ctr AfricaRice, KNUST, Kwame Nkrumah University Science & Technology, NARI | None | The study assessed the causal effects of NERICA adoption on rice yields and income, using country-wide data of 600 rice farmers in The Gambia. To control for differences in socio-demographic and environmental characteristics of adopters and non-adopters and enable a causal interpretation of NERICA adoption on the variables of interest, the study used the counterfactual outcome framework to control for such differences. The results, based on observed sample estimates, showed significant differences in rice yields and income between the NERICA adopters and non-adopters. Further, the results of the framework, based on the Local Average Treatment Effect (LATE) estimates, which allowed a causal interpretation, showed that NERICA adoption significantly increased average rice yields and annual income of small-scale rice farmers by 157 kg per hectare and $148, respectively. | "causal effects",HETEROGENEITY,IMPACT,NERICA,"potential outcomes","THE GAMBIA","AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY",MODELS,PROPENSITY-SCORE,WEST-AFRICA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872222621 | Assessment of teaching performance of student-teachers on teaching practice | Oluwatayo J.A., Adebule S.O. | 2012 | International Education Studies | 5 | 5 | 10.5539/ies.v5n5p109 | Institute of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Oluwatayo, J.A., Institute of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Adebule, S.O., Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | The study assessed teaching performance of 222 student-teachers from the Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University, posted to various secondary schools in Ekiti State for a six-week teaching practice during 2010/2011 academic session. The sample included 119 males, 103 females, 78 (300-Level) and 144 (400-Level) students. Data were collected using Teaching Performance Assessment Form designed by the Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University and analysed using frequency counts, percentages, item-total correlations and t-test comparison, tested at 0.05 level of significance. Results showed satisfactory teaching performance of the student-teachers while gender and previous teaching experience had no significant influence on teaching performance of the student-teachers. It was recommended that supervisors (of teaching practice/raters) should be thoroughly trained on the use of assessment instrument for reliable measurement of student-teachers' teaching performance. | Academic level; Assessment; Gender; Teaching performance; Teaching practice | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897134312 | Perceptions of knowledge management processes, strategies, implementation and impact: Biographical influences | Ngcamu B.S., Parumasur S.B. | 2011 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 8 | 3 E | None | Human Resources and Development, Mangosuthu University of Technology, 37 Dagwood Crescent, Kingsburgh 4126, South Africa; Human Resource Management, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Ngcamu, B.S., Human Resources and Development, Mangosuthu University of Technology, 37 Dagwood Crescent, Kingsburgh 4126, South Africa; Parumasur, S.B., Human Resource Management, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | The study aims to provide recommendations with strategic direction and an improvement as far as knowledge management initiatives are concerned within the Skills Development and Management Services and Organizational Development Units so that they can drive knowledge management to be effective and efficient in its implementation whilst taking cognizance of the biographical correlates. This study seeks to address the bottlenecks as far as knowledge management is concerned by using biographical profiles with the view of promoting the creation and management of knowledge in the municipality concerned. The study reflects that the biographical profiles of employees (age, education, race, job level) influences their perceptions of the current knowledge management processes and strategies and their implementation and impact on effectiveness. The influence of age emphasizes that it is imperative to avoid the decay of employees' knowledge stocks at the individual level by striving to make knowledge, skills and capabilities more valuable, unique and available. The influence of education reinforces the needs to improve the connectivity among all employees. The impact of race adds to the urgency to promote the diversification of the workforce in order to have access to different ideas and skills and, enables the organisation to enhance its competitive edge. The influence of job level demands that knowledge management activities should be cascaded down to the operational level. The combined effect of the biographical variables dictates that organisations need to foster a culture that supports knowledge sharing and must provide salient incentives to recognise and encourage such interactions. | Biographical influences; Corporation; Management strategies | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900563158 | The role of gender and education on small business performance in the South African small enterprise sector | Radipere S., Dhliwayo S. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 9 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n9p104 | Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa; Department of Business Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Radipere, S., Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa; Dhliwayo, S., Department of Business Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | The study aims to find out the extent to which demographic factors influence business performance. This study examined the effect demographic variables: gender and education of owner have on business performance. Business performance is measured by income, profit, market share, return on income or investment, number of employees and product line. A structured research instrument was used to collect data from 500 SMEs in retail industry through interviewer administrated and selfadministrated survey and 93% of questionnaires were returned. It was found that there is a significant difference between mean values of business performance and the demographic variables, gender and education. The results show that there is a significant difference in performance, among the different educational levels. Those with higher levels of education, such as diplomas and degrees should be encouraged to take up entrepreneurship as career options since the businesses they would run (according to the study's findings) will perform better and this would be good for the economy. The results also show that the variable "gender" does play a significant role in business performance. This implies that gender affects business performance. | Education; Gender and SMEs; Small business performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649322097 | Evaluation of selected growth factor expression in canine spirocercosis (Spirocerca lupi)-associated non-neoplastic nodules and sarcomas | Dvir E., Clift S.J. | 2010 | Veterinary Parasitology | 174 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.08.032 | Section of Small Animal Medicine, Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Section of Pathology, Department of Paraclinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa | Dvir, E., Section of Small Animal Medicine, Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Clift, S.J., Section of Pathology, Department of Paraclinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa | The study aims to assess the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in the progression of the spirocercosis-induced oesophageal nodule in the dog from early, non-neoplastic, inflammatory nodule to sarcomatous neoplasia.Triplicate 4μm-thick sections from 62 paraffin blocks containing Spirocerca-induced nodules were treated according to the steptavidin-biotin (LSAB) immunohistochemical method using polyclonal goat-anti-canine VEGF and anti-human FGF and PDGF antibodies. The nodules were classified as early inflammatory (n=15), pre-neoplastic (n=27) and neoplastic (n=20). Additionally, 10 sections of normal distal third of the oesophagus and 21 non-spirocercosis-related sarcomas were evaluated and compared with the Spirocerca-induced nodules. Five non-overlapping high power fields per case were evaluated under the light microscope and the fibroblasts were evaluated for percentage of labelled cells. The intensity of labelling was further classified as weak (score 1) or strong (score 2). The intensity score was multiplied by the percentage of labelled fibroblasts to yield a field score and the final score was obtained by calculating an average of the five fields. Antigen labelling was compared between the different histological grades and the controls using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Mann-Whitney test for comparison between specific groups. The level of significance was set at 0.05.There were significant differences between the groups' score in all the growth factors that were examined. The normal oesophagus showed no labelling for any of the growth factors. FGF scored highest in the non-spirocercosis-related sarcoma group (median 118, 3-194) followed by the spirocercosis-induced sarcoma (34.5, 0-138), pre-neoplastic nodule (8, 0-99) and early nodule (0, 0-30) groups. All the differences among the groups were significant. VEGF scored highest in the non-spirocercosis-related sarcoma group (median 47, 1-110) followed by the spirocercosis-induced sarcoma (26, 0-136), pre-neoplastic nodule (0, 0-62) and early nodule (0, 0-35) groups. PDGF scored highest in the non-spirocercosis-related sarcoma group (median 29.2, 0-70) followed by the pre-neoplastic nodule (23.4, 0-95), early nodule (13.6, 0-132) and spirocercosis-induced sarcoma (0, 0-47) groups.The expression of VEGF and FGF increased as the nodule progressed from early inflammation to sarcoma, but it was not limited to spirocercosis-induced sarcomas. The expression of PDGF in spirocercosis was restricted to the early stages of nodule progression. Further investigation is warranted to establish whether FGF, VEGF or PDGF play a role in the pathogenesis of the malignant transformation in canine spirocercosis or are they simply integral to angiogenesis induction? © 2010 Elsevier B.V. | Fibroblast growth factor; Platelet-derived growth factor; Sarcoma; Spirocerca lupi; Spirocercosis; Vascular endothelial growth factor | fibroblast growth factor; platelet derived growth factor; vasculotropin A; animal cell; animal tissue; antigen detection; article; controlled study; disease association; dog; esophagus cancer; immunohistochemistry; inflammatory disease; microscopy; nematode; nematodiasis; nonhuman; pathogenesis; protein expression; sarcoma; spirocerca lupi; spirocercosis; tumor growth; tumor vascularization; upregulation; Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Gene Expression Regulation; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Sarcoma; Spirurida Infections; Thelazioidea; Canis familiaris; Capra hircus; Spirocerca; Spirocerca lupi | None |
| None | None | Evaluation of a health setting-based stigma intervention in five African countries | Uys L., Chirwa M., Kohi T., Greeff M., Naidoo J., Makoae L., Dlamini P., Durrheim K., Cuca Y., Holzemer W.L. | 2009 | AIDS Patient Care and STDs | 23 | 12 | 10.1089/apc.2009.0085 | School of Nursing, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi; College of Health Sciences, Muhimbili University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Nursing, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Department of Nursing, National University of Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho; Department of Nursing, University of Swaziland, Mbabane, Swaziland; Department of Psychology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States | Uys, L., School of Nursing, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; Chirwa, M., College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi; Kohi, T., College of Health Sciences, Muhimbili University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Greeff, M., Department of Nursing, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Naidoo, J., School of Nursing, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; Makoae, L., Department of Nursing, National University of Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho; Dlamini, P., Department of Nursing, University of Swaziland, Mbabane, Swaziland; Durrheim, K., Department of Psychology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Cuca, Y., School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Holzemer, W.L., School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States | The study aim is to explore the results of an HIV stigma intervention in five African health care settings. A case study approach was used. The intervention consisted of bringing together a team of approximately 10 nurses and 10 people living with HIV or AIDS (PLHA) in each setting and facilitating a process in which they planned and implemented a stigma reduction intervention, involving both information giving and empowerment. Nurses (n = 134) completed a demographic questionnaire, the HIV/AIDS Stigma Instrument-Nurses (HASI-N), a self-efficacy scale, and a self-esteem scale, both before and after the intervention, and the team completed a similar set of instruments before and after the intervention, with the PLHA completing the HIV/AIDS Stigma Instrument for PLHA (HASI-P). The intervention as implemented in all five countries was inclusive, action-oriented, and well received. It led to understanding and mutual support between nurses and PLHA and created some momentum in all the settings for continued activity. PLHA involved in the intervention teams reported less stigma and increased self-esteem. Nurses in the intervention teams and those in the settings reported no reduction in stigma or increases in self- esteem and self-efficacy, but their HIV testing behavior increased significantly. This pilot study indicates that the stigma experience of PLHA can be decreased, but that the stigma experiences of nurses are less easy to change. Further evaluation research with control groups and larger samples and measuring change over longer periods of time is indicated. © 2009 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. | None | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; Africa; article; clinical evaluation; controlled study; female; health care; health care quality; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; intervention study; major clinical study; male; medical information; nurse; questionnaire; rating scale; self concept; serodiagnosis; Adult; Africa; Female; Health Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Prejudice; Stereotyping | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924287154 | Impact of recruitment and selection on organizational productivity. Evidence from staff of a university in South Africa | Kanyemba M., Iwu C.G., Allen-Ile C.O. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 2Continued2 | None | Management Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; Department, Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Management Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; Management Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa | Kanyemba, M., Management Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; Iwu, C.G., Department, Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Management Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; Allen-Ile, C.O., Management Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa | The study aimed to understand the recruitment and selection-productivity fit within a tertiary institution in South Africa. Essentially, by examining this relationship, it will be easier to obtain a better understanding of the essential components of recruitment and selection that contribute to the productivity of a tertiary institution. The unit of analysis of this study comprised academic and non-academic staff of the institution. This study adopted a quantitative approach utilising a Likert scale questionnaire to serve as the primary source of data collection. A future study could emphasise the development of a theoretical framework that links specifically to the peculiarities of the tertiary education sector in South Africa. A further study could also unpack how the components of recruitment and selection can be better harnessed to attract the interest of young South Africans to academe. The paper addresses a matter of significance both to HR practice and scholarship. The paper concludes thus: Recruitment and selection processes impact productivity; hence management MUST adopt best practice for these crucial HR functions. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Organizational productivity; Recruitment; Selection; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79651469921 | The effects of shade on performance, carcass classes and behaviour of heat-stressed feedlot cattle at the finisher phase | Blaine K.L., Nsahlai I.V. | 2011 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 43 | 3 | 10.1007/s11250-010-9740-x | Crafcor Farming PTY Ltd, Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Discipline of Poultry and Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa | Blaine, K.L., Crafcor Farming PTY Ltd, Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Nsahlai, I.V., Discipline of Poultry and Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa | The study aimed to determine the impact of shade on the performance, carcass class and behaviour using 146 crossbred steers and bulls during the finishing phase on a commercial feedlot in February. Treatments were (1) shade and (2) no shade. Average daily gain (ADG), DMI, and feed efficiency were measured, and hot carcass weight (HCW) and grades were collected at slaughter. The proportion of animals within a pen engaged in various behavioural activities (standing, lying, feeding and panting) was recorded. Five randomly selected individual animals per treatment were monitored every 2 min between 0700 and 1600 hours to determine the time spent on each of the above activities. Shade improved the final body weight (P < 0.0001), ADG (P = 0.079), and HCW by 8.33 kg (P < 0.05). Shade increased (P < 0.05) the feeding activity but decreased (P < 0.05) panting behaviour. Shade conferred an economic benefit of R2. 03 head -1 week -1, and thus would reduce heat stress and increase the feedlot profitability. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Behaviour; Feedlot cattle; Heat stress; Performance; Shade | animal; animal behavior; animal husbandry; article; body weight; cattle; eating; growth, development and aging; male; methodology; physiological stress; physiology; randomization; South Africa; statistical model; temperature; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Body Weight; Cattle; Eating; Linear Models; Male; Random Allocation; South Africa; Stress, Physiological; Temperature; Animalia; Bos | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897443948 | Design, construction and performance evaluation of a model waste stabilization pond | Egwuonwu C.C., Okafor V.C., Ezeanya N.C., Nzediegwu C., Suleiman A., Uzoigwe O. | 2014 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 7 | 9 | None | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria | Egwuonwu, C.C., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Okafor, V.C., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Ezeanya, N.C., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Nzediegwu, C., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Suleiman, A., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Uzoigwe, O., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria | The study aimed at the design, construction and performance evaluation of a model Waste Stabilization Pond (WSP). The WSP comprised of one facultative pond and three maturation ponds all in series. The influent of the WSP after filtration through the lined sandy loam media (obtained from the premises of Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria) had the BOD reduced to 22 mg/L from 356 mg/L indicating a 93.8% removal level. A faecal coli form count (fc) of the influent sample gave 1×108 fc/100 mL, whereas the effluent gave 10 fc/100 mL which was 99.9% fc removal. The value of 150 mg/L of the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) for the influent was reduced to 26 mg/L for the effluent after treatment. It was concluded that the effluent from the WSP was within the limits of Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) standard of 30 mg/L for TSS, 30 mg/L for BOD5 and 400 fc/100 mL for faecal coli form thus making the waste water safe for discharge into surface water as well as its use for irrigation after treatment. The sandy loam soil media was found to be non-promising earlier in the removal process until it was lined with polyethylene material. A clay media was therefore recommended. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2014. | Construction; Design; Evaluation; Model; Performance; Waste stabilization pond | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949818641 | Impact of structure on organisational performance of seleceted technical and service firms in Nigeria | Ogbo A.I., Chibueze N.F., Christopher O.C., Anthony I.A. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 13 | 1CONT10 | None | Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Department of Business Administration, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria | Ogbo, A.I., Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Chibueze, N.F., Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Christopher, O.C., Department of Business Administration, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria; Anthony, I.A., Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria | The study aimed at establishing the impact of structure on organizational performance. Organizations today are becoming more automated and complex, hence, the need to maintain and improve performance by structuring and restructuring based on changing strategy. The study was conducted using the survey approach. The geographical scope of study was Innoson Nigeria Ltd, and Etisalat, Enugu Regional Office. Two sources of data were utilised in the study: they included primary and secondary sources. The primary source was the administration of copies of designed questionnaire to a total of eighty (80) respondents that made up the sample for the study. Out of the eighty (80) copies administered, seventy eight (78) were completed and returned. Simple percentage (%), chi-square (*a) and correlation were used in analysis of the data and in testing the three hypotheses. Findings revealed that decentralization enhanced better and more informed decision making in technical and service firms in Nigeria; that task routine affected staff productivity both positively and negatively; and that a significant positive relationship existed between narrow span of control and efficiency in organizations. The study concluded and recommended among others that managers of organizations should adopt more decentralized forms of structures as means of improving the decision making process; that managers should combine both task routine and variety in organizing employees for carrying out task in order to reap the advantages of both systems of task assignment; and that employees should be empowered to be more innovative in carrying out tasks, whether routine or not. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All right rserved. | Automated; Decentralization; Organisational performance; Restructuring; Strategy; Structure; Task routine | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-23444442272 | Tourism impact, distribution and development: The spatial structure of tourism in the Western Cape province of South Africa | Cornelissen S. | 2005 | Development Southern Africa | 22 | 2 | 10.1080/03768350500163014 | Department of Political Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Cornelissen, S., Department of Political Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | The structural dimensions of a country's tourism sector, and in particular the spatial structure of tourism production and consumption, relate closely to the nature and extent of the impact that tourism can have. This article examines the spatial characteristics of tourism in the Western Cape province, one of South Africa's foremost international tourist regions, and where its government seeks to use tourism as an instrument of development and socio-economic transformation. To understand how this could be effected it is necessary to understand the spatial distributional effects of tourism, and the underlying reasons for it. To this end the article examines the spatial structure of the provincial accommodation sector as evidenced in patterns of accommodation supply and tourist usage (demand); and trends in the nature, direction and distribution of public and private-sector tourism investments. The central argument is that tourism is geographically focused, with tourist activities concentrated in a few locales and sub-regions. This follows the general demographic and economic contours of the province. Yet trends in capital investments tend to reinforce the spatial concentration of tourism. Attempts by the govemment to spread tourism's benefits have not been too successful due to institutional and capacity deficiencies. Greater emphasis should be placed on developing domestic tourism. © 2005 Development Bank of Southern Africa. | None | regional pattern; spatial analysis; structural analysis; tourist destination; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897899864 | Oral storytelling and national kinship: Reflections on the oral narrative performance in the Kenya Schools and Colleges Drama Festivals | Opondo R.A. | 2014 | Tydskrif vir Letterkunde | 51 | 1 | 10.4314/tvl.v51i1.11 | Moi University, Kenya | Opondo, R.A., Moi University, Kenya | The story, in the form of the oral narrative, has always been a communalizing genre in the traditional African setting. It then functioned as a tool that brings together not only the artist and the particular audience, but also the entire community within which the performances are derived and performed. However, postcolonial, modern and global situations have greatly impacted on the traditional kinship structures in Africa and kinship fostering tools like the African oral narrative have not been spared. The introduction of the oral storytelling onto the proscenium stage in the Kenya Schools and Colleges Drama Festivals (KSCDF) has contributed to perpetuate the performance of this genre to significant degrees. This move has not only recalled attention to oral narratives, but also has revolutionized the performance and functional aspects of oral storytelling. Various aspects of the oral narrative genre have changed, from the multi-ethnic audience to the elaborate narrative structures and the varying orientations of the oral artists in KSCDF. The dramatic elements of the narrative have also been enhanced to justify its inclusion within the wider dramatic genre. This article investigates the structural and thematic reorientations of the contemporary Kenyan oral narrative and how it influences the reorientations of kinship in a postcolonial reality characterized by heterogeneous consumer audience and the need for national commonality. The aim is to understand the reorientations of oral storytelling and its scripted machinations of multi-ethnicity woven into the narrative as part of its contemporarily requisite features; the question is whether or not these reorientations enable the ideological adoption of some form of kinship across the diverse ethnic groups in Kenya. | Kenya Schools and Colleges Drama Festivals; Kinship; Oral narrative performance; Textual manipulation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931051845 | Business cycles and stock market performance in South Africa | Muchaonyerwa F., Choga I. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 3 | None | Department of Economics, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; School of Economic and Decision Sciences, North West University, South Africa | Muchaonyerwa, F., Department of Economics, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Choga, I., School of Economic and Decision Sciences, North West University, South Africa | The stock market is an important indicator of an economy’s financial health. It checks the mood of investors in a country. Stock market performance is a vital component of business cycle growth. T hus, this study investigates the relationship between stock market performance and business cycles in South Africa for the period 2002-2009 using monthly data. This is done by constructing a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). The study specifies a business cycle model with the business cycle coincident indicator of South Africa being the independent variable explained by the All Share Price index (ALSI), Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER), Money Supply (M1), Inflation (CPIX) and the Prime Overdraft Rate (POR). The ALSI represents stock market performance whilst the rest of the variables are to enhance model specification. The study found a positive association between stock market performance and business cycles and this match with most of the results from the empirical literature provided. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Business cycle; Stock market; Vector error correction South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82855175182 | Occurrence and persistence of water level/salinity states and the ecological impacts for St Lucia estuarine lake, South Africa | Lawrie R.A., Stretch D.D. | 2011 | Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science | 95 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ecss.2011.08.007 | Centre for Research in Environmental, Coastal and Hydrological Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Surveying and Construction, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4041, South Africa | Lawrie, R.A., Centre for Research in Environmental, Coastal and Hydrological Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Surveying and Construction, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4041, South Africa; Stretch, D.D., Centre for Research in Environmental, Coastal and Hydrological Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Surveying and Construction, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4041, South Africa | The St Lucia estuarine lake in South Africa forms part of a World Heritage Site and is an important local source of biodiversity. Like many estuarine systems worldwide, St Lucia has experienced significant anthropogenic impacts over the past century. Abstractions have decreased fresh water inflows from the lake catchments by about 20%. Furthermore the Mfolozi river, which previously shared a common inlet with St Lucia and contributed additional fresh water during droughts, was diverted from the system in 1952 because of its high silt loads. The separated St Lucia mouth was subsequently kept artificially open until the onset of a dry period in 2002 when the mouth was left to close naturally. These changes and the current drought have placed the system under severe stress with unprecedented hypersaline conditions coupled with desiccation of large portions of the lake. Long-term simulations of the water and salt balance were used to estimate the occurrence and persistence of water levels and salinities for different management scenarios. The risks of desiccation and hyper-salinity were assessed for each case. The results show that the configuration of the Mfolozi/St Lucia inlets plays a key role in the physicochemical environment of the system. Without the Mfolozi link desiccation (of about 50% of the lake area) would occur for 32% of the time for an average duration of 15 months. Artificially maintaining an open mouth would decrease the chance of desiccation but salinities would exceed 65 about 17% of the time. Restoring the Mfolozi link would reduce the occurrence of both desiccation and hypersaline conditions and a mostly open mouth state would occur naturally. Integrating these modeled scenarios with observed biological responses due to changes in salinity and water depth suggests that large long-term changes in the biological structure can be expected in the different management scenarios. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Biological responses; Persistence times; Salinity; St Lucia; Water level | anthropogenic effect; biodiversity; desiccation; long-term change; physicochemical property; restoration ecology; salinity; water depth; water level; World Heritage Site; KwaZulu-Natal; Lake Saint Lucia; South Africa | None |
| WoS | WOS:000226082700001 | Knowledge base system for human resource evaluation in a university environment | Akinyokun, OC,Uzoka, FME | 2005 | JOURNAL OF TESTING AND EVALUATION | 33 | 1 | None | University of Calgary, Fed Univ Technol Akure | None | The statutory objectives of a university include teaching. research. and community development. The major assets employed in the attainment of these objectives include mail, money, materials, and time, Man, who serves as the major driver of the other assets, has three components, namely academic staff, administrative staff, and technical staff. An essential management function is the evaluation of the academic staff of the university in order to determine their contributions to the aims and objectives of the university. In this study, a knowledge base system has been developed for the evaluation of the performance of human resources in a university environment, with emphasis on the academic staff component. The system, christened HURES. is developed in a Microsoft Access and Visual Basic 6.0 environment. A case study of the academic staff of a university community is carried out in order to demonstrate the practicality of the system. | "ACADEMIC STAFF","cognitive filter","emotional filter",evaluation,"HUMAN RESOURCES","INFERENCE ENGINE","KNOWLEDGE BASE",UNIVERSITY | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930826059 | Cosmological performance of SKA HI galaxy surveys | Yahya S., Bull P., Santos M.G., Silva M., Maartens R., Okouma P., Bassett B. | 2015 | Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society | 450 | 3 | 10.1093/mnras/stv695 | Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo, PO Box 1029 Blindern, Oslo, Norway; SKA South Africa, The Park, Park Road, Cape Town, South Africa; CENTRA, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom; African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Astronomical Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa | Yahya, S., Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Bull, P., Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo, PO Box 1029 Blindern, Oslo, Norway; Santos, M.G., Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, SKA South Africa, The Park, Park Road, Cape Town, South Africa, CENTRA, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Silva, M., Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, CENTRA, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Maartens, R., Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom; Okouma, P., Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Bassett, B., African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, South African Astronomical Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa | The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will conduct the biggest spectroscopic galaxy survey ever, by detecting the 21 cm emission line of neutral hydrogen (H I) from around a billion galaxies over 3/4 of the sky, out to a redshift of z ~ 2. This will allow the redshift-space matter power spectrum, and corresponding dark energy observables, to be measured with unprecedented precision. In this paper, we present an improved model of the HI galaxy number counts and bias from semi-analytic simulations, and use it to calculate the expected yield of HI galaxies from surveys with a variety of Phase 1 and 2 SKA configurations. We illustrate the relative performance of the different surveys by forecasting errors on the radial and transverse scales of the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) feature, finding that the full 'billion galaxy survey' with SKA2 will deliver the largest dark energy Figure of Merit of any current or future large-scale structure survey. © 2015 The Authors. | Dark energy | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80755169427 | Spatial heterogeneity of thermo-oxidative degradation in impact poly(propylene) copolymers | De Goede E., Mallon P.E., Rode K., Pasch H. | 2011 | Macromolecular Materials and Engineering | 296 | 11 | 10.1002/mame.201100061 | Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; German Institute for Polymers, Schlossgartenstr.6, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany | De Goede, E., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Mallon, P.E., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Rode, K., German Institute for Polymers, Schlossgartenstr.6, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany; Pasch, H., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | The spatial degradation in impact PP copolymers with different ethylene contents is studied by FTIR microscopy and layer-by-layer milling of the sample surfaces, followed by ATR-FTIR, SEC, and CRYSTAF analysis. FTIR allows for tracking of the rate of degradation, providing information on the depth profiling of the degradation. Results show that samples with lower ethylene content degrade faster at all depths than those with higher ethylene content. The latter show a more uniform degradation from the surface to the bulk of the material at longer degradation times. This is ascribed to the higher amorphous content which results in a larger oxygen diffusion to the centre of the material while its slower rate of degradation is ascribed to the lower tertiary carbon content. © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. | FTIR microscopy; impact PP copolymers; spatial heterogeneity of degradation; thermo-oxidative degradation | Amorphous content; ATR FTIR; Carbon content; FTIR; FTIR microscopy; impact PP copolymers; Layer-by-layers; Lower Tertiary; Oxygen diffusion; Poly(propylene) copolymers; Sample surface; Spatial degradation; Spatial heterogeneity; Thermo-oxidative degradation; Amorphous carbon; Copolymerization; Copolymers; Depth profiling; Ethylene; Gel permeation chromatography; Polypropylenes; Propylene; Degradation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953120558 | Tropical cyclones in the SW Indian Ocean. Part 2: Structure and impacts at the event scale | Chang-Seng D.S., Jury M.R. | 2010 | Meteorology and Atmospheric Physics | 106 | 42433 | 10.1007/s00703-010-0059-y | Institute for Environment and Human Security, United Nations University, Bonn, Germany; Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, PR, United States; University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa | Chang-Seng, D.S., Institute for Environment and Human Security, United Nations University, Bonn, Germany; Jury, M.R., Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, PR, United States, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa | The southwest Indian Ocean (5°-20°S, 45°-70°E) experiences frequent tropical cyclones (TC) in the December-March season. In this paper, TC composite and case-study structure and impacts are studied using daily oceanic and atmospheric fields from model-reanalyzed data, satellite remote sensing, and in situ station data. The TC environment is characterized according to mean track: W-, SW-, and S-moving. Case studies of TC are investigated, and impacts such as storm surge and rainfall are evaluated through comparison of 'real' and 'model' datasets in the period since 1998. The northern sub-tropical jet stream is found to influence the intensity and track of TC in the SWIO. The composite SW-moving TC maintains intensity compared to the other tracks, which decline in strength. Variability is found in TC rainfall distribution, with maximum intensity in a spiral band 1-2 days before peak intensity, based on satellite estimates. There is a re-establishment of equatorial rainfall in the case of southward moving TC after peak intensity. The W-moving TC lacks monsoon inflow compared to the recurving TC. Comparisons are made between low-resolution model-estimated rainfall, various satellite products, and station-observed rainfall. TC spiral rain-band intensity is found to be similar to that reported elsewhere in the tropics, based on a limited sample of TRMM PR data and station reports. The satellite-derived daily rainfall out-performs NCEP reanalysis due to low resolution and underestimated diabatic heating. Similarly, the circulation within a 300-km radius of the composite TC is poorly resolved by re-analysis; winds, swells, and storm surges are too low by a factor of two compared with QuikSCAT and in situ measurements. This work will offer ways to adjust operational forecasts of winds, rainfall, and swells around tropical cyclones, so that TC risk and impacts are better managed. © 2010 Springer-Verlag. | None | atmospheric structure; in situ measurement; jet stream; monsoon; precipitation intensity; QuikSCAT; seasonality; storm surge; storm track; tropical cyclone; Indian Ocean; Indian Ocean (Southwest) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903300417 | Evaluation of four Mozambican cowpea landraces for drought tolerance | Martins C.M., Lawlor D.W., Quilambo O.A., Kunert K.J. | 2014 | South African Journal of Plant and Soil | 31 | 2 | 10.1080/02571862.2014.907453 | Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Plant Science Department, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Biological Sciences, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique; Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom | Martins, C.M., Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Plant Science Department, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique; Lawlor, D.W., Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom; Quilambo, O.A., Department of Biological Sciences, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique; Kunert, K.J., Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Plant Science Department, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | The southern part of Mozambique is vulnerable to drought, affecting the country's food production, and thus requires more drought-tolerant crops. Four local cowpea landraces, Massava nhassenje, Timbawene moteado, Namarua and Tete-2, which are currently widely used by local Mozambican farmers, were evaluated for their drought tolerance with the aim to identify the most drought-tolerant landrace and also a phenotypic marker easily applicable for drought-tolerance selection under local Mozambican conditions. Above-And below-ground plant characteristics, including biomass, protein content, proteolytic activity, symbiotic nitrogen fixation and nodule number, were measured in a greenhouse under well-watered and drought conditions using vermiculite as the plant growth medium. The key finding was that variability exists among the landraces for growth under drought with Timbawene moteado displaying significantly higher leaf dry biomass, leaf and nodule protein content, and symbiotic nitrogen fixation and the lowest increase in proteolytic activity compared to all other landraces. Timbawene moteado might be suitable for inclusion into a future cowpea breeding program in Mozambique and might also be tested in other areas in Mozambique experiencing drought stress. Furthermore, leaf dry biomass might be selected as a simple and informative marker for future screening of the Mozambican cowpea germplasm for drought tolerance. © 2014 © Southern African Plant and Soil Sciences Committee. | cowpea performance; nodule performance; performance marker; protein content; proteolytic activity | biomass; breeding; drought stress; food production; germplasm; legume; nitrogen fixation; plant; protein; vermiculite; Mozambique | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920437223 | Towards collective circum-antarctic passive acoustic monitoring: The southern ocean hydrophone network (SOHN) | Van Opzeeland I., Samaran F., Stafford K.M., Findlay K., Gedamke J., Harris D., Miller B.S. | 2014 | Polarforschung | 83 | 2 | None | Alfred-Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany; PELAGIS Observatory CNRS-UMS 3462, University of la Rochelle, France; Applied Physics Lab University of Washington SeattleWA, United States; Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit, University of Pretoria, South Africa; National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, Ocean Acoustics Program, Office of Science and Technology, United States; Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, United Kingdom; Australian Marine Mammal Centre, Australian Antarctic Division, Hobart, Australia | Van Opzeeland, I., Alfred-Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany; Samaran, F., PELAGIS Observatory CNRS-UMS 3462, University of la Rochelle, France; Stafford, K.M., Applied Physics Lab University of Washington SeattleWA, United States; Findlay, K., Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Gedamke, J., National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, Ocean Acoustics Program, Office of Science and Technology, United States; Harris, D., Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, United Kingdom; Miller, B.S., Australian Marine Mammal Centre, Australian Antarctic Division, Hobart, Australia | The Southern Ocean Research Partnership (SORP) is an international research program initiated within the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in 2009 to promote collaborative cetacean research, develop nov el research techniques, and conduct non-lethal research on whales in the Southern Ocean (CHILDERHOUSE 2009). One of the original research projects of the SORP is the Blue and Fin Whale Acoustic Trends Project, which aims to implement a long term passive acoustic research program to examine trends in Antarctic blue (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia) and fin whale (B. physalus) abundance, distribution, and seasonal presence in the Southern Ocean through the use of a network of passive acoustic recorders: the Southern Ocean Hydrophone Network (SOHN). Networks of widely spaced passive acoustic recorders can provide insights in spatio-temporal patterns of the presence and properties of whale calls as well as the potential to monitor trends in Antarctic blue and fin whale abundance. The SOHN will consist of a network of autonomous underwater acoustic re cording stations surrounding the Antarctic continent with each site remaining active throughout the 10-year duration of the project. In addition to circum polar coverage, high priority will be given towards achieving simultaneous temporal coverage, especially in the early years of the project. While logis tical constraints may prevent uniform distribution of SOHN recording sites around the continent, the Acoustic Trends Working group (ATW) aims to have at least one recording site in each of the six IWC management areas (i.e., one per 60° longitudinal wedge). International collaboration and coordination are imperative to achieve the project goals due to the high cost of Antarctic research as well as the broad spatial and temporal scales over which the SOHN will span. Furthermore, standardization of data is paramount for accurate and efficient analysis and interpretation of SOHN data. To facilitate international participation in the SOHN, this document provides practical recommendations to guide and support passive acoustic data of project as well as technical and logistic information and recommendations regarding standardization of recording locations is provided here for a diverse collection in Antarctic waters. This whitepaper addresses a wide audience, ranging from scientists from different disciplines with access to instrumenttation and/or infrastructure to collect passive acoustic data in the Southern Ocean, to ship operators or other parties that can provide logistic support to make the SOHN a reality. Background information and an outline of the sci entific aims of project as well as technical and logistic information and re commendations regarding standardization of recording locations is provided here for a diverse audience coming from different backgrounds with widely differing levels of experience with the applications and use of passive acoustic instrumentation. By providing the information relevant for SOHN from the ground up, we aim that this document contributes to increase aware ness and participation by a broad range of partner nations and organizations in the SOHN and Acoustic Trends Projects. | None | abundance; autonomous underwater vehicle; bioacoustics; biomonitoring; cetacean; hydrophone; population distribution; spatiotemporal analysis; standardization; Southern Ocean; Balaenoptera musculus intermedia; Balaenoptera physalus; Cetacea | 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-s2.0-70349678860 | Gender differentials in migration impacts in Southern Ethiopia | Regassa N., Yusufe A. | 2009 | Anthropologist | 11 | 2 | None | Hawassa University, Department of Rural Development and Family Sciences, P.O.Box 679, SNNPR, Awassa, Ethiopia | Regassa, N., Hawassa University, Department of Rural Development and Family Sciences, P.O.Box 679, SNNPR, Awassa, Ethiopia; Yusufe, A., Hawassa University, Department of Rural Development and Family Sciences, P.O.Box 679, SNNPR, Awassa, Ethiopia | The Southern Nations, Nationalities Peoples Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopian is experiencing one of the highest population growth rate (about 2.8 percent per annum) mainly as a result of very high fertility rate (Total Fertility Rate, TFR, of 5.9). Like in other parts of the country, rural-urban migration is an increasingly becoming common phenomenon mainly as direct response to environmental degradation and rural poverty. While there are interwoven socio-economic and ecological factors contribute to the migration of influx of people into the increasingly important medium sized urban areas of the region, the migration impacts on the migrants at destination (urban centers) is less researched, and hence, worth investigating. This article thus tries to examine the gender differentials of migration impacts at the place of destinations by taking the experiences of four major urban areas of the Southern Region (Awassa town, Wolkite town, Durame, and Soddo). The study is based on primary data collected from 821 urban migrants selected from four of the most populous districts (zone) of southern Ethiopia namely Sidama, Wolayita, Kembata Tembaro and Guraghe zones. The study has employed Chi-square analysis to examine the possible gender differentials of migration impacts at the place of destination. The study employed both the quantitative and qualitative approaches in the course of collecting and analyzing the data. The study has documented that there are certain gender differentials in the impacts of migration at the place of destination: Male migrants are more prone to some of the socio-economic problems (such as unemployment) than their counterpart female migrants. Similarly, female migrants are found to be more prone to some of urban problems (such as, lack of food, lack of adequate health service, homesickness, labor and sexual abuses and the like) than their counterpart male migrants. © Kamla-Raj 2009. | Differentials; Gender; Kebeles; Southern Ethiopia; Woredas; Zones | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649759374 | Evaluating the performance of ground-based and remotely sensed near real-time rainfall fields from a hydrological perspective [Evaluation des performances dans une perspective hydrologique de champs de pluie en temps quasi-réel basés sur des données obser | Ghile Y., Schulze R., Brown C. | 2010 | Hydrological Sciences Journal | 55 | 4 | 10.1080/02626667.2010.481374 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01002, United States; School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Ghile, Y., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01002, United States; Schulze, R., School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Brown, C., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01002, United States | The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issues routine experimental, near real-time rainfall maps from daily raingauge networks, radar networks and satellite images, as well as merged rainfall fields. These products are potentially useful for near real-time forecasting, especially in areas of fast hydrological response, and also to simulate the "now state" of various hydrological state variables such as soil moisture content, streamflow, and reservoir inflows. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate their skill as inputs to hydrological simulations and, in particular, the skill of the merged field in terms of better hydrological results relative to the individual products. Rainfall fields derived from raingauge, radar, satellite, conditioned satellite and the merged (gauge/radar/satellite) were evaluated for two selected days with relatively high amounts of rainfall, as well as for a continuous period of 90 days in the Mgeni catchment, South Africa. Streamflows simulated with the ACRU model indicate that the use of raingauge as well as merged fields of satellite/raingauge and satellite/radars/raingauge provides relatively realistic rainfall results, without much difference in their hydrological outputs, whereas the radar and raw satellite information by themselves cannot be used in operational hydrological application in their current status. © 2010 IAHS Press. | ACRU; Merged field; Radar; Raingauge; Satellite; Streamflow | ACRU; AS-soils; Current status; Ground based; Hydrological response; Hydrological simulations; Merged field; Radar network; Rain gauges; Rainfall fields; Real-time forecasting; Reservoir inflow; Satellite images; Satellite information; South Africa; State variables; Weather services; Acoustic surface wave devices; Catchments; Computer simulation; Moisture determination; Radar; Rain; Real variables; Remote sensing; Satellites; Soil moisture; Stream flow; Weather forecasting; Reservoirs (water); computer simulation; flow modeling; ground-based measurement; hydrological modeling; numerical model; performance assessment; precipitation assessment; precipitation intensity; rainfall; raingauge; real time; remote sensing; reservoir; satellite data; soil moisture; streamflow; trend analysis; KwaZulu-Natal; Mgeni River; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-35649012028 | Clinical performance of an in-house real-time RT-PCR assay using a fluorogenic LUX™ primer for quantitation of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) | Rekhviashvili N., Stevens W., Marinda E., Gonin R., Stevens G., McIntyre J., Wood R. | 2007 | Journal of Virological Methods | 146 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.jviromet.2007.05.024 | Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), Faculty of Health Science, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa; Westat, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Unit 006, Magaliszicht Avenue, Albury Park, Dunkel West, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa; Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), WITS University, WITS Health Consortium, Old Potch Road, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa; The Desmond Tutu HIV Center, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Rekhviashvili, N., Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Stevens, W., Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Marinda, E., School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), Faculty of Health Science, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa; Gonin, R., Westat, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Stevens, G., International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Unit 006, Magaliszicht Avenue, Albury Park, Dunkel West, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa; McIntyre, J., Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), WITS University, WITS Health Consortium, Old Potch Road, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa; Wood, R., The Desmond Tutu HIV Center, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa | The South African National Antiretroviral Treatment Guideline recommends the use of HIV viral load assays for routine monitoring of HIV-1 positive patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). Approved commercial HIV-1 viral load assays are expensive for developing countries where a large number of patients are treated in the public sector. The evaluation of an in-house HIV-1 viral load assay (LUX assay) is described using 458 plasma specimens. Good specificity of the LUX assay was demonstrated using 50 seronegative plasma specimens. A group of 142 HIV-1 positive patients was used to assess the agreement between the LUX assay and the COBAS Amplicor assay. An intra class correlation (ICC) coefficient of 0.85 (CI 95%) indicated good agreement between the assays. The Bland-Altman model showed good agreement between the assays for ∼87% of the results (mean 0.03 [-1.26; 1.32], CI 95%). In a cohort of 55 patients followed-up longitudinally the LUX assay showed similar declines in viral load to the COBAS Amplicor assay in response to therapy. Viral rebound was detected in 5 patients out of 55 by both assays. Thus, the LUX assay compares well to the gold standard and represents an affordable alternative for high volume testing in resource limited settings. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Affordable; HIV-1 viral load; LUX primer; Quantitative real-time RT-PCR | antiretrovirus agent; article; blood sampling; controlled study; correlation coefficient; gold standard; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; model; nonhuman; priority journal; quantitative analysis; real time polymerase chain reaction; reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; sensitivity and specificity; serology; treatment outcome; virus load; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sensitivity and Specificity; Viral Load; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910643627 | Evaluation of microsatellite markers for populations studies and forensic identification of african lions (Panthera leo) | Miller S.M., Harper C.K., Bloomer P., Hofmeyr J., Funston P.J. | 2014 | Journal of Heredity | 105 | 6 | 10.1093/jhered/esu054 | Department of Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa; Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Molecular Ecology and Evolution Programme, Department of Genetics, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa; Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Private Bag X402, Skukuza, South Africa; Lion Program, Panthera, NY, United States | Miller, S.M., Department of Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Harper, C.K., Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Bloomer, P., Molecular Ecology and Evolution Programme, Department of Genetics, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa; Hofmeyr, J., Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Private Bag X402, Skukuza, South Africa; Funston, P.J., Department of Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa, Lion Program, Panthera, NY, United States | The South African lion (Panthera leo) population is highly fragmented. One-third of its wild lions occur in small (<1000 km2) reserves. These lions were reintroduced from other areas of the species' historical range. Management practices on these reserves have not prioritized genetic provenance or heterozygosity. These trends potentially constrain the conservation value of these lions. To ensure the best management and long-term survival of these subpopulations as a viable collective population, the provenance and current genetic diversity must be described. Concurrently, poaching of lions to supply a growing market for lion bones in Asia may become a serious conservation challenge in the future. Having a standardized, validated method for matching confiscated lion parts with carcasses will be a key tool in investigating these crimes. We evaluated 28 microsatellites in the African lion using samples from 18 small reserves and 1 captive facility in South Africa, two conservancies in Zimbabwe, and Kruger National and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Parks to determine the loci most suited for population management and forensic genetic applications. Twelve microsatellite loci with a match probability of 1.1×10-5 between siblings were identified for forensics. A further 10 could be added for population genetics studies. © 2014 The American Genetic Association. All rights reserved. | conservation genetic management; population genetics; wildlife forensics | African; Article; Asia; carcass; controlled study; dinucleotide repeat; DNA flanking region; forensic genetics; forensic identification; gene locus; genetic conservation; genetic variability; lion; long term survival; microsatellite marker; nonhuman; allele; population genetics; South Africa; Zimbabwe; allele; animal; DNA sequence; environmental protection; female; genetics; isolation and purification; lion; male; population genetics; procedures; DNA; microsatellite DNA; Alleles; Animals; Conservation of Natural Resources; DNA; Female; Forensic Genetics; Genetics, Population; Lions; Male; Microsatellite Repeats; Sequence Analysis, DNA; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887939430 | The impact of a multilateral electricity generation tax on competitiveness in southern africa: A computable general equilibrium analysis using the global trade analysis project | Seymore R., Van Heerden J.H., Mabugu M. | 2013 | Energy and Environment | 24 | 6 | 10.1260/0958-305X.24.6.917 | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Seymore, R., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Van Heerden, J.H., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Mabugu, M., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa | The South African Government announced, in the 2008 Budget Review, the intention to tax the generation of electricity from non-renewable sources with 2c/kWh. The intention of the tax is to serve a dual purpose of managing the potential electricity shortages in South Africa and to protect the environment. The primary objective of this paper is to evaluate the impact of an electricity generation tax on the international competitiveness of South Africa. Specifically, different scenarios are assessed to establish whether the loss of competitiveness can be negated through an international, multilateral electricity generation tax. The paper firstly considers the beneficial impact of environmental taxation on the competitiveness of a country. We subsequently apply the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model to evaluate the impact of an electricity generation tax on the competitiveness of South Africa, given multilateral taxes on SACU, SADC and European Union economies. It is shown that an electricity generation tax will indeed affect the competitiveness of South Africa in a negative way. Furthermore, SACU and SADC wide implementation will marginally reinforce these negative effects. However, a multilateral electricity generation tax across SACU or SADC countries will result in emission reductions, but lower than in the case of a unilateral electricity generation tax. In contrast, the cost to the South African economy could be limited, if the European Union would follow suit and implement an electricity generation tax. One could therefore argue in favour of global rules for environmental taxes, since this will ensure minimum negative competitiveness effects on participating countries. | competitiveness; electricity tax; GTAP | competitiveness; Computable general equilibrium; Electricity generation; Environmental taxation; Environmental taxes; GTAP; International competitiveness; South African government; Competition; Electric generators; Electricity; Emission control; International trade; Taxation; Economic analysis; competitiveness; computable general equilibrium analysis; electricity generation; environmental protection; global trade; potential energy; tax system; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949770056 | Monitoring and evaluation of corporate social responsibility programmes in South Africa | Rampersad R. | 2015 | Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets and Institutions | 5 | 4CONT2 | None | Department of Public Relations Management, Durban University of Technology, P O Box 1334, Durban, South Africa | Rampersad, R., Department of Public Relations Management, Durban University of Technology, P O Box 1334, Durban, South Africa | The South African corporate sector invests millions to support community development and social programs. One of the more fundamental issues about sustainability in a business context is the fact that directors have a fiduciary duty to take into account interests of those stakeholders other than investors/shareholders. This therefore places major importance on sustainability reporting through reports on governance, economic, social and environmental performance and is increasingly being regarded as a key form of stakeholder engagement, and the most accepted formal way of communicating measured outcomes to all stakeholders. A number of methodologies may exist for the development of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies or “how-to guides” for community engagement and investment, however, it lacks development in the field of CSR Programme Evaluation. Integrated approaches to the measurement thereof are still in expanding stages of development and statistical data and/or empirical evidence is lacking at this point. Trust and relationships take time to build but are valuable assets, therefore a company must show it has listened and acted in response to stakeholder concerns, this means that ongoing communication and reporting back to stakeholders is a very important component in any engagement strategy. It is therefore important for the corporate sector to not only evaluate the effectiveness of their CSR Programmes, but also to measure the impact on both their beneficiary communities and their business and subsequently on the Return on Investment (ROI). This paper will highlight a case of the South African corporate sectors attempts to evaluate its effectiveness and impact on beneficiary communities and how they quantify the impact of the investment through successful CSR interventions. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Corporate social responsibility; Engagement; Evaluation; Monitoring; Sustainability | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745612070 | Impacts of marine biogeographic boundaries on phylogeographic patterns of three South African estuarine crustaceans | Teske P.R., McQuaid C.D., Froneman P.W., Barker N.P. | 2006 | Marine Ecology Progress Series | 314 | None | 10.3354/meps314283 | Molecular Ecology and Systematics Group, Botany Department, Rhodes University, 6140 Grahamstown, South Africa; Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, 6140 Grahamstown, South Africa | Teske, P.R., Molecular Ecology and Systematics Group, Botany Department, Rhodes University, 6140 Grahamstown, South Africa, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, 6140 Grahamstown, South Africa; McQuaid, C.D., Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, 6140 Grahamstown, South Africa; Froneman, P.W., Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, 6140 Grahamstown, South Africa; Barker, N.P., Molecular Ecology and Systematics Group, Botany Department, Rhodes University, 6140 Grahamstown, South Africa | The South African coastline comprises 3 main biogeographic provinces: (1) the cool-temperate west coast, (2) the warm-temperate south coast, and (3) the subtropical east coast. The boundaries between these regions are defined by changes in species compositions and hydrological conditions. It is possible that these affect phylogeographic patterns of coastal organisms differently, depending on the species' ecologies and modes of dispersal. In the present study, genealogies of 3 estuarine crustaceans, each characterized by a different mode of passive dispersal and present in more than one biogeographic province, were reconstructed using mtDNA COI sequences, and the impacts of biogeographic boundaries on their phylogeographic patterns were compared. The species were (mode of dispersal in brackets): (1) the mudprawn Upogebia africana (planktonic larvae), (2) the isopod Exosphaeroma hylecoetes (adult rafting), and (3) the cumacean Iphinoe truncata (adult drifting). Two major mtDNA lineages with slightly overlapping distributions were identified in U. africana (the species with the highest dispersal potential). The other 2 species had 3 mtDNA lineages each, which were characterized by strict geographic segregation. Phylogeographic breaks in U. africana and E. hylecoetes coincided with biogeographic boundaries, whereas the phylogeographic patterns identified in I. truncata may reflect persistent palaeogeographic patterns. Ecological factors and modes of dispersal are likely to have played a role in both cladogenesis of the different lineages and in the establishment of their present-day distribution patterns. © Inter-Research 2006. | Isolation by distance; Mode of dispersal; mtDNA cytochrome oxidase I; Parapatry; Planktonic larvae; Rafting | biogeography; crustacean; hydrology; marine environment; mitochondrial DNA; phylogeography; population distribution; species richness; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Crustacea; Cumacea; Exosphaeroma hylecoetes; Iphinoe; Upogebia africana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67650306439 | Evaluation of minimum residual pressure as design criterion for South African water distribution systems | Jacobs H.E., Strijdom J.L. | 2009 | Water SA | 35 | 2 | None | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; GLS Consulting (Pty) Ltd, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Jacobs, H.E., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Strijdom, J.L., GLS Consulting (Pty) Ltd, Stellenbosch, South Africa | The South African civil engineering fraternity has grown to accept 24 m as the design criterion for minimum residual pressure in water distribution systems. However, the theoretical peak demand in many systems has increased beyond the point where minimum residual pressure exceeds 24 m - at least according to hydraulic models. Additions of customers to existing supply systems have led to increased peak fows with time, often without infrastructure upgrades to internal reticulation. Increased fows imply reduced pressures. This is not necessarily a concern: peak fow conditions rarely occur in a supply system and also, customer complaints often act as a frst sign of 'low pressures'. No complaints imply 'no low pressures'. The researchers analysed hydraulic models for 14 different towns in 5 municipal areas of South Africa, including 2 large metros, to identify the minimum residual pressures currently expected. The results include almost 55 000 model nodes and show that about 20% of the nodes in the distribution systems analysed have pressures of below 24 m, while pressures of below 14 m are not uncommon. Whether this relatively common occurrence of low pressures under modelled peak demand is found in practice is not known at this stage. A new guideline for minimum residual pressure based on previous criteria and results from this study is presented, noting that a physical lower limit of about 10 m water pressure is specifed in home appliance specifcations. | Design standard; Peak fow; Residual pressure; Water distribution system | Customer complaints; Design criterion; Design standard; Distribution systems; Home appliances; Low pressures; Lower limits; Peak demand; Peak fow; Reduced pressure; Residual pressure; Residual pressures; South Africa; Supply system; Water pressures; Civil engineering; Design; Domestic appliances; Hydraulic models; Hydraulic structures; Local area networks; Water supply; Water distribution systems; civil engineering; design; distribution system; hydrological modeling; infrastructure; peak flow; pressure; water supply; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247530793 | Ten years hence - Has the South African choice on termination of Pregnant Act, Act 92 of 1996, realised its aims? A moral-critical evaluation | de Roubaix M. | 2007 | Medicine and Law | 26 | 1 | None | Centre for Applied Ethics, Department of Philosophy, University of Stellenbosch, West Cape, South Africa | de Roubaix, M., Centre for Applied Ethics, Department of Philosophy, University of Stellenbosch, West Cape, South Africa | The South African Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (Act 92 of 1996) (CTOP) passed by parliament ten years ago, aims to promote female reproductive autonomy through legitimising free access to abortion up to 20 weeks' of gestation. The article critically evaluates CTOP and highlights three societal concerns: the effect of CTOP on the self-esteem of nurses who perform abortion; the effect on general societal morality, and its desirability. CTOP has enjoyed mixed success. On the plus side, it has furthered female reproductive autonomy, has decreased early pregnancy maternal mortality and has advanced non-racialism through equal access to safe abortion. On the minus side, it remains controversial; the majority of the population opposes abortion on request, predominantly based on religiously-informed intuitions on the value of ante-natal life. Officials and managers of public health care facilities are often obstructive, and TOP personnel victimised and socially stigmatised. An unacceptably high rate of unsafe abortion prevails, particularly in rural areas and amongst adolescents, but also in certain urban areas. The prime causes are inadequate public education, attitudinal problems, and lack of psychological support for TOP personnel, the segregation of ante-natal care and abortion services, inadequate training, research, communication and contraceptive services, absence of incentives for TOP personnel and "traditional" gender roles and male power-based domination in reproductive choices. Corrective measures include a goal directed educational programme and initiatives like value clarification workshops which have been effective in changing negative attitudes of participants, and may thus address stigmatisation, improve working conditions of TOP personnel, promote societal tolerance and acceptance, and informed consent. Of particular concern are the questions of informed consent, minors, promotion of counselling and contraceptive services (particularly for adolescents), conscientious objection and the protection of compliant (and non-compliant) personnel. ©YOZMOT 2007. | Abortion legislation; Adolescents; Birth control; Constitutional concerns; Education; Gender based domination; Minors; Pre-natal moral significance; Reproductive autonomy; Safe unsafe abortion; Self-esteem; Societal Morality; South Africa | abortion; article; birth control; contraception; fetal rights; first trimester pregnancy; gestational age; health care access; health care facility; health education; health promotion; human; illegal abortion; induced abortion; informed consent; maternal mortality; medicolegal aspect; morality; nurse attitude; patient attitude; patient autonomy; pregnancy termination; prenatal care; psychosocial care; public health; racism; religion; reproductive rights; right to life; self esteem; sex role; social desirability; social psychology; South Africa; Abortion, Legal; Female; Humans; Morals; Pregnancy; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33644520644 | Starch hydrolysis using α-amylase: A laboratory evaluation using response surface methodology | Schoonees B.M. | 2006 | International Sugar Journal | 108 | 1286 | None | Sugar Milling Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa | Schoonees, B.M., Sugar Milling Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa | The South African cane sugar mills use a thermostable amylase enzyme (produced by genetically modified strains of Bacillus licheniformis) to control seasonally high starch levels in juice. The recommended point of application of the enzyme is the third or fourth evaporator effect since the temperatures in these effects are high enough for the starch to remain solubilised, but low enough to prevent deactivation of the enzyme. The extended residence time and lower Brix in these effects are also believed to favour enzymatic action compared to conditions in the syrup tank. While considerable effort has been made to characterize the effect of factory parameters on the previous generation of commercially available α-amylases when they were first introduced to the cane sugar industry, not much work has been done on the thermostable enzymes, thus spurring this investigation. The effects and interaction effects of temperature, Brix, pH, starch concentration and enzyme concentration on the amount of starch hydrolysed by the enzyme in a sucrose solution were determined using statistical experimental design techniques. Experiments were conducted as batch processes, while the stirring rate, calcium content and the volume of each run were kept constant. A model was derived and corresponding response surface diagrams were used to identify trends in terms of the evaluated parameters. Some experiments were done to lend support for the model which was shown to be a good predictive tool within the experimental domain investigated. | None | Bacillus licheniformis; Enzyme concentrations; Genetically modified; Laboratory evaluation; Response surface methodology; Starch concentration; Statistical experimental design; Thermostable enzymes; Bacteriology; Batch data processing; Experiments; Hydrolysis; Starch; Sugar factories; Sugar industry; Surface properties; Amylases; Bacillus licheniformis | None |
| WoS | WOS:000233072000017 | Achieving social change on gender-based violence: A report on the impact evaluation of Soul City's fourth series | GOLDSTEIN, S,Japhet, G,Scheepers, E,Usdin, S | 2005 | SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE | 61 | 11 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2005.04.035 | University of Witwatersrand, Soul City Inst & Dev Commun | None | The Soul City Institute for Health and Development Communication-a South African multi-media health promotion project-together with the National Network on Violence Against Women, formulated an intervention to address domestic violence. Recognising that behavioural change interventions aimed solely at individuals have limited impact, the intervention was designed to impact at multiple mutually reinforcing levels; individual, community and socio-political environment. The intervention and its evaluation results are presented. Soul City successfully reached 86%, 25% and 65% of audiences through television, print booklets and radio, respectively. On an individual level there was a shift in knowledge around domestic violence including 41% of respondents hearing about the helpline. Attitude shifts were also associated with the intervention, with a 10% increase in respondents disagreeing that domestic violence was a private affair. There was also a 22% shift in perceptions of social norms on this issue. Qualitative data analysis suggests the intervention played a role in enhancing women's and communities' sense of efficacy, enabling women to make more effective decisions around their health and facilitating community action. The evaluation concluded that implementation of the Domestic Violence Act can largely be attributed to the intervention. While demonstrating actual reductions in levels of domestic violence was not possible, the evaluation shows a strong association between exposure to intervention components and a range of intermediary factors indicative of, and necessary to bring about social change. This paper reports on the evaluation, discusses its limitations and challenges as well as lessons learned regarding multi-level interventions on domestic violence. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | "behaviour change","DOMESTIC VIOLENCE",enter-educate,"health/development communication","soul city","SOUTH AFRICA","DOMESTIC VIOLENCE" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900431133 | Social grants impact on poverty among the female-headed households in South Africa: A case analysis | Dubihlela J., Dubihlela D. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 8 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n8p160 | Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa; Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | Dubihlela, J., Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa; Dubihlela, D., Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | The social security system in South Africa plays an important role in mitigating the impact of socio-economic challenges among female-headed households (FHH). Social grants are expanded by the government as a measure of reducing poverty and improving the socio-economic indicators of the poor. South Africa's social grant system is advanced and covers a wide range of vulnerable individuals over their life course from childhood to adulthood; into old age. Policy discourse surrounding the social grants focuses on the sustainability of the system and the implications to livelihood and socio-economic development. It is therefore important that the significance of social grants is shown and particularly highlight their impact on poor FHH. This study investigates the effectiveness of social grants as a safety net among FHH in Bophelong, South Africa. Data was collected from a total of 262 sampled FHH. A significantly larger proportion of FHH qualified for social assistance. Access to the old age pension, child support grant and disability grant remained relatively stable, highlighting the high take-up rate of this grant. Results indicate that social grants play an important role in poverty alleviation among FHH; this translates into a significant reduction of the incidence and severity of poverty in affected households. | Female-headed households; Poverty; Social grants; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84933051370 | The impact of zinc recycling on the slurry rheology of WC-6 wt.% Co cemented carbides? | Freemantle C.S., Sacks N. | 2015 | International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials | 49 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2014.08.015 | School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of the Witwatersrand, P/Bag 3, Wits, South Africa; Pilot Tools (Pty) (Ltd), P.O. Box 27559, Benrose, South Africa | Freemantle, C.S., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of the Witwatersrand, P/Bag 3, Wits, South Africa, Pilot Tools (Pty) (Ltd), P.O. Box 27559, Benrose, South Africa; Sacks, N., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of the Witwatersrand, P/Bag 3, Wits, South Africa | The slurry rheology of zinc recycled and newWC-6 wt.% Co materials has been studied. The impact of polymer molecular weight, particle size distribution, zeta potential and solids loading on slurry rheology has been investigated and correlated with spray dried powder properties. Powders were characterized in terms of granule size distribution, apparent density, flow rate and granule microstructure. Zinc recycled and new powders, produced in both laboratory and production sized mills, were rheologically tested at various particle sizes ranging from 1.3 μm to 4.1 μm and at 3 different alcohol fractions. Polymer breakdown did not occur during milling, and did not influence slurry rheology. Recycled powders exhibited more consistent zeta potentials compared to new powders however all of the slurries, recycled and new alike, displayed agglomerating tendencies. Grain size distribution was shown to be the dominant factor in the shear response and development of a slurry yield stress, which resulted in solid spray dried granules from slurries possessing finer grain size and a higher yield stress, compared to hollow granules resulting from slurries possessing a coarser grain size and a low yield stress. Finer slurries, regardless of recycling or not, displayed higher settling rates. Zinc recycled slurries settled less quickly than newslurries of similar particle size; however they required longermilling times to achieve the target grain size distribution. Both zinc recycled and new powder slurries can be tailored to produce ideal, solid granules. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Cemented carbides; Slurry rheology; Spray drying; Zinc recycling | Carbide tools; Carbides; Copolymers; Elasticity; Granulation; Particle size; Particle size analysis; Powders; Recycling; Size distribution; Slurries; Spray drying; Tungsten carbide; Yield stress; Zeta potential; Zinc; Milling (machining); Cemented carbides; Grain size distribution; Granule microstructure; Granule size distribution; Polymer molecular weight; Slurry rheology; Spray-dried granules; Spray-dried powders; Grain size and shape | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952239651 | Evaluation of three numerical weather prediction models for short and medium range agrohydrological applications | Ghile Y.B., Schulze R.E. | 2010 | Water Resources Management | 24 | 5 | 10.1007/s11269-009-9483-5 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01002, United States; School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Ghile, Y.B., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01002, United States; Schulze, R.E., School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | The skill and accuracy of the quantitative precipitation forecasts by CCAM, UM and NCEP-MRF models are verified using various statistical scores at the Mgeni catchment in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The CCAM model is capable of identifying a rainfall event, but with a tendency of under-estimating its magnitude. The UM model is capable of distinguishing rainy days from non-rainy days, but with a significant over-estimation of rainfall amount. There is no significant difference between the 1 and 2 day lead time UM forecasts. Statistical comparisons show that there is an acceptable skill in the CCAM forecasts, but the forecast skill of the UM model is low and unreliable. The role of the initial hydrological conditions in affecting the accuracy of CCAM and UM streamflows forecasts was significant. The results show that the under-estimation of the CCAM forecasts was reduced from -44% to -10%, while the over-estimation in the UM forecasts was reduced from 291% to only 59% when the ACRU agrohydrological model was initialised with observed rainfalls up to the previous day at each forecast run within the study period. The combined use of the CCAM and UM models by a "weighted averaging" had little effect in improving the skill as it is overshadowed more by the over-estimation of the UM forecasts than the under-estimation of the CCAM forecasts. Results obtained for a continuous period of 92 days showed that the NCEP-MRF rainfall forecasts were significantly over-predicted. The NCEP-MRF rainfall forecast is found to be totally unskillful, although the skill was seen to slightly increase with decreasing lead time. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | ACRU; NWP models; Streamflow forecasting | Hydrological condition; Leadtime; Medium range; Numerical weather prediction models; NWP model; Over-estimation; Quantitative precipitation forecast; Rainfall event; Rainfall forecasts; Rainy days; South Africa; Statistical comparisons; Streamflow forecasting; Weighted averaging; Catchments; Estimation; Mathematical models; Rain; Stream flow; Structural frames; Weather forecasting; catchment; forecasting method; numerical model; precipitation assessment; statistical analysis; streamflow; KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959399134 | The impact of culture-related factors on good governance in Greek family businesses in South Africa | Adendorff C., Boshoff C. | 2011 | South African Journal of Business Management | 42 | 2 | None | Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | Adendorff, C., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Boshoff, C., Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | The size of the family business component of the South African economy suggests that it is the predominant way of doing business in South Africa. A large proportion of these family businesses are Greek-owned. More importantly it is estimated that approximately 95% of all Greek businesses in South Africa can be classified as family businesses. The sustainability of Greek family businesses requires that they maintain good governance practices that are both economically and environmentally acceptable to all stakeholders. It also requires that the next generation of Greek entrepreneurs effectively balance good governance of their businesses with their family commitments. The primary objective of this study was to identify and explore the internal, culturally-related factors that influence good governance to ensure the survival, growth and sustainability of Greek family businesses in South Africa. A theoretical model of good governance factors was proposed and tested using Structural Equation Modelling. The study found that perceived good governance in a South African Greek family business context needs to be managed in terms of three factors, namely risk control, the internal regulatory environment and the protection of the stakeholders? interest. The study found that needs alignment, cultural needs alignment, vision and ethnic entrepreneurial growth all impact directly or indirectly on perceived good governance in South African Greek family businesses. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930636351 | Evaluation of Movement Facilitating Techniques for Finite Element Analysis of Magnetically Geared Electrical Machines | Gerber S., Wang R.-J. | 2015 | IEEE Transactions on Magnetics | 51 | 2 | 10.1109/TMAG.2014.2351787 | Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Gerber, S., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Wang, R.-J., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | The simulation of magnetically geared electrical machines using the finite element method is an especially demanding task when movement has to be considered. Several methods that facilitate movement exist. In this paper, two of these methods, the macro air-gap element (AGE) and the moving band (MB) are applied in a time-stepped static simulation of a magnetically geared machine (MGM). The methods are evaluated in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency, vitally important factors for numerical optimization. The implementation of both methods exploit the multi-core architecture of modern CPUs to solve several steps in parallel, drastically reducing the simulation time. Nevertheless, the computational cost of the AGE is prohibitively high in the simulation of MGMs. The MB is computationally efficient and good accuracy can be achieved using a multilayer approach. © 1965-2012 IEEE. | Accuracy; Air gaps; Atmospheric modeling; Computational modeling; Finite element analysis; Torque; Voltage measurement | Computational efficiency; Computer architecture; Electric machinery; Numerical methods; Optimization; Program processors; Torque; Voltage measurement; Accuracy; Air-gaps; Atmospheric model; Computational costs; Computational model; Computationally efficient; Multicore architectures; Numerical optimizations; Finite element method | Universiteit Stellenbosch; US, Universiteit Stellenbosch |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861815460 | Microwave-assisted synthesis of guanidine organocatalysts bearing a tetrahydroisoquinoline framework and their evaluation in Michael addition reactions | Naicker T., Arvidsson P.I., Kruger H.G., Maguire G.E.M., Govender T. | 2012 | European Journal of Organic Chemistry | None | 17 | 10.1002/ejoc.201200303 | School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag 4000, Durban, South Africa; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden; Innovative Medicines, CNSP IMed, AstraZeneca RandD Sodertalje, 15185 Sodertalje, Sweden; School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa | Naicker, T., School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag 4000, Durban, South Africa; Arvidsson, P.I., School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag 4000, Durban, South Africa, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden, Innovative Medicines, CNSP IMed, AstraZeneca RandD Sodertalje, 15185 Sodertalje, Sweden; Kruger, H.G., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa; Maguire, G.E.M., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa; Govender, T., School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag 4000, Durban, South Africa | The simple and practical syntheses of chiral guanidine organocatalysts and their evaluation in the asymmetric Michael addition reaction of malonates and β-keto esters with nitro-olefins is reported. These organocatalysts are the first of their kind based on a tetrahydroisoquinoline framework. In addition, a microwave-assisted procedure for introducing the guanidine unit onto amino amide derivatives is reported. The chiral products were obtained with quantitative chemical efficiency (up to 99 % yield) and excellent enantioselectivity (up to 97 % ee). Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. | Michael addition; Microwave chemistry; Organocatalysis | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547770708 | Sampling: The impact on costs and decision making | Minnitt R.C.A. | 2007 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 107 | 7 | None | School of Mining Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Minnitt, R.C.A., School of Mining Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | The simple act of taking a sample implies that someone will use the information contained in the analytical result to make a decision about a course of action. In the mining industry, the decisions may involve huge capital commitments for opening or closing a mine, or marginal tactical costs that involve deciding if a truckload of mineralized rock should be sent to the mill for processing, or the waste dump. Sampling is among the most fundamental activities in a mining operation, and this paper aims to examine some of the technical issues that can assist in ensuring that samples are representative and correct Insights into the scale of variability require that we disaggregate sampling variance into its component parts and evaluate each one individually. The work of Pierre Gy in understanding; the different sampling errors is the first step in establishing an optimal protocol. This must be followed by the appropriate measures to ensure the protocol is implemented such that minimal bias is introduced in the sampling process. Even with these insights the possibility exists for large unseen and hidden costs can accumulate in a mineral development because of sampling errors. These hidden costs arise due to misunderstanding of the principle factors that affect the size of sampling errors, such as the mass of the sample, the effects of splitting a sample to reduce the mass, and the influence of the nominal particle size. The handling of sample material without due regard to the sampling characteristics of the material being sampled is also a major source of sampling errors. The most significant problem Is due to the influence of the so-called volume-variance effect. This effect is a consequence of the support effect and the information effect both of which relate to the difference in size at which samples are collected and mining blocks are extracted. The information effect is a function of the availability of data at the time that decisions are made about the destinations of mineralized rock, namely the mill or the waste dump. Implementation of appropriate sampling protocols in the mineral value chain remains a challenge throughout the industry. The growing understanding and deepening appreciation of sampling theory and methods means we stand on the threshold of a new era for implementing and understanding appropriate sampling procedures and protocols. In the interests of optimal development of the national patrimony it is suggested that standardization through the identification of structural problem and continuous improvement of mining processes be instituted at a national level. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2007. | None | Capital commitments; Mineralized rock; Variance effect; Costs; Decision making; Errors; Information use; Mineral industry; Standardization; Sampling | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78149369037 | Evaluation of the phase composition, crystallinity, and trace isotope variation of SiC in experimental TRISO coated particles | de Villiers J.P.R., Roberts J., Ngoepe N., Tuling A.S. | 2009 | Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power | 131 | 6 | 10.1115/1.3098426 | University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | de Villiers, J.P.R., University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Roberts, J., University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Ngoepe, N., University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Tuling, A.S., University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | The SiC layers in experimental tristructural-isotropic (TRISO) coated particles with zirconia kernels were evaluated for their phase composition, impurity levels, crystal perfection, and twinning of the crystallites in the layers. This evaluation was necessary to compare the different SiC layers and relate these properties to various quality tests and ultimately to manufacturing parameters in the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) coater. Identification of the various polytypes was done using electron diffraction methods. This is the only method for the unequivocal identification of the different polytypes. The 3C and 6H polytypes were positively identified. The SiC in some samples is disordered. This is characterized by planar defects, of different widths and periodicities, giving rise to streaking in the diffraction pattern along the [111] direction of the 3C polytype. Polarized light microscopy in transmission easily distinguishes between the cubic (beta) and noncubic (alpha) SiC in the layers and provides valuable information about the distribution of these phases in the layers. Raman spectroscopy was used to examine the distribution of Si in the SiC layers of the different samples. Two samples contain elevated levels of Si(̃50%), with the highest levels on the inside of the layers. The elevated Si levels also occur in most of the other samples, albeit at lower Si levels. This was also confirmed by the use of scanning electron microscope (SEM) electron backscatter analysis. Rietveld analysis using X-ray diffraction is presently the only reliable method to quantify the polytypes in the SiC layer. It was found that the SiC layer consists predominantly (82-94%) of the 3C polytype, with minor amounts of the 6H and 8H polytypes. Impurities in the SiC and PyC could be measured with sufficient sensitivity using laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The SiC and PyC layers are easily located from the intensity of the C 13 and Si 29 signals. In most cases the absolute values are less important than the variation of impurities in the samples. Elevated levels of the transition elements Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, and Zn are present erratically in some samples. These elements, together with Ag 107 and Ag 109, correlate positively, indicating impurities, even metallic particles. Elevated levels of these transition elements are also present at the SiC/outer pyrolytic carbon (OPyC) interface. The reasons for this are unknown at this stage. NIST standards were used to calibrate the impurity levels in the coated particles. These average from 1 ppm to 18 ppm for some isotopes. © 2009 by ASME. | None | Absolute values; Coated particles; Crystal perfection; Crystallinities; Elevated level; Impurities in; Impurity level; Isotope variation; Laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometries; Manufacturing parameters; Metallic particles; Planar defect; Polarized light microscopy; Polytypes; Pyrolytic carbon; Quality test; Scanning electron microscopes; Transition element; Ablation; Chemical vapor deposition; Chromium; Crystal impurities; Diffraction; Electromagnetic induction; Isotopes; Light transmission; Mass spectrometry; Phase composition; Raman spectroscopy; Rietveld analysis; Rietveld method; Scanning electron microscopy; Silicon; Transition metals; Twinning; X ray diffraction; Zirconia; Silicon carbide | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862227285 | Performance evaluation of fixed bed of nano calcium oxide synthesized from a gastropod shell (achatina achatina) in hexavalent chromium abstraction from aqua system | Oladoja N.A., Ololade I.A., Olatujoye V.O., Akinnifesi T.A. | 2012 | Water, Air, and Soil Pollution | 223 | 4 | 10.1007/s11270-011-0990-7 | Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Nigeria | Oladoja, N.A., Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Nigeria; Ololade, I.A., Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Nigeria; Olatujoye, V.O., Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Nigeria; Akinnifesi, T.A., Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Nigeria | The shell of a gastropod (Achatina Achatina) was used as a precursor for the synthesis of nano calcium oxide (NC) via the sol-gel technique. The NC was characterized and the performance evaluation in chromium (Cr) (VI) abstraction was assessed in a fixed bed. The operating characteristics of the NC-Cr (VI) system were analysed with the mass transfer model and the mass transfer zone parameters were found to fluctuate with changes in the initial Cr (VI) concentration. The evaluation of the equilibrium data, generated from the fixed bed studies, showed that the sorption of Cr (VI) occurred via monolayer adsorption mechanism, and the monolayer sorption capacity was 833.33 mg/g. Different kinetic models (i.e., Adams-Bohart, Thomas,Wolborska, and Yoon-Nelson models) were applied to experimental data to predict the breakthrough curves and to determine the parameters of the column useful for process design. The kinetic analysis showed that the Yoon and Nelson model had the best fitting of the experimental data. The data obtained for Cr (VI) removal, when the NC bed height was optimized, were well described by bed depth service time model. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011. | BDST model; Chromium (VI); Fixed bed; Gastropod shell; Nano calcium oxide | Bed depth service time model; Bed height; Break through curve; Equilibrium data; Experimental data; Fixed bed; Gastropod shell; Hexavalent chromium; Kinetic analysis; Kinetic models; Mass transfer models; Monolayer adsorption mechanism; Operating characteristics; Performance evaluation; Sol-gel technique; Sorption capacities; Transfer zones; Abstracting; Chromium; Lime; Mass transfer; Sol-gels; Sorption; Chromium compounds; calcium oxide; chromium; metal nanoparticle; adsorption; bioreactor; breakthrough curve; chromium; gastropod; mass transfer; nanotechnology; performance assessment; reaction kinetics; shell; adsorption kinetics; animal shell; article; bed depth; bed height; chemical analysis; controlled study; environmental parameters; evaluation; fixed bed reactor; gastropod; heavy metal removal; mass transfer; mass transfer zone; monolayer culture; nonhuman; process design; process model; process optimization; receiver operating characteristic; water supply; Achatina achatina; Gastropoda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877996089 | Evaluation of Ficus exasperata vahl. leaf extracts in the management of diabetes mellitus in vitro | Kazeem M.I., Oyedapo B.F., Raimi O.G., Adu O.B. | 2013 | Journal of Medical Sciences (Faisalabad) | 13 | 4 | 10.3923/jms.2013.269.275 | Department of Biochemistry, Lagos State University, PMB 0001Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria | Kazeem, M.I., Department of Biochemistry, Lagos State University, PMB 0001Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Oyedapo, B.F., Department of Biochemistry, Lagos State University, PMB 0001Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Raimi, O.G., Department of Biochemistry, Lagos State University, PMB 0001Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Adu, O.B., Department of Biochemistry, Lagos State University, PMB 0001Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria | The sharp increase in the incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus has led to antidiabetic therapeutic investigations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate different extracts of Ficus exasperata leaves for their inhibitory potential against α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities. Phytochemical screening of the various extracts of Ficus exasperata was performed and their inhibitory potential on the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase was determined in vitro. The results revealed that aqueous extract of Ficus exasperata has the lowest IC50 against α-amylase (3.70 mg mL-1) and α-glucosidase (1.70 mg rnL-1) which makes it most potent inhibitor compared to the other extracts. Kinetic studies performed on the aqueous extract of Ficus exasperata in order to determine its modes of inhibition of the enzymes showed that it is a non-competitive and competitive inhibitor of α-amylase and α-glucosidase respectively. It is proposed that the inhibitory potential of aqueous extract of the plant might be due to the synergistic effect of its phytochemical constituents. Therefore it can be concluded that part of the mechanisms by which Ficus exasperata displayed its antidiabetic potential is through the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. | α-amylase; α-glucosidase; Diabetes mellitus; Ficus exasperata; Tannins | alpha glucosidase; amylase; antidiabetic agent; Ficus exasperata extract; flavonoid; phytosterol; plant extract; saponin derivative; tannin derivative; terpenoid derivative; unclassified drug; antidiabetic activity; article; chemical composition; competitive inhibition; controlled study; drug screening; enzyme inhibition; Ficus; Ficus exasperata; IC 50; in vitro study; phytochemistry; plant leaf | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349397520 | Evaluation of wear severity in pipeline | Achebo J.I. | 2009 | Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences | 4 | 1 | None | Department of Production Engineering, University of Benin, Nigeria | Achebo, J.I., Department of Production Engineering, University of Benin, Nigeria | The severity of wear occurrence in a pipeline was evaluated by applying the particle mass loading equation, stoke number and determining the mass transfer coefficient. These parameters examine the particle-particle and particle-pipe wall interaction pattern. Various laboratory experimental tests were done to determine the effect of particles on pipe walls and a range of values for the particle mass loading and stokes number were determined. These values became the interpretation criteria for analyzing results and suggesting recommendations. However, from this research result, the particle mass loading of 0.82, stokes number of 1.20 and mass transfer coefficient of 6.06 W m-2 °C were obtained. These values show that there was strong evidence of particle-wall interaction, which could have caused wear. When the pipe under study was cut into sections and visual examination was carried out, it was observed that cutting wear actually occurred in the internal geometry of the pipe. The severity of the wear is attributed to the small diameter of the pipeline under study; the size, coupled with the agglomerated stones is believed to have allowed for close particle wall interaction. From the findings, pipes whose depth of cut is high enough to significantly affect their load bearing capacity should be changed and sizable particles should be removed from the flow system to avoid wear. © Medwell Journals, 2009. | Heat transfer coefficient; Mass transfer coefficient; Number; Particle mass loading; Pipeline; Stoke; Wear | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-22444440988 | Synthesis and evaluation of metal-ligand complexes for selective olefin solubilization in reactive solvents | Wentink A.E., Kuipers N.J.M., De Haan A.B., Scholtz J., Mulder H. | 2005 | Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research | 44 | 13 | 10.1021/ie0487890 | Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 Enschede, Netherlands; Sasol Technology, Sasolburg, South Africa | Wentink, A.E., Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 Enschede, Netherlands; Kuipers, N.J.M., Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 Enschede, Netherlands; De Haan, A.B., Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 Enschede, Netherlands; Scholtz, J., Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 Enschede, Netherlands, Sasol Technology, Sasolburg, South Africa; Mulder, H., Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 Enschede, Netherlands, Sasol Technology, Sasolburg, South Africa | The separation of 1-hexene from Fischer-Tropsch streams is an expensive and difficult separation because of the low relative volatilities encountered. Applying metal-ligand complexes, which π-complex olefins, can increase the selectivity and capacity of these separations. In this paper, potential metal-ligand combinations are screened for this purpose using ethylene as the olefin. Ethylene solubility measurements with the metal-ligand complexes show a qualitative relationship between the stability and ability of the metal-ligand complex. The ligands LIX 26 (a hydroxyquinoline) and LEX 54 (a diketone) do not easily extract silver, and the resulting metalligand complex is unstable as silver precipitates. In contrast, Cyanex 301 and 302, thiophosphoric acids, easily extract silver and are very stable, but here the silver ion no longer forms π complexes. The ligands, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid and dinonylnaphthalenesulfonic acid, result in a stable metal-ligand complex that can also selectively complex ethylene relative to ethane. © 2005 American Chemical Society. | None | Ethane; Olefins; Phosphoric acid; Precipitation (chemical); Separation; Silver; Solubility; Solvents; Ethylene solubility; Fischer-Tropsch streams; Metal-ligand complexes; Selectivity; Complexation; solvent | None |
| None | None | Data resource profile: The sentinel panel of districts: Tanzania's national platform for health impact evaluation | Kabadi G.S., Geubbels E., Lyatuu I., Smithson P., Amaro R., Meku S., Schellenberg J.A., Masanja H. | 2015 | International Journal of Epidemiology | 44 | 1 | 10.1093/ije/dyu223 | Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; National Bureau of Statistics, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Kabadi, G.S., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Geubbels, E., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Lyatuu, I., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Smithson, P., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Amaro, R., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Meku, S., National Bureau of Statistics, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Schellenberg, J.A., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Masanja, H., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | The Sentinel Panel of Districts (SPD) consists of 23 districts selected to provide nationally representative data on demographic and health indicators in Tanzania. The SPD has two arms: SAVVY and FBIS. SAVVY (SAmple Vital registration with Verbal autopsY) is a demographic surveillance system that provides nationally representative estimates of mortalities based on age, sex, residence and zone. SAVVY covers over 805 000 persons, or about 2% of the Tanzania mainland population, and uses repeat household census every 4-5 years, with ongoing reporting of births, deaths and causes of deaths. The FBIS (Facility-Based Information System) collects routine national health management information system data. These health service use data are collected monthly at all public and private health facilities in SPD districts, i.e. about 35% of all facilities in Mainland Tanzania. Both SAVVY and FBIS systems are capable of generating supplementary information from nested periodic surveys. Additional information about the design of the SPD is available online: access to some of SPD's aggregate data can be requested by sending an e-mail to [hmasanja@ihi.or.tz]. © The Author 2014. | Demographic and mortality surveillance; Health facility surveillance; Representative sample; Sub-Saharan Africa | birth rate; cause of death; demographic method; health impact; health monitoring; health services; household survey; panel data; Sentinel; Article; health care facility; health care utilization; health impact assessment; health survey; human; medical information system; priority journal; public health; Tanzania; adolescent; adult; age distribution; aged; child; demography; epidemiology; female; infant; information processing; male; middle aged; newborn; preschool child; procedures; sex ratio; socioeconomics; very elderly; vital statistics; young adult; Tanzania; Adolescent; Adult; Age Distribution; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Causality; Child; Child, Preschool; Data Collection; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Middle Aged; Public Health Surveillance; Residence Characteristics; Sex Distribution; Socioeconomic Factors; Tanzania; Vital Statistics; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-46049089443 | Field-based evaluation of a reagent strip test for diagnosis of schistosomiasis mansoni by detecting circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) in urine in low endemic area in Ethiopia | Legesse M., Erko B. | 2008 | Parasite | 15 | 2 | None | 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, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of a reagent strip test for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis mansoni by detecting circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) in urine were evaluated using 184 stool and urine samples collected from schoolchildren living in relatively low endemic area of schistosomiasis mansoni in Ethiopia. A combined result of stool samples processed by Kato and formol-ether concentration methods was used as gold standard. The results showed that detection of CCA in urine using reagent strip test was slightly higher than the combined results of the stool techniques (65.2 % vs 42.4 %, p > 0.05) in suggesting the prevalence of the disease. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the reagent strip test were 76.9 %, 43.4 %, 50 % and 71.9 %, respectively. The result of egg counts using Kato method suggested that detection of urine CCA could be used to indicate the intensity of infection. Nevertheless, like that of stool examination, the reagent strip test was found to be less sensitive in case of light to moderate infections. About 23.1 % of the study children who were excreting the eggs of the parasite were found negative by the reagent strip test. The relative insensitivity of a reagent strip test in low intensity of infection necessitates for the development of more sensitive assay that can truly discriminate schistosome-infected from non-infected individuals. | CCA; Ethiopia; Reagent strip test; S. mansoni; Urine | CCA protein, Schistosoma mansoni; glycoprotein; helminth protein; parasite antigen; adolescent; adult; animal; article; child; cross-sectional study; Ethiopia; feces; female; human; immunology; male; parasite identification; parasitology; preschool child; prevalence; reproducibility; Schistosoma mansoni; sensitivity and specificity; test strip; urine; Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Antigens, Helminth; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethiopia; Feces; Female; Glycoproteins; Helminth Proteins; Humans; Male; Parasite Egg Count; Prevalence; Reagent Strips; Reproducibility of Results; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Sensitivity and Specificity; Schistosoma; Schistosoma mansoni | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953316162 | Evaluation of sensitivity and specificity of RBT, c-ELISA and fluorescence polarisation assay for diagnosis of brucellosis in cattle using latent class analysis | Matope G., Muma J.B., Toft N., Gori E., Lund A., Nielsen K., Skjerve E. | 2011 | Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology | 141 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.vetimm.2011.02.005 | Department of Paraclinical Veterinary Studies, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Disease Control, University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32397, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Preclinical Veterinary Studies, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Animal Health, National Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 8156 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway; Ontario Laboratories (Fallowfield), Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 3851 Fallowfield Road, Nepean, ON, K2H 8P9, Canada; Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Copenhagen University, Grønnegaardsvej 8, DK 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, P.O. Box 8146 Dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway | Matope, G., Department of Paraclinical Veterinary Studies, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Muma, J.B., Department of Disease Control, University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32397, Lusaka, Zambia; Toft, N., Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Copenhagen University, Grønnegaardsvej 8, DK 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; Gori, E., Department of Preclinical Veterinary Studies, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Lund, A., Department of Animal Health, National Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 8156 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway; Nielsen, K., Ontario Laboratories (Fallowfield), Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 3851 Fallowfield Road, Nepean, ON, K2H 8P9, Canada; Skjerve, E., Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, P.O. Box 8146 Dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway | The sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the Rose Bengal test (RBT), competitive ELISA (c-ELISA), serum (sFPA) and blood (bFPA) fluorescence polarisation assay for brucellosis were evaluated using latent class analysis using sera and whole blood collected from infected cattle reared in smallholder dairy farms of Zimbabwe. The latent class model allowed estimation of Se and Sp in the absence of a gold standard test. The c-ELISA had the highest Se (99.0%; 95% credible posterior interval (CPI): 94.8; 100%), while the RBT and sFPA had the highest Sp (99.0%; 95% CPI: 98.0; 99.6%). The bFPA had the lowest Se (71.3%; 95% CPI: 56.2, 83.5%), while its Sp (96.3%; CPI: 93.9; 98.0%) was marginally higher than that of the c-ELISA (95.4% CPI: 93.7; 96.8%). Therefore based on these data, test regimen using the RBT and c-ELISA could be suitable for diagnosis of brucellosis in smallholder dairies in Zimbabwe. Based on cost and ease of performance, the sFPA may be adopted as a confirmatory test, but its performance may be optimised by altering cut-off points to suit the Zimbabwean conditions. Thus, latent class models provide an alternative method for evaluating Se and Sp of diagnostic tests, which could be used to optimise test performance in different cattle populations. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. | Brucellosis; C-ELISA; FPA; Latent class analysis; RBT | rose bengal; analytic method; animal experiment; article; brucellosis; diagnostic test accuracy study; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; evaluation; fluorescence polarization; latent class analysis; nonhuman; performance; sensitivity and specificity; serum; Zimbabwe; Animals; Brucellosis, Bovine; Cattle; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay; Rose Bengal; Sensitivity and Specificity; Zimbabwe; Bos | None |
| None | None | Preliminary application and evaluation of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for detection of bovine theileriosis and trypanosomosis in Tanzania | Thekisoe O.M.M., Omolo J.D., Swai E.S., Hayashida K., Zhang J., Sugimoto C., Inoue N. | 2007 | Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research | 74 | 4 | None | National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan; Ministry of Livestock Development, Department of Veterinary Services, Box 456, Dodoma, Tanzania; Veterinary Investigation Centre, Box 1068, Arusha, Tanzania; Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 011-0818, Japan | Thekisoe, O.M.M., National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan; Omolo, J.D., Ministry of Livestock Development, Department of Veterinary Services, Box 456, Dodoma, Tanzania; Swai, E.S., Veterinary Investigation Centre, Box 1068, Arusha, Tanzania; Hayashida, K., National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 011-0818, Japan; Zhang, J., National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan; Sugimoto, C., Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 011-0818, Japan; Inoue, N., National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan | The sensitivity of LAMP, PCR and microscopy to detect Theileria spp. and Trypanosoma congolense in field-derived bovine blood samples from Tanzania was evaluated and compared. No parasites were detected by microscopy. Furthermore, no bovine Theileria spp. were detected by LAMP and PCR from all the 24 samples collected from Arusha. Four and one out of 24 samples were positive for Theileria congolense infection by LAMP and PCR respectively while, 18 and nine out of 40 samples from Dar es Salaam were positive by LAMP and PCR for Theileria spp. Infection, respectively. Although all samples from Dar es Salaam were negative for Trypanosoma congolense infections by PCR, 12 out of 40 samples were LAMP positive. Whilst PCR is an established gene amplification method for the detection of Theileria and trypanosome parasites, this study introduces LAMP as an alternative molecular diagnostic tool that could be used in large-scale epidemiological surveys. | Bovine theileria spp.; LAMP; Microscopy; PCR; Tanzania Trypanosoma congolense | protozoal DNA; animal; animal disease; animal parasitosis; article; cattle; cattle disease; chemistry; isolation and purification; methodology; microscopy; nucleic acid amplification; polymerase chain reaction; sensitivity and specificity; species difference; Tanzania; Theileria; Trypanosoma; Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; DNA, Protozoan; Microscopy; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sensitivity and Specificity; Species Specificity; Tanzania; Theileria; Theileriasis; Trypanosoma; Trypanosomiasis, Bovine; Bovinae; Theileria; Trypanosoma; Trypanosoma congolense | 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-s2.0-34748818776 | Catalytic performance and deactivation of precipitated iron catalyst for selective oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur in the waste gas streams from coal gasification | Mashapa T.N., Rademan J.D., Van Vuuren M.J.J. | 2007 | Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research | 46 | 19 | 10.1021/ie061589z | Fischer-Tropsch Refinery Catalysis, Sasol Technology Research and Development, P.O. Box 1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa | Mashapa, T.N., Fischer-Tropsch Refinery Catalysis, Sasol Technology Research and Development, P.O. Box 1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa; Rademan, J.D., Fischer-Tropsch Refinery Catalysis, Sasol Technology Research and Development, P.O. Box 1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa; Van Vuuren, M.J.J., Fischer-Tropsch Refinery Catalysis, Sasol Technology Research and Development, P.O. Box 1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa | The selective oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur, using a commercial, precipitated silica promoted ferric oxide based catalyst, was investigated in laboratory and pilot-plant reactors. Low levels of hydrogen sulfide (1-3 vol %) can be readily removed, but a continuous slow decrease in catalyst activity was apparent. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the loss of activity was due to the formation of ferrous sulfate, which is known to be less active than the ferric oxide. In addition, studies using a model feed showed that the propene and HCN impurities in the plant feed stocks also act as potent catalyst poisons. © 2007 American Chemical Society. | None | Catalysts; Coal gasification; Sulfur; X ray photoelectron spectroscopy; Catalytic performance; Precipitated silica; Hydrogen sulfide; Catalysts; Coal gasification; Hydrogen sulfide; Sulfur; X ray photoelectron spectroscopy | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879307225 | Assessing the representativeness and repeatability of test locations for genotype evaluation | Badu-Apraku B., Akinwale R.O., Obeng-Antwi K., Haruna A., Kanton R., Usman I., Ado S.G., Coulibaly N., Yallou G.C., Oyekunle M. | 2013 | Canadian Journal of Plant Science | 93 | 4 | 10.4141/CJPS2012-136 | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (UK) Limited, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon, CR9 3EE, United Kingdom; Department of Crop Production and Protection, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife-Ife, Nigeria; Crops Research Institute, Kumasi, Ghana; Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Tamale, Ghana; Institut d'Economie Rurale, Bamako, Mali; Institut National de Recherches Agricoles du Bénin, Cotonou, Benin; Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Nigeria | Badu-Apraku, B., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (UK) Limited, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon, CR9 3EE, United Kingdom; Akinwale, R.O., Department of Crop Production and Protection, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife-Ife, Nigeria; Obeng-Antwi, K., Crops Research Institute, Kumasi, Ghana; Haruna, A., Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Tamale, Ghana; Kanton, R., Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Tamale, Ghana; Usman, I., Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Nigeria; Ado, S.G., Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Nigeria; Coulibaly, N., Institut d'Economie Rurale, Bamako, Mali; Yallou, G.C., Institut National de Recherches Agricoles du Bénin, Cotonou, Benin; Oyekunle, M., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (UK) Limited, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon, CR9 3EE, United Kingdom | The selection of suitable breeding and testing sites is crucial to the success of a maize (Zea mays L.) improvement programme. Twelve early-maturing maize cultivars were evaluated for 3 yr at 16 locations in West Africa to determine the representativeness, discriminating ability, and repeatability of the testing sites and to identify core testing sites. Genotype main effect plus genotype by environment interaction (GGE) biplot analysis revealed that Zaria (Nigeria), Nyankpala (Ghana), and Ejura (Ghana) displayed the highest discriminating ability. Two mega-environments were identified. Bagou, Nyankpala, Bagauda, Ikenne, and Mokwa constituted the first mega-environment (ME1); Ejura, Ina and Sotuba represented the second (ME2). The ME1 would be more useful for evaluating early maize genotypes for tolerance to drought than ME2 because locations in ME1 were more strongly correlated to Ikenne (managed drought stress site). Among the test locations, Bagou and Mokwa were found to be closely related to Ikenne in their ranking of the cultivars for drought tolerance; Zaria was the exact opposite, indicating that this was the least suitable location for evaluating genotypes for drought tolerance. Nyankpala and Ikenne were identified as the core testing sites for ME1 and Ejura for ME2. TZE Comp 3 C2F2 was identified as the highest yielding cultivar for ME1 and Syn DTE STR-Y for ME2, indicating that they could be used as check cultivars. Ikenne, Nyankpala, and Ejura had moderately high repeatability. They were closer to the average environment axis of each mega-environment and will be useful for culling unstable genotypes during multi-locational testing. Other sites were less representative and not repeatable and will not be useful for evaluating early maize cultivars for drought tolerance. | Core testing sites; drought stress; GGE biplot; maize; repeatability | correlation; crop improvement; culling; cultivar; discriminant analysis; genotype; maize; maturation; adaptation; assessment method; drought stress; reproductive behavior; selection; tolerance; West Africa; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901472973 | Impact of seed voucher system on income inequality and Rice income per hectare among rural households in Nigeria: A Randomized Control Trial (RCT) approach | Awotide B.A., Awoyemi T.T., Salman K.K., Diagne A. | 2013 | Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture | 52 | 2 | None | C/o Africa Rice Centre, International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), University of Ibadan, P.M.B. 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Africa Rice Centre, Cotonou, Benin | Awotide, B.A., C/o Africa Rice Centre, International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), University of Ibadan, P.M.B. 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Awoyemi, T.T., C/o Africa Rice Centre, International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), University of Ibadan, P.M.B. 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Salman, K.K., C/o Africa Rice Centre, International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), University of Ibadan, P.M.B. 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Diagne, A., Africa Rice Centre, Cotonou, Benin | The Seed Voucher System (SVS) was adopted by the Emergency Rice Initiative (ERI) to grant fanners access to certified improved seed, in order to mitigate the adverse effect of the 2008 global food crisis on resource poor farmers in rural Nigeria. This study examined the impact of the SVS on income inequality reduction and rice income per hectare among rice farming households in Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was used to collect Baseline (2008) and post-voucher (2010) data, using multistage sampling procedure. Using Randomized Control Trial approach, 160 farmers out of the 600 rice fanners randomly selected in 2008 received the seed voucher (treated), and others did not (control). The results revealed that poverty and income inequality declined significantly after the intervention. The SVS also lead to significant increase in rice income per hectare. Therefore, the use of seed vouches to grant farmers access to production inputs could actually be a way out of the endemic poverty situation in rural Nigeria and can also be used to redistribute income among rural households in Nigeria. | Impact; Income inequality; LATE; Nigeria; Poverty; Rice; Voucher | agricultural worker; baseline survey; crop production; farming system; household income; poverty; questionnaire survey; rice; rural society; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886285375 | Evaluating the performance of amiprophos methyl and γ-irradiated seeds on growth and yield traits of pigeon pea | Udensi O., Ntui V.O. | 2013 | International Journal of Agriculture and Biology | 15 | 5 | None | Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Nigeria; Laboratory of Plant Cell Technology, Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Japan | Udensi, O., Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Nigeria; Ntui, V.O., Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Nigeria, Laboratory of Plant Cell Technology, Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Japan | The seeds of two varieties of pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill], brown "Fiofio" and white "Fiofio", were treated with 0, 4, 6 and 8 ppm amiprophos methyl (APM) for 48 h, or exposed to γ-irradiation at 0, 200, 400, 600 Gy (Gray) from 60Co source. There was significant (P < 0.05) effect of the mutagenic treatments on all the growth and yield traits evaluated except for percentage germination and these effects were dose-dependent. Seeds exposed to 200 Gy of γ-rays gave better seed yield when compared with APM soaked seeds. The treatment of pigeon pea seeds with APM and γ-rays could serve as alternative breeding and improvement techniques to achieve high seed productivity, especially at lower doses. Succinctly, it does suggest that if mutagenic process is monitored and directed carefully, it could proffer significant alternative for improving pigeon pea landraces, especially if the seeds are exposed to γ-irradiation at the dose of at least 200 Gy. © 2013 Friends Science Publishers. | γ-Irradiation; Amiprophos methyl; Improvement; Mutation breeding; Pigeon pea | None | None |
| None | None | The performance of spray-irrigated ulva lactuca (Ulvophyceae, chlorophyta) as a crop and as a biofilter of fishpond effluents | Msuya F.E., Neori A. | 2010 | Journal of Phycology | 46 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1529-8817.2010.00843.x | Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 668, Zanzibar, Tanzania; Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Center for Mariculture, P.O. Box 1212, Eilat 88112, Israel | Msuya, F.E., Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 668, Zanzibar, Tanzania; Neori, A., Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Center for Mariculture, P.O. Box 1212, Eilat 88112, Israel | The seaweed Ulva lactuca L. was spray cultured by mariculture effluents in a mattress-like layer, held in air on slanted boards by plastic netting. Air-agitated seaweed suspension tanks were the reference. Growth rate, yield, and ammonia-N removal rate were 11.8% · d-1, 171 g fresh weight (fwt) · m-2 · d-1, and 5 g N · m-2 · d-1, respectively, by the spray-cultured U. lactuca, and 16.9% · d-1, 283 g fwt · m-2 · d-1, and 7 g N · m-2 · d-1, respectively, by the tank U. lactuca. Biomass protein content was similar in both treatments. Dissolved oxygen in the fishpond effluent water was raised by >3 mg · L-1 and pH by up to half a unit, upon passage through both culture systems. The data suggest that spray-irrigation culture of U. lactuca in this simple green-mattress-like system supplies the seaweed all it needs to grow and biofilter at rates close to those in standard air-agitated tank culture. © 2010 Phycological Society of America. | Biofilter; Macroalgae; Seaweed culture technology; Seaweed production cost; Spray culture | Chlorophyta; Ulva; Ulva lactuca; Ulvophyceae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-69149104055 | Evaluation of the lubricating properties of palm kernel oil | Musa J.J. | 2009 | Leonardo Electronic Journal of Practices and Technologies | 7 | 14 | None | Department of Agriculture and Bio-Resource Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | Musa, J.J., Department of Agriculture and Bio-Resource Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | The search for renewable energy resources continues to attract attention in recent times as fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal and natural gas, which are been used to meet the energy needs of man are associated with negative environmental impacts such as global warming. Biodiesel offered reduced exhaust emissions, improved biodegradability, reduced toxicity and higher carotene rating which can improve performance and clean up emissions. Standard methods were used to determine the physical and chemical properties of the oil, which includes the Density, Viscosity, flash/fire point, carbon residue, volatility and Specific Gravity were determined by chemical experimental analysis. The flash/fire points of the Heavy duty oil (SAE 40) and Light duty oil (SAE 30) is 260/300(°C) and 243/290(°C) respectively while the pour points of the samples are 22°C for palm kernel oil while 9°C and 21°C for SAE 40and SAE 30 respectively. | Biodiesel; Density; Fire point; Flash point; Heavy duty; Light duty; Viscosity | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945410130 | Diabetes: knowledge, psychosocial impact, and attitude of patients | Achigbu E.O., Oputa R.N., Achigbu K.I., Ahuche I.U. | 2015 | International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries | 35 | None | 10.1007/s13410-015-0368-2 | Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | Achigbu, E.O., Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Oputa, R.N., Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Achigbu, K.I., Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Ahuche, I.U., Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | The scourge of diabetes has been increasing worldwide with a tendency to double, from 176 to 370 million people by 2030 according to WHO prediction. In Nigeria, only 20 % of the 3.2 million estimated to have diabetes are aware of it. Among those already diagnosed, about 50 % have poor glycaemic control attributable to poor diabetes self-management despite effective medication. Diabetes self-management in addition to medical therapy, lifestyle modification and education are key to the management of diabetes. This study aims to determine the knowledge, psychosocial impact and attitude of people with diabetes to diabetes with a view to make recommendations for a more encompassing patient-based management of diabetes. A cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire in the endocrinology clinic of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, interviewed 104 consecutive newly diagnosed patients with diabetes who willingly consented to the study. One hundred and four patients with an equal male to female ratio were interviewed. The 41–60-year (78.8 %) age group and traders (66.3 %) constituted the greatest number. Majority (58.7 %) heard of diabetes prior to their diagnosis, but many (41.3 %) did not. This knowledge was significantly associated with occupation (0.022). Many (84.6 %) were willing to disclose diagnosis to family and friends as well as join a support group (61.5 %). But, the major reason for this inclination was wrong. Many never heard of diabetes prior to their diagnosis. In spite of being aware, a diagnosis of diabetes is associated with different emotional responses and attitudes including willingness to disclose their diagnosis and get support. Appropriate treatment based on current medical knowledge, self-management education and development of diabetic support groups is recommended. © 2015, Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India. | Attitude; Diabetes; Knowledge; Psychology | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-30444439713 | New U-Pb SHRIMP zircon age for the Schurwedraai alkali granite: Implications for pre-impact development of the Vredefort Dome and extent of Bushveld magmatism, South Africa | Graham I.T., De Waal S.A., Armstrong R.A. | 2005 | Journal of African Earth Sciences | 43 | 5 | 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2005.09.009 | Centre for Research on Magmatic Ore Deposits, Department of Geology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Department of Geoscience, Australian Museum, 6 College St, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; PRISE, Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia | Graham, I.T., Centre for Research on Magmatic Ore Deposits, Department of Geology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Department of Geoscience, Australian Museum, 6 College St, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; De Waal, S.A., Centre for Research on Magmatic Ore Deposits, Department of Geology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Armstrong, R.A., PRISE, Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia | The Schurwedraai alkali granite is one of a number of prominent ultramafic-mafic and felsic intrusions in the Neoarchaean to Palaeoproterozoic sub-vertical supracrustal collar rocks of the Vredefort Dome, South Africa. The alkali granite intruded the Neoarchaean Witwatersrand Supergroup and has a peralkaline to peraluminous composition. A new zircon SHRIMP crystallization age of 2052 ± 14 Ma for the Schurwedraai alkali granite places it statistically before the Vredefort impact event at 2023 ± 4 Ma and within the accepted emplacement interval of 2050-2060 Ma of the Bushveld magmatic event. The presence of the alkali granite and associated small ultramafic-mafic intrusions in the Vredefort collar rocks extends the southern extremity of Bushveld-related intrusions to some 120 km south of Johannesburg and about 150 km south of the current outcrop area of the Bushveld Complex. The combined effect of these ultramafic-mafic and felsic bodies may have contributed to a pronouncedly steep pre-impact geothermal gradient in the Vredefort area, and to the amphibolite-grade metamorphism observed in the supracrustal collar rocks of the Vredefort Dome. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Bushveld; Schurwedraai; SHRIMP; Vredefort; Witwatersrand | alkaline rock; geochronology; granite; Precambrian; Africa; Free State; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Vredefort Dome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-41149109021 | The impact of water shortage on forest resources - The case of Uganda | Kafeero F. | 2007 | Unasylva | 58 | 229 | None | Environmental Alert, Kampala, Uganda | Kafeero, F., Environmental Alert, Kampala, Uganda | The scarcity of water resources in Uganda due to climate change has weakened the country's hydropower generation. To meet the demand for power, the country resorted to using expensive thermal power, which increased electricity tariffs per unit of domestic consumption. The people turned to woodfuels for energy, increasing their dependence on tree and forest products, which then resulted to an increased deforestation in unsustainably managed forests, as suppliers seek to meet the increased demand and take advantage of the skyrocketing fuel price. As the country experienced high rains, electricity generation levels have not recovered. The heavy rains wash away bare soils, increasing the problem of siltation. If extreme dry condition set in, this cycle will be further exacerbated, posing a threat to human life today and the years to come. | None | climate change; deforestation; forest management; forest product; forest resource; fuelwood; power generation; resource scarcity; water resource; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-54549096830 | The impact of ART (anti-retrovial treatment) scale-up on health systems de-strengthening in sub-Saharan Africa: Justice and justification | Nixon S., Veenstra N. | 2008 | Medicine and Law | 27 | 3 | None | Health Economics and HIV/ADIS Research Divison (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; University of Toronto, Department of Physical Therapy, Toronto, ON, Canada | Nixon, S., Health Economics and HIV/ADIS Research Divison (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, University of Toronto, Department of Physical Therapy, Toronto, ON, Canada; Veenstra, N., Health Economics and HIV/ADIS Research Divison (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | The scale-up of anti-retroviral treatment (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) is unquestionably a positive development. To be successful, however, scale-up must be understood as more than the technical delivery of pills. A central dimension of the challenge involves the health systems through which services are delivered. Part 1 of this article explores how the scale-up of ART could impact on health systems in sSA. We conclude that the current expansion of access to ART potentially involves an approach to health delivery that runs counter to many aims of health system strengthening. Part 2 addresses the question of whether this impact is justified. We argue that the potential erosion of health systems strengthening in the region is justified, provided simultaneous efforts are undertaken to optimize the possibility for realizing the "AIDS transition". We discuss these simultaneous efforts, drawing on recent research to illustrate the emerging scenario in sSA. In Part 3, we identify lessons that may inform scale-up of ART in sSA in ways that, at least, minimize detrimental effects and, ideally, serve to strengthen health systems in the region. We discuss the value of solidarity as a guiding principle for ART scale-up, followed by concrete lessons for moving forward. © YOZMOT 2008. | ART scale-up; Health system strengthening; HIV/AIDS; Sub-Saharan Africa | antiretrovirus agent; Human immunodeficiency virus vaccine; microbicide; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Africa; article; drug cost; health care access; health care availability; health care delivery; health care organization; health care planning; health care policy; health care system; health program; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection control; maternal care; patient compliance; patient counseling; patient education; primary medical care; public health service; sexual transmission; social discrimination; social justice; vertical transmission; Africa South of the Sahara; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Health Manpower; Health Services Needs and Demand; HIV Infections; Humans; Public Health Administration | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-53749100085 | Comparative performance of the limited information techniques in a two-equation structural model | Adepoju A.A. | 2008 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 20 | 1 | None | Department of Statistics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Adepoju, A.A., Department of Statistics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The samples with which we deal in practice are rather small, seldom exceeding 80 observations and frequently much smaller. Thus, it is of great interest to inquire into the properties of estimators for the typical sample sizes encountered in practice. The performances of three simultaneous estimation methods using a model consisting of a mixture of an identified and over identified equations with correlated error terms are compared. The results of the Monte Carlo study revealed that the Two Stage Least Squares (2SLS) and the Limited Information Maximum Likelihood (LIML) estimates are similar and in most cases identical in respect of the just-identified equation. The Total Absolute Biases (TAB) of 2SLS and LIML revealed asymptotic behavior under (upper triangular matrix), P1, while those of Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) exhibited no such behavior. For both upper and lower triangular matrices (P1 and P2), 2SLS estimates showed asymptotic behavior in the middle interval. The OLS is the only stable estimator with a stable behavior of Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) as its estimates increase (decrease) consistently for equation 1 (equation 2) for P1 (for P2). © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2008. | Estimator; Identification; Monte Carlo; Mutual correlation; Random deviates | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876316413 | Soil crusting impact on soil organic carbon losses by water erosion | Maïga-Yaleu S., Guiguemde I., Yacouba H., Karambiri H., Ribolzi O., Bary A., Ouedraogo R., Chaplot V. | 2013 | Catena | 107 | None | 10.1016/j.catena.2013.03.006 | Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Radiochemistry and Electrochemistry (LACARE), University of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Laboratory of Hydrology and Water Resources, International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering, Foundation 2iE, Burkina Faso; Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), UMR 5563, IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement), Université de Toulouse, UPS (OMP), CNRS, 14 Av Edouard Belin, F-31400 Toulouse, France; IRD-BIOEMCO c/o School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Rabie Saunders Building, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa; Laboratory of Physico Chemistry and Technology of Materials (LPCTM), University of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso | Maïga-Yaleu, S., Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Radiochemistry and Electrochemistry (LACARE), University of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Laboratory of Hydrology and Water Resources, International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering, Foundation 2iE, Burkina Faso; Guiguemde, I., Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Radiochemistry and Electrochemistry (LACARE), University of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Yacouba, H., Laboratory of Hydrology and Water Resources, International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering, Foundation 2iE, Burkina Faso; Karambiri, H., Laboratory of Hydrology and Water Resources, International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering, Foundation 2iE, Burkina Faso; Ribolzi, O., Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), UMR 5563, IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement), Université de Toulouse, UPS (OMP), CNRS, 14 Av Edouard Belin, F-31400 Toulouse, France; Bary, A., Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Radiochemistry and Electrochemistry (LACARE), University of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Ouedraogo, R., Laboratory of Physico Chemistry and Technology of Materials (LPCTM), University of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Chaplot, V., IRD-BIOEMCO c/o School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Rabie Saunders Building, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa | The Sahelian region, characterized by erratic, heavy rainfalls and low soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, is highly vulnerable to land degradation. While water erosion is recognized as being a main mechanism of SOC losses, little research has yet been done to investigate the role which soil surface crusting might have on SOC losses. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of soil surface crusting on SOC losses. This study was conducted in Tougou Catchment (37km2), northwest of Burkina Faso, which receives a cumulative mean annual rainfall of 500mmy-1. The area is characterized by sandy soils with varying types of surface crusts. The four different crust types studied were: structural crusts (STRU), which were found under cultivated soils, which were plowed annually; perennial desiccation crusts (DES), gravel (GRAV) and erosion (ERO) crusts, generally found in the degraded semi-arid savannas. Three micro-scale runoff plot (1×1m2) replicates were installed on each of the different types of surface crusts observed in the catchment. Water and sediment samples were collected from the runoff plots after every rainfall event (n=10) of the 2011 rainy season. The sediment samples were analyzed for organic carbon (OCsed), while the water samples were examined for dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The average of organic carbon losses with sediment (OCLsed), was 0.37gCm-2y-1 for ERO, 0.36gCm-2y-1 for DES, 0.24gCm-2y-1 for STRU and 0.15gCm-2y-1 for GRAV. DOC accounted for a minute contribution to SOC losses i.e. less than 0.05%. STRU with 10.42mgCl-1 showed the highest DOC content, followed by GRAV (6.13mgCl-1), DES (5.06mgCl-1) and ERO (4.92mgCl-1). The OC enrichment ratio (ER) of sediments to that of the 0-0.1m bulk soil was less than one for DES, GRAV and ERO (0.39, 0.69 and 0.75, respectively) and reached 1.14 for STRU. This pointed to a greater SOC protection from erosion by the perennial crusts of the degraded savannas (DES, GRAV and ERO), as compared to crusts of cultivated fields. Thick, sand-enriched crusts, DES and GRAV, seemed to provide the greatest OC protection. This study pointed out a significant relationship between soils crusting on SOC erosion. It showed that the formation of loose and sandy crusts provides greater SOC protection from water erosion, which in turn may improve SOC stabilization and associated soil functions, such as soil fertility, water-holding capacity and sequestration of atmospheric carbon. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Enrichment ratio; Erosion; Semi-arid area; Soil organic carbon; Soil surface crust | agricultural soil; carbon sequestration; catchment; dissolved organic carbon; field; land degradation; organic soil; sandy soil; savanna; semiarid region; soil carbon; soil crust; soil fertility; soil surface; water erosion; Burkina Faso; Groundnut rosette assistor virus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910092886 | The impact of years of buying experience on information sources used by craft retailers in South Africa | Makhitha K.M. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 23 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p1553 | Department of Logistics, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | Makhitha, K.M., Department of Logistics, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | The SA government has identified the craft industry as a key focus area contributing to sustainable development, economic growth and employment opportunities. However the industry faces many challenges such as global competition and lack of resources. More importantly, craft producers in SA cannot access the craft retailer market successfully which limit their financial success. The purpose of this study is to investigate the sources of information used by craft retailers in South Africa. Another purpose was to ascertain if sources of information used by craft retailers differ for retailers with different years of buying experience. A self-administered survey was conducted among craft retailers and a sample of 233 were realised. The descriptive statistics are reported as well as factor analysis, ANOVA and MANOVA results. The results indicated that craft retailers consult certain information sources more often than others. Information sources were grouped into three factors after the factor analysis: internal and personal information, promotional information and print advertising. There were no statistical significant differences found between the different types of craft retailers and years of buying experience. © 2014 Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Craft industry; Craft producers; Craft retailers; Information sources; Years of buying experience | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930606468 | Evaluation of the safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of three capripoxvirus vaccine strains against lumpy skin disease virus | Gari G., Abie G., Gizaw D., Wubete A., Kidane M., Asgedom H., Bayissa B., Ayelet G., Oura C.A.L., Roger F., Tuppurainen E.S.M. | 2015 | Vaccine | 33 | 28 | 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.01.035 | National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center (NAHDIC), Sebeta, Ethiopia; National Veterinary Institute (NVI), Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; International Agricultural Research Center for Development (CIRAD), Montpellier, France; The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey, United Kingdom; School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Champ Fleurs, Saint Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago | Gari, G., National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center (NAHDIC), Sebeta, Ethiopia; Abie, G., National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center (NAHDIC), Sebeta, Ethiopia; Gizaw, D., National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center (NAHDIC), Sebeta, Ethiopia; Wubete, A., National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center (NAHDIC), Sebeta, Ethiopia; Kidane, M., National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center (NAHDIC), Sebeta, Ethiopia; Asgedom, H., National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center (NAHDIC), Sebeta, Ethiopia; Bayissa, B., National Veterinary Institute (NVI), Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Ayelet, G., National Veterinary Institute (NVI), Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Oura, C.A.L., School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Champ Fleurs, Saint Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; Roger, F., International Agricultural Research Center for Development (CIRAD), Montpellier, France; Tuppurainen, E.S.M., The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey, United Kingdom | The safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of three commercially available vaccines against lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle have been evaluated using a combination of vaccine challenge experiments and the monitoring of immune responses in vaccinated animals in the field. The three vaccines evaluated in the study included two locally produced (Ethiopian) vaccines (lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) Neethling and Kenyan sheep and goat pox (KSGP) O-180 strain vaccines) and a Gorgan goat pox (GTP) vaccine manufactured by Jordan Bio-Industries Centre (JOVAC). The latter vaccine was evaluated for the first time in cattle against LSDV. The Ethiopian Neethling and KSGPO-180 vaccines failed to provide protection in cattle against LSDV, whereas the Gorgan GTP vaccine protected all the vaccinated calves from clinical signs of LSD. There was no significant difference in protective efficacy detected between two dosage levels (P= 0.2, P= 0.25, and P= 0.1 for KSGP, Neethling and Gorgan vaccines, respectively). Additionally, the Gorgan GTP vaccinated cattle showed stronger levels of cellular immune responses measured using Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions at the vaccination site indicating higher levels of immunogenicity produced by the GTPV vaccine in cattle, as opposed to the other two vaccines. This study indicated, for the first time, that the Gorgan GTP vaccine can effectively protect cattle against LSDV and that the Neethling and KSGP O-180 vaccine were not protective. The results emphasise the need for molecular characterization of the Neethling and KSGP O-180 vaccine seed viruses used for vaccine production in Ethiopia. In addition, the potency and efficacy testing process of the Ethiopian LSD Neethling and KSGP O-180 vaccines should be re-evaluated. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Cattle; Gorgangoat pox strain; Kenyan sheep and goat pox strain; Lumpy skin disease; Neethling strain; Vaccine | gorgan goat pox vaccine; live vaccine; lumpy skin disease virus vaccine; neethling and kenyan sheep and goat pox vaccine; unclassified drug; virus vaccine; live vaccine; virus antibody; virus vaccine; animal cell; animal experiment; Article; bovine; cellular immunity; controlled study; cytopathogenic effect; delayed hypersensitivity; depression; drug efficacy; drug safety; drug screening; Ethiopia; eye discharge; fever; fluorescent antibody technique; goatpox; human; immunoassay; immunogenicity; injection site swelling; loss of appetite; lumpy skin disease; lymphadenopathy; malaise; newborn; nonhuman; nose disease; outcome assessment; priority journal; real time polymerase chain reaction; skin edema; skin nodule; skinfold thickness; vaccination; vaccine failure; vaccine production; virus immunity; animal; blood; Capripoxvirus; immunology; lumpy skin disease; Lumpy skin disease virus; sheep; vaccination; veterinary; Animals; Antibodies, Viral; Capripoxvirus; Cattle; Ethiopia; Lumpy Skin Disease; Lumpy skin disease virus; Sheep; Vaccination; Vaccines, Attenuated; Viral Vaccines | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84932169132 | Evaluation of herbal medicines: Value addition to traditional medicines through metabolism, pharmacokinetic and safety studies | Thelingwani R., Masimirembwa C. | 2014 | Current Drug Metabolism | 15 | 10 | 10.2174/1389200216666150206125727 | Department of DMPK and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Drug Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics and Bioanalytical Chemistry Unit, African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Cnr Rekai Tangwena and Josiah Tongogara, Harare, Zimbabwe | Thelingwani, R., Department of DMPK and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Drug Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics and Bioanalytical Chemistry Unit, African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Cnr Rekai Tangwena and Josiah Tongogara, Harare, Zimbabwe; Masimirembwa, C., Department of DMPK and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Drug Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics and Bioanalytical Chemistry Unit, African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Cnr Rekai Tangwena and Josiah Tongogara, Harare, Zimbabwe | The safety and efficacy of herbal medicines remain major issues of concern especially in the developing world where the use is high. The World Health Organisation estimates up to 80% of the population in Africa relies on herbal medicines for treatment of many diseases. Minimum safety evaluations need to be done for both the herbal and conventional drugs, in particular when there is a high likelihood of co-administration. This is particularly important in Africa where there is increased access to antiretrovirals in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, which are being used in a population background characterized by rampant use of herbal medicines. Many techniques used in the discovery and evaluation of conventional drugs can be adapted to herbal medicines. Such evaluations will add value to herbal medicines as doctors and patients will be better informed on which drugs and herbal medicines to take or not take together. This can also lead to the adoption of guidelines by regulatory agents such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and governmental agencies controlling the use of medicines. Of current interest is the evaluation of drug-herb interactions (DHI) involving the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) of medicines where there is a promising possibility to adopt the current FDA and EMA guidelines on the evaluation of herbal medicines for drug-drug interactions (DDI). In this review we demonstrate progress made so far in DHI and point to possible future developments that will contribute to the safe use of herbal medicines. © 2014 Bentham Science Publishers. | ADME; Herbal medicines; Pharmacokinetics; Value addition | antiretrovirus agent; herbaceous agent; plant medicinal product; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Africa; Article; drug absorption; drug distribution; drug excretion; drug metabolism; drug safety; food and drug administration; health care access; herb drug interaction; herbal medicine; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; nonhuman; traditional medicine; world health organization; animal; drug development; herb drug interaction; medicinal plant; phytotherapy; risk assessment; Animals; Drug Discovery; Herb-Drug Interactions; Humans; Medicine, Traditional; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations; Plants, Medicinal; Risk Assessment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855946764 | Evaluation of household latrine coverage in Kewot woreda, Ethiopia, 3 years after implementing interventions to control blinding trachoma | Ross R.K., King J.D., Damte M., Ayalew F., Gebre T., Cromwell E.A., Teferi T., Emerson P.M. | 2011 | International Health | 3 | 4 | 10.1016/j.inhe.2011.06.007 | Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States; The Carter Center, 1 Copenhill, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States; The Carter Center, P.O. Box 13373, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Ross, R.K., Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States; King, J.D., The Carter Center, 1 Copenhill, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States; Damte, M., The Carter Center, P.O. Box 13373, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ayalew, F., The Carter Center, P.O. Box 13373, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Gebre, T., The Carter Center, P.O. Box 13373, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Cromwell, E.A., The Carter Center, 1 Copenhill, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States; Teferi, T., The Carter Center, P.O. Box 13373, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Emerson, P.M., The Carter Center, 1 Copenhill, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States | The SAFE strategy for trachoma control includes Surgery, Antibiotic distribution, Facial cleanliness and Environmental improvements, including promotion of latrine construction. In this study, household latrine coverage was estimated in order to evaluate SAFE implementation in a district of Ethiopia where reported coverage in rural areas was 97%. Characteristics of latrine adopters and non-adopters were explored. Interviews were conducted in 442 households selected at random in a multistage cluster sample. Overall, estimated household latrine coverage was 56.2% (95% CI 37.5-74.8%) and in rural areas coverage was 67.7% (95% CI 59.6-75.7%). Previously owning a latrine was reported by 12.7% (95% CI 8.9-16.5%) of respondents, of which 32.0% (95% CI 15.9-48.2%) had built a replacement. Latrine adopters were more likely to be male (P< 0.0001), to report their primary occupation as agriculture (P< 0.0001), have more than five residents in their household (P= 0.004) and live in a rural area (P< 0.0001). Respondents who were advised by a health extension worker (P< 0.0001) or development agent (P< 0.0001) were more likely to have built a latrine. Household latrine coverage has increased from the 2007 zonal estimate (8.9%), but was lower than that reported. Latrine promotion should include emphasis on rebuilding latrines. More support may be needed by small households as well as those with a female head if universal latrine access is to be achieved in Kewot. © 2011 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. | Ethiopia; Latrines; SAFE strategy; Sanitation coverage; Sanitation promotion; Trachoma | antibiotic agent; adult; agriculture; article; drug distribution; environmental sanitation; Ethiopia; eye surgery; female; health care personnel; health promotion; household; household latrine; human; hygiene; infection control; interview; male; priority journal; rural area; sanitation; sex ratio; trachoma | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941551714 | The impact of economic freedom on economic growth in the sadc: An individual component analysis | Gorlach V.I., le Roux P. | 2015 | Journal for Studies in Economics and Econometrics | 39 | 2 | None | CFA, South Africa; Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa | Gorlach, V.I., CFA, South Africa; le Roux, P., Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa | The SADC is attempting to achieve development and economic growth. This paper investigates the relationship between economic freedom - in aggregate and on an individual component basis - on economic growth in the SADC. The annual data for 13 SADC countries from 2000 to 2009 are used to construct a generalised method of moments, dynamic panel-data model. When cross-sectional dependence of the error term, individual- and time-specific effects are controlled, economic freedom and GDP per capita are positively related and freedom Granger-causes growth. Gross fixed capital formation and economic openness are positively related to growth but government consumption expenditure is an insignificant driver of growth in the SADC. All five individual components are highly significant and are positively related to growth; however, the magnitude of the elasticity parameters varies. The causality among the individual freedom components indicates that linkages exist between certain of these components. © 2015, Universiteit Stellenbosch. All rights reserved. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859871126 | Socio-economic factors that impact the occurrence of malaria in rural Nigerian households | Ajadi K.O., Olaniran H.D., Alabi F.M., Adejumobi D.O. | 2012 | World Journal of Medical Sciences | 7 | 2 | None | Department of Urban and Regional Planning, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Geography, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Nigeria | Ajadi, K.O., Department of Urban and Regional Planning, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Nigeria; Olaniran, H.D., Department of Geography, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Alabi, F.M., Department of Urban and Regional Planning, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Nigeria; Adejumobi, D.O., Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Nigeria | The rural areas of Africa are reported to be the worst malaria infested areas. This study attempts a multi-regression analysis of socio-economic factors underlying incidence of malaria in rural areas taking Akinyele Local Government area in Nigeria as a case study. Three hundred and eighty seven (387) respondents are interviewed through the administration of structured questionnaire. Regression indicated a significant correlation between malaria incidence and socio-economic characteristics of respondents R = 0.211 at P < 0.05. The regression model showed that household size · =0.114 at P < 0.05, gender · =0.101 at P< 0.05 and marital status · = 0.102 at P > 0.05. The study suggested intensification of awareness campaign on reproductive health and family planning and effective rural planning are strategies to keep malaria incidence at the barest minimum. © IDOSI Publications, 2012. | Comprehensive development plan; Malaria; Multi-Linear regression; Rural areas; Socio-economic factors | adult; article; disease association; female; household; human; incidence; major clinical study; malaria; male; marriage; Nigeria; regression analysis; risk factor; rural area; sex difference; socioeconomics | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896817602 | Phytochemicals and antibacterial evaluation of root bark extract of Terminalia glaucescens | Bulama J.S., Dangoggo S.M., Bwala Y.A., Abah J.O. | 2014 | Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science | 4 | 2 | 10.7324/JAPS.2014.40221 | Dept. of pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Dept. of Pharmaceutics and pharmaceuticals Microbiology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Dept. of Pharmacognosy and Ethnopharmacy, Usmanu Danfodiyo University | Bulama, J.S., Dept. of pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Dangoggo, S.M., Dept. of pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Bwala, Y.A., Dept. of Pharmaceutics and pharmaceuticals Microbiology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Abah, J.O., Dept. of Pharmacognosy and Ethnopharmacy, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria | The roots bark of Terminalia glaucescens was investigated for activity against four bacterial which are two grampositive and two gram-negative. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the root bark of Terminalia glaucescens revealed the presence of steroids, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins and cardiac glycoside. The results of antibacterial test of the methanol crude extract and its fractions exhibited a wide range of activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klepselle pneumonia at 200 mg/ml but there was no activity against Bacillus cereus. Fractions inhibited the growth of E. coli, S. aureus and K. pneumonia. The fractions had minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5mg/ml and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 25 mg/ml. The findings indicated that the extract and its fractions from root bark of T. glaucescens, contained bioactive components that have antibacterial properties. © 2014 JS Bulama et al. | Escherichia coli; Klepselle pneumonia; Phytochemical screening; Terminalia glaucescens | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864071051 | The impact of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxinepyrimethamine on the prevalence of malaria parasitaemia in pregnancy | Umeh U.A., Obi S.N., Onah H.E., Ugwu E.O.V., Ajah L.O., Umeh C.R., Okafor I.I. | 2012 | Tropical Doctor | 42 | 3 | 10.1258/td.2011.110402 | Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, PMB 01129, Nigeria; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria | Umeh, U.A., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, PMB 01129, Nigeria; Obi, S.N., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, PMB 01129, Nigeria; Onah, H.E., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, PMB 01129, Nigeria; Ugwu, E.O.V., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, PMB 01129, Nigeria; Ajah, L.O., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, PMB 01129, Nigeria; Umeh, C.R., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, PMB 01129, Nigeria; Okafor, I.I., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria | The Roll BackMalaria initiatives were introduced to ensure that 60% of pregnant women receive intermittent preventive anti-malarial treatment by the end of 2005 in an attempt to halve themortality from malaria by 2010. Our aimwas to determine the prevalence of asymptomaticmalaria parasitaemia in pregnant women on intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) with sulfadoxinepyrimethamine (SP) compared with a control group. This comparative study involved testing the peripheral blood of pregnant women on IPT with SP and a control group that did not receive SP for themalaria parasite upon registration and at 34weeks gestational age. The levels of parasitaemia in the intervention group upon registration (4.9%) and at 34weeks (63.9%)were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from that of the control group (10%) and at 34 weeks gestation (68.3%). IPT with SP during pregnancy did not significantly reduce the prevalence of the malaria parasitaemia among the pregnant women in our environment. | None | pyrimethamine plus sulfadoxine; adult; article; blood sampling; controlled study; female; gestational age; human; major clinical study; malaria; malaria falciparum; Plasmodium falciparum; pregnancy disorder; prenatal care; Article; blood parasite; blood stain; comparative study; drug intermittent therapy; educational status; malaria parasitemia; malaria parasitemia; microscopy; nonhuman; parasitemia; pregnancy; prevalence; Adult; Antimalarials; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Combinations; Female; Humans; Malaria; Parasitemia; Plasmodium falciparum; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic; Prevalence; Pyrimethamine; Sulfadoxine; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78349251274 | The impact of macroeconomic and demographic factors on savings mobilisation in Nigeria | Uremadu S.O. | 2009 | Savings and Development | None | SUPPL. | None | Department of Banking and Finance, College of Agribusiness and Financial Management, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | Uremadu, S.O., Department of Banking and Finance, College of Agribusiness and Financial Management, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | The role of savings in the economic growth of Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised. However, rapid population growth has posed a serious problem to savings mobilisation. A high dependency ratio of the population will require substantial increase in future spending on health, education and care for dependants. This envisaged decline in the working-age population could lead to lower savings and investment rates and slower GDP growth. Against this background, this paper examines the impact of dependency ratio on savings mobilisation in Nigeria using a number of macroeconomic indicators that influence savings. Nigerian data on relevant variables covering the period under investigation were utilised for the study. A multiple regression approach that incorporated an error-correction model was used for our data analysis and tests. The results suggested that savings ratio is determined by spread between lending and savings deposit rates (SLS), domestic inflation rate, real interest rate and foreign private investment (FPI). The major findings of this study are summarized as follows: (1) demographic factors seem to have played a positive and insignificant role in explaining the savings ratio in over two decades studied, (2) interest rates spread leads savings ratio, (3) domestic inflation rate has a negative and significant impact on savings ratio, and (4) foreign capital inflows, as measured by FPI positively and significantly affect savings ratio in Nigeria. The findings of this research will guide policy makers on economic growth and poverty reduction in countries of sub-Saharan Africa. | Dependency ratio; Domestic inflation rate; Foreign private investment; Macroeconomic indicators; Multiple regression; Real interest rate; Savings mobilisation; Spread | capital flow; demographic trend; economic growth; Gross Domestic Product; inflation; interest rate; investment; macroeconomics; multiple regression; population growth; poverty alleviation; savings; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883727445 | Impacts of community pharmacists on self-medication management among rural dwellers, Kwara State Central, Nigeria | Bello S.I., Bello I.K. | 2013 | Dhaka University Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences | 12 | 1 | 10.3329/dujps.v12i1.16294 | Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacy, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria | Bello, S.I., Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Bello, I.K., Department of Pharmacy, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria | The role of pharmacist has not only advanced from medication dispensing but also to direct patient care and pharmaceutical interventions aiming at enhancing the populace wellbeing. The objective of this research was to assess the impact of rural community pharmacist interventions on self-medications and disease prevalence among rural settings in the Kwara State Central, Nigeria. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in eight rural communities with a pre-piloted questionnaire. Data obtained from respondents were computed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 16 using descriptive analysis procedures, and relationships between variables were tested using the chi square. Respondents between the age of 40 and 50 years dominated with 42.3% and majority (88.1%) of the rural residents were illiterates. Farming was the major occupation of the respondents and survived on less than ten thousand naira Nigeria money ($63) per month. Among the combinations of drugs abused by the respondents, the regimen containing combination of prednisolone, diclofenac and paracetamol had the highest users. The least used combination was ibuprofen, diclofenac plus prednisolone. These combinations were taken twice daily by the majority participants. The most common reasons given for self-medications were osteoarthritis (31.1%), poverty (17.4%), general body pain (14.3%), inadequate of health facilities (4.6%), ignorance (4.3%) among others. The intervention offered by the pharmacists had reduced the mean systolic blood pressure significantly (P < 0.05) from 161 mmHg to 129 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure from 104 mmHg at baseline to 86 mmHg. Postintervention evaluation revealed the impact of the pharmacists, as the respondents with dyspepsia at baseline significantly (P < 0.05) reduced from 220 to 53 participants. | Drug combinations; Oke-Oyi metropolis; Pharmacist interventions; Prevalent diseases | analgesic agent; aniline; diclofenac; ibuprofen; nonsteroid antiinflammatory agent; opiate; paracetamol; piroxicam; prednisolone; tramadol; adult; agricultural worker; anemia; article; blood pressure regulation; cattle farming; community care; congestive heart failure; cross-sectional study; depression; diastolic blood pressure; drug abuse; drug induced headache; drug overdose; dyspepsia; educational status; female; fever; fluid retention; gastrointestinal disease; government regulation; headache; health care facility; health status; human; hypertension; insomnia; kidney dysfunction; lifestyle modification; liver failure; low back pain; major clinical study; malaria; male; mental disease; morning dosage; Nigeria; osteoarthritis; pain threshold; paresthesia; patient counseling; patient satisfaction; peptic ulcer; pharmacist; poverty; prevalence; quality of life; questionnaire; respiration depression; rural population; self medication; side effect; socioeconomics; systolic blood pressure; upper gastrointestinal bleeding | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907291886 | Lessons from an evaluation experience: The School Wide Improvement Model (SWIM) | Msila V., Setlhako A. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 20 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p1467 | College of Education, University of South Africa, UNISA, South Africa | Msila, V., College of Education, University of South Africa, UNISA, South Africa; Setlhako, A., College of Education, University of South Africa, UNISA, South Africa | The role of evaluation is beginning to be recognized in South African research. Researchers believe that programs and projects can be improved only if proper evaluation is conducted. This paper looks at a model developed after reading Carol Weiss’ Theory of Change. Not only did the researchers use Weiss, they also employed the work of other evaluation experts such as Patton, McDonald and Babbie. They utilized these theories when they were evaluating the Secondary School Intervention Program (SSIP) in South Africa. The researchers discussed their findings in an earlier study (2013). This specific work though explicates a developed model suggested for the improvement of the SSIP. The researchers demonstrate the complexity of evaluation and illustrate a model that has a potential influence on policy and practice, both of which are aspects emphasized by Weiss whose work is cited lavishly here. Through this (SWIM) model various aspects are explicated to show how one can overcome some of the potential challenges in program improvement. © MCSER-Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. | Complexity; Intervention program; Policy improvement; Politics; Theory of change | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949741181 | Corporate governance on financial performance of insurance industry | Fekadu G.W. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 13 | 1CONT10 | None | University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | Fekadu, G.W., University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | The role of corporate governance in financial institutions differs from that of non- financial institutions for the discretionary power of the board of directors would be limited especially in regulated financial systems where financial institutions are obliged to function through legislative and prescriptive procedures, policies, rules and regulations. This study, therefore, was aimed at examining the impact of corporate governance on the performance of closely regulated Ethiopian insurance Industry. The study employed explanatory research design with an econometric panel data of 10 Insurance companies that covers the period 2007 to 2014. Board size, board independence and board diversity have negative and insignificant effect on the performance of insurance companies while size and independence of audit committee and frequency of board meetings have positive but insignificant effect on the performance of insurance companies in Ethiopia. Thus it could be concluded that all corporate governance mechanisms have insignificant effect on the performance of insurance companies measured by return on asset. This vividly affirms that the role of board of directors in closely regulated financial sector is dismal and insignificant for they have limited discretionary power to exercise as board of directors. Thus it would be recommendable if the regulatory body could relax its prescriptive and stringent policies and devolve its power to board of directors without endangering the viability of insurance companies. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All right rserved. | Board of directors; Corporate governance; Ethiopia; Insurance companies | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77958529510 | Chief information officers: An empirical study of competence, organisational, positioning and implications for performance | Cohen J.F., Dennis C.M. | 2010 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 13 | 2 | None | School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Cohen, J.F., School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Dennis, C.M., School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | The role and contribution of the firm's Chief Information Officer has been the subject of much debate and uncertainty. Yet, too few empirical studies have examined the implications of the CIO role. This study examined the effects of CIO demography, CIO competencies as well as CIO organisational positioning on the contribution of information systems (IS&T) to business performance. Data were collected from 111 South African companies and results revealed that CIO business, interpersonal/political and technology management competence have significant direct effects on the dependent variable. The effect of CIO organisational position, including structural power and political relationship, was found to be mediated by CIO competence. CIO work experience also impacted the contribution of IS&T. Results have important implications for our understanding of the competencies and organisational positioning required of executives charged with the responsibility for information systems and technology management. | Chief information officer; Competence; Information systems management; Performance; Top management; Upper echelons | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862080206 | Performance of the roche lightcycler real-time PCR assay for diagnosing extrapulmonary tuberculosis | Gous N., Scott L.E., Wong E., Omar T., Venter W.D.F., Stevens W. | 2012 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 50 | 6 | 10.1128/JCM.00252-12 | Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Wits Institute for Sexual and Reproductive Health, HIV and Related Diseases, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Division of Cytopathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa | Gous, N., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Scott, L.E., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Wong, E., Wits Institute for Sexual and Reproductive Health, HIV and Related Diseases, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Omar, T., Division of Cytopathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Venter, W.D.F., Wits Institute for Sexual and Reproductive Health, HIV and Related Diseases, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Stevens, W., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa | The Roche LightCycler mycobacterium detection molecular assay for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. avium, and M. kansasii, was applied to tissue specimens. It performed well on lymph node and cerebrospinal fluid specimens and less well on lung, liver, and bone marrow core biopsy specimens, but used in conjunction with a clinical suspicion of tuberculosis, it could augment patient management. Copyright © 2012, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | adult; article; bacterium culture; bacterium detection; bone marrow biopsy; cerebrospinal fluid; controlled study; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic kit; diagnostic test accuracy study; extrapulmonary tuberculosis; human; human tissue; intermethod comparison; lymph node biopsy; Mycobacterium avium; Mycobacterium kansasii; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; priority journal; real time polymerase chain reaction; reliability; safety; sensitivity and specificity; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bacteriological Techniques; Bone Marrow; Cerebrospinal Fluid; Female; Humans; Liver; Lung; Lymph Nodes; Male; Middle Aged; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Tuberculosis; Mycobacterium; Mycobacterium avium; Mycobacterium kansasii; Mycobacterium tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84915752469 | Investigating the impact of rainfall on travel speed | Mashros N., Ben-Edigbe J., Alhassan H.M., Hassan S.A. | 2014 | Jurnal Teknologi | 71 | 3 | 10.11113/jt.v71.3756 | Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Department of Civil Engineering, Bayero University Kano, New Campus, Gwarzo RoadKano State, Nigeria | Mashros, N., Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Ben-Edigbe, J., Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Alhassan, H.M., Department of Civil Engineering, Bayero University Kano, New Campus, Gwarzo RoadKano State, Nigeria; Hassan, S.A., Department of Civil Engineering, Bayero University Kano, New Campus, Gwarzo RoadKano State, Nigeria | The road network is particularly susceptible to adverse weather with a range of impacts when different weather conditions are experienced. Adverse weather often leads to decreases in traffic speed and subsequently affects the service levels. The paper is aimed at investigating the impact of rainfall on travel speed and quantifying the extent to which travel speed reduction occurs. Empirical studies were conducted on principle road in Terengganu and Johor, respectively for three months. Traffic data were collected by way of automatic traffic counter and rainfall data from the nearest raingauge station were supplied by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage supplemented by local survey data. These data were filtered to obtain traffic flow information for both dry and wet operating conditions and then were analyzed to see the effect of rainfall on percentile speeds. The results indicated that travel speed at 15th, 50th and 85thpercentiles decrease with increasing rainfall intensities. It was observed that allpercentile speeds decreased from a minimum of 1% during light rain to a maximum of 14% during heavy rain. Based on the hypothesis that travel speed differ significantly between dry and rainfall condition; the study found substantial changes in percentile speeds and concluded that rainfalls irrespective of their intensities have significant impact on the travel speed. © 2014 Penerbit UTM Press. All rights reserved. | Adverse weather; Percentile speed; Principle road; Rainfall; Speed | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865541913 | Thermal performance of four types of water heating flat plate solar collectors for providing process heat for milk pasteurisation | Wayua F.O., Okoth M.W., Wangoh J. | 2012 | Journal of Applied Sciences Research | 8 | 5 | None | National Arid Lands Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 147 (60500), Marsabit, Kenya; Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053 (00625), Nairobi, Kenya | Wayua, F.O., National Arid Lands Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 147 (60500), Marsabit, Kenya; Okoth, M.W., Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053 (00625), Nairobi, Kenya; Wangoh, J., National Arid Lands Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 147 (60500), Marsabit, Kenya | Thermal performance tests were carried out on four water heating flat plate solar collectors with the aim to select a suitable one to be used to provide process heat for milk pasteurisation. The collectors included three commercial solar collectors purchased from local shops in Nairobi, Kenya and one prototype collector designed and fabricated by the author. The three commercial solar collectors had effective areas of 1.67, 1.87 and 1.83 m 2 while the self-made collector had an effective area of 1.60 m 2. Thermal performance of the collectors was determined in terms of the Hottel-Whillier-Bliss equation, with FR(tα)e and F RU L indicating how energy is absorbed and lost from the collector, respectively. The FR(tα)e values were 0.76, 0.75, 0.73, and 0.82, respectively, for the commercial collectors and the self-made collector. The F RU L values were 8.33, 12.01, 9.80 and 13.77 W.m -2.C -1, respectively. The instantaneous efficiencies for the four solar collectors ranged from 12 to 87%. The solar collector with the lowest F RU L value had a special (black chrome) selective absorber surface and was also the most cost effective collector for delivering temperatures of about 80°C. This collector is the most suitable for medium temperature applications such as provision of hot water for milk pasteurisation. | Flat-plate solar collectors; Thermal performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943223681 | Performance and control of a pulse thermal loop heat transport system | Du Clou S., Brooks M.J., Lear W.E., Sherif S.A., Khalil E.E. | 2015 | Journal of Thermophysics and Heat Transfer | 29 | 4 | 10.2514/1.T4240 | University of Kwa Zulu-Natal, Kwa Zulu-Natal, South Africa; University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; Mechanical Engineering, Durban, South Africa; Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, P.O. Box 116300, South Africa | Du Clou, S., University of Kwa Zulu-Natal, Kwa Zulu-Natal, South Africa, Mechanical Engineering, Durban, South Africa; Brooks, M.J., University of Kwa Zulu-Natal, Kwa Zulu-Natal, South Africa, Mechanical Engineering, Durban, South Africa; Lear, W.E., University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, P.O. Box 116300, South Africa; Sherif, S.A., University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, P.O. Box 116300, South Africa; Khalil, E.E., Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt, Mechanical Engineering, Durban, South Africa | Thermal management on space vehicles is dominated by passive systems, including materials, coatings, louvers and heat pipes, and active systems, including pumped liquid loops. Recently, the pulse thermal loop was proposed as a novel technology to provide improved heat transfer over passive systems in the moderate to high heat flux range and as a sustainable alternative to active systems, where an electric pump is undesirable. In this work, the performance of an experimental pulse thermal loop with refrigerant R-134a is characterized using a test facility incorporating variable heat input, driving pressure differential, and line lengths. Three automated control schemes are investigated, which provide flexibility in design. The performance of the device is mapped for a range of power levels and compared with data from the literature, highlighting the operating limits. The pulse thermal loop provides effective thermal control for a range of heat loads from 100 to 800 W while maintaining the source temperature at below 60°C. It provides an approximately isothermal heat sink even though it is an oscillatory cycle. This is achieved at various driving pressure differentials from 3 to 14 bar and pulse frequencies from 0.42 to 0.08 Hz. A smaller pressure differential and an increased pulse frequency provide improved heat transfer at the source. | None | Heat flux; Heat pipes; Heat pump systems; Heat transfer; Thermal variables control; Automated control; Heat transport systems; Operating limit; Pressure differential; Pulse frequencies; Pulse thermal loops; Source temperature; Thermal control; Optical pumping | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904755241 | Evaluation of environmental impact and gaseous emissions of biodiesel fuels and blends of selected feed-stocks | Igbum O.G., Eloka-Eboka A.C., Ubwa S.T., Inambao F.L. | 2014 | International Journal of Global Warming | 6 | 1 | 10.1504/IJGW.2014.058757 | Department of Chemistry, Benue State University, 102119, Makurdi, Nigeria; Discipline of Mechanical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College, King George V Avenue, Durban, South Africa | Igbum, O.G., Department of Chemistry, Benue State University, 102119, Makurdi, Nigeria; Eloka-Eboka, A.C., Discipline of Mechanical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College, King George V Avenue, Durban, South Africa; Ubwa, S.T., Department of Chemistry, Benue State University, 102119, Makurdi, Nigeria; Inambao, F.L., Discipline of Mechanical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College, King George V Avenue, Durban, South Africa | Thermal and gaseous emissions of biodiesel feed-stocks: sandbox tree, fluted pumpkin, black date and wild melon whose potentials as biodiesel fuels have been established in the earlier works of Igbum et al. (2012) were evaluated in order to ascertain and establish their environmental and emission impacts on the local and global environment. Effects of blending ratios on the thermal/gaseous emissions of the biodiesel fuels from the seed oils were also investigated. The study involved the extraction of oils from the seeds using petroleum ether in a soxhlet apparatus, transesterification of the oils with methanol at the ratio of 6:1 and sodium hydroxide as a catalyst, reaction temperatures of 30°C and 55°C and at a reaction time of five minutes. Thereafter, the methyl esters were blended with automotive gas oil (AGO) at different proportions and ratios to produce B5, B10, B15, B20 and B100 of each seed oil and AGO. Blends were subjected to chemo-physical and gaseous emission analysis using different ASTM methods and GC mass spectrophotometer for the trapping and subsequent analysis of the effluents. Results showed that all the blends samples of the biodiesel possess lower gaseous emissions than AGO and are also within the ASTM standards. They are therefore more environmentally friendly than their fossil fuel counterpart. Their impact on the global and immediate environment are however friendly. © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Biodiesel fuels; Black-date; Blends; Environmental impact; Evaluation; Feedstock; Fluted pumpkin; Gaseous emissions; Sandbox tree; Wild melon | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885909949 | Life history does matter in assessing potential ecological impacts of thermal changes on aquatic macroinvertebrates | Rivers-Moore N.A., Dallas H.F., Ross-Gillespie V. | 2013 | River Research and Applications | 29 | 9 | 10.1002/rra.2600 | Discipline of Hydrology, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; Freshwater Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa | Rivers-Moore, N.A., Discipline of Hydrology, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa; Dallas, H.F., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; Ross-Gillespie, V., Freshwater Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa | Thermal alteration is associated with ecological change in freshwater systems. Global climate change is likely to amplify thermal stresses on aquatic systems. We used cumulative daily heat units to examine potential impacts of temperature changes on selected aquatic organisms using scenario analyses. We selected two species of aquatic macroinvertebrates to test our hypotheses of thermal effects on life history pattern, viz. a univoltine stenothermic ephemeropteran species of conservation importance, and a multivoltine dipteran pest species. A combination of spreadsheet probability and logistic regression models was used to model probabilities of hatching and breeding success, plus population sizes and generation numbers per month, under current and projected 2°C warmer water temperature scenarios. We propose that cold-adapted Gondwanaland relic species are likely to become increasingly vulnerable and range limited, whereas multivoltine pest species are likely to become more abundant under scenarios of increased water temperatures. We propose management options that include maintaining river connectivity and dam re-operation as potential mitigation measures. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Climate change; Lestagella penicillata; Multivoltine; Simulium chutteri; Univoltine | climate change; climate effect; ecological impact; global climate; hatching; insect; life history; macroinvertebrate; reproductive success; Diptera; Ephemeroptera; Penicillata; Simulium chutteri | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77949533068 | Fifty years of oil exploration in Nigeria: Physico-chemical impacts and implication for enviromental accounting and development | Oloruntegbe K.O., Akinsete M.A., Odutuyi M.O. | 2009 | Journal of Applied Sciences Research | 5 | 12 | None | Department of Science and Technical Education, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba - Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria; Department, Science and Technical Education, Adekunle Ajasin Department, Science and Technical Education, Adekunle Ajasin, Nigeria; Science Ed | Oloruntegbe, K.O., Department of Science and Technical Education, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba - Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria; Akinsete, M.A., Department, Science and Technical Education, Adekunle Ajasin Department, Science and Technical Education, Adekunle Ajasin, Nigeria; Odutuyi, M.O., Science Education, Ubafeni Awolowb, Nigeria | The riverine area of Ondo State is one of the locations that are seriously affected by oil spill in Nigeria's fifty years of oil exploration. This study was designed to investigate the physico-chemical characteristics of the areas and their effects on lives and living in the oil communities. Water and soil samples for analysis were taken from four locations in the oil exploration areas for experimental and two locations outside the area for the control. The samples were investigated for temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, oil and grease and heavy metal sediments. The results of the analysis revealed the occurrence of high temperature, low pH, reduced dissolved oxygen, increased salinity, oil and grease, and heavy metal ions concentrations, which are indications of the presence of hydrocarbon and petrogenic pollution. Except for temperature, the acceptable limits for aquatic lives and agricultural practices were exceeded in the other variables in the experimental. Effects of these deviations were felt in decrease in fishing resources, damage to marine flora and fauna, loss of biodiversity, deforestation, coastal and marine erosion and flooding. The inability of the people to fix these problems and the supposedly government insensitivity had been the cause of persistent conflicts and confrontation with government and oil companies in the area. Implications for enviromental development of the study were discussed. © 2009, INSInet Publication. | Environmental accounting and development; Oil exploration; Physico-chemical characteristics | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927160851 | The performance of serial correlation preliminary test estimators under asymmetry loss functions | Nakale S.N., Kleyn J., Arashi M., Bekker A. | 2015 | South African Statistical Journal | 49 | 1 | None | Department of Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Statistics, School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Shahrood, Shahrood, Iran | Nakale, S.N., Department of Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Kleyn, J., Department of Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Arashi, M., Department of Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Statistics, School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Shahrood, Shahrood, Iran; Bekker, A., Department of Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | The risk performances, under the symmetric squared error loss function, of the estimators of the regression coefficients after a preliminary test for serial correlation have been widely investigated in the literature. However, it is well known that the use of the symmetric loss functions is inappropriate in estimation problems where underestimation and overestimation have different consequences. We consider the Linear Exponential and Bounded Linear Exponential loss functions which allows for asymmetry. The risks of the estimators are derived and numerically evaluated by using simulations. | BLINEX loss; LINEX loss; Preliminary test estimation; Risk function.; Serial correlation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894104527 | Dietary supplementation with coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seed: Effect on growth performance, circulating metabolic substrates, and lipid profile of the liver and visceral adipose tissue in healthy female rats | Nyakudya T., Makaula S., Mkumla N., Erlwanger K. | 2014 | International Journal of Agriculture and Biology | 16 | 1 | None | Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Walter Sisulu University, Private Bag X1, UNITRA 5117, South Africa | Nyakudya, T., Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, Johannesburg, South Africa; Makaula, S., School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa, Walter Sisulu University, Private Bag X1, UNITRA 5117, South Africa; Mkumla, N., School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Erlwanger, K., School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa | The rising incidence of metabolic syndrome globally has been attributed to sedentary lifestyles and the consumption of high energy diets with a low omega-3: omega-6 fatty acid ratio. Coriander seeds, commonly used for culinary purposes, have beneficial health effects. We investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with coriander seeds on growth performance, hepatic and visceral adipose tissue lipid storage and circulating metabolic substrates in healthy, growing rats. Female Sprague Dawley rats (150-200 g) were fed either standard rat chow (n = 8) or standard rat chow supplemented with crushed coriander seeds (n = 8; 500 mg kg-1 body mass). After five weeks, there were no significant differences in body mass gain, plasma free fatty acids and triglyceride concentrations of the rats (p > 0.05; t-test). Whilst dietary supplementation with coriander did not affect the lipid content of the liver, it significantly increased the amount of monounsaturated (22.62 ± 6.48% vs 0.65 ± 0.32%) and polyunsaturated (54.89 ± 5.10% vs 22.16 ± 7.79%) fatty acids in the visceral adipose tissue where it also decreased the saturated fatty acid content (p < 0.05; t-test). Coriander increased the omega 3: omega 6 ratio in the visceral adipose tissue which may explain its health benefits. © 2014 Friends Science Publishers. | Coriander; Liver lipids; Visceral fat | None | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84954553983 | The impact of a multiple intelligences teaching approach drug education programme on drug refusal skills of Nigerian pupils | Nwagu E.N., Ezedum C.E., Nwagu E.K.N. | 2015 | Global Health Promotion | 22 | 3 | 10.1177/1757975914547203 | Department of Health and Physical Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Department of Social Science Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | Nwagu, E.N., Department of Health and Physical Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Ezedum, C.E., Department of Health and Physical Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Nwagu, E.K.N., Department of Social Science Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | The rising incidence of drug abuse among youths in Nigeria is a source of concern for health educators. This study was carried out on primary six pupils to determine the effect of a Multiple Intelligences Teaching Approach Drug Education Programme (MITA-DEP) on pupils’ acquisition of drug refusal skills. A programme of drug education based on the Multiple Intelligences Teaching Approach (MITA) was developed. An experimental group was taught using this programme while a control group was taught using the same programme but developed based on the Traditional Teaching Approach. Pupils taught with the MITA acquired more drug refusal skills than those taught with the Traditional Teaching Approach. Urban pupils taught with the MITA acquired more skills than rural pupils. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean refusal skills of male and female pupils taught with the MITA. © 2014, © The Author(s) 2014. | drug education; Multiple Intelligences Teaching Approach; pupils; refusal skills | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869498848 | Rapidly rising food prices and the experience of food insecurity in urban Ethiopia: Impacts on health and well-being | Hadley C., Stevenson E.G.J., Tadesse Y., Belachew T. | 2012 | Social Science and Medicine | 75 | 12 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.09.018 | Emory University, Department of Anthropology, 1557 Dickey Drive, ATL, GA 30030, United States; Emory University, Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, United States; Jimma University, Department of Family Health and Population, Ethiopia; Department of Anthropology, University College London, United Kingdom | Hadley, C., Emory University, Department of Anthropology, 1557 Dickey Drive, ATL, GA 30030, United States; Stevenson, E.G.J., Emory University, Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, United States, Department of Anthropology, University College London, United Kingdom; Tadesse, Y., Emory University, Department of Anthropology, 1557 Dickey Drive, ATL, GA 30030, United States; Belachew, T., Jimma University, Department of Family Health and Population, Ethiopia | The rise in food prices since 2007 is widely recognized as signaling a crisis of food insecurity among the world's poor. Scholars sought to chart the impacts of the crisis on food insecurity by conducting simulation studies, assessing anthropometric outcomes, and evaluating shifts in experience-based measures of food security. Few studies, however, have investigated the broader impacts on those most vulnerable and how rapid rises in food prices play out in the everyday lives of those most impacted. We used qualitative methods to investigate the impact of the rise in food prices on the urban poor in Ethiopia. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted in August 2011, in the provincial town of Jimma. Themes identified in these interviews included coping strategies, consumption priorities, and impacts on institutional networks of sharing. Our results suggest that several important cultural practices, including funerals and coffee ceremonies, were undermined by the rise in prices, and that respondents linked food prices to increasing food insecurity, which they in turn linked to high levels of stress, poor mental health, and reduced physical health. Our results are consistent with several other studies that suggest that food insecurity has a range of non-nutritional consequences, and that these are due in part to the highly social nature of food. Recognizing the effects of food insecurity on dimensions of everyday life such as interaction with neighbors, and feelings of shame, draws attention to the potential for food price increases to have erosive effects on communal social capital, and to increase the vulnerability of affected peoples to future shocks. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Coffee; Ethiopia; Food crisis; Food prices; Food security; Food-sharing | coffee; coping strategy; cultural influence; food market; food security; health impact; low income population; mental health; price dynamics; social capital; social impact; urban society; adult; aged; anthropometry; article; cost benefit analysis; cost control; crisis theory; Ethiopia; female; food intake; food security; household; human; mental health care; nutritional assessment; nutritional requirement; outcome assessment; qualitative research; semi structured interview; urban area; wellbeing; Adult; Aged; Ethiopia; Food Supply; Health Status; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Personal Satisfaction; Poverty Areas; Qualitative Research; Urban Population; Young Adult; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883422127 | Ethnobotanical survey of plants used in the management of fertility and preliminary phytochemical evaluation of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench | Ashidi J.S., Olaosho E.A., Ayodele A.E. | 2013 | Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy | 5 | 9 | 10.5897/JPP2013.0282 | Department of Plant Science and Applied Zoology, OlabisiOnabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Ashidi, J.S., Department of Plant Science and Applied Zoology, OlabisiOnabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria; Olaosho, E.A., Department of Plant Science and Applied Zoology, OlabisiOnabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria; Ayodele, A.E., Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The rise and fall in fertility level remain a serious concern in economic planning nations. In spite of concerted efforts of governmental and non-governmental organization to control birth through campaign and provision of safe sex devices, yet not much success has been recorded. There is dearth of information on plants traditionally used for fertility regulation in literature. In this study an ethnobotanical survey of plants used in the management of fertility was conducted across Ago-Iwoye and Oru areas of Ijebu-North Local Government, Ogun State, Nigeria. From the survey, 30 plant species which belong to 20 families were found to be used frequently by the indigenes of the areas. Most of the plants encountered (16.7%) belonged to the family Euphorbiaceae. Phytochemical evaluation of the leaves of Abelmoschus esculentus, the most prominent in the recipes indicated the presence of cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins and tannins in high concentrations while alkaloids, anthraquinones and cardenolides were absent. Moreover, the roots of A. esculentus showed high concentration of flavonoid compounds such as phenolics and saponins which were present in low concentrations while alkaloids, anthraquinones, cardenolides, cardiac glycosides and tannins were absent. © 2013 Academic Journals. | Ethnobotanical survey; Fertility; Phytochemical evaluation | Abelmoschus esculentus extract; plant extract; unclassified drug; Amaranthaceae; article; Bignoniaceae; Caricaceae; Clusiaceae; Convolvulaceae; Cucurbitaceae; ethnobotany; Euphorbiaceae; fertility; legume; Malvaceae; Melastomataceae; Moraceae; nonhuman; okra; phytochemistry; plant leaf; plant root; plant seed; Poaceae; questionnaire; Rubiaceae; Rutaceae; Solanaceae; traditional healer | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34248390209 | Ring opening of phthalimide derivatives with benzylamine: Formation of carboxamides and their pharmacological evaluation | Okunrobo L.O., Usifoh C.O. | 2007 | Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences | 69 | 1 | None | Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Okunrobo, L.O., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Usifoh, C.O., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | The ring opening of phthalimide derivatives viz N-cyclopentylphthalimide (1a), N-benzylphthalimide (1b), N-prop-2-ynylphthalimide (1c), 1-phthloylamino-3-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-piperizin-1-yl]-propane(1d) and 1-phthloylamino-4-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-piperizin-1-yl]-butane (1e) was accomplished using benzylamine in dimethylformamide (DMF) at room temperature to afford the corresponding carboxamides: benzamido-cyclopentane-2-(N-benzyl)- carboxamide (3a) benzamido-1-phenylmethylene-2-(N-benzyl)-carboxamide (3b) and 3-benzamido-prop-2-yne-2-(N-benzyl)- carboxamide (3c) and were unequivocally characterized by infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometer and elemental analyses. The products obtained were screened for antiinflammatory and analgesic properties using carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema assay and acetic acid-induced writhing test, respectively. The most active compound was 3b for the antiinflammatory activity assay and for the analgesic activity test the most active compound was 3a. The activities were dose-dependent. All the compounds tested showed better analgesic activity than acetylsalicylic acid. | None | 1 phthloylamino 3 [4 (2 methoxyphenyl)piperizin 1 yl]propane; 1 phthloylamino 4 [4 (2 methoxyphenyl)piperizin 1 yl]butane; 3 benzamidoprop 2 yne 2 (n benzyl)carboxamide; acetylsalicylic acid; amide; analgesic agent; antiinflammatory agent; benzamido 1 phenylmethylene 2 (n benzyl)carboxamide; benzamidocyclopentane 2 (n benzyl)carboxamide; indometacin; n benzylphthalimide; n cyclopentylphthalimide; n prop 2 ynylphthalimide; phthalimide derivative; unclassified drug; analgesic activity; animal experiment; animal model; antiinflammatory activity; article; controlled study; dose response; drug determination; drug structure; drug synthesis; female; infrared spectroscopy; male; mass spectrometer; mouse; nonhuman; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; paw edema; rat; ring opening; room temperature; structure analysis; writhing test | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958810353 | Characterisation of local Ghanaian chickens: Growth performance evaluation based on Richards growth model and genetic size scaling | Osei-Amponsah R., Kayang B.B., Naazie A., Arthur P.F., Barchia I.M. | 2011 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 43 | 6 | 10.1007/s11250-011-9825-1 | Department of Animal Science University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Agricultural Research Centre (ARC) University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Camden, Australia | Osei-Amponsah, R., Department of Animal Science University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Kayang, B.B., Department of Animal Science University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Naazie, A., Agricultural Research Centre (ARC) University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Arthur, P.F., NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Camden, Australia; Barchia, I.M., NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Camden, Australia | The Richards growth model was fitted to body weight-age data of local and SASSO T44 chickens to describe their growth performance. Males had higher (P < 0.05) asymptotic mature weights than females. Within the local chicken population, birds from the savannah zone had higher (P < 0.05) asymptotic mature weights compared to forest chicken which ironically had higher body weights at hatch. Male local chicken had lower maturing rates compared to the females. Female local chicken were superior to SASSO T44 females in terms of maturing rate. On the average, local chickens took relatively longer time (78.4-83.3 days) to reach the point of inflection than the SASSO T44 population (74.2-79.8 days). However, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the age at inflection among local chicken populations. The shape parameter for SASSO T44 chicken (0.053-0.370) and maturation rate for local chicken (0.177-0.198) were the most critical parameters. Scaling the body weights into degree of maturity highlighted the degree to which genotypes matured over time. Female chickens had the highest (P < 0.05) degree of maturity at all ages. The local chicken populations were also metabolically older than SASSO T44 chickens. Results of this study provide an opportunity to develop breeding strategies for local chicken by modifying either management practices or their genetic makeup to positively affect their growth and productivity. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Degree of maturity; Local chicken; Metabolic age; Richards growth model | animal; article; biological model; body weight; chicken; environment; female; genetics; genotype; Ghana; growth, development and aging; male; sex ratio; sexual maturation; statistical model; Animals; Body Weight; Chickens; Environment; Female; Genotype; Ghana; Linear Models; Male; Models, Biological; Sex Distribution; Sexual Maturation; Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867066550 | Performance of the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale in a sample of children and adolescents from poor urban communities in Cape Town | Boyes M.E., Cluver L.D. | 2013 | European Journal of Psychological Assessment | 29 | 2 | 10.1027/1015-5759/a000134 | Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Wolfson College, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, 32 Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2ER, United Kingdom | Boyes, M.E., Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, Wolfson College, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, 32 Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2ER, United Kingdom; Cluver, L.D., Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa | The Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS) is regularly used with South African children, although its performance in this context has yet to be empirically evaluated. This study assessed the basic psychometric properties of the RCMAS using data collected in a large study examining the mental health of children and adolescents living in poor urban communities around Cape Town. Reliability of the full-scale was good, and the predicted relationships between anxiety, depression, PTSD, delinquency, age, sex, and somaticism scores offered evidence of construct validity. However, the reliabilities for the physiological, worry/oversensitivity, and concentration subscales were low, and confirmatory factor analysis revealed the hypothesized three-factor model did not adequately fit the data. Exploratory analyses suggested a four-factor solution consisting of social evaluation, worry, affective responses, and physiological symptoms/sleep disturbance factors. Further confirmatory research examining this four-factor structure is needed. Given the continued use of the RCMAS in South Africa, these findings provide an important first step in establishing its reliability and validity for use with South African youth; however, scores obtained on the three subscales should be interpreted with caution and further detailed psychometric evaluation of the RCMAS in South African samples is clearly required. © 2012 Hogrefe Publishing. | Adolescents; Anxiety; Measurement; Psychometric; South Africa | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000339940700005 | The impact of conditional cash transfers on child health in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review | Cross, Ruth,Owusu-Addo, Ebenezer | 2014 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH | 59 | 4 | 10.1007/s00038-014-0570-x | Leeds Metropolitan University, Kwame Nkrumah University Science & Technology, Kwame Nkrumah Univ Sci & Technol | "Cross, Ruth: Leeds Metropolitan University", | The review aimed to assess the effectiveness of conditional cash transfers (CCTs) in improving child health in low- and middle-income countries.
Seven electronic databases were searched for papers: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, PsychINFO, BIOSIS Previews, Academic Search Complete, and CSA Sociological Abstracts. The included studies comprised of randomised controlled trials and controlled before-and-after studies evaluating the impact of CCTs on child health. Due to the substantial heterogeneity of the studies, a narrative synthesis was conducted on the extracted data.
Sixteen studies predominantly from Latin American countries met the inclusion criteria. The outcomes reported by the studies in relation to CCTs' effectiveness in improving child health were reduction in morbidity risk, improvement in nutritional outcomes, health services utilisation, and immunisation coverage.
The review suggests that to a large extent, CCTs are effective in improving child health by addressing child health determinants such as access to health care, child and maternal nutrition, morbidity risk, immunisation coverage, and household poverty in developing countries particularly middle-income countries. Of importance to both policy and practice, it appears that CCTs require effective functioning of health care systems to effectively promote child health. | "CHILD HEALTH","conditional cash transfers","Low- and middle-income countries","programme theory","systematic review",CLUSTER-RANDOMIZED-TRIAL,EDUCATION,GROWTH,INTERVENTIONS,MEXICO,NUTRITION,OPORTUNIDADES,PROGRAM,PROMOTION,WEIGHT | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650711819 | Comparative study of the effect of depth and season on the performance of the reverse-side absorber-plate shallow solar pond in the Nsukka climate | Njoku H.O., Ekechukwu O.V., Odukwe A.O. | 2009 | International Journal of Sustainable Energy | 28 | 4 | 10.1080/14786450903194510 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; National Universities Commission, Abuja, Nigeria | Njoku, H.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ekechukwu, O.V., National Universities Commission, Abuja, Nigeria; Odukwe, A.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | The 'reverse-side absorber-plate shallow solar pond' (RASSP), consisting of a semi-cylindrical reflector attached to the exposed base of a conventional shallow solar pond, has been conceived in two variants, viz., one with double glass covers and the other with insulation over the top. The thermal performances of these RASSPs have also been studied analytically to determine the effect of depth variation and time of the year on the maximum water temperatures and overall daily efficiencies they are able to attain. The results of the study, here presented, show that attainable water temperatures decrease while overall daily efficiencies increase as pond depth increases. And that, for a fixed pond depth, the daily peak water temperatures attainable are strongly dependent on the time of the year, while overall daily efficiencies are not. For all seasons and depths, the RASSP with double glass covers is predicted to consistently deliver higher water temperatures but lower overall daily efficiencies compared to the RASSP with top insulation. © 2009 Taylor & Francis. | Cylindrical reflector; Reverse absorber-plate collector; Shallow solar pond; Solar pond; Solar water heater; Thermal analysis | Comparative studies; Cylindrical reflectors; Depth variation; Glass covers; Plate collectors; Shallow solar ponds; Thermal analysis; Thermal Performance; Water temperatures; Glass; Heating equipment; Lakes; Reflection; Solar heating; Solar ponds; Solar water heaters; Temperature; Thermoanalysis; Solar absorbers; comparative study; insulation; temperature effect; water temperature | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892601733 | The effect of academic development initiatives on student performance at a South African University: A case of finance modules | Muzindutsi P.-F. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n3p717 | School of Economic Sciences, North-West University, South Africa | Muzindutsi, P.-F., School of Economic Sciences, North-West University, South Africa | The retention and the success of undergraduate students is a concern in South African universities which have been faced with a major challenge of low graduation rates. To respond to this challenge, South African universities adopted various academic development initiatives to provide support to students who are at risk of not completing the undergraduate qualification within the required time. This study used multiple regression analysis to evaluate the contribution of academic development initiatives in improving the academic performance of 'at risk' students within discipline of finance at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, during the period 2009-2011. Results showed that some of the initiatives, such as revision workshops, contributed significantly to student performance while others, such as one-on-one consultations between students and Academic Development Officers (ADO's), had no significant effect on student performance. This study found that making academic development initiatives inclusive to all willing students did not disadvantage 'at risk' students. It was therefore concluded that academic development initiatives can only succeed when there is full commitment from students involved. This study recommends that one-on-one discussions between students and ADO's should be supplemented by other strategies, such as timely and regular revision workshops, in order to yield positive results. | Academic development programme; At risk students; Student performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547595380 | Improved mechanical performance: Shear behaviour of strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCC) | van Zijl G.P.A.G. | 2007 | Cement and Concrete Research | 37 | 8 | 10.1016/j.cemconres.2007.04.009 | Division for Structural Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa; Faculty of Architecture, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands | van Zijl, G.P.A.G., Division for Structural Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, Faculty of Architecture, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands | The retardation of moisture and gas ingress associated with important degradation mechanisms in cement-based composites in general and reinforced concrete or prestressed concrete in particular is an ongoing research focus internationally. A dense outer layer is generally accepted to significantly enhance durability of structural concrete. However, cracking leads to enhanced ingress, unless the cracks are restricted to small widths. Strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCC) make use of fibres to bridge cracks, whereby they are controlled to small widths over a large tensile deformation range. In this paper, SHCC shear behaviour is studied, verifying that the cracks which arise in pure shear are also controlled to small widths in these materials. The design of an Iosipescu shear test setup and specific SHCC geometry is reported, as well as the results of a test series. A computational model for SHCC, based on finite element theory and continuum damage mechanics, is elaborated and shown to capture the shear behaviour of SHCC. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Fibre reinforcement; Mechanical properties; Microcracking; Shear properties | Continuum damage mechanics; Deformation; Finite element method; Microcracking; Reinforcement; Fiber reinforcements; Shear properties; Composite materials | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60849092886 | The impact of shopping mall development on small township retailers | Ligthelm A.A. | 2008 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 11 | 1 | None | Bureau of Market Research, University of South Africa, South Africa | Ligthelm, A.A., Bureau of Market Research, University of South Africa, South Africa | The retail sector forms a critical element of a community's economic and social welfare. It provides people with choices and services. These choices were until recently very limited in township areas. The pre-1994 retail landscape was dominated by small, often informal businesses offering basic household necessities to relatively low income earners. This has resulted in township residents' preference to shop outside townships, known as 'outshopping'. Rapid income growth of township residents since 1994 resulted in a substantial increase in consumer expenditure in these areas, known as 'in-bound shopping'. This lucrative emerging market forms the last retail frontier in South Africa and is being explored by national retailers, especially supermarket chains. This article is aimed at establishing the impact of shopping mall development in townships on the traditional small township retailers including spaza/tuck shops. The net balance sheet on the impact of shopping mall development on small township retailers clearly suggests a decline in the township retailers' market share. A change in small business model towards, inter alia, effective customer service with a small dedicated assortment of merchandise, satisfaction of emergency needs, selling in small units and extension of credit facilities may result in the survival of some small township retailers (albeit often at a smaller turnover). | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-30644462350 | Comparative performance of a UASB reactor and an anaerobic packed-bed reactor when treating potato waste leachate | Parawira W., Murto M., Zvauya R., Mattiasson B. | 2006 | Renewable Energy | 31 | 6 | 10.1016/j.renene.2005.05.013 | Department of Biotechnology, Lund University, Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, P.O. Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden; Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Parawira, W., Department of Biotechnology, Lund University, Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, P.O. Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden, Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Murto, M., Department of Biotechnology, Lund University, Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, P.O. Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden; Zvauya, R., Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mattiasson, B., Department of Biotechnology, Lund University, Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, P.O. Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden | The results presented in this paper are from studies on a laboratory-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor and an anaerobic packed-bed (APB) reactor treating potato leachate at increasing organic loading rates from 1.5 to 7.0 g COD/1/day. The hydraulic retention times ranged from 13.2 to 2.8 days for both reactors during the 100 days of the experiment. The maximum organic loading rates possible in the laboratory-scale UASB and APB reactors for stable operation were approximately 6.1 and 4.7 g COD/l day, respectively. The COD removal efficiencies of both reactors were greater than 90% based on the total COD of the effluent. The methane yield increased with increasing organic loading rate up to 0.23 l CH4/g CODdegraded in the UASB reactor and 0.161 CH4/g CODdegraded in the APB reactor. The UASB could be run at a higher organic loading rate than the APB reactor and achieved a higher methane yield. Signs of reactor instability were decreasing partial alkalinity and pH and increasing amounts of volatile fatty acids. The study demonstrated the suitability of the UASB and a packed-bed reactor for treating leachate from potato waste. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Anaerobic digestion; Anaerobic packed-bed; Biogas; Leachate; Methane yield; Potato waste; UASB | Alkalinity; Anaerobic digestion; Biogas; Effluent treatment; Hydraulics; Leachate treatment; Methane; Packed beds; pH effects; Anaerobic packed-bed; Methane yield; Potato waste; UASB; Chemical reactors; biogas; waste treatment; Alkalinity; Biogas; Chemical Reactors; Effluent Treatment; Hydraulics; Leaching; Methane; Solanum tuberosum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84962343707 | In-core power prediction and effects of average core temperature on miniature neutron source reactor's core performance | Anas M.S., Ahmed Y.A., Rabiu N., Agbo S.A., Balarabe B. | 2015 | International Journal of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology | 9 | 4 | 10.1504/IJNEST.2015.075482 | College of Agriculture and Animal Science Mando, Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Centre for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Physics Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zar | Anas, M.S., College of Agriculture and Animal Science Mando, Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Ahmed, Y.A., Centre for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Rabiu, N., Physics Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Agbo, S.A., Physics Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Balarabe, B., Physics Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | The results of the measurement obtained revealed that the coolant temperature difference is approximately uniform over the period of operation with an average value of 12.1°C for experiments performed at half power and 19.5°C for operation at full power. The average core temperature of the reactor was found to have mean values of 19.8°C and 44.3°C at half and full power levels respectively. The average value for the predicted power of the reactor at half and full flux was found to be 14.9 kW and 31.30 kW respectively. The variation of the inlet temperature (Tin) and coolant temperature (ÄT) with the reactor power was also investigated and the results show that the thermohydraulic parameters dictate the power level but have no significant influence on power excursion, coolant boiling and radiation exposure of personnel. © 2015 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | miniature neutron source reactor; MNSR; Nigeria Research Reactor - 1; NIRR-1; Thermo-hydraulic | Coolants; Miniature neutron source reactor; MNSR; Nigeria; NIRR-1; Thermo-hydraulic; Neutron sources | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950227267 | Synoptic-based evaluation of climatic response to vegetation change over Southern Africa | MacKellar N., Tadross M., Hewitson B. | 2010 | International Journal of Climatology | 30 | 5 | 10.1002/joc.1925 | Climate Systems Analysis Group, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Danish Climate Centre, Danish Meteorological Institute, Lyngbyvej 100, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark | MacKellar, N., Climate Systems Analysis Group, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Danish Climate Centre, Danish Meteorological Institute, Lyngbyvej 100, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark; Tadross, M., Climate Systems Analysis Group, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Hewitson, B., Climate Systems Analysis Group, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | The results of regional climate model (RCM) simulations of the effects of vegetation change in southern Africa are analysed to asses the role of synoptic forcing in land-atmosphere interactions. A self-organizing map (SOM) is used to identify the dominant large-scale features in the atmospheric boundary conditions used to force the RCM. The fields used to characterize the large-scale circulation are geopotential height at 850 and 500 hPa and total precipitable water between these two levels. For each of the patterns (nodes) identified in these variables by the SOM, the mean RCM-simulated response to vegetation change is evaluated. Notable differences are seen in the response of precipitation, near-surface temperature and geopotential heights to the land surface change between different nodes. Conditions characterized by strong sub-tropical anticyclones and low atmospheric moisture show the greatest temperature and geopotential height changes and are most sensitive to changes in radiative fluxes, whereas precipitation and surface hydrological processes are more sensitive under conditions of weak subsidence and high levels of atmospheric moisture. © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society. | Land-atmosphere interaction; Self-organizing maps; Southern Africa | Atmospheric boundary conditions; Atmospheric moisture; Climatic response; Geopotential height; Hydrological process; Land surface change; Large-scale circulation; Near surface temperature; Radiative fluxes; Regional climate models; Simulated response; Synoptic forcing; Total precipitable water; Vegetation change; Atmospheric pressure; Climate models; Conformal mapping; Moisture; Self organizing maps; Strength of materials; Vegetation; Climate change; air-soil interaction; anticyclone; atmospheric moisture; boundary condition; climate modeling; computer simulation; geopotential; map; regional climate; synoptic meteorology; vegetation dynamics; Southern Africa; Equus asinus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955879442 | Multielemental analysis of migori (Southwest, Kenya) artisanal gold mine ores and sediments by EDX-ray fluorescence technique: Implications of occupational exposure and environmental impact | Odumo O.B., Mustapha A.O., Patel J.P., Angeyo H.K. | 2011 | Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology | 86 | 5 | 10.1007/s00128-011-0242-y | Department of Physics, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Physics, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Odumo, O.B., Department of Physics, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Mustapha, A.O., Department of Physics, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Patel, J.P., Department of Physics, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Angeyo, H.K., Department of Physics, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya | The results of heavy element profiling of the gold ores and sediments associated with the artisanal gold mining activities of the Migori gold belt of Southwestern Nyanza, Kenya, were reported in this paper. The analysis was made to assess the occupational exposure of the miners as well as to investigate the environmental impact of toxic heavy metals. Gold ores and sediments from the artisanal gold processing were sampled in four artisanal gold mining areas: Osiri A, Osiri B, Mikei and Macalder (Makalda) and analyzed for heavy elemental content using 109Cd radioisotope excited EDXRF spectrometry technique. Analysis consisted of direct irradiating of sample pellets. The concentrations of major elements detected were: titanium (711.41-10,766.67 mg/kg); cobalt (82.65-1,010.00 mg/kg); zinc (29.90-63,210 mg/kg); arsenic (29.30-8,246.59 mg/kg); gold (14.07-73.48 mg/kg); lead (16.31-14,999.40 mg/kg) and mercury (16.10-149.93 mg/kg). The average concentration of the heavy toxic metals i.e. arsenic, lead, titanium and zinc were found to be above 50 mg/Kg as recommended by World Health Organization. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | EDXRF; Gold mining; Ores and sediments; Toxic heavy metals | Artisanal gold minings; Average concentration; EDXRF; Elemental contents; Fluorescence technique; Gold mining; Gold ores; Gold processing; Heavy elements; Major elements; Multi-elemental analysis; Occupational exposure; Spectrometry technique; Toxic heavy metals; Toxic metals; World Health Organization; Anoxic sediments; Arsenic; Chemical elements; Cobalt; Environmental impact; Gold; Gold mines; Heavy metals; Mercury (metal); Metal analysis; Ores; Sedimentology; Spectrometry; Titanium; Toxic materials; Zinc; Gold ore treatment; gold; heavy metal; article; chemistry; environmental monitoring; human; instrumentation; Kenya; methodology; mining; occupational exposure; sediment; soil pollutant; spectrometry; statistics; Environmental Monitoring; Geologic Sediments; Gold; Humans; Kenya; Metals, Heavy; Mining; Occupational Exposure; Soil Pollutants; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745206026 | Strength performance of laterized concrete | Udoeyo F.F., Iron U.H., Odim O.O. | 2006 | Construction and Building Materials | 20 | 10 | 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2005.03.002 | Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Uyo, P.M.B. 1017, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria | Udoeyo, F.F., Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Uyo, P.M.B. 1017, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; Iron, U.H., Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Uyo, P.M.B. 1017, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; Odim, O.O., Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Uyo, P.M.B. 1017, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria | The results of an experimental program to investigate some characteristics of concrete containing laterite as a partial or full replacement of sand is presented in this paper. Sand in a concrete of mix ratio 1:2:4:0.56 (cement:sand:coarse aggregate:water-cement ratio) was replaced with 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% laterite. The results show that concrete with up to 40% replacement level of sand by laterite attained the designed strength of 20 N/mm2, thus indicating the possibility of using laterite as a partial replacement for sand up to this level. It was also observed from the results that the workability of laterite concrete (LATCON) increases with increase in the replacement level of sand by laterite, while the compressive, split tensile, and flexural strengths and the percentage water absorption of the concrete decrease with increase in the replacement level of sand. Regression models relating the strengths of LATCON are also presented in this paper. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Laterized concrete; Strengths | Absorption; Bending strength; Cements; Elastic moduli; Regression analysis; Sand; Strength of materials; Water; Laterized concrete (LATCON); Partial replacement; Strength performance; Strengths; Concretes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-53649086180 | Nutritional evaluation of Sterculia setigera seeds and pod | Idu M., Uzoekwe S., Onyibe H.I. | 2008 | Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences | 11 | 1 | 10.3923/pjbs.2008.139.141 | Department of Botany, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Department of Basic Sciences, Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Nigeria; Department of Botany, Ambose Alli University, P.M.B. 14, Ekpoma, Nigeria | Idu, M., Department of Botany, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Uzoekwe, S., Department of Basic Sciences, Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Nigeria; Onyibe, H.I., Department of Botany, Ambose Alli University, P.M.B. 14, Ekpoma, Nigeria | The results obtained on analysis of the seeds and pods of Sterculia setigera for their nutritional composition revealed that while the seed sample has high crude protein, crude fibre, carbohydrate and fat contents, their contents in the pod sample was very low. The analysis of the mineral profile reveals that the seed of Sterculia setigera is rich in sodium, iron, zinc and manganese. Conversely, the mineral composition of the pod is low. © 2008 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Evaluation; Nutritional; Pod; Seeds; Sterculia setigera | article; atomic absorption spectrometry; chemistry; nutritional value; plant seed; prenatal development; Sterculia; Nutritive Value; Seeds; Spectrophotometry, Atomic; Sterculia; Sterculia; Sterculia setigera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861165126 | Impact of industrial effluent on water quality and gill pathology of clarias gariepinus from Alaro Stream, Ibadan, Southwest, Nigeria | Adeogun A.O. | 2012 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 76 | 1 | None | Hydrobiology and Fisheries Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Adeogun, A.O., Hydrobiology and Fisheries Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | The responses of a freshwater fish to variations in water quality were evaluated using gill histopathology and condition factor of Clarias gariepinus from Alaro stream. Alaro stream receives industrial effluent as a point source and water quality parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, Electrical conductivity (EC), Alkalinity, Biochemical Oxygen demand (BOD) and Total dissolved solids (TDS)) and metals (Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd) and Iron (Fe)) were analysed from nine sampling sites (upstream, effluent discharge point and downstream) using standard methods. The average values of all physico-chemical parameters (except pH and DO) and metals were considerably higher downstream than upstream while effluent discharge point showed the highest values for all sampling sites. The lowest values for pH and DO were also recorded at effluent discharge point and concentrations of Fe downstream exceeded acceptable limits for surface waters. Gill histopathological lesions observed in fish downstream included severe necrosis, oedema, erosion of gill villi, matting of gill filaments with focal areas of haemorrhage. Significant (p<0.05) decreases in body weight and condition factor (CF) were recorded for fish downstream of effluent discharge point compared to fish upstream. Fish displayed impaired health (poor CF) attributed to changes in water quality due to industrial wastewater discharge. This resulted in irreversible compensatory responses of the gill tissue as evidenced in altered histopathology of the gills. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2012. | Alaro stream; Clarias gariepinus; Condition factor; Gill pathology; Water quality | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956693880 | Impact of variable-rate application of nitrogen on yield and profit: A case study from South Africa | Maine N., Lowenberg-DeBoer J., Nell W.T., Alemu Z.G. | 2010 | Precision Agriculture | 11 | 5 | 10.1007/s11119-009-9139-8 | Agricultural Development Programmes, P.O. Box 440, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; International Programs in Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States; Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Centre for Agricultural Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Development Bank of Southern Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa | Maine, N., Agricultural Development Programmes, P.O. Box 440, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Lowenberg-DeBoer, J., International Programs in Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States; Nell, W.T., Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Centre for Agricultural Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Alemu, Z.G., Development Bank of Southern Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa | The response of maize (Zea mays) to banded variable-rate nitrogen (N) application over a period of 3 years (2002/3-2004/5) is analyzed. The experimental design alternated variable-rate (VR) and single-rate (SR) applications of N. The yield monitor data were spatially autocorrelated and therefore were analyzed with spatial regression methods. The baseline spatial regression model defined in this study showed that the VR treatment, treatment by year and treatment by management zone were statistically significant. Sensitivity tests were applied; the first showed that VR treatment had a yield advantage when soil depth was greater than the field average of 174 cm. The second test showed that the VR N rates applied were close to those that would maximize profit. Partial budgeting indicates that benefits from VR vary from year to year, but in this test VR was slightly more profitable than uniform rate application. Economic sensitivity testing indicates that farm size and the price of maize are the key factors in the profitability of VR N. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | Precision agriculture; South Africa; Spatial regression models; Variable-rate application | agricultural economics; crop yield; experimental design; farm size; fertilizer application; maize; nitrogen; precision agriculture; profitability; regression analysis; soil depth; spatial analysis; yield response; South Africa; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906890944 | Witwatersrand gold reef evaluation: The 'variancegram' tool | Lemmer C., Mogilnicki M. | 2014 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 114 | 8 | None | Geological and Geostatistical Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Asfaltowa, Warsaw, Poland | Lemmer, C., Geological and Geostatistical Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mogilnicki, M., Asfaltowa, Warsaw, Poland | The resolution with which the different categories of resources are forecast for Witwatersrand gold reefs should ideally tie in with block sizes that are optimal in terms of the variability structures of the reefs. A tool, called the 'variancegram', is proposed as a basis for block size choice. A variancegram is intrinsic to the particular reef and mine concerned. A further requirement is the ability to attach global confidence limits to weighted average estimates built up from combinations of local kriged estimates. Approximations to derive global kriging variances based on variables derived from local kriging deliver hugely inflated results if ordinary kriging is used, and markedly better, but not accurate, values if simple kriging is used. These approximations improve as the number of samples used in kriging each block is increased. It is shown that the behaviour of the different components of the global kriging variance with increasing number of samples, all differs, but they all link to the variancegram for the particular reef. The variancegram can thus be used to correct the different components to the values they would have had if all samples were used in kriging each block, and so deliver the 'correct' global kriging variance, even though only a limited number of samples were used in kriging each block. The desirability of having very stable solutions implemented in production systems is taken into account in the proposals. It is anticipated that the same variancegram findings will also hold for other densely sampled deposits, but this remains to be investigated. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2014. | Classification; Global kriging variance; Resources | Classification (of information); Gold; Reefs; Confidence limit; Kriging; Number of samples; Ordinary kriging; Production system; Resources; Stable solutions; Weighted averages; Interpolation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880110740 | Pitting corrosion evaluation of austenitic stainless steel type 304 in acid chloride media | Lot R.T. | 2013 | Journal of Materials and Environmental Science | 4 | 4 | None | Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Lot, R.T., Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | The resistance of austenitic stainless steel type 304 to pitting corrosion was studied in solutions of sulphuric acid (2M and 5 M) with and without sodium chloride addition by linear polarization technique. The pitting and passivation potentials, corrosion rate and current density were analyzed with respect to the chloride ion concentration. Under anodic polarization the stainless steels in sulphuric acid solution acquired a passive state, with breakdown at the transpassive region (pitting potential), however this was greatly reduced with the addition of sodium chloride which led to a sharp increase in current at potentials significantly lower than the value that necessitates pitting in the acid media due to rapid breakdown of the passive film and development of local pits. Results obtained establish the dynamic relationship and interaction between the sulphate/chloride ion concentration and electrochemical potentials in the corrosion behavior of the ferrous alloy at ambient temperature. | Corrosion; Pitting; Sodium Chloride; Stainless steel; Sulphuric acid | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953752589 | Evaluation of b-ODAP content in forage, grain and straw of Lathyrus sativus in North West Ethiopia | Denekew Y., Tsega W. | 2009 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 21 | 12 | None | Forage and Pasture Researcher, Andassa Livestock Research Center, P.O.BOX:27, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Feeds and Nutrition Researcher, Andassa Livestock Research Center, P.O.BOX:27, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Denekew, Y., Forage and Pasture Researcher, Andassa Livestock Research Center, P.O.BOX:27, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Tsega, W., Feeds and Nutrition Researcher, Andassa Livestock Research Center, P.O.BOX:27, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | The research was undertaken from mid September 2006 to January 2007 at Dembia trial site of Gondar Agricultural Research Center. The aim of the study was to evaluate the β-ODAP content in forage, grain and straw of improved and local grass pea lines. The treatments were six grass pea accessions replicated three times and arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The four treatments of grass pea accessions (ILAT-LS-LS-B1, ILAT-LS-LS-B2, ILAT-LS-K-290 and ILAT-LS-610) were brought from Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center (DZARC) and the two local lines Kok- Egir and Shanko were collected from the study area based on their seed coat color. Analysis of variance showed significant (P< 0.05) variation among grass pea accessions in β-ODAP content of straw, grain and forage DM with a mean of 0.15%, 0.25% and 0.23%, respectively. Improved grass pea lines that where brought from DZARC showed low ODAP content compared to the locally available lines. Therefore, improvement and dissemination of low β-ODAP grass pea varieties would be of great help to the resource-poor farmers in providing protein-rich food and nutritious fodder/feed for the livestock. Additional comprehensive study is required to evaluate the impact on meat and milk through feeding of grass pea grain and fodder for different class of animals. | Accession; Dry matter; Grass pea and lathyrism | Animalia; Lathyrus; Lathyrus sativus; Pisum sativum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904970991 | The performance of socially responsible investment funds and exchange-traded funds: Evidence from Johannesburg stock exchange | Marozva G. | 2014 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 11 | 0.16666666667 | None | Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, University of South Africa, P.O.Box 392, UNISA, 003, Pretoria, South Africa | Marozva, G., Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, University of South Africa, P.O.Box 392, UNISA, 003, Pretoria, South Africa | The research reported in this article explored how the JSE SRI Index performed relative to exchange-traded funds during the period of economic growth as well as during the period of economic decline between 2004 and 2014. The JSE SRI Index and exchange traded funds are analysed by a single factor model as well as other risk-adjusted performance measures including the Sharpe ratio, the Treynor ratio and the M-squared ratio. The single-factor model regression results suggest that during the period of economic growth the JSE SRI index neither significantly outperformed nor underperformed the exchange-traded funds. However, the JSE SRI Index significantly underperformed the exchange-traded funds during the period of economic decline. Further tests that engaged other risk-adjusted measures indicated that the exchange-traded funds performed better than the JSE SRI index in both periods. Based on this research it is recommended that further research be conducted using models that can control for the liquidity difference in funds. | Capital asset pricing model; Exchange-traded funds; M-squared ratio; Performance; Sharpe ratio; Socially responsible investment index; Treynor ratio | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349392594 | Markovian probabilistic pavement performance prediction models for a developing country | Adedimila A.S., Olutaiwo A.O., Kehinde O. | 2009 | Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences | 4 | 1 | None | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Adedimila, A.S., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Olutaiwo, A.O., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Kehinde, O., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | The research presented here is a part of a simplified Pavement Information and Management System (PIMS) constructed for a typical developing country. Pavement deterioration modeling based on historical record of the objective function (performance) variation with age (time) requires regular measurement of the condition rating of pavement sections over a period of some years. Based on the generated model curves using historical data, future condition rating could then be predicted. In the absence of such information and record in the country (Nigeria), such method cannot be used and the alternative is to use probabilistic modeling. With the aid of Matlab and Visual Basic application software, three models were developed to generate pavement deterioration profiles, accruable user costs and intervention maintenance costs. The developed models were applied to a case study road. The results proved that timely intervention to maintain pavements at appropriate times will significantly reduce the overall expenditure for both the road users and the government. This was also attested to by the results of the benefit-cost analysis carried out. © Medwell Journals, 2009. | Benefit-cost; Pavement deterioration; Probabilistic modeling; User costs | None | None |
| None | None | Evaluating the missing links in the relationship between executives' compensation and firm performance | Mori N., Munisi G. | 2014 | International Journal of Business and Globalisation | 12 | 3 | 10.1504/IJBG.2014.060215 | Business School, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 35046, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Norwegian Centre for Microfinance Research, University of Agder, Postboks 422, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway; Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Agder, Postboks 422, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway | Mori, N., Business School, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 35046, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Norwegian Centre for Microfinance Research, University of Agder, Postboks 422, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway; Munisi, G., Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Agder, Postboks 422, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway | The research on the relationship between executive compensation and firm performance is extensive but has produced inconsistent results and, typically, weak explanatory power. One cause of these results is use of an incomplete theoretical framework that ignores some variables that are related to these two concepts. We explore the missing links between them. The paper contributes to scholarly and practical understanding of this important issue in the literature by extending and combining agency theory, upper echelons theory, and motivation theory perspectives. The paper develops a model that describes and explains the interactive relationship between executive managerial ability, executive compensation, strategic choices and firm performance. It puts forward the argument that executive managerial ability is related to strategic choices, and executive compensation moderates this relationship. Additionally, the paper suggests that strategic choice is an important variable that has not been explicitly accounted for in the relationship between compensation and firm performance. Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Executive compensation; Firm performance; Managerial ability; Motivation; Strategic choice | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84952970756 | 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-s2.0-84897382203 | Impact of leadership styles on teaching and learning process in Imo state | Okoroji L.I., Anyanwu O.J., Ukpere W.I. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 4 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n4p180 | Department Of Transport Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Department of Maritime Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Okoroji, L.I., Department Of Transport Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Anyanwu, O.J., Department of Maritime Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Ukpere, W.I., Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | The research examined the effect of leadership styles on teaching and learning process. The population comprises the academic staff of selected secondary schools in Owerri North Local Government Area (LGA). The academic staff members selected includes junior and senior staff members, as well as male and female staff. Sixty-six teachers, which constitute the population of academic staff of selected from secondary school makes up the sample for the study. Stratified random sampling technique was used for sample selection. Self structured questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The method of data analysis used on this research work is ANOVA statistics. Based on the summary of the findings, Gender to a high extent, influences the leadership style used in classroom teaching and learning process. The result also reveals that majority of secondary school teachers in Owerri North used democratic leadership style more than other types of leadership styles. Having listed some findings of the research work, it is necessary to make recommendation. Both male and female teachers should be exposed to constant and relevant seminars, workshop by the school management boards in order to ensure that these teachers are equipped with better understanding of leadership style as well as better combination of these styles. | Leadership style; Learning; Teaching | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860877339 | Business studies academic performance differences of secondary school juniors in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria | Udoukpong B.E., Emah I.E., Umoren S.E. | 2012 | International Education Studies | 5 | 2 | 10.5539/ies.v5n2p35 | Department of Educational Foundations Guidance and Counselling, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria; Department of Curriculum Studies Educational Management and Planning, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria; Government Technical College, Uyo, Nigeria | Udoukpong, B.E., Department of Educational Foundations Guidance and Counselling, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria; Emah, I.E., Department of Curriculum Studies Educational Management and Planning, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria; Umoren, S.E., Government Technical College, Uyo, Nigeria | The research examined the differences in the academic performance in Business Studies of a sampled secondary school junior students in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. A sample of 290 (138 male and 152 female) Junior Secondary Three (9 th grade) students was surveyed. The students' variables' being examined vis-à-vis academic performance in Business Studies were: 1) gender and 2) self-concept. Students' academic performance in Business Studies differed significantly on the basis of gender and self-concept. Implications for students' personal variables considerations in the teaching-learning of Business Studies are suggested. | Academic performance; Business studies; Gender; Self-concept | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904131883 | Impact of e-CRM implementation on customer loyalty, customer retention and customer profitability for hoteliers along the Vaal Meander of South Africa | Dubihlela J., Molise-Khosa P. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 16 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n16p175 | Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | Dubihlela, J., Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa; Molise-Khosa, P., Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | The research approach is to appraise the impact of electronic customer relationship management (e-CRM) on customer profitability as mediated by customer loyalty and customer retention within the hotel industry sector of South Africa, and specifically for those hoteliers along the Vaal Meander. A sample of 341 middle to senior managers at various hotels was interviewed as respondents in this study. The objective of the study was to find the impact relationship between effective e- CRM implementation, customer loyalty, customer retention and customer profitability. The findings of the study add value to hotels in South Africa, and provide some invaluable statistical results essential for hotel managers and owners to successfully enhance customer loyalty, customer retention and customer profitability. By applying both confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM), the results of our study identified and provide path analysis of the significant factors; and enumerated among the factors, those critical inter-component relationships within this highly competitive industry. This study's findings add to the body of knowledge and enable the managers of this sector to implement e-CRM in the best shape possible, to match it with South African market-needs thereby creating more loyal and repeat clientele. The future proposed further studies are also provided. | Customer loyalty; Customer retention; e-CRM; Hotel industry; South Africa; Vaal Meander | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952868713 | Impact of inventory and warehousing costs in total logistics cost of manufacturing companies in Southwestern, Nigeria | Olayinka S.A. | 2010 | International Business Management | 4 | 1 | 10.3923/ibm.2010.14.19 | Department of Management Science, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria | Olayinka, S.A., Department of Management Science, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria | The research aims to analyse the impact of cost parameters of total logistics cost with emphasis on Inventory and warehousing costs, with a view to minimizing cost and enhance effective warehousing services in manufacturing companies. The inventory is basically the carrying cost, while the warehousing costs include Picking/Retrieval costs, packing costs and loading costs. The research adopted case study approach. Twenty manufacturing companies formed the sample of the study, based on multi stage sampling techniques that incorporated cluster, stratified and purposive sampling methods. Apart from parametric test statistical techniques adopted, data analyses were done using a software application that incorporated Cobb-Douglas production function, which was packaged and tailor-made for the study. It was revealed that there were relationships between components of warehousing and inventory, however, most of the inventory carrying cost components (capital, storage and space, inventory risk costs) was significant. In other words, Inventory risk cost has a significant relationship with most of all variables (dependent and independents). The research recommends that companies should adopt scientific warehousing management system that is information technology in orientation, as well as lay emphasis on inventory in attempt to cut cost, simultaneously maintaining customers service. © Medwell Journals, 2010. | Costs; Impact; Inventory; Iogistics; Parameters; Warehousing | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928987169 | Predicting organisational performance through innovation, quality and inter-organisational systems: A public sector perspective | Mafini C. | 2015 | Journal of Applied Business Research | 31 | 3 | None | Vaal University of Technology, Logistics Department, South Africa | Mafini, C., Vaal University of Technology, Logistics Department, South Africa | There remains a constant need for further empirical research on organisational performance in the public sector, in a bid to generate current and relevant solutions. Such an approach could be a panacea for performance-related problems that continue to affect public organisations in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between organisational performance and three input factors; namely, innovation, inter-organisational systems and quality. A quantitative approach using the survey method was used in which a questionnaire was administered to 272 randomly selected managers and employees of a South African government department. Data were analysed using a combination of descriptive and nonparametric statistics. Spearman’s rho was used to measure the strength of the relationships and regression analysis was used to measure the extent to which the input factors predicted organisational performance. Spearman’s correlations showed strong positive relationships between organisational performance and all three factors while regression analysis also revealed that the three factors predicted organisational performance. The study is significant in that managers in public organisations can use the findings as a diagnostic tool in performance problems, with a view to enhance organisational performance among public sector organisations. © 2015, CIBER Institute. All right reserved. | Innovation; Inter-organisational systems; Organisational performance; Public organization; Quality; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80655130364 | The effect of Nigerian Qua-Iboe brent crude oil on the reproductive performance of female Wistar albino rats | Nwaigwe A.N., Anya K.O., Nwaigwe C.O., Nwaigwe C.U. | 2012 | Journal of Environmental Science and Technology | 5 | 1 | 10.3923/jest.2012.84.90 | Department of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Diseases, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, N | Nwaigwe, A.N., Department of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Anya, K.O., Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Diseases, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Nwaigwe, C.O., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Nwaigwe, C.U., Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | The reproductive performance of rats given graded levels of the Nigerian Qua-iboe brent crude oil was investigated in 32 female Wistar albino rats. The experiment was divided into three parts, whereby, crude oil was given orally at the dose of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mL, corresponding to Groups A, B and C, respectively, for four weeks, while the untreated group served as control (Group D). Experiment one investigated the effect of the crude oil on the oestrous cycle in rats divided into four groups of four replicates, monitored for four consecutive cycles for regularity of oestrous cycle using vaginal cytology. Three of the four groups were drenched with graded levels of the crude oil while remaining group served as the control. Experiment two investigated the effect of crude oil on gestation, using another set of female Wistar albino rats which were grouped and drenched as in experiment one. Mating was monogamous, while drenching done every other day following mating. The gestation length, litter size, stillbirth and gross malformation of foetuses were monitored. The same group of animals in experiment two was used for experiment three, whereby the animals were drenched prior to mating and until parturition. Results showed irregularity of oestrous cycle in the drenched groups, with significant differences (p<0.05) existing between the experimental group and control group considering stillbirths, conception rates, gestation length and litter size. These findings suggested that exposure to Nigerian Qua-Iboe Brent crude oil affected the reproductive performance of the rats. © 2012 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Gestation length; Mating oral administration; Oestrous cycle; Still birth; Vaginal cytology | crude oil; cytology; mating behavior; pregnancy; reproductive behavior; rodent; Animalia; Rattus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84914165138 | Prospects of improving reproductive performance of the domestic rabbit in the tropics by reducing postpartum re-mating interval | Awojobi H.A., Adejumo D.O. | 2014 | Tropical Agriculture | 91 | 4 | None | Department of Animal Production, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Yewa Campus, P.M.B. 0012, Ayetoro, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Awojobi, H.A., Department of Animal Production, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Yewa Campus, P.M.B. 0012, Ayetoro, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adejumo, D.O., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The reproductive performance of ninety (90) primiparous doe rabbits that were re-bred 1-9 days (intensive),10-20 days (semi-intensive), 21-28 days (extensive) and >28 days (realized extensive) postpartum was investigated in the dry and rainy seasons in a tropical environment, in South-West Nigeria. The objective was to observe response to early rebreeding with the aim of increasing rabbits per doe per year. Mean postpartum re-mating intervals (P<0.05) were 1.9,15.1, 25.5 and 46.2 days for does re-bred 1-9 days, 10-20 days, 21-28 days and >28 days postpartum respectively. Similarly, the mean parturition intervals (P<0.05) were 33.5,49.5, 57.7 and 77.9 days for does re-bred under the intensive, semi-intensive, extensive and the realized extensive mating systems respectively. Gestation length was shorter (P<0.05) in does that re-bred semi-intensively. Litter size and weight at birth were not affected (P>0.05) by postpartum re-mating interval The 21 day litter size/weight and weaning (28 days) litter size/weight were unaffected (P>0.05) by postpartum re-mating interval. Kits mortality was lower (P<0.05) in the 21-28 days group (37.1%) compared to does in the 1-9 days group (55.8%) and 10-20 days group (58.1%). Litter size and weight at weaning was better (P<0.05) in the dry season (4.7 and 1518.7g) than rainy season (3.6 and 1187.6g). Kits mortality was higher (P<0.05) in the rainy season (49.6%) than dry season (35.8%). © 2014 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad). | Doe-rabbit; Litter traits; Re-mating time-period; Reproduction; Tropics | Oryctolagus cuniculus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-13944266749 | Reproductive performance of South African indigenous goats following oestrous synchronisation and AI | Lehloenya K.C., Greyling J.P.C., Schwalbach L.M.J. | 2005 | Small Ruminant Research | 57 | 42403 | 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2004.05.004 | Dept. Anim., Wildl. and Grass. Sci., Fac. of Nat. and Agric. Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Lehloenya, K.C., Dept. Anim., Wildl. and Grass. Sci., Fac. of Nat. and Agric. Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Greyling, J.P.C., Dept. Anim., Wildl. and Grass. Sci., Fac. of Nat. and Agric. Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Schwalbach, L.M.J., Dept. Anim., Wildl. and Grass. Sci., Fac. of Nat. and Agric. Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | The reproductive performance following oestrous synchronisation and artificial insemination (AI) was evaluated during the natural breeding season (autumn) in 90 indigenous (Boer and Nguni) South African goats. All does were synchronised for 16 days with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) followed by an IM injection of 300 IU PMSG at progestagen withdrawal. Cervical inseminations were performed at a fixed time (48 h and 60 h) with fresh diluted Boer goat semen. No significant differences between Boer and Nguni goats were recorded with respect to oestrous response (98% and 93%) and the onset of oestrus (29.1 ± 0.9 h and 30.7 ± 0.8 h), respectively. The duration of oestrus in the Nguni goats (29.9 ± 2.0 h) was significantly (P < 0.01) shorter than in Boer goats (37.0 ± 2.1 h). Conception rates were 52% and 53%, litter size averaged 2.2 ± 0.2 and 2.0 ± 0.2 and the gestation period an average of 148.6 ± 0.9 days and 149.1 ± 0.8 days for Boer and Nguni goats, respectively, these differences being non-significant. Does with quadruplets had a significantly (P < 0.05) shorter gestation length (142.7 ± 2.1 days) than does with singles, twins and triplets (150.0 ± 0.9 days, 148.8 ± 1.0 days and 150.0 ± 1.1 days, respectively). The mean kid birth weight was 2.7 ± 0.5 kg with males being (2.8 ± 0.1 kg) significantly (P < 0.05) heavier than females (2.5 ± 0.1 kg) and crossbred kids (2.9 ± 0.1 kg) significantly (P < 0.01) heavier than pure Boer goat kids (2.4 ± 0.1 kg). Kid birth weight decreased with an increase in litter size, resulting in all birth weights for singles, twins, triplets and quadruplets being significantly (P < 0.01) different from each other (3.6 ± 0.4 kg, 3.1 ± 0.5 kg, 2.3 ± 0.6 kg and 1.6 ± 0.3 kg, respectively). The overall neonatal loss rate within 48 h postpartum was 22.2%, which increased significantly with an increase in litter size and was significantly (P < 0.01) higher for Boer goats (34.2%) than for crossbred kids (12.7%). The results indicate that oestrous synchronisation with progestagen is efficient and the duration of the induced oestrus is shorter in Nguni does than in Boer goat does. The conception rates obtained following oestrous synchronisation and AI were, however, very low and this aspect needs more attention. Litter size reduces birth weight and survival rate of indigenous South African goat kids. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Indigenous goats; Litter size; Neonatal loss; Oestrous synchronisation | Capra hircus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878453654 | Reproductive Impact of aqueous leaf extract of Magnifera indica (mango) leaves on some reproductive functions in female Sprague-Dawley rats | Awobajo F.O., Olatunji-Bello I.I., Ogbewey L.I. | 2013 | International Journal of Tropical Medicine | 8 | 2 | 10.3923/ijtmed.2013.44.48 | Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Lagos State University, Ikeja, Nigeria | Awobajo, F.O., Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Olatunji-Bello, I.I., Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Lagos State University, Ikeja, Nigeria; Ogbewey, L.I., Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | The reproductive impact of oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of Magnifera indica at a dose of 500 mg kg-1 was investigated. The first sets of non-gravid rats were used to study hormonal and estrous cycling pattern after extract for 4 weeks. Estrous cycle was monitored by vagina smear technique, weekly weight recorded and serum collected at the end of treatment period. The second set of gravid rats treated with the extract throughout the pregnancy period was used for the pregnancy study. Weekly weights were recorded while numbers of viable foetus and resorption sites were counted on gestational day 19 after laparotomy. In group that carried their pregnancy to term, number and weight of litter delivered were recorded. Both gravid and non-gravid rats treated with the extract experienced significant reduction in weight gained while there was also disruption of estrous cycling. Serum FSH level and litter birth weights were also significantly reduced. There was no effect on the number of viable foetus and duration of pregnancy. These results revealed that the aqueous extract of Magnifera indica disrupted oestrous cycling in female rat. The extract also interfered with weight gain with resultant reduction litter birth weight. It also produced a reduction in the FSH while increasing the estradiol level in non-pregnant rats. However, it has no significant effect on duration of pregnancy. © Medwell Journals, 2013. | Birth weight; Estradiol; Fsh; Magnifera indica; Oestrous cycle; Resorption; Viable foetus | estradiol; follitropin; Mangifera indica extract; animal experiment; article; birth weight; controlled study; estrus cycle; female; fetal well being; fetus resorption; follitropin blood level; gestation period; nonhuman; plant leaf; pregnancy; rat; reproduction; weight reduction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907911578 | Evaluation of the effects of oxytocin and diethylstilboestrol on mouse oestrous cycle unsing an index | Beauty E.-O.U., Evi B.E. | 2014 | Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Research | 13 | 1 | None | Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Benin, PMB. 1154, Benin City, Nigeria | Beauty, E.-O.U., Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Benin, PMB. 1154, Benin City, Nigeria; Evi, B.E., Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Benin, PMB. 1154, Benin City, Nigeria | The reproductive cycle depends on physiological changes which are controlled by the endocrine system and is therefore responsible for reproduction. The reproductive cycle and functions of female mammals can be altered by several drugs acting either directly or indirectly on activities of the female sex hormones. Oxytocin (OT) and Diethylstilboestral (DES) are known to modulate the ovulation induction processes; however, their effects on cytological and morphological alterations of the reproductive organs (vagina, uterus and mammary glands) at different phases of the reproductive cycle are yet to be investigated, This study was therefore aimed at the comparative analysis of exogenously administered oxytocin at several concentrations and the simultaneous comparison with diethylsttiboestrol on cytological and morphological parameters using modified methods of oestrous measurement in adult female mice. Evaluation was performed via macroscopic examination of animals as well as by microscopic examination of vaginal smears for cytological changes before and after drug administration. The treatment was carried out for 21 days at 4-5 day intervals. Diethylstilboestrol showed significant dose-related changes in both methods of measurement. DES (0.1 mg(kg) induced oestrous significantly (p<0.05) as observed in the increase in vaginal opening, colour, moisture, as well as abdominal distension and cornification of the epithelial cells while 0.2 mg/kg DES displayed a more significant oestrous induction (p <0.01) which resulted in frill cornificat ion of the epithelial cells. Oxytocin at doses of 12 flJ/kg and 24 ILY/kg did not induce statistically significant changes in this study. This study thus serves to update and. contribute to current knowledge on the roles of oxytocin and DES on the reproductive cycle. © CMS UNIBEN JMBR. | Cytology; Morphology; Oestrous; Oestrous index; Reproductive cycle | diethylstilbestrol; oxytocin; sex hormone; abdominal distension; adult; animal experiment; Article; controlled study; cytology; endocrine system; epithelium cell; estrus cycle; female; genital system; mammary gland; morphology; mouse; nonhuman; ovary cycle; ovulation induction; uterus; vagina; vagina smear | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84936095380 | Milk yield and reproductive performance of pure jersey dairy cattle in the central highlands of Ethiopia | Hunde D., Mészáros G., Dessie T., Assefa G., Tadesse M., Sölkner J. | 2015 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 27 | 7 | None | Holetta Agricultural Research Center, P. O. Box 31, Holetta, Ethiopia; University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Gregor Mendel str. 33, Vienna, Austria; International Livestock Research Institute, P. O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Hunde, D., Holetta Agricultural Research Center, P. O. Box 31, Holetta, Ethiopia; Mészáros, G., University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Gregor Mendel str. 33, Vienna, Austria; Dessie, T., International Livestock Research Institute, P. O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Assefa, G., Holetta Agricultural Research Center, P. O. Box 31, Holetta, Ethiopia; Tadesse, M., Holetta Agricultural Research Center, P. O. Box 31, Holetta, Ethiopia; Sölkner, J., University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria | The reproductive and productive performances of dairy cows are essential for the profitability of dairy farmers. The aim of this study was to determine milk yield and reproductive performance of pure Jersey dairy cattle at Adea Berga Dairy Research Center in the central highlands of Ethiopia. General linear model was used to estimate the effect of fixed factors. Overall 3015 performance records were used. The least squares mean of reproductive performances were 30 months for age at first calving, 497 days for calving interval and 2 for number of services per conception. The least square mean of lactation milk yield was 2155 kg in 336 days lactation length. The influence of birth year and birth season were significant on age at first calving (P<0.001). Lactation milk yield, lactation length, calving interval and number of services per conception were significantly affected by year and parity (P<0.001). However, calving season did not have significant influence on calving interval and lactation milk (p>0.05). The results indicate that Jersey cows under the particular management of Adea Berga Farm produced reasonable amounts of milk. The value of age at first calving (30 months) recorded for a Jersey cow in this study was promising. The feeding and animal health intervention is essential to reduce the environmental stress. Since the farm is being used as genetic pool to recruit bulls for crossbreeding activities, better breeding schemes should be designed for further improvement of reproductive and productive performances of Jersey cattle. © 2015 Fundacion CIPAV. All rights reserved. | Age at first calving; Calving interval; Number of services per conception | Animalia; Bos | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646201265 | Reproductive performance and mortality rate in Menz and Horro sheep following controlled breeding in Ethiopia | Berhan A., Van Arendonk J. | 2006 | Small Ruminant Research | 63 | 3 | 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2005.03.003 | Department of Animal Sciences, Alemaya University, P.O. Box 126, Alemaya, Ethiopia; Department of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding and Genetics Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, AH Wageningen, Netherlands | Berhan, A., Department of Animal Sciences, Alemaya University, P.O. Box 126, Alemaya, Ethiopia; Van Arendonk, J., Department of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding and Genetics Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, AH Wageningen, Netherlands | The reproductive and lamb mortality data (n = 4890) of Horro and Menz ewes following controlled breeding in Ethiopia were analyzed. Sheep were treated with flugestone acetate (FGA) intravaginal sponges during the wet and dry seasons to compare the reproductive performance of the two indigenous Ethiopian highland sheep breeds. There was a significant (P < 0.001) difference in the fertility rate (conception rate) (79% versus 70%), weaning rate (92% versus 78%) and lamb mortality rate (13% versus 27%) for the Menz and Horro breeds, respectively. The difference in lambing rate (lambs born/ewes mated) for the Menz and Horro ewes was also significant (P < 0.01) (81% versus 76%), respectively. There was no significant difference in fecundity between the two breeds. It is concluded that the Menz ewes have more acceptable reproductive performance than Horro ewes following controlled breeding. Additionally, Menz lambs have recorded a higher survival rate than the Horro lambs under the same environmental conditions. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Controlled breeding; Ethiopia; Mortality; Reproduction; Sheep | Ovis; Ovis aries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34447258842 | Growth performance body composition, haematology and product quality of the African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fed diets with palm oil | Ochang S.N., Fagbenro O.A., Adebayo O.T. | 2007 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 6 | 5 | None | Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Cross River University of Technology, PMB 102, Ovonum-Obubra, Cross River State, Nigeria; Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria | Ochang, S.N., Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Cross River University of Technology, PMB 102, Ovonum-Obubra, Cross River State, Nigeria, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria; Fagbenro, O.A., Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria; Adebayo, O.T., Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria | The replacement value of palm oil for codliver oil in diets for juvenile African catfish (initial weight 24.04 g) was investigated. For 8 weeks, fish were fed experimental diets in which there was either 9% codliver oil (Diet 1), 6% codliver oil, 3% palm oil (Diet 2), 3% codliver oil, 6% palm oil (Diet 3), or 9% palm oil (Diet 4). There were significant differences in body weight gain among all treatments, with fish fed diets 2 and 3 performing better. Fishes fed diets 3 and 4 had significantly higher survival than fish fed diets 1 and 2. Significant differences were recorded in carcass parameters of fish at the end of the feeding trial, with fish fed diets 3 and 4 having higher values. Fish fed diet 2 had higher blood parameters which decreased with increasing level of palm oil in the diet. There was no significant difference in the organoleptic properties of fish fed different dietary treatments and the end of the trial. The results of this study shows that diet with 3% codliver oil, 6% palm oil is nutritionally suitable for feeding the African catfish. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2007. | African catfish; Carcass quality; Haematology; Palm oil; Sensory evaluation | cod liver oil; palm oil; animal experiment; animal food; animal model; article; body composition; body weight; catfish; controlled study; fat intake; food analysis; food composition; food quality; growth rate; hematological parameters; nonhuman; nutritional parameters; nutritional value; survival rate; weight gain; Clarias gariepinus; Pisces | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952433913 | Replacement effects of Panicum maximum with Ficus polita on performance of West African dwarf goats | Abegunde T.O., Akinsoyinu A.O. | 2011 | Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition | 95 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2010.01040.x | Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Abegunde, T.O., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Akinsoyinu, A.O., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The replacement value of Ficus polita for Panicum maximum was evaluated on 32 female post-weaned West African dwarfs goats. Ficus polita was fed with P. maximum at different proportions of 0:90 (F. polita:P. maximum), 30:60, 60:30 and 90:0 constituting diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Each diet was supplemented with 10% cassava peels. Dry matter intake per kg metabolic weight of goats was not significantly (p>0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments. However, crude protein intake per kg metabolic weight was higher (p<0.05) in animals fed 60% and 90%F. polita than those fed sole P. maximum diet. Daily weight gain of goats fed diet 3 (60%F. polita) was higher (p<0.05) (27.3g) than those fed diets 4 (18.9g), 2 (20.8g) and the control (6.6g). Dry matter (DM), organic matter, crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre digestibilities were higher (p<0.05) in goats fed 60%F. polita than those fed other diets, except for DM digestibility which was statistically similar to diets 2 and 4 but higher than those fed diet 1 without F. polita. Organic matter and CP digestibility were highest (72.0 and 65.7% respectively) in animals fed 60%F. polita. Nitrogen retention of goats fed 60%F. polita (diet 3) was higher (p<0.05) than that obtained with other diets. The results suggest that feeding combination of F. polita and P. maximum at ratio 60:30 respectively has associative effects that can enhance growth rate, feed intake, nutrients digestibility and nitrogen utilization for goat production during dry season in the tropics. © 2010 Blackwell Verlag GmbH. | Digestion; Ficus polita; Goats; Growth; Panicum maximum | animal; animal disease; animal food; article; cassava; chemistry; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; diet; digestion; female; Ficus; goat; growth, development and aging; millet; randomized controlled trial; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Diet; Digestion; Female; Ficus; Goats; Manihot; Panicum; Animalia; Capra hircus; Manihot esculenta; Panicum maximum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856730758 | Effects of supplementing Erythrina brucei leaf as a substitute for cotton seed meal on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Sidama goats fed basal diet of natural grass hay | Yinnesu A., Nurfeta A. | 2012 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 44 | 3 | 10.1007/s11250-011-9916-z | Dilla Agricultural Technical Vocational Education and Training College, P.O. Box 334, Dilla, Ethiopia; Department of Animal and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 222, Hawassa, Ethiopia | Yinnesu, A., Dilla Agricultural Technical Vocational Education and Training College, P.O. Box 334, Dilla, Ethiopia; Nurfeta, A., Department of Animal and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 222, Hawassa, Ethiopia | The replacement value of dried Erythrina brucei leaf for cotton seed meal (CSM) on growth performance and carcass characteristics was evaluated. Twenty-five yearling buck goats (15.8 ± 1.4 kg) were assigned into five treatments in a randomized complete block design: natural grass hay alone (T1) or supplemented with 100% CSM (T2), 67% CSM + 33% E. brucei (T3), 33% CSM + 67% E. brucei (T4), and 100% E. brucei (T5) on dry matter (DM) basis. Supplemented goats consumed more (P < 0.05) total DM and organic matter (OM) than the non-supplemented group, but the intakes were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the proportion of the supplements. The highest (P < 0.05) crude protein (CP) intake was observed in goats supplemented with CSM alone, whereas the lowest intake was observed in the non-supplemented group. Total CP intake decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of E. brucei in the supplement mixture. The supplemented goats gained more (P < 0.05) weight than the control group. Apparent DM and OM digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) in supplemented goats than in the non-supplemented ones, but similar (P > 0.05) among the supplemented group. The digestibility of CP was higher (P < 0.05) for supplemented goats, except in those goats fed E. brucei alone, than the non-supplemented group. Slaughter weight, empty body weight, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, rib eye muscle area, and total edible offals were higher (P < 0.05) for supplemented goats than for the non-supplemented ones. It could be concluded that E. brucei could be used as a substitute to CSM under smallholder production systems. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Carcass characteristics; Cotton seed meal; Erythrina brucei; Feed intake; Goats; Growth performance | cotton seed oil; animal; animal food; article; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; diet supplementation; dose response; Erythrina; goat; growth, development and aging; male; meat; metabolism; nutritional value; physiology; plant leaf; randomization; randomized controlled trial; standard; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Cottonseed Oil; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Erythrina; Goats; Male; Meat; Nutritive Value; Plant Leaves; Random Allocation; Capra hircus; Erythrina brucei; Gossypium hirsutum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-14544296163 | Effect of feeding cassava fruit coat meal on the nutrient digestibility and performance of broilers | Iyayi E.A., Fayoyin F.K. | 2005 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 17 | 1 | None | Inst. F. Enährungswissenchaften, Martin-Luther-Universität, Emil-Abderhaldenstr. 26, 06108 Halle, Germany; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Iyayi, E.A., Inst. F. Enährungswissenchaften, Martin-Luther-Universität, Emil-Abderhaldenstr. 26, 06108 Halle, Germany; Fayoyin, F.K., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The replacement value of a by-product of cassava harvesting - cassava fruit coat (CFC) meal - for wheat bran for broiler production was investigated. CFC was produced by milling dried cassava fruits often discarded after harvesting the roots and stems. The CFC meal was used to replace 25, 50, 75 and 100% wheat bran (w/w) in a basal diet for broilers. Seventy-five one-week old broiler chicks were distributed into 15 pens each holding 5 birds. Each of the 5 experimental diets was allocated at random to 3 pens. At the end of the first 4 weeks (starter phase), the diets were switched to finisher diets for a further 4-week period. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Data were recorded and analysed on pen basis. CFC meal had a crude protein of 44 g/kg and crude fibre of 149 g/kg. All production parameters, other than mortality, deteriorated as the degreed of substitution of wheat bran by CFC was increased. The apparent digestibilities of dry matter and nutrients were significantly (p<0.05) reduced by dietary increase in level of CFC. It is concluded that CFC can replace up to 50% of the wheat bran requirement for feeding broilers in the finisher phase, but higher levels markedly reduce performance. | Broilers; Cassava fruit coat meal; Performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901468604 | Dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation and small and medium enterprise performance in emerging economies | Le Roux I., Bengesi K.M.K. | 2014 | Development Southern Africa | 31 | 4 | 10.1080/0376835X.2014.913474 | Department of Business Management, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; Department of Business Management, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Le Roux, I., Department of Business Management, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; Bengesi, K.M.K., Department of Business Management, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | The removal of trade barriers has encouraged the entry of new competitors into formerly protected markets. This situation creates pressure on many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies such as Tanzania. Using a survey method and cross-sectional research design, the research examines three dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation (EO), namely: pro-activeness, risk-taking and competitive aggressiveness. Understanding their relationships and variance may help to improve our ability to explain SME performance. The findings contribute to how SME performance in emerging economies can be enhanced to enable SMEs to face challenges posed by competitor influx in the context of an open market economy. The findings indicate a strong relationship between EO dimensions and performance, with risk-taking and competitive aggressiveness moderating the effect of pro-activeness. The proposed model could predict 72% of the variance explained in SME performance. © 2014 © 2014 Development Bank of Southern Africa. | emerging economies; entrepreneurial; entrepreneurial orientation dimensions; performance; small business | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33751331914 | The impact of recent queenloss and colony pheno-type on the removal of small hive beetle (Aethina tumida Murray) eggs and larvae by African honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera capensis Esch.) | Spiewok S., Neumann P. | 2006 | Journal of Insect Behavior | 19 | 5 | 10.1007/s10905-006-9046-z | Institut für Zoologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 4, D-06099 Halle (Saale), Germany; Swiss Bee Research Centre, Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux Swiss Federal Research Station ALP, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland; Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Eastern Bee Research Institute, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China | Spiewok, S., Institut für Zoologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 4, D-06099 Halle (Saale), Germany; Neumann, P., Swiss Bee Research Centre, Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux Swiss Federal Research Station ALP, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa, Eastern Bee Research Institute, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China | The removal of small hive beetle [=SHB] eggs and larvae was studied in queenright and recently queenless Cape honeybee, Apis mellifera capensis, colonies over a range of phenotypes. The overall removal efficiency was not influenced by phenotypes or queenstate, because all introduced eggs and larvae were removed within 24 hours. Queenless colonies removed them merely slower than queenright ones. The latter ones rejected up to 300 larvae within one hour. However, colonies undergoing preparation for absconding did not completely remove SHB offspring, suggesting that removal efficiency was reduced. Since even small and recently queenless colonies effectively removed immature SHB, and no differences in the overall efficiency was found compared to A. m. scutellata we conclude that this defense behavior is well developed in African honeybees. © 2006 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | Aethina tumida; Apis mellifera; Honeybee; Hygienic behavior; Parasite; Small hive beetle | Aethina tumida; Apis mellifera; Apis mellifera scutellata; Coleoptera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891888557 | Evaluation of effluents from bench-scale treatment combinations for landfill leachate in Ibadan, Nigeria | Aluko O.O., Sridhar M. | 2014 | Waste Management and Research | 32 | 1 | 10.1177/0734242X13514624 | Department of Community Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, 234036, Nigeria; University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Aluko, O.O., Department of Community Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, 234036, Nigeria; Sridhar, M., University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The removal of pollutants in landfill leachate was investigated using constructed wetlands, a trickling filter, alum flocculation and coagulation, and a sequencing batch reactor in various combinations. Thirteen combined operations were investigated involving three out of the four unit treatment methods in series. The study was conducted because unit operations, though achieved reductions in pollutants concentrations had effluent values above the national regulatory guideline values. The suspended solids of effluents were permissible in most treatment processes, while reductions in 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia (NH3) of leachates ranged from 80% to 97%; 86% to 97% and 92% to 98% respectively. However, there were significant increases in nitrate (85%) and dissolved oxygen of treatment (218%). In addition, the characteristics of the recommended treatment sequence, involving constructed wetlands, alum and trickling filter produced effluents with reductions in colour (97%), alkalinity (97%), BOD (97%), COD (97%) and NH3 (98%), and in metals, except nickel (29% reduction from the influent values). The recommended treatment combination is suitable for effective leachate management at the landfill. The cost of constructing and operating the recommended treatment combination at the facility, for 5 years, would be NGN6,009,750.00 ($38,036.39). The performance should be monitored on site prior to full adoption if effluent characteristics remain consistently low over dry and wet seasons. © The Author(s) 2013. | combined treatment methods; discharge regulatory standards; effluent quality; Landfill leachate; Nigeria | Combined treatment; Effluent quality; Landfill leachates; Nigeria; Regulatory standards; Biochemical oxygen demand; Filters (for fluids); Pollution; Water quality; Wetlands; Leachate treatment; ammonia; dissolved oxygen; ground water; nickel; nitrate; biochemical oxygen demand; chemical oxygen demand; coagulation; constructed wetland; cost-benefit analysis; dissolved oxygen; effluent; flocculation; landfill; leachate; monitoring; nitrogen compound; pollutant removal; waste treatment; alkalinity; article; bioaccumulation; biochemical oxygen demand; chemical oxygen demand; constructed wetland; effluent; Ipomoea aquatica; landfill leachate; Nigeria; nonhuman; priority journal; sequencing batch reactor; suspended particulate matter; trickling filter; waste component removal; water contamination; Ibadan; Nigeria; Oyo; combined treatment methods; discharge regulatory standards; effluent quality; Landfill leachate; Nigeria; Ammonia; Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis; Bioreactors; Nigeria; Nitrates; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Pollution; Water Purification; Wetlands | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876375217 | Friction Hydro Pillar Process as an alternative repair technology for creep evaluation sites on thick-walled 10CrMo910 creep-resistant steel structures | Bulbring D.L.H., Hattingh D.G., Botes A., Odendaal D.H. | 2013 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 113 | 2 | None | Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa | Bulbring, D.L.H., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa; Hattingh, D.G., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa; Botes, A., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa; Odendaal, D.H., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa | The removal of a cylindrical core from thick-wall sections for creep analysis by the relatively new Weldcore® process represents a very exciting methodology for obtaining more representative creep damage data from large engineering structures. The cylindrical core that is removed, representing about 60% of the wall thickness, leaves a substantial removal site that needs to be repaired. This paper presents data pertaining to taper Friction Hydro Pillar Processing as an alternative repair technique for filling the core removal site. Process parameters were evaluated with special attention being paid to the effect of downward force on process response variables, weld defects, and mechanical properties of 10CrMo910 steel. Process temperature and torque response as well as total process energy input were also considered. This paper also assesses the static and dynamic performance of this repair technique. The influence of a varying downward force and the occurrence and position of discontinuities were quantified. Downward force was shown to have the most notable effect on weld joint dynamic performance and was found to be related to the process temperatures achieved in close proximity to the weld interface. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2013. | Coring; Creep damage; Downward force; Friction hydro pillar processing; Welding | Coring; Creep damages; Downward force; Engineering structures; Process parameters; Process temperature; Repair techniques; Static and dynamic performance; Chromium alloys; Creep; Friction; Mechanical properties; Tribology; Welding; Welds; Repair | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957120419 | In vivo evaluation of the biodistribution and safety of PLGA nanoparticles as drug delivery systems | Semete B., Booysen L., Lemmer Y., Kalombo L., Katata L., Verschoor J., Swai H.S. | 2010 | Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology, and Medicine | 6 | 5 | 10.1016/j.nano.2010.02.002 | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Polymers and Bioceramics, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Pharmaceutics, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Semete, B., Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Polymers and Bioceramics, Pretoria, South Africa; Booysen, L., Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Polymers and Bioceramics, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Pharmaceutics, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Lemmer, Y., Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Polymers and Bioceramics, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Biochemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Kalombo, L., Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Polymers and Bioceramics, Pretoria, South Africa; Katata, L., Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Polymers and Bioceramics, Pretoria, South Africa; Verschoor, J., Department of Biochemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Swai, H.S., Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Polymers and Bioceramics, Pretoria, South Africa | The remarkable physicochemical properties of particles in the nanometer range have been proven to address many challenges in the field of science. However, the possible toxic effects of these particles have raised some concerns. The aim of this article is to evaluate the effects of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo compared to industrial nanoparticles of a similar size range such as zinc oxide, ferrous oxide, and fumed silica. An in vitro cytotoxicity study was conducted to assess the cell viability following exposure to PLGA nanoparticles. Viability was determined by means of a WST assay, wherein cell viability of greater than 75% was observed for both PLGA and amorphous fumed silica particles and ferrous oxide, but was significantly reduced for zinc oxide particles. In vivo toxicity assays were performed via histopathological evaluation, and no specific anatomical pathological changes or tissue damage was observed in the tissues of Balb/C mice. The extent of tissue distribution and retention following oral administration of PLGA particles was analyzed for 7 days. After 7 days, the particles remained detectable in the brain, heart, kidney, liver, lungs, and spleen. The results show that a mean percentage (40.04%) of the particles were localized in the liver, 25.97% in the kidney, and 12.86% in the brain. The lowest percentage was observed in the spleen. Thus, based on these assays, it can be concluded that the toxic effects observed with various industrial nanoparticles will not be observed with particles made of synthetic polymers such as PLGA when applied in the field of nanomedicine. Furthermore, the biodistribution of the particles warrants surface modification of the particles to avoid higher particle localization in the liver. From the Clinical Editor: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo compared to industrial nanoparticles including zinc oxide, ferrous oxide, and fumed silica. The authors concluded that the toxic effects observed with various industrial nanoparticles is unlikely to be observed with particles made of PLGA. The biodistribution of these particles warrants surface modification to avoid particle accumulation in the liver. © 2010 Elsevier Inc. | Biodistribution; Nanomedicine; Nanoparticles; PLGA; Toxicity | BALB/c mice; Biodistributions; Cell viability; Drug delivery system; Fumed silica particles; Fumed silicas; In-vitro; In-vivo; Mean percentage; Nano meter range; Nanomedicines; Oral administration; Particle accumulation; Pathological changes; Physicochemical property; PLGA; PLGA nanoparticles; Poly-lactide-co-glycolide; Size ranges; Surface modification; Synthetic polymers; Tissue damage; Tissue distributions; Toxic effect; Zinc oxide particles; Assays; Drug delivery; Industrial poisons; Industry; Iron oxides; Liver; Medical nanotechnology; Silica; Ternary systems; Tissue; Toxicity; Zinc; Zinc oxide; Nanoparticles; ferrous oxide; iron derivative; polyglactin; silicon dioxide; unclassified drug; zinc oxide; animal experiment; animal model; animal tissue; article; brain; cell viability; controlled study; cytotoxicity; drug delivery system; drug safety; female; heart; histopathology; human; human cell; in vitro study; kidney; liver; lung; mouse; nanomedicine; nonhuman; particle size; spleen; tissue distribution; tissue injury; Animals; Caco-2 Cells; Cell Survival; Drug Delivery Systems; Female; Humans; Lactic Acid; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Nanoparticles; Polyglycolic Acid; Mus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900524562 | Variable-gear EV reluctance synchronous motor drives -An evaluation of rotor structures for position-sensorless control | Villet W.T., Kamper M.J. | 2014 | IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics | 61 | 10 | 10.1109/TIE.2013.2288231 | Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, 7599 Stellenbosch, South Africa | Villet, W.T., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, 7599 Stellenbosch, South Africa; Kamper, M.J., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, 7599 Stellenbosch, South Africa | The reluctance synchronous motor (RSM) is identified to be well suited for the variable-gear (VG) electric vehicle (EV) drive. It is shown in this paper, however, that the RSM drive's position-sensorless capability is limited at zero or very small current magnitudes due to a limited saliency magnitude. In this paper, a novel epoxy-resin-casted rotor with no iron ribs is proposed to increase the saliency of the RSM at zero reference current. This rotor RSM is simulated in finite-element (FE) analysis, built, evaluated, and compared with conventional flux barrier rotor RSMs. The effect of rotor skewing on the position-sensorless control (PSC) capability of the RSM is also evaluated by means of FE analysis and measurements. Other performance aspects are also considered in this paper. It is concluded that, overall, the skewed epoxy-resin-casted rotor RSM drive has no PSC problems in the entire load and speed regions and is well suited for VG EV drives. © 1982-2012 IEEE. | position sensorless control; Reluctance synchronous machines; variable speed drives | Electric drives; Finite element method; Resins; Synchronous motors; Variable speed drives; Current magnitudes; Flux barrier; Performance aspects; Position sensorless control; Reference currents; Reluctance synchronous machine; Reluctance synchronous motors; Rotor structures; Position control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885397468 | Evaluation of some accessions of bambara groundnut (vigna subterranean l. Verdc) for resistance to bruchid infestation, based on grain source and seed coat colour | Echezona B.C., Amuji C.F., Eze S. | 2013 | Journal of Plant Protection Research | 53 | 3 | 10.2478/jppr-2013-0032 | Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, 410001 Nsukka, Nigeria | Echezona, B.C., Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, 410001 Nsukka, Nigeria; Amuji, C.F., Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, 410001 Nsukka, Nigeria; Eze, S., Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, 410001 Nsukka, Nigeria | The relative susceptibility of different accessions of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean L. Verdc) to Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) was assessed in a laboratory trial in Nigeria. Treatments were comprised factorial combinations of four grain sources from Nigeria (Enugu, Anambra, Benue and Kogi state) and three predominantly contrasting seed coat colours (black, brown, and milky-colour) laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD). There were four replications of each treatment. Egg depositions by adult C. maculatus were affected by grain sources such that ovipositions on those sourced from the state of Anambra were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those from other sources. Similarly, black coloured grains harboured more insects and eggs compared to other seed coat colours. Accesssions collected from Benue and/or those with a milky-coloured seed coat showed some levels of oviposition deterrence. However, the interaction of grain source and seed coat colour was not significant based on oviposition, adult emergence, and mortality counts. Grain sources and seed coat colour were, therefore, important traits to be considered while selecting ideotypes for resistance to C. maculatus. | Bambara groundnut; Callosobruchus maculatus; Grain source; Resistance; Seed coat colour | color morph; groundnut; insect; integrated pest management; laboratory method; mortality; oviposition; pest resistance; seed; Nigeria; Arachis hypogaea; Bambara; Bruchinae; Callosobruchus maculatus; Hexapoda; Vigna; Vigna subterranea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887429406 | Evaluation of Baylis-Hillman Routes to 3-(Aminomethyl)coumarin Derivatives | Olasupo I., Rose N.R., Klein R., Adams L.A., Familoni O.B., Kaye P.T. | 2014 | Synthetic Communications | 44 | 2 | 10.1080/00397911.2013.803575 | Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry and Center for Chemico, Biomedicinal Research, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | Olasupo, I., Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Rose, N.R., Department of Chemistry and Center for Chemico, Biomedicinal Research, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Klein, R., Department of Chemistry and Center for Chemico, Biomedicinal Research, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Adams, L.A., Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Familoni, O.B., Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Kaye, P.T., Department of Chemistry and Center for Chemico, Biomedicinal Research, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | The relative merits of two different Baylis-Hillman approaches toward the preparation of coumarin derivatives, containing peptide-like side chains, have been explored. In one approach, use of methyl acrylate as the activated alkene requires a protecting group strategy, an approach that is not necessary when using tert-butyl acrylate. [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Synthetic Communications® for the following free supplemental resource(s): Full experimental and spectral details.] © 2014 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | 3-(Aminomethyl)coumarins; aza-Michael; Baylis-Hillman | 3 (aminomethyl)coumarin derivative; acrylic acid butyl ester; acrylic acid methyl ester; coumarin derivative; unclassified drug; article; Baylis Hillman reaction; drug structure; nucleophilicity | 62273, National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907715549 | Bottom-up impact on the cecidomyiid leaf galler and its parasitism in a tropical rainforest | Malinga G.M., Valtonen A., Nyeko P., Vesterinen E.J., Roininen H. | 2014 | Oecologia | 176 | 2 | 10.1007/s00442-014-3024-5 | Department of Biology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, Joensuu, Finland; Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland | Malinga, G.M., Department of Biology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, Joensuu, Finland; Valtonen, A., Department of Biology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, Joensuu, Finland; Nyeko, P., Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Vesterinen, E.J., Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Roininen, H., Department of Biology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, Joensuu, Finland | The relative importance of host-plant resources, natural enemies or their interactions in controlling the population of galling insects and their parasitism is poorly known for tropical gallers. In this study, we assessed the impacts of plant quality and density of host trees in regulating the densities of a galler species, the cecidomyiid leaf galler (Cecidomyiini sp. 1EJV) and its parasitoids and inquilines on Neoboutonia macrocalyx trees in Uganda. We manipulated the nutritional quality (or vigour) and the resource concentration with four levels each of fertilization and the group size of host tree. We then recorded the effects of these treatments on the growth rate and total leaf area of host plants, the density of gallers and their mortality by parasitoids and inquilines. Higher levels of fertilization and host density resulted in significantly higher total leaf area than did ambient nutrient levels, and lowest tree densities, respectively. Fertilization also caused significant change in the growth rate of leaf area. Both higher fertilization and host density caused higher density of gallers. Total leaf area was positively associated with galler density, but within galled replicates, the galled leaves were larger than the ungalled leaves. Although highest levels of fertilization and density of host trees caused significant change in the densities of parasitoids, the rate of parasitism did not change. However, tree-density manipulations increased the rate of inquilinism, but on a very low level. Our results demonstrate a trophic cascade in the tropical galler and its parasitoids as a response to bottom-up effects. © 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Plant quality; Plant vigour; Resource concentration; Trophic cascade; Tropical gallers | fertilization (reproduction); group size; growth rate; host plant; insect; parasitism; population density; rainforest; tropical forest; Uganda; Cecidomyiidae; animal; Diptera; Euphorbiaceae; fertilization; growth, development and aging; herbivory; Hymenoptera; parasitology; plant leaf; plant tumor; population density; rain forest; tree; Uganda; Animals; Diptera; Euphorbiaceae; Fertilization; Herbivory; Hymenoptera; Plant Leaves; Plant Tumors; Population Density; Rainforest; Trees; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860997847 | Performance and carcass characteristics of broilers fed five different commercial vitamin-mineral premixes in Ibadan, Nigeria | Ogunwole O.A., Kolade E.O., Taiwo B.A. | 2012 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 11 | 2 | None | Animal Nutrition Unit, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Ogunwole, O.A., Animal Nutrition Unit, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Kolade, E.O., Animal Nutrition Unit, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Taiwo, B.A., Animal Nutrition Unit, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The relative efficacy of five proprietary vitamin-mineral premixes on performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens was undertaken in a trial lasting six weeks at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. A total of two hundred and eighty eight 1-day broiler chicks of Abor acre strain were randomly allotted to six dietary treatments of forty eight chicks per treatment. Each treatment was a triplicate of sixteen chicks per replicate. Six isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were formulated. Diet 1 (T1) was the control without any premix. Other diets were supplemented appropriately with 0.25% Daramvita (T2), Biorganics (T3), Hinutrients (T4), Optimix (T5) and DSM Nutripoults (T6). The experimental diets were offered to the respective birds with water given ad libitum. The design of the experiment was a completely randomized design. The feed conversion ratio of birds on T3, T4, T5 and T6 were 2.64, 2.58, 2.61 and 2.57 respectively and were significantly different (p<0.05) from those on T1 (3.62) and T2 (3.35). The obtained live, bled and defeathered weights and dressing percentage values of broilers varied significantly (p<0.05) with the type of vitamin-mineral premix used while values of other primal cuts were statistically similar (p>0.05). Performance and carcass indices indicated variable potency and efficacy of the evaluated proprietary vitamin-mineral premixes in Ibadan, Nigeria. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2012. | Broiler production; Dressing percentage; Premix efficacy and potency; Primal cuts; Proprietary vitamin-mineral premixes | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650143643 | Impact of climate variability on tomato production in Limpopo province, South Africa | Tshiala M.F., Olwoch J.M. | 2010 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 5 | 21 | None | Centre for Environmental Studies and Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Tshiala, M.F., Centre for Environmental Studies and Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Olwoch, J.M., Centre for Environmental Studies and Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | The relationship between tomato production, monthly average temperature and seasonal average temperature in Limpopo province, South Africa during the period of 1971 - 2006 were investigated using statistical regression analysis methods. The motivation for selecting Limpopo in this study lies in the 66% tomato contribution to the tomato industry in South Africa. The results showed yearly peak values of tomato in the range of 200 000 - 228 000 tons from year 2000 to 2006. In this study, we analyzed the correlation of tomato records in Limpopo with climatic variables in order to assess the climate change effects of tomato production and food security in South Africa. Our results show that tomato yield increased by a factor of two from 1971 to 2006. Particularly, during autumn, spring, summer and winter, tomato yield increased by a factor of two respectively. It is noteworthy that the majority of months registered positive trends in tomato production, except February and June. These could be attributed to the application of robust farming practices and improved technology over the same period. However, from the trend analysis, results demonstrate that there are possible negative impacts of climate change on crop yield, especially on farmers without advanced technology and good modern agricultural practices. © 2010 Academic Journals. | Climate change; Climate variability; Limpopo; South Africa; Temperature; Tomato production | Lycopersicon esculentum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70449589847 | Contextual performance and the job satisfaction-dissatisfaction distinction: Examining artifacts and utility | Credé M., Chernyshenko O.S., Bagraim J., Sully M. | 2009 | Human Performance | 22 | 3 | 10.1080/08959280902970427 | State University of New York, Albany, United States; Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; University of Cape Town, South Africa; Murdoch University, Australia | Credé, M., State University of New York, Albany, United States; Chernyshenko, O.S., Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Bagraim, J., University of Cape Town, South Africa; Sully, M., Murdoch University, Australia | The relationship between contextual performance and job satisfaction is reexamined by considering the distinction between scores on measures of satisfaction and measures of dissatisfaction. Data from four samples and two measures of job satisfaction suggest that scores on measures of both satisfaction and dissatisfaction provide significant incremental validity in predicting contextual performance, that the satisfaction-dissatisfaction distinction is valid at the facet level, and that the satisfaction-dissatisfaction distinction cannot be accounted for by the artifactual explanations previously proposed in the literature. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941049306 | Examining the relationship between ceo remuneration and performance of major commercial banks in South Africa | Khumalo M., Masenge A. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 13 | 1 | None | University of South Africa, South Africa; University of Pretoria, South Africa | Khumalo, M., University of South Africa, South Africa; Masenge, A., University of Pretoria, South Africa | The relationship between CEO remuneration and firm performance continues to receive much attention. Although the focus of most of the studies is across sectors, attention is increasingly being directed towards the banking industry. At the same time, controversy around what is deemed excessive remuneration of CEOs in the light of not so impressive firm performance across sectors continues. The 2008 global financial crisis and subsequent problems in the banking industry have increased interest in the dynamics of CEO remuneration and bank performance. This study, which examines the relationship between CEO remuneration and bank performance in South Africa, aims to bring a new perspective to the on-going research and debate. The data used is for the years 2008-2013, and a purposive sampling method was employed to select a sample frame that consists of five major commercial banks in South Africa. The results suggest that not all measurement instruments used confirmed that a relationship between CEO remuneration and bank performance existed. In the overall, the results of the study do show that the remuneration of the CEO in the banking industry is such that it does have a significant influence on the performance of a bank. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Bank performance; CEO remuneration; Regression; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939966140 | Structural performance of the Nigerian grown Abura timber bridge beam subjected to compression and shearing forces | Aguwa J.I. | 2015 | KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering | 19 | 4 | 10.1007/s12205-013-0164-9 | Dept. of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | Aguwa, J.I., Dept. of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | There is the need to subject some Nigerian timber species to reliability analysis in order to establish their structural usefulness. It is on this basis that the Nigerian grown Abura timber was studied and structurally assessed to understand its performance as timber bridge beams. This was achieved by preparing some test specimens of it from naturally seasoned samples at moisture content of 18%.and determining its strength properties, which were subjected to statistical analysis to obtain the mean, standard deviation as well as the coefficient of variation. Structural analysis, deterministic design and structural reliability analysis were performed on the Abura timber bridge beam at the Ultimate Limit State of loading. A computer programme developed in FORTRAN language and First-Order Reliability Method (FORM) were used in the reliability analysis. In order to study the effect of geometry and loading on the reliability index, sensitivity analysis was performed by altering the geometrical dimensions of the beam as well as the magnitude of the loadings on the beam. Satisfactory level of reliability indices were recorded at depth of 400 mm, breadth of 150 mm and span of 5000 mm under the ultimate limit state of loading. The Abura bridge beam depicted very low level of safety when subjected to only shearing forces under the specified design conditions. The probabilities of failure of the Abura bridge beam in compression and shear are 0.68 × 10−5 and 0.023 respectively, under the specified design conditions. © 2015, Korean Society of Civil Engineers and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | compression and shearing; Nigerian grown abura; strength; structural reliability; timber bridge beam | Bridge components; Design; Sensitivity analysis; Shearing; Structural analysis; Timber; Wooden bridges; Coefficient of variation; First order reliability methods; Geometrical dimensions; Nigerians; strength; Structural reliability; Structural reliability analysis; Timber bridge; Reliability analysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953063312 | Health impact of small-community water supply reliability | Majuru B., Michael Mokoena M., Jagals P., Hunter P.R. | 2011 | International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health | 214 | 2 | 10.1016/j.ijheh.2010.10.005 | Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom | Majuru, B., Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Michael Mokoena, M., Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Jagals, P., Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Hunter, P.R., School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom | There is still debate and uncertainty in the literature about the health benefits of community water supply interventions. This paper reports on a changing incidence of self-reported diarrhoea associated with the implementation of two community water supplies. We conducted prospective weekly recording of diarrhoeal disease in three communities. Two of the communities were scheduled to receive an improved water supply and one was expected to continue to rely on an unimproved source during the study period. Data of self-reported diarrhoea was collected from each participating household on a weekly basis for up to 56 weeks, of which some 17 weeks were prior to implementation of the new water supply systems. Data was modelled using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) to account for possible clustering within households and within villages. For the two intervention communities in the study, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for all ages after the intervention was 0.43 (95% CI 0.24-0.79) when compared to the control community (who did not receive an intervention), implying a 57% reduction of diarrhoea. Both of the new water systems were unreliable, one not operating on 4 weeks and the other on 16 weeks. The more reliable of the two intervention systems was also associated with less illness than in the least reliable system (IRR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.21-0.80). We also noted anecdotal reports that during supply failures in the new systems some people were starting to use household water treatment. The implementation of improved water systems does appear to have been associated with a reduction of diarrhoeal disease in the communities. However the health impact was most obvious in the community with the more reliable system. Further research needs to be done to determine whether public health gains from community water supply interventions can be leveraged by occasional use of household water treatment (HWT) during supply failures. © 2010 Elsevier GmbH. | Diarrhoea; Household water treatment; Reliability; Small-community water supply | article; biological model; demography; diarrhea; environmental exposure; evaluation; family size; incidence; methodology; prospective study; public health; standard; water management; water pollution; water supply; Diarrhea; Environmental Exposure; Family Characteristics; Incidence; Models, Biological; Prospective Studies; Public Health; Residence Characteristics; Water Pollution; Water Purification; Water Supply | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-21844462077 | Demographic features, beliefs and socio-psychological impact of acne vulgaris among its sufferers in two towns in Nigeria | Ikaraoha C.I., Taylor G.O.L., Anetor J.I., Igwe C.U., Ukaegbu Q.O., Nwobu G.O., Mokogwu A.T.H. | 2005 | Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences | 4 | 1 | None | Dept. of Chemical Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Igbinedion University Okada, P.M.B 0006, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Dept. of Chemical Pathology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Dept. of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Ambros | Ikaraoha, C.I., Dept. of Chemical Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Igbinedion University Okada, P.M.B 0006, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, Dept. of Chemical Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Igbinedion University, Okada, P.M.B 0006, Benin City, Nigeria; Taylor, G.O.L., Dept. of Chemical Pathology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Anetor, J.I., Dept. of Chemical Pathology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Igwe, C.U., Dept. of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; Ukaegbu, Q.O., Divine Touch Clinical Laboratory, Research Centre, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; Nwobu, G.O., Dept. of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; Mokogwu, A.T.H., Dept. of Chemical Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Igbinedion University Okada, P.M.B 0006, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | There is paucity of reports in the demographic knowledge, belief and socio-psychological impact of acne vulgaris sufferers towards the disorder in a black population. This is the first study from Nigeria designed to address this issue. A total of 174 facial acne sufferers completed a self-administered questionnaire, which contained several items mentioning different areas in their belief, knowledge, perception, severity, sociopsychological impact and medication attention. The findings were discussed and compared to those of the Caucasians. The occurrence of the disorder was higher in females (65.0%) compared to the males (35.0%). About 54.0% of the female subjects indicated increase in severity of the disorder during their pre-menstrual period. Also 64.9% of acne sufferers indicated increase in severity during the rainy season, while 93.1% of the population implicated stress to perpetuate the severity of the disorder. Most (75.7%) of the acne sufferers believed that it is caused by oily diet, 40.8% thought that it is hereditary, while barely 5.2% had at sometime sought doctor's attention. Non-prescription products used by acne sufferers were cleansers and cream/lotions. Psychological abnormalities experienced by the sufferers included social inhibition, depression and anxiety. Pain and discomfort are the psychomatic symptoms. No major differences were found in the beliefs, misconception and socio-psychological impact of acne sufferers in a black population (Nigeria) compared to the Caucasians. There is need to improve the understanding of the disorder in Nigeria through health education programmes. | Acne vulgaris; Beliefs; Nigeria; Perceptions; Severity | acne vulgaris; adult; anxiety; article; Caucasian; demography; depression; disease severity; female; genetic disorder; health education; human; incidence; lipid diet; male; menstrual cycle; Negro; Nigeria; perception; population research; prevalence; psychosomatic disorder; puberty; questionnaire; race difference; seasonal variation; sex difference; sex ratio; social isolation; social psychology; stress | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78049474541 | Performance, carcass analysis and sensory evaluation of cooked meat of snailets of African giant land snail (Archachatina marginata) fed pawpaw leaves, whole lettuce, lettuce waste and cabbage waste as sole feed ingredient | Omolara B.O., Olaleye A.A. | 2010 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 5 | 17 | None | Department of Science Technology, Biochemistry unit, Federal Polytechnic, P. M. B. 5351, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Omolara, B.O., Department of Science Technology, Biochemistry unit, Federal Polytechnic, P. M. B. 5351, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; Olaleye, A.A., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | There is paucity of information on quality feedstuffs for snail production in Nigeria. One hundred and eighty snailets (Archachatina marginata) of an average weight of 3.55±1.10 g were randomly distributed into four dietary treatments of pawpaw leaves (PL), whole lettuce (WL), lettuce wastes (LW) and cabbage wastes (CW). Each treatment consisted of 3 replicates of 15 snailets per replicate in a completely randomized design. The diets were fed ad libitum for 20 weeks. The study investigated the performance, carcass analysis and sensory evaluation of cooked meat of the snailets fed the experimental diets. The body weight gain, feed intake, dressing percentage, shell length and shell thickness gain of snailets on WL, LW and CW were similar, higher and significantly different (P < 0.05) from those of snailets fed PL. The result of the sensory evaluation revealed that the dietary treatments had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the colour, taste, flavour, texture and overall acceptability of the snail meat. On the whole, the study established that snailets of A. marginata could utilize lettuce waste as well as cabbage as sole feed ingredient to increase animal protein supply in Nigeria. © 2010 Academic Journals. | Carcass analysis; Feedstuffs; Performance; Sensory evaluation; Snailets | Animalia; Archachatina marginata; Asimina triloba; Brassica oleracea var. capitata; Gastropoda; Lactuca; Stylommatophora | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906766043 | Framing effectiveness in impact assessment: Discourse accommodation in controversial infrastructure development | Rozema J.G., Bond A.J. | 2015 | Environmental Impact Assessment Review | 50 | None | 10.1016/j.eiar.2014.08.001 | Science, Society and Sustainability (3S) Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Development and Planning, Aalborg University, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, DK-2450 København SV, Denmark; School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North West University (Potchefstroom campus), Internal Box 375, South Africa | Rozema, J.G., Science, Society and Sustainability (3S) Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom, Department of Development and Planning, Aalborg University, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, DK-2450 København SV, Denmark; Bond, A.J., Science, Society and Sustainability (3S) Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom, School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North West University (Potchefstroom campus), Internal Box 375, South Africa | There is ongoing debate about the effectiveness of impact assessment tools, which matters both because of the threat to future practice of the tools which are frequently perceived to be ineffective, and because of the disillusionment that can ensue, and controversy generated, amongst stakeholders in a decision context where opportunities for meaningful debate have not been provided. In this article we regard debate about the meaning of effectiveness in impact assessment as an inevitable consequence of increased participation in environmental decision-making, and therefore frame effectiveness based on an inclusive democracy role to mean the extent to which impact assessment can accommodate civil society discourse. Our aim is to investigate effectiveness based on this framing by looking at one type of impact assessment - environmental impact assessment (EIA) - in two controversial project proposals: the HS2 rail network in England; and the A4DS motorway in the Netherlands. Documentary analysis and interviews held with key civil society stakeholders have been deployed to identify discourses that were mobilised in the cases. EIA was found to be able to accommodate only one out of four discourses that were identified; for the other three it did not provide the space for the arguments that characterised opposition. The conclusion in relation to debate on framings of effectiveness is that EIA will not be considered effective by the majority of stakeholders. EIA was established to support decision-making through a better understanding of impacts, so its ineffectiveness is unsurprising when its role is perceived to be broader. However, there remains a need to map discourses in different decision contexts and to analyse the extent to which the range of discourses are accommodated throughout the decision process, and the role of impact assessment in those processes, before recommendations can be made to either improve impact assessment effectiveness, or whether it is simply perceptions of effectiveness that need to be improved. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. | A4DS; Discourse accommodation; Effectiveness; Environmental impact assessment; HS2; Infrastructure development | Decision making; Environmental impact; Environmental impact assessments; A4DS; Discourse accommodation; Effectiveness; HS2; Infrastructure development; Public policy; Environmental impact assessments; decision making; environmental impact assessment; motorway; railway transport; stakeholder; civil society; environmental assessment; farming system; infrastructural development; participatory approach; England; Netherlands; United Kingdom | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903639098 | The further development and evaluation of an automatic dismantler of short staple ring-spun yarns | Fassihi A., Hunter L. | 2014 | Textile Research Journal | 84 | 11 | 10.1177/0040517513512397 | Durban University of Technology, South Africa; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and CSIR, South Africa | Fassihi, A., Durban University of Technology, South Africa; Hunter, L., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and CSIR, South Africa | There is often a need to dismantle staple fiber yarns into their component fibers, without significantly changing the fiber physical properties, or damaging the fibers in the process, so that the fibers can be tested for their physical properties. In the past, this could only be done by the very time-consuming and tedious manual method. In view of this, an instrument, termed the yarn dismantler, which could automatically dismantle short staple ring-spun yarns, was developed and patented. This paper reports research undertaken on Upland cotton ring-spun yarns to further develop, evaluate and optimize the original demonstration model into a final prototype ready for commercialization. Results are presented which show that, according to Advanced Fibre Information System (AFIS) single fiber length tests, the fibers from automatically dismantled ring-spun cotton yarns are very similar in their properties to those dismantled by hand (manually). It was also found that, at a speed of 2 m/min, the yarn dismantler functioned very well, enabling the length of cotton yarn required for subsequent AFIS testing to be dismantled within an acceptable time of less than 10 minutes, with excellent reproducibility of results and without changing the fiber length properties. According to the test results obtained here, neither steaming the dismantled fiber strand nor the spinning draft appeared to affect the dismantled fiber length significantly, or in a consistent manner. © The Author(s) 2014. | Advanced Fibre Information System tests; cotton; fiber length; Yarn dismantler | Cotton; Cotton yarn; Fibers; Information systems; Physical properties; Wool; Advanced-fibre information systems; Demonstration models; Fiber length; Manual methods; Reproducibilities; Ring-spun yarns; Single fiber; Staple fiber; Spinning (fibers); Cotton; Fiber Length; Physical Properties; Spinning; Yarn | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939651687 | The impact of education in shaping lives: Reflections of young people with disabilities in Ghana | Singal N., Mahama Salifu E., Iddrisu K., Casely-Hayford L., Lundebye H. | 2015 | International Journal of Inclusive Education | 19 | 9 | 10.1080/13603116.2015.1018343 | Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Assoc. for Change (AfC), Accra-North, Ghana | Singal, N., Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Mahama Salifu, E., Assoc. for Change (AfC), Accra-North, Ghana; Iddrisu, K., Assoc. for Change (AfC), Accra-North, Ghana; Casely-Hayford, L., Assoc. for Change (AfC), Accra-North, Ghana; Lundebye, H., Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom | There is increasing recognition of the importance of focusing on people with disabilities (PWDs) in international efforts aimed at poverty alleviation. While universal education has been central to these efforts, the specific and additional needs of children with disabilities are often overlooked in policies and programmes. In order to gain a nuanced appreciation of the lives of young PWDs in a Ghanaian context, this paper draws on research conducted with young PWDs and their significant others in order to understand their educational journeys, employment prospects and perceptions towards disability of those around them. In addition to collecting primary data, the latest policy documents related to disability, education and employment are reviewed and statistical analysis is undertaken based on the Housing and Population Census 2010. Our research highlights the barriers facing those with disability in accessing quality education. While education was recognised as paramount to leading a better life and participants noted benefits beyond employment such as gaining self-sufficiency and social benefits, unequal educational opportunities underpin some of the reasons for the widening of gaps between those with disabilities and their non-disabled counterparts. Furthermore, while education was perceived as important for gaining employment, this was not the case in reality, as young people faced difficulties due to both physical and attitudinal barriers limiting their opportunities for economic and social participation. The paper concludes by noting that systematic changes in the policy arena are needed to enable youth with disabilities to take their rightful place in mainstream society. © 2015 Taylor & Francis. | disability; education; employment; Ghana; poverty; youth | None | DFID, Department for International Development |
| WoS | WOS:000281343500009 | Direct facility funding as a response to user fee reduction: implementation and perceived impact among Kenyan health centres and dispensaries | Goodman, Catherine,Kabare, Margaret,Molyneux, Sassy,Opwora, Antony | 2010 | HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING | 25 | 5 | 10.1093/heapol/czq009 | University of London, University of Oxford, Ctr Geog Med Res Coast | "Molyneux, Sassy: University of Oxford", | There is increasing pressure for reduction of user fees, but this can have adverse effects by decreasing facility-level funds. To address this, direct facility funding (DFF) was piloted in Coast Province, Kenya, with health facility committees (HFCs) responsible for managing the funds. We evaluated the implementation and perceived impact 2.5 years after DFF introduction.
Quantitative data collection at 30 public health centres and dispensaries included a structured interview with the in-charge, record reviews and exit interviews. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with the in-charge and HFC members at 12 facilities, and with district staff and other stakeholders.
DFF procedures were well established: HFCs met regularly and accounting procedures were broadly followed. DFF made an important contribution to facility cash income, accounting for 47% in health centres and 62% in dispensaries. The main items of expenditure were wages for support staff (32%), travel (21%), and construction and maintenance (18%). DFF was perceived to have a highly positive impact through funding support staff such as cleaners and patient attendants, outreach activities, renovations, patient referrals and increasing HFC activity. This was perceived to have improved health worker motivation, utilization and quality of care.
A number of problems were identified. HFC training was reportedly inadequate, and no DFF documentation was available at facility level, leading to confusion. Charging user fees above those specified in the national policy remained common, and understanding of DFF among the broader community was very limited. Finally, relationships between HFCs and health workers were sometimes characterized by mistrust and resentment.
Relatively small increases in funding may significantly affect facility performance when the funds are managed at the periphery. Kenya plans to scale up DFF nationwide. Our findings indicate this is warranted, but should include improved training and documentation, greater emphasis on community engagement, and insistence on user fee adherence. | "community engagement","HEALTH CARE FINANCING","Health facility committees",KENYA,"USER FEES",CARE,INSURANCE,"LOW-INCOME COUNTRIES" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872674698 | "it's important to take your medication everyday okay?" An evaluation of counselling by lay counsellors for arv adherence support in the Western Cape, South Africa | Dewing S., Mathews C., Schaay N., Cloete A., Louw J., Simbayi L. | 2013 | AIDS and Behavior | 17 | 1 | 10.1007/s10461-012-0211-4 | Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council, P. O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7701, South Africa | Dewing, S., Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council, P. O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Mathews, C., Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council, P. O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; Schaay, N., School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; Cloete, A., HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; Louw, J., Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7701, South Africa; Simbayi, L., HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town 8000, South Africa | There is growing interest in standard care programmes for antiretroviral (ARV) adherence support. In South Africa, individual counselling following ARV initiation is a main strategy for supporting adherence in the public sector. Egan's client-centred "Skilled Helper" counselling model is the predominant model used in HIV counselling in this context. This study evaluated counselling delivered by lay ARV adherence counsellors in Cape Town in terms of adherence to Egan's model. Thirty-eight transcripts of counselling sessions with non-adherent patients were analysed based on the methods of content analysis. These sessions were conducted by 30 counsellors. Generally counsellors' practice adhered neither to Egan's model nor a client-centred approach. Inconsistent with evidence-based approaches to counselling for ARV adherence support, counsellors mainly used information-giving and advice as strategies for addressing clients' non-adherence. Recommendations for improving practice are made. The question as to how appropriate strategies from developed countries are for this setting is also raised. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | Antiretroviral adherence support; Counselling; Egan's skilled helper model; Standard care | anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; article; directive counseling; evaluation; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; human relation; male; methodology; motivation; patient attitude; patient care; patient compliance; psychological aspect; South Africa; Anti-HIV Agents; Directive Counseling; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Medication Adherence; Motivation; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Patient-Centered Care; Professional-Patient Relations; South Africa | 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-s2.0-34248398795 | Possible climate change impacts on large hydroelectricity schemes in Southern Africa | Mukheibir P. | 2007 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 18 | 1 | None | Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Mukheibir, P., Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa | There is growing concern that developing countries, such as South Africa, should reduce their coal dependence for energy generation and look to other cleaner technologies. Hydroelectricity is one such option. A number of potential large hydro sites have been identified in Southern Africa, which form part of the Southern African Power Pool. However, limited information exists on the impact of climate change on these sites and its effect on the viability of the hydroelectric schemes. Using downscaled global circulation model information, projected climate impacts and the potential impact these may have on future hydro schemes are discussed. | Climate change impacts; Greenhouse gas emissions; Hydroelectricity schemes; Southern Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919876992 | Dissecting indices of aridity for assessing the impacts of global climate change | Girvetz E.H., Zganjar C. | 2014 | Climatic Change | 126 | 04-Mar | 10.1007/s10584-014-1218-9 | International Center for Tropical Agriculture, PO Box 823-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; University of Washington School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Box 352100, Seattle, WA, United States; The Nature Conservancy Central Science Program, 4245 North Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA, United States | Girvetz, E.H., International Center for Tropical Agriculture, PO Box 823-00621, Nairobi, Kenya, University of Washington School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Box 352100, Seattle, WA, United States, The Nature Conservancy Central Science Program, 4245 North Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA, United States; Zganjar, C., The Nature Conservancy Central Science Program, 4245 North Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA, United States | There is great interest in understanding how climate change will impact aridity through the interaction of precipitation changes with rising temperatures. The Aridity Index (AI), Climatic Moisture Deficit (CMD), and Climatic Moisture Surplus (CMS) are metrics commonly used to quantify and map patterns in aridity and water cycling. Here we show that these metrics have different patterns of change under future climate—based on an ensemble of nine general circulation climate models—and the different metrics are appropriate for different purposes. Based on these differences between the metrics, we propose that aridity can be dissected into three different types—hydrological (CMS), agricultural (CMD), and meteorological. In doing this, we propose a novel modified version of the Aridity Index, called AI+, that can be useful for assessing changes in meteorological aridity. The AI + is based on the same ratio between precipitation and evapotranspiration as the traditional AI, but unlike the traditional AI, the AI + only accounts for changes to precipitation during months when precipitation is less than reference/potential evapotranspiration (i.e. there is a deficit). Moreover, we show that the traditional AI provides a better estimate of change in moisture surplus driven by changes to precipitation during the wet season, rather than changes in deficit that occur during the drier seasons. These results show that it is important to select the most appropriate metric for assessing climate driven changes in aridity. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | None | Climate models; Dissection; Evapotranspiration; Moisture; Aridity index; Future climate; General circulation; Global climate changes; Moisture deficit; Precipitation change; Rising temperatures; Water cycling; Climate change | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646800816 | Modelling natural conditions and impacts of consumptive water use and sedimentation of Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo, Ethiopia | Awulachew S.B. | 2006 | Lakes and Reservoirs: Research and Management | 11 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1440-1770.2006.00293.x | International Water Management Institute, PO Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Awulachew, S.B., International Water Management Institute, PO Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | There is few available information regarding the water resource systems of Abaya Lake and Chamo Lake, which are found in the Southern Rift Valley Region of Ethiopia. This paper describes modelling of the water balance components of these lakes, as well as the impacts of water uses, and sediment transport and deposition in the lakes. The various parameters and data needed for the water balance model are derived on the basis of various surveys, analysis of data and modelling efforts. The watershed characteristics are derived using geographical information system, whereas the morphometry of the lakes is investigated by undertaking bathymetry surveys. The hydrometeorological components of this lake system also were investigated through the development of relevant database and information systems, by identifying regional relationships, and by a rainfall-run-off model. These information systems have subsequently been integrated to model the water balance of the two lakes, and simulating the in-lake water levels. Several scenarios reflecting the natural conditions, water consumptive development possibilities, and sedimentation impacts have been investigated in this study. Based on the model simulation results, and on the computation of the life expectancies of the two lakes, it was found that sediment inflow and deposition significantly threaten their existence. © 2006 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd. | Abaya Lake; Chamo Lake; Ethiopia; GIS; Lifeexpectancy; Model; Sedimentation; Water balance | GIS; hydrometeorology; lake water; modeling; sedimentation; water budget; water use; Africa; East Africa; Ethiopia; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903129332 | Climate change impact on the limnology of Lake Kariba, Zambia-Zimbabwe | Mahere T.S., Mtsambiwa M.Z., Chifamba P.C., Nhiwatiwa T. | 2014 | African Journal of Aquatic Science | 39 | 2 | 10.2989/16085914.2014.927350 | Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; University of Zimbabwe Lake Kariba Research Station, Kariba, Zimbabwe; Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe | Mahere, T.S., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mtsambiwa, M.Z., University of Zimbabwe Lake Kariba Research Station, Kariba, Zimbabwe, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe; Chifamba, P.C., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Nhiwatiwa, T., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe | There is evidence that global warming is changing the thermal regimes of tropical lakes and this paper examines the impact of warming on the limnology of Lake Kariba. Between 1986 and 2011 the mean temperature of the lake rose by 0.7 °C, a rate equivalent to 0.03 °C y-1, but this increase was not uniform, being most pronounced in March and May (1.5 and 1.4 °C, respectively) and least in August and October (0.1 °C in both). These changes appear to have disrupted the thermal regime which now seems to be less predictable than before. Thermal gradients have weakened and, as a result, oxyclines are now less pronounced and persistent than in the past. Previous workers suggested that warming in Lake Kariba has strengthened stratification and has caused the thermocline to rise, reducing the volume of the epilimnion and thus reducing the productivity of the pelagic fishery. But this does not appear to be the case. Warming was not accompanied by more pronounced stratification or upward shift in the thermocline, but instead there was a downward transfer of heat that caused the thermocline to descend and weaken, thus reducing thermal stability. The dynamic nature of the thermocline highlights the need to exercise caution in making simple predictions and conclusions about biotic responses in a large complex ecosystem. © 2014 Copyright © NISC (Pty) Ltd. | dissolved oxygen; oxycline; stratification; temperature; thermal gradient; thermocline | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-30644458223 | Understanding the impact of eliminating user fees: Utilization and catastrophic health expenditures in Uganda | Xu K., Evans D.B., Kadama P., Nabyonga J., Ogwal P.O., Nabukhonzo P., Aguilar A.M. | 2006 | Social Science and Medicine | 62 | 4 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2005.07.004 | World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; WHO Office, Uganda; Ministry of Health, Uganda; Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Uganda | Xu, K., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Evans, D.B., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Kadama, P., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Nabyonga, J., WHO Office, Uganda; Ogwal, P.O., Ministry of Health, Uganda; Nabukhonzo, P., Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Uganda; Aguilar, A.M., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland | There is currently considerable discussion between governments, international agencies, bilateral donors and advocacy groups on whether user fees levied at government health facilities in poor countries should be abolished. It is claimed that this would lead to greater access for the poor and reduce the risks of catastrophic health expenditures if all other factors remained constant, though other factors rarely remain constant in practice. Accordingly, it is important to understand what has actually happened when user fees have been abolished, and why. All fees at first level government health facilities in Uganda were removed in March 2001. This study explores the impact on health service utilization and catastrophic health expenditures using data from National Household Surveys undertaken in 1997, 2000 and 2003. Utilization increased for the non-poor, but at a lower rate than it had in the period immediately before fees were abolished. Utilization among the poor increased much more rapidly after the abolition of fees than beforehand. Unexpectedly, the incidence of catastrophic health expenditure among the poor did not fall. The most likely explanation is that frequent unavailability of drugs at government facilities after 2001 forced patients to purchase from private pharmacies. Informal payments to health workers may also have increased to offset the lost revenue from fees. Countries thinking of removing user charges should first examine what types of activities and inputs at the facility level are funded from the revenue collected by fees, and then develop mechanisms to ensure that these activities can be sustained subsequently. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Catastrophic expenditure; Service utilization; Uganda; User charges | health and disease; article; clinical pharmacy; health care cost; health care facility; health care personnel; health care utilization; incidence; mathematical analysis; risk reduction; Uganda; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Catastrophic Illness; Child; Child, Preschool; Community Health Centers; Developing Countries; Fees and Charges; Female; Health Care Surveys; Health Expenditures; Health Policy; Health Services Research; Hospitals, Public; Humans; Incidence; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Poverty; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855549873 | The impact of baseline faecal egg counts on the efficacy of single-dose albendazole against Trichuris trichiura | Levecke B., Mekonnen Z., Albonico M., Vercruysse J. | 2012 | Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene | 106 | 2 | 10.1016/j.trstmh.2011.09.007 | Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Pathology, College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Fondazione Ivo de Carneri, Milan, Italy | Levecke, B., Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium; Mekonnen, Z., Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Pathology, College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Albonico, M., Fondazione Ivo de Carneri, Milan, Italy; Vercruysse, J., Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium | There is considerable variation in the efficacy of single-dose albendazole (400. mg) against Trichuris trichiura across human trials. Factors contributing to this variation have not yet been identified. We assessed the impact of mean baseline faecal egg counts (FEC) on the efficacy of single-dose albendazole against T. trichiura in five previously conducted trials. Our results suggest that efficacy measured by reduction in mean FECs decreased significantly (p < 0.0001) when mean baseline FECs increased, highlighting that this parameter should be considered as an important confounding factor for drug efficacy. [ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT01087099 and NCT01327469]. © 2011. | Albendazole; Anthelminthics; Confounding factor; Drug resistance; Treatment outcome; Trichuris trichiura | albendazole; adolescent; adult; article; child; drug activity; drug efficacy; feces analysis; gastrointestinal transit; human; nonhuman; preschool child; school child; single drug dose; Trichuris; Albendazole; Animals; Anthelmintics; Feces; Humans; Parasite Egg Count; Treatment Outcome; Trichuriasis; Trichuris; Trichuris trichiura | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878019731 | The policy-planning divide: An evaluation of housing production in the aftermath of operation Murambatsvina in Zimbabwe | Chipungu L., Adebayo A.A. | 2013 | Journal of Housing and the Built Environment | 28 | 2 | 10.1007/s10901-012-9311-8 | School of the Built Environment and Development Studies, Howard College, University of Kwa-Zulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa | Chipungu, L., School of the Built Environment and Development Studies, Howard College, University of Kwa-Zulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa; Adebayo, A.A., School of the Built Environment and Development Studies, Howard College, University of Kwa-Zulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa | There is a very thin line of divide between policy and planning, let alone between policy and politics. In most post-colonial states, the situation has been aggravated by the ruling elites' determination to divorce themselves completely from colonial practices. This in turn has significantly transformed the policy environment to an extent where its interface with implementation is obscure. This paper examines the policy-planning divide from a housing perspective. It singles out policy issues as well as the political environment as key factors that influence the physical planning environment for housing. Using the case study of housing reconstruction in the aftermath of slum clearance (Operation Murambatsvina/Operation Clean-up) in Zimbabwe, the paper argues that if national policies that impinge on physical planning are not well defined; they can have negative implications on the implementation and outcome of projects. The situation is further complicated by unlimited influence party politics has on physical planning. What emanates from the case study is a mere manifestation of elite decision making driven by the economy of affection. The emerging issues from this discourse clearly show how difficult it is to operate in a public domain riddled by selfish motives. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Housing; Planning; Policy; Politics; Reconstruction | governance approach; housing policy; housing provision; informal settlement; planning process; policy approach; policy implementation; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942311269 | Evaluation of the response behaviour of unconfined cemented materials under dynamic loading | Matheba M.J., Steyn W.J.V.D.M., Moloisane R.J., Milne T.I. | 2015 | Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering | 57 | 3 | 10.17159/2309-8775/2015/v57n3a4 | Geostrada Materials Engineering Laboratory, PO Box 11126, Hatfield, South Africa; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, South Africa; Department of Civil Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa; Aurecon, PO Box 74381, Lynnwood Ridge, South Africa | Matheba, M.J., Geostrada Materials Engineering Laboratory, PO Box 11126, Hatfield, South Africa; Steyn, W.J.V.D.M., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, South Africa; Moloisane, R.J., Department of Civil Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa; Milne, T.I., Aurecon, PO Box 74381, Lynnwood Ridge, South Africa | There is a significant increase in traffic loading on most roads in the developing African countries, and South Africa is one of them. Often this increased traffic loading results in the premature failure of pavement structures. Mechanistic-empirical (M-E) design methods based on fundamental principles are better able to accommodate changes in the design environment. The successful use of design methods depends on the accuracy of the input material parameters. Therefore, as design is moving towards M-E design methods, there is a need for the material parameters to reflect the actual pavement response to dynamic loads. The objective of this paper is to report on the investigation of the response of cement-stabilised sub-base layers to dynamic load by evaluating stiffness at a known strain level. This stiffness was compared with those derived from unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests performed at static load. The strain and stiffness values were also evaluated against compacted density, cement content, moisture content and material type. It was found that stiffness of some of the cement-stabilised sub-base layers may possibly be overestimated through the use of static loads. | Cement-stabilised sub-base layer; Dry and wet conditions; Dynamic loading; Stiffness | Cements; Compressive strength; Dynamic loads; Image coding; Pavements; Stiffness; Traffic surveys; Design environment; Dry and wet conditions; Dynamic loadings; Fundamental principles; Pavement structures; Premature failures; Sub-bases; Unconfined compressive strength; Design | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883766667 | The effects of internal and external mechanism on governance and performance of corporate firms in Nigeria | Adetunji Babatunde M., Olaniran O. | 2009 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 7 | 2 D | None | Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Banking and Finance, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Osun State, Nigeria | Adetunji Babatunde, M., Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Olaniran, O., Department of Banking and Finance, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Osun State, Nigeria | There is a renewed interest on the need to strengthen mechanisms to ensure that managers and directors take measures to protect the interest of a firm's stakeholders. This study made use of panel data regression analysis between 2002 and 2006 for a sample of 62 firms listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange to examine the relationship between internal and external governance mechanisms and corporate firms' performance. The results have the implication that regulatory agencies should encourage firms to achieve a reasonable board size since overly large boards may be detrimental to the firm. Our results also show no significant evidence to support the idea that outside directors help promote firm performance. In addition, the study found that the measure of performance matter for analysis of corporate governance studies. We found in some cases different results from the use of Returns on Assets (ROA) and Tobin's Q as measures of firm performance. | Corporate governance; Firms; Nigeria; Panel data | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876468432 | Transbronchial fine needle aspiration biopsy and rapid on-site evaluation in the setting of superior vena cava syndrome | Brundyn K., Koegelenberg C.F.N., Diacon A.H., Louw M., Schubert P., Bolliger C.T., Van Den Heuvel M.M., Wright C.A. | 2013 | Diagnostic Cytopathology | 41 | 4 | 10.1002/dc.21857 | Division of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, P O Box 19063, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa | Brundyn, K., Division of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, P O Box 19063, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, South Africa; Koegelenberg, C.F.N., Department of Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Diacon, A.H., Department of Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Louw, M., Division of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, P O Box 19063, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, South Africa; Schubert, P., Division of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, P O Box 19063, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, South Africa; Bolliger, C.T., Department of Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Van Den Heuvel, M.M., Department of Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Wright, C.A., Division of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, P O Box 19063, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, South Africa | There is a paucity of prospective data on flexible bronchoscopy with rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) in the setting of superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. The aims of this prospective study were to assess the diagnostic yield and safety of these investigations and specifically to evaluate the role of ROSE in limiting the need for tissue biopsies. Over a 5-year period 48 patients (57.4 ± 9.7 years) with SVC syndrome secondary to intrathoracic tumors underwent flexible bronchoscopy with TBNA and ROSE. Endobronchial Forceps biopsy was reserved for visible endobronchial tumors with no on-site confirmation of diagnostic material. ROSE confirmed diagnostic material in 41 cases (85.4%), and in only one of the remaining cases did the addition of a forceps biopsy increase the diagnostic yield (overall diagnostic yield of 87.5%). No serious complications were noted. The final diagnoses made included nonsmall lung cancer (n = 27), small cell lung cancer (n = 16), and metastatic carcinoma (n = 3). Two undiagnosed cases died of suspected advanced neoplasms (unknown primary tumors). We conclude that TBNA has a high diagnostic yield and is safe in the setting of SVC syndrome. With the addition of ROSE, tissue biopsy is required in the minority of cases. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | bronchogenic carcinoma; rapid on-site evaluation; superior vena cava syndrome; transbronchial fine needle aspiration biopsy | adult; advanced cancer; aged; article; breast carcinoma; bronchoscopy; clinical article; clinical evaluation; diagnostic value; female; fine needle aspiration biopsy; human; lung non small cell cancer; lung small cell cancer; male; metastasis; priority journal; prospective study; prostate carcinoma; rapid on site evaluation; superior cava vein syndrome; thorax tumor; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; cell nucleus; evaluation study; fine needle aspiration biopsy; middle aged; Neoplasm Metastasis; nuclear shape; procedures; sensitivity and specificity; Small Cell Lung Carcinoma; Superior Vena Cava Syndrome; Aged; Biopsy, Fine-Needle; Bronchoscopy; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Nucleus; Cell Nucleus Shape; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Metastasis; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Small Cell Lung Carcinoma; Superior Vena Cava Syndrome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846136728 | Evaluation of the Nigerian national antiretroviral (ARV) treatment training programme | Idigbe E.O., Odutolu O., Okonkwo P., Folayan M.O., Uwakwe C.B.R., Audu R.A., Jolayemi O.M., Osagbemi M. | 2006 | Sahara J | 3 | 3 | None | Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Nigeria; Institute ARV Training Programme; World Bank, UNAIDS Global HIV/AIDS Monitoring and Evaluation Team GAMET, Harvard PEPFAR Nigeria, NGA, Nigeria; Harvard AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN), | Idigbe, E.O., Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Nigeria, Institute ARV Training Programme; Odutolu, O., World Bank, UNAIDS Global HIV/AIDS Monitoring and Evaluation Team GAMET, Harvard PEPFAR Nigeria, NGA, Nigeria, Harvard AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN), Plot 990 NAL Boulevard, Abuja, Nigeria; Okonkwo, P., Harvard School of Public Health, Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, Nigeria; Folayan, M.O., Department of Child Dental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Uwakwe, C.B.R., Department of Guidance ad Counselling, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Audu, R.A., Human Virology Laboratory, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria; Jolayemi, O.M., AIDS Prevention Initiative Nigeria (APIN), Nigeria; Osagbemi, M., Department of Geography and Planning, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria | There is an understanding that greater availability of HIV treatment for the 40.3 million people currently infected with HIV is a humanitarian imperative that could prolong the lives of millions, restore economic productivity, and stabilise societies in some of the world's hardest-hit regions.The Nigerian government recognises that the country has the third highest burden of infection, with people living with HIV estimated to total 4.0 million, and so in 2002 commenced the implementation of one of Africa's largest antiretroviral (ARV) treatment programmes. A successful ARV programme requires that all components of a functional management system be put in place for effective and efficient functioning. This would include logistics, human resources, financial planning, and monitoring and evaluation systems, as well as sustainable institutional capacities. The Nigerian national ARV treatment training programme was conceived to meet the human resource needs in hospitals providing ARV therapy. This paper reports on the evaluation of the training programme. It examines knowledge and skills gained, and utilisation thereof. Recommendations are made for improved training effectiveness and for specific national policy on training, to meet the demand for scaling up therapy to the thousands who need ARV. | ARV; Evaluation; Health care provider; HIV; Training | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; article; attitude to health; curriculum; education; female; health care manpower; health care personnel; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; male; middle aged; Nigeria; questionnaire; statistics; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adult; Curriculum; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Manpower; Health Personnel; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Questionnaires | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904309570 | The effect of production system and management practices on the environmental impact, quality and safety of milk and dairy products | Erasmus L.J., Webb E.C. | 2013 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 43 | 3 | 10.4314/sajas.v43i3.13 | Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Institute of Food Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Erasmus, L.J., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Institute of Food Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Webb, E.C., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Institute of Food Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | There is an increasing trend to label milk and dairy products according to production system, absence of certain feed additives and non-use of specific technologies. These claims include the practice of organic farming, the absence of ionophore antibiotics and recombinant bovine somatotropin (r-bST) free milk. Absence-claim labels may imply to some consumers that certain milk is safer and more nutritious than other milk. Milk from r-bST supplemented cows is completely safe for human consumption, since bST is a protein, which is digested like other animal and plant proteins, it is species specific, and most bST in milk is denaturated by pasteurization. Fears of higher insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels in r-bST milk are unfounded, since these are insignificant compared with the daily secretion of IGF-1 in human saliva and gastro-intestinal secretions. r-bST does not affect milk composition. All milk (i.e. conventional, r-bST free and organic) is compositionally similar, and all milk is wholesome. Various studies have also confirmed that r-bST does not affect milk flavour or manufacturing characteristics that are important during the production of processed dairy foods such as cheese or yoghurt. There is no pathway for ionophore antibiotics from feed to milk and there is no scientific basis for concerns that these additives can give rise to transmissible resistance factors that may compromise the therapeutic use of antibiotics in humans. Organic farming is recognized as a possible way forward to improve sustainability in agriculture. However, it typically requires more resources and produces less food, which currently makes it less profitable and a questionable solution to meeting the world's growing food supply needs. Improving productive efficiency by using technologies is currently the most logical approach to mitigating the environmental impact of the dairy herd. The potential of r-bST and feed additives such as ionophore antibiotics to reduce greenhouse gas emissions should be recognized and implemented where applicable. © The authors. | Dairy production systems; Ionophores; Organic milk; R-bST | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902146430 | The organisational performance impact of erp systems on selected companies | Hart C.A., Snaddon D.R. | 2014 | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering | 25 | 1 | None | University of the Witwatersrand, School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, South Africa; Polytechnic of Namibia, Department of Mechanical Engineering, South Africa | Hart, C.A., University of the Witwatersrand, School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, South Africa; Snaddon, D.R., Polytechnic of Namibia, Department of Mechanical Engineering, South Africa | There is a need to determine the performance benefits that firms gain from enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and the factors that contribute to success. Consequently, the central research problem is: To determine the impact of ERP systems on organisational performance by analysing achieved ERP benefits within the framework of a suitable performance measurement system (PMS), and to investigate the association between critical success factors (CSFs) and ERP benefits. A list of expected ERP benefits and CSFs is compiled. Performance measurement models are evaluated, and one model is designed to evaluate ERP impact. ERP experts refine identified ERP benefits and CSFs using structured interviews. These are built into a questionnaire, and used to survey South African (SA) companies in manufacturing, mining, and power generation. Results indicate that business benefits are realised by companies that implement ERP systems. By building benefits into the performance measurement model, a positive impact on organisational performance is observed. Although a core list of CSFs is identified, and three associations are found between CSFs and ERP benefits, further research is needed. | None | Industry; Surveys; Business benefits; Critical success factor; Enterprise resource planning systems; Organisational performance; Performance benefits; Performance measurement system; Performance measurements; Research problems; Enterprise resource planning | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904513244 | Physico-chemical and microbial analysis of the impact of abatoir effluents on Ogun river course | Taiwo A.G., Adewunmi A.R., Ajayi J.O., Oseni O.A., Lanre-Iyanda Y.A. | 2014 | International Journal of ChemTech Research | 6 | 5 | None | Science Laboratory Technology Department, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, P.M.B. 2210, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Taiwo, A.G., Science Laboratory Technology Department, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, P.M.B. 2210, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adewunmi, A.R., Science Laboratory Technology Department, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, P.M.B. 2210, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Ajayi, J.O., Science Laboratory Technology Department, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, P.M.B. 2210, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oseni, O.A., Science Laboratory Technology Department, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, P.M.B. 2210, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Lanre-Iyanda, Y.A., Science Laboratory Technology Department, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, P.M.B. 2210, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | There is always need for reduction in the impact of natural and most especially anthropogenic pollution to enhance water quality, food safety and sustainable development. This led to assessing the impact of Lafenwa abattoir effluents on Ogun river course in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Three sample locations were chosen along the river course (up, middle and down streams). Physico-chemical and microbial properties analyzed using standard laboratory procedures were temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, total solid (TS), total dissolved solid (TDS), total suspended solid (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), acidity, alkalinity, total hardness, calcium and magnesium hardness, chloride, iron and nitrate. Temperature ranged from 26.8-27.00C, pH between was 7.92-7.96, Conductivity from 103.7-105.0 μS/cm, Turbidity between 30.9-31.2 NTU, TS, TDS and TSS were between 46-143 mg/L, DO ranged from 5.5-6.0 mg/L, Acidity and Alkalinity were from 0.1-0.5 mg/L, Total, Ca and Mg hardness ranged from 14-50 mg/L, Cl-, Fe and NO3 were from 0.3-52 mg/Kg. Total bacteria count was between 2.5-4.7 × 102 Cfu/ml and Escherichia coli was above 160 Cfu/ml. All the parameters studied were within the permissible standard limit of WHO and NSDWQ, except turbidity, total suspended solid, magnesium hardness, total bacterial and Escherichia coli counts. Ogun river was impaired by the abattoir wash down of effluents therefore, its quality status may posse environmental and health hazards to the end users. To improve and ensure its quality and safety, adequate discharge prevention, management and treatment before use is required. | Hazard and safety; Ogun river; Physico-chemical and microbial properties; Pollution; Water quality | calcium; chloride; dissolved oxygen; iron; magnesium; nitrate; acidity; alkalinity; article; atomic absorption spectrometry; bacterial count; conductance; microbial activity; physical chemistry; river; slaughterhouse; temperature; turbidity; water hardness; water quality | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919694531 | Community-based ecotourism: Its socio-economic impacts at Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, Ghana | Eshun G., Tonto J.N.P. | 2014 | Bulletin of Geography | 26 | 26 | 10.2478/bog-2014-0045 | Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Culture and Tourism Programme, P.M.B. Kumasi, Ghana; University of Johannesburg, School of Tourism and Hospitality, South Africa; University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Geography and Rural Department, P.M.B. Kumasi, Ghana | Eshun, G., Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Culture and Tourism Programme, P.M.B. Kumasi, Ghana, University of Johannesburg, School of Tourism and Hospitality, South Africa; Tonto, J.N.P., University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Geography and Rural Department, P.M.B. Kumasi, Ghana | There is a lacuna in literature from Western Africa on how issue of participation influence socio-economic impacts at ecotourism destinations. This paper investigates the socio-economic impacts of ecotourism based on Boabeng- Fiema Monkey Sanctuary in Ghana. The paper is based on primary data generated from Boabeng and Fiema communities. Seventy mainly opened-ended questionnaires were administered face-to-face to purposively selected residents from the two communities, alongside, in-depth interviews with the management of the Sanctuary and focus group with purposively selected individuals from Boabeng and Fiema. The study reveals that the residents of the communities face burgeoning challenges such as shrinking livelihood options, inadequate involvement of community in the ecotourism, poor state of the visitor centre, inadequate government support and poor roads. © Bulletin of Geography. Socio-economic Series 2014. | Boabeng-Fiema; community participation; Community-based ecotourism; Ghana; socio-economic impact | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874000462 | The impact of climate variability on water and energy demand: The case of South African local governments | Ncube M., Zikhali P., Musango J.K. | 2013 | Water and Environment Journal | 27 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1747-6593.2012.00323.x | Financial and Fiscal Commission, Johannesburg, South Africa; International Water Management Institute, Southern African Regional Office, Pretoria, South Africa; Gauteng City-Region Observatory, Johannesburg, South Africa | Ncube, M., Financial and Fiscal Commission, Johannesburg, South Africa; Zikhali, P., International Water Management Institute, Southern African Regional Office, Pretoria, South Africa; Musango, J.K., Gauteng City-Region Observatory, Johannesburg, South Africa | There is a growing need to understand how climate change impacts not only on people's livelihoods but also on the level and cost of local government infrastructure required to provide basic commodities such as water and energy. In South Africa, few studies have examined the impact of climate change on operations of local governments. This paper examines the impact of rainfall variability on municipalities' water and energy demand. A non-linear relationship between water and energy demand and rainfall variability was found. The results suggest that, by influencing the operations and budgets of local governments, climate change is a real threat to local governments. The local governments need to be proactively involved in the efforts to adapt to and mitigate climate change. This is particularly important in developing countries where the impact of climate change is more severe than in developed countries, yet adaptation and mitigation capabilities in these countries are weak. © 2012 The Authors. Water and Environment Journal © 2012 CIWEM. | Adaptation; Climate variability; Electricity-related expenditures; Mitigation; Rainfall variability; Water-related expenditures | Adaptation; Climate variability; Electricity-related expenditures; Mitigation; Rainfall variability; Water-related expenditures; Developing countries; Energy management; Rain; Climate change; ground water; ozone; rain; surface water; water; climate variation; energy use; local government; mitigation; nonlinearity; rainfall; water demand; air quality; article; biodiversity; climate change; electricity; energy; energy expenditure; energy resource; government; greenhouse gas; gross national product; priority journal; social status; South Africa; water supply; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70249108871 | Performance evaluation of the INNOPAC library system in Southern Africa: Perspectives from systems librarians | Taole Dr. N. | 2009 | Information Development | 25 | 3 | 10.1177/0266666909340830 | Academy of Science of South Africa, PO Box 72135, Lynwood Ridge 0040, Pretoria, South Africa | Taole Dr., N., Academy of Science of South Africa, PO Box 72135, Lynwood Ridge 0040, Pretoria, South Africa | There is a growing interest in the INNOPAC library automation system, which has been implemented by several libraries in the Southern African region over the past 10 years. The majority of these libraries have installed this library system through consortia membership, and others have done it individually. This article evaluates the performance of the INNOPAC library system in five libraries in the Southern African region using the performance criteria of Functionality, Usability, Support and Training, and Vendor. The article identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the system, and makes recommendations for implementation in other similar libraries in the region. It also outlines a proposal for an INNOPAC-based consortium for the Southern African region. Copyright © 2009 SAGE Publications. | INNOPAC library system; Library automation systems; Performance evaluation; Southern Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903947358 | Evidence of impact: Health, psychological and social effects of adult HIV on children | Sherr L., Cluver L.D., Betancourt T.S., Kellerman S.E., Richter L.M., Desmond C. | 2014 | AIDS | 28 | SUPPL. 3 | 10.1097/QAD.0000000000000327 | Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Social Policy and Intervention, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, SA, South Africa; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Management Sciences for Health, Washington, DC, United States; HIV, AIDS, STIs and TB, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Human and Social Development Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa | Sherr, L., Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Cluver, L.D., Department of Social Policy and Intervention, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, SA, South Africa; Betancourt, T.S., Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Kellerman, S.E., Management Sciences for Health, Washington, DC, United States; Richter, L.M., HIV, AIDS, STIs and TB, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Desmond, C., Human and Social Development Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa | There is a growing evidence base on the immediate and short-term effects of adult HIV on children. We provide an overview of this literature, highlighting the multiple risks and resultant negative consequences stemming from adult HIV infection on the children they care for on an individual and family basis. We trace these consequences from their origin in the health and wellbeing of adults on whom children depend, through multiple pathways to negative impacts for children. As effective treatment reduces vertical transmission, the needs of affected children will predominate. Pathways include exposure to HIV in utero, poor caregiver mental or physical health, the impact of illness, stigma and increased poverty. We summarize the evidence of negative consequences, including those affecting health, cognitive development, education, child mental health, exposure to abuse and adolescent risk behaviour, including sexual risk behaviour, which has obvious implications for HIV-prevention efforts. We also highlight the evidence of positive outcomes, despite adversity, considering the importance of recognizing and supporting the development of resilience. This study is the first in a series of three commissioned by President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)/United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the summary provided here was used to inform a second study which seeks to identify insights from the broader child development field which will help us predict what long-term negative consequences children affected by HIV and AIDS are likely to experience. The third study discusses the design of a model to estimate these consequences. Although comprehensive, the review is often hampered by poor-quality research, inadequate design, small sample sizes and single studies in some areas. © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | None | adult; article; caregiver; child; child development; cognition; cognitive development; domestic violence; government; health behavior; high risk behavior; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; mental health; priority journal; psychological well being; sample size; school; sexual health; social behavior; social support; stigma; vertical transmission; adolescent; child development; child parent relation; family health; female; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; male; mental disease; mental health; newborn; preschool child; psychology; United States; Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child Development; Child, Preschool; Family Health; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Mental Disorders; Mental Health; Parent-Child Relations; United States | USAID, United States Agency for International Development |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910095520 | The impact of staff turnover on performance: A case of the North west provincial department of South Africa | Molefi M.A., Moroke N.D., Tlholoe K. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 23 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p117 | North West University, RSA, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa; North West University, RSA, South Africa | Molefi, M.A., North West University, RSA, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa; Moroke, N.D., North West University, RSA, South Africa; Tlholoe, K. | There is a general consensus regarding the effects of high staff turnover on the smooth running of various institutions. The purpose of this study is to establish the effect of staff turnover on performance of employees in the North West Provincial Department of South Africa. Questionnaires and document analysis were blended to capture authenticity and exhaustiveness of the data. Participants included the 70 employees in the said department who all filled and returned the questionnaire. Both inferential and descriptive statistics were used to present the results. A chi-square analysis was used as a method for data analysis in this study. Descriptive statistics were also used to describe the profiles of employees. The findings showed that the majority of employees are dissatisfied due many reasons and this causes lots of voluntary resignations among employees. Low productivity in the department is as a result of employee dissatisfaction borne as a result of management’s ignorance. The study recommends that the department should improve on mechanisms of getting feedback from its staff members regarding problems that have been identified as causes of high staff turnover rates. In addition, staff taking over duties performed by those who exited must be given proper orientation and recognition for going an extra mile. It was further recommended to the management of this organisation to give an exceptional attention to controllable factors such as, performance appraisals, salaries, interrelations between staff, orientation of newly appointed employees, etc. A relevant continual training was also recommended to prepare employees for promotions and development. © 2014 Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Employee performance; Labour costs; Resignation; Staff turnover | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904965593 | Impact of carbon emissions on total assets and operating costs: An analysis of the jse100 companies | Bimha A. | 2014 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 11 | 0.16666666667 | None | Department of Finance, Banking and Risk Management, University of South Africa, P O Box 392, UNISA, 0003, South Africa | Bimha, A., Department of Finance, Banking and Risk Management, University of South Africa, P O Box 392, UNISA, 0003, South Africa | There is a definite concern in the rise of carbon emissions globally from traditional methods of production (Stern, 2008; IPCC, 2007). More so it is now widely acclaimed that by adopting production processes that reduce carbon emissions to low levels, companies will succeed in reducing their operating costs (Dietz et al, 2009; Sims et al, 2003). There has been limited study in investigating how the present state of companies' carbon emissions output is related to their operating costs and total assets. Therefore the study intends to establish the level of interactions between the carbon emissions, total assets and the operating costs they report annually. A panel data analysis was done on these three variables using a sample of the top 100 Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) reporting companies in South Africa. The study utilized the data of companies that report their emissions to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) annually and are the top 100 JSE Companies by market capitalization and categorized the CDP reporting companies into 7 industrials sectors. The 7 industrial sectors are Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples, Energy and Materials, Financials, Health Care, Industrials and IT and Telecoms. The results indicate that in the short run there is no strong relationship between carbon emissions output and operating costs. More so, the carbon emissions have a very weak and statistically insignificant relationship with total assets. | Carbon emissions; JSE100; Panel data analysis; South africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34248504652 | The differential impact of various assessment parameters on the medical students performance in the professional anatomy examination in a new medical school | Shittu L.A.J., Zachariah M.P., Izegbu M.C., Adesanya O.A., Ashiru O.A. | 2006 | International Journal of Morphology | 24 | 4 | None | Department of Anatomy, Lagos State University, College of Medecine (Lasucom), PMB 21266, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Psychiatry, Lagos State University, College of Medecine (Lasucom), PMB 21266, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Morbid Anatomy | Shittu, L.A.J., Department of Anatomy, Lagos State University, College of Medecine (Lasucom), PMB 21266, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Zachariah, M.P., Department of Psychiatry, Lagos State University, College of Medecine (Lasucom), PMB 21266, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Izegbu, M.C., Department of Morbid Anatomy, Lagos State University, College of Medecine (Lasucom), PMB 21266, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Adesanya, O.A., Department of Anatomy, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo-State, Nigeria; Ashiru, O.A., Department of Anatomy, Lagos State University, College of Medecine (Lasucom), PMB 21266, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria | There is a dearth of knowledge on the level of agreement between all the various assessment tasks on the same content area, in order to test this hypothesis we adopted the concept of convergent validity and also to isolate area of academic weakness among the students and to readjust the curriculum content to balance the weakness. A blinded cohort retrospective study was carried out on a total of sixty-six third year medical students who had sat for their first professional examination in anatomy in the new medical college of Lagos State University. Using records of their grades in the various assessments parameters- the average end-in course assessment, short essays question (SEQ), multiplechoice questions (MCQ), and practical (Steeple-chase). The mean + S.D. Pearson's correlation with students t-test (p< 0.05 being significant) were analyzed using the computerized SPSS 11 (SPSS inc. Chicago, Illinois) software package. The practical was significantly correlated with overall performance (r = 0.89, p< 0.01); with the student t-value of 6.15 (p< 0.01). Although, the SEQ showed significant correlation to overall performance (r =0.72; p<0.01), the t-value of 0.4 was nonsignificant, but, within an acceptable range. The practical, MCQ, SEQ and end-incourse showed an overall rank order of relative performance in assessment tasks, therefore indicates that, in general, students performance in the Professional examination was better than in the end-incourse examination and hence, the need to reappraise this pattern and emphasize the role of incourse assessment in the curriculum. © 2007 Sociedad Chilena de Anatom•br>. | Anatomy; Assessment parameters; Nigeria; Student performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952276682 | Evaluation of initiation activity of dimethylarsinic acid: Initiation potential of rat hepatocarcinogenesis | Anetor J.I., Wanibuchi H., Wei M., Kakehsshi A., Kang J.S., Fukushima S. | 2009 | Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry | 91 | 7 | 10.1080/02772240802560957 | Department of Pathology, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, JPN, Japan; Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Japan Bioassay Research Centre, Kanasawa, Japan | Anetor, J.I., Department of Pathology, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, JPN, Japan, Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Wanibuchi, H., Department of Pathology, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, JPN, Japan; Wei, M., Department of Pathology, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, JPN, Japan; Kakehsshi, A., Department of Pathology, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, JPN, Japan; Kang, J.S., Department of Pathology, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, JPN, Japan; Fukushima, S., Department of Pathology, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, JPN, Japan, Japan Bioassay Research Centre, Kanasawa, Japan | There is a dearth of data on the initiation activity of dimethylarsinic acid (DMA (V)), a major metabolite of the ubiquitous environmental and occupational carcinogen and toxicant, arsenic (As). The initiation activity of DMA (V) was investigated on rat hepatocarcinogenesis with liver being a major target organ for As-induced carcinogenicity. A total of 50 rats at 10 weeks old were randomly divided in a nine-week medium-term bioassay into four groups. Groups 1 and 2 received 200 ppm of DMA (V) in drinking water for four weeks while groups 3 and 4 drank only tap water until the sixth week when groups 1 and 3 were given 0.01% 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) in their diet for two weeks in the promotion stage. All animals were subjected to two-third partial hepatectomy (PH) at the seventh week. Quantitative analysis of glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P) positive foci in liver, a pre-neoplastic marker of rat hepatocarcinogenesis, demonstrated higher numbers in group 1 (DMA (V)+ 2- AAF) than 3 (2-AAF alone) at foci consisting of two-four cells and 15 or a greater number of cells. The numbers of GST-P positive foci consisting of five-nine cells were significantly higher in group 1 than 3. Foci consisting of 10-14 cells were also higher but not significantly different. The GST-P positive foci were apparently similar in groups 2 and 4. Expression of total GST-P positive foci was significantly higher in group 1 compared to 2, 3 or 4. The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) test performed to clarify the apparent trend of GST- P data revealed significantly higher PCNA index in group 1. Data indicate weak initiation potential of DMA (V) and for the first time appear to provide evidence for initiation activity in DMA (V)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. © 2009 Taylor & Francis. | Arsenic; Biomethylation; Dimethylarsinic acid (V); Hepatocarcino-genesis; Initiation activity; Toxicity | Biomethylation; Dimethylarsinic acid (V); Dimethylarsinic acids; Drinking water; Four-group; Glutathione-S-transferase; Hepatocarcino-genesis; PCNA index; Proliferating cell nuclear antigens; Quantitative analysis; Tap water; Target organs; Animals; Arsenic; Bioassay; Carcinogens; Liver; Potable water; Rats; Toxicity; Acids; arsenic; bioassay; carcinogen; drinking water; herbicide; metabolite; quantitative analysis; rodent; toxic material; toxicity; Animalia; Rattus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860386120 | Evaluation of tuberculosis diagnostics in children: 1. Proposed clinical case definitions for classification of intrathoracic tuberculosis disease. Consensus from an expert panel | Graham S.M., Ahmed T., Amaah F., Browning R., Cardenas V., Casenghi M., Cuevas L.E., Gale M., Gie R.P., Grzemska M., Handelsman E., Hatherill M., Hesseling A.C., Jean-Philippe P., Kampmann B., Kabra S.K., Lienhardt C., Lighter-Fisher J., Madhi S., Mak | 2012 | Journal of Infectious Diseases | 205 | SUPPL. 2 | 10.1093/infdis/jis008 | Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics and Murdoch Childrens, Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France; International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan; Henry Jackson Foundation-Maternal Adolescent Pediatric Research Branch, National Institute of Allergyand Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States; Aeras, Rockville, MD, United States; Medecins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland; School of Tropical Medicine, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom; Medecins Sans Frontières, Sydney, Australia; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Stop TB Partnership, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Maternal Adolescent Pediatric Research Branch, National Institute of Allergy And, Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Medical Research Council Laboratories, Gambia; All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India; New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Children's Hospital Westmead, University of Sydney, Australia; Medical Service Corporation International, Arlington, VA, United States; International Research and Programs Branch, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States; Maternal and Child Health Branch, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Adolescent and Maternal AIDS Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States; Makerere University, Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; State University of New York School of Medicine, Stony Brook, United States; Division of Infectious Disease, Office of Health, Infectious Disease, and Nutrition Bureau for Global Health, US Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States; GHESKIO Centers, Port au Prince, Haiti; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Tuberculosis Research Centre, Chennai, India; Treatment Action Group, New York, NY, United States | Graham, S.M., Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics and Murdoch Childrens, Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France; Ahmed, T., International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Amaah, F., Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan; Browning, R., Henry Jackson Foundation-Maternal Adolescent Pediatric Research Branch, National Institute of Allergyand Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States; Cardenas, V., Aeras, Rockville, MD, United States; Casenghi, M., Medecins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland; Cuevas, L.E., School of Tropical Medicine, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom; Gale, M., Medecins Sans Frontières, Sydney, Australia; Gie, R.P., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Grzemska, M., Stop TB Partnership, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Handelsman, E., Maternal Adolescent Pediatric Research Branch, National Institute of Allergy And, Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Hatherill, M., South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Hesseling, A.C., Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Jean-Philippe, P., Henry Jackson Foundation-Maternal Adolescent Pediatric Research Branch, National Institute of Allergyand Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States; Kampmann, B., Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom, Medical Research Council Laboratories, Gambia; Kabra, S.K., All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India; Lienhardt, C., Stop TB Partnership, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Lighter-Fisher, J., New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Madhi, S., National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Makhene, M., Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Marais, B.J., Children's Hospital Westmead, University of Sydney, Australia; McNeeley, D.F., Medical Service Corporation International, Arlington, VA, United States; Menzies, H., International Research and Programs Branch, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Mitchell, C., University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States; Modi, S., Maternal and Child Health Branch, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Mofenson, L., Adolescent and Maternal AIDS Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States; Musoke, P., Makerere University, Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Nachman, S., State University of New York School of Medicine, Stony Brook, United States; Powell, C., Division of Infectious Disease, Office of Health, Infectious Disease, and Nutrition Bureau for Global Health, US Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States; Rigaud, M., New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Rouzier, V., GHESKIO Centers, Port au Prince, Haiti; Starke, J.R., Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Swaminathan, S., National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Tuberculosis Research Centre, Chennai, India; Wingfield, C., Treatment Action Group, New York, NY, United States | There is a critical need for improved diagnosis of tuberculosis in children, particularly in young children with intrathoracic disease as this represents the most common type of tuberculosis in children and the greatest diagnostic challenge. There is also a need for standardized clinical case definitions for the evaluation of diagnostics in prospective clinical research studies that include children in whom tuberculosis is suspected but not confirmed by culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A panel representing a wide range of expertise and child tuberculosis research experience aimed to develop standardized clinical research case definitions for intrathoracic tuberculosis in children to enable harmonized evaluation of new tuberculosis diagnostic technologies in pediatric populations. Draft definitions and statements were proposed and circulated widely for feedback. An expert panel then considered each of the proposed definitions and statements relating to clinical definitions. Formal group consensus rules were established and consensus was reached for each statement. The definitions presented in this article are intended for use in clinical research to evaluate diagnostic assays and not for individual patient diagnosis or treatment decisions. A complementary article addresses methodological issues to consider for research of diagnostics in children with suspected tuberculosis. © 2012 The Author. | None | antibiotic agent; antimalarial agent; tuberculostatic agent; age distribution; article; clinical feature; community acquired pneumonia; comorbidity; consensus; coughing; diagnostic test; disease classification; fever; health care management; human; image analysis; image display; intrathoracic tuberculosis; lethargy; medical decision making; morbidity; mortality; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; outcome assessment; priority journal; thorax radiography; tuberculosis; Adolescent; Age Factors; Antitubercular Agents; Bacteriological Techniques; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-26844563309 | Mass ivermectin treatment for onchocerciasis: Lack of evidence for collateral impact on transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti in areas of co-endemicity | Richards Jr. F.O., Eigege A., Pam D., Kal A., Lenhart A., Oneyka J.O.A., Jinadu M.Y., Miri E.S. | 2005 | Filaria Journal | 4 | None | 10.1186/1475-2883-4-6 | The Carter Center, One Copenhill, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States; Department of Zoology, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria; Federal Ministry of Health, Lagos, Nigeria | Richards Jr., F.O., The Carter Center, One Copenhill, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States; Eigege, A., The Carter Center, One Copenhill, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States; Pam, D., Department of Zoology, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria; Kal, A., The Carter Center, One Copenhill, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States; Lenhart, A., The Carter Center, One Copenhill, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States; Oneyka, J.O.A., Department of Zoology, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria; Jinadu, M.Y., Federal Ministry of Health, Lagos, Nigeria; Miri, E.S., The Carter Center, One Copenhill, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States | There has long been interest in determining if mass ivermectin administration for onchocerciasis has 'unknowingly' interrupted lymphatic filariasis (LF) transmission where the endemicity of the two diseases' overlaps. We studied 11 communities in central Nigeria entomologically for LF by performing mosquito dissections on Anopheline LF vectors. Six of the communities studied were located within an onchocerciasis treatment zone, and five were located outside of that zone. Communities inside the treatment zone had been offered ivermectin treatment for two-five years, with a mean coverage of 81% of the eligible population (range 58-95%). We found 4.9% of mosquitoes were infected with any larval stage of W. bancrofti in the head or thorax in 362 dissections in the untreated villages compared to 4.7% infected in 549 dissections in the ivermectin treated villages (Mantel-Haenszel ChiSquare 0.02, P = 0.9). We concluded that ivermectin annual therapy for onchocerciasis has not interrupted transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti (the causative agent of LF in Nigeria). © 2005 Richards et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | ivermectin; Anopheles; article; chi square test; community care; controlled study; dissection; evidence based medicine; filariasis; head; health program; human; larval stage; Mantel Haenszel test; mosquito; Nigeria; nonhuman; onchocerciasis; parasite transmission; parasite vector; species endemicity; thorax; Wuchereria bancrofti; zoology | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925466279 | Impact of cell lines included in enterovirus isolation protocol on perception of nonpolio enterovirus species C diversity | Adeniji J.A., Faleye T.O.C. | 2014 | Journal of Virological Methods | 207 | None | 10.1016/j.jviromet.2014.07.016 | Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; WHO National Polio Laboratory, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Adeniji, J.A., Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, WHO National Polio Laboratory, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Faleye, T.O.C., Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | There has been under-reporting of nonpolio enterovirus species Cs (NPESCs) in Nigeria despite the fact that most isolates recovered from the Nigerian vaccine derived poliovirus serotype 2 (VDPV2) outbreak were recombinants with nonstructural region of NPESC origin. It has been suggested that cell lines included in enterovirus isolation protocols might account for this phenomenon and this study examined this suggestion.Fifteen environmental samples concentrated previously and analysed using L20B and RD cell lines as part of the poliovirus environmental surveillance (ES) program in Nigeria were randomly selected and inoculated into two cell lines (MCF-7 and LLC-MK2). Isolates were identified as enteroviruses and species C members using different RT-PCR assays, culture in L20B cell line and sequencing of partial VP1.Forty-eight (48) isolates were recovered from the 15 samples, 47 (97.9%) of which were enteroviruses. Of the enteroviruses, 32 (68.1%) belonged to enterovirus species C (EC) of which 19 (40.4%) were polioviruses and 13 (27.7%) were NPESC members. All 13 NPESC isolates were recovered on MCF-7.Results of the study show that NPESCs are circulating in Nigeria and their under-reporting was due to the combination of cell lines used for enterovirus isolation in previous reports. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Environmental surveillance; Isolation protocol; MCF-7; Nigeria; Nonpolio enterovirus species C | protein VP1; virus RNA; Article; cell line; controlled study; Enterovirus; gene sequence; human; human cell; L20B cell line; LLC MK2 cell line; MCF 7 cell line; Nigeria; nonhuman; nonpolio enterovirus species C; Poliomyelitis virus; priority journal; reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; species diversity; species identification; virus identification; virus isolation; cell line; classification; DNA sequence; Enterovirus; genetics; genotype; isolation and purification; microbiology; molecular genetics; procedures; virus culture; Cell Line; Enterovirus; Environmental Microbiology; Genotype; Humans; Molecular Sequence Data; Nigeria; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Viral; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Virus Cultivation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-59749097626 | The impact of exchange rate movements on employment: The economy-wide effect of a rand appreciation | Ngandu S.N.C. | 2009 | Development Southern Africa | 26 | 1 | 10.1080/03768350802640180 | Centre for Poverty, Employment and Growth, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa | Ngandu, S.N.C., Centre for Poverty, Employment and Growth, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa | There has been some debate on the impact of exchange rate volatility and levels in South Africa. This is a particular concern as South Africa needs to dramatically expand sustainable employment and at the same time raise value-added in its production of goods and services. These are not necessarily complementary objectives for a mineral-exporting economy. Using a computable general equilibrium model, with the appreciation induced by a commodity price boom, this paper analyses the possible impact of an appreciation of the rand on employment. The intention is to identify the impact on both aggregate employment and sectoral output. Although the economy does well as a result of the commodity boom, the results indicate the potential for 'Dutch Disease' - type effects. Almost all traded sectors are negatively affected, while the non-traded sectors experience a boost as a result of the appreciation. | None | commodity price; computable general equilibrium analysis; currency market; economic impact; employment; exchange rate; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70449333332 | Impact of brewery effluent on water quality of the Olosun river in Ibadan, Nigeria | Ipeaiyeda A.R., Onianwa P.C. | 2009 | Chemistry and Ecology | 25 | 3 | 10.1080/02757540902970314 | Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Ipeaiyeda, A.R., Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Onianwa, P.C., Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | There has been significant pollution of the Olosun river in Ibadan with untreated brewery effluent. The nature and extent of pollution resulting from effluent discharged into this river has not been fully investigated. This study investigated the impact of such effluents on the water quality of the Olosun river. Sampling points of river water included two upstream locations up to 100m from the discharge point, the effluent discharge point and six points downstream. The Olosun river was sampled up to about 690m downstream. Sampling of river water was carried out on a monthly basis between March 2001 to March 2002 and January 2004 to December 2004. The physico-chemical impact on the water quality downstream was indicated by reduced pH and dissolved oxygen. The levels of chloride, nitrate, ammonia, dissolved solids, turbidity and BOD were significantly high, arising from the inflow of brewery effluent. The brewery effluent significantly contributed to the levels of Ni, Zn, Cr, Co, Cu, Cd and Pb downstream such that they exceeded the freshwater and drinking water criteria. In addition, the overall concentrations of these heavy metals were well above the background concentration obtained at the upstream location. The levels of these indicator parameters responsible for this brewery effluent quality exceeded the effluent guideline for discharge into surface water. Thus, brewery effluent is among the major sources or factors responsible for river water quality deterioration. © 2009 Taylor & Francis. | Brewery effluent; Olosun river; Physicochemical impact; Water pollution; Water quality | ammonia; chloride; dissolved oxygen; effluent; nitrate; pH; physicochemical property; pollutant source; river pollution; river water; water quality; Africa; Ibadan; Nigeria; Oyo; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864842516 | Preliminary assessment of the impact of long-term fire treatments on in situ soil hydrology in the Kruger National Park | Riddell E.S., Khan A., Mauck B., Ngcobo S., Pasi J., Pickles A., Pickles J., Sithole Z., Lorentz S.A., Govender N. | 2012 | Koedoe | 54 | 1 | 10.4102/koedoe.v54i1.1070 | School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus, private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Scientific Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, South Africa | Riddell, E.S., School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus, private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Khan, A., School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus, private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Mauck, B., School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus, private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Ngcobo, S., School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus, private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Pasi, J., School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus, private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Pickles, A., School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus, private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Pickles, J., School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus, private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Sithole, Z., School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus, private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Lorentz, S.A., School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus, private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Govender, N., Scientific Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, South Africa | There has been significant attention focused on the impacts of fire frequency and season of burn on ecological processes in the Kruger National Park (KNP). Whilst there has been some examination of these fire effects on soil properties, the explicit linkages of these effects to the hydrology of soils in burnt areas has remained a gap in our understanding. During August 2010, a field scoping campaign was undertaken to assess the impacts, if any, of long-term fire treatments on the hydrology of soils on the experimental burn plots (EBPs) in the KNP. Using various hydrometric and soil physical characterisation instruments soil, hydraulic conductivity and soil strength variations were determined across the extreme fire treatment on the EBPs, the annual August (high fire frequency) plots and the control (no burn) plots, on both the granite and basalt geologies of Pretoriuskop and Satara, respectively. It was found that there were soil hydrological and structural differences to fire treatments on the basalt burn plots, but that these were not as clear on the granite burn plots. In particular, hot, frequent fires appeared to reduce the variation in soil hydraulic conductivity on the annual burn plots on the basalts and led to reduced cohesive soil strength at the surface. The KNP burn plots are one of the longest running and well studied fire experiments on African savannahs. However, The impacts of fire management on hydrological processes in these water-limited ecosystems remains a gap in our understanding and needs to be considered within the context of climate and land-use changes in the savannah biome. © 2012. The Authors. | None | biome; cohesive soil; experimental study; fire management; hydraulic conductivity; hydrology; land use change; savanna; soil; soil management; soil strength; soil surface; Kruger National Park; South Africa | 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-s2.0-79951800779 | China's impact on South African trade and inflation | Rangasamy L., Swanepoel J.A. | 2011 | Development Southern Africa | 28 | 1 | 10.1080/0376835X.2011.545175 | South African Reserve Bank, Pretoria, and Graduate School of Business, University of the North-West, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa; Economist, Research Department logan, South Africa | Rangasamy, L., South African Reserve Bank, Pretoria, and Graduate School of Business, University of the North-West, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa, Economist, Research Department logan, South Africa; Swanepoel, J.A., South African Reserve Bank, Pretoria, and Graduate School of Business, University of the North-West, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa | There has been much controversy about the impact of Chinese growth on the rest of the world. It is generally accepted that China has a dampening effect on global inflation through the supply of cheap products. On the other hand, imports from China could displace domestic production and hence have adverse effects on economic growth and employment. Thus, the question of whether a country benefits from trading with China is a country-specific issue. The results in this paper indicate that limited short-term costs have resulted from the strengthening of trade relations between South Africa and China. As far as inflation is concerned, the paper does not find convincing empirical evidence at the aggregate level for inflation in China leading to domestic price changes. At the disaggregate level, however, there appear to be stronger sector-specific linkages between prices in China and South Africa. ©2011 Development Bank of Southern Africa. | China; Inflation; Prices; South africa; Trade | economic growth; employment; inflation; international trade; trade flow; trade performance; trade relations; China; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-29744434008 | Quality aspects of environmental impact assessment reports in the Free State Province, South Africa | Kruger E., Chapman O.A. | 2005 | South African Geographical Journal | 87 | 1 | None | Department of Geography, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa | Kruger, E., Department of Geography, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa; Chapman, O.A., Department of Geography, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa | There has been little empirical investigation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure und practice in South Africa to assess compliance to EIA regulations, or performance towards achieving the objectives of legislation. This paper examines the quality aspects of EIA in the Free State Province, South Africa, by utilizing the disaggregate approach and applying it to a systematic sample of EIAs conducted in the Free State Province from 1997 to 2002. It was observed that socio-economic impacts are neglected: assessment methodology is highly subjective; there is a lack of specialist input and consideration of alternatives and public involvement is inadequate. The degree of compliance with regulations is however good, although there is a lack of integration of EIA findings into authorization decisions (as summarised in the Record of Decisions). It is therefore concluded that EIA reports in the Free State province conforms to South African regulations. In order to improve the quality of EIA reports, and thus its ability to act as a tool for sustainable development, it is suggested that more detailed guidelines or regulations are provided, or that the EIA process in South Africa reverts back to the 'traditional' scoping report, where scoping solely involves a thorough identification of issues. This will eliminate the inconsistencies found between normal scooping reports and "beefcd-up" scoping reports. | None | assessment method; environmental impact assessment; socioeconomic impact; Africa; Free State; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| WoS | WOS:000254159500011 | Accounting for institutional change in health economic evaluation: A program to tackle HIV/AIDS and gender violence in Southern Africa | Jan, Stephen,Kim, Julia,Pronyk, Paul | 2008 | SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE | 66 | 4 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2007.11.010 | University of London, University of Sydney, University of Witwatersrand, George Inst Int Hlth, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine | "Jan, Stephen: University of Sydney", | There has been growing interest in the application of institutionalist perspectives in the health economics literature. This paper investigates the institutionalist notion of social value and its use in economic evaluation with particular reference to a program to address HIV/AIDS and gender violence in Southern Africa (IMAGE). Institutions are the rules that govern the conduct between individuals, groups and organisations. Their social value stems from their capacity to reduce the uncertainty in human interactions thereby both reducing transaction costs and, importantly, enabling the initiation and sustainability of various activities (instrumental value). Furthermore, institutions tend to be formed around certain ethical positions and as a consequence, act in binding future decision making to these positions (intrinsic value). Incorporating such notions of social value within a conventional welfare-based measure of benefit is problematic as institutional development is not necessarily consistent with individual utility. An institutionalist approach allows for these additional domains to be factored into economic evaluation.
IMAGE is an intervention to reduce gender violence and HIV through microfinance, health education and community development, and involves significant initial investment in institution-building activities, notably through training activities with pro-gram staff and community members. The key to employing an institutionalist approach to the evaluation of IMAGE is in understanding the nature of those actions that can be seen as institution-building and determining: (1) the instrumental value of follow-up activities by appropriate amortisation of transaction costs over an horizon that reflects the economies gained from the intervention; and (2) the intrinsic value of any transformation in the community through a cost-consequences approach informed by an a priori conceptual model. This case study highlights how health sector interventions can effect institutional changes and how these are captured within a theory-based economic evaluation framework. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | "ECONOMIC EVALUATION",GENDER,HIV/AIDS,IMAGE,institutionalism,"SOCIAL WELFARE","SOUTHERN AFRICA","TRANSACTION COSTS",BENEFITS,CARE,HIV,INTERVENTION,"INTIMATE-PARTNER VIOLENCE",OUTCOMES,PREVENTION | None | None |
| None | None | The effect of environmental regulations on financial performance in Tanzania: A survey of manufacturing companies quoted on the Dar Es Salaam stock exchange | Naila D.L. | 2013 | International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues | 3 | 1 | None | ST Augustine University of Tanzania, Tanzania | Naila, D.L., ST Augustine University of Tanzania, Tanzania | There has been environmental pollution across the globe. Environmental activists are condemning manufacturing companies of environmental pollution. This has led to the establishment of environmental regulations and standards by government authorities across the globe. In complying with environmental regulations companies have found themselves incurring additional cost when compared to those companies which do not comply. However, the effect of compliance to environmental regulations on the financial performance is not clear. This study explores the effects of environmental compliance on the financial performance for listed manufacturing companies in Tanzania. Five listed manufacturing companies were surveyed to obtain data used for the purpose of this study. Specifically, the study intended to establish: the relationship between environmental compliance and financial performance and the effect of environmental compliance on the financial performance. Regression analysis was done to establish the relationship between environmental compliance and financial performance. Findings suggest that there is no significant relationship between environmental compliance and financial performance among listed manufacturing firms in Tanzania. This study concludes that environmental compliance has no significant effect on the financial performance for listed manufacturing firms in Tanzania. © 2013, Econjournals. All rights reserved. | Dar es Salaam stock exchange; Environmental regulations; Financial performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928612712 | Progress in ozone sensors performance: A review | David M., Ibrahim M.H., Idrus S.M., Azmi A.I., Ngajikin N.H., En Marcus T.C., Yaacob M., Salim M.R., Aziz A.A. | 2015 | Jurnal Teknologi | 73 | 6 | None | Lightwave Communication Research Group, Infocomm Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Department of Telecommunication Engineering, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Federal University of Technolog | David, M., Lightwave Communication Research Group, Infocomm Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, Department of Telecommunication Engineering, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria; Ibrahim, M.H., Lightwave Communication Research Group, Infocomm Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Idrus, S.M., Lightwave Communication Research Group, Infocomm Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Azmi, A.I., Lightwave Communication Research Group, Infocomm Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Ngajikin, N.H., Lightwave Communication Research Group, Infocomm Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; En Marcus, T.C., Lightwave Communication Research Group, Infocomm Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Yaacob, M., Lightwave Communication Research Group, Infocomm Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Salim, M.R., Lightwave Communication Research Group, Infocomm Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Aziz, A.A., Language Academy, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia | There has been a surge in ozone gas relevance in agriculture, environment and in the industry. This has resulted in increased research activities in areas involving ozone gas generation, application, safety and sensing. In this manuscript we present reviews of selected recent works (2011-2015) on ozone gas sensors based on absorption spectroscopy. Issues addressed include sensors applications versus requirements; sensors performance versus limitations and cost of sensors. Outstanding research issues are also outlined. While the review is mainly biased towards sensing of ozone using conventional absorption spectroscopy, other methods such as photo acoustic, photo reductive, photo stimulated, metal oxides, electrochemical, chemical, solid state and resistive ozone sensors were also considered in light of their performance criteria. Generally, it was observed that new applications of ozone gas lead to new sensing research challenges. Several sensing parameters were repeatedly investigated and improved upon over the years. Some of these parameters include: selectivity, sensitivity, speed of response, cost of sensor, lower detection limit and portability. © 2015 Penerbit UTM Press. All rights reserved. | Application; Limitations; Methodology; Ozone; Research directions; Review | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930014569 | Some impacts of south African FDI flows on the current account balance | De Beer B., Rangasamy L. | 2015 | Journal for Studies in Economics and Econometrics | 39 | 1 | None | Research Department, South African Reserve Bank, Pretoria, South Africa; International Economic Relations and Policy Department, South African Reserve Bank, Pretoria, South Africa; University of Mafikeng, University of North-West, Mafikeng campus and Trade Research Niche Area, Campus, South Africa | De Beer, B., Research Department, South African Reserve Bank, Pretoria, South Africa; Rangasamy, L., International Economic Relations and Policy Department, South African Reserve Bank, Pretoria, South Africa, University of Mafikeng, University of North-West, Mafikeng campus and Trade Research Niche Area, Campus, South Africa | There has been a significant surge in capital flows to emerging market economies over the last decade. This paper analyses South Africa’s experience with FDI flows. The paper highlights the South African experience in an international comparative context. The results indicate that South Africa has performed below-par (on-par) with comparator countries in terms of FDI inflows (outflows). Since 2004, the South African economy has become increasingly dependent on capital inflows to finance the widening current account deficit. While FDI inflows have been much smaller than portfolio flows, net dividend payments on FDI flows (non-fdi flows) made up 36 per cent (15 per cent) of the current account deficit for the period 2004 to 2012. Unless there is a significant rise (decline) in the exports (imports) of goods and services, the South African economy will be dependent on foreign capital inflows to offset the investment income repayments and the current account deficit. The policy challenge is to promote FDI that enhances exports production and economic growth. In this regard, the nature of the FDI, the manner in which it is funded and the impact on the current account and economic growth are important characteristics that warrant special attention when devising policies to promote FDI inflows. © 2015 Universiteit Stellenbosch. All rights reserved. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650974117 | Evaluation of the lubricating properties of palm oil | Musa J.J. | 2010 | Leonardo Electronic Journal of Practices and Technologies | 9 | 17 | None | Department of Agriculture and Bio-Resource Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P M B 65, Minna, Nigeria | Musa, J.J., Department of Agriculture and Bio-Resource Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P M B 65, Minna, Nigeria | There has been an increase in effort to reduce the reliance on petroleum fuels for energy generation and transportation throughout the world. Among the proposed alternative fuels is biodiesel. Over the years, a little attention was paid to the industrial use of palm oil. Laboratory tests such as viscosity, fire point, flash point, pour point and densities were conducted on raw palm oil and bleached palm oil using standard procedures. The flash points of palm oil and the bleached sample are 250 and 301°C while their fire points are 260 and 308°C while the flash and fire points of the SAE 40 and SAE 30 are 260/300(°C) and 243/290(°C) respectively. It was discovered that palm oil has a better prospect as lubricating oil if necessary improvements are made. © 2010 by the authors. | Additives; Bleaching; Density; Fire point; Flash point; Pour point; Viscosity | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894311212 | Cloud computing and virtualization within the regional climate model and evaluation system | Mattmann C.A., Waliser D., Kim J., Goodale C., Hart A., Ramirez P., Crichton D., Zimdars P., Boustani M., Lee K., Loikith P., Whitehall K., Jack C., Hewitson B. | 2014 | Earth Science Informatics | 7 | 1 | 10.1007/s12145-013-0126-2 | Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; UCLA JIFRESSE, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Howard University, WA, DC, United States; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; University of Cape Town, South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa | Mattmann, C.A., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States, UCLA JIFRESSE, Los Angeles, CA, United States, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Waliser, D., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States, UCLA JIFRESSE, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Kim, J., UCLA JIFRESSE, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Goodale, C., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Hart, A., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Ramirez, P., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Crichton, D., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Zimdars, P., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Boustani, M., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Lee, K., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Loikith, P., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Whitehall, K., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States, Howard University, WA, DC, United States; Jack, C., University of Cape Town, South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa; Hewitson, B., University of Cape Town, South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa | The Regional Climate Model Evaluation System (RCMES) facilitates the rapid, flexible inclusion of NASA observations into climate model evaluations. RCMES provides two fundamental components. A database (RCMED) is a scalable point-oriented cloud database used to elastically store remote sensing observations and to make them available using a space time query interface. The analysis toolkit (RCMET) is a Python-based toolkit that can be delivered as a cloud virtual machine, or as an installer package deployed using Python Buildout to users in order to allow for temporal and spatial regridding, metrics calculation (RMSE, bias, PDFs, etc.) and end-user visualization. RCMET is available to users in an "offline", lone scientist mode based on a virtual machine dynamically constructed with model outputs and observations to evaluate; or on an institution's computational cluster seated close to the observations and model outputs. We have leveraged RCMES within the content of the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) project, working with the University of Cape Town and other institutions to compare the model output to NASA remote sensing data; in addition we are also working with the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program (NARCCAP). In this paper we explain the contribution of cloud computing to RCMES's specifically describing studies of various cloud databases we evaluated for RCMED, and virtualization toolkits for RCMET, and their potential strengths in delivering user-created dynamic regional climate model evaluation virtual machines for our users. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Apache; Hadoop; Hive; MongoDB; OODT; RCMES; Regional Climate Modeling; Sqoop | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-63449089142 | The impact of browsing-induced degradation on the reproduction of subtropical thicket canopy shrubs and trees | Sigwela A.M., Kerley G.I.H., Mills A.J., Cowling R.M. | 2009 | South African Journal of Botany | 75 | 2 | 10.1016/j.sajb.2008.12.001 | Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 7700, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa; Restoration Research Group, Department of Soil Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Restoration Research Group, Department of Botany, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 7700, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa | Sigwela, A.M., Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 7700, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa; Kerley, G.I.H., Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 7700, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa; Mills, A.J., Restoration Research Group, Department of Soil Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Cowling, R.M., Restoration Research Group, Department of Botany, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 7700, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa | The regeneration dynamics of South African subtropical thicket are poorly understood. This lack of knowledge hampers the development of appropriate restoration protocols in degraded landscapes. To address this we compared the magnitude of seed production and the frequency seedlings of canopy species in intact and browsing-degraded forms of Portulacaria afra-dominated thicket. Severe browsing had a negative impact on sexual reproduction of canopy species. Seed production for all species was lower in the degraded than the intact states of both vegetation types. In the case of seedlings, almost all individuals were associated with beneath-canopy microsites, irrespective of degradation status. Exceptions were P. afra, Putterlickia pyracantha and Grewia robusta. Of the 511 seedlings that we observed, 480 (94%) were found in the beneath-canopy microsite and 31 (6%) in the open. In both intact and degraded sites, there were significantly fewer seedlings (all species combined) in open microsites than would be expected on the basis of the aerial extent of this microsite. The results show firstly that preservation of remnant clumps of closed-canopy thicket in degraded landscapes is of paramount importance for restoration, and that for recruitment of a wide range of canopy species to occur outside of these remnant clumps, it is essential to restore closed-canopy conditions as speedily as possible. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Carbon credits; Portulacaria afra; Restoration; Seed production; Seedling establishment; Soil organic matter | browsing; canopy architecture; carbon dioxide; ecological impact; land degradation; landscape structure; recruitment (population dynamics); regeneration; restoration ecology; seed production; seedling establishment; sexual reproduction; shrub; soil organic matter; Grewia; Portulacaria afra; Putterlickia pyracantha; Pyracantha | 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-s2.0-84927515726 | Evaluation of the environmental and social sustainability policy of a mass tourism resort: A narrative account | Swart I. | 2012 | HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | 68 | 1 | 10.4102/hts.v68i1.1264 | Centre for Environmental Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Swart, I., Centre for Environmental Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | The recordation of the life stories of individuals residing in the community of Ledig, who have been dependent on the Sun City Resort situated in the Pilanesberg area in the North West Province of South Africa for their quality of life for more than 20 years, provided the basis for the evaluation of the environmental and social sustainability of this micro-cosmos on a multidisciplinary level. This study focused on the hermeneutical arch of narrative theory within the framework of human geography and sustainability science. The natural environment was evaluated for the role it plays in the sustainability of the livelihoods of the Ledig community members as well as the institutional life of the Sun City Resort. The results of this study suggested that the environmental policy for the Sun City Resort, formalised in 2004, has been guiding the Sun City Resort to contribute positively to the sustainability of the area. The study also demonstrated that a focus on the next generation of potential employees and the environmental education of all the communities were crucial to ensure the resilience of the social and ecological capacity of the area. © 2012. The Authors. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870827872 | The savannah hypotheses: Origin, reception and impact on paleoanthropology | Bender R., Tobias P.V., Bender N. | 2012 | History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences | 34 | 42371 | None | School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa; Institute for Human Evolution, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 York Road, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa; Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Finkenhubelweg 11, 3012 Bern, Switzerland | Bender, R., School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa, Institute for Human Evolution, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 York Road, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa; Tobias, P.V., School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa, Institute for Human Evolution, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 York Road, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa; Bender, N., Institute for Human Evolution, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 York Road, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Finkenhubelweg 11, 3012 Bern, Switzerland | The reconstruction of the human past is a complex task characterized by a high level of interdisciplinarity. How do scientists from different fields reach consensus on crucial aspects of paleoanthropological research? The present paper explores this question through an historical analysis of the origin, development, and reception of the savannah hypotheses (SHs). We show that this model neglected to investigate crucial biological aspects which appeared to be irrelevant in scenarios depicting early hominins evolving in arid or semi-arid open plains. For instance, the exploitation of aquatic food resources and other aspects of hominin interaction with water were largely ignored in classical paleoanthropology. These topics became central to alternative ideas on human evolution known as aquatic hypotheses. Since the aquatic model is commonly regarded as highly controversial, its rejection led to a stigmatization of the whole spectrum of topics around water use in non-human hominoids and hominins. We argue that this bias represents a serious hindrance to a comprehensive reconstruction of the human past. Progress in this field depends on clear differentiation between hypotheses proposed to contextualize early hominin evolution in specific environmental settings and research topics which demand the investigation of all relevant facets of early hominins' interaction with complex landscapes. © 2012 Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn. | Aquatic hypothesis; History of paleoanthropology; Human evolution; Interdisciplinarity; Savannah hypothesis | animal; article; biological model; climate; environment; evolution; history; hominid; human; paleontology; Animals; Biological Evolution; Climate; Environment; History, 19th Century; History, 20th Century; Hominidae; Humans; Models, Biological; Paleontology | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649439813 | Searching for security: Case studies of the impact of work restructuring on households in South Korea, South Africa and Australia | Lambert R., Webster E. | 2010 | Journal of Industrial Relations | 52 | 5 | 10.1177/0022185610381672 | Business School, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009, Australia; University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Lambert, R., Business School, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009, Australia; Webster, E., University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | The reconfiguration of the employment relationship - through the growing intensification, informalization and casualization of work, downsizing and retrenchments - impacts directly on workers' households and the communities within which they are embedded. To understand these responses, we need to rethink the way we study the changing employment relationship. Employment relations should not only analyse the workplace: we need to research workers in the totality of their lives. To comprehend these processes we surveyed and interviewed workers in the workplace and in their households and communities. Through following workers into their homes and communities in South Africa, Australia and South Korea, the differential impact of the global restructuring of one industry, the white goods industry, on the non-working life of working people emerged. Two types of responses were identified: on the one hand, a retreat from, or an adaptation to, rapid market liberalization; on the other, mobilization to challenge the market. All three research sites evidenced innovative attempts at the local level to search for security. However, these responses lacked an overall vision of alternative possibilities to the realities of the free market paradigm of globalization. © Industrial Relations Society of Australia. | employment relations; globalization; households; security; white goods; workplace industrial relations | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952497517 | Modular reconfigurable machine tools: Design, control and evaluation | Padayachee J., Bright G., Masekamela I. | 2009 | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering | 20 | 2 | None | School of Mechanical Engineering, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa | Padayachee, J., School of Mechanical Engineering, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; Bright, G., School of Mechanical Engineering, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; Masekamela, I., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa | The reconfigurable manufacturing system (RMS) paradigm encapsulates methodologies that enable manufacturing systems to cope effectively with market and product changes. This research presents the design and evaluation of modular reconfigurable machine (MRM) tools as a novel machining solution within the scope of RMS. Mechanical and control designs are presented, outlining the development of this novel machining system. The property of hardware modularity displayed by MRMs enables an adjustment of system functionality and the synergistic redistribution of system resources between production streams, thus facilitating inter-process capacity scaling. Scalable production capacity and adjustable system functionality are the key objectives of reconfigurable manufacturing. | Modular machine control; Modular reconfigurable machines; Open architecture control; Reconfigurable manufacturing systems | Design and evaluations; Modular machines; Open architecture; Reconfigurable; Reconfigurable machine tool; Reconfigurable manufacturing; Reconfigurable manufacturing system; System functionality; Computer aided manufacturing; Computer architecture; Computer hardware description languages; Manufacture; Design | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960109170 | Socio-demographic variables and distance learners' academic performance at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Oladejo M.A., Nelson Adewole I.G.E., Fagunwa A.O., Arewa O.O. | 2010 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 46 | 4 | None | Federal College of Education (SP), Nigeria; Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Nigeria | Oladejo, M.A., Federal College of Education (SP), Nigeria; Nelson Adewole, I.G.E., Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Nigeria; Fagunwa, A.O., Federal College of Education (SP), Nigeria; Arewa, O.O., Federal College of Education (SP), Nigeria | The recognition of the importance of distance education in providing students with the best and most up-to-date educational resources available in addition to the traditional teaching methods that they receive has made several traditional Universities to rapidly transform themselves from single mode to dual mode Universities. With the growth and acceptance of distance education, it becomes critical to ensure the success of students in the programme. This study therefore provided a causal explanation of academic performance through the analysis of some students' socio-demographic variables at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive research design of the 'ex-post facto' type. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 1500 participants while purposive sampling technique was adopted to select the University of Ibadan's Distance Learning Centre. Data were collected through self-designed questionnaire(r=.75). Two research questions were answered, while one hypothesis was tested at .05 level of significance. Regression analysis and t-test were employed for data analysis. Age and disability status made significant contributions to distance learners' academic performance. Gender has no significant difference on academic performance (t = .33, df =1488, P> 0.05). Students should pay serious attention to the selected factors, most importantly age and disability status. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2010. | Academic performance; Demographic variables; Distance learning; Social variables | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78651456579 | Psychological Constructs and Academic Performance at the National Open University of Nigeria: Counseling and Planning Implications | Nelson Adewole I., Olajide Olawole A., Maruff Akinwale O., Akinola Gbadebo A. | 2010 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 18 | 1 | None | Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Lagos, Nigeria; Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Nigeria | Nelson Adewole, I., Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Lagos, Nigeria; Olajide Olawole, A., Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Nigeria; Maruff Akinwale, O., Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Lagos, Nigeria; Akinola Gbadebo, A., Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Lagos, Nigeria | The recognition of the importance of distance education in providing students with the best and most up-to-date educational resources available in addition to the traditional teaching methods that they receive has led to rapid transformation of several traditional Universities from single mode to dual mode ones. With the growth and acceptance of distance education, it is important to ensure the success of students in the programme. This study therefore aimed at providing a causal explanation of distance learners' academic performance through the analysis of some students' psychological variables.The descriptive research design of the 'ex-post facto' type was adopted for the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 1500 participants while purposive sampling technique was adopted to select the National Open University of Nigeria. Data were collected through three validated and reliable questionnaires. Two research questions were raised and answered with the aid of multiple regression analysis. The three psychological variables had joint contribution of 15.6% to academic performance. The order of importance of these variables to the prediction of academic performance is self-regulation, self-efficacy and self-concept respectively. Only self-regulations made significant contribution to academic performance. Students should endeavour to inculcate good selfregulations skills. | Academic performance; Distance learning; Psychological variables | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000270208400003 | Monitoring in adaptive co-management: Toward a learning based approach | Cundill, Georgina,Fabricius, Christo | 2009 | JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT | 90 | 11 | 10.1016/j.jenvman.2009.05.012 | Rhodes University, Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) - South Africa, CSIR | "Fabricius, Christo: Rhodes University", | The recognition of complexity and uncertainty in natural resource management has lead to the development of a wealth of conceptual frameworks aimed at integrated assessment and complex systems monitoring. Relatively less attention has however been given to methodological approaches that might facilitate learning as part of the monitoring process. This paper reviews the monitoring literature relevant to adaptive co-management, with a focus on the synergies between existing monitoring frameworks, collaborative monitoring approaches and social learning. The paper discusses the role of monitoring in environmental management in general, and the challenges posed by scale and complexity when monitoring in adaptive co-management. Existing conceptual frameworks for monitoring relevant to adaptive co-management are reviewed, as are lessons from experiences with collaborative monitoring. The paper concludes by offering a methodological approach to monitoring that actively seeks to engender reflexive learning as a means to deal with uncertainty in natural resource management. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved | "adaptive co-management","collaborative monitoring",COMPLEXITY,"SOCIAL LEARNING","BUILDING RESILIENCE",CLIMATE-CHANGE,CONSERVATION,FRAMEWORK,"NATURAL-RESOURCE MANAGEMENT",PERSPECTIVE,"PROTECTED AREAS",SCALE,"SOCIAL-ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS",WORLD | None | None |