| WoS | WOS:000307245700001 | Exploring the effectiveness of the output-based aid voucher program to increase uptake of gender-based violence recovery services in Kenya: A qualitative evaluation | Abuya, Timothy,Askew, Ian,Bellows, Ben,Kanya, Lucy,Njuki, Rebecca,Obare, Francis,Okal, Jerry,Undie, Chi-Chi,Warren, Charlotte E. | 2012 | BMC PUBLIC HEALTH | 12 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-12-426 | None | None | Background: Few studies in Africa have explored in detail the ability of output-based aid (OBA) voucher programs to increase access to gender-based violence recovery (GBVR) services.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in 2010 and involved: (i) in-depth interviews (IDIs) with health managers, service providers, voucher management agency (VMA) managers and (ii) focus group discussions (FGDs) with voucher users, voucher non-users, voucher distributors and opinion leaders drawn from five program sites in Kenya.
Results: The findings showed promising prospects for the uptake of OBA GBVR services among target population. However, a number of factors affect the uptake of the services. These include lack of general awareness of the GBVR services vouchers, lack of understanding of the benefit package, immediate financial needs of survivors, as well as stigma and cultural beliefs that undermine reporting of cases or seeking essential medical services. Moreover, accreditation of only hospitals to offer GBVR services undermines access to the services in rural areas. Poor responsiveness from law enforcement agencies and fear of reprisal from perpetrators also undermine treatment options and access to medical services. Low provider knowledge on GBVR services and lack of supplies also affect effective provision and management of GBVR services.
Conclusions: The above findings suggest that there is a need to build the capacity of health care providers and police officers, strengthen the community strategy component of the OBA program to promote the GBVR services voucher, and conduct widespread community education programs aimed at prevention, ensuring survivors know how and where to access services and addressing stigma and cultural barriers. | "Gender-based violence recovery services","health service utilization",KENYA,"Voucher program",CARE,COMMUNITY,COUNTRIES,"DOMESTIC VIOLENCE",INTERVENTIONS,"INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE",PREVALENCE,"REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH-SERVICES",RISK-FACTORS,WOMEN | 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 |
| WoS | WOS:000289424600001 | Evaluation of the impact of the voucher and accreditation approach on improving reproductive health behaviors and status in Kenya | Abuya, Timothy,Askew, Ian,Bellows, Ben,Njue, Rebecca,Obare, Francis,Sunday, Joseph,Warren, Charlotte | 2011 | BMC PUBLIC HEALTH | 11 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-11-177 | None | None | Background: Alternatives to the traditional 'supply-side' approach to financing service delivery are being explored. These strategies are termed results-based finance, demand-side health financing or output-based aid which includes a range of interventions that channel government or donor subsidies to the user rather than the provider. Initial pilot assessments of reproductive health voucher programs suggest that, they can increase access and use, reducing inequities and enhancing program efficiency and service quality. However, there is a paucity of evidence describing how the programs function in different settings, for various reproductive health services. Population Council, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, intends to generate evidence around the 'voucher and accreditation' approaches to improving the reproductive health of low income women in Kenya.
Methods/Design: A quasi-experimental study will investigate the impact of the voucher approach on improving reproductive health behaviors, reproductive health status and reducing inequities at the population level; and assessing the effect of vouchers on increasing access to, and quality of, and reducing inequities in the use of selected reproductive health services. The study comprises of four populations: facilities, providers, women of reproductive health age using facilities and women and men who have been pregnant and/or used family planning within the previous 12 months. The study will be carried out in samples of health facilities - public, private and faith-based in: three districts; Kisumu, Kiambu, Kitui and two informal settlements in Nairobi which are accredited to provide maternal and newborn health and family planning services to women holding vouchers for the services; and compared with a matched sample of non-accredited facilities. Health facility assessments (HFA) will be conducted at two stages to track temporal changes in quality of care and utilization. Facility inventories, structured observations, and client exit interviews will be used to collect comparable data across facilities. Health providers will also be interviewed and observed providing care. A population survey of about 3000 respondents will also be carried out in areas where vouchers are distributed and similar locations where vouchers are not distributed. | "Out-put based approach",vouchers | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000267029700010 | An Evaluation of the Quality of IMCI Assessments among IMCI Trained Health Workers in South Africa | Haskins, Lyn,Horwood, Christiane,Nkosi, Phumla,Qazi, Shamim,Rollins, Nigel,Vermaak, Kerry | 2009 | PLOS ONE | 4 | 6 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0005937 | None | None | Background: Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) is a strategy to reduce mortality and morbidity in children under 5 years by improving case management of common and serious illnesses at primary health care level, and was adopted in South Africa in 1997. We report an evaluation of IMCI implementation in two provinces of South Africa.
Methodology/Principal Findings: Seventy-seven IMCI trained health workers were randomly selected and observed in 74 health facilities; 1357 consultations were observed between May 2006 and January 2007. Each health worker was observed for up to 20 consultations with sick children presenting consecutively to the facility, each child was then reassessed by an IMCI expert to determine the correct findings. Observed health workers had been trained in IMCI for an average of 32.2 months, and were observed for a mean of 17.7 consultations; 50/77(65%) HW's had received a follow up visit after training. In most cases health workers used IMCI to assess presenting symptoms but did not implement IMCI comprehensively. All but one health worker referred to IMCI guidelines during the period of observation. 9(12%) observed health workers checked general danger signs in every child, and 14(18%) assessed all the main symptoms in every child. 51/109(46.8%) children with severe classifications were correctly identified. Nutritional status was not classified in 567/1357(47.5%) children.
Conclusion/Significance: Health workers are implementing IMCI, but assessments were frequently incomplete, and children requiring urgent referral were missed. If coverage of key child survival interventions is to be improved, interventions are required to ensure competency in identifying specific signs and to encourage comprehensive assessments of children by IMCI practitioners. The role of supervision in maintaining health worker skills needs further investigation. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS: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 |
| WoS | WOS:000333785400022 | Assessing the population-level impact of vouchers on access to health facility delivery for women in Kenya | Abuya, Timothy,Askew, Ian,Bellows, Ben,Obare, Francis,Warren, Charlotte | 2014 | SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE | 102 | None | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.12.007 | None | None | Although available evidence indicates that vouchers improve service utilization among the target populations, we do not know whether increased utilization results from improved access (new clients who would not have used services without the voucher) or from shifting clients from non-accredited to contracted service providers. This paper examines whether the safe motherhood voucher program in Kenya is associated with improved access to health facility delivery using information on births within two years preceding the survey in voucher and comparison sites. Data were collected in 2010-2011 and in 2012 among 2933 and 3094 women aged 15-49 years reporting 962 and 1494 births within two years before the respective surveys. Analysis entails cross-tabulations and estimation of multilevel random-intercept logit models. The results show that the proportion of births occurring at home declined by more than 10 percentage points while the proportion of births delivered in health facilities increased by a similar margin over time in voucher sites. The increase in facility-based births occurred in both public and private health facilities. There was also a significant increase in the likelihood of facility-based delivery (odds ratios [OR]: 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40-2.98 in the 2006 voucher arm; OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.22-2.43 in the 2010-2011 voucher arm) in voucher sites over time. In contrast, there were no significant changes in the likelihood of facility-based delivery in the comparison arm over time. These findings suggest that the voucher program contributed to improved access to institutional delivery by shifting births from home to health facilities. However, available evidence from qualitative data shows that some women who purchased the vouchers did not use them because of high transportation costs to accredited facilities. The implication is that substantial improvements in service uptake could be achieved if the program subsidized transportation costs as well. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | "Health facility delivery","improving access",KENYA,"REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH","Voucher program",CARE,DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES,INCREASE,PROGRAM,SERVICES,SYSTEM | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000291050000001 | Evaluation of the impact of the voucher and accreditation approach on improving reproductive behaviors and RH status: Bangladesh | Bellows, Benjamin,Rahman, Moshiur,Rob, Ubaidur | 2011 | BMC PUBLIC HEALTH | 11 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-11-257 | None | None | Background: Cost of delivering reproductive health services to low-income populations will always require total or partial subsidization by the government and/or development partners. Broadly termed "Demand-Side Financing" or "Output-Based Aid", includes a range of interventions that channel government or donor subsidies to the service user rather than the service provider. Initial findings from the few assessments of reproductive health voucher-and accreditation programs suggest that, if implemented well, these programs have great potential for achieving the policy objectives of increasing access and use, reducing inequities and enhancing program efficiency and service quality. At this point in time, however, there is a paucity of evidence describing how the various voucher programs function in different settings, for various reproductive health services.
Methods/Design: Population Council-Nairobi, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, intends to address the lack of evidence around the pros and cons of 'voucher and accreditation' approaches to improving the reproductive health of low income women in five developing countries. In Bangladesh, the activities will be conducted in 11 accredited health facilities where Demand Side Financing program is being implemented and compared with populations drawn from areas served by similar non-accredited facilities. Facility inventories, client exit interviews and service provider interviews will be used to collect comparable data across each facility for assessing readiness and quality of care. In-depth interviews with key stakeholders will be conducted to gain a deeper understanding about the program. A population-based survey will also be carried out in two types of locations: areas where vouchers are distributed and similar locations where vouchers are not distributed.
Discussion: This is a quasi-experimental study which will investigate the impact of the voucher approach on improving maternal health behaviors and status and reducing inequities at the population level. We expect a significant increase in the utilization of maternal health care services by the accredited health facilities in the experimental areas compared to the control areas as a direct result of the interventions. If the voucher scheme in Bangladesh is found effective, it may help other countries to adopt this approach for improving utilization of maternity care services for reducing maternal mortality. | ,HEALTH,MALARIA,SCHEME,SYSTEM,TANZANIA | None | 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 |
| WoS | WOS:000267953700006 | Keloids: Assessment of effects and psychosocial- impacts on subjects in a black African population | Olaitan, P. B. | 2009 | INDIAN JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY VENEREOLOGY & LEPROLOGY | 75 | 4 | 10.4103/0378-6323.53132 | None | None | Background: Keloids are vexatious swelling on the skin or the conjuctiva. The effects and impacts of these lesions have not been assessed in a keloid endemic environment like Nigeria. Aims: The purpose of this study is to assess the psychosocial impact as well as effects of keloids on the subjects in a black African population where lesions are commonly seen. Methods: This is a prospective study which assesses the impacts of keloid on keloid patients. Consented patients who presented to the Plastic Surgery Clinic of the Lautech Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria were recruited into the study. A set of questionnaires were administered to all consented patients. The administered questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS version 10. Results: One hundred and thirty one patients were involved in this study. They comprised of 61 males and 70 females. Most (96.8) of them had the keloid lesion for more than one year. Sixteen (12.2) of the patients felt that keloids negatively affect their works, 64 (48.9) of the patients felt stigmatized by keloids, 28 (56.0) of them who had lesions in conspicuous parts while 24 (46.2) had lesions in non-conspicuous parts. Females (59.1) felt stigmatized than males. Only 47 (35.8) of the patients believed that keloid swelling limit their social interaction. Conclusion: Keloids do not appear to have significant negative impacts on keloid patients in a keloid-endemic community like a black African population. | BLACK,IMPACT,KELOID,PSYCHOSOCIAL,MANAGEMENT,SCARS | None | 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-s2.0-84865504586 | Impact of six-week viral load on mortality in HIV-infected zimbabwean infants | Mutasa K., Ntozini R., Prendergast A., Iliff P., Rukobo S., Moulton L.H., Ward B.J., Humphrey J.H. | 2012 | Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal | 31 | 9 | 10.1097/INF.0b013e318266aac2 | Zvitambo Project, 1 Borrowdale Road, Harare, Zimbabwe; Centre for Paediatrics, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom; Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Research Institute, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada | Mutasa, K., Zvitambo Project, 1 Borrowdale Road, Harare, Zimbabwe; Ntozini, R., Zvitambo Project, 1 Borrowdale Road, Harare, Zimbabwe; Prendergast, A., Zvitambo Project, 1 Borrowdale Road, Harare, Zimbabwe, Centre for Paediatrics, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Iliff, P., Zvitambo Project, 1 Borrowdale Road, Harare, Zimbabwe; Rukobo, S., Zvitambo Project, 1 Borrowdale Road, Harare, Zimbabwe; Moulton, L.H., Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Ward, B.J., Research Institute, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada; Humphrey, J.H., Zvitambo Project, 1 Borrowdale Road, Harare, Zimbabwe, Centre for Paediatrics, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom | Among 453 untreated HIV-infected Zimbabwean infants, 6-week viral load was the only infant factor that independently predicted mortality. Infants with viral load ≥ 1.59 million copies/mL (cohort median) had 3-fold increased mortality through 6 months (hazard ratio 3.07 [95% confidence interval: 2.16, 4.38]; P < 0.001) and 2-fold increased mortality through 12 months (hazard ratio 2.03 [95% confidence interval: 1.41, 2.91]; P < 0.001], compared with infants with viral load below the median. © 2012 by Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. | disease progression; HIV; infants; mortality; viral load | article; CD4 lymphocyte count; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant disease; infant mortality; major clinical study; male; newborn; priority journal; prognosis; virus load; Zimbabwe; Chi-Square Distribution; Cohort Studies; Disease Progression; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Male; Viral Load; Zimbabwe | 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-s2.0-34249651997 | Impact of commercial salt production on wetland quality and waterbirds on coastal lagoons in Ghana | Gbogbo F. | 2007 | Ostrich | 78 | 1 | 10.2989/OSTRICH.2007.78.1.12.56 | Zoology Department, University of Ghana, PO Box LG 67, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Department of Wildlife and Range Management, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Gbogbo, F., Zoology Department, University of Ghana, PO Box LG 67, Legon-Accra, Ghana, Department of Wildlife and Range Management, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | A comparative study conducted on two saline coastal wetlands that have been developed into saltpans and two others (referred to as 'non-saltpans'), that are also saline but have no saltpans, describes the quality of lagoon water, benthic macroinvertebrates and waterbird communities characterising these wetlands. The wetlands were sampled monthly from September 2005-April 2006. Except for turbidity, which was significantly higher in the non-saltpans, (p < 0.05), all other physico-chemical parameters studied were not significantly different between the two wetland types (p > 0.05). The waterbird communities of the saltpans and non-saltpans, characterised by 48 and 50 species respectively, scored a Sorenson Index value of 0.88, indicating a high similarity. The population density of benthic macroinvertebrates in the saltpans and the non-saltpans was statistically similar (p > 0.05) but the population densities of waterbirds feeding exclusively on benthic macroinvertebrates were significantly higher in the non-saltpans (p < 0.05). Although the shallow ponds created for salt production might be providing more suitable feeding habitats for fish-eating birds, the development of these ponds has also reduced the exploitable area available to the birds feeding exclusively on invertebrates, requiring them to depend largely on the non-saltpans. Birds feeding exclusively on fish had significantly higher population densities in the saltpans (p < 0.05) than in non-saltpans. This was attributed to reduced efficiency of piscivory, due to the high turbidity associated with the non-saltpans. Waterbirds feeding on a wide range of food types showed no significant differences in their population densities (p > 0.05) in the two wetland types. Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd. | None | Aves; Invertebrata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872100028 | Impact of milieu conditions on the α-lactalbumin glycosylation in the dry state | Cheison S.C., Josten E., Kulozik U. | 2013 | Journal of Food Engineering | 116 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2012.11.003 | Zentralinstitut für Ernährungs- und Lebensmittelforschung (ZIEL), Junior Research Group: Bioactive Peptides and Protein Technology, Technische Universität München, Weihenstephaner Berg 1, D-85354 Freising, Germany; School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Private Bag, Kisumu, Kenya; Department of Food Process Engineering and Dairy Technology, ZIEL Technology Section, Technische Universität München, Weihenstephaner Berg 1, D-85354 Freising, Germany | Cheison, S.C., Zentralinstitut für Ernährungs- und Lebensmittelforschung (ZIEL), Junior Research Group: Bioactive Peptides and Protein Technology, Technische Universität München, Weihenstephaner Berg 1, D-85354 Freising, Germany, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Private Bag, Kisumu, Kenya; Josten, E., Zentralinstitut für Ernährungs- und Lebensmittelforschung (ZIEL), Junior Research Group: Bioactive Peptides and Protein Technology, Technische Universität München, Weihenstephaner Berg 1, D-85354 Freising, Germany; Kulozik, U., Department of Food Process Engineering and Dairy Technology, ZIEL Technology Section, Technische Universität München, Weihenstephaner Berg 1, D-85354 Freising, Germany | Maillard reaction is influenced by protein and sugar properties, water activity (aw) as well as the glycosylation time and temperature. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of environmental parameters on the glycosylation reaction kinetics and to develop a technology platform for protein glycosylation as a possible substrate pre-treatment. The glycosylation reaction of bovine α-lactalbumin (α-La) was performed with lactose and maltodextrin in the dry-state at 40, 50 or 60 °C performed at a w of 0.33, 0.44 or 0.58 for reaction times of 8, 24 or 48 h. The degree of glycosylation (DG) was determined as the loss of lysine using the ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) method. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) with Coomassie and glycoprotein staining was also performed. The reaction with lactose reached higher DG values in all cases as compared to reactions with maltodextrin (maximum DG of 85% and 31%, respectively, at aw = 0.58 after 48 h). Lactosylation kinetics showed that the second order rate constants increased with increasing temperature and were highest at aw = 0.58 in all cases. The activation energies were determined as 97.1 ± 37.7, 193.9 ± 9.1 and 136.6 ± 15.6 kJ/mol for aw = 0.33, 0.44 and 0.58, respectively and showed an increasing trend with increasing temperature. Glycosylation of α-La offers a new process for improvement of functional properties as well as being a substrate pre-treatment process to control enzymatic digestion in order to generate tailor-made peptides as food additives with important health benefits like probiotics due to glycoprotein resistance to further enzyme hydrolysis. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | α-Lactalbumin; Glycosylation degree; Glycosylation kinetics; Lactose; Maltodextrin | Dry state; Environmental parameter; Enzymatic digestions; Enzyme hydrolysis; Functional properties; Glycosylation reactions; Health benefits; Lactose; Maillard reaction; Maltodextrins; Ortho-phthalaldehyde; Pre-Treatment; Pretreatment process; Probiotics; Protein glycosylation; SDS-PAGE; Second-order rate constants; Sodium dodecyl sulphate; Technology platforms; Water activity; Activation energy; Amino acids; Electrophoresis; Esterification; Glycoproteins; Kinetics; Polysaccharides; Proteins; Rate constants; Reaction kinetics; Sodium; Sugars; Glycosylation; Bovinae | None |
| None | None | Challenges for malaria elimination in Zanzibar: Pyrethroid resistance in malaria vectors and poor performance of long-lasting insecticide nets | Haji K.A., Khatib B.O., Smith S., Ali A.S., Devine G.J., Coetzee M., Majambere S. | 2013 | Parasites and Vectors | 6 | 1 | 10.1186/1756-3305-6-82 | Zanzibar Malaria Control Program, Mwanakwerekwe, P.O. Box 407, Zanzibar, Tanzania; Malaria Entomology Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States; Ifakara Health Institute, Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Cairns Public Health Unit, P.O. Box 1103, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia; Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom | Haji, K.A., Zanzibar Malaria Control Program, Mwanakwerekwe, P.O. Box 407, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Malaria Entomology Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Khatib, B.O., Zanzibar Malaria Control Program, Mwanakwerekwe, P.O. Box 407, Zanzibar, Tanzania; Smith, S., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States; Ali, A.S., Zanzibar Malaria Control Program, Mwanakwerekwe, P.O. Box 407, Zanzibar, Tanzania; Devine, G.J., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Cairns Public Health Unit, P.O. Box 1103, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Coetzee, M., Malaria Entomology Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Majambere, S., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom | Background: Long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) and indoor residual house spraying (IRS) are the main interventions for the control of malaria vectors in Zanzibar. The aim of the present study was to assess the susceptibility status of malaria vectors against the insecticides used for LLINs and IRS and to determine the durability and efficacy of LLINs on the island. Methods. Mosquitoes were sampled from Pemba and Unguja islands in 2010-2011 for use in WHO susceptibility tests. One hundred and fifty LLINs were collected from households on Unguja, their physical state was recorded and then tested for efficacy as well as total insecticide content. Results: Species identification revealed that over 90% of the Anopheles gambiae complex was An. arabiensis with a small number of An. gambiae s.s. and An. merus being present. Susceptibility tests showed that An. arabiensis on Pemba was resistant to the pyrethroids used for LLINs and IRS. Mosquitoes from Unguja Island, however, were fully susceptible to all pyrethroids tested. A physical examination of 150 LLINs showed that two thirds were damaged after only three years in use. All used nets had a significantly lower (p < 0.001) mean permethrin concentration of 791.6 mg/m2 compared with 944.2 mg/m2 for new ones. Their efficacy decreased significantly against both susceptible An. gambiae s.s. colony mosquitoes and wild-type mosquitoes from Pemba after just six washes (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The sustainability of the gains achieved in malaria control in Zanzibar is seriously threatened by the resistance of malaria vectors to pyrethroids and the short-lived efficacy of LLINs. This study has revealed that even in relatively well-resourced and logistically manageable places like Zanzibar, malaria elimination is going to be difficult to achieve with the current control measures. © 2013 Haji et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles gambiae; Insecticide resistance; LLINs; Tanzania | pyrethroid; bendiocarb; carbamic acid derivative; cyhalothrin; deltamethrin; insecticide; nitrile; pyrethroid; Anopheles; Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles gambiae; anopheles merus; article; bed net; clinical effectiveness; concentration (parameters); malaria; nonhuman; Tanzania; vector control; world health organization; animal; classification; disease carrier; drug effects; epidemiology; female; geography; human; Insect Bites and Stings; insecticide resistance; malaria; mosquito; time; transmission; Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles gambiae; Animals; Anopheles gambiae; Female; Geography; Humans; Insect Bites and Stings; Insect Vectors; Insecticide Resistance; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Insecticides; Malaria; Mosquito Control; Nitriles; Phenylcarbamates; Pyrethrins; Tanzania; Time Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957809915 | Evaluation of the Capilia TB assay for culture confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections in Zambia and South Africa | Muyoyeta M., De Haas P.E.W., Mueller D.H., Van Helden P.D., Mwenge L., Schaap A., Kruger C., Van Pittius N.C.G., Lawrence K., Beyers N., Godfrey-Faussett P., Ayles H. | 2010 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 48 | 10 | 10.1128/JCM.01688-09 | Zambia AIDS Related Tuberculosis (ZAMBART), University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, United Kingdom; DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa | Muyoyeta, M., Zambia AIDS Related Tuberculosis (ZAMBART), University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia; De Haas, P.E.W., Zambia AIDS Related Tuberculosis (ZAMBART), University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, United Kingdom; Mueller, D.H., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, United Kingdom; Van Helden, P.D., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Mwenge, L., Zambia AIDS Related Tuberculosis (ZAMBART), University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia; Schaap, A., Zambia AIDS Related Tuberculosis (ZAMBART), University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, United Kingdom; Kruger, C., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Van Pittius, N.C.G., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Lawrence, K., Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Beyers, N., Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Godfrey-Faussett, P., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, United Kingdom; Ayles, H., Zambia AIDS Related Tuberculosis (ZAMBART), University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, United Kingdom | The performance and cost of the Capilia TB assay were evaluated for use in a resource-limited setting. The sensitivity and specificity were 99.6% and 99.5%, respectively. The incremental costs of the Capilia test were estimated to be $1.46 and $1.84 when the test was added to liquid and solid culture processes, respectively. These findings suggest that the Capilia TB assay represents a rapid, simple, and inexpensive Mycobacterium tuberculosis identification test that can be used in resource-limited settings. Copyright © 2010, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | article; bacterium culture; bacterium identification; bioassay; capilia TB assay; cost utility analysis; culture technique; liquid culture; Mycobacterium; Mycobacterium abscessus; Mycobacterium avium; Mycobacterium fortuitum; Mycobacterium gordonae; Mycobacterium interjectum; Mycobacterium intracellulare; Mycobacterium kansasii; Mycobacterium malmoense; Mycobacterium peregrinum; Mycobacterium scrofulaceum; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; South Africa; tuberculosis; Zambia; Bacteriological Techniques; Humans; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Sensitivity and Specificity; South Africa; Time Factors; Tuberculosis; Zambia; Mycobacterium tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875098650 | International community-based work placements for UK psychology undergraduates: An evaluation of three cohorts' experiences | Akhurst J., Mitchell C. | 2012 | Psychology Learning and Teaching | 11 | 3 | 10.2304/plat.2012.11.3.401 | York St John University, York, United Kingdom; University of KwaZulu, Natal, South Africa | Akhurst, J., York St John University, York, United Kingdom; Mitchell, C., University of KwaZulu, Natal, South Africa | In the UK, current governmental discourse is placing growing pressure on psychology programmes to demonstrate the development of students' employability skills in an increasingly globalised world, and work-based learning is gaining currency. Many psychology students are motivated to do community-based work, prompted by their desires to contribute to social justice. The authors' purpose in this article is to explore UK psychology students' experiences of community-based work placements in two African contexts. Drawing from data collected from three cohorts of students at the debriefing stage of their studies, they illustrate the richness of the students' learning. Students reported having their cultural preconceptions challenged and the deepening of their cross-cultural awareness. The experiences had an emotional impact on them, and many students reported their desires to help others and the influence on their future planning. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881237925 | Workforce innovation through mentoring: An action research approach to programme evaluation | Akhurst J., Lawson S. | 2013 | International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation | 20 | 8 | None | York St John University, The University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa | Akhurst, J., York St John University, The University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; Lawson, S. | Background: The North East Neurosciences Network Workforce Innovations Programme used mentoring to develop neuro-practitioners' specialist skills and efficacy in health and social care settings. The programme aimed to improve services and outcomes for and with people living with long-term neurological conditions by enhancing practice and partnership building. This study used action research to evaluate the programme's impact over an 18 month period, in collaboration with a group of 10 mentors, their mentees, and the programme's steering group. Content: This study describes the action research undertaken for evaluating this 18-month mentoring programme, showing how the research questions, data collection and analysis evolved. It demonstrates how the approach facilitated participants' reflections, enabling them to evaluate and improve their practice. The evaluation shows how the programme equipped participants with skills for partnership and community-based approaches. The participants' experiences of using action research in this way are explored; and the challenges that arose in the context of a rapidly-changing health service are described. Conclusions: Noteworthy features of the programme include its evolving collaborative nature, the integration of action research from the start, and the coherence of action research with other elements of the delivery. Changes in participants' approaches illustrate the potential contributions of this type of programme within a community of practice, to develop personal efficacy in a context broader than a 'specialism' and as an alternative to traditional in-service training. Improved ways of working impacted on inter-collegial practice, service delivery and outcomes, translating policy into action. © 2013 MA Healthcare Ltd. | Collaborative action research; Long-term neurological conditions; Mentoring; Partnership; Specialist workforce development | None | 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-s2.0-19444387573 | Estimating the impact of establishing family housing on the annual risk of HIV infection in South African mining communities | Gebrekristos H.T., Resch S.C., Zuma K., Lurie M.N. | 2005 | Sexually Transmitted Diseases | 32 | 6 | 10.1097/01.olq.0000154496.61014.10 | Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States; Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Community Health, Brown University Medical School, Providence, RI, United States; 1372 Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe, Baltimore, MD, United States | Gebrekristos, H.T., Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States, 1372 Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe, Baltimore, MD, United States; Resch, S.C., Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States; Zuma, K., Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa; Lurie, M.N., Department of Community Health, Brown University Medical School, Providence, RI, United States | Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the HIV-related epidemiologic impact of establishing family-style housing in mining communities in South Africa. Methods: Modeling sex acts as independent Bernoulli trials, the estimated impact of converting to family housing arrangements on the annual risk of HIV infection is calculated and the differential effects on migrants and their partners is explored. Results: Family housing could reduce HIV transmission among migrants and their partners in South Africa. Given baseline estimates, the predicted net reduction in the annual risk of HIV infection with family housing is 0.0254 and 0.0305 for short- and long-stay couples respectively. A reduction in the annual risk of HIV infection under family housing depends on the proportion of HIV negative concordance among couples. HIV-negative concordance among couples above 22% provides reductions in the annual risk of HIV infection under family housing. Conclusions: The results indicate that family housing could decrease HIV transmission among HIV-negative concordant couples, indicating that this policy alternative should be examined closely to assess its viability and use as a prevention method. Copyright © 2005, American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association All rights reserved. | None | article; family; female; housing; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; infection prevention; infection risk; male; migration; mining; policy; risk reduction; sexual behavior; South Africa; virus transmission; Disease Transmission, Horizontal; Family; Female; HIV Infections; Housing; Humans; Male; Mining; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior; South Africa; Transients and Migrants | None |
| 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 |
| WoS | WOS:000327308500102 | Evaluation of the Ethiopian Millennium Rural Initiative: Impact on Mortality and Cost-Effectiveness | Abebe, Yigeremu,Andersson, Kyeen M.,Bradley, Elizabeth H.,Byam, Patrick,Curry, Leslie A.,Linnander, Erika,Thompson, Jennifer W.,Zerihun, Abraham | 2013 | PLOS ONE | 8 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0079847 | Yale University, Clinton Hlth Access Initiat, Futures Inst, Global Hlth Leadership Inst | None | Main Objective: Few studies have examined the long-term, impact of large-scale interventions to strengthen primary care services for women and children in rural, low-income settings. We evaluated the impact of the Ethiopian Millennium Rural Initiative (EMRI), an 18-month systems-based intervention to improve the performance of 30 primary health care units in rural areas of Ethiopia.
Methods: We assessed the impact of EMRI on maternal and child survival using The Lives Saved Tool (LiST), Demography (DemProj) and AIDS Impact Model (AIM) tools in Spectrum software, inputting monthly data on 6 indicators 1) antenatal coverage (ANC), 2) skilled birth attendance coverage (SBA), 3) post-natal coverage (PNC), 4) HIV testing during ANC, 5) measles vaccination coverage, and 6) pentavalent 3 vaccination coverages. We calculated a cost-benefit ratio of the EMRI program including lives saved during implementation and lives saved during implementation and 5 year follow-up.
Results: A total of 134 lives (all children) were estimated to have been saved due to the EMRI interventions during the 18-month intervention in 30 health centers and their catchment areas, with an estimated additional 852 lives (820 children and 2 adults) saved during the 5-year post-EMRI period. For the 18-month intervention period, EMRI cost $37,313 per life saved ($42,366 per life if evaluation costs are included). Calculated over the 18-month intervention plus 5 years post-intervention, EMRI cost $5,875 per life saved ($6,671 per life if evaluation costs are included). The cost effectiveness of EMRI improves substantially if the performance achieved during the 18 months of the EMRI intervention is sustained for 5 years. Scaling up EMRI to operate for 5 years across the 4 major regions of Ethiopia could save as many as 34,908 lives.
Significance: A systems-based approach to improving primary care in low-income settings can have transformational impact on lives saved and be cost-effective. | ,CHALLENGES,INTERVENTION,MOTHERHOOD,PMTCT,PREVENTION,PRIMARY-HEALTH-CARE,PROJECT,QUALITY,RANDOMIZED-TRIAL,TANZANIA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952860818 | Evaluation of environmental impact assessment (EIA) practice in Western Uganda | Kahangirwe P. | 2011 | Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal | 29 | 1 | 10.3152/146155111X12913679730719 | WSS Services Uganda Ltd, PO Box 27755, Kampala, Uganda | Kahangirwe, P., WSS Services Uganda Ltd, PO Box 27755, Kampala, Uganda | The paper presents the results of an evaluation of environmental impact assessment (EIA) practice in Western Uganda with specific reference to the extent of local community consultation. Drawing on experience from Mbarara and Kasese Districts in Western Uganda, a sample of 200 household representatives from the local communities and 20 key informants were interviewed with the help of a questionnaire and an interview guide. The major factors influencing EIA practice appear to be poor engagement with stakeholders, the negative perception of EIA held by developers, lack of capacity for follow-up and enforcement, weak institutional linkages and political interference. This study emphasizes the need for public involvement right from the project inception stage to the decisionmaking stage. It also highlights some positive interventions in achieving effective local community involvement in the EIA process. © IAIA 2011. | Compliance; Decisionmaking; Environmental impact assessment; Local community consultation | compliance; decision making; environmental impact assessment; institutional framework; local participation; perception; questionnaire survey; stakeholder; Kasese; Mbarara; Southern Province [Uganda]; Uganda; Western Province [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-s2.0-84868144314 | The impact of HIV infection on maternal deaths in South Africa | Chweneyagae D., Delis-Jarrosay N., Farina Z., Fawcus S., Godi N.P., Khaole N., Kunene B., Mhlanga R.E., Mbambisa G.Z., Mbombo N., Molefe N.E., Moodley J., Moran N.F., Pattinson R.C., Rout C., Schoon M., Seabe S.J. | 2012 | South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology | 18 | 3 | 10.7196/SAJOG.581 | Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa | Chweneyagae, D., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Delis-Jarrosay, N., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Farina, Z., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Fawcus, S., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Godi, N.P., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Khaole, N., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Kunene, B., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Mhlanga, R.E., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Mbambisa, G.Z., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Mbombo, N., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Molefe, N.E., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Moodley, J., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Moran, N.F., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Pattinson, R.C., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Rout, C., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Schoon, M., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa; Seabe, S.J., Writing Group of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, National Department of Health, South Africa | Aim. To assess the impact of HIV infection on maternal deaths in South Africa from 2008 to 2010. Method. Data extracted from the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths database of maternal deaths, numbers of births from the District Health Information System (DHIS), and the estimated prevalence of HIV infection in the general population from the antenatal HIV and syphilis surveys were analysed. Estimations of the institutional maternal mortality ratios (iMMRs) for HIV-positive women compared with HIV-negative women and women of unknown status were made for each province and category of underlying cause of disease. Results. The estimated iMMR for HIV-positive women was 430/100 000 live births and that for HIV-negative women 75/100 000 live births. In all categories of causes of death, the iMMR was increased in HIV-positive women. The major categories of causes of maternal death in HIV-negative women were complications of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (18.8/100 000 live births), obstetric haemorrhage (17.2/100 000 live births) and medical and surgical disorders (11.5/100 000 live births), while in HIV-positive women they were non-pregnancy-related infections (NPRIs) (267.3/100 000 live births), obstetric haemorrhage (38.4/100 000 live births) and pregnancy-related sepsis (miscarriages and sepsis following viable pregnancies - 34.1/100 000 live births). The major complications resulting in deaths were shock (38.0%), cardiac failure (31.9%) and respiratory failure. Tuberculosis (26.9%), community-acquired pneumonia (26.7%) and pneumocystis pneumonia (13.3%), and cryptococcal meningitis (4.2%) and other meningitis (8.7%) were the main underlying causes of death in the NPRI group, of which 87.4% were HIV positive. Complications of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were recorded as the underlying cause of death in 73 women (8.1% of those on HAART). Conclusion. HIV infection is the most important condition contributing to maternal death in South Africa. HIV-positive women are more likely to die of any underlying cause than HIV-negative women, with NPRI being the most common contributory condition. | None | efavirenz; nevirapine; adult; article; cause of death; central nervous system disease; community acquired pneumonia; cryptococcal meningitis; drug eruption; drug hypersensitivity; female; heart failure; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection; institutional maternal mortality ratios; liver failure; major clinical study; maternal hypertension; maternal mortality; meningitis; obstetric hemorrhage; Pneumocystis pneumonia; prevalence; respiratory failure; sepsis; shock; South Africa; spontaneous abortion; Stevens Johnson syndrome; syphilis; teratogenicity; tuberculosis | 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-s2.0-79951773345 | 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-s2.0-79955474777 | Export diversification and economic performance: Evidence from Brazil, China, India and South Africa | Naudé W., Rossouw R. | 2011 | Economic Change and Restructuring | 44 | 42371 | 10.1007/s10644-010-9089-1 | World Institute for Development Economics Research, United Nations University, Helsinki, Finland; School of Economics, North-West University, Potchefst, South Africa and Eon Consulting, Midrand, South Africa | Naudé, W., World Institute for Development Economics Research, United Nations University, Helsinki, Finland; Rossouw, R., School of Economics, North-West University, Potchefst, South Africa and Eon Consulting, Midrand, South Africa | In this paper we discuss relationship between export diversity and economic performance, focusing on Brazil, China, India and South Africa (BCIS). Using time data on exports over the period 1962-2000 and Applied General Equilibrium (AGE) models for each country, we note the similarities as well as differences in the patterns of diversification in these countries. We find evidence of a U-shape relationship between per capita income and export specialization in at least China and South Africa, and given that the results from Granger causality testing are inconclusive and not robust with regards to export diversification measures, some preliminary evidence from the results suggest that export diversification Granger causes GDP per capita in Brazil, China and South Africa, but not in India, where it is rather GDP per capita changes that are driving export diversification. From AGE modeling we find that South Africa differs from the other economies in that it is the only case where export diversification has an unambiguously positive impact on economic development while in contrast in Brazil, China and India, it is rather export specialization that is preferred. We show that the manner in which export diversification is obtained may be important: if it is obtained with less of a reduction in traditional exports, the impacts are better (less negative). © 2010 UNU-WIDER. | Applied general equilibrium modeling; Brazil; China; Diversification; Exports; India; South Africa; Specialization | computer simulation; economic development; economic impact; export; export led development; general equilibrium analysis; Granger causality test; Gross Domestic Product; income distribution; numerical model; specialization; time series; trade performance; Brazil; China; India; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349595718 | Explaining regional export performance in a developing country: The role of geography and relative factor endowments | Naudé W., Gries T. | 2009 | Regional Studies | 43 | 7 | 10.1080/00343400801932300 | World Institute for Development Economics Research, United Nations University, FIN-00160 Helsinki, Finland; North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Department of Economics, University of Paderborn, D-33098 Paderborn, Germany | Naudé, W., World Institute for Development Economics Research, United Nations University, FIN-00160 Helsinki, Finland, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Gries, T., Department of Economics, University of Paderborn, D-33098 Paderborn, Germany | NAUDÉ W. and GRIES T. Explaining regional export performance in a developing country: the role of geography and relative factor endowments, Regional Studies. This paper investigates the role of geography in explaining trade. It estimates and contrasts two models, a so-called 'Skills-to-Land Heckscher-Ohlin Model' following the work of WOOD and BERGE (1997) and a 'Geography Heckscher-Ohlin-Von Thunen model' following that of REDDING and VENABLES (2004). Using panel data across 354 South African magisterial districts over the period 1996 to 2000, it was found that only 22 magisterial districts in South Africa were responsible for 85% of the country's manufacturing exports. While the geography model (with distance, market effects, fixed costs and institutions) offers an overall better explanation for the manufactured export performance of the country's magisterial districts, evidence was also found to support the Skills-to-Land Heckscher-Ohlin model. The empirical evidence suggests that regions that are larger in terms of economic size, with good foreign market access and know-how of foreign markets, with competitive transport costs, good local institutions and higher proportions of skilled workers, will be more successful in exporting manufactured goods. © 2009 Regional Studies Association. | Africa; Economic geography; Exports; Panel data econometrics; Spatial economic development | developing world; econometrics; economic development; economic geography; manufactured export; panel data; regional trade; skilled labor; Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746456905 | The potential impact of male circumcision on HIV in sub-Saharan Africa | Williams B.G., Lloyd-Smith J.O., Gouws E., Hankins C., Getz W.M., Hargrove J., De Zoysa I., Dye C., Auvert B. | 2006 | PLoS Medicine | 3 | 7 | 10.1371/journal.pmed.0030262 | World Health Organization, Stop TB Department, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States; Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States; Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Policy, Evidence, and Partnerships Department, Geneva, Switzerland; South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, Stellenbosch, South Africa; World Health Organization, Family and Community Health, Geneva, Switzerland; INSERM, Saint Maurice, France; University of Versailles-Saint Quentin, Faculté de Médecine, Paris-Ile-de-France-Ouest, Saint Maurice, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Ambroise Pare, Boulogne, France | Williams, B.G., World Health Organization, Stop TB Department, Geneva, Switzerland; Lloyd-Smith, J.O., Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States; Gouws, E., Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Policy, Evidence, and Partnerships Department, Geneva, Switzerland; Hankins, C., Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States; Getz, W.M., Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States; Hargrove, J., South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, Stellenbosch, South Africa; De Zoysa, I., World Health Organization, Family and Community Health, Geneva, Switzerland; Dye, C., World Health Organization, Stop TB Department, Geneva, Switzerland; Auvert, B., INSERM, Saint Maurice, France, University of Versailles-Saint Quentin, Faculté de Médecine, Paris-Ile-de-France-Ouest, Saint Maurice, France, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Ambroise Pare, Boulogne, France | Background: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) has shown that male circumcision (MC) reduces sexual transmission of HIV from women to men by 60% (32%-76%; 95% CI) offering an intervention of proven efficacy for reducing the sexual spread of HIV. We explore the implications of this finding for the promotion of MC as a public health intervention to control HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods and Findings: Using dynamical simulation models we consider the impact of MC on the relative prevalence of HIV in men and women and in circumcised and uncircumcised men. Using country level data on HIV prevalence and MC, we estimate the impact of increasing MC coverage on HIV incidence, HIV prevalence, and HIV-related deaths over the next ten, twenty, and thirty years in sub-Saharan Africa. Assuming that full coverage of MC is achieved over the next ten years, we consider three scenarios in which the reduction in transmission is given by the best estimate and the upper and lower 95% confidence limits of the reduction in transmission observed in the RCT. MC could avert 2.0 (1.1-3.8) million new HIV infections and 0.3 (0.1-0.5) million deaths over the next ten years in sub-Saharan Africa. In the ten years after that, it could avert a further 3.7 (1.9-7.5) million new HIV infections and 2.7 (1.5-5.3) million deaths, with about one quarter of all the incident cases prevented and the deaths averted occurring in South Africa. We show that a) MC will increase the proportion of infected people who are women from about 52% to 58%; b) where there is homogenous mixing but not all men are circumcised, the prevalence of infection in circumcised men is likely to be about 80% of that in uncircumcised men; c) MC is equivalent to an intervention, such as a vaccine or increased condom use, that reduces transmission in both directions by 37%. Conclusions: This analysis is based on the result of just one RCT, but if the results of that trial are confirmed we suggest that MC could substantially reduce the burden of HIV in Africa, especially in southern Africa where the prevalence of MC is low and the prevalence of HIV is high. While the protective benefit to HIV-negative men will be immediate, the full impact of MC on HIV-related illness and death will only be apparent in ten to twenty years. © 2006 Williams et al. | None | Africa; article; circumcision; condom; health care; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; infection control; mathematical analysis; mortality; prevalence; public health service; sexual behavior; sexual transmission; vaccination; Africa south of the Sahara; circumcision; cultural anthropology; disease transmission; female; forecasting; male; randomized controlled trial (topic); South Africa; statistics; theoretical model; utilization review; Africa South of the Sahara; Circumcision, Male; Culture; Disease Transmission, Infectious; Female; Forecasting; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Male; Models, Theoretical; Prevalence; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sexual Behavior; South Africa | 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-s2.0-84934764381 | Monitoring the progress towards the elimination of gambiense human African trypanosomiasis | Simarro P.P., Cecchi G., Franco J.R., Paone M., Diarra A., Priotto G., Mattioli R.C., Jannin J.G. | 2015 | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 9 | 6 | 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003785 | World Health Organization, Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Innovative and Intensified Disease Management, Geneva, Switzerland; Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Subregional Office for Eastern Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Animal Production and Health Division, Rome, Italy; World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Intercountry Support Team, Libreville, Gabon | Simarro, P.P., World Health Organization, Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Innovative and Intensified Disease Management, Geneva, Switzerland; Cecchi, G., Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Subregional Office for Eastern Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Franco, J.R., World Health Organization, Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Innovative and Intensified Disease Management, Geneva, Switzerland; Paone, M., Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Animal Production and Health Division, Rome, Italy; Diarra, A., World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Intercountry Support Team, Libreville, Gabon; Priotto, G., World Health Organization, Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Innovative and Intensified Disease Management, Geneva, Switzerland; Mattioli, R.C., Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Animal Production and Health Division, Rome, Italy; Jannin, J.G., World Health Organization, Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Innovative and Intensified Disease Management, Geneva, Switzerland | Background Over the last few years, momentum has gathered around the feasibility and opportunity of eliminating gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (g-HAT). Under the leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO), a large coalition of stakeholders is now committed to achieving this goal. A roadmap has been laid out, and indicators and milestones have been defined to monitor the progress of the elimination of g-HAT as a public health problem by 2020. Subsequently, a more ambitious objective was set for 2030: to stop disease transmission. This paper provides a situational update to 2012 for a number of indicators of elimination: number of cases annually reported, geographic distribution of the disease and areas and populations at different levels of risk. Results Comparing the 5-year periods 2003-2007 and 2008-2012, the area at high or very high risk of g-HAT shrank by 60%, while the area at moderate risk decreased by 22%. These are the areas where g-HAT is still to be considered a public health problem (i.e. > 1 HAT reported case per 10,000 people per annum). This contraction of at-risk areas corresponds to a reduction of 57% for the population at high or very high risk (from 4.1 to 1.8 million), and 20% for moderate risk (from 14.0 to 11.3 million). Discussion Improved data completeness and accuracy of the Atlas of HAT enhanced our capacity to monitor the progress towards the elimination of g-HAT. The trends in the selected indicators suggest that, in recent years, progress has been steady and in line with the elimination goal laid out in the WHO roadmap on neglected tropical diseases. © World Health Organization. | None | African trypanosomiasis; Article; disease elimination; disease surveillance; disease transmission; geographic distribution; high risk population; human; major clinical study; morbidity; nonhuman; outcome assessment; public health problem; trend study; world health organization | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84948698192 | Comparative Economic-Performance Analysis of Production-Sharing Contracts in Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Nigeria | Echendu J.C., Iledare O.O., Onwuka E.I. | 2015 | SPE Economics and Management | 7 | 4 | None | World Bank African Centre of Excellence (ACE), University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Nigeria; Emerald Energy Institute, UNIPORT, United States; World Bank ACE, United States | Echendu, J.C., World Bank African Centre of Excellence (ACE), University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Nigeria; Iledare, O.O., Emerald Energy Institute, UNIPORT, United States; Onwuka, E.I., World Bank ACE, United States | The petroleum fiscal system (PFS) is a key determinant of investment decision in the exploration and production (EandP) of oil and gas. It describes the relationship among the host governments, the investors, and community stakeholders with respect to how costs are recovered and profits are shared equitably. A comparative economics of the performance of fiscal regimes becomes imperative because it affects stakeholders in making informed decisions on the oil-and-gas business investments worldwide. This paper evaluates the structure, conduct, and performance of production-sharing contracts in Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Nigeria in the Gulf of Guinea (GOG). These countries hold approximately 90% of the GOG proved reserves. Economic analysis of the same EandP phases with hypothetical field and cost data under different PFSs are presented and discussed for comparative PFS performance evaluations. Comparison of the effects of front-loaded government take, profit oil split, and taxation show that production-sharing contract fiscal terms and instruments in Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Nigeria are relatively competitive among these nations. We found that as the risk in deepwater investment increases with water depth, return on investment rises in Nigeria. Monte Carlo simulation process incorporated to account for risk and uncertainties reveals early discounted payout for investors in these GOG countries with significant degree, ceteris paribus. Copyright © 2015 Society of Petroleum Engineers. | None | Cost benefit analysis; Drilling; Economic analysis; Intelligent systems; Investments; Monte Carlo methods; Petroleum prospecting; Profitability; Taxation; Economic performance; Equatorial Guinea; Exploration and productions; Informed decision; Investment decisions; Key determinants; Production Sharing Contracts; Risk and uncertainty; Economics | None |
| WoS | WOS:000292269500001 | The impact of HIV/AIDS on labor markets, productivity and welfare in Southern Africa: A critical review and analysis | Kinkingninhoun-Medagbe, F. M.,Simtowe, Franklin | 2011 | AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH | 6 | 10 | None | World Agroforestry Centre, WARDA Africa Rice Ctr | "Simtowe, Franklin: World Agroforestry Centre", | Global estimates of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic as of 2007 shows that about 33 million people are living with HIV, the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The international labor organization (ILO) estimates that at least 23 million workers in the prime labor force (aged15 to 49 years) are infected with HIV. More than 70% of the world's HIV/AIDS infected population lives in Africa. Within the Africa region, the Southern Africa region has the largest HIV prevalence rate. It is estimated that more than 30% of total world HIV population lives in Southern Africa. In this paper, we analyze the extent to which the HIV/AIDS pandemic impacts the labor markets, productivity and welfare in Southern Africa. We hypothesize that the pandemic can reduce the labor force and productivity, consequently leading to the deterioration in welfare and stagnation of the economy. The analysis finds out that a significant proportion of the labor force has been lost to HIV. In addition to the loss of workers due to AIDS, the cost of caring for AIDS patients is enormous and has resulted into the erosion of productivity and profitability in both the formal and informal sectors. Due to the disproportionate HIV/AIDS prevalence rate between age groups and sex, the pandemic is changing the age and sex distribution of the labor force. The average age of the labor is declining due to the early entry by young and inexperienced people into the labor force. HIV is exerting negative impact on household welfare through the loss of income initially earned by a household member that is a victim of HIV/AIDS, and that through increased medical expenses by the household on the AIDS victim, most of the household income is spent on medication other than other household needs. Some economies in the region are already facing a reduction in economic growth due to the HIV pandemic and it is observed that if efforts to prevent its spread are not intensified, such economies would face stagnation at some point. | "ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS)","HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV)","LABOR MARKETS",productivity,WELFARE | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928486612 | Farmer-to-farmer extension: opportunities for enhancing performance of volunteer farmer trainers in Kenya | Kiptot E., Franzel S. | 2015 | Development in Practice | 25 | 4 | 10.1080/09614524.2015.1029438 | World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; World Agroforestry Centre and leads the Centre’s research on Rural Advisory Services, Kenya | Kiptot, E., World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; Franzel, S., World Agroforestry Centre and leads the Centre’s research on Rural Advisory Services, Kenya | Farmer-to-farmer extension (FFE) is playing a complementary role to formal extension services in facilitating the spread of agricultural technologies and improving farmers’ capacities. The effectiveness and sustainability of such programmes depend on volunteer farmer trainers (VFTs) having technical skills and overcoming process-related challenges that hinder them from achieving the desired outcomes. This article uses quantitative and qualitative data collected from seven sites to explore the challenges experienced by VFTs as they share their knowledge on livestock feed innovations in a dairy development project in Kenya. Sustainable opportunities for enhancing VFTs’ performance are discussed. © 2015, © 2015 Taylor & Francis. | Aid – Capacity development; Environment (built and natural) – Agriculture; Labour and livelihoods; Methods; Sub-Saharan Africa | agricultural extension; agricultural technology; farmers knowledge; sustainability; training; voluntary approach; Kenya | None |
| None | None | Impact of forestland tenure changes on forest cover, stocking and tree species diversity in amani nature reserve, Tanzania | Mpanda M.M., Luoga E.J., Kajembe G.C., Eid T. | 2011 | Forests Trees and Livelihoods | 20 | 4 | None | World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), P O. Box 6226, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Sokoine University of Agriculture, P O. Box 3000, Morogoro, Tanzania; Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Aas, Norway | Mpanda, M.M., World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), P O. Box 6226, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Luoga, E.J., Sokoine University of Agriculture, P O. Box 3000, Morogoro, Tanzania; Kajembe, G.C., Sokoine University of Agriculture, P O. Box 3000, Morogoro, Tanzania; Eid, T., Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Aas, Norway | The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of changes from private to state tenure on forest resources for three blocks in Amani Nature Reserve. The resource changes were determined in terms of forest cover, forest stocking and tree species diversity over a period of six to eight years. When considering the three blocks as one entity one may in general maintain that there have been positive changes regarding forest cover. There were differences between the blocks, however. The proportions of dense and semi-closed forest increased by around 14% in the former tea company block, remained unchanged in the former farmland and decreased by around 12% in the former sisal company block. The changes in stocking parameters and tree species diversity were mainly positive, but none were statistically significant. Although the results were somewhat ambiguous evidence of positive impacts as a result of the tenure changes was identified. This is in line with the main aim of establishing nature reserves focusing on conservation values. More research, however, is required regarding impacts of tenure changes on livelihood for those living adjacent to the nature reserve. © 2011 A B Academic Publishers-Printed in Great Britain. | Biodiversity conservation; Deforestation; East Usambara Mountains; Private and state tenure | agricultural land; biodiversity; deforestation; forest cover; forest resource; land tenure; nature conservation; nature reserve; species diversity; Amani Nature Reserve; Tanga [Tanzania]; Tanzania; Usambara Mountains; Agave sisalana | 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-s2.0-77957359126 | The IOC international harmful algal bloom program: History and science impacts | Anderson D.M., Reguera B., Pitcher G.C., Enevoldsen H.O. | 2010 | Oceanography | 23 | 3 | None | Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States; Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Vigo, Spain; Marine and Coastal Management, Rogge Bay, Cape Town, South Africa; IOC Science and Communication Centre on Harmful Algae, Department of Biology, Botanical Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark | Anderson, D.M., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States; Reguera, B., Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Vigo, Spain; Pitcher, G.C., Marine and Coastal Management, Rogge Bay, Cape Town, South Africa; Enevoldsen, H.O., IOC Science and Communication Centre on Harmful Algae, Department of Biology, Botanical Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark | Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have become an important subdiscipline within oceanography. Heightened attention to this topic as well as significant research advances reflect the lobal nature of the problem and the development of strong national and international programs for HAB research and management. The planning, communication, coordination, and capacity-building activities of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) have been a key actor in this growth. Here, we highlight selected advances in science and management capacity or HABs and document the impressive growth of the field in the context of activities supported directly or indirectly by IOC. As we look to the future, the field has significant momentum and stability. Nevertheless, it will require scientific guidance and coordination going forward. With an appropriate commitment of resources from member states, the IOC HAB program can continue to be a major factor in the sustained growth of this important cientific discipline and its delivery of improved observation and management systems. © 2010 by The Oceanography Society. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890862298 | Estimating the impact of changing fertilizer application rate, land use, and climate on nitrous oxide emissions in Irish grasslands | Kim D.-G., Rafique R., Leahy P., Cochrane M., Kiely G. | 2014 | Plant and Soil | 374 | 42371 | 10.1007/s11104-013-1862-2 | Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University, Shashemene, Ethiopia; HYDROMET, Centre for Hydrology, Micrometeorology and Climate Change, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, 73019 OK, United States; Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Ireland | Kim, D.-G., Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University, Shashemene, Ethiopia, HYDROMET, Centre for Hydrology, Micrometeorology and Climate Change, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Rafique, R., HYDROMET, Centre for Hydrology, Micrometeorology and Climate Change, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland, Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, 73019 OK, United States; Leahy, P., HYDROMET, Centre for Hydrology, Micrometeorology and Climate Change, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Cochrane, M., Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Ireland; Kiely, G., HYDROMET, Centre for Hydrology, Micrometeorology and Climate Change, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland | Aim: This study examines the impact of changing nitrogen (N) fertilizer application rates, land use and climate on N fertilizer-derived direct nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in Irish grasslands. Methods: A set of N fertilizer application rates, land use and climate change scenarios were developed for the baseline year 2000 and then for the years 2020 and 2050. Direct N2O emissions under the different scenarios were estimated using three different types of emission factors and a newly developed Irish grassland N2O emissions empirical model. Results: There were large differences in the predicted N2O emissions between the methodologies, however, all methods predicted that the overall N2O emissions from Irish grasslands would decrease by 2050 (by 40-60 %) relative to the year 2000. Reduced N fertilizer application rate and land-use changes resulted in decreases of 19-34 % and 11-60 % in N2O emission respectively, while climate change led to an increase of 5-80 % in N2O emission by 2050. Conclusions: It was observed in the study that a reduction in N fertilizer and a reduction in the land used for agriculture could mitigate emissions of N2O, however, future changes in climate may be responsible for increases in emissions causing the positive feedback of climate on emissions of N2O. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Climate change; Land-use change; Nitrogen fertilizer; Nitrous oxide; Scenario analysis | agricultural emission; biogeochemistry; climate change; climate effect; climate feedback; fertilizer application; grassland; land use change; nitrous oxide; Ireland | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897783112 | Comparative evaluation of non-genetic factors affecting milk yield and composition of Red Dane and Jersey cattle in Zimbabwe | Nyamushamba G.B., Halimani T.E., Imbayarwo-Chikosi V.E., Tavirimirwa B. | 2014 | SpringerPlus | 3 | 1 | 10.1186/2193-1801-3-88 | Women's University in Africa, P.O. Box, MP 1222, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Animal Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Research and Specialist Services, Matopos Research Institute, P Bag k5137 Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | Nyamushamba, G.B., Women's University in Africa, P.O. Box, MP 1222, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Halimani, T.E., Department of Animal Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Imbayarwo-Chikosi, V.E., Department of Animal Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Tavirimirwa, B., Department of Research and Specialist Services, Matopos Research Institute, P Bag k5137 Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | A study was carried out to evaluate non genetic factors affecting milk yield and milk composition in Zimbabwean Red Dane and Jersey cattle cattle. A total of 1004 and 10 986 unedited Red Dane and Jersey 305-day lactation records respectively, were obtained from Livestock Identification Trust (LIT) containing 22 herds (1 Red Dane herd and 21 Jersey herds), with Red Dane calving in the period 2004 to 2009 (giving year of birth from 1998 to 2007) and Jersey cows calving in the period 1996 to 2008 (giving year of birth from 1994 to 2005). The General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2004) version 9.1.3 was used to determine the genetic parameters and environmental factors. Calving interval, month of calving, parity and quadratic effects of age at calving fitted as covariates significantly (P < 0.0001) affected the milk, fat and protein yields. Milk, fat and protein yields obtained increased with an increase in calving interval. There was a linear and quadratic relationship between the production traits and age at calving of the Jersey cattle implying that milk, fat and protein yields increase with age of the animal. It is thus important to preadjust data for these environmental factors when carrying out genetic evaluations of production traits in dairy cattle. © 2014 Nyamushamba et al. | Age at calving; Calving interval; Month of calving; Non-genetic factors | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894552191 | Evaluation of smallholder dairy calf rearing systems in Zimbabwe | Matondi G.H.M., Nyamushamba G.B., Motsi T.T., Masama E. | 2014 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 26 | 3 | None | Women's University in Africa, Harare, Zimbabwe; Zimbabwe Open University, Harare, Zimbabwe | Matondi, G.H.M., Women's University in Africa, Harare, Zimbabwe; Nyamushamba, G.B., Women's University in Africa, Harare, Zimbabwe; Motsi, T.T., Women's University in Africa, Harare, Zimbabwe; Masama, E., Zimbabwe Open University, Harare, Zimbabwe | A survey was carried out in Wedza and Marirangwe dairy schemes to characterise calf rearing systems in smallholder dairy schemes in Zimbabwe. This was prompted by the reported high calf mortalities and shortage of dairy replacement heifers. A total of 36 farmers participated in the survey. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17. The most common dairy breed being used by smallholder farmers in the two areas was the Red Dane. Artificial insemination was used by most farmers in Wedza. Most of the farmers had no calf weighing facilities and did not ensure colostrum management resulting in increased risk of calf death. Calf feeding management was poor, since most farmers used dairy meal instead of calf starter meal. Calves were weaned through separation of paddocks and use of weaner plates. Interna and external parasite control was practised by most farmers. Calf scours and coccidiosis were the major causes of calf mortalities. The majority of farmers reported that feed was the main constraint affecting production. | Breeding; Calf housing; Health; Mortality; Nutrition | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899538845 | Conscientious objection and its impact on abortion service provision in South Africa: A qualitative study | Harries J., Cooper D., Strebel A., Colvin C.J. | 2014 | Reproductive Health | 11 | 1 | 10.1186/1742-4755-11-16 | Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Mellon Mentorship Research Office, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa | Harries, J., Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Cooper, D., Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Strebel, A., Mellon Mentorship Research Office, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Colvin, C.J., Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa | Background: Despite abortion being legally available in South Africa after a change in legislation in 1996, barriers to accessing safe abortion services continue to exist. These barriers include provider opposition to abortion often on the grounds of religious or moral beliefs including the unregulated practice of conscientious objection. Few studies have explored how providers in South Africa make sense of, or understand, conscientious objection in terms of refusing to provide abortion care services and the consequent impact on abortion access. Methods. A qualitative approach was used which included 48 in-depth interviews with a purposively selected population of abortion related health service providers, managers and policy influentials in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: The ways in which conscientious objection was interpreted and practiced, and its impact on abortion service provision was explored. In most public sector facilities there was a general lack of understanding concerning the circumstances in which health care providers were entitled to invoke their right to refuse to provide, or assist in abortion services. Providers seemed to have poor understandings of how conscientious objection was to be implemented, but were also constrained in that there were few guidelines or systems in place to guide them in the process. Conclusions: Exploring the ways in which conscientious objection was interpreted and applied by differing levels of health care workers in relation to abortion provision raised multiple and contradictory issues. From providers' accounts it was often difficult to distinguish what constituted confusion with regards to the specifics of how conscientious objection was to be implemented in terms of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, and what was refusal of abortion care based on opposition to abortion in general. In order to disentangle what is resistance to abortion provision in general, and what is conscientious objection on religious or moral grounds, clear guidelines need to be provided including what measures need to be undertaken in order to lodge one's right to conscientious objection. This would facilitate long term contingency plans for overall abortion service provision. © 2014 Harries et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | abortion; adult; aged; article; emergency care; female; health care delivery; health care personnel; health personnel attitude; human; human experiment; legal aspect; male; maternal welfare; normal human; organization and management; practice guideline; qualitative research; refusal to participate; South Africa; thematic analysis; Article; health care policy; health service; treatment refusal; Abortion, Induced; Attitude of Health Personnel; Family Planning Services; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; South Africa | MRC, Medical Research Council; WHO, Medical Research Council |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860336801 | Evaluation of a 4th generation rapid HIV test for earlier and reliable detection of HIV infection in pregnancy | Chetty V., Moodley D., Chuturgoon A. | 2012 | Journal of Clinical Virology | 54 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jcv.2012.02.021 | Womens Health and HIV Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Chetty, V., Womens Health and HIV Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Moodley, D., Womens Health and HIV Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Chuturgoon, A., Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Background: Currently used 3rd generation rapid HIV-tests in resource-limited settings do not detect acute HIV-infections (AHI). They are known to detect HIV-infections after or late in the " window period" Detecting incident-HIV infections early in pregnancy increases opportunities for initiating antiretroviral prophylaxis to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Objectives: We evaluated the Determine ® HIV1/2 Ag/Ab Combo Rapid Test (Combo RT), a 4th generation test against two 3rd generation tests (SENSA-HIV1/2/0 Tri-line, SD-Bioline) for early detection of HIV-infection in pregnancy. Study design: In a cohort study, plasma samples from 32 pregnant women who seroconverted at a subsequent antenatal visit (incident-infection), samples from 189 women who tested HIV positive at baseline (established-infections) and samples from 32 women remaining HIV-seronegative at a subsequent antenatal visit were tested with 3rd generation (antibody detection only) and 4th generation (antibody/antigen detection) rapid HIV tests. The HIV-1 NucliSENSEasyQ ® v2.0 PCR test was used to quantify HIV-viral copies in women with incident HIV-infections. Results: Eighteen of 32 (56.3%) women (incident-infections) had detectable viral copies (baseline); 16 (88.9%) were antibody reactive with the Combo RT. None of the 32 specimens were reactive on the antigen component of the Combo RT. The sensitivity and specificity of the Combo RT in detecting HIV infections prior to seroconversion is 59.4% (95%CI 40.6-76.3) and 96.9% (95%CI 83.8-99.9) respectively. The Combo RT detected 94.0% of all HIV-infections if used as a screening test (baseline) compared to 85.5% detected by 3rd generation tests. Conclusions: The Combo RT does not identify AHI but is superior to 3rd generation tests in detecting HIV antibody responses. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Combo RT; Early detection; HIV; Pregnancy | adult; antibody detection; antibody response; antigen antibody reaction; article; clinical article; cohort analysis; controlled study; early diagnosis; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; gestational age; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; nonhuman; polymerase chain reaction; pregnancy; prenatal care; priority journal; screening test; sensitivity and specificity; seroconversion; vertical transmission; virus detection; virus transmission; Antigens, Viral; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Cohort Studies; Female; HIV Antibodies; HIV Infections; Humans; Immunoassay; Plasma; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Virology | 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-s2.0-84878864105 | Lessons from the evaluation of a public out-patient substance abuse treatment programme in the Western Cape | Strebel A., Shefer T., Stacey M., Shabalala N. | 2013 | Social Work (South Africa) | 49 | 1 | None | Women's and Gender Studies, University of the Western Cape, South Africa; SWEAT (Sex Worker Education and Advocacy Taskforce), South Africa; Psychology Department, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Strebel, A., Women's and Gender Studies, University of the Western Cape, South Africa; Shefer, T., Women's and Gender Studies, University of the Western Cape, South Africa; Stacey, M., SWEAT (Sex Worker Education and Advocacy Taskforce), South Africa; Shabalala, N., Psychology Department, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Given the extent of alcohol and substance abuse in South Africa, there is an urgent need for effective, evidence-based interventions. This study reports on process evaluations of a public out-patient treatment programme in the Western Cape conducted over two years. A mainly qualitative methodology was used, involving individual interviews and focus group discussions with staff as well as clients and their families. The programme was generally viewed very positively by both staff and clients, and many of the concerns raised during the first evaluation had received attention a year later. The evaluations identified valuable lessons for enhancing public out-patient substance abuse programmes. | None | alcohol; mental health; public health; social problem; South Africa; Western Cape | 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 |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052863450 | Performance of mixed crop-livestock production system: The Data Envelopment Approach | Hussien H.B. | 2011 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 23 | 9 | None | Wollo University, Department of Agricultural Economics, P.O. Box, Ethiopia | Hussien, H.B., Wollo University, Department of Agricultural Economics, P.O. Box, Ethiopia | The general objective of the study was to calculate the production efficiency of the mixed crop-livestock farmers in two districts of north eastern Ethiopia. Cross-sectional data were used to analyze the performance of mixed crop and livestock production system and determinants of production efficiencies. For this study, a total of 252 farmers were selected using probability proportional to sample size sampling technique. The non-parametric method DEA was employed to measure production efficiency. The non-parametric methods of efficiency measurement indicated that most farmers in the study area were not efficient suggesting that efficiency improvement is one of the possible avenues for increasing agricultural production with available resource and technology. The mean TE, AE and EE of the household calculated from non-parametric approach of Data Envelopment Analysis Variable Returns to Scale (DEAVRS) were 55%, 70% and 40%, respectively. The production efficiency of mixed crop-livestock farming was determined by farm size, livestock ownership, labour availability, off/non-farm income participation, total household asset, total household consumption expenditure and improved technology adoption. This study found that improved agricultural technology adoption increased production efficiency of households. Such actions may, in turn, alleviate the current problem of food insecurity and lead in the long run to economic development. | Economic efficiency; Non-parametric frontier; Technical efficiency; Technology | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928637366 | Assessment of demographic, health and nutrition related factors to a school performance among school children in Arb-Gebeya Town, Tach-Gaynt Woreda, South Gondar, Ethiopia | Admasie A., Ali A., Kumie A. | 2013 | Ethiopian Journal of Health Development | 27 | 2 | None | Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia; Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Ethiopia | Admasie, A., Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia; Ali, A., Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Ethiopia; Kumie, A., Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Ethiopia | Background: Intestinal parasite and malnutrition are prevalent among children in general and school aged children in particular, in the Ethiopian context. There is limited information how these factors are associated with school performance. Objective: This study assessed the effect of intestinal parasitic infection and nutritional status on academic performance of school children. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among randomly selected 601 school childrenattending grades 5th-8th. Data was collected using standardized, closed ended and coded questionnaire. Physical health assessment, parasitological laboratory examinations and anthropometric measurements were the means used to assess the presence of parasitic infections and nutritional status. Grade scores were used to evaluate school performance. Graduate nurses and laboratory technicians were involved in the data collection. EPO INFO version 6.04 and SPSS version 13.0 were used for data management and analysis, respectively. Results: Out of the 601 students, who had stool examination, 216 (35.9%) had at least one parasite. Of those, the dominant parasite was E-histolytica, 80 (13.3%), followed by ascariasis, 50 (8.3%). The prevalence of underweight (BMI value below the 5th percentile) in the area was 30(5%) in all age groups.The mean of the students' grade is 62.25% (SD±9.25). Three hundred twenty-eight (54.6%) of the students had scored below the mean. The rate of absenteeism in the group below five days was 540 (74.9%) students who had parasitic infection were less likely to achieve higher academic performance than those who had not (AOR=0.58, 95% CI: 0.41-0.83). Nutritional status as measured by BMI did not shows an association with academic performance. Conclusion: Even though the prevalence of intestinal parasites in the area seemed low, it affected school performance in the Arb-Gebeya school. However, nutritional status did not affect academic performance according to this study. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053018252 | Benefits of high-performance cloud computing of engineers | Dreyer R., Crunch Y., Dwolatzky B. | 2011 | EngineerIT | None | JULY | None | Wits University, South Africa | Dreyer, R., Wits University, South Africa; Crunch, Y., Wits University, South Africa; Dwolatzky, B., Wits University, South Africa | CrunchYard, a startup company established as part of the pre-incubator program run by the Joburg Center for Software Engineering (JCSE) at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) provides high performance computing (HPC) in the cloud offering several benefits. HPC cloud solution allows engineers to run many small problems in parallel. HPC cloud solution can also be used for large complex simulations and optimization problems. The use of HPC cloud solution leads to the reduction or elimination of simulation assumptions and approximations. The current CrunchYard cluster includes several packages such as FEKO, OpenFOAM, CP2K and SuperNEC that are available to all users. The use of a cloud-based system on a pay-per-use basis allows large organizations to budget per project more effectively such as the geosciences services department at Anglo American is using the CrunchYard platform to run the H3DTD code. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868233894 | Staging performance: Race, authenticity and the right to speak in the media debates in the Mbeki era | Finlay A. | 2011 | Ecquid Novi | 32 | 3 | 10.1080/02560054.2011.621296 | Wits University Journalism Programme, South Africa | Finlay, A., Wits University Journalism Programme, South Africa | Recent research into public intellectual discourse in the Mbeki era dealt with two media episodes - the debate about the formation of the so-called 'Native Club', and reaction to a fall-out between writer Nadine Gordimer and her biographer - as well as the columns of public intellectual Sipho Seepe in the Mail & Guardian newspaper. This article critically examines the findings of this research, reading across the studies in order to highlight what it suggests about public intellectual discourse as it emerges in the media. It suggests that during the period of the Thabo Mbeki presidency (a context in which the government's relationship with a wide range of stakeholders, including the media, was particularly tense) issues of race, authenticity and the right to speak had a high level of newsworthiness. These issues were foregrounded in exchanges debating the authenticity of black intellectuals (Native Club), in Seepe's columns on black intellectuals, and in the frequently ad hominem exchanges between biographer Ronald Suresh Roberts and supporters of Gordimer. It suggests that this foregrounding at times overshadowed other substantive questions that were raised, and that could have been debated further as issues for public intellectual deliberation. Instead, these were displaced by a racially charged 'performance' of identity, described by one researcher as a 'vanity' of subject. The article further argues that the foregrounding of race, authenticity and the right to speak reflects the ongoing contestation between the Mbeki presidency and the media over the media's independence and its role as a constructive participant of the post-apartheid democracy. © 2011 iMasa. | Authenticity; Debate; Intellectual; Media; Native Club; Race; Ronald Suresh Roberts; Sipho Seepe; Thabo Mbeki | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931260920 | Evaluation of the toxicity and repellence of an organic fatty acids mixture (C8910) against insecticide susceptible and resistant strains of the major malaria vector Anopheles funestus Giles (Diptera: Culicidae) | Samuel M., Oliver S.V., Wood O.R., Coetzee M., Brooke B.D. | 2015 | Parasites and Vectors | 8 | 1 | 10.1186/s13071-015-0930-2 | Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa | Samuel, M., Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa; Oliver, S.V., Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa; Wood, O.R., Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa; Coetzee, M., Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa; Brooke, B.D., Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa | Background: Malaria vector control relies principally on the use of insecticides, especially pyrethroids. Because of the increasing occurrence of insecticide resistance in target vector populations, the development of new insecticides, particularly those with novel modes of action, is particularly important, especially in terms of managing insecticide resistance. The C8910 formulation is a patented mixture of compounds comprising straight-chain octanoic, nonanoic and decanoic saturated fatty acids. This compound has demonstrated toxic and repellent effects against several arthropod species. The aims of this study were to measure the insecticidal effects of C8910 against an insecticide susceptible (FANG) and a pyrethroid resistant (FUMOZ-R) laboratory strain of An. funestus as well as against wild-caught An. funestus material from Zambia (ZamF), and to investigate the repellent effects of two formulations of C8910 against these strains. Methods: Toxicity against adult females was assessed using a range of concentrations based on the CDC bottle bioassay method and repellence of three different C8910 formulations was assessed using standard choice-chamber bioassays. Results: C8910 proved equally toxic to adult females of the FUMOZ-R and FANG laboratory strains, as well as to adult females of the wild-caught (ZamF) sample. None of the C8910 formulations tested gave any conclusive indication of repellence against any of the strains. Conclusion: C8910 is equally effective as an adulticide against pyrethroid resistant and insecticide susceptible An. funestus. However, the formulations tested did not show any consistent repellence against laboratory reared and wild-caught female samples of this species. Nevertheless, C8910 shows potential as an adulticide that can be used for malaria vector control, particularly in those instances where insecticide resistance management is required. © 2015 Samuel et al. | Anopheles funestus; C8910 repellence; C8910 toxicity; malaria vector control | c 8910; decanoic acid; insect repellent; insecticide; nonanoic acid; octanoic acid; pyrethroid; saturated fatty acid; unclassified drug; adult; animal experiment; Anopheles funestus; Article; bioassay; chemical composition; controlled study; evaluation study; female; geographic origin; insecticidal activity; insecticide resistance; malaria control; nonhuman; parasite vector; strain difference; toxicity testing; vector control; wild type; Anopheles funestus; Arthropoda; Culicidae; Diptera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-40449118030 | Evaluation of the ultrasensitive human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) p24 antigen assay performed on dried blood spots for diagnosis of HIV-1 infection in infants | Patton J.C., Coovadia A.H., Meyers T.M., Sherman G.G. | 2008 | Clinical and Vaccine Immunology | 15 | 2 | 10.1128/CVI.00265-07 | Wits Pediatric HIV Clinics, Wits Health Consortium, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Pediatrics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; P.O. Box 79722, Senderwood, 2145 Johannesburg, South Africa | Patton, J.C., Wits Pediatric HIV Clinics, Wits Health Consortium, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Coovadia, A.H., Wits Pediatric HIV Clinics, Wits Health Consortium, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Meyers, T.M., Wits Pediatric HIV Clinics, Wits Health Consortium, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Department of Pediatrics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sherman, G.G., Wits Pediatric HIV Clinics, Wits Health Consortium, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa, P.O. Box 79722, Senderwood, 2145 Johannesburg, South Africa | The diagnostic accuracy of the modified p24 antigen assay performed on pediatric dried blood spots was evaluated. Samples analyzed within 6 weeks of collection yielded no false-positive results (specificity, 100%) and few false-negative results (sensitivity, 96.5% to 98.3%). Laboratory services with limited resources should assess this option for routine infant diagnosis. Copyright © 2008, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | antigen p24; Gag protein; p24 protein, Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1; unclassified drug; article; controlled study; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic procedure; evaluation; false negative result; false positive result; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; laboratory test; major clinical study; newborn; nonhuman; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; blood; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunoassay; immunology; isolation and purification; laboratory diagnosis; methodology; virology; Blood; HIV Core Protein p24; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Immunoassay; Infant; Sensitivity and Specificity; Specimen Handling | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33947129150 | Evaluation of dried whole blood spots obtained by heel or finger stick as an alternative to venous blood for diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection in vertically exposed infants in the routine diagnostic laboratory | Patton J.C., Akkers E., Coovadia A.H., Meyers T.M., Stevens W.S., Sherman G.G. | 2007 | Clinical and Vaccine Immunology | 14 | 2 | 10.1128/CVI.00223-06 | Wits Pediatric HIV Clinics, Wits Health Consortium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Department of Pediatrics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; P.O. Box 79722, Senderwood, 2145 Johannesburg, South Africa | Patton, J.C., Wits Pediatric HIV Clinics, Wits Health Consortium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Akkers, E., Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Coovadia, A.H., Wits Pediatric HIV Clinics, Wits Health Consortium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, Department of Pediatrics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Meyers, T.M., Wits Pediatric HIV Clinics, Wits Health Consortium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, Department of Pediatrics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Stevens, W.S., Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Sherman, G.G., Wits Pediatric HIV Clinics, Wits Health Consortium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, P.O. Box 79722, Senderwood, 2145 Johannesburg, South Africa | The diagnostic accuracy of the Roche Amplicor human immunodeficiency virus type 1 DNA PCR assay (version 1.5) on DNA extracted from pediatric heel prick dried blood spots using Roche MagNA Pure nucleic acid purification technology was evaluated. The methodologies transfer successfully from the labor-intensive research laboratory to the high-throughput automated routine laboratory. Copyright © 2007, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | Human immunodeficiency virus antibody; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic procedure; DNA determination; DNA extraction; exposure; false positive result; finger; heel; high throughput screening; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; needle; needlestick injury; polymerase chain reaction; priority journal; screening; venous blood; vertical transmission; Blood; Child; Child, Preschool; Disease Transmission, Vertical; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Infant; Phlebotomy | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-53849133763 | Evaluation of seven rapid HIV tests to detect HIV-exposure and seroreversion during infancy | Sherman G.G., Driver G.A., Coovadia A.H. | 2008 | Journal of Clinical Virology | 43 | 3 | 10.1016/j.jcv.2008.07.010 | Wits Paediatric HIV Clinics, Wits Health Consortium, University of the Witwatersrand, 8 Blackwood Avenue, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand, P.O. Box 79722, Senderwood, 2145 Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Paediatrics, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X20, Newclare, 2112, Johannesburg, South Africa | Sherman, G.G., Wits Paediatric HIV Clinics, Wits Health Consortium, University of the Witwatersrand, 8 Blackwood Avenue, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand, P.O. Box 79722, Senderwood, 2145 Johannesburg, South Africa; Driver, G.A., Wits Paediatric HIV Clinics, Wits Health Consortium, University of the Witwatersrand, 8 Blackwood Avenue, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Coovadia, A.H., Wits Paediatric HIV Clinics, Wits Health Consortium, University of the Witwatersrand, 8 Blackwood Avenue, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa, Department of Paediatrics, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X20, Newclare, 2112, Johannesburg, South Africa | Background: Failure to determine the HIV status of all pregnant women impedes progress in preventing and treating paediatric HIV because vertically exposed infants are not identified for prophylaxis, early HIV diagnosis and care. Objectives: To assess the performance of rapid HIV tests in comparison to a laboratory-based HIV ELISA test for determining HIV-exposure and excluding HIV infection during infancy. Study design: Seven rapid HIV tests were evaluated on 2266 stored samples from 116 HIV-exposed infants of known HIV status at four ages during infancy. The HIV ELISA for each sample was the standard against which rapid results were assessed to establish HIV-exposure. Results: Rapid tests did not perform uniformly during infancy. For detecting HIV-exposure the sensitivity of most rapid tests to 3 months of age approached that of an HIV ELISA however only Determine maintained this sensitivity (99.7%) throughout infancy. For excluding HIV infection (i.e. for correctly identifying HIV-uninfected infants) the specificity of all rapid tests except Determine exceeded that of the HIV ELISA from 7 months of age. Conclusions: The use of rapid tests in infancy could improve identification and care of HIV-exposed infants. Further evaluation under field conditions is required before rapid tests can be incorporated into evidence-based diagnostic algorithms. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Human immunodeficiency virus; Infants; Prevention of mother to child transmission; Rapid test; Seroreversion | article; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; infancy; infant; laboratory test; major clinical study; performance; priority journal; sensitivity and sensibility; serodiagnosis; virus detection; virus identification; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant; Male; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Sensitivity and Specificity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955019567 | The impact of female business leaders on the performance of listed companies in South Africa | Mkhize M., Msweli P. | 2011 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 14 | 1 | None | Wits Business School, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa; Graduate School of Business Leadership, University of South Africa, South Africa | Mkhize, M., Wits Business School, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa; Msweli, P., Graduate School of Business Leadership, University of South Africa, South Africa | The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of female business leaders in JSE-listed companies on the financial performance of those companies. This is as result of the proposition that women, over and above men, bring unique skills to the workplace. However, it is hypothesized in this study that JSE-listed companies led by a high percentage of women do not outperform similar companies led by a low percentage of women. The Lean Modigliani and France Modigliani measure (M 2) was used to test this hypothesis. Results of this study indicate that companies led by women do not outperform similar companies led by men. As a result, the hypothesis is not rejected. Implications of these results are discussed. | Business women; Employment equity; Female business leaders; Financial performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-66049132442 | Institutions and economic performance: Implications for African development | Luiz J.M. | 2009 | Journal of International Development | 21 | 1 | 10.1002/jid.1472 | Wits Business School, University of Witwatersrand, 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa | Luiz, J.M., Wits Business School, University of Witwatersrand, 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa | The recent economic performance of Sub Saharan Africa has been very disappointing. Its poverty has many dimensions and causes, both internal and external. This paper focuses on the role of institutions in promoting or hindering economic development in Africa and the implications for doing business on the continent. It questions our understanding of institutions and how they develop and warns against simplistic assumptions in this regard. The paper examines how it is that institutions come to affect economic growth and the characteristics of what makes for good institutions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Africa; Development; Institutions | business; economic development; economic growth; institutional development; poverty; Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883815226 | Product innovation of private health insurers in South Africa and the impact of entrepreneurial orientation | Urban B., Streak M. | 2013 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 16 | 3 | None | Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Urban, B., Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Streak, M., Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Recognising that health insurer product innovation plays a critical role in aligning incentives among all stakeholders in the healthcare value chain, this study investigates the relationship between the level of health insurer product innovation and entrepreneurial orientation (EO). Taking cognisance of the importance of external collaboration between health insurers and healthcare service providers, the study is able to diagnose perceptions of strategic regulatory factors and their impact on levels of EO. The focus of the study is on the demand (financing) and supply (healthcare delivery) structures of the healthcare value chain, incorporating health insurers, health insurer administrators and healthcare service providers. A conceptual model is formulated on the basis of literature and tested using confirmatory factor analysis. The results indicate that EO at organisational level is a strong predictor of health insurer product innovation and that external collaboration between health insurers and healthcare service providers is a weak predictor of health insurer product innovation. Practical implications are that both the supply and demand side structures indicate that the restructuring of relationships between health insurers and healthcare service providers is a necessary driver for collaboration in terms of health insurer product innovation progress and success. Healthcare executives need to work with, and actively lobby regulators to ignite both demand and supply side innovation activities in the healthcare value chain of the private healthcare industry of South Africa. | Corporate entrepreneurship; Entrepreneurial orientation; External collaboration; Health insurers; Healthcare industry; Product innovation; Regulation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67650844232 | Impact of branding and product augmentation on decision making in the b2b market | Alexander N.S., Bick G., Abratt R., Bendixen M. | 2009 | South African Journal of Business Management | 40 | 1 | None | Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, PO Box 98, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Nova Southeastern University, Wits Business School, 3301 College Ave, Ft Lauderdale, FI22214, United States | Alexander, N.S., Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, PO Box 98, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Bick, G., Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, PO Box 98, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Abratt, R., Nova Southeastern University, Wits Business School, 3301 College Ave, Ft Lauderdale, FI22214, United States; Bendixen, M., Nova Southeastern University, Wits Business School, 3301 College Ave, Ft Lauderdale, FI22214, United States | The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the brand and product augmentation on the buyers of industrial tyres. While much has been studied about branding issues in B2C markets, very little research has been conducted in B2B markets. The research method used was a conjoint analysis experiment. The subjects were decision-making unit (DMU) members of open-pit mining companies in South Africa who purchased industrial tyres for mining operations. The results suggest that the brand is very important, followed by durability, and price. Differences of magnitude amongst the members of the DMU occurred. The impact of these findings as well as the implications for buyers and suppliers are discussed. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84936774132 | The influence of entrepreneurial intensity and capabilities on internationalisation and firm performance | Urban B., Sefalafala M.R. | 2015 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 18 | 2 | 10.17159/2222-3436/2015/v18n2a9 | Wits Business School, South Africa | Urban, B., Wits Business School, South Africa; Sefalafala, M.R., Wits Business School, South Africa | International entrepreneurship represents the process of discovering and creatively exploiting opportunities that exist outside a firm’s national borders in order to obtain a competitive advantage. Firms in emerging economies are increasingly looking towards internationalisation since they are faced with rising competition in their domestic markets and attracted to opportunities in foreign markets. This article investigates international entrepreneurship by examining how the influence of entrepreneurial intensity and capabilities at the firm level influence performance, while at the same time considering environmental influences on this relationship. Based on past theoretical and empirical findings, hypotheses are formulated and then tested using correlational and regression analysis. Generally, the results support the hypotheses where both entrepreneurial intensity and capabilities are positively related to internationalisation and firm performance, while weak evidence is found for environmental hostility as a moderating influence. Several recommendations are made in light of the findings, where it is suggested that firms foster higher levels of innovativeness, risk-taking and proactiveness while developing human, social and technology related capabilities in order to enhance their performance and increase their levels of internationalisation. © 2015, University of Pretoria. All rights reserved.. | Capabilities; Entrepreneurial intensity; Exporting; Firm performance; International entrepreneurship; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949575717 | Ex vivo evaluation of a microneedle array device for transdermal application | Indermun S., Choonara Y.E., Kumar P., Du Toit L.C., Modi G., Van Vuuren S., Luttge R., Pillay V. | 2015 | International Journal of Pharmaceutics | 496 | 2 | 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2015.09.070 | 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; MESA + Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands; MyLife Technologies BV, Enschede, Netherlands; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Microsystems Group and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands | Indermun, S., 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; 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; Van Vuuren, S., 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; Luttge, R., MESA + Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands, MyLife Technologies BV, Enschede, Netherlands, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Microsystems Group and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands; 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 | A new approach of transdermal drug delivery is the use of microneedles. This promising technique offers the potential to be broadly used for drug administration as it enables the dramatic increase in permeation of medicaments across the stratum corneum. The potential of microneedles has evolved to spawn a plethora of potential transdermal applications. In order to advance the microneedle capabilities and possibly revolutionize advanced drug delivery, this study introduces a novel transdermal electro-modulated hydrogel-microneedle array (EMH-MNA) device composed of a nano-porous, embeddable ceramic microneedle array as well as an optimized EMH for the electro-responsive delivery of indomethacin through the skin. The ex vivo permeation as well as drug release experiments were performed on porcine skin tissue to ascertain the electro-responsive capabilities of the device. In addition, the microbial permeation ability of the microneedles across the viable epidermis in both microneedle-punctured skin as well as hypodermic needle-punctured skin was determined. Ex vivo evaluation of the EMH-MNA device across porcine skin demonstrated that without electro-stimulation, significantly less drug release was obtained (±0.4540 mg) as compared to electro-stimulation (±2.93 mg). © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Electro-modulated hydrogel; Indomethacin; Micro-organisms; Microneedles; Transdermal drug delivery | indometacin; animal tissue; Article; ceramics; controlled study; drug delivery system; drug penetration; drug release; electrostimulation; epidermis; ex vivo study; hydrogel; hypodermic needle; nonhuman; pathogen load; pig; porosity; priority journal; puncture; safety; skin; skin permeability; stratum corneum; tissues | 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 |
| None | None | In vivo evaluation of a mucoadhesive polymeric caplet for intravaginal anti-HIV-1 delivery and development of a molecular mechanistic model for thermochemical characterization | Ndesendo V.M.K., Choonara Y.E., Meyer L.C.R., Kumar P., Tomar L.K., Tyagi C., Du Toit L.C., Pillay V. | 2015 | Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy | 41 | 8 | 10.3109/03639045.2014.947506 | Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Fac. of Hlth. Sci., Sch. of Therapeut. Sci., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 7 York Road, Parktown, South Africa; Department of Pharmaceutics and Formulation Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John's University of Tanzania, Dodoma, Tanzania; Department of Paraclinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa | Ndesendo, V.M.K., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Fac. of Hlth. Sci., Sch. of Therapeut. Sci., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 7 York Road, Parktown, South Africa, Department of Pharmaceutics and Formulation Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John's University of Tanzania, Dodoma, Tanzania; Choonara, Y.E., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Fac. of Hlth. Sci., Sch. of Therapeut. Sci., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 7 York Road, Parktown, South Africa; Meyer, L.C.R., Department of Paraclinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa; Kumar, P., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Fac. of Hlth. Sci., Sch. of Therapeut. Sci., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 7 York Road, Parktown, South Africa; Tomar, L.K., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Fac. of Hlth. Sci., Sch. of Therapeut. Sci., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 7 York Road, Parktown, South Africa; Tyagi, C., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Fac. of Hlth. Sci., Sch. of Therapeut. Sci., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 7 York Road, Parktown, South Africa; Du Toit, L.C., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Fac. of Hlth. Sci., Sch. of Therapeut. Sci., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 7 York Road, Parktown, South Africa; Pillay, V., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Fac. of Hlth. Sci., Sch. of Therapeut. Sci., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 7 York Road, Parktown, South Africa | Context and objective: The aim of this study was to develop, characterize and evaluate a mucoadhesive caplet resulting from a polymeric blend (polymeric caplet) for intravaginal anti-HIV-1 delivery. Materials and methods: Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid, ethylcellulose, poly(vinylalcohol), polyacrylic acid and modified polyamide 6, 10 polymers were blended and compressed to a caplet-shaped device, with and without two model drugs 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (AZT) and polystyrene sulfonate (PSS). Thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy and microscopic analysis were carried out on the caplets employing temperature-modulated DSC (TMDSC), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectrometer and scanning electron microscope, respectively. In vitro and in vivo drug release analyses as well as the histopathological toxicity studies were carried out on the drug-loaded caplets. Furthermore, molecular mechanics (MM) simulations were carried out on the drug-loaded caplets to corroborate the experimental findings. Results and discussion: There was a big deviation between the Tg of the polymeric caplet from the Tg's of the constituent polymers indicating a strong interaction between constituent polymers. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of specific ionic and non-ionic interactions within the caplet. A controlled near zero-order drug release was obtained for AZT (20 d) and PSS (28 d). In vivo results, i.e. the drug concentration in plasma ranged between 0.012-0.332 mg/mL and 0.009-0.256 mg/mL for AZT and PSS over 1-28 d. Conclusion: The obtained results, which were corroborated by MM simulations, attested that the developed system has the potential for effective delivery of anti-HIV-agents. © 2014 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. All rights reserved. | Histopathological studies; Mucoadhesive polymeric caplet; Polymeric-controlled drug release; Temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry | anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; ethyl cellulose; polyacrylic acid; polyamide; polylactide; polystyrenesulfonic acid; polyvinyl alcohol; zidovudine; animal experiment; Article; compression; controlled drug release; controlled study; differential scanning calorimetry; drug delivery system; female; histopathology; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; in vitro study; in vivo study; infrared spectrometry; infrared spectroscopy; molecular mechanics; mucoadhesive polymeric caplet; nonhuman; polymerization; scanning electron microscope; simulation; tablet; temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry; thermal analysis | 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-s2.0-84945484673 | Understanding inter-community performance assessments in community-based resource management at Avu Lagoon, Ghana | Agyare A.K., Murray G., Dearden P., Rollins R. | 2015 | Environment, Development and Sustainability | 17 | 6 | 10.1007/s10668-014-9617-7 | Wildlife Division of Forestry Commission, Accra, Ghana; Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada; University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada | Agyare, A.K., Wildlife Division of Forestry Commission, Accra, Ghana; Murray, G., Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada; Dearden, P., University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Rollins, R., Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada | Community-based natural resources governance (CBNRG) is becoming increasingly important as a means to achieve both conservation and sustainable livelihood goals. Assessing the performance of such approaches is an important step in improving their performance and facilitating their expansion. However, CBNRG initiatives are often not restricted to one community, and significant differences may exist among communities that can be obscured using performance assessments that do not attend to those differences. This paper first assesses the performance of the Avu Lagoon Community Resource Management Area (CREMA) in Ghana through a survey of 232 households and an 18 participant workshop that compares desired outcomes with those outcomes that were perceived to have been achieved (i.e. performance). This paper next examines the differences among four communities within the Avu Lagoon CREMA and provides some insight as to why these differences occur. Results indicate that overall, achieved outcomes fall short of desired outcomes. This is particularly the case for socio-economic outcomes and less so for conservation outcomes. We also find that communities are more homogenous in their desired outcomes than they are in their assessment of performance outcomes. There are important differences among the four communities in terms of the importance attached to outcomes and the achievement of those outcomes. Influential variables include how and who introduced the CBNRG concept to the local communities, existing socio-economic and cultural context, the development status and challenges of the community, effective leadership, and institutional capabilities. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Avu Lagoon CREMA; CBNRG; Community; Conservation; Livelihoods; Protected areas; Variability | community dynamics; household survey; institutional development; leadership; performance assessment; protected area; resource management; socioeconomic impact; sustainability; Ghana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859803433 | Heavy impact on seedlings by the impala suggests a central role in woodland dynamics | O'Kane C.A.J., Duffy K.J., Page B.R., MacDonald D.W. | 2012 | Journal of Tropical Ecology | 28 | 3 | 10.1017/S026646741200017X | Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Oxon OX13 5QL, United Kingdom; Institute of Systems Science, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa; School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private Bag X 54001, Durban 4000, South Africa | O'Kane, C.A.J., Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Oxon OX13 5QL, United Kingdom, Institute of Systems Science, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa, School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private Bag X 54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; Duffy, K.J., Institute of Systems Science, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa; Page, B.R., School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private Bag X 54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; MacDonald, D.W., Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Oxon OX13 5QL, United Kingdom | Research has increasingly established that mesoherbivores influence the regeneration of woody plants. However the relationship between mesoherbivore density and degree of impact, and the spatial component of this impact, has not been well established. Using a novel sampling design, we assessed in iMfolozi Park, South Africa, the impact of impala (Aepyceros melampus) across the full complement of woody species within the home range, evaluating its spatial component and relationship to impala density. We used four GPS collars, in separate breeding herds, and a GIS to detect zones of different density of impala in the landscape, thus defining a fine-grain browsing gradient. We assessed impact on woody recruits (≤ 0.5 m height) across this gradient by means of 1600 random 1 × 1-m quadrats. Densities of woody seedlings, and mean percentage of remaining canopy, were significantly less in areas of high impala density versus low-density areas. There was a significant correlation between increasing impala density and decreasing density of favoured woody recruits. We propose a hypothesis of impala-induced patch dynamics. It seems likely that the ubiquitous impala may create and sustain a shifting mosaic of patches, and thus function as a key determinant of landscape heterogeneity. © 2012 Cambridge University Press. | Aepyceros melampus; browser; elephant; guilds; keystone; patch dynamics; savanna; seedlings; South Africa | browsing; elephant; guild; herbivory; heterogeneity; keystone species; landscape ecology; patch dynamics; plant-herbivore interaction; radiotelemetry; remote sensing; savanna; seedling; ungulate; woodland; Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park; KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa; Aepyceros melampus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954471412 | Wetland craft plants in KwaZulu-Natal: An ecological review of harvesting impacts and implications for sustainable utilization | Traynor C.H., Kotze D.C., Mckean S.G. | 2010 | Bothalia | 40 | 1 | None | Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, P.O. Box 394, 3290 Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Development, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, 3209 Scotteville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, P.O. Box 13053, 3202 Cascades, South Africa | Traynor, C.H., Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, P.O. Box 394, 3290 Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Kotze, D.C., Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Development, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, 3209 Scotteville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Mckean, S.G., Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, P.O. Box 13053, 3202 Cascades, South Africa | In South Africa, wetland plants have been used for centuries and they continue to be harvested for subsistence and commercial purposes. Fibres for crafts are collected by cutting the aboveground parts. KwaZulu-Natal is one of the major basket-producing regions in southern Africa and at least twenty-two species of wetland plants are harvested for crafts. A literature review of the harvested species revealed that the impacts of cutting have only been extensively investigated for Phragmites australis (Cav.) Steud. and Juncus kraussii Hochst. The review suggested that, where plants display strong seasonal aboveground productivity patterns, cutting should take place after shoot senescence and before new shoot emergence to minimize damage to plants. Cutting in the short term could increase the density of green stems. However, in the long term in Phragmites australis, it may deplete the rhizome reserves and reduce the density of useable (longer and thicker) culms. The opportunity for sustainable harvests was investigated by considering the geographic distribution, whether species are habitat specific or not, and local population sizes of the craft plants. Juncus kraussii is of the greatest conservation concern. Ecologically sustainable wetland plant harvesting could contribute to the wise use of wetlands, an approach promoted nationally and internationally. | Basketry; Cutting disturbance; Management; Sustainable utilization; Wise use of wetland | Juncus kraussii; Phragmites australis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-17044417199 | Problem-based learning improves the academic performance of medical students in South Africa | Iputo J.E., Kwizera E. | 2005 | Medical Education | 39 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1365-2929.2005.02106.x | WHO Collab. Ctr. Prob.-based Lrng., Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Transkei, Transkei, South Africa; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Transkei, UNITRA, Post-bag X1, Transkei 5117, South Africa | Iputo, J.E., WHO Collab. Ctr. Prob.-based Lrng., Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Transkei, Transkei, South Africa, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Transkei, UNITRA, Post-bag X1, Transkei 5117, South Africa; Kwizera, E., WHO Collab. Ctr. Prob.-based Lrng., Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Transkei, Transkei, South Africa | OBJECTIVES: To compare the academic performance of students on the previous, classical, discipline- and lecture-based, traditional curriculum with that of subsequent students who followed an innovative, problem- and community-based curriculum. METHODS: This was a retrospective study that analysed the records of students who enrolled on the doctor training programme between 1985 and 1995, and the records of students who graduated from the programme between 1989 and 2002. OUTCOMES: The educational outcomes assessed were the attrition and graduation rates on the traditional curriculum and those on the innovative curriculum. RESULTS: A total of 149 students on the traditional curriculum and 145 students on the innovative curriculum were studied. Overall, 23% of the traditional cohort as opposed to 10.3% of the innovative cohort dropped out of the course (P = 0.0041) and 55% of the traditional cohort as opposed to 67% of the innovative cohort graduated within the minimum period of 6 years (P < 0.001). The mean throughput period was 6.71 (0.09) years in the traditional cohort and 6.44 (0.07) years in the innovative cohort (P = 0.014) CONCLUSION: The introduction of the problem-based learning/community-based education (PBL/CBE) curriculum coincided with improved academic performance. The PBL/CBE approach to medical education may have contributed to this improvement. | Curriculum; Education, medical, undergraduate/ *methods; Educational measurement; Problem-based learning/*methods; Retrospective study; Students, medical | academic achievement; adult; article; cohort analysis; community; controlled study; curriculum; education program; educational technology; female; human; intermethod comparison; learning; male; medical education; medical student; normal human; outcomes research; problem based learning; problem solving; retrospective study; South Africa; teaching; Curriculum; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Educational Measurement; Educational Status; Female; Humans; Male; Problem-Based Learning; Retrospective Studies; South Africa; Students, Medical | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33750047201 | The impact of a situationally focused individual human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted disease risk-reduction intervention on risk behavior in a 1-year cohort of Nigerian military personnel | Ross M.W., Essien E.J., Ekong E., James T.M., Amos C., Ogungbade G.O., Williams M.L. | 2006 | Military Medicine | 171 | 10 | None | WHO Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, School of Public Health, University of Texas, P.O. Box 20036, Houston, TX 77225, United States; HIV Prevention Research Group, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, 1441 Moursund Street, Houst | Ross, M.W., WHO Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, School of Public Health, University of Texas, P.O. Box 20036, Houston, TX 77225, United States; Essien, E.J., HIV Prevention Research Group, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, 1441 Moursund Street, Houston, TX 77030, United States; Ekong, E., Office of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Research, 68Th Nigerian Military Reference Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; James, T.M., WHO Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, School of Public Health, University of Texas, P.O. Box 20036, Houston, TX 77225, United States; Amos, C., WHO Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, School of Public Health, University of Texas, P.O. Box 20036, Houston, TX 77225, United States; Ogungbade, G.O., HIV Prevention Research Group, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, 1441 Moursund Street, Houston, TX 77030, United States; Williams, M.L., WHO Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, School of Public Health, University of Texas, P.O. Box 20036, Houston, TX 77225, United States | Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted disease (STD)-related risks in peacekeeping troops is a concern when they are stationed in areas of high HIV prevalence. We carried out an assessment of a situationally focused individual HIV/STD reduction intervention (where avoidance of risk situations, as well as risk behaviors, are emphasized) in one Nigerian military unit (N = 1,222), with a comparable unit from the same service as a waiting list control (N = 987). The intervention consisted of a possible five modules that were presented to groups of up to 50 personnel. Data were collected on reported sexual behaviors, condom beliefs, sexual risk behaviors with casual partners, and number of interventions attended. Data indicated significant increases in reported condom use with casual partners and positive condom beliefs at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Risk behavior was reduced 30% from baseline at 6 months and 23% from baseline at 12 months. There was also a significant dose-response effect for number of interventions attended. These data suggest that relatively brief situationally focused individual interventions are effective in military and West African contexts in reducing HIV/STD risk behaviors. Copyright © by Association of Military Surgeons of U.S., 2006. | None | adult; Africa; army; article; cohort analysis; condom; controlled study; dose response; female; follow up; high risk behavior; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; intervention study; major clinical study; male; military service; Nigeria; nonhuman; risk reduction; sexual behavior; sexuality; sexually transmitted disease; soldier; Adolescent; Adult; Female; Health Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Services Research; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Military Medicine; Military Personnel; Nigeria; Program Evaluation; Questionnaires; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Risk-Taking; Sexual Behavior; Sexually Transmitted Diseases | 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-s2.0-77949693563 | Economic evaluations of adult male circumcision for prevention of heterosexual acquisition of HIV in men in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review | Uthman O.A., Popoola T.A., Uthman M.M.B., Aremu O. | 2010 | PLoS ONE | 5 | 3 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0009628 | West Midlands Health Technology Assessment Collaboration (WMHTAC), Department of Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Research and Evaluation, Center for Evidence-Based Global Health, Birming | Uthman, O.A., West Midlands Health Technology Assessment Collaboration (WMHTAC), Department of Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Popoola, T.A., Research and Evaluation, Center for Evidence-Based Global Health, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Uthman, M.M.B., Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Aremu, O., Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Social Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden | Background: There is conclusive evidence from observational data and three randomized controlled trials that circumcised men have a significantly lower risk of becoming infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The aim of this study was to systematically review economic evaluations on adult male circumcision (AMC) for prevention of heterosexual acquisition of HIV in men. Methods and Findings: Studies were identified from the following bibliographic databases: MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), Cochrane Library (Wiley's internet version), NHS EED and DARE Office of Health Economics HEED. The searches were conducted in November 2009. The Drummond 10-point checklist was used for methodological critique of the economic evaluations. Cost data were inflated and converted to 2008 US dollars (US$). Of 264 identified papers, only five met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The studies were published between 2006 and 2009. Most of the studies were carried out from the perspective of government healthcare payer. The time horizon ranged from 10 to 20 years. All studies reported that AMC is cost-effective. The reported cost per HIV infection averted ranged from US$174 to US$2808. The key driver of the cost-effectiveness models was circumcision efficacy. Conclusions: All published economic evaluations offered the same conclusion that AMC is cost-effective and potentially cost-saving for prevention of heterosexual acquisition of HIV in men. On these grounds, AMC may be seen as a promising new form of strategy for prevention of HIV and should be implemented in conjunction with other evidence-based prevention methods. © 2010 Uthman et al. | None | Africa; article; circumcision; Cochrane Library; cost effectiveness analysis; economic evaluation; EMBASE; evidence based practice; government; health care cost; heterosexuality; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection prevention; MEDLINE; systematic review; adult; Africa south of the Sahara; bibliographic database; cost benefit analysis; economics; evidence based medicine; heterosexuality; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; intervention study; male; methodology; multivariate analysis; outcome assessment; randomized controlled trial (topic); review; time; Human immunodeficiency virus; Adult; Africa South of the Sahara; Circumcision, Male; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Databases, Bibliographic; Evidence-Based Medicine; Heterosexuality; HIV Infections; Humans; Intervention Studies; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Time Factors | None |
| None | None | Using Task Clarification and Feedback Training to Improve Staff Performance in an East African Nongovernmental Organization | Durgin A., Mahoney A., Cox C., Weetjens B.J., Poling A. | 2014 | Journal of Organizational Behavior Management | 34 | 2 | 10.1080/01608061.2014.914007 | Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States; APOPO, Morogoro, Tanzania | Durgin, A., Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States, APOPO, Morogoro, Tanzania; Mahoney, A., APOPO, Morogoro, Tanzania; Cox, C., APOPO, Morogoro, Tanzania; Weetjens, B.J., APOPO, Morogoro, Tanzania; Poling, A., Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States, APOPO, Morogoro, Tanzania | The present study used a multiple-baseline design to illustrate the effectiveness of an intervention package consisting of a multipurpose job aid and feedback training in improving the performance of supervisors and animal trainers in a nongovernmental organization headquartered in East Africa. Prior to the intervention, the performance of three supervisors and three animal trainers was suboptimal. Performance improved when supervisors were taught to use the job aid and provide feedback, and reached a high and consistent level during a subsequent phase, in which supervisors used the job aid independently. Limited maintenance and generalization data suggest that the intervention package produced lasting and generalized effects, and social validity data suggest that supervisors viewed the intervention as acceptable. These findings appear to be the first experimentally controlled demonstration of the potential value of organizational behavior management in improving performance in nongovernmental organizations working in resource-poor areas. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | feedback; job aid; nongovernmental organization; organizational behavior management; social validity; task clarification | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874785233 | Effectiveness of an integrated hatchery program: Can genetic-based performance differences between hatchery and wild Chinook salmon be avoided? | Hayes M.C., Reisenbichler R.R., Rubin S.P., Drake D.C., Stenberg K.D., Young S.F. | 2013 | Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences | 70 | 2 | 10.1139/cjfas-2012-0138 | Western Fisheries Research Center, US Geological Survey, 6505 NE 65th Street, Seattle, WA 98115, United States; School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Molecular Genetics Laboratory, 600 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501, United States | Hayes, M.C., Western Fisheries Research Center, US Geological Survey, 6505 NE 65th Street, Seattle, WA 98115, United States; Reisenbichler, R.R., Western Fisheries Research Center, US Geological Survey, 6505 NE 65th Street, Seattle, WA 98115, United States; Rubin, S.P., Western Fisheries Research Center, US Geological Survey, 6505 NE 65th Street, Seattle, WA 98115, United States; Drake, D.C., School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Stenberg, K.D., Western Fisheries Research Center, US Geological Survey, 6505 NE 65th Street, Seattle, WA 98115, United States; Young, S.F., Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Molecular Genetics Laboratory, 600 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501, United States | Performance of wild (W) and hatchery (H) spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) was evaluated for a sixth generation hatchery program. Management techniques to minimize genetic divergence from the wild stock included regular use of wild brood stock and volitional releases of juveniles. Performance of HH, WW, and HW (hatchery female spawned with wild male) crosses was compared in hatchery and stream environments. The WW juveniles emigrated from the hatchery at two to three times the rate of HH fish in the fall (HW intermediate) and 35% more HH than WW adults returned (27% more HW than WW adults). Performance in the stream did not differ statistically between HH and WW fish, but out migrants (38% WW, 30% HW, and 32% HH fish) during the first 39 days of the 16-month sampling period composed 74% of total out migrants. Differences among hatchery-reared crosses were partially due to additive genetic effects, were consistent with domestication (increased fitness for the hatchery population in the hatchery program), and suggested that selection against fall emigration from the hatchery was a possible mechanism of domestication. | None | domestication; emigration; generation time; genetic analysis; genetic differentiation; hatching; integrated approach; migration; performance assessment; population structure; salmonid; spawning; stream; wild population | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896732702 | Potential impacts of climate and environmental change on the stored water of Lake Victoria Basin and economic implications | Awange J.L., Anyah R., Agola N., Forootan E., Omondi P. | 2013 | Water Resources Research | 49 | 12 | 10.1002/2013WR014350 | Western Australian Centre for Geodesy, Institute for Geoscience Research, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia; Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States; Graduate School of Global Studies, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan; Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation, Bonn University, Bonn, Germany; IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre, Nairobi, Kenya | Awange, J.L., Western Australian Centre for Geodesy, Institute for Geoscience Research, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia; Anyah, R., Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States; Agola, N., Graduate School of Global Studies, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan; Forootan, E., Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation, Bonn University, Bonn, Germany; Omondi, P., IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre, Nairobi, Kenya | The changing climatic patterns and increasing human population within the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB), together with overexploitation of water for economic activities call for assessment of water management for the entire basin. This study focused on the analysis of a combination of available in situ climate data, Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE), Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) observations, and high resolution Regional Climate simulations during recent decade(s) to assess the water storage changes within LVB that may be linked to recent climatic variability/changes and anomalies. We employed trend analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and temporal/spatial correlations to explore the associations and covariability among LVB stored water, rainfall variability, and large-scale forcings associated with El-Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). Potential economic impacts of human and climate-induced changes in LVB stored water are also explored. Overall, observed in situ rainfall from lake-shore stations showed a modest increasing trend during the recent decades. The dominant patterns of rainfall data from the TRMM satellite estimates suggest that the spatial and temporal distribution of precipitation have not changed much during the period of 1998-2012 over the basin consistent with in situ observations. However, GRACEderived water storage changes over LVB indicate an average decline of 38.2 mm/yr for 2003-2006, likely due to the extension of the Owen Fall/Nalubale dam, and an increase of 4.5 mm/yr over 2007-2013, likely due to two massive rainfalls in 2006-2007 and 2010-2011. The temporal correlations between rainfall and ENSO/IOD indices during the study period, based on TRMM and model simulations, suggest significant influence of large-scale forcing on LVB rainfall, and thus stored water. The contributions of ENSO and IOD on the amplitude of TRMM-rainfall and GRACE-derived water storage changes, for the period of 2003-2013, are estimated to be ∼2.5 cm and ∼1.5 cm, respectively. © 2013. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved. | None | Climatic variability; Economic implications; Gravity recovery and climate experiments; In-situ observations; Regional climate simulation; Spatial and temporal distribution; Temporal correlations; Tropical rainfall measuring missions; Climatology; Computer simulation; Digital storage; Economics; Geodetic satellites; Lakes; Principal component analysis; Rain gages; Water management; Rain; anthropogenic effect; basin management; climate effect; climate modeling; economic activity; El Nino-Southern Oscillation; environmental change; GRACE; lake water; numerical model; population growth; principal component analysis; rainfall; regional climate; shore (nonmarine); spatial distribution; temporal distribution; TRMM; water storage; water use; East African Lakes; Lake Victoria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905665135 | Performance-based grouping of adapted and exotic droughttolerant maize (zea mays L) inbred lines under stressed and nonstressed conditions | Adebayo M.A., Menkir A., Blay E., Gracen V., Danquaha E.Y. | 2014 | Maydica | 59 | 2 | None | West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Adebayo, M.A., West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Menkir, A., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria; Blay, E., West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Gracen, V., West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Danquaha, E.Y., West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | Knowledge of the heterotic responses of elite adapted and exotic maize inbred lines can facilitate their utilization for population improvement and hybrid development. In the present study, a line x tester mating design was used to determine the combining ability of 20 elite drought-tolerant maize inbred lines developed at CIMMYT and IITA and to classify them into heterotic groups under diverse growing conditions. The 20 lines were crossed each with two inbred line testers representing the tropical and temperate heterotic pattern established in West and Cental Africa (WCA), to generate 40 testcrosses. A trial comprising the 40 testcrosses along with the cross between the two testers and three hybrid checks were evaluated at two environments in the dry season and at six environments in the rainy season. GCA effects were more important than SCA effects in controlling grain yield in both seasons. Two exotic lines in the dry season and four exotic lines in the rainy season had significantly positive GCA effects. Only EXL22 was identified as a superior line in the two seasons. Only two adapted lines had significantly positive GCA effects in either or both seasons while three adapted lines consistently had significantly negative GCA effects in both seasons. Hybrid between EXL22 and tester 9071 showed broad adaptation to all test environments. The two testers separated some of the lines into two main heterotic groups. the lines in each heterotic group and the good combiners will be utilized for developing populations for extracting new improved inbred lines. | Combining ability; Exotic germplasm; Heterotic grouping; Maize; Tester | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749019447 | Modeling the impact of a partially effective HIV vaccine on HIV infection and death among women and infants in South Africa | Amirfar S., Hollenberg J.P., Abdool Karim S.S. | 2006 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 43 | 2 | 10.1097/01.qai.0000230526.79341.83 | Weill Medical College, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States; CAPRISA, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durbana, South Africa; Division of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Weill Medical College, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10021, United States | Amirfar, S., Weill Medical College, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States, Weill Medical College, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10021, United States; Hollenberg, J.P., Weill Medical College, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States; Abdool Karim, S.S., Weill Medical College, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States, CAPRISA, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durbana, South Africa, Division of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States | OBJECTIVE: To assess the potential impact over 10 years of a partially effective HIV vaccine in a cohort of 15-year-old adolescent girls in South Africa in terms of HIV infections and deaths prevented in mothers and infants. METHODS: A computer simulation was constructed using a population of all 15-year-old adolescent girls in South Africa followed for 10 years. A partially effective vaccine is introduced into this population with the ability to reduce the HIV incidence rates of the adolescents and vertical transmission to their infants through birth and breast-feeding. At the end of this 10 year period, the number of HIV infections and death prevented in adolescents and infants is analyzed. RESULTS: Using a 5% HIV incidence rate, a 50% effective vaccine decreases the number of HIV cases among adolescents by 57,653 (28.7%) and the number of cases among infants by 13,765 (28.9%) over 10 years. In addition, assuming a vaccine cost of $20 per dose, the vaccination program can save approximately $120 million for the South African government over 10 years. CONCLUSION: A partially effective HIV vaccine has an important role in HIV prevention in adolescents and infants in South Africa irrespective of other public policy implementations. Copyright © 2006 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | Cost-effectiveness; Decision analysis; HIV/AIDS; Perinatal transmission; Vaccine | Human immunodeficiency virus vaccine; adolescence; article; breast feeding; cohort analysis; computer simulation; drug cost; drug efficacy; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; policy; priority journal; South Africa; vaccination; vertical transmission; Adolescent; AIDS Vaccines; Cohort Studies; Computer Simulation; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Decision Support Techniques; Disease Transmission, Vertical; Female; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Immunization Programs; Incidence; Infant; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34250741031 | Influence of soil texture, moisture, and surface cracks on the performance of a root-feeding flea beetle, Longitarsus bethae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a biological control agent for Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) | Simelane D.O. | 2007 | Environmental Entomology | 36 | 3 | 10.1603/0046-225X(2007)36[512:IOSTMA]2.0.CO;2 | Weeds Research Division, ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute, P/Bag X134, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town, P/Bag Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa; ARC-PPRI, P/Bag X134, Pretoria, 0121, South Africa | Simelane, D.O., Weeds Research Division, ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute, P/Bag X134, Pretoria 0001, South Africa, Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town, P/Bag Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa, ARC-PPRI, P/Bag X134, Pretoria, 0121, South Africa | Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the influence of soil texture, moisture and surface cracks on adult preference and survival of the root-feeding flea beetle, Longitarsus bethae Savini and Escalona (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a natural enemy of the weed, Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae). Adult feeding, oviposition preference, and survival of the immature stages of L. bethae were examined at four soil textures (clayey, silty loam, sandy loam, and sandy soil), three soil moisture levels (low, moderate, and high), and two soil surface conditions (with or without surface cracks). Both soil texture and moisture had no influence on leaf feeding and colonization by adult L. bethae. Soil texture had a significant influence on oviposition, with adults preferring to lay on clayey and sandy soils to silty or sandy loam soils. However, survival to adulthood was significantly higher in clayey soils than in other soil textures. There was a tendency for females to deposit more eggs at greater depth in both clayey and sandy soils than in other soil textures. Although oviposition preference and depth of oviposition were not influenced by soil moisture, survival in moderately moist soils was significantly higher than in other moisture levels. Development of immature stages in high soil moisture levels was significantly slower than in other soil moisture levels. There were no variations in the body size of beetles that emerged from different soil textures and moisture levels. Females laid almost three times more eggs on cracked than on noncracked soils. It is predicted that clayey and moderately moist soils will favor the survival of L. bethae, and under these conditions, damage to the roots is likely to be high. This information will aid in the selection of suitable release sites where L. bethae would be most likely to become established. © 2007 Entomological Society of America. | Biological control; Lantana camara; Longitarsus bethae; Performance; Soil factors | water; beetle; biocontrol agent; clay soil; colonization; food preference; natural enemy; oviposition; sandy loam; sandy soil; silty loam; soil cracking; soil moisture; soil texture; survival; weed control; animal; article; beetle; biological pest control; egg laying; female; growth, development and aging; Lantana; physiology; soil; Animals; Beetles; Female; Lantana; Oviposition; Pest Control, Biological; Soil; Water; Alticini; Chrysomelidae; Coleoptera; Lantana; Lantana camara; Longitarsus; Siphonaptera (fleas); Verbenaceae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-81455147405 | Investigation of the impact of dynamic factors on Cb cloud development in Saudi Arabia | Krauss T.W., Sin'kevich A.A., Burger R., Veremei N.E., Dovgalyuk Y.A., Stepanenko V.D. | 2011 | Russian Meteorology and Hydrology | 36 | 10 | 10.3103/S1068373911100013 | Weather Modification Inc., 3802 20 St. N., Fargo, ND 58102, United States; Voeikov Main Geophysical Observatory, ul. Karbysheva 7, St. Petersburg 194021, Russian Federation; Climatology Research Group, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Krauss, T.W., Weather Modification Inc., 3802 20 St. N., Fargo, ND 58102, United States; Sin'kevich, A.A., Voeikov Main Geophysical Observatory, ul. Karbysheva 7, St. Petersburg 194021, Russian Federation; Burger, R., Climatology Research Group, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Veremei, N.E., Voeikov Main Geophysical Observatory, ul. Karbysheva 7, St. Petersburg 194021, Russian Federation; Dovgalyuk, Y.A., Voeikov Main Geophysical Observatory, ul. Karbysheva 7, St. Petersburg 194021, Russian Federation; Stepanenko, V.D., Voeikov Main Geophysical Observatory, ul. Karbysheva 7, St. Petersburg 194021, Russian Federation | Changes are analyzed of a Cb cloud characteristics due to its merging with feeder clouds, on the data on a long-living Cb cloud in Saudi Arabia on July 4, 2008. Continuous radar and satellite observations of the cloud are carried out during 6 h. The Cb cloud development is also numerically simulated using a nonstationary 11/2 model. It is found that the processes of Cb cloud merging with feeder clouds developing in its vicinities affect significantly the Cb cloud development. This impact demonstrates itself in longer duration of the Cb cloud life span, increasing top height, reflectivity, precipitation duration and intensity. Modification of the feeder clouds can accelerate their development, which eventually can affect notably the Cb cloud. © 2011 Allerton Press, Inc. | None | Cloud development; Dynamic factors; Life span; Nonstationary; Satellite observations; Saudi Arabia; Clouds; Computer simulation; Feeding; Merging; Precipitation (meteorology); cloud; numerical model; precipitation intensity; radar; satellite imagery; Saudi Arabia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886290654 | Environmental Impact Assessment in Kenya | Biamah E.K., Kiio J., Kogo B. | 2013 | Developments in Earth Surface Processes | 16 | None | 10.1016/B978-0-444-59559-1.00018-9 | Water Systems Engineering, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Agricultural Economist, Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya; Environmental and Biosystems Engineer, Norken Consult, Kenya | Biamah, E.K., Water Systems Engineering, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Kiio, J., Agricultural Economist, Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya; Kogo, B., Environmental and Biosystems Engineer, Norken Consult, Kenya | In Kenya, environmental impact assessment (EIA) has been used to ensure that environmental management is integrated into project planning and decision-making with a view of achieving ecologically sustainable development. Best-practice EIA identifies environmental risks, lessens resource use conflicts by promoting community participation, minimizes adverse environmental effects, informs decision-makers, and helps lay the base for environmentally sound projects. In the integration of an EIA, due considerations are made in all stages of a project, from exploration and planning through construction, operations, decommissioning, and beyond site closure. Therefore, this chapter brings out an in-depth understanding of the EIA in the Kenyan context. Some of the key issues looked into are the goals and principles of the EIA, the EIA process, public consultation and participation in environmental assessment, social dimensions in environmental assessment, and the legislative and regulatory framework for environmental management in Kenya. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Assessment; Consultation; Development; Environment; Impact; Integration; Participation; Planning; Social; Sustainability | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-35948991958 | 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-s2.0-77954231050 | Biological sulphate reduction with primary sewage sludge in an upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactor -part 3: Performance at 20°c and 35°c | Poinapen J., Ekama G.A., Wentzel M.C. | 2009 | Water SA | 35 | 5 | None | Water Research Group, Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Poinapen, J., Water Research Group, Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Ekama, G.A., Water Research Group, Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Wentzel, M.C., Water Research Group, Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | The performance of 2 biological sulphate reduction (BSR) upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactors fed primary sewage sludge (PSS) and sulphate, one at 20°C (R2) and one at 35°C (R1) is described. To maintain the effluent sulphate concentration below 250 mgSO4 2/£, the hydraulic retention time (HRT) and bed solids retention time (SRT or sludge age) both needed to be longer and the feed primary sewage sludge (PSS) COD to SO4 2 ratio higher at 20°C than at 35°C, viz. 20.4 to 21.0 h, 24 d and 1.75 gCOD/gSO4 2 at 20°C and 16.4 to 17.0 h, 21 d and 1.75 gCOD/gSO4 2 at 35°C respectively. The longer HRT, SRT and higher feed PSS COD/ SO4 2 ratio is a consequence of a slower PSS hydrolysis/acidogenesis rate at 20°C resulting in a lower biodegradable particulate organics conversion to volatile fatty acids (VFA). Solid liquid separation in both systems was good yielding average particulate and soluble organic COD concentrations of (150 and 100 mgCOD/£ for R1; 138 and 96 mgCOD/£ for R2). The sulphate reduction was >90% in both systems. The UASB reactor R1 (at 35°C) was also operated at an increased influent sulphate concentration (1 800 mgSO4 2/£) to investigate the inhibition effect by undissociated hydrogen sulphide generated from the reduction of this high sulphate concentration. It was found that a high sulphate reduction (~ 92%) was maintained even at the relatively low HRT of 18.5 h. The COD and S mass balances above 95% were achieved over both systems indicating that the performance data obtained from them is reliable for developing and calibrating mathematical models. | Biological sulphate reduction; Hydraulic retention time; Hydrolysis; Uasb reactor | Biological sulphate reduction; Hydraulic retention time; Hydrogen sulphide; Hydrolysis/acidogenesis; Inhibition effect; Mass balance; Organics; Performance data; Sludge age; Solid liquid separation; Solids retention time; Sulphate reduction; Sulphates; UASB reactor; Up-flow anaerobic sludge bed reactors; Volatile fatty acids; Effluents; Fatty acids; Hydraulics; Hydrolysis; Mathematical models; Sewage sludge; Concentration (process); anoxic conditions; biodegradation; biological analysis; chemical oxygen demand; concentration (composition); effluent; fatty acid; hydrogen sulfide; hydrolysis; inhibition; mass balance; numerical model; particulate matter; performance assessment; reduction; sewage; sludge; sulfate | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893877946 | 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 |
| None | None | Effect of diffusional mass transfer on the performance of horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands in tropical climate conditions | Njau K.N., Gastory L., Eshton B., Katima J.H.Y., Minja R.J.A., Kimwaga R., Shaaban M. | 2011 | Water Science and Technology | 63 | 12 | 10.2166/wst.2011.640 | Waste Stabilization Ponds and Constructed Wetland Research and Development Group, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Njau, K.N., Waste Stabilization Ponds and Constructed Wetland Research and Development Group, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Gastory, L., Waste Stabilization Ponds and Constructed Wetland Research and Development Group, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Eshton, B., Waste Stabilization Ponds and Constructed Wetland Research and Development Group, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Katima, J.H.Y., Waste Stabilization Ponds and Constructed Wetland Research and Development Group, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Minja, R.J.A., Waste Stabilization Ponds and Constructed Wetland Research and Development Group, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kimwaga, R., Waste Stabilization Ponds and Constructed Wetland Research and Development Group, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Shaaban, M., Waste Stabilization Ponds and Constructed Wetland Research and Development Group, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | The effect of mass transfer on the removal rate constants of BOD 5, NH 3, NO 3 and TKN has been investigated in a Horizontal Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetland (HSSFCW) planted with Phragmites mauritianus. The plug flow model was assumed and the inlet and outlet concentrations were used to determine the observed removal rate constants. Mass transfer effects were studied by assessing the influence of interstitial velocity on pollutant removal rates in CW cells of different widths. The flow velocities varied between 3-46 m/d. Results indicate that the observed removal rate constants are highly influenced by the flow velocity. Correlation of dimensionless groups namely Reynolds Number (Re), Sherwood Number (Sh) and Schmidt Number (Sc) were applied and log-log plots of rate constants against velocity yielded straight lines with values β = 0.87 for BOD 5, 1.88 for NH 3, 1.20 for NO 3 and 0.94 for TKN. The correlation matched the expected for packed beds although the constant β was higher than expected for low Reynolds numbers. These results indicate that the design values of rate constants used to size wetlands are influenced by flow velocity. This paper suggests the incorporation of mass transfer into CW design procedures in order to improve the performance of CW systems and reduce land requirements. © IWA Publishing 2011. | Constructed wetlands; Mass transfer; Tropical climate | Constructed wetlands; Design procedure; Design value; Diffusional mass transfer; Dimensionless groups; Horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands; Log-log plots; Low Reynolds number; Mass transfer effects; Outlet concentration; Phragmites; Plug flow models; Pollutant removal; Removal rate constant; Schmidt numbers; Sherwood numbers; Straight lines; Tropical climates; Flow velocity; Inlet flow; Mass transfer; Packed beds; Reynolds number; Velocity; Wetlands; Rate constants; ammonia; nitrate; nitrogen; total kjeldahl nitrogen; unclassified drug; ammonia; ammonium; biochemical oxygen demand; constructed wetland; correlation; diffusion; flow velocity; fluid flow; grass; mass transfer; nitrate; organic nitrogen; perennial plant; performance assessment; pollutant removal; subsurface flow; tropical environment; article; biochemical oxygen demand; concentration (parameters); diffusion; flow rate; land use; Phragmites mauritianus; plant; pollutant; tropic climate; wetland; Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis; Facility Design and Construction; Hydrodynamics; Models, Theoretical; Tanzania; Tropical Climate; Water Movements; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Purification; Wetlands; Phragmites mauritianus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650598058 | Development Impact of Advocacy Initiatives in Solid Waste Management in Nigeria | Nzeadibe T.C., Ajaero C.K. | 2011 | Environment, Development and Sustainability | 13 | 1 | 10.1007/s10668-010-9254-8 | Waste Management and Recycling Research Unit, Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, 410001 Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, 410001 Nsukka, Nigeria | Nzeadibe, T.C., Waste Management and Recycling Research Unit, Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, 410001 Nsukka, Nigeria; Ajaero, C.K., Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, 410001 Nsukka, Nigeria | Solid waste management (SWM) in many low- and middle-income countries is sometimes driven by the informal sector. Unfortunately, contributions of the sector to SWM are not acknowledged in many developing countries. This situation often arises from inadequate awareness and lack of advocacy for these development contributions. This article reports on the impact of a study conducted by final-year geography undergraduates on the informal waste management sector in Nsukka urban area, Nigeria. The purposes of this exercise were to stimulate development intervention on behalf of the sector to improve perceptions, attitudes and performance, to impart a range of development research skills and to expose the students to the business opportunities provided by SWM and recycling. Informal waste sector workers and government officials responsible for SWM were interviewed, and some commercial data on recycling operations were collected. Findings of this study indicate that such advocacy initiatives were effective in increasing students' awareness of opportunities and interest in working in the informal waste sector to promote better SWM and development in Nigeria. Lessons from this university case study are also drawn for other developing countries struggling to achieve the poverty reduction and job creation Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Advocacy; Capacity development; Entrepreneurship; Informal waste sector; Millennium development goals; Nigeria; Solid waste management; University | advocacy; developing world; perception; performance assessment; solid waste; state role; urban area; waste management; Enugu [Nigeria]; Nigeria; Nsukka | None |
| 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-s2.0-84856587278 | 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-s2.0-84866547411 | The influence of teacher participation in decision-making on student performance | Wadesango N. | 2012 | Anthropologist | 14 | 5 | None | Walter Sisulu University, East London, South Africa | Wadesango, N., Walter Sisulu University, East London, South Africa | The purpose of this study was to examine empirically the influence of teacher participation in crucial school- based decisions on student performance in Zimbabwean secondary schools. The study adopted an interpretive qualitative research approach utilising a case study research design. A purposive convenient sample of 5 school heads and 20 secondary school teachers formed the study. Together with observations of meetings during school visits, interviews were also conducted with the participants. The study established that the involvement of secondary school teachers in critical school- based decisions has a significant influence on student performance. This finding implies that if teachers are involved in strategic school decisions, this would be vita l to improve not only student performance but also organisational performance. The study therefore concludes that a positive correlation does exist between teacher involvement in decision making and student performance. © Kamla-Raj 2012. | Collegiality; Decentralisation; High schools; School; School heads | 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-s2.0-70849110143 | Impact of RTS,S/AS02A and RTS,S/AS01B on genotypes of P. falciparum in adults participating in a malaria vaccine clinical trial | Waitumbi J.N., Anyona S.B., Hunja C.W., Kifude C.M., Polhemus M.E., Walsh D.S., Ockenhouse C.F., Heppner Jr. D.G., Leach A., Lievens M., Ballou W.R., Cohen J.D., Sutherland C.J. | 2009 | PLoS ONE | 4 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0007849 | Walter Reed Project, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Division of Malaria Vaccine Development, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, United States; GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Infectious Diseases Development, Global Health Division, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States | Waitumbi, J.N., Walter Reed Project, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Anyona, S.B., Walter Reed Project, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Hunja, C.W., Walter Reed Project, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Kifude, C.M., Walter Reed Project, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Polhemus, M.E., Walter Reed Project, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Walsh, D.S., Walter Reed Project, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Ockenhouse, C.F., Division of Malaria Vaccine Development, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, United States; Heppner Jr., D.G., Division of Malaria Vaccine Development, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, United States; Leach, A., GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium; Lievens, M., GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium; Ballou, W.R., GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium, Infectious Diseases Development, Global Health Division, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States; Cohen, J.D., GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium; Sutherland, C.J., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Objective: RTS,S, a candidate vaccine for malaria, is a recombinant protein expressed in yeast containing part of the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) sequence of 3D7 strain of Plasmodium falciparum linked to the hepatitis B surface antigen in a hybrid protein. The RTS,S antigen is formulated with GSK Biologicals' proprietary Adjuvant Systems AS02A or AS01B. A recent trial of the RTS,S/AS02A and RTS,S/AS01B vaccines evaluated safety, immunogenicity and impact on the development of parasitemia of the two formulations. Parasite isolates from this study were used to determine the molecular impact of RTS,S/AS02A and RTS,S/ AS01B on the multiplicity of infection (MOI) and the csp allelic characteristics of subsequent parasitemias. Design: The distribution of csp sequences and the MOI of the infecting strains were examined at baseline and in breakthrough infections from vaccinated individuals and from those receiving a non-malarial vaccine. Setting: The study was conducted in Kombewa District, western Kenya. Participants: Semi-immune adults from the three study arms provided isolates at baseline and during break-through infections. Outcome: Parasite isolates used for determining MOI and divergence of csp T cell-epitopes were 191 at baseline and 87 from break-through infections. Results: Grouping recipients of RTS,S/AS01A and RTS,S/AS02B together, vaccine recipients identified as parasite-positive by microscopy contained significantly fewer parasite genotypes than recipients of the rabies vaccine comparator (median in pooled RTS,S groups: 3 versus 4 in controls, P = 0.0313). When analyzed separately, parasitaemic individuals in the RTS,S/ AS01B group, but not the RTS,S/AS02A group, were found to have significantly fewer genotypes than the comparator group. Two individual amino acids found in the vaccine construct (Q339 in Th2R and D371 in Th3R) were observed to differ in incidence between vaccine and comparator groups but in different directions; parasites harboring Q339 were less common among pooled RTS,S/AS vaccine recipients than among recipients of rabies vaccine, whereas parasites with D371 were more common among the RTS,S/AS groups. Conclusions: It is concluded that both RTS,S/AS vaccines reduce multiplicity of infection. Our results do not support the hypothesis that RTS,S/AS vaccines elicit preferential effects against pfcsp alleles with sequence similarity to the 3D7 pfcsp sequence employed in the vaccine construct. | None | epitope; immunological adjuvant; malaria vaccine; rabies vaccine; RTS,S plus ASO2A vaccine; RTS,S plus ASO2B vaccine; unclassified drug; epitope; malaria vaccine; RTS,S AS01B vaccine; RTS,S AS02A vaccine; RTS,S-AS01B vaccine; RTS,S-AS02A vaccine; article; clinical trial; controlled study; drug formulation; drug safety; gene locus; genotype; haplotype; human; immunogenicity; Kenya; major clinical study; malaria; parasite isolation; parasitemia; Plasmodium falciparum; Th2 cell; adolescent; adult; allele; chemistry; controlled clinical trial; DNA sequence; female; genetic polymorphism; genetics; malaria; male; metabolism; parasitology; phase 2 clinical trial; Plasmodium falciparum; randomized controlled trial; Plasmodium falciparum; Adolescent; Adult; Alleles; Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte; Female; Genotype; Haplotypes; Humans; Malaria; Malaria Vaccines; Male; Plasmodium falciparum; Polymorphism, Genetic; Sequence Analysis, DNA | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36248933795 | Hb Kenya among luo adults and young children in malaria holoendemic Western Kenya: Screened by high performance liquid chromatography and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction | Kifude C.M., Polhemus M.E., Heppner Jr. D.G., Withers M.R., Ogutu B.R., Waitumbi J.N. | 2007 | Hemoglobin | 31 | 4 | 10.1080/03630260701587638 | Walter Reed Project, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Division of Malaria Vaccine Development, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States; Operational Medicine Department, Division of Medicine, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, United States; Walter Reed Project, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, United Nations Avenue Gigiri, Village Market, Nairobi 00621, Kenya | Kifude, C.M., Walter Reed Project, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Polhemus, M.E., Walter Reed Project, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Heppner Jr., D.G., Division of Malaria Vaccine Development, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States; Withers, M.R., Operational Medicine Department, Division of Medicine, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, United States; Ogutu, B.R., Walter Reed Project, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Waitumbi, J.N., Walter Reed Project, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya, Walter Reed Project, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, United Nations Avenue Gigiri, Village Market, Nairobi 00621, Kenya | Hb Kenya, a fusion hemoglobin (Hb) resulting from a crossover between the Aγ- and β-globin genes, is accompanied by an increased level of fetal Hb (Hb F) in adult life. This study describes the use of cation exchange high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the identification of Hb Kenya and of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for confirmatory diagnosis. Data came from 584 children and 406 adults who were screened for eligibility for malaria vaccine trials at Kombewa, Western Kenya. Sixteen subjects (13 children and three adults) had elevated Hb F (5.0-28.4%; normal <5.0%). Of these, 11 had an apparent markedly elevated Hb A2 (9.2-22.9%) and were confirmed by gap-PCR as having the 22.7 kb deletion characteristic of Hb Kenya. Of the five cases with elevated Hb F but normal A2, none had Hb Kenya. We propose that in this population, the finding by cation exchange HPLC of an elevated Hb F (>9.0%) and of an apparently increased Hb A2 (>9.2%), may suggest the presence of Hb Kenya. However, given the inability of differentiating Hb Kenya from a truly elevated Hb A2 by routine cation exchange HPLC, it is imperative to confirm the Hb Kenya mutation by gap-PCR. Copyright © Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. | Cation exchange high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); Hb Kenya; Hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH); Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnosis | hemoglobin A2; hemoglobin F; hemoglobin kenya; hemoglobin variant; malaria vaccine; unclassified drug; adult; article; clinical article; data analysis; diagnostic procedure; endemic disease; female; gene deletion; gene mutation; high performance liquid chromatography; human; ion exchange chromatography; Kenya; malaria; male; mass screening; molecular weight; polymerase chain reaction; preschool child; Adolescent; Adult; Child, Preschool; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Cohort Studies; Endemic Diseases; Female; Fetal Hemoglobin; Hemoglobin A2; Hemoglobinopathies; Hemoglobins, Abnormal; Humans; Infant; Kenya; Malaria; Male; Polymerase Chain Reaction | 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-s2.0-24944542762 | 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-s2.0-60349097970 | Effect of supplementation of Sesbania sesban on post-weaning growth performance and sexual development of Menz sheep (Ethiopia) | Mekoya A., Oosting S.J., Fernandez-Rivera S., Tamminga S., Tegegne A., Van der Zijpp A.J. | 2009 | Livestock Science | 121 | 1 | 10.1016/j.livsci.2008.06.012 | Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O.Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute, P.O.Box 527, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research Institute, P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Wageningen University, Animal Nutrition Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands | Mekoya, A., Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O.Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands, Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute, P.O.Box 527, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Oosting, S.J., Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O.Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Fernandez-Rivera, S., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tamminga, S., Wageningen University, Animal Nutrition Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Tegegne, A., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Van der Zijpp, A.J., Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O.Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands | Most supplementation experiments with fodder trees including S. sesban have been of short duration and focused mainly on feed intake and growth rate. Long-term studies regarding the effects of feeding S. sesban on reproductive performance of sheep particularly in both sexes are scanty. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of S. sesban on feed intake, post-weaning growth rate, and onset of puberty of male and female lambs. Sixty weaned female and 60 male Ethiopian highland sheep in weight and age ranging between 7.2 and 11.8 kg and 4 and 5 months respectively were evaluated for a period of 9 months supplemented with three levels of S. sesban (0, 47.5 and 95% of supplementary protein provided by S. sesban and the rest being provided by a mix of concentrates). Between sex groups male sheep, and among treatments animals fed with 47.5 and 95% Sesbania in the supplement had significantly (P < 0.05) higher basal feed, supplement, and total feed intake than those supplemented with concentrate alone. Supplementation with Sesbania resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) higher DM, OM and N digestibility than supplementation with sole concentrates. Supplementation with 95% Sesbania elicited higher daily weight gain than supplementation with 47.5% Sesbania and sole concentrates over the growth period. The onset of puberty was at 265 (± 36) and 342 (± 45) days of age and puberty weight was 15.2 and 14.6 kg for ram and ewe-lambs respectively. Ram-lambs fed with 47.5% and 95% Sesbania in the supplement reached puberty by 34 and 21 days earlier and were 1.4 kg heavier (P < 0.05) than those fed concentrates. Ewe-lambs supplemented with 47.5 and 95% Sesbania were faster (P < 0.05) to attain puberty by 43 and 37 days than those supplemented with sole concentrates. The average scrotum circumference gain (SCF) until the onset of puberty was 0.5 (± 0.1) mm- d. Supplementation with Sesbania improved SCF gain but was not statistically significant (P > 0.05) among treatments. Mean P4 (progesterone) concentrations during the first behavioural oestrus ranged from non-detectable levels to a peak of 4.32 ng/ml at mid-cycle without significant difference (P > 0.05) among treatments. Therefore, it can be concluded that inclusion of S. sesban as a supplement up to 30% of the ration improved feed intake, growth rate, onset of puberty and sexual development of male and female sheep without adverse effects. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Growth; Menz sheep; Onset of puberty; Sesbania sesban; Teff straw | Animalia; Eragrostis tef; Ovis aries; Sesbania; Sesbania sesban | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60049099358 | Effect of supplementation of Sesbania sesban on reproductive performance of sheep | Mekoya A., Oosting S.J., Fernandez-Rivera S., Tamminga S., Tegegne A., Van der Zijpp A.J. | 2009 | Livestock Science | 121 | 1 | 10.1016/j.livsci.2008.06.003 | Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 527, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Wageningen University, Animal Nutrition Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands | Mekoya, A., Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands, Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 527, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Oosting, S.J., Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Fernandez-Rivera, S., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tamminga, S., Wageningen University, Animal Nutrition Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Tegegne, A., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Van der Zijpp, A.J., Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands | Two successive experiments were conducted to investigate the long-term effects of supplementation of Sesbania sesban on reproductive performance of Ethiopian Menz sheep. Forty ewes and 40 rams ranging in weight and age between 16-20 kg and 14-15 months respectively were fed a teff straw basal diet and supplemented with two levels of Sesbania (0, and 95% of supplementary protein provided by Sesbania and the rest being provided by concentrates) for 7 months. In experiment 1 (mating period), 4 paired female-male groups (diet of the male with or without Sesbania, and diet of the female with or without Sesbania) consisting of 20 animals each were formed and assigned for mating. Ewes that were mated and did not return to heat in subsequent cycles during the 70 days mating period continued in experiment 2 receiving similar supplementary diets (concentrate alone or Sesbania) for the study of pregnancy and lambing. During the mating period, males and animals supplemented with Sesbania were superior (P < 0.05) in daily feed nutrients intake, whereas daily body weight gain (ADG) was significantly different (P < 0.05) between treatments but not between sex groups. During pregnancy a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed only in nitrogen intake, and ADG of ewes did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatments. Supplementation with Sesbania promoted an increase in testicular size by 13%. Except semen concentration, the other seminal characteristics were not significant (P < 0.05) between treatments. The average oestrus cycle length was 19 ± 4.6 days. Mean progesterone profile for cycling ewes on the day of oestrus was 0.4 ± 0.04 and ranged between undetectable levels to 0.75 ng/ml followed by a rise starting on day 4 (1.7 ± 0.16 ng/ml) through day 7 (2.5 ± 0.29 ng/ml) and day 10 (3.6 ± 0.47 ng/ml) to a peak of 3.9 ± 0.45 ng/ml (plateau phase) on day 14. Supplementation with Sesbania improved the proportion of ewes conceived by 17% over supplementation with concentrates. The average birth weight of lambs, and post partum dam weight of ewes was 1.97 kg and 18.6 kg respectively and differed significantly (P < 0.05) between treatments. We concluded that inclusion of Sesbania up to 30% in the diet of sheep as supplement before and during the period of mating and pregnancy improved testicular growth and semen quality in rams or reproductive performance of ewes without showing negative effects. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Conception rate; Menz sheep; Oestrus; Progesterone; Scrotal circumference; Semen quality | Animalia; Eragrostis tef; Ovis aries; Sesbania; Sesbania sesban | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945496344 | Multi-model approach to assess the impact of climate change on runoff | Dams J., Nossent J., Senbeta T.B., Willems P., Batelaan O. | 2015 | Journal of Hydrology | 529 | None | 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2015.08.023 | Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Pleinlaan 2, Brussel, Belgium; VITO, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Unit Environmental Modelling, Team Land and Water Management, Boeretang 200, Mol, Belgium; Flanders Hydraulics Research, Berchemlei 115, Antwerp, Belgium; Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Department of Civil Engineering, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Hydraulics Division, Kasteelpark Arenberg 40, Leuven, Belgium; Flinders University, School of the Environment, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA, Australia | Dams, J., Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Pleinlaan 2, Brussel, Belgium, VITO, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Unit Environmental Modelling, Team Land and Water Management, Boeretang 200, Mol, Belgium; Nossent, J., Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Pleinlaan 2, Brussel, Belgium, Flanders Hydraulics Research, Berchemlei 115, Antwerp, Belgium; Senbeta, T.B., Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Pleinlaan 2, Brussel, Belgium, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Department of Civil Engineering, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Willems, P., Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Pleinlaan 2, Brussel, Belgium, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Hydraulics Division, Kasteelpark Arenberg 40, Leuven, Belgium; Batelaan, O., Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Pleinlaan 2, Brussel, Belgium, Flinders University, School of the Environment, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA, Australia | The assessment of climate change impacts on hydrology is subject to uncertainties related to the climate change scenarios, stochastic uncertainties of the hydrological model and structural uncertainties of the hydrological model. This paper focuses on the contribution of structural uncertainty of hydrological models to the overall uncertainty of the climate change impact assessment. To quantify the structural uncertainty of hydrological models, four physically based hydrological models (SWAT, PRMS and a semi- and fully distributed version of the WetSpa model) are set up for a catchment in Belgium. Each model is calibrated using four different objective functions. Three climate change scenarios with a high, mean and low hydrological impact are statistically perturbed from a large ensemble of climate change scenarios and are used to force the hydrological models. This methodology allows assessing and comparing the uncertainty introduced by the climate change scenarios with the uncertainty introduced by the hydrological model structure. Results show that the hydrological model structure introduces a large uncertainty on both the average monthly discharge and the extreme peak and low flow predictions under the climate change scenarios. For the low impact climate change scenario, the uncertainty range of the mean monthly runoff is comparable to the range of these runoff values in the reference period. However, for the mean and high impact scenarios, this range is significantly larger. The uncertainty introduced by the climate change scenarios is larger than the uncertainty due to the hydrological model structure for the low and mean hydrological impact scenarios, but the reverse is true for the high impact climate change scenario. The mean and high impact scenarios project increasing peak discharges, while the low impact scenario projects increasing peak discharges only for peak events with return periods larger than 1.6. years. All models suggest for all scenarios a decrease of the lowest flows, except for the SWAT model with the mean hydrological impact climate change scenario.The results of this study indicate that besides the uncertainty introduced by the climate change scenarios also the hydrological model structure uncertainty should be taken into account in the assessment of climate change impacts on hydrology. To make it more straightforward and transparent to include model structural uncertainty in hydrological impact studies, there is a need for hydrological modelling tools that allow flexible structures and methods to validate model structures in their ability to assess impacts under unobserved future climatic conditions. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Climate change; Extremes; Hydrological uncertainty; Model errors; Multi-model predictions; Rainfall-runoff modelling | Catchments; Climate models; Flexible structures; Forecasting; Hydrology; Model structures; Runoff; Stochastic models; Stochastic systems; Uncertainty analysis; Extremes; Hydrological uncertainty; Model errors; Multi model; Rainfall - Runoff modelling; Climate change; catchment; climate change; climate conditions; environmental impact assessment; hydrological modeling; model validation; peak discharge; peak flow; prediction; rainfall-runoff modeling; runoff; uncertainty analysis; water flow; Belgium | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-63449127156 | Investigation of the validity of the kinetic plot method to predict the performance of coupled column systems operated at very high pressures under different thermal conditions | Cabooter D., Lestremau F., de Villiers A., Broeckhoven K., Lynen F., Sandra P., Desmet G. | 2009 | Journal of Chromatography A | 1216 | 18 | 10.1016/j.chroma.2009.02.079 | Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Pfizer Global Research and Development, Analytical Research and Development, Sandwich, United Kingdom; University of Stellenbosch, Department of Chemistry, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Pfizer Analytical Research Center (PARC), Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium | Cabooter, D., Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Lestremau, F., Pfizer Global Research and Development, Analytical Research and Development, Sandwich, United Kingdom; de Villiers, A., University of Stellenbosch, Department of Chemistry, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Broeckhoven, K., Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Lynen, F., Pfizer Analytical Research Center (PARC), Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Sandra, P., Pfizer Analytical Research Center (PARC), Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Desmet, G., Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium | The present study investigates how strong the kinetic plot method is influenced by the changes in plate height, retention factor and apparent column permeability that arise under conditions of very high pressure. More precisely, the study investigates how well a set of performance measurements conducted on a single short column can be used to predict the performance of a long sequence of coupled columns. This has been investigated for the two practically most relevant thermal conditions, i.e., that of a forced-air oven and that of a still-air oven. Measuring column performance data for acetophenone and benzene on a series of coupled 3.5 μm columns that could be operated up to 1000 bar, it was found that the kinetic plot method provides accurate predictions of time versus efficiency for the still-air oven systems, over the entire range of investigated pressures and column lengths (up to 60 cm), provided k′ and Kv0 are evaluated at the maximal pressure. For the forced-air oven which leads to worse performances than the still-air oven, the kinetic plot prediction is less accurate, partly because the thermal conditions (near-isothermal) tend to vary if the number of coupled columns increases. The fact that the thermal conditions of the column wall might vary with the column length is an additional complexity making very-high pressure separations less predictable and harder to interpret and model. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Adiabatic conditions; Isothermal conditions; Kinetic plot method; Ultra high pressure; Validation | Adiabatic conditions; Isothermal conditions; Kinetic plot method; Ultra high pressure; Validation; Benzene; High pressure liquid chromatography; Ketones; Ovens; Stoves; Time series; Particle size analysis; acetophenone; benzene; accuracy; article; hyperbarism; performance measurement system; prediction; priority journal; temperature; validity; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Kinetics; Pressure; Temperature | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67349223949 | Genetic variability within the coat protein gene of Grapevine fanleaf virus isolates from South Africa and the evaluation of RT-PCR, DAS-ELISA and ImmunoStrips as virus diagnostic assays | Liebenberg A., Freeborough M.-J., Visser C.J., Bellstedt D.U., Burger J.T. | 2009 | Virus Research | 142 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.virusres.2009.01.016 | Vitis laboratory, Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Liebenberg, A., Vitis laboratory, Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Freeborough, M.-J., Vitis laboratory, Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Visser, C.J., Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Bellstedt, D.U., Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Burger, J.T., Vitis laboratory, Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) is responsible for severe fanleaf degeneration in grapevines of all major wine producing regions of the world, including South Africa. In order to successfully control the spread of the virus, specific and reliable diagnostic assays are necessary. The genetic variability of 12 GFLV isolates recovered from naturally infected grapevine plants in the Western Cape region of South Africa were characterised. These samples were subjected to RNA extraction, RT-PCR analysis and sequencing of the coat protein gene (2CCP). Sequence identities between different GFLV isolates from South Africa were between 86-99% and 94-99% at the nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 2CCP gene sequences showed that the South African isolates form two distinct clades or sub-populations. The specificity and sensitivity of three diagnostic techniques (rapid-direct-one-tube-RT-PCR, DAS-ELISA and ImmunoStrips) for the detection of GFLV were analysed to determine the appropriate diagnostic assay for virus infection. Rapid-direct-one-tube-RT-PCR was found to be the most reliable technique for detection. This is the first report on sequence analysis of full-length 2CCP gene cDNA clones of GFLV isolates from South Africa. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Genetic variability; GFLV; Phylogenetic analysis; RT-PCR diagnostic detection | amino acid; coat protein; nucleotide; article; cladistics; climbing plant; controlled study; double antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; gene sequence; genetic variability; grapevine; grapevine fanleaf virus; leaf damage; Nepovirus; nonhuman; nucleotide sequence; phylogeny; priority journal; reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; RNA extraction; sensitivity and specificity; unindexed sequence; virus diagnosis; Capsid Proteins; DNA, Viral; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Genetic Variation; Immunoassay; Molecular Sequence Data; Nepovirus; Phylogeny; Plant Diseases; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; South Africa; Vitis; Fioria; Grapevine fanleaf virus; Vitis | 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-s2.0-34548169083 | Evaluation of global clustering patterns and strain variation over an extended ORF26 gene locus from Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus | Zong J.-C., Kajumbula H., Boto W., Hayward G.S. | 2007 | Journal of Clinical Virology | 40 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jcv.2007.06.013 | Viral Oncology Program, Department of Oncology, Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Blunting Blaustein Cancer Research Bldg. 1650 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21231-1000, United States; Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University Medical School, Kampala, Uganda | Zong, J.-C., Viral Oncology Program, Department of Oncology, Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Blunting Blaustein Cancer Research Bldg. 1650 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21231-1000, United States; Kajumbula, H., Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University Medical School, Kampala, Uganda; Boto, W., Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University Medical School, Kampala, Uganda; Hayward, G.S., Viral Oncology Program, Department of Oncology, Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Blunting Blaustein Cancer Research Bldg. 1650 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21231-1000, United States | Background: Small 233-bp or 330-bp DNA fragments of the ORF26 gene of human Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) have been used extensively to identify KSHV by PCR in clinical samples; to associate KSHV with novel diseases and to correlate KSHV strain differences with pathogenicity. Objectives: We evaluated the nature, extent and source of nucleotide sequence variability among a large and diverse set of known KSHV-positive DNA samples. Study design: Direct DNA PCR sequencing was carried out on 136 distinct Kaposi's sarcoma and primary effusion lymphoma-related samples from different geographic locations. Results: The presence of 26 diagnostic nucleotide polymorphisms across an expanded 965-bp PCR locus define eight distinct ORF26E genotypes, three being of Eurasian origin, one from the Pacific Rim, and five from Sub-Saharan Africa. Previous ambiguities between some genotype patterns in the 330-bp locus data are fully resolved. Conclusions: This analysis provides an expanded database for understanding and evaluating ORF26 polymorphisms. In particular, the eight genotype clusters correlated with specific ethnic and geographic origins of the patients. Furthermore, the very low level of additional sporadic nucleotide variation found permits detection of spurious sequence errors or contamination present in some published data. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Direct PCR sequencing; Multiple KSHV genotypes; Subtype discrimination | article; controlled study; correlation analysis; data base; diagnostic test; DNA polymorphism; DNA sequence; ethnicity; gene cluster; gene deletion; gene locus; gene sequence; genetic analysis; genetic variability; genotype; geography; Herpes virus; human; human cell; Kaposi sarcoma; lymphoma; nucleotide sequence; open reading frame; polymerase chain reaction; priority journal; virus strain; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Base Sequence; Cluster Analysis; Demography; Genome, Viral; Genotype; Herpesviridae Infections; Herpesvirus 8, Human; Humans; Molecular Sequence Data; Open Reading Frames; Polymorphism, Genetic; Sarcoma, Kaposi | 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-s2.0-28344443375 | 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 |
| 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-s2.0-77951173640 | Causes and impacts of seasonal migration on rural livelihoods: Case studies from Amhara Region in Ethiopia | Asfaw W., Tolossa D., Zeleke G. | 2010 | Norsk Geografisk Tidsskrift | 64 | 1 | 10.1080/00291950903557696 | Via Malpensada 90, San Bartolomeo, IT-38100 Trento, Italy; College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 150229, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Global Mountain Program, ILRI Campus, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Asfaw, W., Via Malpensada 90, San Bartolomeo, IT-38100 Trento, Italy; Tolossa, D., College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 150229, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Zeleke, G., Global Mountain Program, ILRI Campus, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | The article examines the characteristics, motivation factors and impacts of seasonal migration in Ethiopia. The study was underpinned by the Sustainable Livelihood Framework. Both urban and rural areas as places of destination and rural villages as origins of migrants have been considered. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and household case studies. Shortage of farmland, debt, lack of viable non-farm activities locally, and the desire to earn additional income are the major reasons for seasonal migration of labour. Social networks and information flows are also important factors in migration. The research found that single men are predominantly involved in migration while the participation of women is negligible. The earnings obtained have allowed rural households to supplement their income from agriculture and indirectly contributed to overcoming the problem of farmland scarcity. The timing of movement which coincides with the agricultural slack season at home makes the impacts of seasonal out-migration on agriculture minimal. Rather than viewing it as a livelihood option of the rural poor which contributes to reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of the poor, migration is still perceived negatively, and there has been little awareness of its significance. © 2010 Taylor & Francis. | Destination; Origin; Rural livelihoods; Seasonal migration | household income; labor migration; population migration; poverty alleviation; questionnaire survey; rural population; seasonality; social network; socioeconomic impact; village; Amhara; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930915640 | Evaluation of cardiorespiratory, blood gas, and lactate values during extended immobilization of white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) | Buss P., Olea-Popelka F., Meyer L., Hofmeyr J., Mathebula N., Kruger M., Brüns A., Martin L., Miller M. | 2015 | Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine | 46 | 2 | 10.1638/2014-0089R.1 | Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Private Bag X402, Skukuza, South Africa; Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Fort Collins, CO, United States; Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa; DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, P.O. Box 110040, Kimberley, South Africa; Research and Scientific Services Department, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, P.O. Box 754, Pretoria, South Africa | Buss, P., Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Private Bag X402, Skukuza, South Africa; Olea-Popelka, F., Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Fort Collins, CO, United States; Meyer, L., Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Hofmeyr, J., Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Private Bag X402, Skukuza, South Africa; Mathebula, N., Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Private Bag X402, Skukuza, South Africa, Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, P.O. Box 110040, Kimberley, South Africa; Kruger, M., Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Private Bag X402, Skukuza, South Africa; Brüns, A., Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Private Bag X402, Skukuza, South Africa, Research and Scientific Services Department, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, P.O. Box 754, Pretoria, South Africa; Martin, L., Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Fort Collins, CO, United States; Miller, M., Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa | Ten white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) were immobilized for a total of 13 procedures in holding facilities in Kruger National Park using etorphine, azaperone, and hyaluronidase to assess the effect of extended immobilization on serial cardiorespiratory, blood gas, and lactate values. Butorphanol was administered intravenously following initial blood collection and physiologic assessment (t = 0). Respiratory and cardiovascular parameters, body temperature, and arterial blood gases were monitored at 10-min intervals for a total of 100 min. Initial parameters at the time of recumbency revealed severe hypoxemia, hypercapnia, tachycardia, an increased alveolar-arterial (A-a) gradient, and mildly elevated lactate levels. At 10 min and 20 min, there were significant (P < 0.05) changes in the following physiologic parameters: heart rate decreased [96 and 80 beats/min, respectively, vs. 120 beats/min], arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) increased [48 and 45 mm Hg, respectively vs. 30 mm Hg], arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation increased [79% and 74%, respectively, vs. 47%], A-a gradient decreased [29.13 and 30.00 mm Hg, respectively, vs. 49.19 mm Hg], and respiratory rate decreased [5 and 5 breaths/min vs. 7 breaths/min]. Blood lactate levels also decreased from 2.54 mM/L to 1.50 and 0.89 mM/L, respectively. Despite initial improvements in blood oxygen levels at t = 10 and 20 min, the rhinoceros remained severely hypoxemic for the remainder of the procedure (median PaO2 = 50.5 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval, 43.8-58.1). Median values for respiratory rate (5 breaths/min) and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2; 68.5 mm Hg) did not change significantly for the remaining 80 min. Median lactate, base excess, bicarbonate, and pH values improved between 20 and 100 min despite the persistent hypercapnia, indicating that the animals adequately compensated for respiratory and lactic acidosis. White rhinoceros were immobilized for 100 min with no negative effects, a desirable outcome if procedures require extended chemical immobilization without oxygen supplementation. © 2015 American Association of Zoo Veterinarians. | Blood gas; butorphanol; cardiorespiratory; Ceratotherium simum; white rhinoceros | Animalia; Ceratotherium simum; Rhinoceros | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-53249100693 | Impact of avian influenza in some states of Nigeria | Saidu L., Wakawa A.M., Abdu P.A., Adene D.F., Kazeem H.M., Ladan K.C., Abdu M., Miko R.B., Fatihu M.Y., Adamu J., Mamman P.H. | 2008 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 7 | 9 | 10.3923/ijps.2008.913.916 | Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria | Saidu, L., Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Wakawa, A.M., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Abdu, P.A., Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Adene, D.F., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Kazeem, H.M., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Ladan, K.C., National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria; Abdu, M., National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria; Miko, R.B., Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Fatihu, M.Y., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Adamu, J., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Mamman, P.H., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Cases of Avian Influenza (AI) outbreaks reported and confirmed were extracted from the records of control committees on AI in Kano and Katsina States, Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Pan-African Control of Epizootics (PACE) project office at Kaduna. Information on Al outbreaks in Jigawa State were obtained through a questionnaire. A total of 480,378 birds were lost in 34 outbreaks in the four states under study between the period of January and March 2006. Chickens accounted for more than 99% of all the birds affected followed by guinea fowls and turkeys. More than 60% of the birds affected were adults. The concentrations of poultry farms in Kano metropolis particularly along Gwarzo road where the epidemic was first noticed might have been responsible for the fast spread of the disease within Kano metropolis. It is a common practice to find geese, muscovey ducks and turkeys in one farm in the study area. This practice makes the chickens and turkeys more prone to the disease. From the tract of outbreaks It is possible that the disease spread from Jigawa State to Kano state and from Kano State to other States in the study area and other parts of the country through trade in live birds and poultry by products. For proper diagnosis and control of AI in Nigeria, poultry farmers should be educated on the necessity for prompt disease reporting to veterinarians and appropriate authorities. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2008. | Avian influenza; Chickens; Geese; Guinea fowls; Turkeys | Anas; Anser; Aves; Galliformes; Gallus gallus | None |
| None | None | Some factors associated with poor reproductive performance in smallholder dairy cows: The case of Hai and Meru districts, northern Tanzania | Swai E.S., Mollel P., Malima A. | 2014 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 26 | 6 | None | Veterinary Investigation Centre, PO Box 1068, Arusha, Tanzania; National Artificial Insemination Centre, PO Box 7141, Usa River, Arusha, Tanzania; District Livestock Office, PO Box 10 Hai, Tanzania | Swai, E.S., Veterinary Investigation Centre, PO Box 1068, Arusha, Tanzania; Mollel, P., National Artificial Insemination Centre, PO Box 7141, Usa River, Arusha, Tanzania; Malima, A., District Livestock Office, PO Box 10 Hai, Tanzania | An on-farm observation and questionnaire based study was conducted, during the period of January to March 2009, to assess the reproductive performance of dairy cows in two smallholder dairying districts of northern Tanzania. A total of 100 (50 Meru district and 50 Hai district) smallholder dairy farms owning 1-4 pure and crossbred dairy cows were visited and the reproductive performance of 191 (94 Meru and 97 Hai) dairy cows were analysed. Overall, land holdings averaged 2.26±1.99 (mean±standard deviation) acres, with an average of 0.55±0.67 acres being reserved for pasture production. Land holding and reserved land for fodder production was, on average, higher in Hai (2.62 and 0.65 versus 1.81 and 0.45 acres) compared to Meru district (P<0.05). The mean (mean ± standard deviation) number of lactating cows per farm was 1.79 ± 0.87 and ranged from 1 to 5. Survey results revealed that 40% of the smallholder dairy farms reported dairying to be their most important source of household income. Other reported sources of income were crop farming (32%) and off farm activities such as trading (12%), employment (9%) and traditional livestock keeping (6%). Perceived and reported dairy farming constraints included availability of feeds (quantity and quality) (81.8%), lack of money to buy farm inputs (77%) and insufficient land (53.0%). Others were milk marketing (31%), diseases (28%), availability of breeding bulls (27%) and high costs of inputs (18%). The birth rate was 39% and overall mean (mean ± SE) estimated calving interval (CI) was 525±18 days. Mean CI was significantly higher in Meru (530±28) than in Hai (518±22) (P<0.05). Hypothesized factors associated with long CI based on logistic regression models were body condition score (BSC) and low body weight. Cows with body condition (>3 BSC) were three fold (OR =3.8, P = 0.048) times more likely to have a reduced CI and cows with low body weight were associated with extended long CI (β for age = 0.01, P = 0.044). Despite the herdsmen having extensive dairying experience and competency in heat detection, the CI was too long and possibly associated with inadequate feeding as reflected by the low body score condition (average 2.6), low level of land holding and daily fresh matter intake per cow in most surveyed farms. The present study revealed that the reproductive performance of the dairy cows, under the smallholder management conditions in the two given districts, was sub-standard which prevented attaining a calf crop every year and expected levels of milk production. Interventions should include an effective extension service to advise on improved dairy cow and feed resources management together with applied research into the factors causing extended calving intervals. | Dairy cows; Reproduction performance; Smallholder; Tanzania | None | None |
| None | None | Studies on the reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows raised on smallholder farms in eastern Usambara mountains, Tanzania | Swai E.S., Kyakaisho P., Ole-Kawanara M.S. | 2007 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 19 | 5 | None | Veterinary Investigation Centre, P O Box 1068, Arusha, Tanzania; District Veterinary Office, P.O. Box 20, Muheza, Tanga, Tanzania; Divisional Dairy Development Office, P.O. Box 4, Amani, Muheza, Tanzania | Swai, E.S., Veterinary Investigation Centre, P O Box 1068, Arusha, Tanzania; Kyakaisho, P., District Veterinary Office, P.O. Box 20, Muheza, Tanga, Tanzania; Ole-Kawanara, M.S., Divisional Dairy Development Office, P.O. Box 4, Amani, Muheza, Tanzania | A retrospective questionnaire based cross-sectional study was conducted to asses reproductive performance and factors influencing reproductive efficiency of crossbred cows in smallholder farms in Amani, Tanzania. The study was carried out during the period of October to November 2003. The study also estimated the frequency and determinants of long calving interval (LCI), retention of foetal membrane (RFM), dystocia (D), and abortion (A) in smallholder crossbred cattle and explored birth trends. Sixty-three dairy farms (average breedable cows = 2, range 1 to 9) were visited and data on reproductive, breeding and management histories were collected and statistically analyzed. Overall, 179 breedable cows were observed to be alive at some stage in 2002. These cows contributed a total risk period of 62,780 cow days, equivalent to 2,093 cow months or 171.9 cow years. The mean (±SE) calving interval and the interval between calving and the initiation of ovarian activity were 476 ± 14 and 108 ± 6.7 days, respectively. Birth rate was 52 per 100 cows years, with birth been reported to occur in all months of the year. Of the 123 cows that were reported to have calved more than once in their lifetime 4(3.3%), 3 (2.4%) were associated with abortion and dystocia, respectively. Fifteen (12.2%) of the animals suffered RFM. Significant factors that were associated with LCI and RFM as was revealed from multiple logistic regression models were age of the cows, distance range between bull source and cows, farmer attending basic animal husbandry training and the owner of the cows. Cow that was located over 2 km away from the breeding bull source was associated with LCI (Odd ratio [OR] 2.7, P = 0.020) and older cow with lower odds for RFM (OR = 0.97, P = 0.001). Animals belonging to male and a farmer who has attended a basic training had lower odds for LCI and RFM (OR = 0.31, P = 0.001 for male cow owner and OR = 0.37, P = 0.033 for attending training, respectively). Though not statistically different (P>0.05), poor reproduction performance was also linked with farm managerial factors. Under nutrition, poor heat detection despite of farmer being aware of the cardinal signs of heat, poor monitoring of heat signs due to the inadequate usage of breeding supporting tools were also found to negatively influence reproduction efficiency. We conclude that, the present estimate of LCI, birth rate, prevalence of peripartum disorders often inter linked by farm managemental attributes, indicate and suggest poor reproductive performances of cows in Amani smallholder dairy farms. Identification and quantification of the specific reproductive disorders and associated interacting factors (feeding/ managemental) contributing to such poor reproductive performance call for detailed investigation. | Africa; Amani; Reproductive performance; Smallholder dairy production; Tanzania | Animalia; Bos; Equus asinus | None |
| None | None | Evaluation of community animal health delivery systems in Simanjiro, Tanzania | Swai E.S., Masaaza S., Daborn C.J. | 2014 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 26 | 8 | None | Veterinary Investigation Centre, PO Box 1068, Arusha, Tanzania; District Veterinary Office, PO Box 13484, Simanjiro, Tanzania; Tropical Veterinary Services, PO Box 266, Karatu, Tanzania | Swai, E.S., Veterinary Investigation Centre, PO Box 1068, Arusha, Tanzania; Masaaza, S., District Veterinary Office, PO Box 13484, Simanjiro, Tanzania; Daborn, C.J., Tropical Veterinary Services, PO Box 266, Karatu, Tanzania | A survey was carried out to characterise community animal health delivery systems in pastoral communities of Simanjiro, northern Tanzania. This was prompted by the reported high disease challenges, remoteness and long term shortage of formal trained state and private veterinary professional staff. The study was conducted during the period of March 2010 through December 2010. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17. A total of 88 community animal health workers (CAHWs) from 6, 15 and 36 administrative division, wards and villages, respectively, participated in the survey. The survey revealed that the education level of interviewed CAHWs varied from adult education to certificate (2 years) training in veterinary or animal husbandry and a substantial variation was observed between divisions. Apart from delivering animal / veterinary husbandry services in their respect areas, 83 (95%) of the interviewed CAHWs were reported to be engaged in livestock keeping activities and acknowledged that livestock production (90%) to be their major source of household income. The working relationship and technical link between CAHWs and local government veterinary staff (LFO) was rated to be good. The study established that CAHWs were recognized and respected by the local community for the services they offer. It is, however, seen as an imperative that CAHWs should only operate under the direct supervision of trained and licensed veterinary personnel; receive continuous training and adequate technical support; and require recognition by existing policies, veterinary legislation and laws. Official recognition of CAHWs is long overdue and will be fundamental to facilitate better linkages and information channels between the delivery of community based primary animal health services and government veterinary services and regulatory bodies. | Africa; CAHWs; Livestock; Pastoralists | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33847397493 | Cloning and expression of Rift Valley fever virus nucleocapsid (N) protein and evaluation of a N-protein based indirect ELISA for the detection of specific IgG and IgM antibodies in domestic ruminants | Fafetine J.M., Tijhaar E., Paweska J.T., Neves L.C.B.G., Hendriks J., Swanepoel R., Coetzer J.A.W., Egberink H.F., Rutten V.P.M.G. | 2007 | Veterinary Microbiology | 121 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.vetmic.2006.11.008 | Veterinary Faculty, Eduardo Mondlane University, C. Postal 257, Maputo, Mozambique; Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yalelaan I, 3584 CL Utrecht, Netherlands; National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Special Pathogens Unit, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, 2131, South Africa; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Division of Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3584 CL Utrecht, Netherlands | Fafetine, J.M., Veterinary Faculty, Eduardo Mondlane University, C. Postal 257, Maputo, Mozambique; Tijhaar, E., Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yalelaan I, 3584 CL Utrecht, Netherlands; Paweska, J.T., National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Special Pathogens Unit, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, 2131, South Africa; Neves, L.C.B.G., Veterinary Faculty, Eduardo Mondlane University, C. Postal 257, Maputo, Mozambique; Hendriks, J., Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yalelaan I, 3584 CL Utrecht, Netherlands; Swanepoel, R., National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Special Pathogens Unit, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, 2131, South Africa; Coetzer, J.A.W., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Egberink, H.F., Division of Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3584 CL Utrecht, Netherlands; Rutten, V.P.M.G., Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yalelaan I, 3584 CL Utrecht, Netherlands | Serodiagnosis of Rift Valley fever (RVF) currently relies on the use of live or inactivated whole virus as antigens. The recombinant nucleocapsid (N) protein of RVF virus was tested for diagnostic applicability in an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA), using sera from experimentally infected sheep (n = 128), vaccinated sheep (n = 240), and field-collected sera from sheep (n = 251), goats (n = 362) and cattle (n = 100). The N-protein based I-ELISA performed at least as good as VN and HI tests. In goat the diagnostic sensitivity (D-Sn) and specificity (D-Sp) of the I-ELISA was 100% when using the anti-species IgG conjugate. Using protein G as a detection system, the D-Sn and D-Sp in goats were 99.4% and 99.5%, in sheep field sera both 100%, in cattle 100% and 98.3%, respectively. The I-ELISA based on recombinant N-protein has the potential to complement the traditional assays for serodiagnosis of RVF. Advantages of the N-protein are its safety, stability and cost-effectiveness in use and production. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Diagnostic accuracy; Indirect IgM and IgG ELISA; Recombinant nucleocapsid (N) protein; Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus; Ruminants | immunoglobulin G; immunoglobulin M; nucleocapsid protein; protein G; recombinant protein; animal experiment; animal model; antibody detection; article; bovids; cattle; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; diagnostic accuracy; domestic species; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; goat; hemagglutination inhibition; hemorrhagic fever; molecular clock; nonhuman; protein analysis; protein expression; protein stability; Rift Valley fever bunyavirus; sensitivity and specificity; serodiagnosis; sheep; vaccination; virus inactivation; virus neutralization; virus nucleocapsid; Animal Diseases; Animals; Antibodies, Viral; Antibody Specificity; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Cloning, Molecular; DNA, Viral; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Goat Diseases; Goats; Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Neutralization Tests; Nucleocapsid Proteins; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Recombinant Proteins; Rift Valley Fever; Rift Valley fever virus; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Bos; Capra hircus; Ovis aries; Rift Valley fever virus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860448069 | Impacts of e-health on the outcomes of care in low- and middle-income countries: Where do we go from here? [Impacts de la télésanté sur les résultats sanitaires dans les pays à revenu faible et moyen: Quelle direction prendre?] | Piette J.D., Lun K.C., Moura Jr. L.A., Fraser H.S.F., Mechael P.N., Powellf J., Khoja S.R. | 2012 | Bulletin of the World Health Organization | 90 | 5 | 10.2471/BLT.11.099069 | Veteran Affairs Ann Arbor Center for Clinical Management Research, Health Services Research and Development Center of Excellence, PO Box 130170, Ann Arbor, MI, 48113-0170, United States; School of Computing, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Assis Moura eHealth, São Paulo, Brazil; Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, United States; Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York NY, United States; Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; E-Health Resource Centre, The Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya | Piette, J.D., Veteran Affairs Ann Arbor Center for Clinical Management Research, Health Services Research and Development Center of Excellence, PO Box 130170, Ann Arbor, MI, 48113-0170, United States; Lun, K.C., School of Computing, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Moura Jr., L.A., Assis Moura eHealth, São Paulo, Brazil; Fraser, H.S.F., Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, United States; Mechael, P.N., Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York NY, United States; Powellf, J., Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; Khoja, S.R., E-Health Resource Centre, The Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya | E-health encompasses a diverse set of informatics tools that have been designed to improve public health and health care. Little information is available on the impacts of e-health programmes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. We therefore conducted a scoping review of the published and non-published literature to identify data on the effects of e-health on health outcomes and costs. The emphasis was on the identification of unanswered questions for future research, particularly on topics relevant to low- and middle-income countries. Although e-health tools supporting clinical practice have growing penetration globally, there is more evidence of benefits for tools that support clinical decisions and laboratory information systems than for those that support picture archiving and communication systems. Community information systems for disease surveillance have been implemented successfully in several low- and middle-income countries. Although information on outcomes is generally lacking, a large project in Brazil has documented notable impacts on health-system efficiency. Meta-analyses and rigorous trials have documented the benefits of text messaging for improving outcomes such as patients' self-care. Automated telephone monitoring and self-care support calls have been shown to improve some outcomes of chronic disease management, such as glycaemia and blood pressure control, in low- and middle-income countries. Although large programmes for e-health implementation and research are being conducted in many low- and middle-income countries, more information on the impacts of e-health on outcomes and costs in these settings is still needed. | None | developing world; health care; information and communication technology; information system; public health; article; automation; blood pressure regulation; chronic disease; clinical decision making; clinical practice; cost effectiveness analysis; decision support system; developing country; disease surveillance; e health system; electronic medical record; glycemic control; health care cost; health care quality; health care system; health services research; hospital information system; human; information service; low income country; mass communication; medical informatics; meta analysis (topic); middle income country; outcome assessment; picture archiving and communication system; quality adjusted life year; randomized controlled trial (topic); self care; text messaging; Developing Countries; Efficiency; Efficiency, Organizational; Electronic Health Records; Health Care Costs; Hospital Information Systems; Humans; Income; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Socioeconomic Factors; Telemedicine; World Health | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860389507 | Evaluation of the effects of long-term storage of bovine ear notch samples on the ability of 2 diagnostic assays to identify calves persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhoea virus | Khan F., Vorster J.H., van Vuuren M., Mapham P. | 2011 | Journal of the South African Veterinary Association | 82 | 1 | None | Vetdiagnostix, Veterinary Pathology Services, PO Box 13624, Cascades, 3202, South Africa; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Veterinary House Hospital, 339 Prince Alfred Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa | Khan, F., Vetdiagnostix, Veterinary Pathology Services, PO Box 13624, Cascades, 3202, South Africa; Vorster, J.H., Vetdiagnostix, Veterinary Pathology Services, PO Box 13624, Cascades, 3202, South Africa; van Vuuren, M., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Mapham, P., Veterinary House Hospital, 339 Prince Alfred Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa | Research aimed at optimising diagnostic laboratory procedures is central to the development of effective bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) control programmes. BVDV is a single-stranded RNA virus that crosses the placenta to infect foetuses, resulting in reproductive losses due to foetal death or persistently infected calves that die early in life. Persistently infected animals are widely accepted to be the primary reservoir of BVDV and the largest source of infection. This poses important challenges to overall animal/herd health and can cause major losses to the cattle industry. Long-term storage of bovine ear notch samples from calves persistently infected with BVDV may adversely affect the ability of diagnostic assays to detect the virus efficiently. In order to test this hypothesis, ear notch samples from 7 animals were divided into 2 groups. One set was subjected to prompt formalin fixation and the other set stored either as fresh samples without preservatives at -2 °C, or soaked overnight in phosphate buffered saline followed by freezing of the supernatant fluid at -2 °C. Frozen ear notches and ear notch supernatant yielded positive results with an antigen-capture, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (AC-ELISA) for the duration of the study (6 months) and optical density (OD) values remained significantly within range. There was no significant difference between storing fresh ear notch samples or PBS at -2 °C. However, positive immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining on formalin fixed ear notches started to fade between Day 17 and Day 29 when stored at room temperature. It was concluded that fresh ear notches could safely be stored at -2 °C for a period of 6 months prior to testing for BVD viral antigens. | AC-ELISA; BVDV; Ear notch; Immunohistochemistry; Long-term storage; PBS | formaldehyde; virus antigen; article; bovine viral diarrhea; calf (bovine); ear; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; immunohistochemistry; long term care; nonhuman; optical density; organ preservation; persistent infection; room temperature; Animals; Antigens, Viral; Bovine Virus Diarrhea-Mucosal Disease; Cattle; Diarrhea Viruses, Bovine Viral; Ear; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Freezing; Immunohistochemistry; Specimen Handling; Tissue Preservation; Animalia; Bos; Bovinae; Bovine viral diarrhea virus 1; RNA viruses | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865526554 | Performance of four cauliflower varieties (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) under open field conditions in seychelles | Ijoyah M.O., Rakotomavo H. | 2006 | Tropical Agriculture | 83 | 04-Jan | None | Vegetable Evaluation and Research Station, Anse Boileau, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, P.O. Box 166, Mahe, Seychelles; Department of Crop Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria | Ijoyah, M.O., Department of Crop Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Rakotomavo, H., Vegetable Evaluation and Research Station, Anse Boileau, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, P.O. Box 166, Mahe, Seychelles | A field experiment was conducted from March to September 2005 at the Vegetable Evaluation and Research Station, Anse Boileau, to evaluate the performance of four cauliflower varieties under open-field conditions in Seychelles. Results of the study showed that variety Rami not only produced curds with the largest circumference of 33.9 cm, but also produced the highest number of curds not affected with the black rot fungal disease. This variety, in addition, gave curd yield increases of 7.8, 15.7, and 25.0% compared to the yield obtained from Amazing, Clima, and Tropical Extra Early varieties, respectively. Rami performed best under open field conditions in Seychelles and can be considered as a potential replacement for the common variety (Tropical Extra Early). ©2006 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad). | Cauliflower varieties; Performance; Seychelles | Botrytis; Brassica oleracea; Brassica oleracea var. botrytis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845263248 | Impact of the rift valley on restriction fragment length polymorphism typing of the major African malaria vector Anopheles funestus (Diptera: Culicidae) | Koekemoer L.L., Kamau L., Garros C., Manguin S., Hunt R.H., Coetzee M. | 2006 | Journal of Medical Entomology | 43 | 6 | 10.1603/0022-2585(2006)43[1178:IOTRVO]2.0.CO;2 | Vector Control Reference Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Private bag X 4, Sandringham, 2131, South Africa; Division of Virology and Communicable Disease Surveillance, School of Pathology of the National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840, Nairobi 00200, Kenya; Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), UMR Centre de Biologie et de Gestion des Populations, Montpellier, France; School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Private bag X 3, Wits 2080, South Africa | Koekemoer, L.L., Vector Control Reference Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Private bag X 4, Sandringham, 2131, South Africa, Division of Virology and Communicable Disease Surveillance, School of Pathology of the National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kamau, L., Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840, Nairobi 00200, Kenya; Garros, C., Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), UMR Centre de Biologie et de Gestion des Populations, Montpellier, France; Manguin, S., Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), UMR Centre de Biologie et de Gestion des Populations, Montpellier, France; Hunt, R.H., School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Private bag X 3, Wits 2080, South Africa; Coetzee, M., Vector Control Reference Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Private bag X 4, Sandringham, 2131, South Africa, Division of Virology and Communicable Disease Surveillance, School of Pathology of the National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Anopheles funestus Giles (Diptera: Culicidae) is one of Africa's major malaria vectors. To understand population structure within An. funestus, various molecular markers have recently been developed. We investigated the impact of the Rift Valley on one such molecular marker, a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). This system distinguishes An. funestus populations into types M, W, and MW. Generally, these types correlate between geographical location and RFLP type, whereby M associates essentially with eastern Africa, W with western and central Africa, and MW with southern Africa. In total, 606 specimens were screened from 12 countries. Specimens from southern African localities were of the expected MW-type with the exception of the sample from Malawi, which showed all three types. The specimens from Tanzania showed the M- and MW-types, whereas specimens from Kenya showed M- and W-types. We also recorded different RFLP types not recorded previously. Type Y was recorded in Malawi, and Z-type was recorded from four localities: Angola, Malawi, Ghana, and Zambia. © 2006 Entomological Society of America. | Anopheles funestus; Malaria; Population structure; Restriction fragment length polymorphism types | Africa; animal; Anopheles; article; classification; comparative study; demography; disease carrier; DNA sequence; genetics; geography; molecular genetics; nucleotide sequence; parasitology; Plasmodium; population genetics; restriction fragment length polymorphism; Africa, Eastern; Animals; Anopheles; Base Sequence; Demography; Genetics, Population; Geography; Insect Vectors; Molecular Sequence Data; Plasmodium; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Anopheles funestus; Culicidae; Diptera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-72349091458 | Evaluation of the pyrrole insecticide chlorfenapyr against pyrethroid resistant and susceptible Anopheles funestus (Diptera: Culicidae) | Oliver S.V., Kaiser M.L., Wood O.R., Coetzee M., Rowland M., Brooke B.D. | 2010 | Tropical Medicine and International Health | 15 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2009.02416.x | Vector Control Reference Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, NHLS, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa; Malaria Entomology Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; NRF Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Oliver, S.V., Vector Control Reference Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, NHLS, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa, Malaria Entomology Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kaiser, M.L., Vector Control Reference Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, NHLS, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa, Malaria Entomology Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Wood, O.R., Vector Control Reference Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, NHLS, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa, Malaria Entomology Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Coetzee, M., Vector Control Reference Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, NHLS, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa, Malaria Entomology Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, NRF Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Rowland, M., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Brooke, B.D., Vector Control Reference Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, NHLS, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa, Malaria Entomology Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Objective To evaluate the pyrrole insecticide chlorfenapyr, which has a novel non-neurotoxic mode of action and is a promising alternative to conventional adulticides, against Anopheles funestus. Method The toxicity of a range of concentrations of chlorfenapyr against pyrethroid resistant and susceptible laboratory reared southern African An. funestus was assessed using standard WHO protocols and analysed using probit analysis. Results The pyrethroid resistant strain showed consistently higher LD50 and LD95 values compared to the susceptible strain, but these differences were not statistically significant and the magnitude was twofold at most. The LD50 values recorded for An. funestus are approximately three-fold higher than those reported elsewhere for other species of anopheline. Conclusions Monooxygenase based pyrethroid resistance in An. funestus does not influence the toxic effect of chlorfenapyr. It is unlikely that such a small decrease in susceptibility of An. funestus to chlorfenapyr relative to other anophelines would have any operational implications. Chlorfenapyr is an important addition to insecticides available for malaria vector control, and could be used as a resistance management tool to either circumvent or slow the development of resistance. © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Anopheles funestus; Chlorfenapyr; Malaria control; Pyrethroid resistance | insecticide; pyrethroid; pyrrole derivative; unspecific monooxygenase; chemical control; disease control; disease vector; enzyme activity; insecticide; malaria; mosquito; pesticide resistance; resistance management; toxicity; World Health Organization; Anopheles; anopheles funestus; article; controlled study; genetic strain; insecticidal activity; insecticide resistance; LD 50; malaria; malaria control; nonhuman; resistance management; South Africa; toxicity; vector control; world health organization; Animals; Anopheles; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Insect Vectors; Insecticide Resistance; Insecticides; Lethal Dose 50; Pyrethrins; Survival Analysis; Africa; Anopheles funestus; Culicidae; Diptera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846818674 | Impact of a national helminth control programme on infection and morbidity in Ugandan schoolchildren | Kabatereine N.B., Brooker S., Koukounari A., Kazibwe F., Tukahebwa E.M., Fleming F.M., Zhang Y., Webster J.P., Stothardd J.R., Fenwick A. | 2007 | Bulletin of the World Health Organization | 85 | 2 | 10.2471/BLT.06.030353 | Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, PO Box 1661, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Zoology Department, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom | Kabatereine, N.B., Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, PO Box 1661, Kampala, Uganda; Brooker, S., Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Koukounari, A., Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Kazibwe, F., Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, PO Box 1661, Kampala, Uganda; Tukahebwa, E.M., Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, PO Box 1661, Kampala, Uganda; Fleming, F.M., Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Zhang, Y., Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Webster, J.P., Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Stothardd, J.R., Zoology Department, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom; Fenwick, A., Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom | Objective: We aimed to assess the health impact of a national control programme targeting schistosomiasis and intestinal nematodes in Uganda, which has provided population-based anthelmintic chemotherapy since 2003. Methods: We conducted longitudinal surveys on infection status, haemoglobin concentration and clinical morbidity in 1871 randomly selected schoolchildren from 37 schools in eight districts across Uganda at three time points - before chemotherapy and after one year and two years of annual mass chemotherapy. Findings: Mass treatment with praziquantel and albendazole led to a significant decrease in the intensity of Schistosoma mansoni - 70% (95% confidence interval (CI): 66-73%) after one year and 82% (95% CI: 80-85%) after two years of treatment. Intensity of hookworm infection also decreased (75% and 93%; unadjusted). There was a significant increase in haemoglobin concentration after one (0.135 g/dL (95% CI: 0.126-0.144)) and two years (0.303 g/dL (95% CI: 0.293-0.312)) of treatment, and a significant decrease in signs of early clinical morbidity. The impact of intervention on S. mansoni prevalence and intensity was similar to that predicted by mathematical models of the impact of chemotherapy on human schistosomiasis. Improvements in haemoglobin concentration were greatest among children who were anaemic or harbouring heavy S. mansoni infection at baseline. Conclusion: Anthelmintic treatment delivered as part of a national helminth control programme can decrease infection and morbidity among schoolchildren and improve haemoglobin concentration. | None | albendazole; praziquantel; chemotherapy; disease prevalence; disease severity; health impact; health survey; hemoglobin; morbidity; national strategy; nematode; schistosomiasis; student; vaccination; adolescent; article; child; female; health program; health survey; hemoglobin determination; human; infection control; longitudinal study; major clinical study; male; mass screening; morbidity; prevalence; Schistosoma mansoni; schistosomiasis; Uganda; Adolescent; Albendazole; Ancylostoma; Animals; Anthelmintics; Child; Female; Health Promotion; Helminthiasis; Hookworm Infections; Humans; Male; National Health Programs; Praziquantel; Program Evaluation; Prospective Studies; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis; School Health Services; Uganda; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Uganda; Ancylostomatoidea; Nematoda; Schistosoma mansoni; Vermes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870489808 | E-Surveillance in Animal Health: Use and evaluation of mobile tools | Madder M., Walker J.G., Van Rooyen J., Knobel D., Vandamme E., Berkvens D., Vanwambeke S.O., De Clercq E.M. | 2012 | Parasitology | 139 | 14 | 10.1017/S0031182012000571 | Vector Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa; KEMRI, CDC Research and Public Health Collaboration, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu 40100, Kenya; Compton Mentor Fellowship, Compton Foundation, 101 Montgomery St., San Francisco, CA 94104, United States; Georges Lemaître Centre for Earth and Climate Research, Earth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, place L. Pasteur 3, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium | Madder, M., Vector Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa; Walker, J.G., KEMRI, CDC Research and Public Health Collaboration, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu 40100, Kenya, Compton Mentor Fellowship, Compton Foundation, 101 Montgomery St., San Francisco, CA 94104, United States; Van Rooyen, J., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa; Knobel, D., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa, KEMRI, CDC Research and Public Health Collaboration, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu 40100, Kenya; Vandamme, E., Vector Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Berkvens, D., Vector Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Vanwambeke, S.O., Georges Lemaître Centre for Earth and Climate Research, Earth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, place L. Pasteur 3, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; De Clercq, E.M., Georges Lemaître Centre for Earth and Climate Research, Earth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, place L. Pasteur 3, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium | In the last decade, mobile technology offered new opportunities and challenges in animal health surveillance. It began with the use of basic mobile phones and short message service (SMS) for disease reporting, and the development of smartphones and other mobile tools has expanded the possibilities for data collection. These tools assist in the collection of data as well as geo-referenced mapping of diseases, and mapping, visualization and identification of vectors such as ticks. In this article we share our findings about new technologies in the domain of animal health surveillance, based on several projects using a wide range of mobile tools, each with their specific applicability and limitations. For each of the tools used, a comprehensive overview is given about its applicability, limitations, technical requirements, cost and also the perception of the users.The evaluation of the tools clearly shows the importance of selecting the appropriate tool depending on the envisaged data to be collected. Accessibility, visualization and cost related to data collection differ significantly among the tools tested. This paper can thus be seen as a practical guide to the currently available tools. © 2012 Cambridge University Press. | animal health; mobile technology; smart phones; SMS; Surveillance | animal health; article; computer program; controlled study; disease surveillance; electronics; human; information processing; microscope; mobile phone; nonhuman; priority journal; technology; Africa; Animals; Cellular Phone; Data Collection; Introduced Species; Population Surveillance; Software; Tick-Borne Diseases; Ticks; Animalia; Ixodida | None |
| WoS | WOS:000274328200014 | Impact of Parallel Anesthesia and Surgical Provider Training in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Model for a Resource-poor Setting | Bird, Peter,Newton, Mark | 2010 | WORLD JOURNAL OF SURGERY | 34 | 3 | 10.1007/s00268-009-0195-z | Vanderbilt University, Kijabe Hosp | "Newton, Mark: Vanderbilt University", | The lack of appropriate numbers of anesthesia and surgical care providers in many resource-poor countries around the world, especially in rural populations, prevents adequate care of the large numbers of patients who require surgery in these settings.
This article provides a 10-year review of a rural hospital located in East Africa which developed a training program based on parallel training of anesthesia and surgical care providers. We report the process of building the foundational aspects of a customized medical education program that addresses specific concerns related to the work in a rural African context, which may be very different from medical care provided in the urban settings of low income countries (LIC). We analyzed how the parallel training can provide the clinical tools needed to have a practical impact on the surgical burden in rural Africa.
The parallel training program combining training of nurse-anesthetists with the training of multiple levels of surgical care providers, from interns to fellows, led to a fourfold increase in the number of surgical cases. Surgical subspecialty training and the development of an anesthesia care team with anesthesia consultant(s) oversight can serve to maintain a high level of complex and expanding surgical case volume in a rural African hospital setting.
This model can be applied to other similar situations in LIC, where the anesthesia and surgical care can be coupled and then customized for the unique clinical rural setting. | ,DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES,DEVELOPING-WORLD,DISTRICT,HEALTH,KENYA,NIGERIA,PEDIATRIC-SURGERY,SERVICES,UGANDA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892518869 | Complexities and challenges of academic programme self-evaluation: A case of two department | Selesho J.M. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p175 | Vaal University Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Selesho, J.M., Vaal University Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Recently institutional self-evaluation has become an important management tool implemeted by universities in improving the quality of academic programmes. Compared to earlier decades, not only employers are demanding quality from universities but the goverment is also putting pressure for accountability and improvement. This study is monitoring the use of selfevaluation as a management tool to improve the quality of teaching and learning at undegraduate level. The study did use the documental analyses as data gathering instrument from the two schools selected in a university. The findings revealed that the two case study schools have a mixed quality management porcess with regard to Teaching and Learning approach. The findings did provide the study with an alignment of teaching and learning together with assessment. The study did reveal that quality assessment can only be achieved once quality teaching and learning has taken place. There were a number of lesson learnt in the study for instances linking of teaching, learning and assessment was an eye opener since this takes the quality of teaching and its efficiency and its effectiveness. | Assessment; Institutional self-evaluation; Teaching and learning; Undergraduate | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892543514 | 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-s2.0-84892502314 | Under-graduate academic programme self-evaluation contained in higher education context: A defense from South Africa University | Selesho J.M. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p45 | Vaal University Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Selesho, J.M., Vaal University Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Recently institutional self-evaluation has become an important management tool implemeted by universities in improving the quality of academic programmes. Compared to earlier decades, not only employers are demanding quality from universities but the goverment is also putting pressure for accountability and improvement. This study is monitoring the use of selfevaluation as a management tool to improve the quality of teaching and learning at undegraduate level. The study did use the documental analyses as data gathering instrument from the two schools selected in a university. The findings revealed that the two case study schools have a mixed quality management porcess with regard to Teaching and Learning approach. The findings did provide the study with an alignment of teaching and learning together with assessment. The study did reveal that quality assessment can only be achieved once quality teaching and learning has taken place. There were a number of lesson learnt in the study for instances linking of teaching, learning and assessment was an eye opener since this takes the quality of teaching and its efficiency and its effectiveness. | Assessment; Institutional self-evaluation; Teaching and learning; Undergraduate | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892522599 | Determining the impact of contract of employment: A case of low income earners | Ntisa A., Selesho J. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 2 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n2p221 | Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Ntisa, A., Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Selesho, J., Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | South African government has promised to create jobs in this democratic era; however workers continue to find themselves in unsecured or contingent labour market. As a consequence job security has captured the attention of public and private sectors since jobs are becoming scarcer than they used to be as a result of poor economic climate. Economic recession, new information technology, industrial restructuring and accelerated global competition contribute to job insecurity as employers cannot retain employees under a lifetime employment. The paper argues from the premise that without proper contract of employment the labour market will continue to fluctuate and become unstable. The survey design was used as it fit perfectly with the quantitative research approach. Target population (N=2836) comprised domestic workers, while accidental sampling was chosen as it was convenient to administer questionnaires to domestic workers. Finally, questionnaires were administered to a sample of 203 (n) participants with the rate return of 202. The research was based on voluntary participation. The empirical results of this study revealed, that particular factors exist that continually maintain the vulnerability of workers in the domestic sector. These factors are: poor movement of trade unionism, employment relationships without written contracts of employment, and lack of education. This serves as a reflection of little pressure on domestic employers to comply with new labour laws that cover domestic workers. | Contract of employment; Domestic workers; Job security | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892740869 | Principals' perceptions of the influence of mandates on the work performance of teachers | Grobler B.R., Moloi K.C., Fhatuwani J.N. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 13 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n13p87 | Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Grobler, B.R., Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Moloi, K.C., Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Fhatuwani, J.N., University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | The investigation on the perceptions of school principals regarding the influence of mandated change on the work performance of teachers is quantitative in nature and is contexualised in the Vhembe district of the Limpopo Province. At the time we conducted this research, most studies on mandates had involved the implementation of education policies and regulations, but the findings of these did not apply to the influence of these mandates on teacher work performance. After a search of studies on mandated change, we decided to approach our investigation from Gidden's (2003) structuration theory and Ritzer's (2008) model of micro-macro level mandates. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire that was distributed to 274 principals comprising the total population of secondary schools in the district and it was analysed using the SPSS 14.0 statistical programme to capture principals' perceptions on the influence of mandated change on the work performance of teachers. From the statistical analysis, one theoretical factor emerged and this was named "the influence of mandated change processes on the phenomena that comprise the indicators of teacher work performance". This factor formed the dependent variable and the various work performance indicators were used as independent variables. A constantly recurring finding was that there were two groups of school principals, one with a positive and the other with a less positive perception about mandated change processes. This article presents the results of this investigation. | Integrated quality management; Mandated change processes; Perceptions; Principals; Teacher work performance | None | 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-s2.0-84900431133 | 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-s2.0-84897415195 | The impact of fashion entrepreneurs' traits on the success of fashion businesses in the Gauteng province In South Afric | Moloi K.C., Nkhahle-Rapita M.A. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 4 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n4p78 | Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | Moloi, K.C., Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa; Nkhahle-Rapita, M.A. | The aim of this article is to examine the impact of fashion entrepreneurs' traits on the success of fashion businesses in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Entrepreneurs are said to be individuals who accept risks and who are innovative in terms of their business management skills, while displaying the personal traits of risk taking, creativity, ambition and other qualities involved in the provision of products and services to society. We argue that entrepreneurs are important because they contribute to the economy of the country. The research design employed for the study was quantitative, using a selfadministered questionnaire to elicit information on the impact of fashion entrepreneurs' traits on the success of the fashion businesses from respondents in the industry. The study found that 92.3 percent of fashion entrepreneurs take risks while 100 percent indicated that they were motivated by the success achieved in their businesses. Some of the fashion entrepreneurs (75.9 percent) indicated that they considered themselves to be creative. | Entrepreneurship; Fashion entrepreneurs; Success; Traits; Vaal region | 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 |
| 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-s2.0-84908375913 | The correlation of leadership practices of first and second generation family business owners to business performance | van der Westhuizen J.P., Garnett A. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 21 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n21p27 | Vaal University of Technology, South Africa; North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, South Africa | van der Westhuizen, J.P., Vaal University of Technology, South Africa; Garnett, A., North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, South Africa | Family firms are a major contributor to many economies. However, very few of these businesses will continue to exist after the first generation due to succession failure. Family business leaders need to learn how to manage the factors that affect the succession process. Researchers in family business literature acknowledge that leadership is vital to the success and survival of the firm, although the high failure rate of family businesses in the second and later generations indicates that the succeeding generations might not have developed sufficient leadership practices to sustain business performance. The aim of this research study was to investigate whether there is a correlation between leadership practices and business performance amongst first and second generation owners of family firms. A self administered, quantitative survey questionnaire, measuring leadership practices and business performance was distributed via means of a non-probability, snowball sampling method to 197 first and second generation family business owners in the Sedibeng region of South Africa. The findings indicate that positive significant correlations exist between the occurrence of leadership practices and business performance for first generation leaders of the selected family businesses, but limited correlations exist between the variables for the second generation leaders. These results illuminate the potential differences in the ways that first and second generation leaders lead family businesses. To this end, propositions are offered to assist founders in training future leaders. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All right reserved. | Business performance; Family business; First generation; Leadership practices; Successors | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904672065 | Barriers to effective supply Chain management, implementation, and impact on business performance of SMEs in South Africa | Dubihlela J., Omoruyi O. | 2014 | Journal of Applied Business Research | 30 | 4 | None | Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | Dubihlela, J., Vaal University of Technology, South Africa; Omoruyi, O., Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | Supply chain management (SCM) is vital for companies to achieve their goals and for information sharing. Operations managers are faced with many barriers in implementing SCM, particularly in developing economies such as South Africa. It is essential for managers of SMEs to know the key barriers and attempt to minimize them and improve competitive strength. This article presents the SCM implementation barriers and suggests significant variations between these barriers as well as their impact on the business performance of SMEs. Researchers and trained fieldworkers gathered the needed data through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires, obtaining a total of 249 usable questionnaires. The data analysis included frequencies, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in Amos 5, and structural equation modelling (SEM) run LISREL 8.8. The results revealed that the lack of economies of scale, poor organisation structures, and technological challenges are the major limitations to implementing SCM. The findings of this research provide invaluable information to scholars and researchers investigating the barriers of SCM implementation, and to SMEs managers who desire to implement SCM. The findings can assist the development of effective strategic and operational plans as well as to programs and projects designed to enhance SCM within SMEs in South Africa. The research paper concludes by discussing both academic and managerial implications of the results, providing future research directions. | Business performance; Implementation barriers; SMEs; South Africa; Supply chain management | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-51549114741 | The impact of stress on student tardiness and subsequent throughput rate of engineering students: A case study | Swart A.J. | 2008 | International Journal of Engineering Education | 24 | 4 | None | Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | Swart, A.J., Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa | Stress is any change that requires a person to adjust to a new situation and is registered in the brain as a threat that causes a stress response in the body. 'Student tardiness' is the term ascribed to students who suffer from tardiness, which is defined as the quality or condition of not being on time. Student tardiness is currently experienced in many higher educational institutions, contributing to poor academic achievements and subsequent low throughput rates. Tardiness is viewed as a construct, which is an abstract concept deliberately created to represent a collection of concrete forms of behaviour including stress or anxiety. The case study on which this article is based explored the relationship between stress or anxiety and tardiness of engineering students, establishing a direct correlation between stress or anxiety and the throughput rate of an engineering module called Design Project III. The empirical study incorporated an ex-post facto study involving a preexperimentallexploratory design using descriptive statistics. The results of this research were applied to three separate tests which indicated a statistically significant relationship between stress or anxiety and the final throughput rate (75%) of the module Design Project III. Moreover, the presence of a negative correlation indicates that a decrease in the negative aspects of stress or anxiety will result in an increase in the final throughput rate of the module, subsequently influencing the academic success of engineering students. © 2008 TEMPUS Publications. | Anxiety; Engineering student; Stress; Student tardiness; Throughput rate | 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-s2.0-38749084212 | 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-s2.0-84892494638 | 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-s2.0-84904105334 | 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-s2.0-70450204932 | Effect of minimal supplemental feeding with lucerne during late gestation on pre-weaning performance of goats grazing Themeda triandra and Tarconanthus camphoratus | Mashiloane M.L., Ntwaeagae O.M. | 2009 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 21 | 11 | None | Vaalharts Agricultural Research Station, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Private Bag X9, Northern Cape, Jan Kempdorp 8550, South Africa | Mashiloane, M.L., Vaalharts Agricultural Research Station, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Private Bag X9, Northern Cape, Jan Kempdorp 8550, South Africa; Ntwaeagae, O.M., Vaalharts Agricultural Research Station, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Private Bag X9, Northern Cape, Jan Kempdorp 8550, South Africa | The objectives of this study were to determine if minimal supplemental feeding with lucerne during late gestation has effect on weight gain of does and birth weight, weaning weight and pre-weaning growth rate of their kids. Thirty-six late-pregnant does were allocated in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) to three levels of lucerne treatment in a minimal supplemental strategy. The strategy requires that animals be fed at least half their daily dry matter requirement with a high nutrient feedstuff to supplement natural grazing. Effects of minimal supplementation with lucerne were analyzed using Mixed procedures of SAS. There were no significant differences in doe weight gain between all treatments, and the same applied for kid performance traits. Minimal supplemental feeding with lucerne did not affect weight gain of does and pre-weaning performance kids. | Gestation; Kid performance; Nutritional constraints | Animalia; Capra hircus; Medicago sativa; Tarchonanthus camphoratus; Themeda triandra | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923427644 | 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-s2.0-48349123725 | Evaluation of immunoglobulin purification methods and their impact on quality and yield of antigen-specific antibodies | Bergmann-Leitner E.S., Mease R.M., Duncan E.H., Khan F., Waitumbi J., Angov E. | 2008 | Malaria Journal | 7 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-7-129 | US Military Malaria Vaccine Program, Division of Malaria Vaccine Development, WRAIR, Silver Spring, MD, United States; Walter Reed Project, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya | Bergmann-Leitner, E.S., US Military Malaria Vaccine Program, Division of Malaria Vaccine Development, WRAIR, Silver Spring, MD, United States; Mease, R.M., US Military Malaria Vaccine Program, Division of Malaria Vaccine Development, WRAIR, Silver Spring, MD, United States; Duncan, E.H., US Military Malaria Vaccine Program, Division of Malaria Vaccine Development, WRAIR, Silver Spring, MD, United States; Khan, F., US Military Malaria Vaccine Program, Division of Malaria Vaccine Development, WRAIR, Silver Spring, MD, United States; Waitumbi, J., Walter Reed Project, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Angov, E., US Military Malaria Vaccine Program, Division of Malaria Vaccine Development, WRAIR, Silver Spring, MD, United States | Background. Antibodies are the main effectors against malaria blood-stage parasites. Evaluation of functional activities in immune sera from Phase 2a/b vaccine trials may provide invaluable information in the search for immune correlates of protection. However, the presence of anti-malarial-drugs, improper collection/storage conditions or concomitant immune responses against other pathogens can contribute to non-specific anti-parasite activities when the sera/plasma are tested in vitro. Purification of immunoglobulin is a standard approach for reducing such non-specific background activities, but the purification method itself can alter the quality and yield of recovered Ag-specific antibodies. Methods. To address this concern, various immunoglobulin (Ig) purification methods (protein G Sepharose, protein A/G Sepharose, polyethylene glycol and caprylic acid-ammonium sulphate precipitation) were evaluated for their impact on the quality, quantity and functional activity of purified rabbit and human Igs. The recovered Igs were analysed for yield and purity by SDS-PAGE, for quality by Ag-specific ELISAs (determining changes in titer, avidity and isotype distribution) and for functional activity by in vitro parasite growth inhibition assay (GIA). Results. This comparison demonstrated that overall polyethylene glycol purification of human serum/plasma samples and protein G Sepharose purification of rabbit sera are optimal for recovering functional Ag-specific antibodies. Conclusion. Consequently, critical consideration of the purification method is required to avoid selecting non-representative populations of recovered Ig, which could influence interpretations of vaccine efficacy, or affect the search for immune correlates of protection. © 2008 Bergmann-Leitner et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | ammonium sulfate; immunoglobulin; macrogol; octanoic acid; protein A; protein G; sepharose; animal experiment; antigen antibody complex; article; blood salvage; drug efficacy; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; growth inhibition; human; immunity; malaria; nonhuman; parasite; polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; precipitation; protein purification; rabbit | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57649229021 | Reference intervals in healthy adult Ugandan blood donors and their impact on conducting international vaccine trials | Eller L.A., Eller M.A., Ouma B., Kataaha P., Kyabaggu D., Tumusiime R., Wandege J., Sanya R., Sateren W.B., Wabwire-Mangen F., Kibuuka H., Robb M.L., Michael N.L., de Souza M.S. | 2008 | PLoS ONE | 3 | 12 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0003919 | U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Rockville, MD, United States; Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; Uganda National Blood Transfusion Service, Kampala, Uganda; Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Rockville, MD, United States; Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand | Eller, L.A., U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Rockville, MD, United States, Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; Eller, M.A., U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Rockville, MD, United States, Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; Ouma, B., Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; Kataaha, P., Uganda National Blood Transfusion Service, Kampala, Uganda; Kyabaggu, D., Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; Tumusiime, R., Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; Wandege, J., Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; Sanya, R., Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; Sateren, W.B., U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Rockville, MD, United States; Wabwire-Mangen, F., Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; Kibuuka, H., Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; Robb, M.L., U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Rockville, MD, United States; Michael, N.L., Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Rockville, MD, United States; de Souza, M.S., U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Rockville, MD, United States, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand | Background: Clinical trials are increasingly being conducted internationally. In order to ensure enrollment of healthy participants and proper safety evaluation of vaccine candidates, established reference intervals for clinical tests are required in the target population. Methodology/Principal Findings: We report a reference range study conducted in Ugandan adult blood bank donors establishing reference intervals for hematology and clinical chemistry parameters. Several differences were observed when compared to previously established values from the United States, most notably in neutrophils and eosinophils. Conclusions/Significance: In a recently conducted vaccine trial in Uganda, 31 percent (n = 69) of volunteers screened (n = 223) were excluded due to hematologic abnormalities. If local reference ranges had been employed, 83% of those screened out due to these abnormalities could have been included in the study, drastically reducing workload and cost associated with the screening process. In addition, toxicity tables used in vaccine and drug trial safety evaluations may need adjustment as some clinical reference ranges determined in this study overlap with grade 1 and grade 2 adverse events. | None | carbon dioxide; hemoglobin; vaccine; article; blood donor; blood sampling; clinical chemistry; controlled study; drug safety; eosinophil; female; hematology; human; human experiment; male; mass screening; neutrophil count; normal human; reference value; screening test; thrombocyte count; Uganda; United States; volunteer; adolescent; adult; blood analysis; clinical trial; health; immunology; international cooperation; middle aged; Negro; statistics; Adolescent; Adult; African Continental Ancestry Group; Blood Chemical Analysis; Blood Donors; Blood Specimen Collection; Clinical Trials as Topic; Female; Health; Hematology; Humans; International Cooperation; Male; Middle Aged; Reference Values; Uganda; Vaccines | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921305133 | Evaluation of treatment outcomes for patients on first-line regimens in US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) clinics in Uganda: Predictors of virological and immunological response from RV288 analyses | Crawford K.W., Wakabi S., Magala F., Kibuuka H., Liu M., Hamm T. | 2015 | HIV Medicine | 16 | 2 | 10.1111/hiv.12177 | U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP), Global Health Programs, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Bethesda, MD, United States; Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States; Makerere University Walter Reed Program, Kampala, Uganda | Crawford, K.W., U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP), Global Health Programs, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Bethesda, MD, United States, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States; Wakabi, S., Makerere University Walter Reed Program, Kampala, Uganda; Magala, F., Makerere University Walter Reed Program, Kampala, Uganda; Kibuuka, H., Makerere University Walter Reed Program, Kampala, Uganda; Liu, M., U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP), Global Health Programs, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Bethesda, MD, United States, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States; Hamm, T., U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP), Global Health Programs, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Bethesda, MD, United States, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States | Objectives: Viral load (VL) monitoring is recommended, but seldom performed, in resource-constrained countries. RV288 is a US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) basic programme evaluation to determine the proportion of patients on treatment who are virologically suppressed and to identify predictors of virological suppression and recovery of CD4 cell count. Analyses from Uganda are presented here. Methods: In this cross-sectional, observational study, patients on first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) (efavirenz or nevirapine+zidovudine/lamivudine) from Kayunga District Hospital and Kagulamira Health Center were randomly selected for a study visit that included determination of viral load (HIV-1 RNA), CD4 cell count and clinical chemistry tests. Subjects were recruited by time on treatment: 6-12, 13-24 or >24 months. Logistic regression modelling identified predictors of virological suppression. Linear regression modelling identified predictors of CD4 cell count recovery on ART. Results: We found that 85.2% of 325 subjects were virologically suppressed (viral load<47 HIV-1 RNA copies/ml). There was no difference in the proportion of virologically suppressed subjects by time on treatment, yet CD4 counts were higher in each successive stratum. Women had higher median CD4 counts than men overall (406 vs. 294 cells/μL, respectively; P<0.0001) and in each time-on-treatment stratum. In a multivariate logistic regression model, predictors of virological suppression included efavirenz use [odds ratio (OR) 0.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22-1.02; P=0.057], lower cost of clinic visits (OR 0.815; 95% CI 0.66-1.00; P=0.05), improvement in CD4 percentage (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.014-1.107; P=0.009), and care at Kayunga vs.Kangulamira (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.23-0.92; P=0.035). In a multivariate linear regression model of covariates associated with CD4 count recovery, time on highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART) (P<0.0001), patient satisfaction with care (P=0.038), improvements in total lymphocyte count (P<0.0001) and haemoglobin concentration (P=0.05) were positively associated, whereas age at start of ART (P=0.0045) was negatively associated with this outcome. Conclusions: High virological suppression rates are achievable on first-line ART in Uganda. The odds of virological suppression were positively associated with efavirenz use and improvements in CD4 cell percentage and total lymphocyte count and negatively associated with the cost of travel to the clinic. CD4 cell reconstitution was positively associated with CD4 count at study visit, time on ART, satisfaction with care at clinic, haemoglobin concentration and total lymphocyte count and negatively associated with age. © 2015 British HIV Association. | First-line regimen; Sub-Saharan Africa; Treatment outcomes; Uganda; US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR); Virological suppression | efavirenz; lamivudine plus zidovudine; nevirapine; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; virus RNA; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; Africa south of the Sahara; AIDS patient; Article; CD4 lymphocyte percentage; clinical chemistry; controlled study; cross-sectional study; female; hemoglobin determination; human; immune response; male; observational study; opportunistic infection; patient satisfaction; priority journal; program evaluation; randomized controlled trial; treatment outcome; Uganda; virus load; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; age; CD4 lymphocyte count; clinical trial; disease course; drug administration; drug combination; drug effects; epidemiology; government; health care delivery; immunology; international cooperation; isolation and purification; medication compliance; middle aged; multicenter study; national health organization; non profit organization; organization and management; procedures; statistics and numerical data; transmission; United States; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adult; Age Factors; Anti-HIV Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cross-Sectional Studies; Delivery of Health Care; Disease Progression; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Government Programs; Humans; International Cooperation; Male; Medication Adherence; Middle Aged; National Institutes of Health (U.S.); Organizations, Nonprofit; Program Evaluation; RNA, Viral; Treatment Outcome; Uganda; United States; Viral Load | None |
| None | None | Natural killer cell-mediated innate sieve effect on HIV-1: The impact of KIR/HLA polymorphism on HIV-1 subtype-specific acquisition in East Africa | Koehler R.N., Alter G., Tovanabutra S., Saathoff E., Arroyo M.A., Walsh A.M., Sanders-Buell E.E., Maboko L., Hoelscher M., Robb M.L., Michael N.L., McCutchan F.E., Kim J.H., Kijak G.H. | 2013 | Journal of Infectious Diseases | 208 | 8 | 10.1093/infdis/jit349 | US Military HIV Research Program/Henry M Jackson Foundation, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Rm 2N27, Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States; Henry M Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD, United States; Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Rockville, MD, United States; NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Programme, Mbeya, Tanzania | Koehler, R.N., US Military HIV Research Program/Henry M Jackson Foundation, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Rm 2N27, Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States, Henry M Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD, United States; Alter, G., Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, United States; Tovanabutra, S., US Military HIV Research Program/Henry M Jackson Foundation, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Rm 2N27, Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States, Henry M Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD, United States; Saathoff, E., Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Arroyo, M.A., US Military HIV Research Program/Henry M Jackson Foundation, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Rm 2N27, Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States, Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Rockville, MD, United States; Walsh, A.M., US Military HIV Research Program/Henry M Jackson Foundation, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Rm 2N27, Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States, Henry M Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD, United States; Sanders-Buell, E.E., US Military HIV Research Program/Henry M Jackson Foundation, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Rm 2N27, Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States, Henry M Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD, United States; Maboko, L., NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Programme, Mbeya, Tanzania; Hoelscher, M., Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University of Munich, Munich, Germany, NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Programme, Mbeya, Tanzania; Robb, M.L., US Military HIV Research Program/Henry M Jackson Foundation, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Rm 2N27, Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States, Henry M Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD, United States; Michael, N.L., US Military HIV Research Program/Henry M Jackson Foundation, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Rm 2N27, Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States, Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Rockville, MD, United States; McCutchan, F.E., US Military HIV Research Program/Henry M Jackson Foundation, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Rm 2N27, Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States, Henry M Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD, United States; Kim, J.H., US Military HIV Research Program/Henry M Jackson Foundation, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Rm 2N27, Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States, Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Rockville, MD, United States; Kijak, G.H., US Military HIV Research Program/Henry M Jackson Foundation, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Rm 2N27, Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States, Henry M Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD, United States | Here we explore the association between killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)/HLA and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) acquisition with different viral subtypes circulating in East Africa. In the prospective Cohort Development (CODE) cohort (Mbeya, Tanzania), carriers of KIR3DS1 and its putative ligand (HLA-A or HLA-B Bw4-80Ile alleles) showed increased HIV-1 acquisition risk (odds ratio [OR] = 3.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-10.63; P =. 04) and a trend for enrichment for subtype A and A-containing recombinants (78% vs 46%; OR = 4.05; 95% CI,. 91-28.30; P =. 09) at the expense of subtype C (11% vs 43%; OR = 0.17; 95% CI,. 01-.97; P =. 08). In vitro, only natural killer cells from KIR3DS1(+)/HLA-Bw4-80Ile(+) healthy donors showed a 2-fold increased capacity to inhibit replication of subtype C vs subtype A viruses (P =. 01). These findings suggest the presence of an innate sieve effect and may inform HIV-1 vaccine development. © 2013 The Author 2013. | East Africa; HIV-1; HLA; innate immunity; KIR; sieve effect; subtypes | HLA A antigen; HLA antigen; HLA B antigen; killer cell immunoglobulin like receptor; Africa; article; cohort analysis; controlled study; disease predisposition; genetic polymorphism; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; innate immunity; natural killer cell; nonhuman; priority journal; prospective study; risk assessment; virus replication; virus strain; East Africa; HIV-1; HLA; innate immunity; KIR; sieve effect; subtypes; Genotype; HIV Infections; HIV Seroprevalence; HIV-1; HLA Antigens; Humans; Killer Cells, Natural; Odds Ratio; Polymorphism, Genetic; Prospective Studies; Receptors, KIR; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247847793 | Evaluation of Aldrithiol-2-inactivated preparations of HIV type 1 subtypes A, B, and D as reagents to monitor T cell responses | Rutebemberwa A., Bess Jr. J.W., Brown B., Arroyo M., Eller M., Slike B., Polonis V., McCutchan F., Currier J.R., Birx D., Robb M., Marovich M., Lifson J.D., Cox J.H. | 2007 | AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses | 23 | 4 | 10.1089/aid.2006.0136 | US Military HIV Research Program, Henry Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; SAIC Frederick, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, AIDS Vaccine Program, Frederick, MD 21702, United States; Makerere University, Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Henry Jackson Foundation, 13 Taft Court, Rockville, MD 20850, United States | Rutebemberwa, A., US Military HIV Research Program, Henry Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Bess Jr., J.W., SAIC Frederick, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, AIDS Vaccine Program, Frederick, MD 21702, United States; Brown, B., US Military HIV Research Program, Henry Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Arroyo, M., US Military HIV Research Program, Henry Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Eller, M., Makerere University, Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda; Slike, B., US Military HIV Research Program, Henry Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Polonis, V., US Military HIV Research Program, Henry Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; McCutchan, F., US Military HIV Research Program, Henry Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Currier, J.R., US Military HIV Research Program, Henry Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Birx, D., US Military HIV Research Program, Henry Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Robb, M., US Military HIV Research Program, Henry Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Marovich, M., US Military HIV Research Program, Henry Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Lifson, J.D., SAIC Frederick, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, AIDS Vaccine Program, Frederick, MD 21702, United States; Cox, J.H., US Military HIV Research Program, Henry Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD 20850, United States, U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Henry Jackson Foundation, 13 Taft Court, Rockville, MD 20850, United States | The development of HIV vaccines is an urgent priority and there is need to generate reagents representing multiple subtypes that can be used to screen HIV-1-specific responses. We used Aldrithiol-2 (AT-2), a mild oxidizing reagent, to eliminate the infectivity of HIV while maintaining its structure and ability to be processed for presentation to T cells. Inactivated subtype A, B, and D viruses were evaluated for their ability to stimulate T cell responses in PBMC samples from 18 U.S. subjects infected with HIV-1 subtype B and 32 Ugandan subjects infected with subtypes A and D or recombinants AC and AD. Five HIV-1-negative samples were also analyzed. T cell responses to AT-2-inactivated viral isolates were monitored by interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) intracellular cytokine secretion (ICS) analysis; matched microvesicle preparations served as negative controls. Among the 18 subtype B infected subjects, 39% had CD3 +CD4+ IFN-γ responses and 67% had CD3 +CD8+ IFN-γ responses. Of the 32 Ugandan subjects, 34% demonstrated CD3+CD4+ IFN-γ responses and 78% demonstrated CD3+CD8+ IFN-γ responses. Both subtype-specific and cross-reactive responses were observed. Responses to the AT-2 viruses tended to be lower in magnitude than those detected by a set of overlapping gag peptides. Robust lymphoproliferative responses to AT-2 viruses were seen in a subset of subjects. In conclusion, AT-2-inactivated HIV-1 virions stimulated both CD4 and CD8 HIV-1-specific responses and may provide an additional reagent for screening HIV-1-specific responses in HIV seropositives and vaccinees. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. | None | aldrithiol 2; CD3 antigen; CD4 antigen; CD8 antigen; gamma interferon; Human immunodeficiency virus vaccine; inactivated virus vaccine; peptide; unclassified drug; adult; article; CD4+ T lymphocyte; controlled study; cytokine release; drug synthesis; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; lymphocyte proliferation; nonhuman; nucleotide sequence; priority journal; T lymphocyte; T lymphocyte activation; Uganda; virus inactivation; virus isolation; 2,2'-Dipyridyl; AIDS Vaccines; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cells, Cultured; Disulfides; HIV-1; Humans; Interferon Type II; Oxidants; Virus Inactivation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923292439 | Performance analysis of WiMAX networks: Discrete event simulator (DES) development | Saidu I., Subramaniam S., Jaafar A., Zukarnain Z.A. | 2014 | International Review on Computers and Software | 9 | 11 | None | Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria; University Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia; Department of Software Engineering and Information Systems, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia; University of Bradford, United Kingdom | Saidu, I., Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria; Subramaniam, S., University Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia; Jaafar, A., Department of Software Engineering and Information Systems, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia; Zukarnain, Z.A., University of Bradford, United Kingdom | Simulation is one of the most widely performance analysis technique used in academia for the evaluation of resource management algorithms in (WiMAX networks. Different simulation tools are available, including public, private and standalone simulators. However, these simulators have a complex structure and require enormous licensing cost, which limit their use. In this paper, we propose a general programming language based discrete event simulation for WiMAX networks. The research focus is on developing a (DES) built from the scratch that provides ease of use and customization. It implements packet scheduling algorithms and Call Admission Control (CAC) algorithm for WiMAX. The results show that the developed simulator achieves similar results with the benchmarks. These findings have shown that our simulator has become a reliable performance analysis alternative for WiMAX resource management evaluations. © 2014 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved. | Discrete Event Simulator; Performance Analysis; Resource Management | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-74949138582 | Geologic columns for the ICDP-USGS Eyreville B core, Chesapeake Bay impact structure: Impactites and crystalline rocks, 1766 to 1096 m depth | Wright Horton Jr. J., Gibson R.L., Reimold W.U., Wittmann A., Gohn G.S., Edwards L.E. | 2009 | Special Paper of the Geological Society of America | 458 | None | 10.1130/2009.2458(02) | U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20192, United States; Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, P.O. Wits, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Museum für Naturkunde-Leibniz Institute, Humboldt University Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Lunar and Planetary Institute, 3600 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, TX 77058-1113, United States | Wright Horton Jr., J., U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20192, United States; Gibson, R.L., Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, P.O. Wits, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Reimold, W.U., Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, P.O. Wits, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, Museum für Naturkunde-Leibniz Institute, Humboldt University Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Wittmann, A., Lunar and Planetary Institute, 3600 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, TX 77058-1113, United States; Gohn, G.S., U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20192, United States; Edwards, L.E., U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20192, United States | The International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP)-U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Eyreville drill cores from the Chesapeake Bay impact structure provide one of the most complete geologic sections ever obtained from an impact structure. This paper presents a series of geologic columns and descriptive lithologic information for the lower impactite and crystalline-rock sections in the cores. The lowermost cored section (1766-1551 m depth) is a complex assemblage of mica schists that commonly contain graphite and fibrolitic sillimanite, intrusive granite pegmatites that grade into coarse granite, and local zones of mylonitic deformation. This basement-derived section is variably overprinted by brittle cataclastic fabrics and locally cut by dikes of polymict impact breccia, including several suevite dikes. An overlying succession of suevites and lithic impact breccias (1551-1397 m) includes a lower section dominated by polymict lithic impact breccia with blocks (up to 17 m) and boulders of cataclastic gneiss and an upper section (above 1474 m) of suevites and clast-rich impact melt rocks. The uppermost suevite is overlain by 26 m (1397-1371 m) of gravelly quartz sand that contains an amphibolite block and boulders of cataclasite and suevite. Above the sand, a 275-m-thick allochthonous granite slab (1371-1096 m) includes gneissic biotite granite, fine- and medium-to-coarse-grained biotite granites, and red altered granite near the base. The granite slab is overlain by more gravelly sand, and both are attributed to debris-avalanche and/or rockslide deposition that slightly preceded or accompanied seawater-resurge into the collapsing transient crater. © 2009 The Geological Society of America. | None | crater; crystalline rock; deformation; impact structure; impactite; lithology; pegmatite; Chesapeake Bay; United States | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547962470 | Evaluating the performance of sampling plans to detect fumonisin Bi in maize lots marketed in Nigeria | Whitaker T.B., Doko M., Maestroni B.M., Slate A.B., Ogunbanwo B.F. | 2007 | Journal of AOAC International | 90 | 4 | None | U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7625; International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Agrochemicals Unit, IAEA/FAO Biotechnology Laboratories, Seibersdorf, Austria; North Carolin | Whitaker, T.B., U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7625; Doko, M., International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Agrochemicals Unit, IAEA/FAO Biotechnology Laboratories, Seibersdorf, Austria; Maestroni, B.M., International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Agrochemicals Unit, IAEA/FAO Biotechnology Laboratories, Seibersdorf, Austria; Slate, A.B., North Carolina State University, Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, Box 7625, Raleigh, NC 27695-7625; Ogunbanwo, B.F., National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Mycotoxin Unit, Oshodi Central Laboratories, Lagos, Nigeria | Fumonisins are toxic and carcinogenic compounds produced by fungi that can be readily found in maize. The establishment of maximum limits for fumonisins requires the development of scientifically based sampling plans to detect fumonisin in maize. As part of an International Atomic Energy Agency effort to assist developing countries to control mycotoxin contamination, a study was conducted to design sampling plans to detect fumonisin in maize produced and marketed in Nigeria. Eighty-six maize lots were sampled according to an experimental protocol in which an average of 17 test samples, 100 g each, were taken from each lot and analyzed for fumonisin B1 by using liquid chromatography. The total variability associated with the fumonisin test procedure was measured for each lot. Regression equations were developed to predict the total variance as a function of fumonisin concentration. The observed fumonisin distribution among the replicated-sample test results was compared with several theoretical distributions, and the negative binomial distribution was selected to model the fumonisin distribution among test results. A computer model was developed by using the variance and distribution information to predict the performance of sampling plan designs to detect fumonisin in maize shipments. The performance of several sampling plan designs was evaluated to demonstrate how to manipulate sample size and accept/reject limits to reduce misclassification of maize lots. | None | Contamination; Fungi; Liquid chromatography; Marketing; Mathematical models; Toxic materials; Binomial distribution; Computer models; Fumonisins; Maize; Theoretical distributions; Drug products; fumonisin; fumonisin B1; article; chemistry; dose response; food analysis; food contamination; high performance liquid chromatography; liquid chromatography; maize; metabolism; methodology; Nigeria; plant; regression analysis; reproducibility; sample size; statistical model; theoretical model; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chromatography, Liquid; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Food Analysis; Food Contamination; Fumonisins; Models, Statistical; Models, Theoretical; Nigeria; Plants; Regression Analysis; Reproducibility of Results; Research Design; Sample Size; Zea mays; Fungi; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70249139142 | Reproductive performance of heifers offered ad libitum or restricted access to feed for a one hundred forty-day period after weaning | Roberts A.J., Geary T.W., Grings E.E., Waterman R.C., Macneil M.D. | 2009 | Journal of Animal Science | 87 | 9 | 10.2527/jas.2008-1476 | USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT 59301, United States; International Livestock Research Institute, IITA, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria | Roberts, A.J., USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT 59301, United States; Geary, T.W., USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT 59301, United States; Grings, E.E., USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT 59301, United States, International Livestock Research Institute, IITA, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Waterman, R.C., USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT 59301, United States; Macneil, M.D., USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT 59301, United States | Reproductive performance was evaluated in composite heifers born over a 3-yr period that were randomly assigned to control (fed to appetite; n = 205) or restricted (fed at 80% of that consumed by controls adjusted to a common BW basis; n = 192) feeding for a 140-d period, beginning about 2 mo after weaning at 6 mo of age and ending at about 12.5 mo of age. Heifers were fed a diet of 67% corn silage, 18% alfalfa, and 9% of a protein-mineral supplement (DM basis). Restricted heifers consumed 27% less feed over the 140 d and had less ADG (0.53 ± 0.01 vs. 0.65 ± 0.01 kg/d; P < 0.001) than control heifers. After 140 d, all heifers were placed in common pens and subjected to an estrous synchronization protocol to facilitate AI at about 14 mo of age. Heifers were then exposed to bulls for the remainder of a 51-d breeding season. Average BW of heifers diverged within 28-d after initiation of feed restriction, and differences (P < 0.001) persisted through the prebreeding period (309 ± 1 vs. 326 ± 1 kg at approximately 13.5 mo of age) and subsequent grazing season (410 ± 2 vs. 418 ± 2 kg at about 19.5 mo of age). From the end of the 140-d restriction at about 12.5 to 19.5 mo of age, ADG was greater (P < 0.001) in restricted heifers than control heifers (0.51 ± 0.01 vs. 0.47 ± 0.01 kg/d). Proportion of heifers attaining puberty by 14 mo of age tended to be less (P = 0.1) in restricted (60 ± 3%) than control-fed heifers (68 ± 3%). Mean BW at puberty was less (P < 0.01) in restricted (309 kg) than control (327 kg) heifers. Pregnancy rate from AI tended to be less (P = 0.08) in restricted (48 ± 4%) than control heifers (57 ± 3%). Proportion of animals that were pubertal at breeding and pregnant from AI were positively associated (P < 0.1) with heifer age and ADG from birth to beginning of study. Final pregnancy rates were 87 and 91% for restricted and control heifers, respectively (P = 0.27). Day of breeding season that conception occurred was negatively associated with ADG from birth to weaning (P = 0.005), but was not associated with ADG within treatment (P = 0.60). Economic analysis revealed a $33 reduction in cost to produce a pregnant heifer under the restricted protocol when accounting for pregnancy rates and differences in BW and market prices between selection at weaning and marketing as open heifers at l.5 yr of age. A potential economic advantage exists for rearing replacement heifers on a restricted level of feeding during the postweaning period. © 2009 American Society of Animal Science. | Cattle; Feed level; Growth; Heifer development; Pregnancy; Puberty | animal; animal disease; article; body weight; cattle; economics; female; food intake; growth, development and aging; physiology; pregnancy; reproduction; weaning; Animals; Body Weight; Cattle; Feeding Methods; Female; Pregnancy; Reproduction; Weaning; Animalia; Bos; Medicago sativa; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881494764 | Impact of line 1 germplasm on South African hereford cattle | Leesburg V.L.R., MacNeil M.D., Van Marle-Köster E., Mapholi O., Neser F.W.C. | 2013 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 43 | 2 | 10.4314/sajas.v43i2.5 | USDA Agricultural Research Service, Miles City, Montana 59301, United States; University of the Free State, Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa; ARC-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa; Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Leesburg, V.L.R., USDA Agricultural Research Service, Miles City, Montana 59301, United States, University of the Free State, Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa; MacNeil, M.D., USDA Agricultural Research Service, Miles City, Montana 59301, United States, University of the Free State, Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa, ARC-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa; Van Marle-Köster, E., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Mapholi, O., ARC-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa; Neser, F.W.C., University of the Free State, Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa | The goal of this research was to document the influence of Line 1 Hereford cattle, developed by the United States Department of Agriculture at its research facility in Miles City, Montana, on Hereford cattle in South Africa. Analytical approaches made use of both recorded pedigree and microsatellite marker information. Cattle with recorded performance data in South Africa were mated with Line 1 Hereford sires in silico and inbreeding coefficients were calculated for the resulting progeny. The relationship between South African and Line 1 Hereford cattle populations was estimated as twice the maximum inbreeding coefficient for the progeny of each South African animal. The calculated pedigree relationship of Hereford cattle registered in South Africa with Line 1 was 24%. Thirty-six South African Hereford cattle and a sample of 64 Line 1 animals were genotyped with 34 microsatellite markers. Based on a Bayesian model-based clustering method, the probability that the South African Hereford cattle were members of Line 1 was 0.38 ± 0.08. This research documents one aspect of the far reaching effects of the Line 1 Hereford population. | Gene flow; Migration; Relationship | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960573679 | Performance of six commercial enzyme immunoassays and two alternative HIV-testing algorithms for the diagnosis of HIV-1 infection in Kisumu, Western Kenya | Zeh C., Oyaro B., Vandenhoudt H., Amornkul P., Kasembeli A., Bondo P., Mwaengo D., Thomas T.K., Hart C., Laserson K.F., Ondoa P., Nkengasong J.N. | 2011 | Journal of Virological Methods | 176 | 02-Jan | 10.1016/j.jviromet.2011.05.021 | US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kisumu, Kenya; Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Global AIDS Program, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States; US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, United States; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Center for Poverty-related Communicable Diseases (CPCD), Center for Infection and Immunity (CINIMA), Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Netherlands | Zeh, C., US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kisumu, Kenya; Oyaro, B., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Vandenhoudt, H., Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Amornkul, P., US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kisumu, Kenya; Kasembeli, A., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Bondo, P., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Mwaengo, D., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Thomas, T.K., US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kisumu, Kenya; Hart, C., Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States; Laserson, K.F., US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kisumu, Kenya, US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, United States; Ondoa, P., Center for Poverty-related Communicable Diseases (CPCD), Center for Infection and Immunity (CINIMA), Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Netherlands; Nkengasong, J.N., Global AIDS Program, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States | Performances of serological parallel and serial testing algorithms were analyzed using a combination of three ELISA and three rapid tests for the confirmation of HIV infection. Each was assessed individually for their sensitivity and specificity on a blinded panel of 769 retrospective sera of known HIV status. Western blot was used as a confirmatory assay for discordant results. Subsequently, one parallel and one serial testing algorithm were assessed on a new panel of 912 HIV-positive and negative samples. Individual evaluation of the ELISAs and rapid tests indicated a sensitivity of 100% for all assays except Uni-Gold with 99.7%. The specificities ranged from 99.1% to 99.4% for rapid assays and from 97.5% to 99.1% for ELISAs. A parallel and serial testing algorithms using Enzygnost and Vironostika, and Determine followed by Uni-Gold respectively, showed 100% sensitivity and specificity. The cost for testing 912 samples was US$4.74 and US$ 1.9 per sample in parallel and serial testing respectively. Parallel or serial testing algorithm yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. This alternative algorithm is reliable and reduces the occurrence of both false negatives and positives. The serial testing algorithm was more cost effective for diagnosing HIV infections in this population. © 2011. | Algorithm; Alternative; Diagnosis; HIV-1; Immunoassay; Sensitivity; Specificity | antigen p24; glycoprotein gp 41; Human immunodeficiency virus antigen; immunoglobulin G antibody; immunoglobulin M antibody; recombinant protein; adolescent; adult; agglutination test; algorithm; analytical error; article; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; cost control; cost effectiveness analysis; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test; diagnostic test accuracy study; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; false positive result; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; immunoaffinity chromatography; intermethod comparison; Kenya; major clinical study; parallel testing algorithm; predictive value; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; serial testing algorithm; serodiagnosis; Western blotting; AIDS Serodiagnosis; Algorithms; Blotting, Western; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; HIV Antibodies; HIV Infections; HIV-1; HIV-2; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Kenya; Predictive Value of Tests; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Sensitivity and Specificity; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650476373 | Impact of Plasmodium falciparum infection on haematological parameters in children living in Western Kenya | Maina R.N., Walsh D., Gaddy C., Hongo G., Waitumbi J., Otieno L., Jones D., Ogutu B.R. | 2010 | Malaria Journal | 9 | SUPPL. 3 | 10.1186/1475-2875-9-S3-S4 | US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya (Walter Reed Project), Nairobi, Kenya; Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; USAMRU-K (Walter Reed Project), Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O.Box 54- 40100, Kisumu, Kenya | Maina, R.N., US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya (Walter Reed Project), Nairobi, Kenya, Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Walsh, D., US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya (Walter Reed Project), Nairobi, Kenya, Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Gaddy, C., US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya (Walter Reed Project), Nairobi, Kenya, Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Hongo, G., US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya (Walter Reed Project), Nairobi, Kenya, Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Waitumbi, J., US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya (Walter Reed Project), Nairobi, Kenya, Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Otieno, L., US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya (Walter Reed Project), Nairobi, Kenya, Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Jones, D., US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya (Walter Reed Project), Nairobi, Kenya, Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Ogutu, B.R., US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya (Walter Reed Project), Nairobi, Kenya, Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya, USAMRU-K (Walter Reed Project), Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O.Box 54- 40100, Kisumu, Kenya | Background: Malaria is the commonest cause of childhood morbidity in Western Kenya with varied heamatological consequences. The t study sought to elucidate the haemotological changes in children infected with malaria and their impact on improved diagnosis and therapy of childhood malaria. Methods. Haematological parameters in 961 children, including 523 malaria-infected and 438 non-malaria infected, living in Kisumu West District, an area of malaria holoendemic transmission in Western Kenya were evaluated. Results. The following parameters were significantly lower in malaria-infected children; platelets, lymphocytes, eosinophils, red blood cell count and haemoglobin (Hb), while absolute monocyte and neutrophil counts, and mean platelet volume (MPV) were higher in comparison to non-malaria infected children. Children with platelet counts of <150,000/uL were 13.8 times (odds ratio) more likely to have malaria. Thrombocytopaenia was present in 49% of malaria-infected children and was associated with high parasitaemia levels, lower age, low Hb levels, increased MPV and platelet aggregate flag. Platelet aggregates were more frequent in malaria-infected children (25% vs. 4%, p<0.0001) and associated with thrombocytopaenia rather than malaria status. Conclusion. Children infected with Plasmodium falciparum malaria exhibited important changes in some haematological parameters with low platelet count and haemoglobin concentration being the two most important predictors of malaria infection in children in our study area. When used in combination with other clinical and microscopy, these parameters could improve malaria diagnosis in sub-patent cases. © 2010 Maina et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | cold agglutinin; hemoglobin; article; child; controlled study; diagnostic test; eosinophil count; erythrocyte; erythrocyte count; erythrocyte shape; female; hematological parameters; hemoglobinopathy; human; infant; Kenya; leukocyte; lymphocyte count; major clinical study; malaria; male; monocyte; neutrophil count; parasitemia; Plasmodium falciparum; preschool child; sensitivity and specificity; thrombocyte aggregation; thrombocyte count; thrombocyte volume; thrombocytopenia; anemia; blood; blood analysis; blood cell; leukocytosis; malaria falciparum; parasitology; pathology; thrombocytopenia; Anemia; Blood; Blood Cells; Blood Chemical Analysis; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Kenya; Leukocytosis; Malaria, Falciparum; Male; Thrombocytopenia | 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 |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866529255 | Synergism of clinical evaluation and penile sonographic imaging in diagnosis of penile fracture: A case report | Bello J.O. | 2012 | Journal of Medical Case Reports | 6 | None | 10.1186/1752-1947-6-321 | Urology Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria | Bello, J.O., Urology Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria | Introduction. Penile fracture is an uncommon urologic emergency, and is the traumatic rupture of the tunica albuginea covering the corpus cavernosa. This usually occurs following blunt trauma sustained during coitus, masturbation or self-manipulations to hide or suppress an erection. Clinical diagnosis can often be easily made with typical history and examination findings. However, the patient may present atypically and/or with a suspicion of associated urethral injury. The roles of various diagnostic investigations are being evaluated in these situations. Case presentation. We report the case of a 31-year-old African man with penile fracture and suspected associated urethral injury that occurred after self-manipulations to hide an erection. Conclusions: Penile ultrasound and sonourethrography provide useful additional diagnostic information to supplement clinical history and physical examination findings and can be performed easily, at low cost and with no delays to surgery. © 2012 Bello; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Corpus Cavernosum; Penile fracture; Penile Ultrasound; Sonourethrography; Tunica Albuginea | article; case report; echography; emergency ward; hematoma; human; male; micturition disorder; penile swelling; penis injury; physical examination; priority journal; urethral catheterization; urethrography | None |
| WoS | WOS:000312313200017 | Evaluating Helping Babies Breathe: training for healthcare workers at hospitals in Rwanda | Baribwira, Cyprien,Essen, Birgitta,Musafili, Aimable,Persson, Lars-Ake,Rukundo, Alphonse | 2013 | ACTA PAEDIATRICA | 102 | 1 | 10.1111/apa.12034 | Uppsala University, Kigali Univ, Rwanda Biomed Ctr, Univ Maryland | "Essen, Birgitta: Uppsala University","Persson, Lars-Ake: Uppsala University", | Aim To evaluate the educational effectiveness of the Helping Babies Breathe programme. Methods Knowledge of trainees from two district hospitals and one tertiary referral hospital was evaluated before and after training in 2010. A postcourse practical skills evaluation was performed on a Neonatalie Newborn Simulator. Participants underwent a re-evaluation after 3 months. Results One hundred eighteen trainees completed the course. The percentages of correct answers on a written test significantly increased from 77 +/- 15% to 91 +/- 9% (p < 0.01) after training. The mean score obtained on a postcourse skill evaluation was 89 +/- 9%; 64% of the trainees achieved passing scores. Retesting 3 months later showed that knowledge remained at the same level, while practical skills decreased to 83 +/- 16%, and the pass rate dropped significantly to 43% (p < 0.01). Conclusion Healthcare workers who participate in a Helping Babies Breathe programme can significantly improve their knowledge. While such knowledge is retained for at least 3 months, skills dropped to unsatisfactory levels in that period of time, indicating the need for retraining in the interim or the acquisition of practical experience by such healthcare workers. | EDUCATION,"healthcare workers","Helping Babies Breathe",HOSPITAL,RWANDA,CARDIOPULMONARY-RESUSCITATION,COUNTRIES,"DELIVERY ROOM",KNOWLEDGE,MORTALITY,"NEONATAL RESUSCITATION PROGRAM",RESIDENTS,RETENTION,SETTINGS,"SYSTEMATIC ANALYSIS" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888059440 | Impact of the global financial and economic crisis on development: Whither africa? | Fosu A.K. | 2013 | Journal of International Development | 25 | 8 | 10.1002/jid.2971 | UN University, WIDER, Helsinki, Finland; University of Ghana, Economics and ISSER, Legon, Accra, Ghana | Fosu, A.K., UN University, WIDER, Helsinki, Finland, University of Ghana, Economics and ISSER, Legon, Accra, Ghana | The global economic crisis beginning in 2008 has come at an inopportune time for Africa. Economic growth had recovered, poverty had declined, and human development had improved. Then the crisis hit. Growth then fell by 60 per cent. The growth decline has been less than in previous economic crises though. Africa's resilience currently likely results from improvements in economic and political governance and to changes in the external environment. It appears that Africa will once again resume its path towards prosperity. However, although low-income and 'fragile' countries appear to be holding up well, many of them critically depend on external assistance. Above all, the commitment to improved governance must continue. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Africa; Economic crisis; Global | financial crisis; global economy; low income population; Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745905023 | Range of normal neutrophil counts in healthy Zimbabwean infants: Implications for monitoring antiretroviral drug toxicity | Wells J., Shetty A.K., Stranix L., Falkovitz-Halpern M.S., Chipato T., Nyoni N., Mateta P., Maldonado Y. | 2006 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 42 | 4 | 10.1097/01.qai.0000224975.45091.a5 | Univ. of Zimbabwe-Univ. of California, S. Francisco (UZ-UCSF) Collab. Res. Prog. in Women's Health, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; UZ-UCSF Collaborative Program in Women's Health, 15 Phillips Ave, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe | Wells, J., Univ. of Zimbabwe-Univ. of California, S. Francisco (UZ-UCSF) Collab. Res. Prog. in Women's Health, Harare, Zimbabwe, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States, UZ-UCSF Collaborative Program in Women's Health, 15 Phillips Ave, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe; Shetty, A.K., Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Stranix, L., Department of Pediatrics, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Falkovitz-Halpern, M.S., Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Chipato, T., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Nyoni, N., Univ. of Zimbabwe-Univ. of California, S. Francisco (UZ-UCSF) Collab. Res. Prog. in Women's Health, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mateta, P., Univ. of Zimbabwe-Univ. of California, S. Francisco (UZ-UCSF) Collab. Res. Prog. in Women's Health, Harare, Zimbabwe; Maldonado, Y., Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States | Mother-to-child HIV prevention trials in sub-Saharan Africa use the US National Institutes of Health Division of AIDS (DAIDS) grading scale to monitor hematologic toxicity. A recent study of nevirapine prophylaxis given for 6 months in breast-feeding Zimbabwean infants reported several cases of relative neutropenia in clinically well infants, raising concerns of drug toxicity. However, the DAIDS tables are based on normal blood counts for white infants, although there is evidence that black African infants may have lower absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) than white infants. To establish normal hematologic values in black Zimbabwean infants and to quantify the apparent prevalence of relative neutropenia in this population, we evaluated HIV-uninfected healthy infants born to HIV-uninfected women at birth, 10 days, 6 weeks, 3, and 4 months of life. A physical examination and blood count were performed at each visit, and an HIV test was performed at the final visit. The ANC values were graded using the DAIDS table. A total of 145 healthy term infants satisfied the inclusion criteria. The mean ANC values for Zimbabwean infants were less than half of the corresponding standard values at all 5 time points (P < 0.0001). Using the DAIDS table in use at the time that the blood was collected, 57% of these healthy infants had relative neutropenia of any grade at birth, followed by 29% at day 10, 53% at 6 weeks, 32% at 3 months, and 37% at 4 months of life. Our data indicate that relative neutropenia exists in healthy black Zimbabwean infants. The guidelines for identifying toxicity were changed in December 2004. However, even by the new DAIDS tables, 43%, 23%, 24%, 42%, and 43% of these healthy babies had relative neutropenia at the time of the 5 visits. Future HIV prevention and treatment trials in sub-Saharan Africa should use normal hematologic values derived from African infants to avoid the overestimation of antiretroviral drug toxicity. Copyright © 2006 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | Antiretroviral prophylaxis; HIV-1; Infant; Neutropenia; Toxicity; Zimbabwe | antiretrovirus agent; nevirapine; Africa; article; breast feeding; controlled study; disease severity; drug monitoring; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; infant; infection prevention; male; neutropenia; neutrophil count; newborn; physical examination; priority journal; race difference; Zimbabwe; Anti-HIV Agents; Disease Transmission, Vertical; Drug Monitoring; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Lymphocyte Count; Neutrophils; RNA, Viral; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33644828010 | Fat adaptation followed by carbohydrate loading compromises high-intensity sprint performance | Havemann L., West S.J., Goedecke J.H., Macdonald I.A., St Clair Gibson A., Noakes T.D., Lambert E.V. | 2006 | Journal of Applied Physiology | 100 | 1 | 10.1152/japplphysiol.00813.2005 | Univ. of Cape Town/Medical Research Council Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom; UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Dept. of Human Biology, Univ. of Cape Town, PO Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa | Havemann, L., Univ. of Cape Town/Medical Research Council Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; West, S.J., Univ. of Cape Town/Medical Research Council Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Goedecke, J.H., Univ. of Cape Town/Medical Research Council Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa, UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Dept. of Human Biology, Univ. of Cape Town, PO Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Macdonald, I.A., School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom; St Clair Gibson, A., Univ. of Cape Town/Medical Research Council Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Noakes, T.D., Univ. of Cape Town/Medical Research Council Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Lambert, E.V., Univ. of Cape Town/Medical Research Council Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa | The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a high-fat diet (HFD) followed by 1 day of carbohydrate (CHO) loading on substrate utilization, heart rate variability (HRV), effort perception [rating or perceived exertion (RPE)], muscle recruitment [electromyograph (EMG)], and performance during a 100-km cycling time trial. In this randomized single-blind crossover study, eight well-trained cyclists completed two trials, ingesting either a high-CHO diet (HCD) (68% CHO energy) or an isoenergetic HFD (68% fat energy) for 6 days, followed by 1 day of CHO loading (8-10 g CHO/kg). Subjects completed a 100-km time trial on day 1 and a 1-h cycle at 70% of peak oxygen consumption on days 3, 5, and 7, during which resting HRV and resting and exercising respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were measured. On day 8, subjects completed a 100-km performance time trial, during which blood samples were drawn and EMG was recorded. Ingestion of the HFD reduced RER at rest (P < 0.005) and during exercise (P < 0.01) and increased plasma free fatty acid levels (P < 0.01), indicating increased fat utilization. There was a tendency for the low-frequency power component of HRV to be greater for HFD-CHO (P = 0.056), suggestive of increased sympathetic activation. Overall 100-km time-trial performance was not different between diets; however, 1-km sprint power output after HFD-CHO was lower (P < 0.05) compared with HCD-CHO. Despite a reduced power output with HFD-CHO, RPE, heart rate, and EMG were not different between trials. In conclusion, the HFD-CHO dietary strategy increased fat oxidation, but compromised high intensity sprint performance, possibly by increased sympathetic activation or altered contractile function. Copyright © 2006 the American Physiological Society. | Endurance exercise; Fat oxidation; Heart rate variability; Muscle recruitment; Rating of perceived exertion | fatty acid; adult; article; blood sampling; carbohydrate absorption; controlled study; electromyogram; energy resource; exercise intensity; fat body; fatty acid blood level; heart rate variability; human; human experiment; lipid diet; lung gas exchange; male; motor performance; muscle contraction; muscle function; normal human; priority journal; adaptation; carbohydrate diet; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; crossover procedure; endurance; exercise; exercise test; fat intake; heart rate; metabolism; oxygen consumption; physiology; psychomotor performance; randomized controlled trial; running; single blind procedure; skeletal muscle; Adaptation, Physiological; Adult; Cross-Over Studies; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Exercise Test; Exertion; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Endurance; Psychomotor Performance; Running; Single-Blind Method | None |
| 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-s2.0-84908165064 | Pearl millet inbred and testcross performance under low phosphorus in West Africa | Gemenet D.C., Tom C.T., Sy O., Zangre R.G., Sanogo M.D., Leiser W.L., Parzies H.K., Haussmann B.I.G. | 2014 | Crop Science | 54 | 6 | 10.2135/cropsci2014.04.0277 | Univ. Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Kakamega, P.O. Box 162-50100, Kakamega, Kenya; International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Sahelian Centre, Niamey, Niger; Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA) Bambey, Senegal; Institut de l’Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles (INERA) Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Institut d’Economie Rurale (IER) Cinzana, Mali; University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany | Gemenet, D.C., Univ. Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Kakamega, P.O. Box 162-50100, Kakamega, Kenya; Tom, C.T., International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Sahelian Centre, Niamey, Niger; Sy, O., Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA) Bambey, Senegal; Zangre, R.G., Institut de l’Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles (INERA) Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Sanogo, M.D., Institut d’Economie Rurale (IER) Cinzana, Mali; Leiser, W.L., University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Parzies, H.K., University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Haussmann, B.I.G., University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany | Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br] is a food security crop for millions living in drylands of Africa and Asia. Its production on acid sandy soils of the Sahel is limited by erratic rainfall and poor soil fertility, especially low P soils. We sought to elucidate the genetic variation in West and Central African landrace-derived inbred lines for grain yield under low P conditions, to determine their performance as inbred lines per se and in hybrid combinations, and to determine quantitative-genetic parameters to derive an appropriate breeding strategy to enhance grain yield under low P conditions. We evaluated a total of 155 landrace-derived inbred lines as well as their testcrosses in four locations during two years under two treatments, high P (HP; with P fertilization) and low P (LP; without P fertilization). Results revealed significant effects for genotypes, P-level, genotype × P-level, as well as genotype × environment interactions. Grain yield reductions under LP treatment ranged from 7.9 to 35.5%, and 11.2 to 60.9% for inbred lines and testcrosses respectively, with positive midparent heterosis averaging 43.5% under LP. We conclude that direct selection of testcrosses under LP is more effective and that indirect selection for testross performance from inbred line performance is not desirable. © Crop Science Society of America. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84948807634 | Dyspepsia prevalence and impact on quality of life among Rwandan healthcare workers: A cross-sectional survey | Bitwayiki R., Orikiiriza J.T., Kateera F., Bihizimana P., Karenzi B., Kyamanywa P., Walke T.D. | 2015 | South African Medical Journal | 105 | 12 | 10.7196/SAMJ.2015.v105i12.9482 | University Teaching Hospital, Butare, Rwanda; School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda; Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda; Infectious Diseases Institute, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland | Bitwayiki, R., University Teaching Hospital, Butare, Rwanda, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda; Orikiiriza, J.T., Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda, Infectious Diseases Institute, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland; Kateera, F., Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda; Bihizimana, P., University Teaching Hospital, Butare, Rwanda, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda; Karenzi, B., Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda; Kyamanywa, P., School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda; Walke, T.D., University Teaching Hospital, Butare, Rwanda, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda | Background. Dyspepsia has been demonstrated worldwide to have major personal and societal impacts, but data on the burden of this disease in Africa are lacking. Objective. To document the prevalence of dyspepsia and its quality-of-life impact among healthcare workers (HCWs) at Butare University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Rwanda. Methods. A cross-sectional survey among consenting HCWs at BUTH was conducted. Multilingual interviewers guided participants through validated questionnaires, including the Short-Form Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire (SF-LDQ), to detect the presence and frequency of dyspeptic symptoms, and the Short-Form Nepean Dyspepsia Index (SF-NDI), to examine the impact of dyspepsia on quality of life. Results. The study included 378 enrolled HCWs, all of whom provided responses to the SF-LDQ and 356 of whom responded to the SF-NDI. The prevalence of dyspepsia in the study population was 38.9% (147/378). Of these 147 HCWs, 79 (53.7%) had very mild dyspepsia, 33 (22.4%) had mild dyspepsia, 20 (13.6%) had moderate dyspepsia and 15 (10.2%) had severe dyspepsia. Females were more likely to complain of dyspepsia than males (98/206 v. 49/172; odds ratio (OR) 2.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5 - 3.5; p<0.001). Participants with dyspepsia of at least mild severity had SF-NDI scores reflecting reduced quality of life when compared with non-dyspeptic participants (OR 17.0; 95% CI 5.0 - 57.1; p<0.001), with most marked effects on the ‘tension’ and ‘eating and drinking’ subdomains of the SF-NDI. Conclusion. The prevalence of dyspepsia among HCWs in Rwanda is high and is associated with lowered quality of life. © 2015, South African Medical Association. All rights reserved. | Africa; Dyspepsia; Healthcare workers; Quality of life | adult; Article; cross-sectional study; dyspepsia; female; health care personnel; heartburn; human; indigestion; major clinical study; male; middle aged; nausea; prevalence; quality of life; questionnaire; Rwandan | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-68649122419 | The description and evaluation of an african breath psychotherapeutic workshop | Edwards S.D. | 2009 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 19 | 2 | None | University of Zululand, South Africa; 3 Antigua, 32 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, 4320, South Africa | Edwards, S.D., University of Zululand, South Africa, 3 Antigua, 32 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, 4320, South Africa | An African breath psychotherapeutic workshop is described and evaluated with a small group of participants (students =9, males = 3, females =6, age range =24 to 59 years, mean age 40.3 years) all of whom were professionally registered psychologists. There were 3 Xhosa, 2 Zulu, 1 Tswana, 2 English and 1 Afrikaans home language speakers. The workshop, which was based on accessing original Spirit through ancestral and personal breath-based spirituality, was called Shiso, an acronym for Spirit, Heart, Image, Soul and Oneness. Findings indicated significant improvement in self-perceived ratings of spirituality on a standardized scale by all participants. Individual student descriptions and focus group discussion indicated some awareness of original Spirit as revealed through subtle breathing experiences invoking the universal and personal ancestral presence of the participants. The experience was meaningfully described in such terms as relaxation, connection, openness, harmony, integration, awareness, amazement, healing and transcendence. Copyright ©2009. | African; Breath; Psychotherapy; Spiritual healing; Spirituality; Workshop | None | 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-s2.0-84921029684 | 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-s2.0-84898741392 | Production and economic performance of F1-crossbred dairy cattle fed non-conventional protein supplements in Zimbabwe | Gusha J., Manyuchi C.R., Imbayarwo-Chikosi V.E., Hamandishe V.R., Katsande S., Zvinorova P.I. | 2014 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 46 | 1 | 10.1007/s11250-013-0481-5 | University of Zimbabwe, Paraclinical Veterinary Studies, P.O Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Makoholi Research Station, P Bag 9182, Masvingo, Zimbabwe; Department of Animal science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Gusha, J., University of Zimbabwe, Paraclinical Veterinary Studies, P.O Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Manyuchi, C.R., Makoholi Research Station, P Bag 9182, Masvingo, Zimbabwe; Imbayarwo-Chikosi, V.E., Department of Animal science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Hamandishe, V.R., Department of Animal science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Katsande, S., University of Zimbabwe, Paraclinical Veterinary Studies, P.O Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Zvinorova, P.I., University of Zimbabwe, Paraclinical Veterinary Studies, P.O Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | The effects of supplementing crossbred cows with non-conventional protein sources on dry matter intake, milk yield parameters and economic returns were investigated. Twenty-five lactating F1 Holstein-Mashona crossbreds averaging 115±24 days in milk were used. Five treatments, total mixed ration (TMR), urea-treated maize stover, untreated maize stover, Macroptilium atropurpureum (Siratro) hay and veld hay, were randomly assigned to cows and replicated five times in a completely randomised design. Nutrient composition, intake, milk yield and economic returns were determined. M. atropurpureum hay, urea-treated maize stover and TMR had equal crude protein content. Daily dry matter intake and yield differed significantly among the treatment diets (P <0.05). Cows on TMR, urea-treated maize stover and M. atropurpureum consumed more (P <0.05) than cows on untreated maize stover and veld hay. Supplementing with TMR, urea-treated maize stover and M. atropurpureum hay increased (P <0.05) milk yields. Mean daily milk yield was highest for cows supplemented with urea-treated maize stover. Percent fat, protein and total solids in milk from cows fed urea-treated stover compared favourably to that of milk for cows supplemented with TMR. Income over supplement cost was highest for cows supplemented with M. atropurpureum hay and urea-treated maize stover. Urea-treated maize stover and M. atropurpureum can therefore be used as a replacer protein supplements for dairy cattle in Zimbabwe. © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013. | Crossbred cattle; Maize stover; Milk production; Siratro hay; Urea treatment; Zimbabwe | urea; animal; animal disease; animal food; article; cattle; chemistry; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; dairying; diet; diet supplementation; economics; Fabaceae; female; lactation; maize; metabolism; physiology; plant stem; protein intake; randomized controlled trial; Zimbabwe; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Cattle; Dairying; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Dietary Supplements; Fabaceae; Female; Lactation; Plant Stems; Urea; Zea mays; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957021226 | In situ rainwater harvesting using dead level contours in semi-arid southern Zimbabwe: Insights on the role of socio-economic factors on performance and effectiveness in Gwanda District | Munamati M., Nyagumbo I. | 2010 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 35 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2010.07.029 | University of Zimbabwe, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, P.O. Box MP167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; CIMMYT, Box MP163, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Munamati, M., University of Zimbabwe, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, P.O. Box MP167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Nyagumbo, I., University of Zimbabwe, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, P.O. Box MP167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe, CIMMYT, Box MP163, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Droughts and dry spells which have characterised the past decade in Zimbabwe have seen a marked increase in the promotion and use of in situ rainwater harvesting technologies (RWHTs) as a drought mitigating strategy. A number of these technologies have been tried in recent years which include dead level contours with infiltration pits and deepened contours. Although in situ RWHTs are known to increase food security in drought prone areas, the role of socio-economic factors on their performance in terms of crop yield and scaling out is still not well understood. This study sought to investigate the socio-economic factors which influence the effectiveness of dead level contours for in situ rainwater harvesting and consequently on crop yield. The study involved 14 key informants interviews and questionnaire administration to a total of 55 respondent farmers practising in situ rainwater harvesting with dead level contours. A statistical package (Statistical Package for Social Scientists, SPSS) was used to analyse relationships between performance of RWHTs and attributes such as labour, resources, gender, experience and education. The results show a strong correlation between performance and resource status (p= 0.004). For example, within the wealthy category, 42.1% were successful, while 14.3% and 13.8% were average and poor performers respectively. Thus within the successful category, 42.1% were wealthy, while 42.1% and 15.8% were medium-rich and resource-constrained respectively. Performance rating was also significantly correlated (p= 0.007) to gender of household head e.g., within the most successful group 94.7% were men compared to 5.3% women. There was also a significant correlation between resource status and gender (p= 0.039) such that within the wealthy category, 69.2% of the respondents were men compared to 30.8% women. Labour was found to have no significance on performance (p> 0.05) even though the majority of key informants (93%) alluded that the more labour resources at one's disposal, the higher their chances of success. This is so because RWHTs are time-consuming and labour intensive. Education level and number of years using water harvesting technologies did not have a significant bearing on performance (p> 0.05). The paper concludes that resource ownership could be a key factor in farmers' ability to scale out RWHTs since performance was significantly linked to resource status. Women headed households were performing rather poorly in RWHTs suggesting the need for special attention to gender in the promotion of RWHTs. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Performance; Rainwater harvesting technology; Resource status; Socio-economic; Success | Performance; Rain water harvesting; Resource status; Socio-economics; Success; Crops; Drought; Food supply; Technology; Water conservation; Water supply; Harvesting; crop yield; drought; food security; gender role; mitigation; rainwater; resource use; semiarid region; socioeconomic impact; strategic approach; water planning; water technology; Gwanda; Matabeleland South; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875673020 | Modelling the thermal performance of a naturally ventilated greenhouse in Zimbabwe using a dynamic greenhouse climate model | Mashonjowa E., Ronsse F., Milford J.R., Pieters J.G. | 2013 | Solar Energy | 91 | None | 10.1016/j.solener.2012.09.010 | University of Zimbabwe, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Ghent University, Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium | Mashonjowa, E., University of Zimbabwe, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Ronsse, F., Ghent University, Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium; Milford, J.R., University of Zimbabwe, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Pieters, J.G., Ghent University, Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium | The Gembloux Dynamic Greenhouse Climate Model (GDGCM), previously validated for a tomato crop in European greenhouses, was adapted to simulate the microclimate in a naturally ventilated Zimbabwean greenhouse containing a rose crop. The GDGCM consists of a system of differential equations based on the heat and mass balances of the layers of a greenhouse, and were worked out within the Transient System Simulation (TRNSYS) program. Modified sub-models to calculate the greenhouse air renewal rates and crop canopy resistance to water vapour transfer were introduced. Numerical results obtained using the model were compared to experimental measurements carried out in a full-scale commercial naturally ventilated Azrom type greenhouse with a rose crop. The simulated results showed good agreement with the observed values of all parameters for most parts of the day. For the period of observation (the whole year from May 2007 to April 2008) the mean standard errors between the predicted and experimental greenhouse air temperature and relative humidity, canopy temperature and crop transpiration were 1.8°C, 14.8%, 1.9°C and 14.2Wm-2, respectively, in winter and 1.3°C, 8.6%, 1.6°C and 21.8Wm-2, respectively, in summer. The model adequately simulated the internal greenhouse microclimate using outside climate data including incident solar radiation, cover transmittances and greenhouse configuration as inputs and can thus be used to predict the inside greenhouse climate and as a design tool to evaluate and optimise the effects on the inside greenhouse climate of ventilation, cover properties, the settings of the control system and other climate management practices. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Gembloux Dynamic Greenhouse Climate Model; Greenhouse microclimate; Natural ventilation; Plant evapotranspiration; Solar collector | Climate management; Crop transpirations; Experimental measurements; Greenhouse climates; Greenhouse microclimate; Natural ventilation; System of differential equations; Thermal Performance; Computer simulation; Crops; Differential equations; Greenhouse effect; Greenhouses; Solar collectors; Ventilation; Water supply; Climate models; air temperature; canopy; climate modeling; evapotranspiration; experimental study; fruit; greenhouse ecosystem; heat balance; management practice; microclimate; model validation; relative humidity; ventilation; water vapor; Zimbabwe; Lycopersicon esculentum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886784522 | Remote sensing based water quality monitoring in Chivero and Manyame lakes of Zimbabwe | Chawira M., Dube T., Gumindoga W. | 2013 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 66 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2013.09.003 | University of Zimbabwe, Department of Biological Sciences, Box MP 167, Harare, Zimbabwe; University of Zimbabwe, Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Box MP 167, Harare, Zimbabwe; University of Zimbabwe, Department of Civil Engineering, Box MP 167, Harare, Zimbabwe | Chawira, M., University of Zimbabwe, Department of Biological Sciences, Box MP 167, Harare, Zimbabwe; Dube, T., University of Zimbabwe, Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Box MP 167, Harare, Zimbabwe; Gumindoga, W., University of Zimbabwe, Department of Civil Engineering, Box MP 167, Harare, Zimbabwe | Lakes Chivero and Manyame. Lakes Chivero and Manyame are amongst Zimbabwe's most polluted inland water bodies. MEdium Resolution Imaging Spectrometry level 1b full resolution imagery for 2011 and 2012 were used to derive chlorophyll-a (chl_a) and phycocyanin (blue-green algae) concentrations using a semi-empirical band ratio model; total suspended matter (TSM) concentrations were derived from the MERIS processor. In-situ measured chl_a was used to validate the remotely sensed values. Results indicate that remote sensing measurements are comparable with in situ measurements. A strong positive correlation (R2=0.91; MAE=2.75mg/m3 (8.5%)) and p<0.01 (highly significant)) between measured and modeled chl_a concentrations was obtained. Relationships between optically active water constituents were assessed. Measured chl_a correlated well with MERIS modeled phycocyanin (PC) concentration (R2=0.9458; p<0.01 (highly significant)) whilst chl_a and TSM gave (R2=0.7344; p<0.05 (significant)). Modeled TSM and PC concentrations manifested a good relationship with each other (R2=9047; p<0.001 (very highly significant)). We conclude that remote sensing data allow simultaneous retrieval of different water quality parameters as well as providing near real time and space results that can be used by water managers and policy makers to monitor water bodies. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Blue-green algae; Chl_a; Eutrophication; MERIS; Remote sensing; TSM | Blue green algae; Chl_a; MERIS; Positive correlations; Total suspended matter; TSM; Water quality monitoring; Water quality parameters; Algae; Eutrophication; Image reconstruction; Lakes; Space optics; Water quality; Remote sensing; chlorophyll a; cyanobacterium; eutrophication; image resolution; in situ measurement; lake water; MERIS; remote sensing; spatiotemporal analysis; water quality; Lake Chivero; Zimbabwe; Chlorophyta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954708861 | Evaluation of plasma human herpesvirus 8 DNA as a marker of clinical outcomes during antiretroviral therapy for AIDS-related kaposi sarcoma in Zimbabwe | Borok M., Fiorillo S., Gudza I., Putnam B., Ndemera B., White I.E., Gwanzura L., Schooley R.T., Campbell T.B. | 2010 | Clinical Infectious Diseases | 51 | 3 | 10.1086/654800 | University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Dept of Medicine, Mazowe Street, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Medical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado-Denver, Aurora, United States; University of California, San Diego, United States | Borok, M., University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Dept of Medicine, Mazowe Street, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe; Fiorillo, S., Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado-Denver, Aurora, United States; Gudza, I., University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Dept of Medicine, Mazowe Street, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe; Putnam, B., Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado-Denver, Aurora, United States; Ndemera, B., University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Dept of Medicine, Mazowe Street, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe; White, I.E., Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado-Denver, Aurora, United States; Gwanzura, L., Department of Medical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Schooley, R.T., University of California, San Diego, United States; Campbell, T.B., Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado-Denver, Aurora, United States | Background. The usefulness of plasma human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) DNA as a marker of response to treatment for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated Kaposi sarcoma (AIDS-KS) in an African setting is unknown. Methods. We conducted a prospective pilot study at the Parirenyatwa Hospital Kaposi Sarcoma Clinic (Harare, Zimbabwe) to investigate the hypothesis that the clinical response of AIDS-KS is associated with suppression of HHV-8 DNA. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was provided as coformulation of abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine. Clinical response was defined as survival to week 96 with either complete or partial resolution of KS disease. Results. Ninety ART-naive participants (62 men and 28 women) aged >18 years who had human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and biopsy-confirmed KS were studied; 82% had stage T1 disease. Fifty participants received adjunctive chemotherapy. The median CD4+ lymphocyte count increased from 124 cells/μL at baseline to 281 cells/μL, the plasma HIV-1 RNA level decreased from 4.69 to <2.60 log10 copies/mL, the plasma HHV-8 DNA level decreased from 660 to <25 copies/mL, and HHV-8 DNA level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells decreased from 2790 to 37 copies/106 cells (P<.001 for each comparison). There were 14 deaths (16%) and 13 patients (15%) lost to follow-up. The most common cause of death was infection. Clinical response of KS occurred in 17 participants (19%). Pretreatment plasma HHV-8 DNA levels of <660 copies/mL were associated with greater survival (odds ratio, 2.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-7.53; Pp.04) and a better clinical response (odds ratio, 6.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.68-24.19; Pp.006). Conclusions. AIDS-KS tumor responses after ART initiation were limited. Pretreatment plasma HHV-8 DNA level may be a surrogate for KS disease that is in need of intensive clinical management. © 2010 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. | None | abacavir; bleomycin; cotrimoxazole; doxorubicin; etoposide; lamivudine; nevirapine; vincristine; virus DNA; zidovudine; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; biological marker; virus DNA; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; aged; anemia; article; bacterial arthritis; cause of death; CD4+ T lymphocyte; clinical trial; cohort analysis; cryptococcal meningitis; drug hypersensitivity; female; follow up; gastrointestinal infection; hepatitis; human; Human herpesvirus 8; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Kaposi sarcoma; lower respiratory tract infection; major clinical study; malaria; male; mortality; neutropenia; nonhuman; peripheral blood mononuclear cell; pilot study; Pneumocystis jiroveci; pneumonia; priority journal; prospective study; real time polymerase chain reaction; soft tissue infection; Stevens Johnson syndrome; stomatitis; survival; treatment duration; treatment outcome; tuberculosis; urinary tract infection; Zimbabwe; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; blood; complication; drug monitoring; genetics; highly active antiretroviral therapy; Human herpesvirus 8; isolation and purification; middle aged; plasma; procedures; Sarcoma, Kaposi; virology; virus load; Zimbabwe; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adult; Aged; Anti-HIV Agents; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Biological Markers; DNA, Viral; Drug Monitoring; Female; Herpesvirus 8, Human; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Plasma; Prospective Studies; Sarcoma, Kaposi; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome; Viral Load; Zimbabwe; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adult; Aged; Anti-HIV Agents; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Biological Markers; DNA, Viral; Drug Monitoring; Female; Herpesvirus 8, Human; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Plasma; Prospective Studies; Sarcoma, Kaposi; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome; Viral Load; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919631555 | The role of state-business relations in the performance of Zambia's food processing sub-sector | Hampwaye G., Jeppesen S. | 2014 | Bulletin of Geography | 26 | 26 | 10.2478/bog-2014-0046 | University of Zambia, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, School of Natural Sciences, Lusaka, Zambia; University of Johannesburg, School of Tourism and Hospitality, Faculty of Management, South Africa; Copenhagen Business School (CBS), Department of Intercultural Communication and Management, Centre for Business and Development Studies, Copenhagen, Denmark | Hampwaye, G., University of Zambia, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, School of Natural Sciences, Lusaka, Zambia, University of Johannesburg, School of Tourism and Hospitality, Faculty of Management, South Africa; Jeppesen, S., Copenhagen Business School (CBS), Department of Intercultural Communication and Management, Centre for Business and Development Studies, Copenhagen, Denmark | In ensuring growth and development collaborative State-Business relations (SBRs) matters, and with economic growth comes increasing levels of employment, options for poverty reduction and hence more equitable development. Whereas it is known that SBR matters at a macro-economic level, the concept of SBR has also been employed in a more or less all-encompassing way in the literature. Accordingly, while it is clear that SBRs work, there is lack knowledge about which dimensions of SBRs are the most important. Due to the continued importance of agriculture in many developing countries, processing of the food produced in the sector is a key manufacturing activity of high economic importance to many economies. Ensuring collaborative SBRs in the food processing industry is therefore of interest to growth and development, particularly as it is a sector about which little is known about the role of SBRs. The paper attempts to examine how and why SBRs matter to and influence the growth and performance of local owned firms in the food processing sub-sector in Zambia. In particular, the paper analyses the roles and influence of government regulations and policies compared to those of business associations for the performance of the food processing sector in Zambia. The paper draws on primary data from a survey of firms in the food processing sector which was conducted between 2013 and 2014. It is shown that while the majority of the Zambian food processing firms experienced growth over the last five years, with increased employment and in a number of cases growing earnings, this seems to have happened in spite of a business environment which is not particularly supportive. The firms' experience is that the SBRs mainly constitute institutional barriers to the performance of firms and highlight that formal government institutions and polices are incapable of assisting the firms and in most cases government institutions formulate and enact insufficient support schemes. © Bulletin of Geography. Socio-economic Series 2014. | Business; Food-processing; State; Zambia | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000248813700009 | An evaluation of infant immunization in Africa: is a transformation in progress? | Arevshatian, L.,Clements, C. J.,Lwanga, S. K.,Misore, A. O.,Ndumbe, P.,Seward, J. F.,Taylor, P. | 2007 | BULLETIN OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION | 85 | 6 | 10.2471/BLT.06.031526 | University of Yaounde I, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, IMMUNIZATIONbasics, Macfarlane Burnet Inst Med Res & Publ Hlth, Minist Hlth | None | Objective To assess the progress made towards meeting the goals of the African Regional Strategic Plan of the Expanded Programme on Immunization between 2001 and 2005.
Methods We reviewed data from national infant immunization programmes in the 46 countries of WHO's African Region, reviewed the literature and analysed existing data sources. We carried out face-to-face and telephone interviews with relevant staff members at regional and subregional levels.
Findings The African Region fell short of the target for 80% of countries to achieve at least 80% immunization coverage by 2005. However, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-3 coverage increased by 15%, from 54% in 2000 to 69% in 2004. As a result, we estimate that the number of nonimmunized children declined from 1.4 million in 2002 to 900 000 in 2004. In 2004, four of seven countries with endemic or re-established wild polio virus had coverage of 50% or less, and some neighbouring countries at high risk of importation did not meet the 80% vaccination target. Reported measles cases dropped from 520 000 in 2000 to 316 000 in 2005, and mortality was reduced by approximately 60% when compared to 1999 baseline levels. A network of measles and yellow fever laboratories had been established in 29 countries by July 2005.
Conclusions Rates of immunization coverage are improving dramatically in the WHO African Region. The huge increases in spending on immunization and the related improvements in programme performance are linked predominantly to increases in donor funding. | ,IMPACT,VACCINATION | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000258862900006 | Building capacity for AIDS NGOs in southern Africa: evaluation of a pilot initiative | Hartwig, Kari A.,Humphries, Debbie,Matebeni, Zethu | 2008 | HEALTH PROMOTION INTERNATIONAL | 23 | 3 | 10.1093/heapro/dan013 | University of Witwatersrand, Yale University | "Humphries, Debbie: Yale University","Matebeni, Zethu: University of Witwatersrand", | In this paper, we present the evaluation results of an AIDS non-governmental organization (NGO) capacity building 20-month pilot initiative in five countries in southern Africa called the NGO Institute. A five-person international team conducted a 2 week evaluation of the pilot in 2004 to assess the strength of the model, designed and funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation. The NGO Institute functioned through a separate consortium in each country. Results of the pilot indicate variations in adaptation and implementation of the model in each of the five countries. Each consortium took considerable time to develop its own governance and management systems. There were examples of strengthened NGO capacity in each country although it was too soon to establish overall impact. The strengths and weaknesses of this NGO capacity building model are presented along with the implications for other funding agencies and NGOs. | AIDS,"capacity building",evaluation,NGOS,HEALTH,"PREVENTION PROGRAMS" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS: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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| WoS | WOS:000297194200003 | Evaluation of Back to Basics mathematics workbooks: a randomised control trial of the Primary Mathematics Research Project | Fleisch, Brahm,Herholdt, Roelien,Sapire, Ingrid,Taylor, Nick | 2011 | SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF EDUCATION | 31 | 4 | None | University of Witwatersrand | "Fleisch, Brahm: University of Witwatersrand","Sapire, Ingrid: University of Witwatersrand" | Can providing learner support materials, particularly custom-designed workbooks, improve primary mathematics achievement more cost effectively than providing conventional textbooks? To contribute to this debate, this paper reports on the findings of a study conducted in 2010 by a consortium of educational researchers at JET Education Services and University of the Witwatersrand. Between January and June 2010, the consortium undertook a randomised control trial of learning support materials in Grade 6 classes in 44 primary schools serving low income communities in Gauteng province. The study shows that Grade 6 learners exhibit the same degree of learning improvement in mathematics, whether they use a conventional textbook or a workbook specifically customised to address the problems exhibited by South African learners. From a policy perspective, no warrant can be issued on the relative effectiveness of the specific workbooks considered in the study. | ,EDUCATION,PROGRAMS | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000302068100001 | Aligning vertical interventions to health systems: a case study of the HIV monitoring and evaluation system in South Africa | Blaauw, Duane,Fonn, Sharon,Kawonga, Mary | 2012 | HEALTH RESEARCH POLICY AND SYSTEMS | 11 | None | 10.1186/1478-4505-10-3 | University of Witwatersrand | "Blaauw, Duane: University of Witwatersrand","Fonn, Sharon: University of Witwatersrand","Kawonga, Mary: University of Witwatersrand" | Background: Like many low-and middle-income countries, South Africa established a dedicated HIV monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system to track the national response to HIV/AIDS. Its implementation in the public health sector has however not been assessed. Since responsibility for health services management lies at the district (sub-national) level, this study aimed to assess the extent to which the HIV M&E system is integrated with the overall health system M&E function at district level. This study describes implementation of the HIV M&E system, determines the extent to which it is integrated with the district health information system (DHIS), and evaluates factors influencing HIV M&E integration.
Methods: The study was conducted in one health district in South Africa. Data were collected through key informant interviews with programme and health facility managers and review of M&E records at health facilities providing HIV services. Data analysis assessed the extent to which processes for HIV data collection, collation, analysis and reporting were integrated with the DHIS.
Results: The HIV M&E system is top-down, over-sized, and captures a significant amount of energy and resources to primarily generate antiretroviral treatment (ART) indicators. Processes for producing HIV prevention indicators are integrated with the DHIS. However processes for the production of HIV treatment indicators by-pass the DHIS and ART indicators are not disseminated to district health managers. Specific reporting requirements linked to earmarked funding, politically-driven imperatives, and mistrust of DHIS capacity are key drivers of this silo approach.
Conclusions: Parallel systems that bypass the DHIS represent a missed opportunity to strengthen system-wide M&E capacity. Integrating HIV M&E (staff, systems and process) into the health system M&E function would mobilise ear-marked HIV funding towards improving DHIS capacity to produce quality and timely HIV indicators that would benefit both programme and health system M&E functions. This offers a practical way of maximising programme-system synergies and translating the health system strengthening intents of existing HIV policies into tangible action. | "HEALTH SYSTEMS",HIV,INTEGRATION,"monitoring and evaluation","vertical programme","ANTIRETROVIRAL TREATMENT",INFORMATION-SYSTEM,INITIATIVES,MALAWI,POLICY,PUBLIC-HEALTH,STATISTICS | None | None |
| WoS | WOS: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 |
| WoS | WOS:000299627900003 | Revisiting monitoring and evaluation strategies for applied drama and theatre practice in African contexts | Chinyowa, Kennedy C. | 2011 | RIDE-THE JOURNAL OF APPLIED THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE | 16 | 3 | 10.1080/13569783.2011.589994 | University of Witwatersrand | None | Most of the applied drama and theatre projects being carried out in African contexts tend to be one-off events with limited follow-up in terms of building the capacity of target communities and organising them for action. Besides bringing people together for workshops, performances and post-performance discussions, such projects simply pass by with little or no impact. The few that have been given attention remain trapped within a modernising paradigm that seeks to create external blueprints for monitoring and evaluation (M & E). This article focuses on the current drive among international donor agencies, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders in adopting more participatory strategies in M & E practice. The article argues for the adoption of a Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E) framework where stakeholders at different levels share control over the form and content of the monitoring and evaluation process. While conventional M & E strategies mainly involve outside experts coming in to measure the impact of projects against prescribed social science-based indicators, PM&E seeks to engage all the stakeholders in planning, designing, implementing and assessing the outcome of projects. | "folk media",knowing-in-action,"local knowledge systems","modernization framework","participatory monitoring and evaluation",REFLECTION-IN-ACTION,"social science models" | None | 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-s2.0-84873693798 | Occurrence of bovine hydatidosis and evaluation of its risk to humans in traditional communities of Southern Region of Ethiopia | Jones O., Kebede N., Kassa T., Tilahun G., Macias C. | 2012 | Ethiopian Journal of Health Development | 26 | 1 | None | University of Wisconsin-Madision, Madision, WI, United States; Aklilu Lemma Institute of Patho-biology, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; Department of Biology, Howard University, United States | Jones, O., University of Wisconsin-Madision, Madision, WI, United States; Kebede, N., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Patho-biology, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; Kassa, T., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Patho-biology, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; Tilahun, G., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Patho-biology, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; Macias, C., Department of Biology, Howard University, United States | Background: Cystic Echinococcosis/ Hydatid Disease, is an infection caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, one of the most widespread parasitic zoonoses. Objective: To determine the occurrence, localization and fertility/sterility rates of hydatid cyst in cattle, to determine the prevalence of adult E. granulosus in dogs and asses the risk for human infection in traditional communities. Methods: Postmortem examination, hydatid cyst characterization, questionnaire survey and dog stool sample examination were carried out. Results: Of the total 320 ruminants examined at backyard slaughtering, 151 (47.2%) were found harboring hydatid cysts. The liver and lungs were the two main infected organs, 34.4% and 52.3%, respectively. The majority of the cysts found were small, 54.3%, and medium, 37.7%. From the total number of cysts found, 70.2% were sterile, while 29.8% were fertile. A questionnaire survey revealed that local people were unaware of the life cycle of E. granulosus and the perpetuation of its life cycle by their cultural and traditional practices. Dogs have intimate contact with humans and other domestic animals, share the same house and also dogs do not have access for veterinary care. Stool samples of 62 dogs were collected and analyzed with a 30% prevalence of taenia infection confirmed to be E. granulosus. Conclusion: Because of the high prevalence of E. granulosus infection in dogs and hydatidosis in cattle as well as common practice of backyard slaughtering, the risk of human infection in traditional communities is suspected to be high and requires immediate attention to study the status of cystic ehinococcosis in the human population of the study area. | None | 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-s2.0-33845781518 | 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 |
| WoS | WOS:000317909600127 | Evaluation of a Well-Established Task-Shifting Initiative: The Lay Counselor Cadre in Botswana | Houghton, Nankie,Kejelepula, Mable,Ledikwe, Jenny H.,Maupo, Kabelo,Mbayi, Bagele,O'Malley, Gabrielle,Sebetso, Siwulani,Semo, Bazghinawerq,Smith, Monica,Thankane, Kabo,Thekiso, Mothwana | 2013 | PLOS ONE | 8 | 4 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0061601 | University of Washington, University of Washington Seattle, Botswana Int Training & Educ Ctr Hlth I TECH, Botswana Minist Hlth, US Ctr Dis Control & Prevent | "O'Malley, Gabrielle: University of Washington","O'Malley, Gabrielle: University of Washington Seattle", | Background: Evidence supports the implementation of task shifting to address health worker shortages that are common in resource-limited settings. However, there is need to learn from established programs to identify ways to achieve the strongest, most sustainable impact. This study examined the Botswana lay counselor cadre, a task shifting initiative, to explore effectiveness and contribution to the health workforce.
Methods: This evaluation used multiple methods, including a desk review, a national lay counselor survey (n = 385; response = 94%), in-depth interviews (n = 79), lay counselors focus group discussions (n = 7), lay counselors observations (n = 25), and client exit interviews (n = 47).
Results: Interview and focus group data indicate that lay counselors contribute to essentially all HIV-related programs in Botswana and they conduct the majority of HIV tests and related counseling at public health facilities throughout the country. Interviews showed that the lay counselor cadre is making the workload of more skilled health workers more manageable and increasing HIV acceptance in communities. The average score on a work-related knowledge test was 74.5%. However for 3 questions, less than half answered correctly. During observations, lay counselors demonstrated average competence for most skills assessed and clients (97.9%) were satisfied with services received. From the survey, lay counselors generally reported being comfortable with their duties; however, some reported clinical duties that extended beyond their training and mandate. Multiple factors affecting the performance of the lay counselors were identified, including insufficient resources, such as private counseling space and HIV test kits; and technical, administrative, and supervisory support.
Conclusion: Lay counselors are fulfilling an important role in Botswana's healthcare system, serving as the entry point into HIV care, support, and treatment services.
Recommendation: For this and other similar task shifting initiatives, it is important that lay counselors' responsibilities are clear and that training and support are adequate to optimize their effectiveness. | ,"ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY","COMMUNITY-HEALTH WORKERS","HIV/AIDS CARE","HIV TREATMENT","NONPHYSICIAN CLINICIAN",PROGRAM,"RAPID EXPANSION",SOUTH-AFRICA,"TESTING SERVICES",ZAMBIA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949188463 | Benchmarking health system performance across regions in Uganda: A systematic analysis of levels and trends in key maternal and child health interventions, 1990-2011 | Roberts D.A., Ng M., Ikilezi G., Gasasira A., Dwyer-Lindgren L., Fullman N., Nalugwa T., Kamya M., Gakidou E. | 2015 | BMC Medicine | 13 | 1 | 10.1186/s12916-015-0518-x | University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2301 5th Ave, Suite 60, Seattle, WA, United States; Mulago Hospital Complex, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; African Leaders Malaria Alliance, Kampala, Uganda; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda | Roberts, D.A., University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2301 5th Ave, Suite 60, Seattle, WA, United States; Ng, M., University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2301 5th Ave, Suite 60, Seattle, WA, United States; Ikilezi, G., University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2301 5th Ave, Suite 60, Seattle, WA, United States, Mulago Hospital Complex, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Gasasira, A., African Leaders Malaria Alliance, Kampala, Uganda; Dwyer-Lindgren, L., University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2301 5th Ave, Suite 60, Seattle, WA, United States; Fullman, N., University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2301 5th Ave, Suite 60, Seattle, WA, United States; Nalugwa, T., Mulago Hospital Complex, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Kamya, M., Mulago Hospital Complex, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda; Gakidou, E., University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2301 5th Ave, Suite 60, Seattle, WA, United States | Background: Globally, countries are increasingly prioritizing the reduction of health inequalities and provision of universal health coverage. While national benchmarking has become more common, such work at subnational levels is rare. The timely and rigorous measurement of local levels and trends in key health interventions and outcomes is vital to identifying areas of progress and detecting early signs of stalled or declining health system performance. Previous studies have yet to provide a comprehensive assessment of Uganda's maternal and child health (MCH) landscape at the subnational level. Methods: By triangulating a number of different data sources - population censuses, household surveys, and administrative data - we generated regional estimates of 27 key MCH outcomes, interventions, and socioeconomic indicators from 1990 to 2011. After calculating source-specific estimates of intervention coverage, we used a two-step statistical model involving a mixed-effects linear model as an input to Gaussian process regression to produce regional-level trends. We also generated national-level estimates and constructed an indicator of overall intervention coverage based on the average of 11 high-priority interventions. Results: National estimates often veiled large differences in coverage levels and trends across Uganda's regions. Under-5 mortality declined dramatically, from 163 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 85 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2011, but a large gap between Kampala and the rest of the country persisted. Uganda rapidly scaled up a subset of interventions across regions, including household ownership of insecticide-treated nets, receipt of artemisinin-based combination therapies among children under 5, and pentavalent immunization. Conversely, most regions saw minimal increases, if not actual declines, in the coverage of indicators that required multiple contacts with the health system, such as four or more antenatal care visits, three doses of oral polio vaccine, and two doses of intermittent preventive therapy during pregnancy. Some of the regions with the lowest levels of overall intervention coverage in 1990, such as North and West Nile, saw marked progress by 2011; nonetheless, sizeable disparities remained between Kampala and the rest of the country. Countrywide, overall coverage increased from 40% in 1990 to 64% in 2011, but coverage in 2011 ranged from 57% to 70% across regions. Conclusions: The MCH landscape in Uganda has, for the most part, improved between 1990 and 2011. Subnational benchmarking quantified the persistence of geographic health inequalities and identified regions in need of additional health systems strengthening. The tracking and analysis of subnational health trends should be conducted regularly to better guide policy decisions and strengthen responsiveness to local health needs. © 2015 Roberts et al. | Coverage; Indicators; Inequalities; Maternal and child health; Subnational benchmarking; Uganda; Under-5 mortality | artemisinin; BCG vaccine; measles vaccine; poliomyelitis vaccine; Rotavirus vaccine; tetanus toxoid; Article; bed net; biogeographic region; breast feeding; child health; diarrhea; disease control; educational status; health care delivery; health care disparity; health care facility; health care need; health care policy; health care quality; health care survey; health care system; household; human; indoor residual spraying; live birth; malaria; maternal welfare; measles; mortality; oral rehydration therapy; poliomyelitis; prenatal care; sanitation; tuberculosis; Uganda; underweight; vaccination; water supply | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78751661876 | Potential impact of edible tropical legumes on crop productivity in the small-holder sector in Sub-Saharan Africa | Gwata E.T. | 2010 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 8 | 3-4 PART 2 | None | University of Venda, Department of Plant Production, P. Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa | Gwata, E.T., University of Venda, Department of Plant Production, P. Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa | Agricultural systems in sub-Saharan Africa are dominated by the small-holder types of production. The small-holder sector (SHS) is characterized largely by resource-poor farmers with small farms averaging about 0.4 ha per household. The farmers are constrained by lack of capital to purchase production inputs or lack of the pre-requisite technical and managerial skills to produce and market commodities successfully. Crop production systems in the SHS are predominantly subsistence, consisting of largely cereals and a limited proportion of tropical legumes in spite of the importance of legumes in these cropping systems. The objective of this paper was to explore the potential impact of edible tropical grain legumes on household food security and poverty alleviation in the SHS production systems in sub-Saharan Africa. The legumes provide food for human consumption, improve soil fertility and can be traded to generate income. The potential yield advantage of tropical legumes over that of cereals is high particularly under low soil fertility conditions. From a nutritional standpoint, the legumes contain a broad range of amino acids and vitamins. Because of the high protein levels (>20%) in the grain, the legumes are valuable sources of affordable protein particularly in rural small-holder communities that largely depend on cereal based diets and face high risks of malnutrition. The legumes can also be used in the production of stock feeds. Therefore, the tropical legumes offer flexible options for improving food production as well as income generation for the small-holder farmers in Africa thereby contributing to household food security and poverty alleviation. | Production systems; Small-holder sector; Soil fertility; Tropical legumes | amino acid; protein; vitamin; Africa south of the Sahara; agricultural management; agricultural worker; article; cereal; controlled study; crop production; cropping system; dietary intake; food composition; food industry; food intake; food security; grain; harvest; household; legume; nonhuman; nutritional value; poverty; protein malnutrition; skill; small holder sector; soil fertility; stock assessment; Africa; crop; drought tolerance; income; intercropping; rural area; seed production | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870161870 | Fluoride concentrations in groundwater and impact on human health in Siloam Village, Limpopo Province, South Africa | Odiyo J.O., Makungo R. | 2012 | Water SA | 38 | 5 | 10.4314/wsa.v38i5.12 | University of Venda, Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, P/Bag X 5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa | Odiyo, J.O., University of Venda, Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, P/Bag X 5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa; Makungo, R., University of Venda, Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, P/Bag X 5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa | Monitoring of fluoride concentrations in groundwater, identification of sources, and monitoring of the impact of fluoride on human health was undertaken in Siloam Village, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Most of the inhabitants of Siloam Village rely on groundwater for domestic use due to inadequate pipe-borne water supply. A preliminary survey showing that some community members in Siloam Village have mottled teeth motivated the study. Temperature and pH were measured in the field while fluoride and calcium in groundwater were analysed in the laboratory. A survey was conducted to obtain information on the impact of fluoride on human health. 40% of the households and 1 primary school in Siloam Village were interviewed. Fluoride concentrations in groundwater samples were found to be higher than the Department of Water Affairs and World Health Organization recommended values for domestic use of 1 mg/ℓ and 1.5 mg/ℓ, respectively. The results of paired two-tailed t-tests showed significant differences between mean values of pH, temperature, calcium and fluoride concentrations for all paired comparisons between 3 sites, with the exception of comparisons between sites GW1 (community borehole) and GW2 (artesian spring). Alkaline pH, low calcium concentrations, high groundwater temperatures and semi-arid climatic conditions of the study area may cause elevated fluoride concentrations in groundwater, by increasing the solubility of fluoride-bearing formations (fluorite). A survey revealed that 87% of the households use groundwater while 85% of these have family members with mottled teeth. 50% of children between the ages of 11 and 14 in Siloam Primary School also have mottled teeth. There is thus evidence suggesting negative human health impacts of high fluoride concentrations in ground-water in Siloam Village. The majority of the community was found to be aware of the fluorides in groundwater and the health impacts thereof making interventions easy to promote. | Fluorides; Groundwater; Human health; Impacts; Siloam village | Alkaline pH; Artesian; Calcium concentration; Climatic conditions; Domestic use; Fluoride concentrations; Fluorides; Groundwater temperatures; Health impact; Human health; Human health impacts; Identification of sources; Impacts; Mean values; Paired comparison; Primary schools; Recommended values; Semi arid; Siloam village; South Africa; Study areas; T-tests; World Health Organization; Alkalinity; Calcium; Fluorine compounds; Health; Rural areas; Surveys; Water supply; Groundwater; fluoride; groundwater pollution; health impact; pollution monitoring; public health; sampling; solubility; World Health Organization; Limpopo; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054056858 | Performance of small water treatment plants: The case study of Mutshedzi Water Treatment Plant | Makungo R., Odiyo J.O., Tshidzumba N. | 2011 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 36 | 14-15 | 10.1016/j.pce.2011.07.073 | University of Venda, Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, P/Bag X 5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa | Makungo, R., University of Venda, Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, P/Bag X 5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa; Odiyo, J.O., University of Venda, Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, P/Bag X 5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa; Tshidzumba, N., University of Venda, Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, P/Bag X 5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa | The performance of small water treatment plants (SWTPs) was evaluated using Mutshedzi WTP as a case study. The majority of SWTPs in South Africa (SA) that supply water to rural villages face problems of cost recovery, water wastages, limited size and semi-skilled labour. The raw and final water quality analyses and their compliance were used to assess the performance of the Mutshedzi WTP. Electrical conductivity (EC), pN{cyrillic} and turbidity were measured in the field using a portable multimeter and a turbidity meter respectively. Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and Ion Chromatography were used to analyse metals and non-metals respectively. The results were compared with the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) guidelines for domestic use. The turbidity levels partially exceeded the recommended guidelines for domestic water use of 1. NTU. The concentrations of chemical parameters in final water were within the DWA guidelines for domestic water use except for fluoride, which exceeded the maximum allowable guideline of 1.5. mg/L in August 2009. Mutshedzi WTP had computed compliance for raw and final water analyses ranging from 79% to 93% and 86% to 93% throughout the sampling period, respectively. The results from earlier studies showed that the microbiological quality of final water in Mutshedzi WTP complied with the recommended guidelines, eliminating the slight chance of adverse aesthetic effects and infectious disease transmission associated with the turbidity values between 1 and 5. NTU. The study concluded that Mutshedzi WTP, though moving towards compliance, is still not producing adequate quality of water. Other studies also indicated that the quantity of water produced from Mutshedzi WTP was inadequate. The findings of the study indicate that lack of monitoring of quantity of water supplied to each village, dosage of treatment chemicals, the treatment capacity of the WTP and monitoring the quality of water treated are some of the factors that limit the performance of Mutshedzi WTP. These have been confirmed in literature to be widespread in similar WTPs in SA. It is recommended that water meters be provided and the community be advised to subsidise the cost of water supply. The study recommended that the treatments of turbidity and fluoride should form critical functions of the plant to ensure that final water for domestic use is always safe from any harmful substances or disease causing pathogens. The study concluded that the WTP only needs minor improvement to boost its efficiency with regard to the treatment of raw water. This will also ensure that the plant achieves 100% compliance for final water. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Compliance; Mutshedzi; Performance; Small water treatment plants | Chemical parameters; Compliance; Cost recovery; Critical functions; Domestic use; Domestic water use; Electrical conductivity; Harmful substances; Infectious disease; Its efficiencies; Microbiological quality; Mutshedzi; Performance; Quality of water; Raw water; Rural villages; Sampling period; Small water treatment plants; South Africa; Treatment capacity; Turbidity meter; Turbidity values; Water quality analysis; Absorption spectroscopy; Atomic absorption spectrometry; Chromatography; Depreciation; Electric conductivity; Ion chromatography; Pathogens; Turbidity; Water quality; Water supply; Water treatment plants; Water treatment; compliance; fluoride; guideline; microbiology; performance assessment; sampling; turbidity; water quality; water supply; water treatment; South Africa | 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-s2.0-68949087023 | Performance evaluation of absorbent materials in evaporative cooling system for the storage of fruits and vegetables | Olosunde W.A., Igbeka J.C., Olurin T.O. | 2009 | International Journal of Food Engineering | 5 | 3 | 10.2202/1556-3758.1376 | University of Uyo, Nigeria; University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Bells University of Technology, Nigeria | Olosunde, W.A., University of Uyo, Nigeria; Igbeka, J.C., University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Olurin, T.O., Bells University of Technology, Nigeria | An experimental storage based on the principle of evaporative cooling was designed to evaluate the performance of three natural absorbent fiber materials to be used as cooling pads. The absorbent materials were jute, hessian and cotton waste. The performance criteria included cooling efficiency, material performance and total amount of heat load removed from the evaporative cooler. The results showed that under the no-load condition, the average cooling efficiency was highest for jute at 86.2%, compared to 76.3% for cotton waste and 61.7% for hessian fiber. Materials performance tests results showed that the highest resistance to mold formation was exhibited by hessian followed by cotton waste, while the jute fiber had very poor performance. The heat load determination also showed that products stored in the cooler with jute as water absorbent produced the least heat of respiration, followed by cotton waste and hessian in that order. The total results indicated that jute had the overall advantage over the other materials. However, if the cotton waste surface could be modified to offer larger surface required for evaporation, it would be the best alternative because the jute surface is prone to mold formation. © 2009 The Berkeley Electronic Press. All rights reserved. | Absorbent material; Cotton waste; Evaporative cooling; Hessian; Jute; Respiration; Storage | Absorbent material; Evaporative cooling; Hessian; Jute; Respiration; Storage; Absorption; Cooling; Cotton; Evaporation; Evaporative cooling systems; Jute fibers; Materials; Molds; Thermal load; Surfaces; Absorbents; Absorption; Burlap; Cooling; Cooling Systems; Cotton; Evaporation; Jute; Molds; Respiration; Storage; Surfaces; Wastes; Corchorus capsularis; Gossypium hirsutum | None |
| WoS | WOS:000272716300006 | EVALUATING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION: DIFFERENTIAL PERCEPTIONS OF PARTNERSHIP IN A CBPR PROJECT IN GHANA | Alder, Stephen,Amuasi, John,Ansong, Daniel,Boakye, Isaac,Crookston, Benjamin T.,de Schweinitz, Peter,Manortey, Stephen | 2009 | JOURNAL OF EMPIRICAL RESEARCH ON HUMAN RESEARCH ETHICS | 4 | 4 | 10.1525/jer.2009.4.4.53 | University of Utah, Utah System of Higher Education, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hosp, Kwame Nkrumah University Science & Technology | "de Schweinitz, Peter: University of Utah","de Schweinitz, Peter: Utah System of Higher Education", | PRACTITIONERS OF COMMUNITY-BASED participatory research (CBPR) must overcome numerous barriers in order to include research participants as equal partners in decision-making. The decision-making processes of stakeholders (including research participants) of one international CBPR project based in the middle belt of Ghana were analyzed through qualitative focus group and interview data, as well as direct observation of formal meetings. Using modified grounded theory to interpret our data, we find that despite the intentions of extra-community stakeholders, ordinary community members do not experience full ownership of the governance of the research enterprise. We conclude that organizational philosophy, cultural expectations, and environmental context can help to explain differential perceptions of stakeholders and function as barriers to full partnership. | "community-based participation","community consultation and outreach","decision-making and governance","global health","INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION","West Africa",AFRICAN,CANADA,"COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT",ETHICS,HEALTH,"PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH",POWER | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888403084 | Professional perceptions of social work and potential impact on developing field | Gerritsen-McKane R., Hunter R., Ofori-Dua K. | 2013 | Qualitative Social Work | 12 | 6 | 10.1177/1473325012460076 | University of Utah, United States; Department of Sociology and Social Work, Kumasi, Ghana | Gerritsen-McKane, R., University of Utah, United States; Hunter, R., University of Utah, United States; Ofori-Dua, K., Department of Sociology and Social Work, Kumasi, Ghana | In 2007, a collaborative project was initiated between Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology's (KNUST's) Department of Sociology and Social Work (DSSW) and the University of Utah (U of U) College of Social Work (CSW) to establish a Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) Program in Kumasi, Ghana. As part of this initiative, there was a specific need to develop a field education component in the emerging BSW. To assist in establishment of an effective field education program, a research team from the U of U CSW returned to Kumasi, Ghana in 2008 to conduct a qualitative exploratory case study. This article presents initial research findings regarding perceptions of key community stakeholders about the role of social work in this developing country; and their perceptions regarding the necessity of practica for preparing students to practice social work. From evidence sources, themes about professionalism, gender/role of women and community structures emerged concerning perceptions of the role of social work. Themes specific to exposure to vulnerable populations, skill development, understanding the roles and perceptions of social workers in Ghana, and the importance of field education will be presented and implications for future international collaborations will be examined. © The Author(s) 2012. | Field education; Ghana; perceptions | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877141991 | Paradoxical impacts of electricity on life in a rural South African village | Matinga M.N., Annegarn H.J. | 2013 | Energy Policy | 58 | None | 10.1016/j.enpol.2013.03.016 | University of Twente, PO Box 217, Enschede, 7500AE, Netherlands; SeTAR Centre, APB Campus, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa; Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, APK Campus, PO Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa | Matinga, M.N., University of Twente, PO Box 217, Enschede, 7500AE, Netherlands, SeTAR Centre, APB Campus, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa; Annegarn, H.J., SeTAR Centre, APB Campus, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa, Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, APK Campus, PO Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa | Debates on the nexus between energy and development emphasise that access to modern energy carriers such as electricity improve development outcomes. This paper discusses the impacts of electrification on educational outcomes, gender and power relations, income generation, feelings of inclusion and exclusion and health in the village of Tsilitwa in the rural Eastern Cape, South Africa. It is based on an ethnographic grounded theory study conducted in 2009. The paper shows that the impacts of electricity may not match the benefits cited in the literature, and are not experienced in the same way by everyone in the community. The study uncovers the weakness of ignoring individual and group agency, and the complexity of social settings when advocating interventions to improve quality of life. The paper recommends that researchers and policymakers consider using ethnographic methods to complement other methods and reveal context and its implications on the energy-development nexus that other methods may not capture. Linkages between energy and development outcomes are complex and not deterministic. Ethnography better reveals the complex relationship between energy and development. People's contexts affect whether, how and who benefits from energy access. Benefits like sense of worth and inclusion are often neglected in development. Electrification can have negative impacts such as rising sense of income disparity. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Developmental impacts; Electrification; Household | Complex relationships; Developmental impacts; Electrification; Ethnographic methods; Household; Inclusion and exclusions; Income generation; Social settings; Electric utilities; Rural areas; Electricity; complexity; education; gender relations; income distribution; power relations; quality of life; rural electrification; social exclusion; social inclusion; village; Eastern Cape; South Africa | None |
| WoS | WOS:000307868900005 | Collaborative e-learning course design: Impacts on instructors in the Open University of Tanzania | Nihuka, Kassimu A.,Voogt, Joke | 2012 | AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY | 28 | 2 | None | University of Twente, Open Univ Tanzania | "Voogt, Joke: University of Twente", | Efforts by universities in sub-Sahara Africa to promote professional development of instructors in course design and delivery by e-learning technologies have often lacked meaningful impacts. This study investigated the impact of collaborative course design on instructors' professional learning about design and delivery of e-learning courses at the Open University of Tanzania (OUT). Six Teacher Design Teams (TDTs), each with 2 instructors, participated in the study, redesigning their print-based courses using an offline Moodle LMS supported by emails and mobile phones. A total of 36 interviews were conducted with 12 instructors, after each of the two workshops and after the course redesign process. Results showed that despite challenges, instructors were satisfied with collaborative course design and they reported that the strategy contributed to their professional learning. Instructors' backgrounds determined the kinds of support needed during course design and delivery. | ,CURRICULUM,PROFESSIONAL-DEVELOPMENT,STRATEGIES,TEACHERS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-50449095291 | 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-s2.0-60649093491 | 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-s2.0-84907189559 | Jogoo la shambani haliwiki mjini: The village and the town in the Mũgithi and one-man guitar performances in Kenya | Mutonya M.W. | 2014 | African Studies Quarterly | 14 | 4 | None | University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Mutonya, M.W., University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | The 1990s marked an emergence of a relatively new genre in the contours of Kenyan popular culture. The Mũgithi performance signaled a beginning of new directions, largely in Kenyan music and specifically in the contemporary Gikuyu music in terms of themes and style. The performance, mostly an urban phenomenon dominated by Gĩkũyũ one-man guitarists, is a major site for negotiation of identities and incorporates the interface and interplay between the traditional and the contemporary, especially in the urban setting. This article highlights the inherent contradictions in creation and re-creation of urban identities as expressed in this music. The main argument is that identities are always contested and different socio-economic situations call for a negotiation, if not a re-negotiation of identities. © University of Florida Board of Trustees. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33751556348 | Dambo mapping for environmental monitoring using Landsat TM and SAR imagery: Case study in the Zambian Copperbelt | Limpitlaw D., Gens R. | 2006 | International Journal of Remote Sensing | 27 | 21 | 10.1080/01431160600835846 | University of the Witwatersrand, School of Mining Engineering, Private Bag 3, 2050 Wits, Johannesburg, South Africa; University of Alaska Fairbanks, Geophysical Institute, 903 Koyukuk Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320, United States | Limpitlaw, D., University of the Witwatersrand, School of Mining Engineering, Private Bag 3, 2050 Wits, Johannesburg, South Africa; Gens, R., University of Alaska Fairbanks, Geophysical Institute, 903 Koyukuk Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320, United States | The purpose of this study was to monitor the impact of mining in the Zambian Copperbelt, specifically using dambos as an environmental indicator for pollution. Data fusion using a Brovey transform was used for combining speckle filtered radar data with optical data to effectively map natural dambos and dambos that have degraded due to human impact. Comparative analysis of raw images and fusion product reveals that, whereas natural dambos show low values on Landsat reflective bands and low backscatter response in SAR imagery, degraded dambos have mixed spectral responses. Degraded dambos are difficult to identify in either optical or SAR images alone, but a fusion product highlights complimentary spectral information, making these environmental indicators uniquely identifiable. | None | Environmental engineering; Image analysis; Mapping; Radar imaging; Synthetic aperture radar; Dambo mapping; Environmental indicator; Environmental monitoring; Optical data; Speckle filtered radar; Mining; environmental monitoring; image analysis; Landsat thematic mapper; mapping method; radar imagery; synthetic aperture radar; Africa; Copperbelt; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zambia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902146430 | 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-s2.0-84900563265 | Organisational support and its influence on teachers job satisfaction and job performance in limpopo province of South Africa | Chinomona R., Sandada M. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 9 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n9p208 | University of the Witwatersrand, School of Economics and Business Sciences, South Africa; University of Zimbabwe, Graduate School of Business Management, South Africa | Chinomona, R., University of the Witwatersrand, School of Economics and Business Sciences, South Africa; Sandada, M., University of Zimbabwe, Graduate School of Business Management, South Africa | The importance of organisational support is increasingly being recognized because of its potential positive influence on employee performance. However, studies that seek to investigate the influence of organisational support on the teachers' job satisfaction and consequently their workplace performance at high school level have largely remained scant, particularly in developing countries of Southern Africa. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to fill this void. Three research hypotheses are posited and a sample data of 162 collected from the Limpopo Province of South Africa is used to empirically test the hypotheses. The results of this study show that, organisational support positively influences teachers'job satisfaction and their job performance. Managerial implications of the findings are discussed and limitations and future research directions are indicated. | Job performance; Job satisfaction; Organisational support | 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-s2.0-84937411313 | The impact of corporate social responsibility on firms’ financial performance in South Africa | Chetty S., Naidoo R., Seetharam Y. | 2015 | Contemporary Economics | 9 | 2 | 10.5709/ce.1897-9254.167 | University of the Witwatersrand - School of Economic and Business Sciences, South Africa | Chetty, S., University of the Witwatersrand - School of Economic and Business Sciences, South Africa; Naidoo, R., 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 | If Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities are beyond a firm’s legal obligations and potentially require a sacrifice in short-term profits, why do firms promote CSR? This question motivates this investigation of the impact of CSR on a firm’s Corporate Financial Performance (CFP). This relationship is examined for the period from 2004 to 2013 in South Africa. We assess the short-term impact of CSR announcements on financial returns of firms included in or excluded from the Johannesburg Securities Exchange Socially Responsible Investment Index and determine whether there is a difference in the long-term CFP between these two groups for the entire period. The event study methodology shows that investors were rewarded in 2004 and 2012, when firms entered the index, and were penalized in 2013, when firms exited the index. When using regression analysis, the various industries provide mixed results between CSR and CFP for firms over the long term. Based on these results, we find that CSR activities lead to no significant differences in financial performance. © 2015, Wyzsza Szkola Finansow i Zarzadzania w Warszawie. All rights reserved. | Corporate social responsibility; Financial markets; South Africa | None | 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-s2.0-84908042446 | Knowledge management capabilities and firm performance: A test of universalistic, contingency and complementarity perspectives | Cohen J.F., Olsen K. | 2014 | Expert Systems with Applications | 42 | 3 | 10.1016/j.eswa.2014.09.002 | University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg, Wits, South Africa | Cohen, J.F., University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg, Wits, South Africa; Olsen, K., University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg, Wits, South Africa | Competing theoretical perspectives regarding the effects of knowledge management (KM) on performance have underpinned past empirical studies. By explicitly surfacing and comparing three such perspectives, we contribute to the theoretical advancement of the KM field. We develop hypotheses consistent with the underlying logics of universalistic, complementarity and contingency theories and we empirically test these hypotheses to determine which is best supported. Data was collected from a sample of hospitality services firms operating in South Africa. Our results show that the universalistic perspective is less preferred. We find support for the complementarity perspective by revealing that codification and human capital KM capabilities interact to influence customer service outcomes. The contingency perspective also received support as the links between KM capabilities and performance were found to be contingent on the business strategy of the firm. Our results suggest that future researchers should explicitly acknowledge the theoretical perspective from which they are observing the performance impacts of KM and ensure that empirical tests are consistent with the logic of the selected perspective. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Complementarity; Contingency; Firm performance; Human capital; Knowledge management; Universalistic | Complementarity; Contingency; Firm Performance; Human capitals; Universalistic; Knowledge management | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-74049107311 | Evaluating the performance of South African economics departments | Luiz J.M. | 2009 | South African Journal of Economics | 77 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2009.01228.x | University of the Witwatersrand, PO Box 98, Wits, 2050, South Africa | Luiz, J.M., University of the Witwatersrand, PO Box 98, Wits, 2050, South Africa | Over the past decade, economics departments in South Africa have seen major changes and a certain level of disruption. Much of this can be attributed to the integration of our discipline into the global arena after a period of academic isolation. This paper presents a survey of economics departments and covers everything from staff profiles and qualifications to curricula, and research output. This paper indicates that there has been some improvement in the state of economics at South African universities since 2003 when the previous survey was conducted. Research output is largely up as is the proportion in international journals, and more researchers are producing in leading international economics publications. However, the gap between South African economics departments and their international counterparts remains large. Journal compilation © 2009 Economic Society of South Africa. | Economics departments; Rankings; South Africa | academic research; curriculum; ranking; university sector; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57349149113 | Performance of a novel human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 total nucleic acid-based real-time PCR assay using whole blood and dried blood spots for diagnosis of HIV in infants | Stevens W., Erasmus L., Moloi M., Taleng T., Sarang S. | 2008 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 46 | 12 | 10.1128/JCM.00754-08 | University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; 7 York Rd. Parktown, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa | Stevens, W., University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa, 7 York Rd. Parktown, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; Erasmus, L., University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; Moloi, M., University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; Taleng, T., University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; Sarang, S., University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa | The new Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 Qual test offers advanced automation for the detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA and DNA in dried blood spots (DBS) and whole blood. An analytical evaluation using an HIV-1 secondary standard yielded limits of detection of 514, 710, and 1,090 HIV RNA copies/ml for EDTA plasma, whole blood, and DBS, respectively. The precision and reproducibility of HIV-1 detection was equivalent for DBS and whole blood. Inclusivity was demonstrated for a reference panel of HIV-1 subtypes A to N. A clinical evaluation of the Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 Qual test was performed at a center for routine diagnostics in Johannesburg, South Africa, using 1,013 clinical specimens from HIV-1 exposed children. The Amplicor HIV-1 DNA test v1.5 with the MagNApure DNA isolation procedure was used as the reference method. A total of 995 valid results for whole blood with both methods yielded 691 and 303 concordant negative and positive results for the Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 Qual test, respectively. For the 800 valid DBS specimen results, 495 and 300 concordant negative and positive results were obtained, respectively. The resulting clinical specificities and sensitivities of the new test were 100% and 99.7% for whole blood and DBS, respectively. The new test was characterized by its robustness, enhanced automation, and improved sample throughput. The Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 Qual test will support early, reliable diagnosis of HIV in children in routine laboratory settings. Copyright © 2008, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | article; blood; controlled study; DNA determination; DNA isolation; DNA virus; evaluation research; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; nucleic acid analysis; priority journal; real time polymerase chain reaction; South Africa; Blood; Child; Child, Preschool; Desiccation; DNA, Viral; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Infant; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; RNA, Viral; Sensitivity and Specificity; South Africa; Specimen Handling; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | 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-s2.0-47749121398 | From simplicity to performance: The place of second generation anglophone African poets | Olaoluwa S.S. | 2008 | English Studies | 89 | 4 | 10.1080/00138380802011891 | University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Olaoluwa, S.S., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052087058 | Performance of South African adolescents on two versions of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test | Blumenau J., Broom Y. | 2011 | South African Journal of Psychology | 41 | 2 | None | University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Blumenau, J., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Broom, Y., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | In South Africa the multicultural and multilinguistic nature of society has impacted on the cultural appropriateness of psychological tests. In the assessment of memory and learning, tasks such as the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) are widely used although they may not be standardised for the South African context. We investigated how South African learners performed on the RAVLT as well as on an adapted version of this test, the South African List Learning Test (SALLT). The impact of language differences on performance was also noted. Subjects were 54 first (L1) and second language (L2) English speaking secondary school learners. Results indicated that South African learners achieved a higher level of recall on the SALLT than on the Euro-American RAVLT. Findings confirmed the impact of language experience on performance and highlight the necessity for the development and standardisation of culturally relevant psychological tests in South Africa. © Psychological Society of South Africa. All rights reserved. | Assessment; Language; Memory; Psychological testing; RAVLT; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952692847 | Infrastructure investment and its performance in Africa over the course of the twentieth century | Luiz J. | 2010 | International Journal of Social Economics | 37 | 7 | 10.1108/03068291011055450 | University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Luiz, J., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse long-term trends in the development of Africa's economic infrastructure. Design/methodology/approach: The importance of infrastructure was examined in social and economic processes, followed by an exploration of the changing nature of infrastructure and its implications for delivery. The paper looked at the development of infrastructure in Africa by focusing on what was inherited at independence versus what had been achieved there since and why this was the case. Findings: The development challenges are immense because delivery of infrastructure requires much more than financial resources - it requires the capacity to deliver massive, complex projects in an efficient manner. It is clear that African states do not possess this level of capacity but this can still be delivered through innovative public-private partnerships, global cooperation, and the support of international institutions. Practical implications: Improving Africa's infrastructure is a necessary but not sufficient condition to promote economic development and attract investment back to the continent. Originality/value: The author assesses what needs to be done to ensure the massive infrastructure delivery required for the continent, which is estimated at 6 percent of output, and the innovation required for such a programme. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Africa; Economic growth; Electricity; Railways; Roads; Telephone | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77149121798 | Employee flow as an integrated and qualitative system: Impact on business-to-business service quality | Lee G.J. | 2010 | Journal of Business-to-Business Marketing | 17 | 1 | 10.1080/10517120903000348 | University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Lee, G.J., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Purpose: This article develops and tests the effect of a complete model of employee flow on business-to-business (B2B) customer service outcomes. Methodology: Employee flow in organizations refers to all inflows, outflows, and internal movements of staff, and is a crucial human resources area. However, research rarely deals with employee flow as a whole. Instead, studies generally limit themselves to individual employee flow aspects, such as employee turnover, and limit outcomes to internal organizational issues. This study employs hierarchical regression and structural equation to model the effect of an integrated and qualitative measure on B2B service quality through the INDSERV scale. Findings: Employee flow, especially net outflows, affects service quality perceptions through various mediated relationships. Employee flow affects outcome quality through potential and soft process quality and impacts hard process quality through potential quality. Relationship frequency, supply chain integration of the customer, and environmental characteristics are significant moderators. Research implications: The introduction of complete employee flow as a predictor variable is a research advance and can be extended to many research settings. Confirmation that INDSERV scales have an internal progression is new and informs future model building. Practical implications: Managers, especially in bigger and service-oriented companies, might employ integrated employee flow indices as a practical management metric. The tendency of B2B processes to separate client and customer staff (e.g., through technological bridges and call centers) is discouraged by the finding that employee flow affects outcomes partly through soft process, relational quality. Managers should attend to frequency and customer integration. Contribution: The use of integrated and qualitative employee flow models in modeling service outcomes, especially in B2B settings, is an original contribution, as is the hitherto untested progression within the subconstructs of the INDSERV B2B service quality scale. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Business-to-business service quality; Customer integration; Employee acquisition; Employee flow; Employee turnover; Frequency; INDSERV; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866560208 | The influence of differences in social and cultural capital on students' expectations of achievement, on their performance, and on their learning practices in the first year at university | Dukhan S., Cameron A., Brenner E.A. | 2012 | International Journal of Learning | 18 | 7 | None | University of the Witwatersrand, Gauteng, South Africa | Dukhan, S., University of the Witwatersrand, Gauteng, South Africa; Cameron, A., University of the Witwatersrand, Gauteng, South Africa; Brenner, E.A., University of the Witwatersrand, Gauteng, South Africa | Even in post-Apartheid South Africa a legacy of inequality persists, since members of the wealthier sector, who generally have parents with a University education, are able to attend well resourced schools, while the majority of the population is forced (through economic circumstances) to attend under-resourced schools. Since access to tertiary education has increased, many individuals, who have attended under-resourced schools, are now able to attend University as "first generation" students whose parents have had no University experience. First and second generation students thus enter University having different expectations, learning practices and experiences which have been influenced, to a large extent, by their high school experiences. In addition, first generation students lack social and cultural capital which also influences their learning practices. This study compares the learning practices and academic performance of first and second generation students in a first year Biology course at Wits University. The influence of social and cultural capital on student academic performance is investigated. Students' expectations and experiences of their academic performance become more realistic as they go through first year but they experience great difficulty in trying to adjust their study methods to meet the expectations of the academic environment. As much as first generation students who have sibling experience of University have access to social capital, and therefore more realistic views on the academic requirements at University, they still do not perform any better than first generation students who have no sibling experience of University. In order for educational redress within South African democracy to be effective, it is important to understand the supportive measures that students may require in order to succeed at University. Furthermore, first generation students who have siblings that attended University have access to social capital, unlike those without this experience. This study examines the importance of social capital and cultural capital in the context of a Biology course at Wits University. © Common Ground, Shalini Dukhan, Ann Cameron, Elisabeth A. Brenner. . | Academic performance; First and second generation student; First-year university; Student expectation at university; Student university experience | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873929926 | In vivo evaluation of a conjugated poly(lactide-ethylene glycol) nanoparticle depot formulation for prolonged insulin delivery in the diabetic rabbit model | Tomar L., Tyagi C., Kumar M., Kumar P., Singh H., Choonara Y.E., Pillay V. | 2013 | International Journal of Nanomedicine | 8 | None | 10.2147/IJN.S38011 | University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India; VSPG College, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, India | Tomar, L., University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India; Tyagi, C., University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, VSPG College, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, India; Kumar, M., Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India; Kumar, P., University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Singh, H., Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India; Choonara, Y.E., University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Pillay, V., University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa | Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and polylactic acid (PLA)-based copolymeric nanoparticles were synthesized and investigated as a carrier for prolonged delivery of insulin via the parenteral route. Insulin loading was simultaneously achieved with particle synthesis using a double emulsion solvent evaporation technique, and the effect of varied PEG chain lengths on particle size and insulin loading efficiency was determined. The synthesized copolymer and nanoparticles were analyzed by standard polymer characterization techniques of gel permeation chromatography, dynamic light scattering, nuclear magnetic resonance, and transmission electron microscopy. In vitro insulin release studies performed under simulated conditions provided a near zero-order release pattern up to 10 days. In vivo animal studies were undertaken with varied insulin loads of nanoparticles administered subcutaneously to fed diabetic rabbits and, of all doses administered, nanoparticles containing 50 IU of insulin load per kg body weight controlled the blood glucose level within the physiologically normal range of 90-140 mg/dL, and had a prolonged effect for more than 7 days. Histopathological evaluation of tissue samples from the site of injection showed no signs of inflammation or aggregation, and established the nontoxic nature of the prepared copolymeric nanoparticles. Further, the reaction profiles for PLA-COOH and NH2-PEGDA-NH2 were elucidated using molecular mechanics energy relationships in vacuum and in a solvated system by exploring the spatial disposition of various concentrations of polymers with respect to each other. Incorporation of insulin within the polymeric matrix was modeled using Connolly molecular surfaces. The computational results corroborated the experimental and analytical data. The ability to control blood glucose levels effectively coupled with the nontoxic behavior of the nanoparticles indicates that these nanoparticles are a potential candidate for insulin delivery. © 2013 Tomar et al, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd. | Insulin; Molecular mechanics energy relationship; Nanoparticles; Parenteral delivery; Poly(lactide-ethylene glycol) diblock copolymer | insulin; macrogol; poly(lactic acid co ethylene glycol); polylactic acid; unclassified drug; animal experiment; animal model; animal tissue; article; conjugation; controlled drug release; controlled study; diabetes mellitus; drug dose comparison; drug release; gel permeation chromatography; glycemic control; in vitro study; in vivo study; light scattering; molecular mechanics; nanoencapsulation; nanopharmaceutics; nonhuman; particle size; proton nuclear magnetic resonance; surface property; transmission electron microscopy; insulin; molecular mechanics energy relationship; nanoparticles; parenteral delivery; poly(lactide-ethylene glycol) diblock copolymer; Animals; Blood Glucose; Chromatography, Gel; Computer Simulation; Delayed-Action Preparations; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Hypoglycemic Agents; Insulin; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Male; Models, Molecular; Molecular Weight; Nanoparticles; Particle Size; Polyesters; Polyethylene Glycols; Rabbits; Skin; Thermodynamics | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897471976 | In vivo evaluation and in-depth pharmaceutical characterization of a rapidly dissolving solid ocular matrix for the topical delivery of timolol maleate in the rabbit eye model | Moosa R.M., Choonara Y.E., Du Toit L.C., Tomar L.K., Tyagi C., Kumar P., Carmichael T.R., Pillay V. | 2014 | International Journal of Pharmaceutics | 466 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2014.02.032 | University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Neurosciences, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa | Moosa, R.M., University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Choonara, Y.E., University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Du Toit, L.C., University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tomar, L.K., University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tyagi, C., University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kumar, P., University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Carmichael, T.R., University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Neurosciences, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pillay, V., University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa | The purpose of this study was to investigate the in-depth pharmaceutical properties and in vivo behavior of a novel lyophilized rapidly dissolving solid ocular matrix (RD-SOM) as a 'solid eye drop' formulation comprising timolol maleate as the model drug. Thermal and molecular transition analysis displayed similar findings with no incompatibility between formulation components. Porositometric studies confirmed the presence of interconnecting pores across the matrix surface. The HETCAM test indicated an irritation score of 0 with the inference of good tolerability for the RD-SOM in the New Zealand White albino rabbit eye model. Ex vivo permeation across excised rabbit cornea showed an improved steady state drug flux (0.00052 mg cm-2 min-1) and permeability co-efficient (1.7 × 10-4 cm min-1) for the RD-SOM compared to pure drug and a marketed eye drop preparation. UPLC analysis quantitatively separated timolol maleate and the internal standard (diclofenac sodium) and gamma irradiation was used as a terminal sterilization procedure. In vivo results revealed a peak concentration of timolol was reached at 104.9 min. In the case of a typical eye drop formulation a lower C max was obtained (1.97 ug/mL). Level A point-to-point IVIVC plots via the Wagner-Nelson method revealed a satisfactory R2 value of 0.84. In addition, the biodegradability and ocular compatibility of the RD-SOM was confirmed by histopathological toxicity studies. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | HET-CAM; In vitro in vivo correlation; Lyophilized polymer matrix; Ocular delivery; Timolol maleate | diclofenac; eye drops; timolol maleate; antihypertensive agent; eye drops; timolol; animal experiment; animal model; article; biodegradability; drug formulation; drug screening; eye toxicity; gamma irradiation; histopathology; in vivo study; nonhuman; permeability; pharmaceutics; pharmacological parameters; priority journal; rabbit; rapidly dissolving solid ocular matrix; steady state; thermal analysis; ultra performance liquid chromatography; animal; chick embryo; chorioallantois; drug delivery system; drug effects; eye; in vitro study; intraocular drug administration; metabolism; solubility; Administration, Ophthalmic; Animals; Antihypertensive Agents; Chick Embryo; Chorioallantoic Membrane; Drug Delivery Systems; Eye; In Vitro Techniques; Ophthalmic Solutions; Permeability; Rabbits; Solubility; Timolol | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896391005 | In vivo and ex vivo evaluation of a multi-particulate composite construct for sustained transbuccal delivery of carbamazepine | Adeleke O.A., Choonara Y.E., Du Toit L.C., Pillay V. | 2014 | Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences | 103 | 4 | 10.1002/jps.23884 | University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa | Adeleke, O.A., University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Choonara, Y.E., University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Du Toit, L.C., University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pillay, V., University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa | Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a leading molecule in the management of epilepsy. Surveys have revealed that a sufficient lack of therapeutically efficient CBZ transbuccal formulation exists. Therefore, this investigation was directed toward designing multiparticulate composite construct (MCC) for the transbuccal delivery of CBZ. The MCC was formulated using interphase, coparticulate- cosolvent homogenization technique, and lyophilization. In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo investigations were performed. The mesoporous (pore width = 80.1233 Å) MCC was mechanically stable (Cyrillic capital letter Ukrainian ie D = 0.0290 J, MF = 8.5490 N/mm) and resilient (M R = 5.5040%). It demonstrated distinctive controlled release (9.9800%/h), permeation enhancing (10.8730%/h), drug loading (90.0541%), and bioadhesive (ωadh = 0.0034 J, Fdet = 1.0751 N) capacities. In vivo studies on pigs showed the ability of the MCC to effectively initiate and regulate transbuccal permeation of CBZ as visualized by outcomes of the quantitative and qualitative assessments of isolated plasma samples. Furthermore, comparisons of in vitro and in vivo data of MCC with a conventional product highlighted its capability to attain higher bioavailability and more controlled release trends. Histological and cytological investigations confirmed that the MCC is biocompatible. The mathematical model produced relevant pharmacokinetics and in vitro/in vivo correlation information. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association. | carbamazepine; controlled release; in vitro/in vivo correlation; mathematical model; permeation enhancer; polymeric drug delivery system; porous-structured; preclinical; preformulation; transbuccal | carbamazepine; placebo; adhesion; animal experiment; article; biocompatibility; cheek mucosa; composite material; controlled release formulation; controlled study; cytology; cytotoxicity assay; drug bioavailability; drug blood level; drug penetration; drug screening; drug solubility; drug stability; ex vivo study; experimental pig; female; freeze drying; histology; in vivo study; morphometrics; multiparticulate composite construct; nonhuman; particle size; physical parameters; qualitative analysis; surface property; sustained release preparation; weight; Administration, Buccal; Animals; Anticonvulsants; Biological Availability; Carbamazepine; Delayed-Action Preparations; Models, Biological; Mouth Mucosa; Porosity; Swine | National Research Foundation |
| 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-s2.0-84880418555 | Design and pharmaceutical evaluation of a nano-enabled crosslinked multipolymeric scaffold for prolonged intracranial release of zidovudine | Harilall S.-L., Choonara Y.E., Modi G., Tomar L.K., Tyagi C., Kumar P., Du Toit L.C., Iyuke S.E., Danckwerts M.P., Pillay V. | 2013 | Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences | 16 | 3 | None | University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Neurology, Division of Neurosciences, Johannesburg, South Africa; University of the Witwatersrand, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Johannesburg, South Africa | Harilall, S.-L., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Choonara, Y.E., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Modi, G., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Neurology, Division of Neurosciences, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tomar, L.K., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tyagi, C., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kumar, P., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Du Toit, L.C., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Iyuke, S.E., University of the Witwatersrand, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Johannesburg, South Africa; Danckwerts, M.P., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pillay, V., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa | Purpose. Nanomedicine explores and allows for the development of drug delivery devices with superior drug uptake, controlled release and fewer drug side-effects. This study explored the use of nanosystems to formulate an implantable drug delivery device capable of sustained zidovudine release over a prolonged period. Methods. Pectin and alginate nanoparticles were prepared by applying a salting out and controlled gelification approach, respectively. The nanoparticles were characterized by attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) and were further evaluated for zidovudine (AZT) entrapment efficiency. Multipolymeric scaffolds were prepared by crosslinking carboxymethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide and epsilon caprolactone for entrapment of zidovudine-loaded alginate nanoparticles to impart enhanced controlled release of zidovudine over the time period. Swelling and textural analysis were conducted on the scaffolds. Prepared scaffolds were treated with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to reduce the swelling of matrix in the hydrated environment thereby further controlling the drug release. Drug release studies in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4, 37°C) were undertaken on both zidovudine-loaded nanoparticles and native scaffolds containing alginate nanoparticles. Results. A higher AZT entrapment efficiency was observed in alginate nanoparticles. Biphasic release was observed with both nanoparticle formulations, exhibiting an initial burst release of drug within hours of exposure to PBS, followed by a constant release rate of AZT over the remaining 30 days of nanoparticle analysis. Exposure of the scaffolds to HCl served to reduce the drug release rate from the entrapped alginate nanoparticles and extended the AZT release up to 30 days. Conclusions. The crosslinked multipolymeric scaffold loaded with alginate nanoparticles and treated with 1% HCl showed the potential for prolonged delivery of zidovudine over a period of 30 days and therefore may be a potential candidate for use as an implantable device in treating Aids Dementia Complex. | None | alginic acid; carboxymethylcellulose; hydrochloric acid; macrogol; pectin; phosphate buffered saline; zidovudine; article; attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; controlled drug release; controlled study; cross linking; drug design; dynamic light scattering; infrared spectroscopy; light scattering; nanopharmaceutics; particle size; scanning electron microscopy; sustained release preparation; zeta potential; Alginates; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Carriers; Glucuronic Acid; Hexuronic Acids; Hydrochloric Acid; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Nanoparticles; Particle Size; Polymers; Surface Properties; Technology, Pharmaceutical; Zidovudine | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905051329 | The impact of ICT investments on human development: A regression splines analysis | Bankole F.O., Osei-Bryson K.-M., Brown I. | 2013 | Journal of Global Information Technology Management | 16 | 2 | 10.1080/1097198X.2013.10845636 | University of the Western Cape, South Africa; Virginia Commonwealth University, United States; University of Cape Town, South Africa | Bankole, F.O., University of the Western Cape, South Africa; Osei-Bryson, K.-M., Virginia Commonwealth University, United States; Brown, I., University of Cape Town, South Africa | Despite the worldwide growth in investments in information and communication technology (ICT), few studies have investigated the complex interactions between components of ICT investments and different dimensions of human development. The purpose of this study is to explore the conditional impacts of ICT investments (Hardware, Software, Internal Services Spending and Telecommunication) on two dimensions of Human Development (Standard of Living and Health) within three contexts (classified as High, Medium and Low income countries). To carry out the study, archival data concerning ICT investments and human development for 51 countries with the largest ICT markets were collected for the period 1994 to 2003. The study utilized a novel approach called regression splines to analyse the data. Results suggest, among other things, that: (1) the impact of investments in the different ICT components varies with context; (2) impacts are in many cases conditional and complex; and (3) the direction of impacts of ICT investment on Standard of Living may be different from the corresponding directions of impacts on Health. It is therefore necessary for policy makers or IS executives to do in-depth tradeoff analysis between the different components of ICT investment to determine appropriate allocations. | Gross domestic product; Human development; ICT investments; Information and communication technology; Multivariate adaptive regression splines | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888599365 | Repeating and disrupting embodied histories through performance: Exhibit A, Mies Julie and Itsoseng | Flockemann M. | 2013 | Critical Arts | 27 | 4 | 10.1080/02560046.2013.828391 | University of the Western Cape, South Africa | Flockemann, M., University of the Western Cape, South Africa | The concern about South African arts being - as Achille Mbembe claims - 'stuck in repetition' can be challenged by examining developments in the performance arts which deliberately employ repetition. In these cases repetition is played with not just as a process of voiding or emptying out, but also to reconceptualise and embody historical and lived experiences. This can involve re-enactments of images, texts and theatrical styles which are worked upon and productively problematised through performance as a live event. In looking at the performance aesthetics of repetition, Diana Taylor's The archive and the repertoire (2003) provides a useful context, since Taylor's work straddles the disciplinary intersections between performance studies, anthropology and history. As point of departure, this article focuses on three works produced at the 2012 National Arts Festival, since the accumulation of new and not-new works viewed in quick succession offers scope for identifying aesthetic trends and shifts. Brett Bailey's Exhibit A, Yael Farber's Mies Julie, and Omphile Molusi's Itsoseng, for instance, demonstrate various aspects of an aesthetics of repetition. The embodied histories that are performed in these works throw up a number of paradoxes. However, the productions do not simply circulate performing bodies as empty aesthetic images, but as transmitters of cultural memory, as well as witnesses to states of profound transition that engage both performers and audiences alike. © 2013 Critical Arts Projects & Unisa Press. | Embodiment; National Arts Festival; Performance art; Re-enactment; Repetition; South African cultural production; Theatre aesthetics | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858393170 | Who was allocated Fast Track land, and what did they do with it? Selection of A2 farmers in Goromonzi District, Zimbabwe and its impacts on agricultural production | Marongwe N. | 2011 | Journal of Peasant Studies | 38 | 5 | 10.1080/03066150.2011.636483 | University of theWestern Cape, School of Government, Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, South Africa | Marongwe, N., University of theWestern Cape, School of Government, Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, South Africa | Questions of who was allocated land under Zimbabwe's Fast Track land reform programme and how productive the beneficiaries have been are highly controversial. This article presents detailed empirical data on beneficiaries who were small and medium-sized commercial farms (the A2 model) in Goromonzi district, land allocation processes, and land use. Goromonzi District is one of the four districts that share a boundary with Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. A questionnaire survey targeting 65 A2 beneficiaries was implemented in 2003, while key informant interviews were done in 2006. Drawing on both primary and official data, the article shows that official criteria for selecting beneficiaries for A2 farms that emphasized the potential to use the land productively were ignored in practice. The institutions responsible for land allocation were captured by members of the ruling party and by representatives of the state security apparatus, and most beneficiaries were drawn from the governing or the local elite. Many lacked sufficient capital to invest meaningfully in commercial agriculture, did not have relevant farming experience, and were unable to put the bulk of their land into production for several years. As a result, in Goromonzi District the impact of Fast Track land reform on commercial agriculture has been negative. © 2011 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | A2 farms; agriculture; beneficiary selection; Fast Track land reform; Goromonzi; governing elite; selection criteria; Zimbabwe | agricultural production; farming system; land reform; land use; small and medium-sized enterprise; smallholder; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44749089181 | High DMFC performance output using modified acid-base polymer blend | Pasupathi S., Ji S., Jan Bladergroen B., Linkov V. | 2008 | International Journal of Hydrogen Energy | 33 | 12 | 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2008.01.033 | University of the Western Cape, SAIAMC, Modderdam Road, Bellville 7535 Cape Town, South Africa | Pasupathi, S., University of the Western Cape, SAIAMC, Modderdam Road, Bellville 7535 Cape Town, South Africa; Ji, S., University of the Western Cape, SAIAMC, Modderdam Road, Bellville 7535 Cape Town, South Africa; Jan Bladergroen, B., University of the Western Cape, SAIAMC, Modderdam Road, Bellville 7535 Cape Town, South Africa; Linkov, V., University of the Western Cape, SAIAMC, Modderdam Road, Bellville 7535 Cape Town, South Africa | An acid-base polymer blend membrane based on sulphonated poly(etheretherketone) (SPEEK) and poly(benzimidazole) (PBI) was developed for direct methanol fuel cells. Thermal stability, water uptake, ion exchange capacity, conductivity and fuel cell performance of the membrane were studied and compared to that of nafion. The conductivity of nafion was found to be superior to SPEEK/PBI membrane; however, the thickness of SPEEK/PBI membranes can be reduced considerably. SPEEK/PBI membrane with a thickness of 55 μ m showed a significant improvement in the DMFC performance as compared to Nafion 117. The maximum power densities obtained with SPEEK/PBI membranes are twice better than Nafion 117 at 60 °C. SPEEK/PBI membranes showed excellent stability under DMFC operating conditions up to 60 °C and therefore are seen as ideal candidates for portable DMFC applications. © 2008 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. | DMFC; PBI; Polymer blend; Power densities; Proton conducting membranes; SPEEK | Ion exchange membranes; Polyether ether ketones; Polymer blends; Polymeric membranes; Thermodynamic stability; Poly(benzimidazole) (PBI); Power densities; Proton conducting membranes; Sulphonated poly(etheretherketone) (SPEEK); Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907154047 | Impact of an interprofessional education program on developing skilled graduates well-equipped to practise in rural and underserved areas | Mpofu R., Late T., Daniels P.S., Adonis T.-A., Karuguti W.M. | 2014 | Rural and Remote Health | 14 | 3 | None | University of the Western Cape, Johanasburg, South Africa | Mpofu, R., University of the Western Cape, Johanasburg, South Africa; Late, T., University of the Western Cape, Johanasburg, South Africa; Daniels, P.S., University of the Western Cape, Johanasburg, South Africa; Adonis, T.-A., University of the Western Cape, Johanasburg, South Africa; Karuguti, W.M., University of the Western Cape, Johanasburg, South Africa | Introduction: Poverty, limited access to resources and a lack of infrastructure characterise the division of rural areas from urban South Africa. Low numbers of social welfare professionals compound the problem. With education linked inextricably in social responsibility, higher education institutions (HEIs) are called upon increasingly to create conditions that encourage students and graduates to practise in more socially responsible ways, involving more than mere disciplinary expertise or technical knowledge, and that consider the problems of rural areas. Use of interprofessional education (IPE) programs, based on teamwork, could enable HEIs to train and guide health sciences students in how best to cooperate with each other and combine their skills to mutual benefit. This would enable them to develop professional skills facilitated by interactive engagement within community settings. Methods: Referencing experience gained in Australia and elsewhere, the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences (FCHS) at the University of Western Cape (UWC) has developed and applied an IPE program for South Africa. Students were placed in interdisciplinary groups in a rural and underserved municipality of the Western Cape - 17 students participated in a study on the effectiveness of this program. A quantitative self-administered questionnaire, followed by qualitative focus group discussions, established student perceptions of their IPE experience, how the experience influenced their intentions for or against future practice in rural and underserved areas, and their interest in future interprofessional collaboration and practice. Results: More than 75% of the participating students agreed that they had learnt to develop knowledge base, procedural and healthcare practice presentation skills, along with preparing written community health histories. Student willingness to practise in rural areas was evidenced, citing community- and resource-based factors as determinants; however, concerns that some community members had 'own agendas' were expressed. Nearly all students highly appreciated their learning and service delivery development, but 47% felt that their educational experience did not go as far as expected. Student concerns were a lack of structured student placement for IPE to occur in the program, as well as limited staff supervision of students. Conclusions: The UWC FCHS IPE program is evidenced as a valid approach to encouraging health sciences students and graduates to choose to practise in more socially responsible ways. However, improvement of placement and supervision methodology and practice should be explored at faculty level and implemented in future IPE programs. © R Mpofu, The Late, PS Daniels, T-A Adonis, WM Karuguti, 2014. | Community welfare; Health science students and graduates; Healthcare practice; Interactive professionalism; Interprofessional education; Procedural skills; Rural and underserved areas; Social responsibility; Supervision methodology; Well equipped practice | adult; attitude to health; clinical competence; education; female; health care personnel; health care planning; human; male; organization and management; program evaluation; public relations; questionnaire; reproducibility; rural health care; South Africa; Adult; Clinical Competence; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Personnel; Humans; Interprofessional Relations; Male; Medically Underserved Area; Program Evaluation; Questionnaires; Reproducibility of Results; Rural Health Services; South Africa | None |
| WoS | WOS:000296232300043 | An evaluation of the present status of the certificate in school business management | Bayat, Abdullah,Combrinck, Theodore,Naicker, Visvanathan | 2011 | AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | 5 | 15 | None | University of the Western Cape | "Bayat, Abdullah: University of the Western Cape","Combrinck, Theodore: University of the Western Cape","Naicker, Visvanathan: University of the Western Cape" | By almost any measure, most South African public schools, and especially schools in the Western Cape, have under-performed academically. For a number of years, there has existed a wide degree of consensus among education stakeholders, and particularly in government, that the problems in our schools extend beyond mere academic under-achievement. Principals need to be occupied with the tasks of managing and leading teaching and learning, that is, instruction leadership, and not managing routine administrative matters only. In recognising the potential of school administrative personnel to provide relief and support for the administrative role of principals, the Western Cape Government initiated a training course in July, 2008 for school business administrators. The course was modelled on a very successful training course developed in the United Kingdom. | "school administration","School bursars","school business management","school evaluation",GOVERNANCE | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866378189 | Constructive feedback as a learning tool to enhance students' self-regulation and performance in higher education | Toit E.D. | 2012 | Perspectives in Education | 30 | 2 | None | University of the Free State, South Africa | Toit, E.D., University of the Free State, South Africa | If feedback is provided in a way that can develop students' self-regulatory skills, it could enhance learning and, consequently, lead to improved performance. To improve teaching and learning in higher education (HE), this study sought to determine whether the feedback to first-year students affords them an opportunity to learn from it. A theoretical framework on constructive feedback, self-regulated learning and the expectations of students was synthesised from literature which formed the basis of the research. This was followed by empirical research using a questionnaire to capture students' perspectives regarding feedback. Students experienced the feedback as not contributing towards improving their performance but are convinced that, if they receive feedback that is focused on the task level, it can improve their performance. Suggestions are provided that emphasise the need to use feedback at both task and process level as a learning tool. | Constructive feedback; Self-assessment; Self-regulated learning; Task-related feedback | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885361444 | 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-s2.0-84897393508 | Creating sustainable learning environments through frequent monitoring of students' progress | Kgothule R.J., Letsie L.E. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 4 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n4p332 | University of the Free State, QwaQwa Campus, South Africa | Kgothule, R.J., University of the Free State, QwaQwa Campus, South Africa; Letsie, L.E., University of the Free State, QwaQwa Campus, South Africa | Although the grade 12 pass rate of the past few years has shown an improvement in South African schools in general, the performance of students in crucial subjects such as accounting, mathematics and the sciences has not been satisfactory. In an attempt to contribute towards the creation of sustainable learning environments in selected schools in the Free State Province, the researchers engaged in a research project aimed at promoting in these schools, one of the correlates of effective schools, as identified by research namely, frequent monitoring of students' progress. Data were collected from secondary school administrators using focus group interviews. Participants included seven (7) principals, nine (9) deputy principals and two (2) heads of department. The data collected related to the concept 'frequent monitoring of students' progress', its implementation in their respective schools, as well as threats to its successful implementation. An analysis of the data revealed that the concept of 'frequent monitoring of students' learning was not well understood and consequently, was not effectively implemented in the schools concerned. It also became clear that there were many factors threatening its successful implementation. Based on these findings, the researchers and participants jointly engaged in an implementation framework. | Assessment; Correlates of effective schools; Effective schools; School improvement; Student progress monitoring | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84916240336 | The impact and lessons of the 2008 global financial crisis to Zimbabwe | Mudzingiri C. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 27 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p333 | University of the Free State-Qwaqwa Campus, Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa | Mudzingiri, C., University of the Free State-Qwaqwa Campus, Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa | The global financial crisis that had its epicenter in the United States of America affected economies across the globe at varying degrees. Using Zimbabwean national data from The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, the study concludes that there is adverse effect of the global financial crisis on exports. An analysis on the graphical trends indicates that the falling commodity prices on the international market resulted in reduction of income from exports. The mining sector was the hardest hit since most of the minerals extracted in the country are exported. Quantifying the total effect of the global financial crisis in Zimbabwe cannot be precisely estimated since the crisis occurred concurrently with economic instability in the country. Since financial crisis is a common phenomenon around the globe, the impact of financial crisis can be mitigated by proper financial regulation, financial development, debt management, good governance, and preparedness of such eventualities. The paper looks at economic events that transpired between years 2007 to 2009 in Zimbabwe. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Debt management; Financial crisis; Financial development; Financial regulation; Hyper inflation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859864105 | The concept of masking as a cultural device for Chewa music and dance performances | Nthala G.M. | 2011 | Journal of the Musical Arts in Africa | 8 | 1 | 10.2989/18121004.2011.652383 | University of the Free State, Odeion School of Music, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Nthala, G.M., University of the Free State, Odeion School of Music, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa | In the course of field research various relationships between Chewa masking as a cultural phenomenon and Chewa music and dance became consistently evident. The research focused on the ethnographic study of drumming artistry within major Chewa dances. This resulted in a detailed analysis of Chewa dance organisations and drumming accompaniment from musical, anthropological, theatre, fine art and dance perspectives. In this article two Chewa dances, gulewamkulu and mganda, are used to demonstrate that Chewa music and dance performances display the concept of masking through their organisation, presentation and coordination. As a cultural device, Chewa masking emanates from various historical roots and is applied to music and dance performances culturally, musically, symbolically and aesthetically, making it a key element in the execution of these performances. © 2011 Copyright NISC (Pty) Ltd. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051494047 | Differences in self-monitoring between effective and ineffective leaders in the public sector: A South African study | Kotzé M., Venter I. | 2010 | International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences | 5 | 2 | None | University of the Free State, Free State, South Africa | Kotzé, M., University of the Free State, Free State, South Africa; Venter, I., University of the Free State, Free State, South Africa | Self-monitoring refers to the degree to which individuals monitor (observe and control) expressive behaviour and self-presentation. Self-monitoring as construct encompasses the individual's concern with the appropriateness of self-presentation and the ability to modify self-presentation in particular situations. Self-monitoring has been associated with leadership effectiveness, but inconsistent results have emerged. Some researchers advocate self-monitoring as important in the domain of leadership, whilst others found no relationship between self-monitoring and leadership effectiveness. Some researchers even argue that high self-monitoring stands in the way of moral and authentic leadership.The aim of this study was to determine whether there are significant statistical differences between effective and ineffective leaders with regard to their scores on self-monitoring. The sample included 114 leaders at middle management level in a public sector institution in South Africa. Each leader's effectiveness was rated by themselves (self-rating), as well as by four subordinates, thus involving 570 participants. Snyder's Self Monitoring Scale and Spannenberg and Theron's Leadership Effectiveness Inventory were used in order to measure self-monitoring behaviour and leadership effectiveness respectively. Analysis of variance indicated that effective and ineffective leaders did not differ in terms of their self-monitoring disposition. © Common Ground, Martina Kotzé, Ian Venter, All Rights Reserved. | Impression Management; Leadership; Leadership Effectiveness; Self-monitoring; Self-presentation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57749208710 | Impacts of the EU-SA TDCA's reciprocal preferential tariff quotas on market access for cheese and wines | Mokoena M.R., Jooste A., Alemu Z.G. | 2008 | Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture | 47 | 4 | None | University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Department of Agriculture, Private Bag X15, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | Mokoena, M.R., University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa, Department of Agriculture, Private Bag X15, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Jooste, A., University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Alemu, Z.G., University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Gravity model was used to analyse the impacts of the EU-SA TDCA'S reciprocal preferential tariff quotas on cheese and wine trade flows. The results showed that SA's cheese exports to EU and total cheese trade between the parties had declined during the implementation of cheese tariff quotas. SA's wine exports to EU and SA's wine imports from EU had also declined during the implementation of the wine tariff quotas. However, the effects were insignificant on SA's cheese imports from EU and total wine trade between the two parties. Trade diversion was detected on all wine trade flows, i.e. about 0.8% of exports, 2% of imports and 2.3% of the total trade were diverted during the wine tariff quota implementation. However, there was no proof of trade creation and diversion on both cheese imports and exports, except that there was a diversion of about 4.1% of the total cheese trade. | Cheese; EU-SA TDCA; Gravity model; Trade creation and diversion; Wine | European Union; modeling; quota system; tariff structure; trade agreement; trade flow; Africa; Eurasia; Europe; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| WoS | WOS:000301948600010 | The implementation and evaluation of a resiliency programme for children | de Villiers, Marisa,van den Berg, Henriette | 2012 | SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY | 42 | 1 | None | University of the Free State | "de Villiers, Marisa: University of the Free State","van den Berg, Henriette: University of the Free State" | Children moving from middle childhood to adolescence experience challenges that require effective skills to cope with the increasing complexity of life. This is particularly true in South Africa where the exposure to violence, poverty and ongoing socio-economic transformation leads to high levels of stress. Accordingly, children need to be resilient to cope with stress and trauma. The goal of this investigation was to develop, implement and evaluate a resiliency programme for 12-year-old children. A total of 161 participants was selected from four schools in the Bloemfontein area and divided into experimental and control groups. The Solomon Four Group Design was used. The following measuring instruments were used to assess the participants' resilience: the Behavioural and Emotional Rating Scale, Resiliency Scales for children and adolescents, and the Fortitude Scale. The intervention programme consisted of 15 sessions presented over a period of three weeks and focused on activities promoting emotional regulation, stress management, interpersonal skills, and problem solving. Two post-test evaluations were conducted: three weeks after the intervention programme and a follow-up three months later. Findings indicated that intrapersonal characteristics such as emotional regulation and self-appraisal increased significantly after the children had been exposed to the resiliency programme; while interpersonal skills and external resources such as family and general social support did not increase significantly. The content of the resiliency programme and the recommendations for interventions are discussed in the article. | CHILDREN,"FAMILY INVOLVEMENT","PERSONAL RESOURCES","programme evaluation","resiliency programme",self-appraisal,PREVENTION | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944176143 | The cadmium telluride photon counting sensor in panoramic radiology: gray value separation and its potential application for bone density evaluation | Langlais R., Katsumata A., Naidoo S., Ogawa K., Fukui T., Shimoda S., Kobayashi K. | 2015 | Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology | 120 | 5 | 10.1016/j.oooo.2015.07.002 | University of Texas, Health Science Center Dental School, CEO Emeritus Enterprises, San Antonio, TX, United States; Department of Oral Radiology, Asahi University, School of Dentistry, 1851-1 Hozumi, Mizuho-shi, Gifu, Japan; University of the Western Cape, Tygerberg, South Africa; Department of Applied Informatics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Hosei UniversityTokyo, Japan; Department of Oral Anatomy, Tsurumi University, School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama, Japan; Department of Oral Radiology, Tsurumi University, School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama, Japan | Langlais, R., University of Texas, Health Science Center Dental School, CEO Emeritus Enterprises, San Antonio, TX, United States; Katsumata, A., Department of Oral Radiology, Asahi University, School of Dentistry, 1851-1 Hozumi, Mizuho-shi, Gifu, Japan; Naidoo, S., University of the Western Cape, Tygerberg, South Africa; Ogawa, K., Department of Applied Informatics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Hosei UniversityTokyo, Japan; Fukui, T., Department of Oral Radiology, Asahi University, School of Dentistry, 1851-1 Hozumi, Mizuho-shi, Gifu, Japan; Shimoda, S., Department of Oral Anatomy, Tsurumi University, School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama, Japan; Kobayashi, K., Department of Oral Radiology, Tsurumi University, School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama, Japan | Objective To investigate whether bone mineral density can be evaluated more accurately using a panoramic device with a new cadmium telluride photon-counting sensor and software than 2 panoramic devices with a conventional semiconductor sensor. Study Design A fiduciary test object with several known levels of hydroxy apatite mineral concentration was placed in a phantom on the mandibular occlusal plane. Panoramic images were acquired by changing the position of the test object within the dental arch. The gray value, the spectrum deformation index (SDI), and the relative attenuation index (RAI) of the test object were evaluated. The SDI and RAI represent unique energy information as acquired by the QR-Master panoramic machine and the corresponding special QR-MC analysis software. In order to compare the values expressed in the different units (gray, SDI, and RAI values), the percentage discrepancy was calculated. Results The cadmium telluride photon-counting fitted machine more consistently separated each of the hydroxy apatite concentrations in all of the different positioning configurations and locations. The SDI function of the QR Master machine produced more stable values than the RAI value and the gray values of the 2 conventional panoramic machines. Conclusions The methodologies as developed for this study can be used to test more sophisticated analyses for the determination of bone density. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. | None | None | METI, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919871364 | Dissociation between running economy and running performance in elite Kenyan distance runners | Mooses M., Mooses K., Haile D.W., Durussel J., Kaasik P., Pitsiladis Y.P. | 2015 | Journal of Sports Sciences | 33 | 2 | 10.1080/02640414.2014.926384 | University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; School of Sport and Service Management, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, United Kingdom | Mooses, M., University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Mooses, K., University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Haile, D.W., Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom, Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Durussel, J., Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Kaasik, P., University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Pitsiladis, Y.P., Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom, Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya, School of Sport and Service Management, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, United Kingdom | The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between running economy (RE) and performance in a homogenous group of competitive Kenyan distance runners. Maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) (68.8 ± 3.8 ml∙kg−1∙min−1) was determined on a motorised treadmill in 32 Kenyan (25.3 ± 5.0 years; IAAF performance score: 993 ± 77 p) distance runners. Leg anthropometry was assessed and moment arm of the Achilles tendon determined. While Achilles moment arm was associated with better RE (r2 = 0.30, P = 0.003) and upper leg length, total leg length and total leg length to body height ratio were correlated with running performance (r = 0.42, P = 0.025; r = 0.40, P = 0.030 and r = 0.38, P = 0.043, respectively), RE and maximal time on treadmill (tmax) were not associated with running performance (r = −0.01, P = 0.965; r = 0.27; P = 0.189, respectively) in competitive Kenyan distance runners. The dissociation between RE and running performance in this homogenous group of runners would suggest that RE can be compensated by other factors to maintain high performance levels and is in line with the idea that RE is only one of many factors explaining elite running performance. © 2014, © 2014 Taylor & Francis. | Achilles moment arm; anthropometric characteristics; Kenyan distance runners; maximal oxygen uptake; running economy; running performance | achilles tendon; adult; anatomy and histology; body height; body mass; competitive behavior; endurance; exercise test; human; Kenya; leg; male; oxygen consumption; physiology; running; young adult; Achilles Tendon; Adult; Body Height; Body Mass Index; Competitive Behavior; Exercise Test; Humans; Kenya; Leg; Male; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Endurance; Running; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898677507 | Cultural Bases for Self-Evaluation: Seeing Oneself Positively in Different Cultural Contexts | Becker M., Vignoles V.L., Owe E., Easterbrook M.J., Brown R., Smith P.B., Bond M.H., Regalia C., Manzi C., Brambilla M., Aldhafri S., González R., Carrasco D., Paz Cadena M., Lay S., Schweiger Gallo I., Torres A., Camino L., Özgen E., Güner Ü.E., Yamakoǧl | 2014 | Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin | 40 | 5 | 10.1177/0146167214522836 | University of Sussex, United Kingdom; Polytechnic University of Hong Kong, China; Catholic University of Milan, Italy; Sultan Qaboos University, Oman; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain; Federal University of Paraíba, Brazil; Yasar University, Turkey; Bilkent University, Turkey; Federal University of Pará, Brazil; Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia; Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines; Salgado de Oliveira University, Brazil; Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium; Université de Lorraine, France; Chinese University of Hong Kong, China; Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hungary; American University of Beirut, Lebanon; University of Gdansk, Poland; University of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia; Free University of Tbilisi, Georgia; West University of Timisoara, Romania; University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; University of Tartu, Estonia; Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 9QH, United Kingdom | Becker, M., University of Sussex, United Kingdom; Vignoles, V.L., University of Sussex, United Kingdom, School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 9QH, United Kingdom; Owe, E., University of Sussex, United Kingdom; Easterbrook, M.J., University of Sussex, United Kingdom; Brown, R., University of Sussex, United Kingdom; Smith, P.B., University of Sussex, United Kingdom; Bond, M.H., Polytechnic University of Hong Kong, China; Regalia, C., Catholic University of Milan, Italy; Manzi, C., Catholic University of Milan, Italy; Brambilla, M., Catholic University of Milan, Italy; Aldhafri, S., Sultan Qaboos University, Oman; González, R., Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Carrasco, D., Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Paz Cadena, M., Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Lay, S., Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Schweiger Gallo, I., Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain; Torres, A., Federal University of Paraíba, Brazil; Camino, L., Federal University of Paraíba, Brazil; Özgen, E., Yasar University, Turkey; Güner, Ü.E., Bilkent University, Turkey; Yamakoǧlu, N., Bilkent University, Turkey; Silveira Lemos, F.C., Federal University of Pará, Brazil; Trujillo, E.V., Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia; Balanta, P., Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia; Macapagal, M.E.J., Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines; Cristina Ferreira, M., Salgado de Oliveira University, Brazil; Herman, G., Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium; de Sauvage, I., Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium; Bourguignon, D., Université de Lorraine, France; Wang, Q., Chinese University of Hong Kong, China; Fülöp, M., Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hungary; Harb, C., American University of Beirut, Lebanon; Chybicka, A., University of Gdansk, Poland; Mekonnen, K.H., University of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Martin, M., University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia; Nizharadze, G., Free University of Tbilisi, Georgia; Gavreliuc, A., West University of Timisoara, Romania; Buitendach, J., University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; Valk, A., University of Tartu, Estonia; Koller, S.H., Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil | Several theories propose that self-esteem, or positive self-regard, results from fulfilling the value priorities of one's surrounding culture. Yet, surprisingly little evidence exists for this assertion, and theories differ about whether individuals must personally endorse the value priorities involved. We compared the influence of four bases for self-evaluation (controlling one's life, doing one's duty, benefitting others, achieving social status) among 4,852 adolescents across 20 cultural samples, using an implicit, within-person measurement technique to avoid cultural response biases. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses showed that participants generally derived feelings of self-esteem from all four bases, but especially from those that were most consistent with the value priorities of others in their cultural context. Multilevel analyses confirmed that the bases of positive self-regard are sustained collectively: They are predictably moderated by culturally normative values but show little systematic variation with personally endorsed values. © 2014 by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Inc. | culture; identity; self-esteem; self-evaluation; values | adolescent; cultural anthropology; cultural factor; female; human; male; questionnaire; self concept; self evaluation; Adolescent; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Culture; Female; Humans; Male; Questionnaires; Self Concept; Self-Assessment | RES-062-23-1300, ESRC, Economic and Social Research Council |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907032799 | 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-s2.0-33947413142 | Evaluation of a spherical PML for vector FEM applications | Davidson D.B., Botha M.M. | 2007 | IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation | 55 | 2 | 10.1109/TAP.2006.889951 | University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Davidson, D.B., University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Botha, M.M., University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | The implementation and evaluation of a spherical perfectly matched layer (PML) within a Cartesian finite element method context using standard curl-conforming elements is presented in this paper. Results are compared to the long-standing 1st order absorbing boundary condition (ABC) and a new, rigorous implementation of a 2nd order ABC for curl-conforming elements. The 4 and 8 layer spherical PMLs are shown to offer very attractive levels of absorption, with reflections on the order of -60 to -70dB demonstrated. Numerical tests show that the guidelines for Cartesian PML absorbers, in terms of maximum conductivity, also carry over to the spherical PML. The 2nd order ABC is also shown to offer very good performance. Finally, coding issues for both the spherical PML and the analytical ABCs are briefly addressed. © 2007 IEEE. | Absorbing boundary conditions (ABC); Finite element method (FEM); Perfectly matched layer (PML) | Boundary conditions; Finite element method; Numerical methods; Vectors; Absorbing boundary conditions (ABC); Cartesian finite element method; Perfectly matched layer (PML); Electromagnetic field theory | 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-s2.0-84897132364 | Bank strategic and risk management: A survey to determine the impact of the current world financial crisis on future bank management in South Africa | Wessels B., Van Rooyen J.H. | 2010 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 8 | 1 D | None | University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Wessels, B., University of Stellenbosch, South Africa; Van Rooyen, J.H., University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | The purpose of this research was to determine how the banks in South Africa perceive the future of bank management and banks risk management over the next couple of years within the context of the financial crisis that recently played out globally. It is clear from the survey results that South African (SA) banks were not affected as much by the crisis as some of their international counterparts. Primarily because of the credit legislations introduced in SA recently. Other reasons may be due to conservatism and sufficient capitalisation of banks and less involvement in global markets where major problems were experienced. The survey indicates that SA banks are prepared to learn from the crisis and are planning to improve financial risk management. Consolidation or centralisation of the risk management functions may be prevalent. According to the survey, liquidity risk management that used to be a fairly low risk management priority in previous bank and treasury surveys, now tops the list of important risks te better manage in the future. | Bank management; Bank risk management; Risk management; Subprime crisis | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878248759 | Poke me, I'm a journalist: The impact of Facebook and Twitter on newsroom routines and cultures at two South African weeklies | Jordaan M. | 2013 | Ecquid Novi | 34 | 1 | 10.1080/02560054.2013.767421 | University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Jordaan, M., University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Despite initial misgivings about the credibility of the information disseminated on social media, mainstream journalists have gradually started to adopt these media as professional tools. This study explores whether the professional use of Facebook and Twitter influences the processes and cultures of news selection and presentation in newspaper newsrooms. According to most of the journalists from Rapport and the Mail & Guardian, the professional use of social media has not significantly altered their processes of news selection and presentation. The researcher, however, came to the conclusion that the journalists are not as immune to social media as they might think. © 2013 iMasa. | Facebook; Newspaper journalism; Newsroom culture; Newsroom routines; Newsroom study; Social constructionism; Social media; Twitter | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67649119135 | Do boards and CEOs matter for bank performance? A comparative analysis of banks in Ghana | Kyereboah-Coleman A., Biekpe N. | 2006 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 4 | 0.041666666667 | None | University of Stellenbosch, Graduate School of Business, South Africa; Centre for Investment Analysis, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Kyereboah-Coleman, A., University of Stellenbosch, Graduate School of Business, South Africa; Biekpe, N., Centre for Investment Analysis, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | In this study, we examine whether Board characteristics have impact on bank performance by comparing listed and non-listed banks. The study uses panel data covering the eight year period, 1997- 2004 from all the 18 Banks in Ghana. Findings of the study confirm earlier studies. While the size of the board has positive correlation with bank performance whether listed or not listed, the more independent a board is the better the performance in spite of a bank's listing status. Of significance is the finding that when a CEO doubles as a board chairman, it impact positively on performance in the overall sample, but negatively in both sub-samples. | Bank-performance; Corporate governance; Ghana | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874227877 | The relationship between board size, board composition, CEO duality and firm performance: Experience from Ghana | Kyereboah-Coleman A., Biekpe N. | 2006 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 4 | 0.083333333333 | None | University of Stellenbosch, Graduate School of Business, South Africa; Africa Centre for Investment Analysis, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Kyereboah-Coleman, A., University of Stellenbosch, Graduate School of Business, South Africa; Biekpe, N., Africa Centre for Investment Analysis, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | The paper examined board characteristics and its impact on the performance of non-financial listed firms in Ghana. Data covering 11 year period (1990-2001) was used and analysis conducted within the panel data framework. The study shows that most Ghanaian firms adopt the two-tier board structure and are largely non-independent. The regression results, though relatively mixed, confirm other studies and show that there should be a clear separation of the two critical positions of CEO and board chairman in order to reduce agency cost for enhanced firm performance. | Corporate governance; Firm-performance; Ghana; Tobin's Q | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77249102050 | Performance of low noise fans in power plant air cooled steam condensers | Van Der Spuy S.J., Von Backström T.W., Kröger D.G. | 2009 | Noise Control Engineering Journal | 57 | 4 | 10.3397/1.3151851 | University of Stellenbosch, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Van Der Spuy, S.J., University of Stellenbosch, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Von Backström, T.W., University of Stellenbosch, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Kröger, D.G., University of Stellenbosch, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Axial fans are often installed in locations where the orientation and surrounding infrastructure can have a detrimental effect on the fan performance indicated by the manufacturer. This paper addresses various aspects of phenomena related to the installation of axial fans, one of these being the use of low-noise fans, and how these can be considered in the CFD performance evaluation of modern air-cooled power plant condensers. © 2009 Institute of Noise Control Engineering. | None | Air-cooled steam condensers; Axial fans; Detrimental effects; Fan performance; Low noise; Performance evaluation; Axial flow turbomachinery; Fans; Steam power plants; Steam condensers | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-62249134367 | High performance liquid chromatography analysis of wine anthocyanins revisited: Effect of particle size and temperature | de Villiers A., Cabooter D., Lynen F., Desmet G., Sandra P. | 2009 | Journal of Chromatography A | 1216 | 15 | 10.1016/j.chroma.2009.02.038 | University of Stellenbosch, Department of Chemistry, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Chemical Engineering (CHIS-TW), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Ghent University, Department of Organic Chemistry, Krijgslaan 281, S4-bis, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium | de Villiers, A., University of Stellenbosch, Department of Chemistry, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Cabooter, D., Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Chemical Engineering (CHIS-TW), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Lynen, F., Ghent University, Department of Organic Chemistry, Krijgslaan 281, S4-bis, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Desmet, G., Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Chemical Engineering (CHIS-TW), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Sandra, P., Ghent University, Department of Organic Chemistry, Krijgslaan 281, S4-bis, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium | The complex anthocyanin fraction of red wines poses a demanding analytical challenge. We have found that anthocyanins are characterised by extremely low optimal chromatographic velocities, and as a consequence generic HPLC methods suffer from limited resolving power. Slow on-column inter-conversion reactions, particularly between carbinol and flavylium species, are shown to occur on the same time scale as chromatographic separation, leading to increased plate heights at normal chromatographic velocities. In order to improve current routine HPLC separations, the use of small (1.7 μm) particles and high temperature liquid chromatography (HTLC) were investigated. 1.7 μm particles provide better efficiency and higher optimal linear velocities, although column lengths of ∼20 cm should be used to avoid the detrimental effects of conversion reactions. More importantly, operation at temperatures up to 50 °C increases the kinetics of inter-conversion reactions, and implies significantly improved efficiency under relatively mild analysis conditions. It is further demonstrated using relevant kinetic data that no on-column thermal degradation of these thermally labile compounds is observed at 50 °C and analysis times of <2 h. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Anthocyanins; Elevated temperature; HPLC; Small particles; Thermal degradation; Wine | Anthocyanins; Elevated temperature; HPLC; Small particles; Thermal degradation; Body fluids; Chromatographic analysis; Chromatography; Degradation; High pressure liquid chromatography; Liquids; Methanol; Particle size analysis; Thermal effects; Thermogravimetric analysis; Wine; High performance liquid chromatography; anthocyanin; methanol; article; chemical analysis; food analysis; high performance liquid chromatography; high temperature; particle size; priority journal; wine; Anthocyanins; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Drug Stability; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Kinetics; Particle Size; Plant Extracts; Temperature; Wine | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-62749128032 | Effect of analyte properties on the kinetic performance of liquid chromatographic separations | de Villiers A., Lynen F., Sandra P. | 2009 | Journal of Chromatography A | 1216 | 16 | 10.1016/j.chroma.2008.11.101 | University of Stellenbosch, Department of Chemistry, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Pfizer Analytical Research Centre, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-bis, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium | de Villiers, A., University of Stellenbosch, Department of Chemistry, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Lynen, F., Pfizer Analytical Research Centre, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-bis, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Sandra, P., Pfizer Analytical Research Centre, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-bis, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium | Advances in modern high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) have led to increased interest in the comparison of the ultimate performance limits of methodologies aimed at increasing the resolving power per unit time. Kinetic plot-based methods have proven invaluable in facilitating such evaluations. However, in bridging the gap between fundamental comparisons and the eventual practical applicability of kinetic performance data, the effect of analyte properties have thus far largely been neglected. Using pharmaceutical compounds as representative real-life analytes, it is demonstrated that noteworthy differences in the optimal kinetic performance of a chromatographic system are observed compared to data for common test compounds. For a given stationary phase particle size, higher optimal- and maximum plate numbers, corresponding to increased analysis times, are measured for pharmaceutical compounds. Moreover, it is found that the optimal particle size/maximum pressure combination depends on the analyte under investigation, with the beneficial range of efficiencies for small particles shifted towards higher plate numbers for drug molecules. It is further demonstrated that the pH of the mobile phase plays a crucial role in determining the kinetic performance of pharmaceutical compounds. These data clearly indicate that data for test compounds do not reflect the performance attainable for pharmaceutical compounds and highlights the importance of using real-life samples to perform kinetic evaluations. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Analyte properties; Kinetic performance; Liquid chromatography; Pharmaceutical compounds | Analyte properties; Analytes; Chromatographic systems; Drug molecules; High-performance liquid chromatographies; Kinetic evaluations; Kinetic plots; Liquid chromatographic separations; Mobile phase; Per units; Performance datum; Performance limits; Pharmaceutical compounds; Resolving power; Small particles; Stationary phase; Body fluids; Chromatography; High performance liquid chromatography; High pressure liquid chromatography; Liquids; Optimization; Particle size analysis; Chromatographic analysis; phenol derivative; propyl paraben; analytic method; analytical equipment; article; drug determination; instrumentation; kinetics; liquid chromatography; measurement; particle size; pH; priority journal; Chromatography, Liquid; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Kinetics; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Solutions | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-50949099697 | The drivers influencing the relationship between sales representatives and customers and the impact this relationship has on sales volume within Coca-Cola's Western Cape region | Herbst F.J., Forrest C.L. | 2008 | South African Journal of Business Management | 39 | 1 | None | University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Franchise Manager Forbes Group (Western Cape), Coca-Cola South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Western Cape, South Africa | Herbst, F.J., University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Forrest, C.L., Franchise Manager Forbes Group (Western Cape), Coca-Cola South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Western Cape, South Africa | Companies within the FMCG sector are continually trying to create value from their brands by increasing their margins and/or selling more of their products. Taking cost out of the value chain gives the company a competitive advantage, but this advantage is short lived as competitors also reduce costs. Differentiating a product through enhanced features and benefits also provides a competitive advantage, but is also subject to imitation by rivals. As competition increases, companies are looking for new avenues to differentiate themselves. Relationship marketing has, as a result, increased its prevalence as a competitive tool to provide that point of difference. This research investigated the factors that influence the relationships between a Coca-Cola sales representative and his/her customers within the Cape Town region. This article was developed after studying literature as it pertained to customer relationship marketing. From the literature the foundation blocks in developing buyer-seller relationships were studied. The research methodology tested the impact of certain factors on the ability to build a relationship between buyer and seller and then tested the validity of those answers using underlying determinants of a relationship. These determinants included the ability to communicate, the ability to trust, the degree of loyalty and the ability to influence a customer. The response to the questionnaires was extremely high (over 95%) and provided for a robust evaluation of data. The research showed that there was a positive correlation between the profile of a sales representative and a customer. It is easier for a sales representative to build a relationship with a customer who is a similar age. It is however easier for the sales representative to influence a younger customer. Gender plays no role in a sales representative's ability to build a relationship. With respect to education, a stronger relationship exists between a customer and sales representative of a similar education. Again it is easier for a representative to influence a customer who has a lower level of education. Race does have an impact on the ability to build relationships. The research showed that an African sales representative should service an African customer. There was a positive link between matching sales representatives and customers who come from similar areas and have the same religion. There was no correlation between the degree of the relationship that a Coca-Cola sales representative in the Western Cape region has with a customer and the sales growth within the outlets. This final conclusion must be read in the context of the relative high market share that the Coca-Cola Company has in the Western Cape. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84882430919 | The determinants of box office performance in the film industry revisited | Pangarker N.A., Smit E.V.D.M. | 2013 | South African Journal of Business Management | 44 | 3 | None | University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa | Pangarker, N.A., University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Smit, E.V.D.M., University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa | The film industry is a significant player in the global economy. It calls for significant up-front investments with the result that analysts, studios and investors alike are interested in predicting box office success as part of financial risk management. This study utilises global box office revenue in assessing the effects of eight explanatory variables, identified from previous studies, in the explanation of revenue. Nearly three decades after the seminal study the extension of the original methodology to global rather than USA data, still confirms production cost, releases by major studios, award nominations and sequels to successful films as the key drivers of global box office revenue. The evidence further suggests that in the modern global context, the film genre, the release date around holidays and positive critical reviews play a less significant role than in the original investigation. | None | None | 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-s2.0-77951259985 | 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-s2.0-84877064067 | Investigating the sources of performance in South African general equity unit trusts | Fox M.A., Krige J.D. | 2013 | Investment Analysts Journal | 77 | 1 | None | University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa | Fox, M.A.; Krige, J.D., University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa | The objective of this study is to analyse the sources of performance in South African domestic equity unit trusts during the period 2002 to 2011. The study was based on Sharpe's (1992) study of the asset allocation of mutual funds in the United States (US). Five sectors were selected to determine returns due to sector allocation: large-cap resources stocks, large-cap industrial stocks, large-cap financial stocks, mid-cap stocks and small-cap stocks. The study shows that a large part of active returns was due to sector allocation in the case of general and growth equity unit trusts. The contribution of stock selection was negative in most cases. However, in the case of value unit trusts the converse is true. It was also observed that sector allocations were modified frequently in the case of the top-performing unit trusts to capitalize on the relative performance of the different major sectors from time to time. | None | 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-s2.0-34250304749 | Corporate governance, ownership structure and performance of SMEs in Ghana: Implications for financing opportunities | Abor J., Biekpe N. | 2007 | Corporate Governance | 7 | 3 | 10.1108/14720700710756562 | University of Stellenbosch, Business School, Cape Town, South Africa; University of Ghana, Business School, Legon, Ghana | Abor, J., University of Stellenbosch, Business School, Cape Town, South Africa, University of Ghana, Business School, Legon, Ghana; Biekpe, N., University of Stellenbosch, Business School, Cape Town, South Africa | Purpose - This study seeks to assess how the adoption of corporate governance structures affects the performance of SMEs (small to medium-sized enterprises) in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach - Regression analysis is used to estimate the relationship between corporate governance and ownership structure and performance. Findings - The results show that board size, board composition, management skill level, CEO duality, inside ownership, family business, and foreign ownership have significantly positive impacts on profitability. Corporate governance can greatly assist the SME sector by infusing better management practices, stronger internal auditing, greater opportunities for growth and new strategic outlook through non-executive directors. It is clear that corporate governance structures influence performance of SMEs in Ghana. Originality/value - This paper provides insights on the effects of corporate governance and ownership structure on the performance of Ghanaian SMEs. The paper also shows the implications of SMEs gaining access to finance as a result of adopting a good governance system. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Corporate governance; Corporate ownership; Ghana; Performance management; Small to medium-sized enterprises | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892552142 | A logical framework for monitoring and evaluation: A pragmatic approach to M&E | Myrick D. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p423 | University of South Africa, UNISA, South Africa | Myrick, D., University of South Africa, UNISA, South Africa | The following article discusses theoretical approaches to Monitoring and Evaluation that over time come to be streamlined and modified for implementation in the real world. Logical Frameworks (logframes) and pragmatic approaches to Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frequently facilitate the need to modify processes that can be used in instances where there are limited resources, limited financial capital and limited human capital to determine whether programmes and projects have had an impact. The practice of M&E often moves from detailed log frames being used for measuring impact, to the implementation of orderly pragmatic approaches and finally resorting to utilizing simple fundamental principles of M&E that entail identifying measureable objectives, performance measurement indicators, targets and periodic reporting. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), for example, offers a detailed framework for insuring that intervention logic is measured in terms of verifiable indicators. The framework, however, requires the establishment of a means of verification to determine whether activities are being accomplished and outputs are being achieved. An alternative to such a detailed approach is to assess the risk of projects and programmes, and then report on the likelihood or unlikelihood of objectives being achieved. In the case of limited resources, the organization should at the least report on measureable objectives in terms of performance indicators. This paper concludes by emphasizing that no matter what approach is used in monitoring and evaluation, establishing targets is necessary in order to conduct meaningful Monitoring and Evaluation for impact. | Accountability; Performance Measurement; Project Management and Governance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897395163 | Perceptions of college lecturers regarding the use of performance appraisal for promoting professional development | Mgijima M.N. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 4 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n4p452 | University of South Africa (UNISA), Dept. of Educational Leadership and Management, South Africa | Mgijima, M.N., University of South Africa (UNISA), Dept. of Educational Leadership and Management, South Africa | Performance appraisal in the Further Education and Training Colleges cannot be an end in itself. The ultimate goal is to improve accountability and quality of learning outcomes. Using a systems theoretical perspective, this article examines the performance appraisal process in the colleges to determine the extent to which it is linked to professional development of lecturers. The performance of lecturers is pivotal in delivering the curriculum effectively. This article reports on selected findings based on the training needs assessment study conducted in 2012 using a mixed method approach and a purposive sampling technique. A total number of 373 lecturers and 80 managers participated in the study. The findings reveal major inconsistencies in the manner in which performance appraisals are conducted despite the fact that performance standards, instruments and criteria are prescribed in the national guidelines supplied by the Department of Education. The process is affected by subjectivity and lack of proper management control. It is concluded that these weaknesses undermine the very purpose for which performance appraisal was introduced. An overhaul of the current appraisal system is recommended in favour of a new system that is designed to suit the expectations and needs of these colleges. | Appraisal; Performance management; Professional development | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952074647 | Perceptions of staffriding in post-apartheid South Africa: The lethal thrill of speed or the masculine performance of a painful past? | Sedite D., Bowman B., Clowes L. | 2010 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 20 | 4 | None | University of South Africa, South Africa; University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; University of the Western Cape, South Africa | Sedite, D., University of South Africa, South Africa; Bowman, B., University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Clowes, L., University of the Western Cape, South Africa | Staffriding, or train surfing, involves taking life threatening physical risks by moving around the outside of moving trains. In aiming to better understand this risky practice, this small scale qualitative study used three semi-structured interviews and three focus discussions to understand perceptions of train surfing in South Africa's Gauteng province. Semi-structured interviews comprised general station staff (n=2), and a station manager (n=1). The first two focus group discussions held were with ticket marshals (n= 6 per group, with a total of 12), and the last focus group discussion was with commuters (n=4), security personnel (n=6), and a station manager (n=1). Findings revealed that the majority of staffriders were perceived to be young, urban, black boys/men attending suburban schools. Tracing these identity co-ordinates against possible configurations of masculinity, we argue that train surfing represents a particular performance of risky, heteronormative masculinity forged within and against the historical, political and economic legacies that contoured apartheid versions of 'black' manhood. Copyright © 2010 JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY IN AFRICA. | Gender; Masculinities; Patriarchy; Performativity; Race; Railway injury; Risk-taking; Staffriding; Train surfing; Urban transport | 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-s2.0-84892523423 | 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-s2.0-84907958857 | Impact of Retirement Age Policy on the Workforce of a Higher Education Institution in South Africa | Udjo E.O., Erasmus B. | 2014 | Politics and Policy | 42 | 5 | 10.1111/polp.12092 | University of South Africa, South Africa | Udjo, E.O., University of South Africa, South Africa; Erasmus, B., University of South Africa, South Africa | Several key sectors including higher education institutions have a skills shortage in South Africa. Combined with aging of its workforce, higher education institutions may find it increasingly difficult to maintain adequate numbers of skilled and experienced employees to fulfill their core functions. This study assesses the impact of mandatory retirement age on the workforce of a higher education institution in South Africa. The data were obtained from the Human Resources of the higher education institution and using an estimation model. The results indicate that a mandatory retirement age of 60 years has a negative impact on the future size of permanent academic staff in the short-to-medium term. However, a mandatory retirement age of 65 years or even higher has positive impact on the number of permanent academic staff in the institution. © 2014 Policy Studies Organization. | Academic retirement; Employment policy; Higher education; Labor attrition; Labor policy; Labor turnover; Labour policy; Population aging; Retirement age policy; South africa; Sub-saharan africa; Universities | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931038947 | Board diversity, external governance, ownership structure and performance in Ethiopian microfinance institutions | Wale L.E. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 3CONT1 | None | University of South Africa, South Africa | Wale, L.E., University of South Africa, South Africa | This research investigated the effect of governance dimensions such as board diversity, external governance and ownership structures on the sustainability and outreach performance of Ethiopian MFIs. A panel data of 13 MFIs for 6 years (2003-2008) is used for the study. No study of such type is conducted in the past for the Ethiopian environment. The result indicates that more women on board of directors help in depth of outreach whereas board members with a financial skill and local businessmen reduce depth of outreach. Regulation has an opposite effect in that it reduces sustainability without curtailing depth of outreach. Rating of MFIs activity by rating agencies is found to have a good effect of increasing sustainability and at the same time cater f or more women borrowers. On ownership structure it is found that MFIs dominantly owned by individual investors lends less to women and more profitable indicating the commercial orientation of their operation . © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Ethiopia; Governance; Outreach; Sustainability | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84936755032 | Board structure and performance in Ethiopian microfinance institutions | Wale L.E. | 2015 | Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition | 11 | 1CONT1 | None | University of South Africa, South Africa | Wale, L.E., University of South Africa, South Africa | This research investigated the effect of one governance dimension, board structure on the sustainability and outreach performance of Ethiopian MFIs. A panel data of 13 MFIs for 6 years (2003-2008) is used for the study. No study of such type is conducted in the past for the Ethiopian environment. The results indicate an experienced manager, a larger board size and educated board members all help to increase sustainability with board education having the largest effect. Manager experience and board size also have a negative effect on depth of outreach (i.e. less lending to women). Board independence has no visible effect on either sustainability or outreach. Surprisingly, no governance variable explains breath of outreach. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Ethiopia; Governance; Outreach; Sustainability | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869119375 | 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-s2.0-84861547997 | FCC catalyst optimisation in response to rare earth prices: Lower levels of rare-earth catalyst formulations offset higher raw material costs, but refiners must consider the effects on catalyst performance and profitability | Ismail S. | 2011 | Petroleum Technology Quarterly | 16 | 4 | None | University of South Africa, South Africa | Ismail, S., University of South Africa, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84954241978 | Developing and validating a measure of monitoring and evaluation for the South Africa skills development context | Tshilongamulenzhe M.C. | 2015 | Foundations of Management | 7 | 1 | 10.1515/fman-2015-0039 | University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | Tshilongamulenzhe, M.C., University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | As nations around the world grapple with the deepening challenge of skills crunch, policies, strategies and interventions are being devised to develop and retain a competitive workforce. South Africa is not spared from the global talent war, and the persistence of skills shortages across most economic sectors makes the country vulnerable economically and socially. Legislative instruments and strategies were formulated and implemented to ameliorate the situation, but scientific evidence suggests a looming crisis due to poor monitoring and evaluation systems regarding the success of these instruments and strategies. This study develops and validates a monitoring and evaluation (ME) scale for the South African skills development context. A quantitative nonexperimental cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from 557 participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software (version 23.0). The findings show that the ME scale is scientifically valid and reliable and can be used with confidence in the South African skills development context. The findings provide scope for a validation study on an independent sample, and an evaluation of structural invariance of the ME scale across sample subgroups. | Apprenticeship; Evaluation; Learnership; Monitoring; Occupational learning; Skills development | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949741181 | 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-s2.0-77953530121 | Historical perspective on Zimbabwe's economic performance: A tale of five lost decades | Makina D. | 2010 | Journal of Developing Societies | 26 | 1 | 10.1177/0169796X1002600105 | University of South Africa, PO. Box 392, Pretoria 003, South Africa | Makina, D., University of South Africa, PO. Box 392, Pretoria 003, South Africa | The paper presents a chronological unravelling of the political economy of Zimbabwe. It commences by giving an analysis of economic performance within a framework of four periods, namely, (i) the pre-independence period, (ii) the post-independence period of controls, (iii) the economic liberalization period and (iv) the economic crisis period. It proceeds to discuss the deterioration in economic performance emanating from inappropriate macroeconomic policies followed post-independence. The role of the monetary policy regime in exacer-bating macroeconomic instability is also highlighted. Furthermore, the system of governance is noted to be another significant contributory factor to economic decline. One important insight from the analysis is that the economy had been operating sub-optimally throughout the post-independence period, a factor which is often ignored in research on Zimbabwe. Furthermore, if we take into account the lacklustre performance during the pre-independence period when it was under international sanctions, Zimbabwe could be said to have had 'five lost decades' -the 1960s, the 1970s, the 1980s, the 1990s and the decade commencing in the year 2000. © 2010 SAGE Publications. | Deregulation; Dollarization; Foreign exchange; Governance; Hyperinflation; Liberalization; Macroeconomic; Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ); Stabilization | chronology; cost-benefit analysis; deregulation; economic history; financial crisis; governance approach; historical geography; liberalization; macroeconomics; monetary policy; political economy; real exchange rate; stabilization; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58049200662 | The impact of a home visitation programme on household hazards associated with unintentional childhood injuries: A randomised controlled trial | Odendaal W., van Niekerk A., Jordaan E., Seedat M. | 2009 | Accident Analysis and Prevention | 41 | 1 | 10.1016/j.aap.2008.10.009 | University of South Africa, Institute for Social and Health Sciences, MRC-UNISA Crime, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; MRC-UNISA Crime, Violence and Injury Lead Programme, Medical Research Council of South Africa, PO Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa; Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa, PO Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa; University of South Africa, Institute for Social and Health Sciences, MRC-UNISA Crime, PO Box 1087, Lenasia 1820, South Africa | Odendaal, W., University of South Africa, Institute for Social and Health Sciences, MRC-UNISA Crime, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; van Niekerk, A., MRC-UNISA Crime, Violence and Injury Lead Programme, Medical Research Council of South Africa, PO Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa; Jordaan, E., Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa, PO Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa; Seedat, M., University of South Africa, Institute for Social and Health Sciences, MRC-UNISA Crime, PO Box 1087, Lenasia 1820, South Africa | Background: The continued high mortality and morbidity rates for unintentional childhood injuries remain a public health concern. This article reports on the influence of a home visitation programme (HVP) on household hazards associated with unintentional childhood injuries in a South African low-income setting. Methods: A randomised controlled trial (n = 211 households) was conducted in a South African informal settlement. Community members were recruited and trained as paraprofessional visitors. Four intervention visits were conducted over 3 months, focusing on child development, and the prevention of burn, poison, and fall injuries. The HVP, a multi-component intervention, included educational inputs, provision of safety devices, and an implicit enforcement strategy. The intervention effect (IE) was measured with a standardised risk assessment index that compared post-intervention scores for intervention and control households. Results: A significant reduction was observed in the hazards associated with electrical and paraffin appliances, as well as in hazards related to poisoning. Non-significant changes were observed for burn safety household practices and fall injury hazards. Conclusions: This study confirmed that a multi-component HVP effectively reduced household hazards associated with electrical and paraffin appliances and poisoning among children in a low-income South African setting. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Home visitation; Multi-component intervention; Paraprofessional home visitors; Randomised controlled trial; Unintentional childhood injuries | Hazards; Health risks; Paraffin waxes; Paraffins; Risk assessment; Risk management; Home visitation; Multi-component intervention; Paraprofessional home visitors; Randomised controlled trial; Unintentional childhood injuries; Health hazards; adolescent; article; child; child welfare; clinical trial; confidence interval; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; dangerous goods; home accident; human; infant; mortality; newborn; preschool child; professional practice; randomized controlled trial; risk assessment; risk reduction; safety; South Africa; statistics; Accidents, Home; Adolescent; Child; Child Welfare; Child, Preschool; Confidence Intervals; Hazardous Substances; House Calls; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Risk Assessment; Risk Reduction Behavior; Safety; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745962104 | Childhood unintentional injuries: The perceived impact of the environment, lack of supervision and child characteristics | Munro S.-A., van Niekerk A., Seedat M. | 2006 | Child: Care, Health and Development | 32 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1365-2214.2006.00593.x | University of South Africa, Institute for Social and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Medical Research Council, MRC-UNISA Crime, Violence and Injury Lead Programme, PO Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505 Cape Town, South Africa | Munro, S.-A., University of South Africa, Institute for Social and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; van Niekerk, A., Medical Research Council, MRC-UNISA Crime, Violence and Injury Lead Programme, PO Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505 Cape Town, South Africa; Seedat, M., University of South Africa, Institute for Social and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa | Background: Investigations into the context and causation of injury, including injury risks, are an essential part of the injury prevention knowledge base. Caregiver perceptions of childhood injury risks may assist in the design of safety interventions and influence the way in which an intervention is received within a community. Methods: Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted in two low-income neighbourhoods in South Africa to collect information on caregiver perceptions of injury risks. The data were analysed via thematic content analysis. Results: The results revealed that injury risks are perceived as multifaceted and as contributing synergistically to an injury event. Parents of children also tended to attribute most risks to the environment instead of individual action. Conclusions: Interventions including passive strategies and less activity from the parent may be welcomed in communities. Attention should be given to child injury prevention methods specifically for low-income contexts. © 2006 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Developing countries; Environmental influences; Health; Injury; Parent perceptions; Perceptions | accident prevention; accidental injury; adult; article; caregiver; child; child safety; childhood injury; community; content analysis; controlled study; data analysis; environment; female; human; information processing; interview; knowledge base; lowest income group; parent; perception; priority journal; South Africa; thematic analysis; Accidental Falls; Accidents, Traffic; Adult; Attitude to Health; Burns; Caregivers; Child; Child Behavior; Child Development; Female; Heating; Humans; Internal-External Control; Middle Aged; Parenting; Parents; Poisoning; Risk Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Wounds and Injuries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907287535 | The impact of face-to-face tutorials on College of Education students: A case of Unisa’s Ekurhuleni Regional Service Centre | Molepo L., Mothudi H. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 20 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p1928 | University of South Africa, Ekurhuleni Regional Service Centre, Corner R51 & Brazil Street, Daveyton, South Africa | Molepo, L., University of South Africa, Ekurhuleni Regional Service Centre, Corner R51 & Brazil Street, Daveyton, South Africa; Mothudi, H., University of South Africa, Ekurhuleni Regional Service Centre, Corner R51 & Brazil Street, Daveyton, South Africa | The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of face-to-face tutorials on 1st semester 2011 College of Education (CEDU) students at Unisa’s Ekurhuleni Regional Service Centre. A case study involving quantitative document analysis was conducted. Attendance registers were used to determine attendance patterns, and examination results to establish students’ performance. It was revealed that most students started attending tutorials, but stopped attending subsequently. However, it was also revealed that students who attended tutorials passed their examinations, leading to the conclusion that tutorials make a positive contribution. The researchers recommend that the marketing of tutorial programmes should be intensified. They further recommend constant communication between lecturers, tutors and coordinators. The final recommendation is that ongoing joint or parallel research projects, especially between regional staff, tutors and lecturers be carried out to investigate the impact of all learner support services. © MCSER-Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. | Face-to-face-tutorials; Learner support; Open and distance learning; Tutor | 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-s2.0-58449125010 | Evaluation of a decentralised primary health care training programme | Mabaso S.S., van der Merwe M.M., Smith J.E. | 2008 | Africa Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | 10 | 2 | None | University of South Africa, Department of Health Studies, Pretoria, South Africa; University of South Africa (UNISA), Department of Health Studies, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria 0003, South Africa | Mabaso, S.S., University of South Africa, Department of Health Studies, Pretoria, South Africa; van der Merwe, M.M., University of South Africa (UNISA), Department of Health Studies, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria 0003, South Africa; Smith, J.E., University of South Africa (UNISA), Department of Health Studies, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria 0003, South Africa | The effectiveness of the one-year training programme for Primary Health Care (PHC) nurses of the Limpopo Province required evaluation. The competencies were assessed of the learners, who had completed this PHC programme with decentralised experiential learning opportunities. Qualified PHC nurses should be competent to stand in for medical doctors, when required to do so. This implies that patients' lives might be at stake, depending on the PHC nurses' competencies. The researchers evaluated the participants' PHC nursing competencies whilst managing patients with hypertension, using a pre-tested checklist. Through stratified sampling, twelve newly qualified nurses of a PHC training programme from six health districts in the Limpopo Province, were interviewed to identify their perceptions of the training programme, problems encountered during and after their PHC training and their perceptions as to their abilities to stand in for medical doctors' in PHC clinics. The research results show that the PHC training programme was effective as the participants were competent in most items tested, although it became evident that more attention should be given to history taking. Interviewees expressed their satisfaction with the PHC training programme but identified problems in rendering PHC services due to shortages of medication and equipment. The interviewees reportedly felt confident to stand in for doctors when required to do so in PHC clinics. | Clinical training; Experiential learning; Health assessment; Limpopo Province; Primary Health Care (PHC) training programme | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892749205 | 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-s2.0-84904979198 | Evaluation of banana bunch protection materials for optimum fruit production on cultivars grown in Mozambique | Kutinyu R., Fraiser C., Ngezimana W., Mudan F.N. | 2014 | Tropical Agriculture | 91 | 2 | None | University of South Africa, Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, Private Bag X6, Florida, 1710, South Africa | Kutinyu, R., University of South Africa, Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, Private Bag X6, Florida, 1710, South Africa; Fraiser, C., University of South Africa, Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, Private Bag X6, Florida, 1710, South Africa; Ngezimana, W., University of South Africa, Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, Private Bag X6, Florida, 1710, South Africa; Mudan, F.N., University of South Africa, Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, Private Bag X6, Florida, 1710, South Africa | Mozambique has the potential to boost its banana exports. To fully realise this, agronomic practices in production should be fully developed to combat physiological disorders associated with banana within the region. Currently, lower temperatures are being experienced in some production sites, consequently affecting yield and quality. The objective of this study is to evaluate the use of bunch protection covers on Grand Nain and Williams banana cultivars. Treatments consisted of: white perforated polythene; white non- perforated polythene; blue perforated polythene; blue non-perforated polythene; green perforated polythene; green non-perforated polythene and cheese cloth bags. Bunches left un-bagged were used as a control. Bunch covers were applied after the bracts covering the hands have fallen off and when the fingers were curling upwards, and the floral remnants have hardened. Banana bunch covers significantly increased yields (ton/ha) in the cultivars with significant reduction of fruit defects. Inconsistent results were shown on use of bags of various designs, viz. colour and perforation; however the use of perforated bags is recommended to reduce high relative humidity inside the bags. © 2014 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad). | Banana; Bunch protection materials | None | 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-s2.0-84960896156 | Calibration of a passive, in situ, integrative sampler for monitoring of microbial biotoxins in aquatic environments | Nyoni H., Mamba B.B., Msagati T.A.M. | 2015 | Water Science and Technology: Water Supply | 15 | 6 | 10.2166/ws.2015.080 | University of South Africa, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, UNISA Science Campus, P.O. Box 392 UNISA 0003, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, South Africa | Nyoni, H., University of South Africa, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, UNISA Science Campus, P.O. Box 392 UNISA 0003, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mamba, B.B., University of South Africa, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, UNISA Science Campus, P.O. Box 392 UNISA 0003, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, South Africa; Msagati, T.A.M., University of South Africa, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, UNISA Science Campus, P.O. Box 392 UNISA 0003, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, South Africa | In this work, an integrative passive sampler based on a silicone membrane filled with a suspension of γ-Fe2O3 at pH 3.5 was developed. The novel device was calibrated for the measurement of microcystin concentrations in water. Laboratory calibration studies of the passive sampling devises under controlled conditions of temperature, water turbulence, and analyte concentration were conducted in order to establish how variable environmental conditions affect the novel sampler's performance. The chemical uptake of microcystin (MC)-RR, -LR, and -YR into the passive sampler remained linear and integrative throughout the 28-day exposure. The relative standard deviations of mean concentrations obtained using silicone-based sampler ranged from 1.42 to 3.74% for microcystin-LR, -RR, and -YR. The values for reproducibility from triplicate samplers ranged from 3.5 to 7.1% for microcystin-LR, -RR, and -YR. The detection limits on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with PDA detection for microcystins LR, RR, and YR were 24.7, 17.2, and 23.8 μg L-1 respectively, calculated as three times the signal to noise ratio. The rate of accumulation of most of the MC compounds tested was dependent on temperature and flow velocity. Furthermore, the sample matrix, e.g. humic substances, had no significant effect on the concentration of compounds trapped in the acceptor solution and once these MC compounds were trapped in the acceptor phase they did not diffuse back during the deployment period. © IWA Publishing 2015. | Iron-oxide-nanoparticle; Microcystins; Passive sampling; Silicone membrane | Calibration; Chromatography; Flow velocity; High performance liquid chromatography; Iron compounds; Liquid chromatography; Signal to noise ratio; Silicones; Analyte concentration; Controlled conditions; Environmental conditions; Iron oxide nanoparticle; Microcystins; Passive sampling; Relative standard deviations; Silicone membrane; Toxic materials | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897473145 | Developmental experiences of OVC in child-headed households and the impact on cognition and learning | Maphalala M.C., Ganga E. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n3p312 | University of South Africa, College of Education, Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, South Africa; Department of Educational Foundations, Great Zimbabwe University, Zimbabwe | Maphalala, M.C., University of South Africa, College of Education, Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, South Africa; Ganga, E., Department of Educational Foundations, Great Zimbabwe University, Zimbabwe | In this phenomenological descriptive case study the researchers investigated the ecological encounters of orphaned and vulnerable Children (OVC) in child-headed households (CHHs) and the impact on cognition and learning. The qualitative enquiry is based on Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory. The triangulated data was collected through participant observations, open-ended questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. The purposefully selected participants comprised 20 double orphans and vulnerable children, four headmasters, eight teachers, one education officer and one social welfare officer, comprising a total sample of 34. Tesch's qualitative model of data analysis was used to group the findings into themes, each differentiating into sub-categories. The findings revealed most OVC to suffer from loneliness, feelings of inferiority, stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, lack of concentration in class and heightened negativity that militates against effective assimilation and accommodation of learning materials within their ecological environment. The situation was exacerbated by poverty, need deprivation and overwhelming household and parenting responsibilities. As such, most of the children's voiced responses expressed great despondence. Orphanhood was found to be a psychological deterrent to cognition and learning. The local community, education administrators, policy makers, children's rights advocates together with the children's representatives need to map out life-lines to promote the cognitive learning of double OVC residing in CHHs. | Child-headed household; Cognition; Developmental; Ecological systems; Learning; Orphanhood; Orphans and vulnerable children | None | None |
| 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 |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749518067 | Economic impact of a provincial fuel levy: A CGE analysis | Mcdonald S., Reynolds S., van Schoor M. | 2006 | South African Journal of Economics | 74 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2006.00078.x | University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Department of Agriculture, Western Cape, South Africa | Mcdonald, S., University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Reynolds, S., Department of Agriculture, Western Cape, South Africa; van Schoor, M., University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom | Provincial governments in South Africa, commencing with the Western Cape, are expected to institute provincial fuel levies in addition to the existing national fuel levy in future. This paper presents results from a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model calibrated with a detailed Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) to evaluate the effects of a 3 per cent provincial fuel levy implemented simultaneously in all provinces. The results are presented for the petroleum products market, government, the macro economy, industries, factor income (including employment) and household income and expenditure. Results indicate that although the impact of the fuel levy is not drastic, it is large relative to the expected revenue gain. The impact is distributed more uniformly than was expected. © 2006 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2006 Economic Society of South Africa. | CGE model; Fuel levy; Fuel tax; Policy analysis; SAM | computable general equilibrium analysis; economic impact; fuel; petroleum; policy analysis; tax system; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| WoS | WOS:000305875000006 | Impact of health systems strengthening on coverage of maternal health services in Rwanda, 2000-2010: a systematic review | Basinga, Paulin,Bucagu, Maurice,Kagubare, Jean M.,Lee, Angela C.,Ngabo, Fidele,Timmons, Barbara K. | 2012 | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH MATTERS | 20 | 39 | 10.1016/S0968-8080(12)39611-0 | University of Rwanda, World Health Organization, Minist Hlth | "Basinga, Paulin: University of Rwanda","Bucagu, Maurice: World Health Organization", | From 2000 to 2010, Rwanda implemented comprehensive health sector reforms to strengthen the public health system, with the aim of reducing maternal and newborn deaths in line with Millennium Development Goal 5, among many other improvements in national health. Based on a systematic review of the literature, national policy documents and three Demographic & Health Surveys (2000, 2005 and 2010), this paper describes the reforms and the policies they were based on, and provides data on the extent of Rwanda's progress in expanding the coverage of four key women's health services. Progress took place in 2000-2005 and became more rapid after 2006, mostly in rural areas, when the national facility-based childbirth policy, performance-based financing, and community-based health insurance were scaled up. Between 2006 and 2010, the following increases in coverage took place as compared to 2000-2005, particularly in rural areas, where most poor women live: births with skilled attendance (77% increase vs. 26%), institutional delivery (146% increase vs. 8%), and contraceptive prevalence (351% increase vs. 150%). The primary factors in these improvements were increases in the health workforce and their skills, performance-based financing, community-based health insurance, and better leadership and governance. Further research is needed to determine the impact of these changes on health outcomes in women and children. (C) 2012 Reproductive Health Matters | CHILDBIRTH,"HEALTH CARE FINANCING","health policy and programmes","reproductive health services",RWANDA,"skilled attendance at birth",AVAILABILITY,"CARES EXPERIENCES",CENTERS,COUNTRIES,DISTRICT,INSURANCE,LESSONS,NEWBORN,PERFORMANCE,QUALITY | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000266934700001 | Evaluation of uptake and attitude to voluntary counseling and testing among health care professional students in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania | Barongo, Longin R.,Charles, Mgosha P.,Kweka, Eliningaya J.,Lowassa, Asanterabi,Mahande, Aneth M.,Mahande, Michael J.,Nkya, Hassan M.,Shekalaghe, Seif | 2009 | BMC PUBLIC HEALTH | 9 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-9-128 | University of Rwanda, Natl AIDS Control Programme Div, Tanzania Wildlife Res Inst, Trop Pesticides Res Inst, Tumaini Univ | "Barongo, Longin R.: University of Rwanda", | Background: Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is a corner stone for successful implementation of prevention, care and support services among HIV negative and positive individuals. VCT is also perceived to be an effective strategy in risk reduction among sexually active young people.. This study aimed to assess the acceptability of VCT and its actual uptake among young health care professional students at KCM College of Tumaini University and Allied health schools.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire was used among health care professional students aged 18-25 years who were enrolled in degrees, diplomas and certificates courses at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College and all other Allied health schools
Results: A total of 309 students were recruited, among these 197 (63.8%) were females. All respondents were aware of the benefits of VCT. Only 107 (34.6%) of students have had VCT done previously. About 59 (19.1%) of the students had negative for health care professional to attend VCT. Risk perception among the students was low (37.2%) even though they were found to have higher risk behaviors that predispose them to get HIV infection.
Conclusion: Awareness of VCT services and willingness to test is high among students; however its uptake is low. In order to promote these services, a comprehensive training module on VCT needs to be included in their training curricula. In particular, more emphasis should focus on the benefits of VCT and to help the students to internalize the risk of HIV so that they can take preventive measures. | 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 |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84882438742 | Incident reconstruction simulations-potential impact on the prevention of future mine incidents | Webber-Youngman R.C.W., Van Wyk E.A. | 2013 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 113 | 6 | None | University of Pretoria, South Africa; Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa | Webber-Youngman, R.C.W., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Van Wyk, E.A., Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa | The mining industry in South Africa faces real challenges with regard to the reduction of safety-related incidents. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the need for alternative interventions in addition to other safety improvement strategies already employed on mines. It furthermore supports an existing paradigm: incident investigations. An investigation into fatalities in the South African mining industry shows that although great progress has been achieved through the reduction in fatalities in all sectors of the industry over the last few years, more can and should be done to achieve status of 'zero harm'. Fatalities and lost time injuries on mines result not only in large financial losses, but also in disruptions of mining operations in general through Section 54 stoppages to resolve the situation. The approach of the paper is therefore not to try and prove whether there is high fatality rate and/or lost time injuries, but in what way incident reconstruction simulations (IRS) can have an impact in the future prevention of such incidents. The challenge therefore lies in the utilization of pro-active systems that would show employees the possible outcomes of being exposed to certain hazards. In real life, these incidents cannot be re-enacted and in most cases we can only learn through the previous mistakes of others. A virtual reality (VR) education and training system will enable employees to be 'exposed' to different hazards in a safe environment, and simulation, in a 'forgiving' environment, of the possible consequences of unsafe acts. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), unsafe acts and unsafe conditions are indirect causes of safety-related incidents, but there are also direct causes; for example, unplanned release of energy and/or hazardous material, and basic causes, for example, management safety policies, personal factors, and environmental factors. The administrative workload associated with any incident investigation places a large burden on the investigation team, and in most cases other employees are informed through vague administrative processes what the 'real cause' for the incident/accident was. New preventative strategies are often put in place without showing the employees what the real causes of the incident/accident were. This can be mitigated through the use of interactive VR simulations/animations of the hazards that they are exposed to and how to deal with them. If VR interventions are not used as proposed by this paper, the real causes and consequences of almost all fatalities and lost time injuries may never be fully understood. This paper also emphasizes what potential impact IRS could have on the prevention of future mine incidents as part and parcel of a pro-active risk prevention strategy. The intention is therefore not to replace any other risk prevention strategies, but to visually enhance the reality of the incident. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2013. | Incident reconstruction simulations; Interactive safety training; Mine safety; Risk management; Usability context analysis; Virtual reality | Administrative process; Context analysis; Education and training systems; Incident investigation; Incident reconstruction simulations; Mine safety; Occupational safety and health acts; Safety training; Hazards; Losses; Mining; Personnel training; Risk management; Virtual reality; Accident prevention | University of Pretoria |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57249090335 | The effect of multilingual policies on performance and progression in reading literacy in South African primary schools | Howie S., Venter E., Van Staden S. | 2008 | Educational Research and Evaluation | 14 | 6 | 10.1080/13803610802576775 | University of Pretoria, South Africa | Howie, S., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Venter, E., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Van Staden, S., University of Pretoria, South Africa | South Africa's rich multicultural society is reflected by 11 official languages. The Language in Education policy stipulates that children should start learning at school in their home language until Grade 3. In most schools, the language of instruction for all subjects changes in Grade 4 from an indigenous African language to English, which means that more than 80% of South African pupils learn in a language different to their home language. This paper seeks to ascertain (a) to what extent South African pupils are proficient readers in the language in which they have received reading instruction for 4 years, (b) what differences in achievement become evident between pupils in Grade 4 and Grade 5, and (c) the relationship between South African pupils' performance in the test language and home language. Statistics from the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2006 were applied to determine differences in achievement. | Assessment; International comparative studies; Reading literacy | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903993738 | The impact of government support initiatives on the growth of female businesses in Tshwane South Africa | Phillips M., Moos M., Nieman G. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 15 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n15p85 | University of Pretoria, South Africa | Phillips, M., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Moos, M., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Nieman, G., University of Pretoria, South Africa | Previous research has shown that small business growth may be the consequence of various factors. Entrepreneurs face various challenges in the growth of their businesses. A lack of support and general resources are some of the challenges they face. This causal research study explored the impact that the use of government support initiatives has on the growth of the businesses of female entrepreneurs in Tshwane South Africa. A quantitative study was done and a sample of 111 female entrepreneurs participated in this study. Data were obtained by means of structured questionnaires administered via a webbased survey. The data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The findings clearly indicate that despite these entrepreneurs getting any assistance from government institutions their businesses showed growth. The findings of this study may be extended to government support institutions so that they can improve the quality design and cost effectiveness of support services. | Entrepreneurship; Female entrepreneurs; Government support; Sme growth | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894582678 | Non-performance of constitutional obligations and the demise of the water tribunal - Access to justice denied? | Olivier N., Olivier N. | 2014 | Tydskrif vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reg | None | 1 | None | University of Pretoria, South Africa | Olivier, N., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Olivier, N., University of Pretoria, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937118512 | Evaluation of some optimum moisture and binder conditions for coal fines briquetting | Venter P., Naude N. | 2015 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 115 | 4 | None | University of Pretoria, South Africa | Venter, P., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Naude, N., University of Pretoria, South Africa | Coal mining is a thriving industry and 53% of the coal mined in South Africa is used for electricity generation. Mechanization has made coal mining more efficient, but fines generation has subsequently increased. Up to 6% of the run of mine material can report to the -200 μm fraction. Common problems associated with fines handling include dust formation, storage problems, and high moisture levels. A method to turn this material into a saleable product instead of stockpiling it can add value to a company. Briquetting is a pressure agglomeration method where loose material is compacted into a dense mass (FEECO International, 2014). The briquettes must be able to withstand rigorous handling and transport operations without disintegrating. This study aims to investigate the optimum binder and moisture conditions required to produce a mechanically strong briquette using two different binders - a PVA powder (binder A) and a starch powder (binder B). It was found that for binder A the optimum moisture level was 12% to 14%. At this moisture level the greatest compression strength gains were observed, and low amounts of fines produced in impact and abrasion tests. The minimum amount of binder added while still obtaining a strong briquette was 0.5% binder A. For binder B the optimum moisture level was also 12% and the minimum amount of Binder B to be added was found to be 1%. Briquettes that were dried outside reached their peak strength after about four days, whereas the briquettes that dried inside took about 20 days to reach their strength plateau. Hardly any degradation took place on the surface of the binder A film after exposure of 300 hours of artificial weathering. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed that neither binder A nor binder B will add to the ash content of the coal fines, as both binders totally decompose above 530°C. Binder B yielded stronger briquettes after 15 days and also generated less fines. It is therefore superior to binder A and would be recommended for further use. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2015. | Binder; Briquetting; Coal fines; Moisture level | Briquets; Briquetting; Coal; Coal industry; Coal mines; Machinery; Moisture; Moisture determination; Thermogravimetric analysis; Transportation; Weathering; Artificial weathering; Coal fines; Compression strength; Electricity generation; Moisture conditions; Moisture level; Pressure agglomeration; Transport operations; Binders | 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-s2.0-70349645361 | The impact of the transition to outcomes-based teaching on university preparedness in mathematics in South Africa | Engelbrecht J., Harding A. | 2008 | Mathematics Education Research Journal | 20 | 2 | 10.1007/BF03217477 | University of Pretoria, South Africa | Engelbrecht, J., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Harding, A., University of Pretoria, South Africa | Following the political changes of 1994 in South Africa, the decision was taken to replace the traditional skills-based education system at primary and secondary school level (Grades 1-12) with an outcomes-based education system (OBE). The implementation of the OBE system did not come without problems, giving rise to revised initiatives. The OBE approach, referred to as Curriculum 2005, was introduced into schools in 1998, for all learners in Grades 1- 6 and progressively phased in after that. In 2002, the OBE system was put on hold for the two upper grades of these learners. Learners in these two grades reverted back to skills-based learning for their last three years of schooling, i.e. in Grades 10 - 12. The most senior of these learners that had been subjected to four years of OBE and another three years of the old system finished their schooling in 2005 and 2006 and entered university in 2006 and 2007. These groups are of interest. Students ahead of them had their full schooling in the old system and students two years younger were only subjected to OBE. These students are the "group in the middle". This paper reports on what the impact is of the growing pains of such a new, inadequately planned education system on the mathematics preparedness of students entering university. This report will be extended in 2009 when the learners that have been fully subjected to the OBE system enter university. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910086828 | The strength of organisational culture: Organisational performance in South African schools | Bipath K., Adeyemo K.S. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 23 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p2405 | University of Pretoria, South Africa | Bipath, K., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Adeyemo, K.S., University of Pretoria, South Africa | One of the more frequently cited cultural dimensions within the field of cultural research is that of cultural strength (Cameron & Ettington, 1998). Early published works on organisational culture argue that there is an absolute need for a “strong” culture for organisations to be effective. This study has examined the contradiction between the strong school culture and academic performance in Mpumalanga Province under the Bantu Education (DET) school system. The aim of the research was to examine the dynamics of school culture strength (measured as values and norms); leadership; and the organisational performance of schools. A quantitative research approach was used. A total of 1130 questionnaires were completed by principals, School Management Team (SMT) members and educators. The findings show that the schools in Mpumalanga had a strong organisational culture, yet their performance was the lowest of all the provinces in South Africa. The paper argues: Mpumalanga schools should deconstruct their original organisational culture paradigms which evolved out of the DET system of education and that they should reconstruct their organisational cultures with renewed energy and enthusiasm for a better educated generation in the future. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Mpumalanga; Organizational culture; Performance; Principal; School; 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-s2.0-84946547176 | The effect of magnesium hydroxide, hydromagnesite and layered double hydroxide on the heat stability and fire performance of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) | Molefe D.M., Labuschagne J., Focke W.W., Van Der Westhuizen I., Ofosu O. | 2015 | Journal of Fire Sciences | 33 | 6 | 10.1177/0734904115612501 | University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa; CSIR, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Molefe, D.M., University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa; Labuschagne, J., University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa; Focke, W.W., University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa; Van Der Westhuizen, I., University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa; Ofosu, O., CSIR, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Emulsion grade poly(vinyl chloride) was plasticized with 100 phr of diisononyl phthalate and filled with 30 phr of different hydrated filler-type flame-retardant additives. Static heat stabilities were determined at 200°C by following the time dependence of hydrogen chloride evolution. Fire-retardant performance was studied with a cone calorimeter at a radiant flux of 35 kW m-2. The layered double hydroxide outperformed the other fillers with regard to improving static heat stability and also with respect to most fire-retardant performance indices. © The Author(s) 2015. | heat stabilizer; Layered double hydroxide; poly(vinyl chloride); thermal analysis | Chlorine compounds; Emulsification; Fillers; Heat stabilizers; Polyvinyl chlorides; Thermoanalysis; Cone calorimeter; Di-isononyl phthalate; Fire performance; Flame-retardant additives; Hydrogen chloride; Layered double hydroxides; Magnesium hydroxide; Performance indices; Flame retardants | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859139578 | Constructing benchmarks for monitoring purposes: Evidence from South Africa | Scherman V., Howie S.J., Bosker R.J. | 2011 | Educational Research and Evaluation | 17 | 6 | 10.1080/13803611.2011.632663 | University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands | Scherman, V., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Howie, S.J., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Bosker, R.J., University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands | In information-rich environments, schools are often presented with a myriad of data from which decisions need to be made. The use of the information on a classroom level may be facilitated if performance could be described in terms of levels of proficiency or benchmarks. The aim of this article is to explore benchmarks using data from a monitoring system on secondary school level. Seventeen secondary schools, purposively sampled for maximum variation, participated in this project. Pupils from a random sample of 2 Grade 8 classes per school completed the assessments (n = 1706). Using a dichotomous Rasch model, person item distribution maps were generated for mathematics, and different difficulty levels were constructed from the items that corresponded to the ability levels of pupils as well as the reporting protocol of the National Department of Education. Implications for benchmarking and standard setting are discussed based on the results provided in the article. © 2011 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | benchmarking; item maps; Rasch analysis; standard setting; standards | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548299531 | The impact of tarrif removal on poverty in zimbabwe: A computable general equilibrium microsimulation | Chitiga M., Mabugu R., Kandiero T. | 2007 | Journal of Development Studies | 43 | 6 | 10.1080/00220380701466666 | University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; National Treasury, South Africa | Chitiga, M., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Mabugu, R., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Kandiero, T., National Treasury, South Africa | The paper uses a microsimulation computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to study the impact on poverty of a complete removal of tariffs in Zimbabwe. The model incorporates 14,006 households derived from the 1995 Poverty Assessment Study Survey. This paper's novelty is that it is one among a small group of papers that incorporates individual households in the CGE model as opposed to having representative households. Using individual households allows for a comprehensive analysis of poverty. The complete removal of tariffs favours exporting sectors. Poverty falls in the economy while inequality hardly changes. The results differ between rural and urban areas. | None | computable general equilibrium analysis; export; household income; poverty determinant; tariff structure; Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78149402655 | The practical application of an entrepreneurial performance training model in South Africa | van Vuuren J., Botha M. | 2010 | Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development | 17 | 4 | 10.1108/14626001011088750 | University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | van Vuuren, J., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Botha, M., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Purpose: This paper sets out to apply practically the constructs of the entrepreneurial performance training model to three different training interventions, known as the business start-up, basic entrepreneurship, and advanced entrepreneurship programmes. Furthermore, the paper aims to measure the business performance indicators and skills transfer that took place after the training interventions. Design/methodology/approach: Quantitative research was conducted, using three validated research questionnaires. The research design consists of a pre-test, post-test and post-post test (ten weeks after the training interventions took place). Factor analysis was done, descriptive statistics arising from opinions and expressions are presented and statistical tests such as the Chi-square test and ANOVA provide inferential statistics. Findings: The business performance indicators improved for all three training groups after they attended the training interventions. Furthermore, it was proved that skills transfer took place after the respondents attended the training interventions. Research limitations/implications: The training groups can be measured again after 18 months of three years to really determine the impact of the training interventions. The results of the three training programmes can be compared to see whether the basic entrepreneurship groups gained more skills and their business performance indicators increased more than the business start-up or advanced entrepreneurship programmes. Practical implications: The outcomes and implications of this research paper emphasise that it is imperative to design training programmes based on training models that have been tested. This paper highlights some aspects of how constructs used within the training models can be tested. Originality/value: The entrepreneurial performance-training model was practically applied and provides a set of expectations for other entrepreneurship models as well as presenting a benchmark against which programme performance can be measured. A unique teaching methodology is portrayed that contributes to the overall effectiveness of the training model. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Entrepreneurs; Performance measures; Skills flexibility; South Africa; Teaching methods; Training management | None | 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-s2.0-84883830215 | 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-s2.0-78149369037 | 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-s2.0-13244263032 | 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-s2.0-14844329903 | Mongoose rabies in southern Africa: A re-evaluation based on molecular epidemiology | Nel L.H., Sabeta C.T., Von Teichman B., Jaftha J.B., Rupprecht C.E., Bingham J. | 2005 | Virus Research | 109 | 2 | 10.1016/j.virusres.2004.12.003 | University of Pretoria, Microbiology and Plant Pathology, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Centers for Dis. Contr. and Prev., Rabies Section, MS-G33, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; Rabies Unit, Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; CSIRO, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Private Bag 24, Geelong, Vic. 3220, Australia | Nel, L.H., University of Pretoria, Microbiology and Plant Pathology, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Sabeta, C.T., University of Pretoria, Microbiology and Plant Pathology, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Von Teichman, B., University of Pretoria, Microbiology and Plant Pathology, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Jaftha, J.B., University of Pretoria, Microbiology and Plant Pathology, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Rupprecht, C.E., Centers for Dis. Contr. and Prev., Rabies Section, MS-G33, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; Bingham, J., Rabies Unit, Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa, CSIRO, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Private Bag 24, Geelong, Vic. 3220, Australia | Relative to the developed world, rabies has been poorly studied in the vast African continent. The southern African countries of Zimbabwe and South Africa, however, are known to sustain a great diversity of lyssaviruses, with large biological variations amongst genotype 1 (rabies viruses) at present more apparent here than elsewhere on the continent. One recognized biotype of rabies virus in the subcontinent appears to be specifically adapted to a variety of mongooses, belonging to the Viverrinae subfamily (family Herpestidae) and are commonly referred to as viverrid viruses, although the term mongoose rabies would be more correct, considering the taxonomic status of the host species involved. It was our objective to study the genetic relationships of 77 rabies virus isolates of this mongoose biotype, isolated in South Africa and Zimbabwe, towards elucidation of the molecular epidemiology of this interesting group of African viruses. In our study of a 592 nucleotide sequence encompassing the cytoplasmic domain of the glycoprotein and the G-L intergenic region of the viral genomes, we provide the first comprehensive data on the molecular epidemiology of these viruses and indicate a history of extended evolutionary adaptation in this geographical domain. The molecular epidemiological observations reported here are highly unlikely to be limited to the small geographical areas of South Africa and Zimbabwe and illustrate the need for lyssavirus surveillance in the rest of sub-Saharan Africa and throughout the entire continent. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Glycoprotein; Intergenic region; Lyssaviruses; Mongoose rabies | glycoprotein; nucleotide; Africa; article; biotype; cytoplasm; epidemiological data; genetic association; genome; molecular biology; mongoose rabies; nonhuman; nucleotide sequence; priority journal; protein domain; rabies; Rabies virus; viral genetics; virus isolation; Zimbabwe; Adaptation, Biological; Animals; Antigens, Viral; DNA, Complementary; DNA, Intergenic; DNA, Viral; DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases; Epidemiology, Molecular; Evolution; Glycoproteins; Herpestidae; Mice; Molecular Sequence Data; Phylogeny; Rabies; Rabies virus; RNA, Viral; Sequence Analysis, DNA; South Africa; Viral Envelope Proteins; Viral Proteins; Zimbabwe; Herpestidae; Lyssavirus; Rabies virus; Viverridae; Viverrinae | 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-s2.0-79960761924 | 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-s2.0-83155183871 | Evaluation of selected effects of pavement riding quality on logistics costs in South Africa | Steyn W., Bean W., King D., Komba J. | 2011 | Transportation Research Record | None | 2227 | 10.3141/2227-15 | University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Hatfield, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Built Environment, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | Steyn, W., University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Hatfield, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Bean, W., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Built Environment, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; King, D., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Built Environment, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Komba, J., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Built Environment, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | The efficient operation of a country's economy depends, among other things, on an efficient logistical system to ensure that goods can be transported efficiently between producers and users. The costs of logistics include aspects such as transport, storage, inventory, and management. Of these, the transport costs are directly influenced by the condition of the transport infrastructure. The effects of road riding quality on the costs of logistics were evaluated through analysis of data on actual truck costs (specifically, vehicle damage and maintenance) obtained from a logistics service provider as well as data on road riding quality for the routes used by the company. Analysis of the data indicated that the vehicle operating costs increased with decreasing riding quality (as would be expected). Spending adequate resources on the maintenance of routes in a country decreased vehicle fleet operating costs and ultimately the logistics costs of the country. It is recommended that the study be broadened to incorporate a larger sample of vehicles and road conditions. | None | Analysis of data; Logistical systems; Logistics costs; Logistics service provider; Road condition; South Africa; Transport costs; Transport infrastructure; Vehicle damage; Vehicle fleets; Economics; Fleet operations; Logistics; Maintenance; Operating costs; Quality control; Riding qualities; Roads and streets; Transportation; Cost benefit analysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893394044 | Metacognitive monitoring and learning gain in foundation chemistry | Mathabathe K.C., Potgieter M. | 2014 | Chemistry Education Research and Practice | 15 | 1 | 10.1039/c3rp00119a | University of Pretoria, Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, Pretoria, South Africa; University of Pretoria, Department of Chemistry, Pretoria, South Africa | Mathabathe, K.C., University of Pretoria, Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, Pretoria, South Africa; Potgieter, M., University of Pretoria, Department of Chemistry, Pretoria, South Africa | The ability to make realistic judgements of one's performance is a demonstration of the possession of strong metacognitive skills. In this study we investigate the relationship between accuracy of self-evaluation as an expression of metacognitive skill, and learning gain in stoichiometry. The context is an academic development programme at a South African University offered for under-prepared students enrolled for science and engineering. These students generally exhibit unrealistically high levels of confidence in performance and this could potentially place them at risk by negatively affecting decisions regarding time management and self-regulation. We investigated whether overconfidence before instruction is corrected upon exposure to teaching. A three-tier stoichiometry test was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data before and after instruction. Findings indicate that the majority of the students were overconfident in the evaluation of their performance in both the pre- and posttests. Overconfidence was not a debilitating disposition when demonstrated in the pretest provided that it was corrected during teaching and learning. The most vulnerable students were those that judged their performance or lack thereof realistically in the pretest but became overconfident during the teaching and learning of stoichiometry. Our results suggest that under-prepared students are slow in developing accurate metacognitive monitoring skills within a classroom environment that did not include instruction focused on the development of such skills. We recommend a proactive and constructive response by educators which may reduce the incidence of failure and preserve the positive contribution of confidence, albeit excessively positive. © 2014 The Royal Society of Chemistry. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247381211 | Generation and evaluation of a recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara vaccine for rabies | Weyer J., Rupprecht C.E., Mans J., Viljoen G.J., Nel L.H. | 2007 | Vaccine | 25 | 21 | 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.02.084 | University of Pretoria, Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Infectious Disease, Division of Viral and Rickettsial Zoonosis, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Division of Applied Biotechnology, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa | Weyer, J., University of Pretoria, Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Rupprecht, C.E., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Infectious Disease, Division of Viral and Rickettsial Zoonosis, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; Mans, J., Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Division of Applied Biotechnology, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Viljoen, G.J., Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Division of Applied Biotechnology, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Nel, L.H., University of Pretoria, Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) has become a vaccine vector of choice for recombinant vaccine development. A MVA-based rabies vaccine would be advantageous for use as a vaccine for dogs (and wildlife), particularly if it proves innocuous and efficacious by the oral route. Here, the generation and immunological testing of a recombinant MVA expressing a rabies virus glycoprotein gene is described. In a murine model, higher dosages of recombinant MVA were needed to induce equivocal immune responses as with Vaccinia Copenhagen or Vaccinia Western Reserve recombinants, when administered by a parenteral route. The MVA recombinant was not immunogenic or efficacious when administered per os in naïve mice. The ability of the recombinant MVA to induce anamnestic responses in dogs and raccoons was also investigated. Recombinant MVA boosted humoral immune responses in these animals when administered peripherally, but not when administered orally. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Modified vaccinia virus Ankara; Oral vaccine; Rabies vaccine | modified vaccinia virus Ankara vaccine; rabies vaccine; rabies virus glycoprotein; recombinant modified vaccinia virus ankara virus vector; unclassified drug; vaccinia copenhagen virus vaccine; vaccinia copenhagen virus vector; vaccinia vaccine; vaccinia western reserve vaccine; vaccinia western reserve virus vector; virus vector; animal cell; animal experiment; animal model; article; comparative study; controlled study; drug efficacy; female; gene; humoral immunity; immune response; immunogenicity; immunological procedures; mouse; nonhuman; priority journal; rabies; rabies virus glycoprotein gene; Animals; Antibodies, Viral; Antigens, Viral; Cell Line; Chickens; Cricetinae; Dogs; Female; Glycoproteins; Immunologic Memory; Mesocricetus; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Models, Animal; Neutralization Tests; Rabies; Rabies Vaccines; Rabies virus; Raccoons; Vaccines, Synthetic; Vaccinia virus; Viral Envelope Proteins | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857256302 | Comparative performance of OM-OFDM in broadband systems | Dhuness K., Maharaj B.T. | 2012 | Electronics Letters | 48 | 2 | 10.1049/el.2011.2005 | University of Pretoria, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Dhuness, K., University of Pretoria, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Maharaj, B.T., University of Pretoria, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | A method called offset modulation (OM-OFDM) is proposed to control the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of an OFDM signal. This reported work demonstrates the significant modulation, structural and performance differences between an OM-OFDM and CE-OFDM method. The OM-OFDM method in addition is able to accurately control the PAPR of a transmission for a targeted BER, which is currently not possible with CE-OFDM. By using a power performance decision metric (D), the OM-OFDM method is shown to offer a 34 and 3.44dB net power performance gain (at a BER of 10 -4) when compared to a CE-OFDM and traditional OFDM transmission for frequency selective fading channel conditions, respectively. © 2012 The Institution of Engineering and Technology. | None | Broadband systems; Frequency-selective fading channels; OFDM signal; OFDM transmission; Offset modulation; Peak to average power ratio; Power performance; Electronics engineering; Technology; Frequency selective fading | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-64549135729 | Performance of a water defluoridation plant in a rural area in South Africa | Schoeman J.J. | 2009 | Water SA | 35 | 1 | None | University of Pretoria, Department of Chemical Engineering, Water Utilisation Division, Pretoria, South Africa | Schoeman, J.J., University of Pretoria, Department of Chemical Engineering, Water Utilisation Division, Pretoria, South Africa | The fluoride concentration of a borehole water supply in a rural area (Madibeng Local Municipality, North West Province, South Africa) varies between 5 and 6 mg/ℓ. This water is therefore not suitable for potable purposes because the high fluoride concentration may cause mottling of tooth enamel in children and fluorosis in adults. Therefore, the fluoride concentration should be reduced to less than 1.5 mg/ℓ to make the water suitable for potable purposes. The activated alumina and reverse osmosis processes are both processes that can be very effectively applied for water defluoridation. The activated alumina process, however, is considered to be a more simple and robust process for water defluoridation, especially in a rural area. Therefore, the activated alumina process was selected for water defluoridation. An activated alumina plant was designed, constructed and commissioned in the rural area. Fluoride in the feed water is removed from 6 to 8 mg/ℓ to less than 1.5 mg/ℓ. No reduction in plant output was experienced over 6 service cycles. Therefore, it appears that fouling of the activated alumina should not be a problem. Plant output varied between 940 and 1 296 m3 to a fluoride breakthrough of approximately 2.0 mg/ℓ. No significant operational problems were experienced during commissioning and the plant is performing satisfactorily. Spent regenerant is disposed of into evaporation ponds. It was demonstrated that a 1st world technology could be effectively applied in a rural area with proper training and supervision of the operators. The capital and operational costs of the 200 m3/d defluoridation plant are estimated at approximately R1.2m. and R0.7/m3 treated water. | Activated alumina; Costs; Plant performance; Water defluoridation | Bore-hole waters; Defluoridation; Feed waters; Fluoride concentrations; In plants; NO reductions; Operational costs; Operational problems; Plant outputs; Plant performance; Service cycles; South Africa; Water defluoridation; Personnel training; Potable water; Reverse osmosis; Rural areas; Tooth enamel; Water supply; Activated alumina; aluminum oxide; concentration (composition); drinking water; fluoride; health risk; performance assessment; pollutant removal; rural area; water quality; water supply; water treatment; Africa; North West Province; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-30044433053 | Evaluation of electrodialysis for the treatment of an industrial solid waste leachate | Schoeman J.J., Steyn A., Makgae M. | 2005 | Desalination | 186 | 42372 | 10.1016/j.desal.2005.04.061 | University of Pretoria, Department of Chemical Engineering, Water Utilisation Division, Pretoria, South Africa | Schoeman, J.J., University of Pretoria, Department of Chemical Engineering, Water Utilisation Division, Pretoria, South Africa; Steyn, A., University of Pretoria, Department of Chemical Engineering, Water Utilisation Division, Pretoria, South Africa; Makgae, M., University of Pretoria, Department of Chemical Engineering, Water Utilisation Division, Pretoria, South Africa | A hazardous leachate from an industrial landfill site is stored in lined dams. The TDS (approximately 100 g/l) and the organic concentration (approximately 70 g/l COD) of the leachate are high. The high TDS concentration of the leachate would make treatment with reverse osmosis (RO) very difficult. The leachate also contains high concentrations of iron, manganese, barium, strontium and phenolics. This leachate has the potential to pollute the water environment, if the dams overflow. Therefore, electrodialysis (ED) was evaluated as an alternative technology to desalinate/concentrate the leachate for effluent volume reduction and pollution control. Physical/chemical pretreatment of the leachate with fly ash and chemicals have shown that the fouling potential of the leachate for membrane systems could be significantly reduced. The AFN anionic membrane from Tokuyama Soda was found to be the most resistant anionic membrane towards membrane fouling during tests in a membrane fouling test cell. This membrane was then used in a laboratory-scale ED stack to evaluate the process for treatment of the leachate. It was found that the leachate could be effectively desalinated/concentrated with ED. The desalinated effluent was significantly less toxic and more biodegradable than the ED feed or brine which comprised approximately 38% of the treated leachate. It also appears that it should be possible to control membrane fouling with regular membrane cleanings. Electrodialysis pilot tests were finally conducted in the batch and feed-and-bleed modes to develop process design criteria for a full-scale application. It was found that an excellent quality water could be produced with batch ED treatment followed by RO desalination. The treated water is almost of potable quality (645 mg/l TDS) except for high COD (935 mg/l). Feed-and-bleed ED pilot tests have shown that the TDS of the leachate could be reduced from 116,255 mg/l to 2,435 mg/l (5 stage ED). Brine volume comprised approximately 41% of the treated leachate. The capital cost of an 80 kl/d (feed) ED plant is estimated at 2.38 million US$. Operational costs are estimated at 28.96 US$/kl. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Electrodialysis; Leachate characterisation; Leachate treatment; Membrane characteristics; Membrane fouling; Pollution control; Reverse osmosis; Treatment costs; Volume reduction | Industrial waste treatment; Leachate treatment; Membranes; Pollution control; Reverse osmosis; Solid wastes; Leachate characterisation; Membrane characteristics; Membrane fouling; Treatment costs; Volume reduction; Electrodialysis; electrodialysis; filtration; leachate; membrane | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247636570 | Evaluation of microfiltration for the treatment of spent cutting-oil | Schoeman J.J., Novhe O. | 2007 | Water SA | 33 | 2 | None | University of Pretoria, Department of Chemical Engineering, Water Utilisation Division, Pretoria, South Africa | Schoeman, J.J., University of Pretoria, Department of Chemical Engineering, Water Utilisation Division, Pretoria, South Africa; Novhe, O., University of Pretoria, Department of Chemical Engineering, Water Utilisation Division, Pretoria, South Africa | A pilot plant using ceramic microfiltration membranes which could be regularly back-flushed with air for fouling control was evaluated for the treatment of spent cutting-oil. It was found that membrane fouling could be effectively controlled with regular air back-flushes (every 3 min for 1 s) and chemical cleaning using caustic soda. Permeate flux remained approximately constant and varied from 78 to 126 ℓ/h·m2 for the first six runs and from 114 to 150 ℓ/h·m2 for three more runs. An increase in feed temperature from ambient to 40°C and cleaning of the membrane with 1% caustic soda, increased permeate flux from 183 to 282 ℓ/h·m2 and from 195 to 264 ℓ/h·m2 in two more runs. Excellent COD (75.5 to 90.3%) and O&G (97.2 to 99.1%) removals were obtained. The permeate quality should be suitable for discharge to the municipal sewer system (O&G < 500 mg/ℓ) and the concentrated oil should be a useful energy source. Treatment of spent cutting-oil with microfiltration rather than landfilling should save valuable landfilling space. | COD removal; Fouling; Microfiltration; O&G removal; Permeate flux; Spent cutting-oil | Chemical oxygen demand; Fouling; Mechanical permeability; Microfiltration; Sewers; COD removal; Permeate flux; Spent cutting-oil; Cutting fluids; Chemical oxygen demand; Cutting fluids; Fouling; Mechanical permeability; Microfiltration; Sewers; bicarbonate; ceramics; chemical oxygen demand; flushing; fouling; landfill; membrane; oil; recycling; ultrafiltration; waste treatment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67650290856 | Performance of tubular reverse osmosis for the desalination/ concentration of a municipal solid waste leachate | Schoeman J.J., Strachan L.J. | 2009 | Water SA | 35 | 3 | None | University of Pretoria, Department of Chemical Engineering, Water Utilisation Division, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Durban Solid Waste, Durban Metro City Council, PO Box 1038, Durban 4000, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Schoeman, J.J., University of Pretoria, Department of Chemical Engineering, Water Utilisation Division, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Strachan, L.J., Durban Solid Waste, Durban Metro City Council, PO Box 1038, Durban 4000, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Municipal solid waste leachate (MSWL) has the potential to pollute the water environment and to affect biological treatment processes adversely if not properly handled. Reverse osmosis (RO) has the ability to remove both organics and inorganics effectively from effuents. Therefore, RO was evaluated for the treatment of MSWL. It was found that both cellulose acetate and polyamide RO membranes should function effectively for the treatment of the leachate and that it should be possible to control membrane fouling with chemical cleaning. The polyamide membranes, however, performed somewhat better than the cellulose acetate membranes for the treatment of the leachate. The quality of the treated leachate with the exception of ammonia-nitrogen and COD should comply with the quality requirements for discharge into the water environment. Biological treatment processes are effective in complete removal (to only traceable levels) of ammonia-nitrogen and biodegradable COD. The quality of the treated effuent further complies with the quality requirements (chloride and heavy metals) for discharge into the municipal biological treatment system. The capital and operational cost of a 250 m3/d tubular reverse osmosis (TRO) plant is estimated at R1.95 m. and R11.45/m3, respectively. | Effuent quality; Leachate treatment; Membrane cleaning; Membrane fouling; Reverse osmosis; Treatment costs | Ammonia-nitrogen; Biological treatment process; Biological treatment systems; Cellulose acetate membrane; Cellulose acetates; Concentration of; Effuent quality; Inorganics; Leachate; Membrane cleaning; Municipal Solid Waste; Operational costs; Organics; Polyamide membranes; Quality requirements; RO membrane; Treatment costs; Water environments; Ammonia; Biochemical engineering; Cellulose; Chemical cleaning; Chlorine compounds; Heavy metals; Leaching; Membrane fouling; Membranes; Metal recovery; Nitrogen removal; Refuse disposal; Reverse osmosis; Solid wastes; Waste treatment; Water treatment; Leachate treatment; chemical oxygen demand; concentration (composition); desalination; leachate; membrane; municipal solid waste; osmosis; performance assessment; water pollution; Ammonia; Biotechnology; Cellulose; Chlorine Compounds; Cleaning; Costs; Fouling; Heavy Metals; Leaching; Membranes; Nitrogen; Quality; Removal; Reverse Osmosis; Solid Wastes; Waste Disposal | 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-s2.0-80755139509 | Two dimensional fluidised bed reactor: Performance of a novel multi-vortex distributor | Brink H.G., Saayman J., Nicol W. | 2011 | Chemical Engineering Journal | 175 | 1 | 10.1016/j.cej.2011.09.077 | University of Pretoria, Department Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria Main Campus, Corner Lynwood and Roper Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | Brink, H.G., University of Pretoria, Department Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria Main Campus, Corner Lynwood and Roper Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Saayman, J., University of Pretoria, Department Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria Main Campus, Corner Lynwood and Roper Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Nicol, W., University of Pretoria, Department Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria Main Campus, Corner Lynwood and Roper Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | The influence of the distributor configuration on interphase mass transfer, gas axial dispersion and bubble size was studied in a pseudo 2-D fluidised bed reactor for two types of distributor configurations; a novel multi-vortex (MV) distributor with tubes directed vertically and horizontally at different heights and a standard perforated plate distributor (baseline). The linear inlet velocity (U0) ranged between 0.1m/s and 0.35m/s, with air as fluidising medium at ambient conditions. The ozone decomposition reaction over Fe2O3 impregnated FCC catalyst was used as an indirect measure for the performance of the FBR and it was found that the MV distributor causes a significant improvement (15% average) in the conversion efficiencies at all velocities tested. Bubble size measurements (using two separate techniques) indicated larger bubbles for the MV distributor, while the visual bubbling to turbulent transition boundary (Uc) for the MV distributor was found to be lower than the baseline distributor. The interphase bubble-emulsion mass transfer was quantified using the model derived by Thompson et al. [32] and was found to be 52% higher for the MV distributor than the baseline distributor. In addition the MV distributor exhibited near plug flow characteristics at velocities exceeding Uc, while this was not the case for the baseline distributor. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. | Interphase mass transfer quantification; Multi-vortex distributor; Ozone decomposition reaction; Two dimensional fluidized bed reactor | Ambient conditions; Axial dispersions; Bubble size; Bubble size measurement; Different heights; FCC catalysts; Fluidised bed; Indirect measure; Inlet velocity; Inter-phase mass transfer; Multi-vortex distributor; Ozone decomposition; Ozone decomposition reaction; Plug flow; Thompson; Turbulent transition; Chemical reactors; Conversion efficiency; Emulsification; Fluid catalytic cracking; Fluidization; Mass transfer; Ozone; Perforated plates; Two dimensional; Vortex flow; Fluidized beds | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959881701 | Evaluation of workability and strength development of fly ash pastes prepared with industrial brines rich in so 4 = and Cl- to expand brine utilisation | Mahlaba J.S., Kearsley E.P., Kruger R.A., Pretorius P.C. | 2011 | Minerals Engineering | 24 | 10 | 10.1016/j.mineng.2011.05.015 | University of Pretoria, Civil Engineering, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; SASOL Technology Pty (Ltd.), RandD Environmental Sciences and Engineering, P/Bag 1034, Secunda, South Africa; Richonne Consulting, Somerset Mall, P.O. Box 742, Cape Town 7137, South Africa | Mahlaba, J.S., University of Pretoria, Civil Engineering, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, SASOL Technology Pty (Ltd.), RandD Environmental Sciences and Engineering, P/Bag 1034, Secunda, South Africa; Kearsley, E.P., University of Pretoria, Civil Engineering, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Kruger, R.A., Richonne Consulting, Somerset Mall, P.O. Box 742, Cape Town 7137, South Africa; Pretorius, P.C., SASOL Technology Pty (Ltd.), RandD Environmental Sciences and Engineering, P/Bag 1034, Secunda, South Africa | Anthropogenic pollution is an unavoidable consequence of both producing energy from coal and desalination of water. Coal ash and brines are partially utilised due to vast volumes and stringent legal environmental requirements. Therefore innovative management for these wastes is essential. This manuscript presents the initial results of research showing that brine chemistry dominates the behaviour of fly ash pastes. The outcome could expand the utilisation of brines in mortars and mass concrete to conserve potable water. The tests involved varying paste consistency and brine characteristics. The results demonstrated that chemical composition of brine plays a more important role than salinity in determining both paste rheology and strength development. An optimum brine salinity range for pastes was obtained with a specific fly ash. The results suggest that an opportunity exists for utilising industrial brines rich in Cl- and SO4= as mixing waters in the co-disposal or mine backfilling with fly ash pastes. This would reduce operational costs and liability of energy generation from coal. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Brine; Coal fly ash; Paste backfill; Waste management; Water salinity | Anthropogenic pollution; Chemical compositions; Co-disposal; Coal fly ash; Energy generations; Environmental requirement; Mass concrete; Operational costs; Paste backfill; Strength development; Water salinity; Chlorine; Coal; Coal ash; Desalination; Environmental regulations; Fly ash; Potable water; Salinity measurement; Solid wastes; Waste management; Water filtration; Brines | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941254921 | Development of a Single Vial Kit Solution for Radiolabeling of 68Ga-DKFZ-PSMA-11 and Its Performance in Prostate Cancer Patients | Ebenhan T., Vorster M., Marjanovic-Painter B., Wagener J., Suthiram J., Modiselle M., Mokaleng B., Zeevaart J.R., Sathekge M. | 2015 | Molecules | 20 | 8 | 10.3390/molecules200814860 | University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Crn Malherbe and Steve Biko Rd, Pretoria, South Africa; School of Health Sciences, Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, E-Block 6th Floor, Westville Campus, University Road, Westville, Durban, South Africa; South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa), Building P1600, Radiochemistry, Pelindaba, Brits, South Africa; Department of Science and Technology, Preclinical Drug Development Platform, North West University, 11 Hoffman St, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Ebenhan, T., University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Crn Malherbe and Steve Biko Rd, Pretoria, South Africa, School of Health Sciences, Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, E-Block 6th Floor, Westville Campus, University Road, Westville, Durban, South Africa; Vorster, M., University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Crn Malherbe and Steve Biko Rd, Pretoria, South Africa; Marjanovic-Painter, B., South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa), Building P1600, Radiochemistry, Pelindaba, Brits, South Africa; Wagener, J., South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa), Building P1600, Radiochemistry, Pelindaba, Brits, South Africa; Suthiram, J., University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Crn Malherbe and Steve Biko Rd, Pretoria, South Africa, South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa), Building P1600, Radiochemistry, Pelindaba, Brits, South Africa; Modiselle, M., University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Crn Malherbe and Steve Biko Rd, Pretoria, South Africa; Mokaleng, B., University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Crn Malherbe and Steve Biko Rd, Pretoria, South Africa; Zeevaart, J.R., Department of Science and Technology, Preclinical Drug Development Platform, North West University, 11 Hoffman St, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Sathekge, M., University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Crn Malherbe and Steve Biko Rd, Pretoria, South Africa | Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a type II glycoprotein, is highly expressed in almost all prostate cancers. By playing such a universal role in the disease, PSMA provides a target for diagnostic imaging of prostate cancer using positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). The PSMA-targeting ligand Glu-NH-CONH- Lys-(Ahx)-HBED-CC (DKFZ-PSMA-11) has superior imaging properties and allows for highly-specific complexation of the generator-based radioisotope Gallium-68 (68Ga). However, only module-based radiolabeling procedures are currently available. This study intended to develop a single vial kit solution to radiolabel buffered DKFZ-PSMA-11 with 68Ga. A 68Ge/68Ga-generator was utilized to yield 68GaCl3 and major aspects of the kit development were assessed, such as radiolabeling performance, quality assurance, and stability. The final product was injected into patients with prostate cancer for PET/CT imaging and the kit performance was evaluated on the basis of the expected biodistribution, lesion detection, and dose optimization. Kits containing 5 nmol DKFZ-PSMA-11 showed rapid, quantitative 68Ga-complexation and all quality measurements met the release criteria for human application. The increased precursor content did not compromise the ability of 68Ga-DKFZ-PSMA-11 PET/CT to detect primary prostate cancer and its advanced lymphaticand metastatic lesions. The 68Ga-DKFZ-PSMA-11 kit is a robust, ready-to-use diagnostic agent in prostate cancer with high diagnostic performance. © 2015 by the authors. | 68Ga-DKFZ-PSMA-11; 68Ga-HBED-CC-(Ahx)Lys-NH-CO-NH-Glu; 68Ga-PSMAHBED; PET/CT; Prostate cancer; PSMA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856647364 | Conceptual and procedural approaches to mathematics in the engineering curriculum: Student conceptions and performance | Engelbrecht J., Bergsten C., Kågesten A. | 2012 | Journal of Engineering Education | 101 | 1 | None | University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden | Engelbrecht, J., University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Bergsten, C., Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden; Kågesten, A., Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden | BACKGROUND Demands by engineering faculties of mathematics departments have traditionally been for teaching computational skills while also expecting analytic and creative knowledge-based skills. We report on a project between two institutions, one in South Africa and one in Sweden, that investigated whether the emphasis in undergraduate mathematics courses for engineering students would benefit from being more conceptually oriented than the traditional more procedurally oriented way of teaching. PURPOSE (HYPOTHESIS) We focus on how second-year engineering students respond to the conceptual-procedural distinction, comparing performance and confidence between Swedish and South African groups of students in answering conceptual and procedural mathematics problems. We also compare these students' conceptions on the role of conceptual and procedural mathematics problems within and outside their mathematics studies. DESIGN/METHOD An instrument consisting of procedural and conceptual items as well as items on student opinions on the roles of the different types of knowledge in their studies was conducted with groups of second-year engineering students at two universities, one in each country. RESULTS Although differences between the two countries are small, Swedish students see procedural items to be more common in their mathematics studies while the South African students find both conceptual and procedural items common; the latter group see the conceptually oriented items as more common in their studies outside the mathematics courses. CONCLUSIONS Students view mathematics as procedural. Conceptual mathematics is seen as relevant outside mathematics. The use of mathematics in other subjects within engineering education can be experienced differently by students from different institutions, indicating that the same type of education can handle the application of mathematics in different ways in different institutions. © 2012 ASEE. | Conceptual and procedural thinking; Confidence; Mathematics | Computational skills; Conceptual and procedural thinking; Confidence; Engineering curriculum; Engineering faculty; Mathematics course; South Africa; Undergraduate mathematics course; Engineering education; Knowledge based systems; Mathematical techniques; Societies and institutions; Students | None |
| WoS | WOS:000294839700004 | Scientometric impact assessment of a research policy instrument: the case of rating researchers on scientific outputs in South Africa | Inglesi-Lotz, Roula,Pouris, Anastassios | 2011 | SCIENTOMETRICS | 88 | 3 | 10.1007/s11192-011-0440-8 | University of Pretoria | "Inglesi-Lotz, Roula: University of Pretoria","Pouris, Anastassios: University of Pretoria" | The influence of the National Research Foundation's (NRF) rating system on the productivity of the South African social science researchers is investigated scientometrically for the period from 1981 to 2006. Their output performance is mainly indicated by their research publications. Following international best practice in scientometrics as well as the behavioural reinforcement theory, we employed the "before/after control impact (BACI) method'', as well as the well known econometric breakpoint test as proposed by Chow. We use as control group the publications in the field of clinical medicine. The field is not supported by NRF and hence clinical medicine researchers are not affected by the evaluation and rating system. The findings show a positive impact of the NRF programme on the research outputs of social sciences researchers and the implementation of the programme has increased the relevant population of research articles by an average of 24.5% (during the first 5 years) over the expected number of publication without the programme. The results confirm the scientometric findings of other studies (e. g. that of Nederhof) that ratings promulgate research productivity. | INCENTIVES,"Quasi experimental design","RESEARCH POLICY",SCIENTOMETRICS,"SOUTH AFRICA",ECONOMICS,PROGRAMS | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000235531800004 | The social interaction of an adolescent who uses AAC: The evaluation of a peer-training program | Alant, E,Lilienfeld, M | 2005 | AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION | 21 | 4 | 10.1080/07434610500103467 | University of Pretoria | None | Challenges relating to social interactions of children who use AAC in school settings have been well documented. In this study, a peer-training program was designed and implemented with the Grade 8 peers of an adolescent who had severe physical disabilities and who used AAC. Interactions between the adolescent who used AAC and his classroom peers were investigated before and after implementation of the peer-training program, using a descriptive single case study. An analytical model to describe the interactions and potential changes in the interactions of adolescents who use AAC was developed. The model also included various measures to evaluate pertinent psychosocial factors of the interactions of a person using AAC with peers. Results of the observational data reflected an increase in the frequency of interactions as indicated by the number of messages per hour and the extent of the interactions as signified by an increase in the number of messages per interchange. Changes were also noted in terms of the discourse structures and communication functions achieved by the interactions, the modes of communication used by the adolescent who used AAC and the responses of his peer partners. | ADOLESCENCE,"Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)","communication competence","communication partners","PEER TRAINING",SELF-CONCEPT,"SOCIAL INTERACTION","voice output",COMMUNICATION | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000272706900007 | Quantitative evaluation of a subject-specific essay-writing intervention | Carstens, Adelia,Fletcher, Lizelle | 2009 | SOUTHERN AFRICAN LINGUISTICS AND APPLIED LANGUAGE STUDIES | 27 | 3 | 10.2989/SALALS.2009.27.3.9.943 | University of Pretoria | "Carstens, Adelia: University of Pretoria","Fletcher, Lizelle: University of Pretoria" | Discipline- and genre-specific approaches in language teaching have gained much support in recent years. However, few studies have thus far evaluated the effect of courses resulting from narrow-angled approaches. This article reports on the evaluation of a 14-week essay-writing module for second-year students of history. The aim of the evaluation was to measure the effect of the intervention both through analytic scoring of pre- and post-test essays, and gauging students' opinions by means of a survey at the conclusion of the module. The main finding, supported by statistical analyses, was that students' writing abilities improved significantly between the pre- and the post-test. The overall improvement was roughly equal on the three primary dimensions measured by the analytic assessment tool: 'Handling of source materials' (18%), 'Structure and development' (18%) and 'Language and style' (19%). According to an attitude survey conducted at the conclusion of the intervention students were generally positive about the effect of the intervention on their academic writing abilities. They showed appreciation for all the 'signature' features of a genre-focused approach, and their responses seem to refute the criticism that genre approaches promote transmission pedagogy. | ,SOCIAL-SCIENCES | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38349006751 | The impact of the open access movement on medical based scholarly publishing in Nigeria | Dennis A.D. | 2007 | First Monday | 12 | 10 | None | University of Port Harcourt, Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Nigeria | Dennis, A.D., University of Port Harcourt, Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Nigeria | The open access movement and its initiatives -which advocate a shift from predominant print-based publication to electronic and Internet sources -is expected to improve the global distribution of scholarly research and impact positively on the current state of scholarly publications in the developing world. This review examines the current state of medical journals in Nigeria and assesses the impact of the open access movement and its initiatives on medical scholarly publishing in Nigeria. The resulting appraisal shows that open access initiatives have impacted positively on medical scholarly publishing in Nigeria, with the African Journals Online and the African Index Medicus projects being the most significant influences. There are enormous prospects for further developing medical scholarly publishing in Nigeria using open access initiatives; these opportunities should be exploited and developed. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951890273 | Prediction of gas wells performance using wellhead and production data | Onyeizugbe S.O., Ajienka J.A. | 2011 | Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization and Environmental Effects | 33 | 8 | 10.1080/15567030903261840 | University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Onyeizugbe, S.O., University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Ajienka, J.A., University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | The monitoring of gas wells is quite challenging principally because the gas supply contract is usually signed before the gas production commences. Consequently, production potential above the daily contractual quantity is normally maintained to ensure that gas demand is met even in the case of unexpected closure of any of the gas wells. Therefore, meeting the gas demand sometimes does not allow regular data acquisition as required. In the approach presented in this study, the well and production data were used to estimate the productivity parameters at the bottom hole condition of a gas well using correlation. The correlation predicts the flowing bottom hole pressure for every set of production data. The estimated flowing bottom hole pressures compare favorably with the measured data. Using the predicted flowing bottom hole pressure, the gas well productivity parameters are determined. The resulting inflow performance relationship of the well demonstrates the reliability of this method in real time well performance evaluation. The application of this method is presented using a gas well that initially had poor performance but which improved significantly after an acid stimulation. Copyright © Taylor &Francis Group, LLC. | correlation; gas; prediction; pressure; production data; productivity | Bottom hole; correlation; Gas demands; Gas productions; Gas well; Inflow performance relationships; Measured data; Poor performance; prediction; production data; Real time; Supply contracts; Well performance; Bottom hole pressure; Flowing wells; Forecasting; Gas supply; Gases; Natural gas well production; Natural gas wells; Productivity; Wellheads; Well stimulation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84961333167 | Radiological impact of oil spilled environment: A case study of the Eriemu well 13 and 19 oil spillage in Ughelli region of delta state, Nigeria | Agbalagba O.E., Meindinyoc R.K. | 2010 | Indian Journal of Science and Technology | 3 | 9 | 10.17485/ijst/2010/v3i9/29876 | University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Bayelsa State College of Education, Okpoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria | Agbalagba, O.E., University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Bayelsa State College of Education, Okpoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria; Meindinyoc, R.K., University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Bayelsa State College of Education, Okpoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria | A six years of radiation impact assessment in an oil spillage environment and the host communities in Ughelli region of delta state have been conducted, using a digilert nuclear radiation monitor meter and a geographical positioning system (GPS). Measurements were made in 20 sites, 6 host communities and a control sample spread across the affected area. Measured average location values ranged between 0.010 mRh-1 (0.532 mSv y-1) to 0.019 mRh-1(1.010 mSv y-1). The yearly exposure rate ranged between 0.013±0.006 mRh-1(0.692±0.080 mSvy-1) to 0.016±0.005 mRh-1 (0.851±0.100 mSv y-1) in the oil spillage area. The host communities' values ranged between 0.011 mRh-1(0.585 mSv y-1) to 0.015 mRh-1(0.798 mSv y-1) with an average value of 0.010 mRh-1(0.532 mSv y-1) recorded at the control sample. The radiation levels within these oil spillage areas and the host communities were of 55% and 33.3% respectively above the normal background level of 0.013 mRh-1. The average equivalent dose rate obtained was higher than the 0.478 ηSv/y normal background level but was within the safe limit of 0.05 Sv y-1 recommended by ICRP and NCRP. These values obtained will not pose any immediate radiological health hazard to the host communities and workers within this environment. © Indian Society for Education and Environment (iSee). | Oil spillage; Radiological impact; Ughelli region; Well 13 and 19 | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000264890300033 | The intergenerational impact of the African orphans crisis: a cohort study from an HIV/AIDS affected area | Beegle, Kathleen,Dercon, Stefan,De Weerdt, Joachim | 2009 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY | 38 | 2 | 10.1093/ije/dyn197 | University of Oxford, EDI | "Dercon, Stefan: University of Oxford", | Background In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of orphanhood among children has been greatly exacerbated by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. If orphanhood harms a childs development and these effects perpetuate into adult life, then the African orphan crisis could seriously jeopardize the continents future generations. Whether or not there exists an adverse, causal and intergenerational effect of HIV/AIDS on development is of crucial importance for setting medical priorities. This study is the first to empirically investigate the impact of orphanhood on health and schooling using long-term longitudinal data following children into adulthood.
Methods We examined a cohort of 718 children interviewed in the early 1990s and again in 2004. Detailed survey questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were administered at baseline and during a follow-up survey. Final attained height and education (at adulthood) between children who lost a parent before the age of 15 and those who did not were compared.
Results On average, children who lose their mother before the age of 15 suffer a deficit of around 2 cm in final attained height (mean 1.96; 95 CI 0.063.77) and 1 year of final attained schooling (mean 1.01; 95 CI 0.391.81). This effect is permanent and the hypothesis that it is causal cannot be rejected by our study. Although fathers death is a predictor of lower height and schooling as well, we reject the hypothesis of a causal link.
Conclusions The African orphan crisis, exacerbated by the HIV/AIDS epidemic will have important negative intergenerational effects. | Africa,"COHORT STUDIES","HUMAN CAPITAL",MORTALITY,ORPHANS,AIDS,GROWTH,"HIV-1 INFECTION","KAGERA REGION",POVERTY,PREVALENCE,TANZANIA | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000297893800023 | Assessing the impact of educational campaigns on controlling HCV among women in prison settings | Bhunu, C. P.,Mushayabasa, S.,Smith, Robert J. | 2012 | COMMUNICATIONS IN NONLINEAR SCIENCE AND NUMERICAL SIMULATION | 17 | 4 | 10.1016/j.cnsns.2011.08.024 | University of Ottawa, University of Zimbabwe, National University of Science & Technology - Zimbabwe, Natl Univ Sci & Technol | "Bhunu, C. P.: University of Zimbabwe", | Prior studies have shown that imprisonment is a major risk factor for hepatitis C infection, with the risk of infection directly proportional to the length of incarceration. Women are at least twice as likely as men to contract HCV as they have limited access to information, health services and safe intravenous drug injecting equipments. We develop a mathematical model to assess the impact of educational campaigns on controlling HCV among women in prison settings. Equilibria for the model are determined and their stability are examined. Population-level effects of increased educational campaigns to encourage safe injecting practices among women in prison are evaluated through numerical simulations. The results suggest that educating women prisoners about abstaining from intravenous drug misuse may significantly reduce HCV prevalence among women in prison settings. Targeted education campaigns, which are effective at stopping transmission of HCV more than 80% of the time, will be highly effective at controlling the disease among women in prisons. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | "educational campaigns",HCV,"reproductive number","SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS","women prisoners",ANTIBODIES,B-VIRUS,"DISEASE TRANSMISSION","HEPATITIS-C VIRUS",HIV,HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS,INFECTION,MODELS,PREVALENCE,RISK | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000256748300009 | A community-based impact assessment of the Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative, 1997-2004 | Andersson, Neil,Merhi, Serge,Mitchell, Steven,Ngxowa, Ncumisa | 2008 | DEVELOPMENT SOUTHERN AFRICA | 25 | 2 | 10.1080/03768350701837895 | University of Ottawa, CIETafrica, CIETcanada, CIET Trust, Univ Autonoma Guerrero | "Mitchell, Steven: University of Ottawa", | Much of the debate around the spatial development initiatives (SDIs) in South Africa is based on economic theory. To add the community perspective, an evaluation of local economic development on the Wild Coast followed a baseline in 1997 with comparable surveys in 2000 and 2004. Apart from an increase in access to piped water and a reduction in unofficial payments for health services, there was little community evidence of development over this period. Residents reported decreasing knowledge of the SDI and there was no increase in numbers considering small business ownership. In the investment-intensive 'anchor' areas, as in the SDI as a whole, there was no significant increase in employment and more households received remitted incomes from migrant workers. In an SDI for small businesses in tourism and agriculture, there was a dramatic fall off in food production. No more households had loans in 2004 than in 1997, but more were taking loans from loan sharks. Other spatial planning initiatives might learn from the Wild Coast, not least through the perspectives gained from community-based impact assessments. | ,GROWTH,SOUTH-AFRICA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939458343 | Performance Appraisal and Its Use for Individual and Organisational Improvement in the Civil Service of Ghana: The Case of Much Ado about Nothing? | Ohemeng F.L.K., Zakari H.B., Adusah-Karikari A. | 2015 | Public Administration and Development | 35 | 3 | 10.1002/pad.1718 | University of Ottawa, Canada; University for Development Studies, Ghana; Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Ghana | Ohemeng, F.L.K., University of Ottawa, Canada; Zakari, H.B., University for Development Studies, Ghana; Adusah-Karikari, A., Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Ghana | Recent efforts to modernise public sector institutions have led to the adoption of performance management systems worldwide. The belief in performance management is that information generated can be used to help individuals improve themselves in terms of what they do in their organisations, which will subsequently impact positively on the organisation. An instrument for collecting performance information (PI) is performance appraisal (PA). Since the early 1990s, the Ghanaian government has attempted to develop a systematic appraisal system as a strategy to obtain PI in the civil service (CS). In spite of this, the CS continues to perform below expectations despite individuals getting promoted every year. What has been the effect of PA in the CS? How has the collected information been utilised to improve performance? What are the main barriers to the use of PI, and what practices can be put in place that might encourage the effective collection of PI and its use in the CS? We argue that the PA system is much ado about nothing. In analysing why this is so, we will look at the impediments that continue to affect the collection and usage of PI and to suggest ways that will help improve the system. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Civil service; Ghana; Individual performance; Organisational performance; Performance appraisal; Performance information; Performance management | administrative framework; civil service; governance approach; management practice; organizational framework; performance assessment; Ghana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859588001 | 'Unconditional aid': Assessing the impact of China's development assistance to Zimbabwe | Hodzi O., Hartwell L., de Jager N. | 2012 | South African Journal of International Affairs | 19 | 1 | 10.1080/10220461.2012.670435 | University of Osnabrueck, Germany; Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Political Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Hodzi, O., University of Osnabrueck, Germany; Hartwell, L., Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa; de Jager, N., Department of Political Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | China's development assistance to Africa has attracted varied criticisms from academics, Western governments and international donor organisations. The main criticisms have been directed at the lack of good governance conditions on its development assistance to African governments and its dealings with countries under sanction or isolation from the international community, owing to poor governance, human rights abuses and/or corruption. Using the case of Zimbabwe in the current period, the impact of China's development assistance on its prospects for sustainable development is assessed. Since 2000 Zimbabwe has experienced a crisis of governance leading to socio-economic and political decline. This crisis has arguably been exacerbated by China's varied assistance to the Robert Mugabe regime, as well as China's protection of the regime in the United Nations Security Council. It is argued that without encouraging good governance, and managing this relationship for the benefit of Zimbabwe, Harare will not see the gains from development assistance that will lead to the sustainable development of Zimbabwe as a whole. © 2012 The South African Institute of International Affairs. | Aid; China; Development; Governance; MDC-T; Transition; ZANU-PF; Zimbabwe | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000256206600019 | Sexually transmitted infections knowledge and its impact in the practice of risky sexual behaviours and HIV serostatus: results from rural Kilimanjaro, Tanzania | Klepp, K-I,Leyna, G. H.,Mmbaga, E. J.,Mnyika, K. S. | 2008 | SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS | 84 | 3 | 10.1136/sti.2007.029488 | University of Oslo, Muhimbili Univ Hlth Sci | "Klepp, K-I: University of Oslo", | Objectives: To investigate the level of knowledge of different categories of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their impact on practice of risky sexual behaviours and HIV transmission in rural Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
Methods: A cross-sectional study, including all individuals aged 15-44 years living in Oria village, Kahe ward, was conducted between March and May 2005. All consenting individuals were interviewed and offered HIV testing.
Results: The response rate was 73.0% (1528/2093). Overall, knowledge of STIs was 38.6%. Having a casual partner (59.4%) and multiple sexual partners (50.6%) were mentioned as the most potential sources of STI. Genital ulcers and vaginal discharge were the predominant symptoms noted whereas abstinence and condom use were the preferred preventive measures. Knowledge of STI complications, including HIV transmission, was very low (22.0%) in this community. The low knowledge of STI complications was significantly associated with recent (past 4 weeks) practice of multiple sexual partners (AOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 8.7), not using condoms with casual partners (AOR, 2.7, 95% CI 1.2 to 7.5) and HIV serostatus (AOR 3.4, 95% CI 1.8 to 14.5).
Conclusions: Overall STI knowledge and its link to HIV transmission was alarmingly low in this community. Knowledge of STI complications may play an important role in inducing safer sexual behaviours and hence HIV prevention. Interventions addressing HIV/STI knowledge should put more emphasis on raising awareness of complications as this may play a major role in HIV/STI prevention. | ,ADOLESCENTS,"CONDOM USE","PERCEIVED RISK",PREVALENCE,WOMEN | None | 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 |
| 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 |
| WoS | WOS:000262574200015 | Management training in Vietnam's National Tuberculosis Program: an impact evaluation | Brooks, J.,Huong, N. T.,Iademarco, M.,Laserson, K.,Lowman, A.,Malison, M.,Umble, K. E. | 2009 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TUBERCULOSIS AND LUNG DISEASE | 13 | 2 | None | University of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, Dept Hlth & Human Serv, Vietnam Natl TB Program | "Lowman, A.: University of North Carolina","Lowman, A.: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill","Umble, K. E.: University of North Carolina","Umble, K. E.: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill", | SETTING: National Tuberculosis Program (NTP), Vietnam. OBJECTIVES: To show how the Sustainable Management Development Program (SMDP) of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention created capacity within Vietnam's NTP to organize a management training program, and to assess the influence of the NTP's incountry training program on individual and team management practices and the performance of provincial TB control programs.
DESIGN: Eight case studies of participating provincial TB organizations, including cross-case and content analysis.
RESULTS: Participants and their back-home learning project teams demonstrated a solid understanding of the concepts taught, particularly evidence-based decision making, problem diagnosis and problem solving, and using teamwork to improve results. They gave multiple examples of how they use these concepts in their daily work. Project teams exceeded, attained or very nearly attained their target objectives, including improved DOTS implementation. Process improvements had become a routine part of their practice and were often diffused to other districts. Several teams said they now took more initiative in identifying problems and devising solutions. Others said that increased teamwork was improving the commitment of the NTP staff.
CONCLUSION: Management training, including applied projects with coaching, can improve managerial and program performance of NTPs. | "PROGRAM EVALUATION","TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT","TRAINING PROGRAMS",TUBERCULOSIS,VIETNAM,ACADEMY,CAPACITY,CARE,INDIA,INTERVENTION,PUBLIC-HEALTH,SOUTH-AFRICA,TRIAL | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000289962900028 | A new approach to large-scale effectiveness evaluation | Curtis, Sian,Kunyanga, Edward,Pill, Charles,Spencer, John | 2011 | LANCET | 377 | 9774 | None | University of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, APHIA II Evaluat, MEASURE Evaluat | "Curtis, Sian: University of North Carolina","Curtis, Sian: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill","Spencer, John: University of North Carolina","Spencer, John: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill", | None | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65649096932 | Herpes simplex virus type 2 antibody detection performance in Kisumu, Kenya, using the HerpeSelect ELISA, Kalon ELISA, Western blot and inhibition testing | Smith J.S., Bailey R.C., Westreich D.J., Maclean I., Agot K., Ndinya-Achola J.O., Hogrefe W., Morrow R.A., Moses S. | 2009 | Sexually Transmitted Infections | 85 | 2 | 10.1136/sti.2008.031815 | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States; University of Manitoba, MB, Canada; UNIM Project, Kisumu, Kenya; University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Focus Diagnostics, Cypress, CA, United States; University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Public Health, McGavran-Greenberg, Campus Box 7435, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7435, United States | Smith, J.S., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Public Health, McGavran-Greenberg, Campus Box 7435, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7435, United States; Bailey, R.C., University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States; Westreich, D.J., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Maclean, I., University of Manitoba, MB, Canada; Agot, K., UNIM Project, Kisumu, Kenya; Ndinya-Achola, J.O., University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Hogrefe, W., Focus Diagnostics, Cypress, CA, United States; Morrow, R.A., University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Moses, S., University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States | Background: In certain parts of Africa, type-specific herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) ELISAs may have limited specificity. To date, no study has been conducted to validate HerpeSelect and Kalon type-specific HSV-2 ELISAs using both the Western blot and recombinant gG ELISA inhibition testing as reference standards. Methods: A total of 120 men who were HIV seronegative (aged 18-24 years) provided blood samples. HSV-2 IgG serum antibodies were detected using four different methods: HerpeSelect HSV-2 ELISA (n = 120), Kalon HSV-2 ELISA (n = 120), University of Washington Western blot (n = 101) and a recombinant inhibition test (n = 93). Results: HSV-2 seroprevalence differed significantly by HSV-2 detection method, ranging from 24.8% with the Western blot to 69.8% with the HerpeSelect ELISA. Using the Western blot as the reference standard, the HerpesSelect had the highest sensitivity for HSV-2 antibody detection (100%) yet lowest specificity (40%). Similar results were obtained using the inhibition test as the reference standard. The sensitivity and specificity of the Kalon test versus the Western blot were 92% and 79%, respectively, and 80% and 82% versus the inhibition test. Using the inhibition test as the reference standard, the sensitivity of the Western blot appeared low (49%). Conclusions: In men in western Kenya who were HIV seronegative, the HerpeSelect and Kalon type-specific ELISAs had high sensitivities yet limited specificities using the Western blot as reference standard. Overall, the Kalon ELISA performed better than the HerpeSelect ELISA in these young men from Kisumu. Further understanding is needed for the interpretation of HSV-2 inhibition or ELISA test positive/Western blot seronegative results. Before HSV-2 seropositivity may be reliably reported in selected areas of Africa, performance studies of HSV-2 serological assays in individual geographical areas are recommended. | None | virus antibody; adult; antibody blood level; antibody detection; article; blood sampling; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; geographic distribution; Herpes simplex virus 2; high risk population; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Kenya; major clinical study; male; priority journal; randomized controlled trial; sensitivity and specificity; seroprevalence; United States; virus detection; Western blotting; Adolescent; Adult; Antibodies, Viral; Blotting, Western; Circumcision, Male; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Herpes Genitalis; Herpesvirus 2, Human; HIV Seronegativity; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Kenya; Male; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Serologic Tests; Young Adult | 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-s2.0-84887009810 | The effects of parental involvement on academic performance of Ghanaian youth: Testing measurement and relationships using structural equation modeling | Chowa G.A.N., Masa R.D., Tucker J. | 2013 | Children and Youth Services Review | 35 | 12 | 10.1016/j.childyouth.2013.09.009 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 325 Pittsboro Street, CB #3550, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg, Bunting Road, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, South Africa | Chowa, G.A.N., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 325 Pittsboro Street, CB #3550, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States, Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg, Bunting Road, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, South Africa; Masa, R.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 325 Pittsboro Street, CB #3550, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; Tucker, J., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 325 Pittsboro Street, CB #3550, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States | Research in developed countries suggests that parental involvement is associated with youth academic success. However, little is known about the overall impact of parental involvement on youth academic performance in developing countries. Further, it is unclear what type of parental involvement impacts the academic performance of youth from developing countries. This study examines whether parental involvement at home and school are meaningfully different constructs in a population of Ghanaian youth and their parents, and whether parental involvement predicts academic performance. Results suggest a multidimensional construct consists of home and school involvement. The effect of parental involvement on youth academic performance appears to be a function of the type of parental involvement. Home-based parental involvement is positively associated with academic performance, while school-based parental involvement is negatively associated with academic performance. Parental involvement in youth's education has important implications for academic performance. Parental involvement in education has the potential to model positive attitudes toward school as well as adaptive academic practices, thus sending the message to youth that school is important.© 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Confirmatory factor analysis; Education; Ghana; Parental involvement; Structural equation modeling; Youth | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953085277 | Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of aqeous leaf extract of Swietenia mahogani (Maliaceae) in chronic alcohol-induced liver injury in rats | Udem S., Nwaogu I., Onyejekwe O. | 2011 | Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences | 4 | 1 | 10.3889/MJMS.1857-5773.2011.0154 | University of Nigeria, Veterinary Physiology/Pharmacology, Enugu State, Nsukka 234, Nigeria; University of Nigeria, Veterinary Anatomy, Enugu State, Nsukka 234, Nigeria | Udem, S., University of Nigeria, Veterinary Physiology/Pharmacology, Enugu State, Nsukka 234, Nigeria; Nwaogu, I., University of Nigeria, Veterinary Anatomy, Enugu State, Nsukka 234, Nigeria; Onyejekwe, O., University of Nigeria, Veterinary Physiology/Pharmacology, Enugu State, Nsukka 234, Nigeria | Aim: This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of aqueous leaf extract of Swietenia mahogany (Maliaceae) in chronic alcohol-induced liver injury in rats. Material and Methods: The animals were given increasing concentrations (10% ethanol (v/v) in water for 1week, 20% (v/v) for another 2 weeks and 30% (v/v) for 9 weeks) per os daily. Treatment with the extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) was instituted 6 h after given the alcohol for the same period the alcohol intake lasted. Thereafter, the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) were assayed in the serum. The levels of other biochemical markers of organ damage such as total bilirubin and creatinine, as well as pentobarbitone sleeping time were determined. Histological examination of the liver was also performed. Results: The extract at all doses significantly (P<0.05) reduced the serum activities of ALT, AST, AP, serum levels of bilirubin and creatinine in comparison with the negative control that received only alcohol. The duration of pentobarbital induced hypnosis was also significantly shortened. The histopathological result showed significant (P<0.05) protection in the extract treated groups when compared with the group that received alcohol alone. Conclusion: The extract displayed significant (P<0.05) hepatoprotective activity in the model used in this study. © 2011 Udem S. | Aminotransferases; Biochemical markers of organ damage; Hepatoprotection; Histopathology; S. mahogani | alanine aminotransferase; alcohol; alkaline phosphatase; aspartate aminotransferase; pentobarbital; plant extract; Swietenia mahogani extract; unclassified drug; alcohol consumption; animal experiment; animal model; animal tissue; article; bilirubin blood level; controlled study; creatinine blood level; female; histopathology; hypnosis; liver injury; liver protection; male; medicinal plant; nonhuman; plant leaf; rat; sleep time; Swietenia mahogani | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944533677 | Growth performance, haematology and insulin profile of weanling pigs fed graded levels zinc oxide supplemented diet | Abonyi F.O., Ogoenyi E.E., Eze J.I., Machebe N.S. | 2015 | Indian Journal of Animal Research | 49 | 5 | 10.18805/ijar.5576 | University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukk, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Abonyi, F.O., University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukk, Nigeria; Ogoenyi, E.E., University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Eze, J.I., University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Machebe, N.S., University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Landrace x Duroc crossbred intact male pigs (n=24) weighing between 11.05 to 11.35kg and aged 7.5 to 8.0 weeks were assigned to four treatments groups (A, B, C and D) by a complete randomized design. A common grower diet was supplemented with ZnO at 100 (A,control), 1000 (B), 1500 (C) and 2000mg/kg (D), and fed to the animals ad libitum for 10 weeks.Their feed intake, weight gainand feed: gain, packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), red blood cell count (RBC), total white blood cell (TWBC),differential white blood cell (DWBC) and insulin profile were determined. There were no significant(p> 0.05) differences indailyfeed intake,feed: gain and in most haematological parameters investigated.Lymphocyte count was significantly (P < 0.05) higher amongthe groups fed high ZnO supplemented diet. A dose dependent increase in insulin profile was observed. Growth performancewas best at inclusion rate of 1000mg/kg of ZnO. © 2015, Agricultural Research Communication Centre. All rights reserved. | Feed supplementation; Grower diets; Immune status; Nigeria; Pig performance; Swine | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927726983 | Impact of gender stereotype on secondary school students’ self-concept and academic achievement | Igbo J.N., Onu V.C., Obiyo N.O. | 2015 | SAGE Open | 5 | 1 | 10.1177/2158244015573934 | University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Igbo, J.N., University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Onu, V.C., University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Obiyo, N.O., University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of gender stereotype as a predictor of secondary school students' selfconcept and academic achievement. The study was guided by four purposes, four research questions, and four hypotheses. The study adopted ex post facto design. The research sample was drawn from eight government/public senior secondary schools in Udi education zone. Nine schools were randomly selected from the 227 schools. A total of 342 senior secondary II school (SSII) students made up the sample of the study. A 20-item students' stereotype self-concept questionnaire (SSSCQ) was adapted from Marsh's Self Descriptive Questionnaire II (SDQII), and a 10-item students' mathematics achievement test (SMAT) was developed by the researchers after reviewing related literature. This was done with the help of experts in the areas. The instruments were face and content validated and used for the collection of data. In analyzing the data, mean and standard deviation were used in answering the research questions while a ttest was used in testing the four hypotheses. The findings of the study indicate that gender stereotype has significant influence on students' self-concept and academic achievement in favor of the male students. On the other hand, school location has significant influence on academic achievement of students but has no significant influence on students' self-concept. © The Author(s) 2015. | Academic achievement; Gender; Gender stereotype; Self-concept | 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 |
| WoS | WOS:000265364500010 | EVALUATION OF "CARE OF THE FOOT" AS A RISK FACTOR FOR DIABETIC FOOT ULCERATION: THE ROLE OF INTERNAL PHYSICIANS | Odenigbo, C. U.,Oguejiofor, O. C.,Oli, J. M. | 2009 | NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE | 12 | 1 | None | University of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe Univ | "Oli, J. M.: University of Nigeria", | Background and Objectives: Several risk factors predispose the diabetic patient to foot ulceration, including "inadequate care of the foot". This risk factor for foot ulceration has not been previously evaluated among Nigeria diabetic patients and is the objective of this study.
Subjects and Methods: One hundred and twenty (120) diabetic patients with and without symptoms of peripheral neuropathy receiving care at the medical outpatient department (MOPD) and the diabetic clinic of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi were recruited consecutively as they presented. They were administered structured questionnaires to assess some variables concerning care of their feet as provided to them by their physicians.
Results: Among the 120 diabetic participants, 83(69.2%) had neuropathic symptoms (the symptomatic participants) while 37(30.8%) were asymptomatic (the asymptomatic participants). Eighty (80; 96.4%) of the symptomatic vs 36(97.3%) of the asymptomatic participants had never had their feet examined by their physician. Also, 26(31.3%) of the symptomatic vs 12(32.4%) of the asymptomatic participants had never received any form of advice on how to take special care of their feet by their physician, and 26(31.3%) of the symptomatic vs 6(16.2%) of the asymptomatic participants walked unshod most times in their immediate surroundings.
Conclusion: Physicians do not provide adequate care to the feet of their diabetic patients irrespective of the presence or absence of neuropathic symptoms, making this variable a critical risk factor for diabetic foot ulceration and amputation. Continuing medical education to health care providers emphasizing adequate "care of the foot" of the diabetic patient, will reduce avoidable loss of limbs to diabetes. | "diabetic foot ulceration","PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY","United Kingdom Screening Test",EPIDEMIOLOGY,MELLITUS,PREVALENCE,"SENSORY NEUROPATHY" | 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 |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939883925 | Experiences and Unmet Needs of Women Undergoing Pap Smear Cervical Cancer Screening: Impact on Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening in South Eastern Nigeria | Chigbu C.O., Onyebuchi A.K., Egbuji C.C., Ezugwu E.C. | 2015 | Journal of Cancer Education | 30 | 1 | 10.1007/s13187-014-0691-1 | University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria; Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria | Chigbu, C.O., University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria; Onyebuchi, A.K., Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria; Egbuji, C.C., Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria; Ezugwu, E.C., University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria | The burden of cervical cancer is on the increase in sub-Saharan Africa mainly due to inadequate provision and utilisation of cervical cancer prevention services. Several evidence-based strategies have been deployed to improve cervical cancer screening uptake without much success. However, patients’ experiences and satisfaction with service provision has not been adequately studied. Inefficiencies in service delivery and less fulfilling experiences by women who attend cervical cancer screening could have considerable impact in future voluntary uptake of cervical cancer screening. Six hundred and eighty women who underwent Pap smear screening in three health care facilities in two states in south eastern Nigeria were interviewed to evaluate their satisfaction, willingness to undertake future voluntary screening, unmet needs and correlation between satisfaction level and willingness to undergo future screening. Satisfaction with Pap smear screening correlated positively with willingness to undertake future voluntary screening (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.78, P = 0.001). The mean satisfaction score was significantly higher among participants handled by nurses than those handled by the physicians (3.16 ± 0.94 vs 2.52 ± 0.77, P = 0.001). ‘Scrapping discomfort’ of the spatula was reported as the most dissatisfying aspect of Pap smear experience. The need for less invasive screening procedures was the most unmet need. It was concluded that improving the Pap smear screening experience of women and providing less invasive methods of cervical cancer screening with immediate results could improve uptake of cervical cancer screening in south eastern Nigeria. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media New York. | Cervical cancer screening; Experiences; Nigeria; Unmet needs; Uptake | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000342925700003 | Impact of some low-cost interventions on students' performance in a Nigerian medical school | Anyaehie, U. B.,Dim, C.,Iyare, E.,Nwagha, U.,Okafor, C.,Okeke, T.,Orizu, I. | 2014 | NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE | 17 | 5 | 10.4103/1119-3077.141416 | University of Nigeria | "Anyaehie, U. B.: University of Nigeria","Iyare, E.: University of Nigeria","Orizu, I.: University of Nigeria", | Background: Students' poor performance in physiology examinations has been worrisome to the university community. Reported preference of peer-tutoring to didactic lectures at the University of Nigeria Medical School has not been investigated.
Aim: The aim of this work is to design/implement low-cost interventions to improve teaching and learning of physiology.
Materials and Methods: This is a postintervention retrospective review of medical Student's performance in 2nd Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery examinations physiology. Data were collected and analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using the MedCalc Statistical software (Turkey). The odds ratio (OR) was used to determine the chances of passing before and after the intervention. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.
Results: A total of 2152 students sat for the professional examination over the study period, and 1485 students passed the examination at first attempt giving an overall pass rate of 69%. The pass rate from 2008 when our interventions started was significantly higher than the pass rate before this reform (OR: 0.53; 95% confidence interval: 0.43-0.64; P < 0.0001).
Conclusion: Results support the engagement of teachers with strong translational interests and clinicians to augment existing faculty in basic sciences, innovative alternatives to passive lecture formats and students involvement in program evaluation. | LEARNING,"low-cost innovation","MEDICAL SCHOOL",NIGERIA,CURRICULUM,PHYSIOLOGY,UNIVERSITY | None | 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-s2.0-33751526274 | Testing antecedents to sales performance in postapartheid era: A field study | Barbuto Jr. J.E., Barbuto L., De La Rey P., Boshoff A.B., Ye X. | 2006 | Psychological Reports | 99 | 2 | 10.2466/PR0.99.2.603-618 | University of Nebraska, Lincoln, United States; Future Leadership Consulting; University of Pretoria, South Africa; Stellenbosch University, South Africa; 306 Ag Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0709, United States | Barbuto Jr., J.E., University of Nebraska, Lincoln, United States, 306 Ag Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0709, United States; Barbuto, L., Future Leadership Consulting; De La Rey, P., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Boshoff, A.B., Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Ye, X., University of Nebraska, Lincoln, United States | The predictors of objectively measured sales performance were assessed with 245 sales representatives from a large South African life insurance company. Sales representatives completed measures of their locus of control, entrepreneurial attitudes, biographical history, and performance was assessed from company records of sales, net commissions earned, and lapse ratios. The nature of employment contract, job status, and race explained significant differences in performance outcomes. The predictive nature of locus of control and entrepreneurial attitudes for performance outcomes was tested using structural equation modeling procedures, with limited validity. The implications for research and practice are also discussed. © Psychological Reports 2006. | None | achievement; adult; article; attitude; Caucasian; commercial phenomena; control; female; human; income; insurance; male; middle aged; Negro; personnel management; policy; psychological aspect; self concept; social problem; South Africa; statistics; Achievement; Adult; African Continental Ancestry Group; Attitude; Commerce; Employee Performance Appraisal; Entrepreneurship; European Continental Ancestry Group; Female; Humans; Income; Insurance, Life; Internal-External Control; Male; Middle Aged; Public Policy; Race Relations; Self Concept; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920941114 | Lessons from systematic evaluation of land administration systems: The case of amhara national regional state of ethiopia | Shibeshi G.B., Fuchs H., Mansberger R. | 2015 | World Development | 68 | None | 10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.12.006 | University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Bureau of Environmental Protection, Land Administration and Use (BoEPLAU), Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Shibeshi, G.B., University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria, Bureau of Environmental Protection, Land Administration and Use (BoEPLAU), Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Fuchs, H., University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Mansberger, R., University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria | Lessons from the evaluation of land administration systems are important to facilitate sustainable development. The Amhara National Regional State of Ethiopia has designed and is implementing a land administration system since 2003. In the study a systematic evaluation was conducted. During the evaluation process external factors, monitoring, and evaluation functions were considered. Individual landholders, land administration staff, land use committee members, professionals, and representatives of main stakeholder offices were involved in the evaluation process. The study revealed the major strengths and weaknesses of the Amhara region land administration system. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Case study; Ethiopia; Evaluation; Land administration system; Participatory; The Amhara region | administration; land management; land use planning; participatory approach; stakeholder; Amhara; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846349242 | The distributive impact of land markets in Uganda | Baland J.-M., Gaspart F., Platteau J.-P., Place F. | 2007 | Economic Development and Cultural Change | 55 | 2 | 10.1086/508717 | University of Namur, Namur, Belgium; Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain, Belgium; International Center for Research in Agroforestry, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya | Baland, J.-M., University of Namur, Namur, Belgium; Gaspart, F., Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain, Belgium; Platteau, J.-P., University of Namur, Namur, Belgium; Place, F., International Center for Research in Agroforestry, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya | In central Uganda, land-market transactions tend to mitigate initial inequality in land endowments. Farmers with smaller endowments of inherited land succeed in buying more land than the other farmers. Perhaps more important, native farmers who have not inherited are able to acquire more land on the local land-sale market than any other category of farmers are able to obtain. This fact is explained in three ways: (1) landless farmers who cannot buy land out-migrate from the areas; (2) traditional norms of social security give preference to landless farmers on the land market; or (3) inheritance practices tend to discriminate against the male heirs susceptible to purchase enough land to set up their own farms. | None | agricultural land; farm; land market; social security; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Uganda | None |
| WoS | WOS:000343943700025 | Community-Based Evaluation of PMTCT Uptake in Nyanza Province, Kenya | John-Stewart, Grace,Kinuthia, John,Kohler, Pamela K.,Laserson, Kayla F.,Mills, Lisa A.,Odhiambo, Frank,Okanda, John,Olilo, George,Voss, Joachim,Zierler, Brenda | 2014 | PLOS ONE | 9 | 10 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0110110 | University of Nairobi, University of Washington, University of Washington Seattle, CDC, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, KEMRI, Kenya Govt Med Res Ctr | "John-Stewart, Grace: University of Washington","John-Stewart, Grace: University of Washington Seattle","Kinuthia, John: University of Nairobi","Kohler, Pamela K.: University of Washington","Kohler, Pamela K.: University of Washington Seattle","Voss, Joachim: University of Washington","Voss, Joachim: University of Washington Seattle","Zierler, Brenda: University of Washington","Zierler, Brenda: University of Washington Seattle", | Introduction: Facility-based assessments of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programs may overestimate population coverage. There are few community-based studies that evaluate PMTCT coverage and uptake.
Methods: During 2011, a cross-sectional community survey among women who gave birth in the prior year was performed using the KEMRI-CDC Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Western Kenya. A random sample (n = 405) and a sample of women known to be HIV-positive through previous home-based testing (n = 247) were enrolled. Rates and correlates of uptake of antenatal care (ANC), HIV-testing, and antiretrovirals (ARVs) were determined.
Results: Among 405 women in the random sample, 379 (94%) reported accessing ANC, most of whom (87%) were HIV tested. Uptake of HIV testing was associated with employment, higher socioeconomic status, and partner HIV testing. Among 247 known HIV-positive women, 173 (70%) self-disclosed their HIV status. Among 216 self-reported HIV-positive women (including 43 from the random sample), 82% took PMTCT ARVs, with 54% completing the full antenatal, peripartum, and postpartum course. Maternal ARV use was associated with more ANC visits and having an HIV tested partner. ARV use during delivery was lowest (62%) and associated with facility delivery. Eighty percent of HIV infected women reported having their infant HIV tested, 11% of whom reported their child was HIV infected, 76% uninfected, 6% declined to say, 7% did not recall; 79% of infected children were reportedly receiving HIV care and treatment.
Conclusions: Community-based assessments provide data that complements clinic-based PMTCT evaluations. In this survey, antenatal HIV test uptake was high; most HIV infected women received ARVs, though many women did not self-disclose HIV status to field team. Community-driven strategies that encourage early ANC, partner involvement, and skilled delivery, and provide PMTCT education, may facilitate further reductions in vertical transmission. | ,"ANTENATAL CARE","ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",COUNTRIES,"HIV TRANSMISSION",PREGNANCY,PREVENTION,PROGRAMS,"SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA",TANZANIA,"TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000269810800002 | Are hospitals prepared to support newborn survival? - an evaluation of eight first-referral level hospitals in Kenya | English, Mike,Irimu, Grace,Migiro, Santau,Ntoburi, Stephen,Opondo, Charles,Wafula, Jackline,Wagai, John,Wamae, Annah,Wasunna, Aggrey,Were, Fred | 2009 | TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH | 14 | 10 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2009.02358.x | University of Nairobi, University of Oxford, KEMRI Ctr Geog Med Res Coast, Minist Publ Hlth & Sanitat, Wellcome Trust Res Programme | "Wasunna, Aggrey: University of Nairobi","Were, Fred: University of Nairobi", | OBJECTIVE To assess the availability of resources that support the provision of basic neonatal care in eight first-referral level (district) hospitals in Kenya.
METHODS We selected two hospitals each from four of Kenya's eight provinces with the aim of representing the diversity of this part of the health system in Kenya. We created a checklist of 53 indicator items necessary for providing essential basic care to newborns and assessed their availability at each of the eight hospitals by direct observation, and then compared our observations with the opinions of health workers providing care to newborns on recent availability for some items, using a self-administered structured questionnaire.
RESULTS The hospitals surveyed were often unable to maintain a safe hygienic environment for patients and health care workers; staffing was insufficient and sometimes poorly organised to support the provision of care; some key equipment, laboratory tests, drugs and consumables were not available while patient management guidelines were missing in all sites.
CONCLUSION Hospitals appear relatively poorly prepared to fill their proposed role in ensuring newborn survival. More effective interventions are needed to improve them to meet the special needs of this at-risk group. | HOSPITALS,KENYA,"NEONATAL CARE","observational study",AFRICA,CHILDREN,FACILITIES,HEALTH-CARE,IMPACT,INTERVENTIONS,QUALITY,RESUSCITATION,SETTINGS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930986175 | BI-directional relationship between capital structure and financial performance of firms listed on the Nairobi securities exchange | Otieno O.L., Ngwenya S. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 4 | None | University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya; School of Management Sciences, UNISA, PO Box 392, Preller Street, Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, South Africa | Otieno, O.L., University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya, School of Management Sciences, UNISA, PO Box 392, Preller Street, Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, South Africa; Ngwenya, S., University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya | Capital structure decisions are common across firms, yet capital structure theories lack a consensus on how much of debt capital firms should use to finance their operations. The main objective of this study was to investigate the bi-directional relationship between capital structure and financial performance of firms listed on the NSE. The study used canonical correlation technique to determine the bidirectional relationship between capital structure and performance. The result revealed that dominant capital structure indicator to be used in an analysis to predict performance is the total debt to the total asset ratio. In the case of performance, the two variables that relate to capital structure are book value to market value ratio and asset turnover ratio. The results support the conclusion that a bidirectional relationship exists between capital structure and debt capital. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Canonical technique; Capital structure; Financial performance; NSE | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34249801761 | 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-s2.0-84941746539 | Assessment of adoption and impact of rainwater harvesting technologies on rural farm household income: the case of rainwater harvesting ponds in Rwanda | Zingiro A., Okello J.J., Guthiga P.M. | 2014 | Environment, Development and Sustainability | 16 | 6 | 10.1007/s10668-014-9527-8 | University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya | Zingiro, A., University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Okello, J.J., University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Guthiga, P.M., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya | Rainwater harvesting is increasingly viewed as a major strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity and boosting farm income in many drought-prone areas. While this technology is being promoted in many developing countries, there is conflicting evidence in the literature about its impact on welfare of farm households. This study uses propensity score matching and discrete choice regression techniques to assess the impact of rainwater harvesting ponds on farm household income and factors that influence adoption of such technologies in Rwanda. It finds that households with rainwater harvesting ponds have significantly higher income than their counterparts of comparable observable characteristics. It further finds evidence that increase in farm income occurs via increased input use and that household size, asset endowments and participation in farmer organizations condition adoption of rainwater harvesting ponds. The study concludes that adoption of rainwater harvesting technologies has positive benefits on farm households. It discusses the policy implications that adoption of rainwater harvesting ponds presents a pathway for reducing rural poverty. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Adoption and impact; Propensity score matching; Rainwater harvesting ponds; Rwanda | adoption constraint; agricultural production; cost-benefit analysis; developing world; drought; environmental impact assessment; farmers attitude; harvesting; household income; literature review; policy approach; pond; poverty; rainwater; rural area; social conflict; sustainability; welfare impact; Rwanda | None |
| WoS | WOS:000272445000005 | The Developmental Impact of Asian Drivers on Kenya with Emphasis on Textiles and Clothing Manufacturing | Kamau, Paul,McCormick, Dorothy,Pinaud, Nicolas | 2009 | WORLD ECONOMY | 32 | 11 | 10.1111/j.1467-9701.2009.01251.x | University of Nairobi, OECD Dev Ctr | "Kamau, Paul: University of Nairobi","McCormick, Dorothy: University of Nairobi", | (1251) Paul Kamau with Dorothy McCormick and Nicolas Pinaud
Kenya has enjoyed a relatively diversified economy (at least by SSA standards), with light manufacturing industries in particular playing a significant growing role. The rise of Asian competition (locally, regionally and on third-country markets), partly due to the erosion of trade preferences for clothing and footwear, has raised fresh policy challenges. The specific relevance of the clothing industry in the analysis of China's and India's impact on Africa is manifold: this is a low-skilled labour-intensive industry, and hence an avenue for African economies' diversification; the competition from Asian producers vis--vis the SSA clothing industry is felt at the local, regional and global level (on third-country markets): it is therefore direct and indirect; also, the Asian Drivers' impact on African clothing industries has both a trade and investment dimension while being competitive and complementary. | ,AFRICA,CHINA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947068898 | ISO 9001:2008 implementation and impact on the university of Nairobi: A case study | Moturi C., Mbithi P.M.F. | 2015 | TQM Journal | 27 | 6 | 10.1108/TQM-04-2015-0053 | University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya | Moturi, C., University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Mbithi, P.M.F., University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya | Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the experience and impact of implementing the ISO 9001:2008 Standard at the University of Nairobi, in relation to effectiveness on service delivery, operational performance, automation, implementation challenges and related emerging issues. Design/methodology/approach: The paper adopted a case study design approach based on qualitative analysis of internal audit reports, internal surveys and feedback, surveillance audits conducted by the certifying body, and rankings by external bodies, over a period of seven years. Findings: Significant achievements have been realized with regard to institutionalization of quality into the university processes, work environment, documentation and record management, customer satisfaction, infrastructure and facilities, use of ICT as a prime mover of performance improvement, and ranking of the university. Opportunities for improvement as well as critical success factors are presented. Practical implications: The paper reports successes that may encourage other institutions of higher learning that are not certified to implement Quality Management Systems (QMSs) according to ISO 9001 Standard by focusing on specific factors. Originality/value: This paper shows how an ISO 9001 certified QMS can improve internal institutional practices and avoid frequently experienced drawbacks. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | ISO 9001; Performance improvement; Quality Management; Quality standards; Quality systems; University of Nairobi | Customer satisfaction; ISO 9001; Performance improvement; Quality standard; Quality systems; University of Nairobi; Quality management | None |
| WoS | WOS:000335092800004 | Impact of Socio-Cultural Practice of Infant/Young Child Gum Lancing during Teething | Okoro, D. O.,Olabu, B. O.,Oramisi, V. A.,Thigiti, J. M. | 2013 | JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY | 37 | 4 | None | University of Nairobi, Kangundo Dist Hosp, Tseikuru Sub Dist Hosp | "Olabu, B. O.: University of Nairobi", | Background: Fever and diarrhea are among the common morbidities that do occur during infancy and are sometimes wrongly associated with teething by the community. Some societies practice gum lancing, ordinarily referred to as gum cutting, as a remedy for the "teething diarrhoea". These myths have a potential of giving false security with the belief that these symptoms are part of the teething process, and so medical attention may not be sought when necessary. There are few studies focusing on the outcome of such practices despite their known potential dangers. Objective: To describe various methods of gum lancing and clinical presentation, management and outcome of gum lancing among the Akamba people as seen in Kangundo District Hospital. Method: One hundred and fifteen infants/children who were brought to the hospital with a positive history of gum lancing. Results: The common presenting complaints were persistent diarrhoea (74.0%), fever (44.3%), difficulty in breathing (27.8%) and refusal to feed (20.9%). 58.3% cases warranted admission and these included severe dehydration and shock (47.8%), severe and very severe pneumonia (40.3%), meningitis (26.9%) and generalized sepsis (17.9%). There were a total of 7 mortalities (6.1%), 3 on arrival and 4 within the pediatric ward Invasive gum lancing procedures and delayed seeking of medical attention were associated with severe disease and poorer outcomes. Conclusion: The impact of gum lancing is of both a public health and economic significance. It is associated with unfavorable outcome if prompt measures are not put in place. There is need to conduct community sensitization and educate caregivers on the truths of teething and dangers of gum lancing as well as seeking health services for fever and diarrhoea. Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and adequate rehydration are necessary in management of the victims. | CHILDREN,"Gum lancing",teething,DIARRHEA,MYTHS | None | 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-s2.0-84929150627 | How serious is the impact of type II diabetes in rural Kenya? | El-Busaidy H., Dawood M., Kasay A., Mwamlole C., Koraya N., Parpia H. | 2014 | Open Dermatology Journal | 8 | 1 | None | University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya | El-Busaidy, H., University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya; Dawood, M., University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya; Kasay, A., University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya; Mwamlole, C., University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya; Koraya, N., University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya; Parpia, H., University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya | Over 50% of all adult hospital admissions and 55% of hospital deaths in Kenya are non-communicable, of which diabetes is among the leading. We aimed to describe the impact of type II diabetes at a rural community in Kenya. 200 healthy adult patients underwent random blood sucrose (RBS) testing after ethical approval by the Isiolo County Hospital. Diabetes was defined as RBS ≥11.1 mmol/l. A thorough history, physical examination and dipstick urinalysis for urine protein was done to identify risk factors and/or evidence of end organ damage. 32 patients (16%) had RBS ≥11.1 mmol/l. 12 patients (37.5%) never knew they were diabetic and those who knew 63% were not taking any medication. The most common risk factors were high fat diet (59.4%), sedentary lifestyle (46.8%) and family history of diabetes in first degree relative (37.5%). 43.7% of patients (n=14) had abdominal obesity while 21.9% (n=7) had various foot abnormalities. 8 patients (25%) had proteinuria of ≥ +1 on dipstick urinalysis. The 16% diabetes prevalence is among the highest recorded for a community living on ≤ 1 dollar/day. Further, evidence of end organ damage as depicted by massive proteinuria warrants urgent attention to this underprivileged group. It is hoped the results will form basis for future screening of diabetic nephropathy and other diabetes-related end organs involvement in this part of the world. © El-busaidy et al.; Licensee Bentham Open. | Impact; Risk factors; Rural Kenya; Type II diabetes mellitus | glucose; protein; abdominal obesity; adult; aged; Article; body mass; diabetic nephropathy; family history; female; glucose blood level; glucosuria; hematuria; human; hypertension; Kenya; ketonuria; lipid diet; major clinical study; male; mass screening; non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; prevalence; priority journal; proteinuria; sedentary lifestyle; urinalysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899789616 | How serious is the impact of type II diabetes in rural Kenya? | El-Busaidy H., Dawood M., Kasay A., Mwamlole C., Koraya N., Parpia H. | 2014 | Open Diabetes Journal | 7 | 1 | 10.2174/1876524601407010001 | University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya | El-Busaidy, H., University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya; Dawood, M., University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya; Kasay, A., University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya; Mwamlole, C., University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya; Koraya, N., University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya; Parpia, H., University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya | Over 50% of all adult hospital admissions and 55% of hospital deaths in Kenya are non-communicable, of which diabetes is among the leading. We aimed to describe the impact of type II diabetes at a rural community in Kenya. 200 healthy adult patients underwent random blood sucrose (RBS) testing after ethical approval by the Isiolo County Hospital. Diabetes was defined as RBS ≥11.1 mmol/l. A thorough history, physical examination and dipstick urinalysis for urine protein was done to identify risk factors and/or evidence of end organ damage. 32 patients (16%) had RBS ≥11.1 mmol/l. 12 patients (37.5%) never knew they were diabetic and those who knew 63% were not taking any medication. The most common risk factors were high fat diet (59.4%), sedentary lifestyle (46.8%) and family history of diabetes in first degree relative (37.5%). 43.7% of patients (n=14) had abdominal obesity while 21.9% (n=7) had various foot abnormalities. 8 patients (25%) had proteinuria of ≥ +1 on dipstick urinalysis. The 16% diabetes prevalence is among the highest recorded for a community living on ≤ 1 dollar/day. Further, evidence of end organ damage as depicted by massive proteinuria warrants urgent attention to this underprivileged group. It is hoped the results will form basis for future screening of diabetic nephropathy and other diabetes-related end organs involvement in this part of the world. © El-busaidy et al. | Impact; Risk factors; Rural kenya; Type II diabetes mellitus | sucrose; abdominal obesity; adult; aged; article; family history; female; foot disease; hematuria; human; hypertension; income; Kenya; lipid diet; major clinical study; male; non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; organ injury; prevalence; priority journal; proteinuria; risk factor; sedentary lifestyle; urinalysis | 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-s2.0-84879778124 | Evaluation of high levels of rice milling byproducts in chicken layer diets: Effects on layer performance, egg quality and economic returns | Maina J.G., Kamau W.N., Kabuage L.W. | 2013 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 25 | 7 | None | University of Nairobi, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Animal Production, P. O. Box 29053, 00625, Nairobi, Kenya; Ministry of Livestock Development, P. O. Box 34188 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Kenyatta University, Department of Agriculture Resource Management, School of agriculture and enterprise development, P. O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya | Maina, J.G., University of Nairobi, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Animal Production, P. O. Box 29053, 00625, Nairobi, Kenya; Kamau, W.N., Ministry of Livestock Development, P. O. Box 34188 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Kabuage, L.W., Kenyatta University, Department of Agriculture Resource Management, School of agriculture and enterprise development, P. O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya | A study was done to evaluate feeds containing high levels of rice-milling by-products fed to layer chicken between 21 - 36 weeks and to determine economic returns to farmers from such diets. The rice based diets were also compared to a control diet based on maize and soybean meal, and a popular commercial layers diet used by poultry farmers. The rice by-products evaluated included Special Coarse Bran, Fine bran and broken rice. Special Coarse Bran is an inexpensive rice milling by-product produced during the rice milling process as a single combined product, consisting of rice bran, rice grains and some hulls. One hundred and sixty ISA brown layers were used for this purpose. They were housed in a battery cages measuring 45 x 45 x 18 inches and fitted with feeding and drinking troughs. Natural lighting system consisting of 12 day hours was used. Birds were vaccinated twice against Guboro on the 10th and 21st day while New Castle and Fowl Pox vaccines were given at twelve and a half weeks respectively. Five diets consisting of a commercial layer diet, a control diet based on maize and soybean meal and 3 test diets were used in the study. The commercial layer diet was a popular layer feed purchased from Unga Feeds Company in Nairobi. The three test diets contained 40% of broken rice, 20% fine bran and other ingredients. Special coarse bran was added at 0, 5, and 10% of the diet respectively to make diets SCB-0, SCB-5 and SCB-10 which contained 60%, 65% and 70% of rice milling by-products respectively. Each diet was fed to 4 replicates of 8 birds making a total of 32 birds on each dietary treatment. Birds fed on the commercial layer diet and the maize soybean control diet gained more weight and produced more eggs than those fed on test diets based on rice milling by-products. However, when economic returns were considered, gross margins were higher with rice based diets than with the commercial and the maize/soybean control diet. | Broken rice; Fine bran; Gross margins; Special coarse bran | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000342246100024 | Impact of Information and Communication Technology-Based Market Information Services on Smallholder Farm Input Use and Productivity: The Case of Kenya | Ogutu, Sylvester Ochieng,Okello, Julius Juma,Otieno, David Jakinda | 2014 | WORLD DEVELOPMENT | 64 | None | 10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.06.011 | University of Nairobi | "Otieno, David Jakinda: University of Nairobi", | Information asymmetry has traditionally constrained smallholder farmers' access to markets, consequently limiting their adoption of modern technologies and farm productivity. Improved smallholder farmers' access to markets via the recent Information and Communication Technology (ICT) platforms has the potential to reverse this scenario. This study uses Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique to evaluate the impact of an ICT-based market information services (MIS) project on farm input use and productivity in Kenya. It finds a positive and significant impact of the intervention on the use of seeds, fertilizers, land, and labor productivity. However, a negative impact on labor usage is found. (c) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Africa,ICT,KENYA,"market access",productivity,"propensity score matching",ADOPTION,"PROPENSITY SCORE" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000313980800008 | Impact of Parental Socioeconomic Status on Child Health Outcomes in Kenya** | Mugo, Mercy G. | 2012 | AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT REVIEW-REVUE AFRICAINE DE DEVELOPPEMENT | 24 | 4 | 10.1111/1467-8268.12003 | University of Nairobi | None | It is widely acknowledged that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. Most developing countries such as Kenya record unfavourable indicators of population health. Existing literature recognizes the bidirectional causality between health and economic growth and development, though credible information on the causal links is scarce. Various studies show that parental characteristics have important influences on early child health. Such studies are few and report mixed findings. This study aimed to understand and demonstrate the impact of parental socioeconomic status on child health outcomes in Kenya using data from the Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey 2005/2006, focusing on maternal labour force participation. We used two-stage least squares instrumental variable methods and the control function approach to cater for endogeneity, unobserved heterogeneity and non-linear interactions to estimate the causal links between child health outcomes and parental socioeconomic status. Diagnostic tests for relevance, validity and strength of instruments for endogenous regressors showed instruments were relevant, valid but weak. Our findings showed that maternal labour force participation has a positive but insignificant effect on child stunting and a combined indicator of stunting and wasting. We recommend policy that supports the provision of work opportunities for mothers will enhance child health outcomes in Kenya. | ,"EARLY MATERNAL EMPLOYMENT",ECONOMICS,EDUCATION,FERTILITY,IDENTIFICATION,"LABOR-FORCE PARTICIPATION",LEAVE,VARIABLES,"WEAK INSTRUMENTS" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000339385300014 | Evaluation of health research capacity strengthening trainings on individual level: validation of a questionnaire | Bauer, Daniel,Fischer, Martin R.,Hoelscher, Michael,Huber, Johanna,Kapungu, Jerry,Kiessling, Claudia,Kroidl, Arne,Lennemann, Tessa,Maganga, Lucas,Opitz, Oliver,Salehe, Omari,Sigauke, Abbie | 2014 | JOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE | 20 | 4 | 10.1111/jep.12143 | University of Munich, German Ctr Infect Res DZIF, Mbeya Referral Hosp, NIMR Mbeya Med Res Ctr | "Bauer, Daniel: University of Munich","Fischer, Martin R.: University of Munich","Huber, Johanna: University of Munich","Kiessling, Claudia: University of Munich","Opitz, Oliver: University of Munich", | Rationale, aims and objectives In the field of global health, research capacity strengthening is becoming a common concept for defining and improving research competencies on individual, organizational, national and supranational level. However, HRCS activities often lack evaluation procedures to measure their impact and to ensure their quality. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a short questionnaire to evaluate trainings in the field of health research capacity strengthening (HRCS).
Method The questionnaire was developed by an interdisciplinary research team and tested in four different training settings at the Mbeya Medical Research Center and Mbeya Referral Hospital, Tanzania. Construct validity of the questionnaire was tested based on 97 responses of the participants of four trainings.
Results Iterative checking of Cronbach's alpha of the subscales and exploratory factor analysis revealed a four-factor solution that differed from the original structure and subscales of the questionnaire. The instrument was adapted accordingly and consists now of four subscales with 19 items, three global impression items, and open questions for participants' comments and recommendations.
Conclusions The result of the study is a short, validated questionnaire for the evaluation of HRCS trainings on the individual level. The tool can be applied both to measure the short-term effects of international health research capacity trainings and to ensure their quality. In the future, after collecting larger sample sizes, a confirmatory factor analysis should be done to further support the four factors. | evaluation,"HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH","PUBLIC HEALTH","BUILDING CAPACITY",PROGRAM | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938590827 | Evaluation of Fingerstick Cryptococcal Antigen Lateral Flow Assay in HIV-Infected Persons: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study | Williams D.A., Kiiza T., Kwizera R., Kiggundu R., Velamakanni S., Meya D.B., Rhein J., Boulware D.R. | 2015 | Clinical Infectious Diseases | 61 | 3 | 10.1093/cid/civ263 | University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States; Infectious Diseases Institute, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda, Uganda; College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | Williams, D.A., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States, Infectious Diseases Institute, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda, Uganda; Kiiza, T., Infectious Diseases Institute, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda, Uganda; Kwizera, R., Infectious Diseases Institute, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda, Uganda; Kiggundu, R., Infectious Diseases Institute, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda, Uganda; Velamakanni, S., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States; Meya, D.B., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States, Infectious Diseases Institute, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda, Uganda, College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Rhein, J., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States, Infectious Diseases Institute, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda, Uganda; Boulware, D.R., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States | Background. Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common cause of adult meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa. The cryptococcal antigen (CRAG) lateral flow assay (LFA) has simplified diagnosis as a point-of-care test approved for serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We evaluated the accuracy of the CRAG LFA using fingerstick whole blood compared with serum/plasma and CSF for diagnosing meningitis. Methods. From August 2013 to August 2014, CRAG LFA (IMMY, Norman, Oklahoma) tests were performed on fingerstick whole blood, plasma/serum, and CSF in 207 HIV-infected adults with suspected meningitis in Kampala, Uganda. Venous blood was also collected and centrifuged to obtain serum and/or plasma. CSF was tested after lumbar puncture. Results. Of 207 participants, 149 (72%) had fingerstick CRAG-positive results. There was 100% agreement between fingerstick whole blood and serum/plasma. Of the 149 fingerstick CRAG-positive participants, 138 (93%) had evidence of cryptococcal meningitis with a positive CSF CRAG. Eleven participants (5%) had isolated cryptococcal antigenemia with a negative CSF CRAG and culture, of whom 8 had CSF abnormalities (n = 3 lymphocytic pleocytosis, n = 5 elevated protein, n = 4 increased opening pressure). No persons with cryptococcal meningitis had negative fingersticks. Conclusions. The 100% agreement between whole blood, serum, and plasma CRAG LFA results demonstrates that fingerstick CRAG is a reliable bedside diagnostic test. Using point-of-care CRAG testing simplifies screening large numbers of patients and enables physicians to prioritize on whom to measure CSF opening pressure using manometers. © 2015 The Author 2015. | cryptococcal meningitis; cryptococcus; HIV; lateral flow assay; point-of-care systems | adult; Article; cerebrospinal fluid; clinical evaluation; clinical trial; cost effectiveness analysis; cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay; cryptococcal meningitis; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test accuracy study; evidence based practice; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; immunology test kit; lumbar puncture; major clinical study; male; molecular diagnostics; plasma; point of care testing; priority journal; prospective study; serum; Uganda; venous blood | K24AI096925, NIAID, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; R01NS086312, NIAID, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; R25TW009345, NIAID, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; T32AI055433, NIAID, National I |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924567176 | The welfare impact of land redistribution: Evidence from a quasi-experimental initiative in Malawi | Mendola M., Simtowe F. | 2015 | World Development | 72 | None | 10.1016/j.worlddev.2015.02.010 | University of Milano Bicocca, Italy; IZA, Germany; International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya | Mendola, M., University of Milano Bicocca, Italy, IZA, Germany; Simtowe, F., International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya | Land reform may be an effective means of reducing poverty in many developing countries where policy efforts have recently embraced a decentralized market-based approach to land redistribution. We use household panel data combined with a quasi-experimental program to assess the impact of a joint Malawi/World Bank land program on household well-being. Double difference and matching methods are used to address identification sources of bias. Results point to average positive effects on several productive outcomes of beneficiaries, while no effects are found with respect to access to social services. There is also evidence of heterogeneous effects by gender and inheritance systems. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Community-based rural land development program; Land reform; Malawi; Program evaluation | community development; developing world; land reform; poverty alleviation; welfare impact; Malawi | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884247269 | Moneyball and soccer - An analysis of the key performance indicators of elite male soccer players by position | Hughes M., Caudrelier T., James N., Redwood-Brown A., Donnelly I., Kirkbride A., Duschesne C. | 2012 | Journal of Human Sport and Exercise | 7 | SPECIALISSUE.2 | 10.4100/jhse.2012.72.06 | University of Middlesex, London, United Kingdom; School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom; Innovation Sports, Scotland, United Kingdom; CSIR, South Africa | Hughes, M., University of Middlesex, London, United Kingdom; Caudrelier, T., University of Middlesex, London, United Kingdom; James, N., University of Middlesex, London, United Kingdom; Redwood-Brown, A., School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom; Donnelly, I., Innovation Sports, Scotland, United Kingdom; Kirkbride, A., CSIR, South Africa; Duschesne, C., CSIR, South Africa | In most sports, it is found that the important performance indicators (PI's) vary from coach to coach. Therefore, if sets of PI's can be identified and clear operational definitions defined, there is significant scope/benefit for consultancy and research, particularly in commercially orientated sports such as soccer. The aim of this study was to use the unique opportunity of a large number of performance analysts coming together to discuss this problem and its application to soccer, and define sets of performance indicators for each position in soccer. In the early spring of 2011, stafffrom 9 universities, from all over Europe, brought 51 level 3 Sports Science students to Hungary for an Intensive Programme in Performance Analysis of Sport (IPPAS). The 15 staff, all experts in PA, had a total of over 200 years of experience of PA between them. The most experienced 'experts' (N=5) acted as mentors, introducing the area, defining the aims and managing the groups. The rest (N=10) and the 51 students were distributed evenly as possible across 7 groups, in which their aim was to define the key PI's for one of the positions in soccer. The positions used were:-Goalkeepers; Full Backs; Centre Backs; Holding Midfield; Attacking Midfield; Wide Midfield and Strikers. In conclusion, 7 sets of KPI'S, were defined for each of these classifications within 5 category sets: Physiological, Tactical, Technical-Defending, Technical-Attacking, and Psychological. These KPI's were different from position to position within the team, particularly for the Goal Keeper. The KPI's for the outfield players were very similar, differing only in their order of importance. This enabled a 'generic' set of skills required for outfield players in soccer. © 2012 University of Alicante. | Elite male; Key performance indicators; Moneyball; Position; Soccer | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33750109560 | Evaluation of eplerenone in the subgroup of EPHESUS patients with baseline left ventricular ejection fraction ≤30% [Beurteilung der wirkung von eplerenon in der subgruppe der EPHESUS-patienten mit einer linksventrikulären auswurffraktion ≤30% zu studienbe | Pitt B., Gheorghiade M., Zannad F., Anderson J.L., Van Veldhuisen D.J., Parkhomenko A., Corbalan R., Klug E.Q., Mukherjee R., Solomon H. | 2006 | Perfusion | 19 | 42559 | None | University of Michigan Medical Center, Alfred Taubman Health Care Center, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States; Clinical Investigation Center INSERM-CHU, Nancy Hôpital Jeanne d'Arc, Dommartin-les Toul, France; LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; University Hospital Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Institute of Cardiology, Intensive Care Department, Kyiv, Ukraine; Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Clinical Hospital, Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Sunninghill Hospital, Sunninghill, South Africa; Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, United States; University of Michigan Medical Center, Alfred Taubman Health Care Center, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States | Pitt, B., University of Michigan Medical Center, Alfred Taubman Health Care Center, Ann Arbor, MI, United States, University of Michigan Medical Center, Alfred Taubman Health Care Center, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Gheorghiade, M., Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States; Zannad, F., Clinical Investigation Center INSERM-CHU, Nancy Hôpital Jeanne d'Arc, Dommartin-les Toul, France; Anderson, J.L., LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; Van Veldhuisen, D.J., University Hospital Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Parkhomenko, A., Institute of Cardiology, Intensive Care Department, Kyiv, Ukraine; Corbalan, R., Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Clinical Hospital, Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Klug, E.Q., Sunninghill Hospital, Sunninghill, South Africa; Mukherjee, R., Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, United States; Solomon, H., Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, United States | Aims: Because of the prognostic importance of LV dysfunction following an AMI and the increasing use of electrical and/or mechanical interventions in patients with LV systolic dysfunction, this retrospective analysis of EPHESUS patients with LVEF ≤30% at baseline was conducted to determine the value of eplerenone in this setting. Methods and results: In EPHESUS, 6632 patients with LVEF ≤40% and clinical heart failure (HF) post-AMI who were receiving standard therapy were randomized to eplerenone 25 mg/day titrated to 50 mg/day or placebo for a mean follow-up of 16 months. Treatment with eplerenone in the subgroup of patients with LVEF ≤30% (n=2106) resulted in relative risk reductions of 21% versus placebo in both all-cause mortality (p=0.012) and cardiovascular (CV) mortality/CV hospitalization (p=0.001), and 23% for CV mortality (p=0.008). The relative risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) was reduced 33% (p=0.01) and HF mortality/HP hospitalization was reduced 25% (p=0.005) with eplerenone compared with placebo. Within 30 days of randomization, eplerenone resulted in relative risk reductions of 43% for all-cause mortality (p=0.002), 29% for CV mortality/CV hospitalization (p=0.006), and 58% for SCD (p=0.008). Conclusions: Treatment with eplerenone plus standard therapy in patients with post-AMI HF and LVEF ≤30% provided significant incremental benefits in reducing both early and late mortality and morbidity. © Verlag Perfusion GmbH. | Aldosterone; EPHESUS; Eplerenone; Heart failure; Left ventricular systolic dysfunction | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646371453 | Evaluation of eplerenone in the subgroup of EPHESUS patients with baseline left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 30% | Pitt B., Gheorghiade M., Zannad F., Anderson J.L., van Veldhuisen D.J., Parkhomenko A., Corbalan R., Klug E.Q., Mukherjee R., Solomon H. | 2006 | European Journal of Heart Failure | 8 | 3 | 10.1016/j.ejheart.2005.11.008 | University of Michigan Medical Center, Alfred Taubman Health Care Center, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States; Clinical Investigation Center INSERM-CHU, Nancy Hopital Jeanne d'Arc, Dommartin-les Toul, France; LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; University Hospital Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Institute of Cardiology, Intensive Care Department, Kyiv, Ukraine; Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Clinical Hospital, the Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Sunninghill Hospital, Sunninghill, South Africa; Pfizer Inc, New York, NY, United States | Pitt, B., University of Michigan Medical Center, Alfred Taubman Health Care Center, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Gheorghiade, M., Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States; Zannad, F., Clinical Investigation Center INSERM-CHU, Nancy Hopital Jeanne d'Arc, Dommartin-les Toul, France; Anderson, J.L., LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; van Veldhuisen, D.J., University Hospital Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Parkhomenko, A., Institute of Cardiology, Intensive Care Department, Kyiv, Ukraine; Corbalan, R., Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Clinical Hospital, the Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Klug, E.Q., Sunninghill Hospital, Sunninghill, South Africa; Mukherjee, R., Pfizer Inc, New York, NY, United States; Solomon, H., Pfizer Inc, New York, NY, United States | Aims: Because of the prognostic importance of LV dysfunction following an AMI and the increasing use of electrical and/or mechanical interventions in patients with LV systolic dysfunction, this retrospective analysis of EPHESUS patients with LVEF ≤ 30% at baseline was conducted to determine the value of eplerenone in this setting. Methods and results: In EPHESUS, 6632 patients with LVEF ≤ 40% and clinical heart failure (HF) post-AMI who were receiving standard therapy were randomized to eplerenone 25 mg/day titrated to 50 mg/day or placebo for a mean follow-up of 16 months. Treatment with eplerenone in the subgroup of patients with LVEF ≤ 30% (N = 2106) resulted in relative risk reductions of 21% versus placebo in both all-cause mortality (P = 0.012) and cardiovascular (CV) mortality/CV hospitalization (P = 0.001), and 23% for CV mortality (P = 0.008). The relative risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) was reduced 33% (P = 0.01) and HF mortality/HF hospitalization was reduced 25% (P = 0.005) with eplerenone compared with placebo. Within 30 days of randomization, eplerenone resulted in relative risk reductions of 43% for all-cause mortality (P = 0.002), 29% for CV mortality/CV hospitalization (P = 0.006), and 58% for SCD (P = 0.008). Conclusions: Treatment with eplerenone plus standard therapy in patients with post-AMI HF and LVEF ≤ 30% provided significant incremental benefits in reducing both early and late mortality and morbidity. © 2005 European Society of Cardiology. | Aldosterone; EPHESUS; Eplerenone; Heart failure; Left ventricular systolic dysfunction | acetylsalicylic acid; angiotensin receptor antagonist; beta adrenergic receptor blocking agent; digitalis; dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase inhibitor; diuretic agent; eplerenone; hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor; placebo; vitamin K group; acute heart infarction; adult; aged; article; controlled study; drug fatality; female; follow up; heart death; heart failure; heart left ventricle ejection fraction; hospitalization; human; hyperkalemia; hypokalemia; major clinical study; male; morbidity; mortality; priority journal; randomization; risk reduction; standard; treatment outcome; Adult; Aged; Female; Heart Failure, Congestive; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Myocardial Infarction; Spironolactone; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33747434821 | The Valsartan Antihypertensive Long-Term Use Evaluation (VALUE) trial: Outcomes in patients receiving monotherapy | Julius S., Weber M.A., Kjeldsen S.E., McInnes G.T., Zanchetti A., Brunner H.R., Laragh J., Schork M.A., Hua T.A., Amerena J., Balazovjech I., Cassel G., Herczeg B., Koylan N., Magometschnigg D., Majahalme S., Martinez F., Oigman W., Gomes R.S., Zhu J.-R. | 2006 | Hypertension | 48 | 3 | 10.1161/01.HYP.0000236119.96301.f2 | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Ullevaal Hospital, Oslo, Norway; University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Istitito Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; New York Hospital, Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, United States; State University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, United States; University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Novartis Pharmaceutical, East Hanover, NJ, United States; Geelong Hospital, Geelong, Australia; Faculty Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia; Milpark Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa; Megyei Hetényi Géza Kórház, Szolnok, Hungary; Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey; Institut für Hypertoniker, Vienna, Austria; Appleton Heart Institute, Appleton, WI, United States; National University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Argentina; Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Hospital Santa Cruz Instituto Do Coração, Carnaxide, Portugal; Zhong Shan Hospital, Shanghai, China; University of Michigan, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, United States | Julius, S., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States, University of Michigan, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, United States; Weber, M.A., State University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, United States; Kjeldsen, S.E., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States, Ullevaal Hospital, Oslo, Norway; McInnes, G.T., University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Zanchetti, A., Istitito Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Brunner, H.R., University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Laragh, J., New York Hospital, Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, United States; Schork, M.A., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Hua, T.A., Novartis Pharmaceutical, East Hanover, NJ, United States; Amerena, J., Geelong Hospital, Geelong, Australia; Balazovjech, I., Faculty Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia; Cassel, G., Milpark Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa; Herczeg, B., Megyei Hetényi Géza Kórház, Szolnok, Hungary; Koylan, N., Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey; Magometschnigg, D., Institut für Hypertoniker, Vienna, Austria; Majahalme, S., Appleton Heart Institute, Appleton, WI, United States; Martinez, F., National University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Argentina; Oigman, W., Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Gomes, R.S., Hospital Santa Cruz Instituto Do Coração, Carnaxide, Portugal; Zhu, J.-R., Zhong Shan Hospital, Shanghai, China | In the main Valsartan Antihypertensive Long-Term Use Evaluation (VALUE) report, we investigated outcomes in 15 245 high-risk hypertensive subjects treated with valsartan- or amlodipine-based regimens. In this report, we analyzed outcomes in 7080 patients (46.4%) who, at the end of the initial drug adjustment period (6 months), remained on monotherapy. Baseline characteristics were similar in the valsartan (N=3263) and amlodipine (N=3817) groups. Time on monotherapy was 3.2 years (78% of treatment exposure time). The average in-trial blood pressure was similar in both groups. Event rates in the monotherapy group were 16% to 39% lower than in the main VALUE trial. In the first analysis, we censored patients when they discontinued monotherapy ("censored"); in the second, we counted events regardless of subsequent therapy (intention-to-treat principle). We also assessed the impact of duration of monotherapy on outcomes. No difference was found in primary composite cardiac end points, strokes, myocardial infarctions, and all-cause deaths with both analyses. Heart failure in the valsartan group was lower both in the censored and intention-to-treat analyses (hazard ratios: 0.63, P=0.004 and 0.78, P=0.045, respectively). Longer duration of monotherapy amplified between-group differences in heart failure. New-onset diabetes was lower in the valsartan group with both analyses (odds ratios: 0.78, P=0.012 and 0.82, P=0.034). Thus, despite lower absolute event rates in monotherapy patients, the relative risks of heart failure and new-onset diabetes favored valsartan. Moreover, these findings support the feasibility of comparative prospective trials in lower-risk hypertensive patients. © 2006 American Heart Association, Inc. | Clinical trials; Diabetes mellitus; Heart failure | amlodipine; valsartan; adult; aged; antihypertensive therapy; article; blood pressure measurement; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; diabetes mellitus; double blind procedure; drug exposure; feasibility study; female; heart failure; high risk patient; human; hypertension; major clinical study; male; monotherapy; priority journal; risk assessment; treatment outcome; Aged; Amlodipine; Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; Antihypertensive Agents; Blood Pressure; Calcium Channel Blockers; Cardiac Output, Low; Diabetes Mellitus; Double-Blind Method; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Risk; Tetrazoles; Valine | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67349094974 | Socioeconomic performance of West African fleets that target Atlantic billfish | Brinson A.A., Die D.J., Bannerman P.O., Diatta Y. | 2009 | Fisheries Research | 99 | 1 | 10.1016/j.fishres.2009.04.010 | University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Cooperative Unit for Fisheries Education and Research, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, United States; Fisheries Department, Ghana Ministry of Food and Agriculture, PO Box BT 62, Tema, Ghana; Laboratoire de Biologie Marine, Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire Ch. A. Diop, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Bp 206, Dakar, Senegal | Brinson, A.A., University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Cooperative Unit for Fisheries Education and Research, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, United States; Die, D.J., University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Cooperative Unit for Fisheries Education and Research, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, United States; Bannerman, P.O., Fisheries Department, Ghana Ministry of Food and Agriculture, PO Box BT 62, Tema, Ghana; Diatta, Y., Laboratoire de Biologie Marine, Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire Ch. A. Diop, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Bp 206, Dakar, Senegal | Managing marine resources is a contentious and complicated process. There are various users with competing objectives, especially in the case of artisanal and recreational fisheries management. Managers must consider not only the biological sustainability of the resources, but also account for the socioeconomic objectives of the fishery users, particularly in developing countries. In-person surveys were implemented with artisanal fishers that target billfish in Ghana and with recreational charter boat anglers that target billfish in Senegal. Data from the survey were used to compile financial performance indicators that describe the sustainability of the operations. In addition social and resource management perception data were collected in each location. The results of the study indicate that both fleets exhibit positive profit levels. Although fishers in both study locations perceived a declining billfish resource, they were largely unwilling to accept management measures to improve the resource. If management measures were to be considered for the artisanal fleet, managers should simultaneously introduce mechanisms to improve the technological storage capacity of harvested fish and training on saving schemes for artisanal fishers. Managers should also monitor the number of recreational vessels and their effort in Senegal. Performance indicators such as these are applicable and appropriate for quantitatively assessing the profitability of fishing fleets. | Artisanal; Billfish; Fisheries management; Performance indicators; Recreational; Socioeconomic; West Africa | Xiphiidae | None |
| WoS | WOS:000313110000001 | A call for parental monitoring to improve condom use among secondary school students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Jimba, Masamine,Mbwambo, Jessie K. K.,Mlunde, Linda B.,Otsuka, Keiko,Poudel, Krishna C.,Sunguya, Bruno F.,Ubuguyu, Omary,Yasuoka, Junko | 2012 | BMC PUBLIC HEALTH | 12 | 1 | 10.1186/1471-2458-12-1061 | University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Massachusetts System, University of Tokyo, Muhimbili Univ Hlth & Allied Sci | "Jimba, Masamine: University of Tokyo","Mlunde, Linda B.: University of Tokyo","Otsuka, Keiko: University of Tokyo","Poudel, Krishna C.: University of Massachusetts Amherst","Poudel, Krishna C.: University of Massachusetts System","Sunguya, Bruno F.: University of Tokyo","Yasuoka, Junko: University of Tokyo", | Background: The number of people newly infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been decreasing in sub-Saharan Africa, but prevalence of the infection remains unacceptably high among young people. Despite the alarming pervasiveness of the virus, young people in this region continue to engage in risky sexual behaviors including unprotected sexual intercourse. In developed countries, parents can play important roles in protecting young people from such behaviors, but evidence regarding the impact of parental involvement is still limited in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, we conducted this study to examine the magnitude of risky sexual behaviors and the association of parental monitoring and parental communication with condom use at last sexual intercourse among secondary school students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Methods: We conducted this cross-sectional study among 2,217 male and female students aged 15 to 24 years from 12 secondary schools in Dar es Salaam. From October to November 2011, we collected data using a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association of parental monitoring and parental communication with condom use at last sexual intercourse, adjusting for potential confounders.
Results: A total of 665 (30.3%) secondary school students reported being sexually active within the year prior to data collection. Among them, 41.7% had multiple sexual partners, 10.5% had concurrent sexual partners, and 41.1% did not use a condom at last sexual intercourse. A higher level of parental monitoring was associated with increased likelihood of condom use at last sexual intercourse among male students (AOR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.05-2.32; p = 0.03) but not among female students (AOR: 1.54, 95% CI: 0.71-3.37; p = 0.28). The association between parental communication and condom use at last sexual intercourse among both male and female students was not statistically significant.
Conclusions: A high level of parental monitoring is associated with more consistent condom use among male students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania -many of whom have engaged in high-risk sexual behaviors such as multiple sexual partnerships, concurrent sexual partnerships, and unprotected sexual intercourse in the past one year. Interventions should thus be strengthened to reduce multiple sexual partnerships, concurrent sexual partnerships, and to improve parental monitoring among such students toward increasing condom use. | "CONDOM USE","parental monitoring","SEXUAL BEHAVIORS",Tanzania,"YOUNG PEOPLE","ADOLESCENT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH",AFRICA,COMMUNICATION,HIV,INTERVENTIONS,PREVALENCE,PREVENTION,"PROTECTIVE FACTORS","RISKY SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR","TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS" | None | None |
| 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 |
| None | None | Using the Hawthorne effect to examine the gap between a doctor's best possible practice and actual performance | Leonard K.L., Masatu M.C. | 2010 | Journal of Development Economics | 93 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2009.11.001 | University of Maryland College Park, 2200 Symons Hall, MD 20742, United States; Centre for Educational Development in Health, Arusha (CEDHA), P.O. Box 1162, Arusha, Tanzania | Leonard, K.L., University of Maryland College Park, 2200 Symons Hall, MD 20742, United States; Masatu, M.C., Centre for Educational Development in Health, Arusha (CEDHA), P.O. Box 1162, Arusha, Tanzania | Many doctors in developing countries provide considerably lower quality care to their patients than they have been trained to provide. The gap between best possible practice and actual performance (often referred to as the know-do gap) is difficult to measure among doctors who differ in levels of training and experience and who face very different types of patients. We exploit the Hawthorne effect-in which doctors change their behavior when a researcher comes to observe their practices-to measure the gap between best and actual performance. We analyze this gap for a sample of doctors and also examine the impact of the organization for which doctors work on their performance. We find that some organizations succeed in motivating doctors to work at levels of performance that are close to their best possible practice. This paper adds to recent evidence that motivation can be as important to health care quality as training and knowledge. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. | Hawthorne effect; Health care; Motivation; Practice quality; Tanzania | developing world; health care; health worker; performance assessment; training; Tanzania | None |
| WoS | WOS:000299789600002 | Cell Phone-Based and Internet-Based Monitoring and Evaluation of the National Antiretroviral Treatment Program During Rapid Scale-Up in Rwanda: TRACnet, 2004-2010 | Binagwaho, Agnes,Cishahayo, Shabani,Karema, Corine,Lowrance, David W.,Muhayimpundu, Ribakare,Nsanzimana, Sabin,Nyemazi, Jean Pierre,Raghunathan, Pratima L.,Riedel, David J.,Ruton, Hinda | 2012 | JAIDS-JOURNAL OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROMES | 59 | 2 | 10.1097/QAI.0b013e31823e2278 | University of Maryland Baltimore, University System of Maryland, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Minist Hlth, US Ctr Dis Control & Prevent | None | Background: Monitoring and evaluation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) scale-up has been challenging in resource-limited settings. We describe an innovative cell-phone-based and internet-based reporting system (TRACnet) utilized in Rwanda.
Methods: From January 2004 to June 30, 2010, all health facilities with ART services submitted standardized monthly aggregate reports of key indicators. National cohort data were analyzed to examine trends in characteristics of patients initiating ART and cumulative cohort outcomes. Estimates of HIV-infected patients eligible for ART were obtained from Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (Estimation and Projection Package-Spectrum, 2010).
Results: By June 30, 2010, 295 (65%) of 451 health centers, District and referral hospitals provided ART services; of these, 255 (86%) were located outside Kigali, the capital. Cell phone-based and internet-based reporting was used by 253 (86%) and 42 (14%), respectively. As of June 30, 2010, 83,041 patients were alive on ART, 6171 (6%) had died, and 9621 (10%) were lost-to-follow-up. Of those alive on ART, 7111 (8.6%) were children, 50,971 (61.4%) were female, and 1823 (2.2%) were on a second-line regimen. The proportion of all patients initiating ART at World Health Organization clinical stages 3 and 4 declined from 65% in 2005 to 27% in 2010. National ART coverage of eligible patients increased from 13% in 2005 to 79% in 2010.
Conclusions: Rwanda has successfully expanded ART access and achieved high national ART coverage among eligible patients. TRACnet captured essential data about the ART program during rapid scale-up. Cell phone-based and internet-based reporting may be useful for monitoring and evaluation of similar public health initiatives in other resource-limited settings. | "antiretroviral treatment","monitoring and evaluation",RWANDA,SCALE-UP,TRACnet,ADULTS,AIDS,"COLLABORATIVE ANALYSIS",HAITI,HIV,MALAWI,MORTALITY,OUTCOMES,SOUTH-AFRICA,THERAPY | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888030853 | Financial crisis in asia: Its genesis, severity and impact on poverty and hunger | Imai K.S., Gaiha R., Thapa G., Annim S.K. | 2013 | Journal of International Development | 25 | 8 | 10.1002/jid.2972 | University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; University of Delhi, Delhi, India; IFAD, Rome, Italy; University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | Imai, K.S., University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Gaiha, R., University of Delhi, Delhi, India; Thapa, G., IFAD, Rome, Italy; Annim, S.K., University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | Building on the recent literature on finance, growth and hunger, we have examined the experience of Asian countries over the period 1960-2010 by dynamic and static panel data models. We have found evidence favouring a positive role of finance-defined as private credit by banks-on growth of GDP and agricultural value added. Private credit as well as loans from the World Bank significantly reduces undernourishment, whereas remittances and loans from microfinance institutions appear to have a negative impact on poverty. Our empirical evidence shows that growth performance was significantly lower during the recent global financial crisis than non-crisis periods, although the severity is much smaller during the recent financial crisis than Asian financial crisis. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Agriculture; Asia; Economic development; Finance; Inequality; Poverty | agriculture; credit provision; economic development; empirical analysis; financial crisis; Gross Domestic Product; hunger; lending behavior; panel data; poverty; Asia | ESRC, Economic and Social Research Council |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954402441 | Volumetric analysis and chemistry students performance: Combined influence of study habit, physiological and psychological factors | Alam G.M., Oke O.K., Orimogunje T. | 2010 | Scientific Research and Essays | 5 | 11 | None | University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Mathematics and Science Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Science and Technical Education Department, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria | Alam, G.M., University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Oke, O.K., Mathematics and Science Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Orimogunje, T., Science and Technical Education Department, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria | Several factors can work in concert to influence the students' attitudes and behavior towards quantitative aspect of practical chemistry particularly volumetric analysis. This study investigated the influence of students' study habit, physiological and psychological factors on their attitudes and behavior towards the volumetric analysis in practical chemistry. Two hundred and forty randomly selected senior secondary two students from six secondary schools in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State constituted the sample. It was hypothesized that students' study habit variables such as time allocation, reading and note-taking, concentration, anxiety and stress, and teachers' consultation would not significantly influence students' attitudes during volumetric analysis practical exercises. The hypotheses were tested by using chi square at 0.05 levels of significance following the administration of study habit inventory on the subjects. The results indicated that these factors actually influenced the attitudes of the subjects towards volumetric analysis exercises. It was recommended that chemistry teachers need to have proper understanding of these physiological and psychological factors to enable them enhance students' attitudes and performances in practical chemistry. © 2010 Academic Journals. | Physiological and psychological factors; Students' attitudes and performance; Study habit; Volumetric analysis | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60249099900 | Corporate social and environmental reporting and the impact of internal environmental policy in South Africa | Mitchell C.G., Hill T. | 2009 | Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management | 16 | 1 | 10.1002/csr.179 | University of Maine, Farmington, Business Department, Farmington, ME, United States; University of KwaZulu-Natal, Discipline of Geography, School of Environmental Science, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; University of Maine, Farmington, Business Department, 270 Main Street, Farmington, ME 04938, United States | Mitchell, C.G., University of Maine, Farmington, Business Department, Farmington, ME, United States, University of Maine, Farmington, Business Department, 270 Main Street, Farmington, ME 04938, United States; Hill, T., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Discipline of Geography, School of Environmental Science, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa | The paper investigates the development and use of corporate social and environmental reporting by businesses within a large municipality in South Africa. There is a strong call for improved CSR, and a greater degree of accountability and transparency by business. The survey was conducted through the use of interviews following a structured questionnaire with the Global Reporting Initiative used as an appropriate framework. This approach allowed us to determine the challenges businesses face in implementing a comprehensive CSR system in the South African context and why, other than companies which are part of a group, businesses are unable or unwilling to increase external reporting. We suggest that implementation of a comprehensive and externally controlled and certified standard, such as ISO 14001 would not only reduce environmental impacts, but facilitate increased CSR. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887923933 | Evaluation of the english version of the end-of-life nursing education questionnaire | Head B.A., Schapmire T., Faul A.C. | 2013 | Journal of Palliative Medicine | 16 | 11 | 10.1089/jpm.2012.0596 | University of Louisville, School of Medicine, MDR Building, 511 South Floyd Street, Louisville, KY 40202, United States; Kent School of Social Work, Louisville, KY, United States; Department of Social Work, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Head, B.A., University of Louisville, School of Medicine, MDR Building, 511 South Floyd Street, Louisville, KY 40202, United States; Schapmire, T., University of Louisville, School of Medicine, MDR Building, 511 South Floyd Street, Louisville, KY 40202, United States, Kent School of Social Work, Louisville, KY, United States; Faul, A.C., Kent School of Social Work, Louisville, KY, United States, Department of Social Work, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Background: End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) train-the-trainer workshops prepare participants to teach ELNEC content to others. In 2010, researchers in Japan developed and validated the End-of-Life Nursing Education Questionnaire (ELNEQ) to measure the impact of ELNEC workshops on participants' readiness to teach the content. Objective: The study's objective was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the English version of the ELNEQ. Design and Subjects: The study was a pre-test/posttest cross-sectional survey design with 113 participants. Measurements: The English version of the ELNEQ is composed of 20 items measuring five domains related to teaching end-of-life (EOL) content: confidence in teaching; motivation for teaching; preparedness to teach; preparedness to lead initiatives; and expected influence on participants. Results: Reliability was established for all domains (Cronbach's α±range 0.83-0.99) and the scale as a whole (Cronbach's α±= 0.92), as was content validity at the item level. Confirmatory factor analysis showed excellent fit for both the first order and second order factor models. Sensitivity was confirmed as comparisons between pre-and posttest results on all scales and overall were significant. Conclusions: The English version of the ELNEQ is a psychometrically sound instrument for measuring the impact of ELNEC train-the-trainer workshops. © Copyright 2013, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2013. | None | article; comparative study; content validity; end of life nursing education questionnaire; evaluation; human; language; motivation; psychometry; questionnaire; reliability; teaching; Cross-Sectional Studies; Education, Nursing, Continuing; Humans; Motivation; Psychometrics; Questionnaires; Reproducibility of Results; Teaching; Terminal Care; Translations | 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 |
| WoS | WOS:000271602100001 | The use of schools for malaria surveillance and programme evaluation in Africa | Brooker, Simon,Gitonga, Carol W.,Kolaczinski, Jan H.,Noor, Abdisalan M.,Snow, Robert W. | 2009 | MALARIA JOURNAL | 8 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-8-231 | University of London, University of Oxford, Malaria Consortium, Wellcome Trust Res Programme | None | Effective malaria control requires information on both the geographical distribution of malaria risk and the effectiveness of malaria interventions. The current standard for estimating malaria infection and impact indicators are household cluster surveys, but their complexity and expense preclude frequent and decentralized monitoring. This paper reviews the historical experience and current rationale for the use of schools and school children as a complementary, inexpensive framework for planning, monitoring and evaluating malaria control in Africa. Consideration is given to (i) the selection of schools; (ii) diagnosis of infection in schools; (iii) the representativeness of schools as a proxy of the communities they serve; and (iv) the increasing need to evaluate interventions delivered through schools. Finally, areas requiring further investigation are highlighted. | ,COMBINATION,"COMMUNITY COVERAGE",MORBIDITY,"PARASITE DENSITY","PEDIATRIC MALARIA",PLASMODIUM-FALCIPARUM,SOUTH-AFRICA,"SPOROZOITE SURFACE-ANTIGENS","SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA","TRANSMISSION INTENSITY" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000266645800007 | Impact of Ministry of Health Interventions on Private Medicine Retailer Knowledge and Practices on Anti-Malarial Treatment in Kenya | Abuya, Timothy,Fegan, Greg,Karisa, Baya,Marsh, Vicki,Mutemi, Wilfred,Ochola, Sam,Rowa, Yvone | 2009 | AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE | 80 | 6 | None | University of London, University of Oxford, Kilifi Dist Hosp, Wellcome Trust Ctr Geog Med Res Coast | None | Small-scale interventions oil training medicine retailers on malaria treatment improve over-the-counter medicine use, but there is little evidence oil effectiveness when scaled up. This study evaluated the impact of Ministry of Health (MoH) training programs on the knowledge and practices of medicine retailers in three districts in Kenya. A cluster randomized trial was planned across 10 administrative divisions. Findings indicated that 30.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 23.3, 39.0) and 5.2% (95% Cl: 2.1, 10.3) of program and control retailers, respectively, sold MoH amodiaquine with correct advice on use to surrogate clients (OR = 8.8; 95% Cl: 2.9, 26.9 P < 0.001). Similarly, 61.8% (950% CI: 54.2 69.1) and 6.3% (95% CI: 2.7, 12.1) of program and control retailers, respectively, reported correct knowledge on dosing with amodiaquine (OR = 29.8; 95% Cl: 8.2, 108.8). Large-scale retailer training programs within the national malaria control framework led to significant improvements in retailers' practices across three districts. | ,"CHILDHOOD ILLNESS",CHILDREN,DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES,"HOME TREATMENT","MALARIA TREATMENT",MANAGEMENT,PUBLIC-HEALTH,RANDOMIZED-TRIALS,"RURAL TANZANIA",SELF-TREATMENT | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000274138000015 | Evaluating Different Dimensions of Programme Effectiveness for Private Medicine Retailer Malaria Control Interventions in Kenya | Abuya, Timothy O.,Akhwale, Willis S.,Amin, Abdinasir A.,Fegan, Greg,Marsh, Vicki,Noor, Abdisalan M.,Snow, Robert W. | 2010 | PLOS ONE | 5 | 1 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0008937 | University of London, University of Oxford, Kenya Govt Med Res Ctr, Minist Hlth | None | Background: Private medicine retailers (PMRs) are key partners in the home management of fevers in many settings. Current evidence on effectiveness for PMR interventions at scale is limited. This study presents evaluation findings of two different programs implemented at moderate scale targeting PMRs for malaria control in the Kisii and Kwale districts of Kenya. Key components of this evaluation were measurement of program performance, including coverage, PMR knowledge, practices, and utilization based on spatial analysis.
Methodology/Principal Findings: The study utilized mixed quantitative methods including retail audits and surrogate client surveys based on post-intervention cross-sectional surveys in intervention and control areas and mapping of intervention outlets. There was a large and significant impact on PMR knowledge and practices of the program in Kisii, with 60.5% of trained PMRs selling amodiaquine medicines in adequate doses compared to 2.8% of untrained ones (OR; 53.5: 95% CI 6.7, 428.3), a program coverage of 69.7% targeted outlets, and a potential utilization of about 30,000 children under five. The evaluation in Kwale also indicates a significant impact with 18.8% and 2.3% intervention and control PMRs selling amodiaquine with correct advice, respectively (OR; 9.4: 95% CI 1.1, 83.7), a program coverage of 25.3% targeted outlets, and a potential utilization of about 48,000 children under five. A provisional benchmark of 7.5 km was a reasonable threshold distance for households to access PMR services.
Conclusions/Significance: This evaluation show that PMR interventions operationalized in the district level settings are likely to impact PMR knowledge and practices and lead to increased coverage of appropriate treatment to target populations. There is value of evaluating different dimensions of public health programs, including quality, spatial access, and implementation practice. This approach strengthens the potential contribution of pragmatic study designs to evaluating public health programs in the real world. | ,DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES,DISTRICTS,DRUG,"HOME TREATMENT",KNOWLEDGE,MANAGEMENT,PUBLIC-HEALTH,"RURAL KENYA",SERVICES,"SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA" | None | None |
| 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 |
| WoS | WOS:000230897200004 | Sexually transmitted infections in pregnancy: prevalence, impact on pregnancy outcomes, and approach to treatment in developing countries | Beksinska, M,Mabey, D,MULLICK, S,Watson-Jones, D | 2005 | SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS | 81 | 4 | 10.1136/sti.2002.004077 | University of London, Reprod Hlth Res Unit | None | Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common in the developing world. Management of STIs in pregnancy in many developing countries has, however, been complicated by the lack of simple and affordable diagnostic tests. This review examines the prevalence and impact on pregnancy outcome of STIs in developing countries and recommends approaches to management of STIs in pregnancy for resource poor settings. | ,"CERVICAL CHLAMYDIA-TRACHOMATIS","GENITAL-TRACT INFECTIONS","GONOCOCCAL OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM",HERPES-SIMPLEX-VIRUS,HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS,LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT,"PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL","RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED-TRIAL","RURAL SOUTH-AFRICA","TO-CHILD TRAN | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000249645000014 | Biological and behavioural impact of an adolescent sexual health intervention in Tanzania: a community-randomized trial | Anemona, Alessandra,Balira, Rebecca,Changalucha, John,Cleophas-Mazige, Bernadette,Everett, Dean,Gavyole, Awene,Grosskurth, Heiner,Hayes, Richard J.,Mabey, David C.,Makokha, Maende J.,Mosha, Frank,Obasi, Angela I. N.,Parry, John V.,Plummer, Mary L.,Ross, D | 2007 | AIDS | 21 | 14 | None | University of London, Mwanza Ctr | None | Objective: The impact of a multicomponent intervention programme on the sexual health of adolescents was assessed in rural Tanzania.
Design: A community-randomized trial.
Methods: Twenty communities were randomly allocated to receive either a specially designed programme of interventions (intervention group) or standard activities (comparison group). The intervention had four components: community activities; teacher-led, peer-assisted sexual health education in years 5-7 of primary school; training and supervision of health workers to provide 'youth-friendly' sexual health services; and peer condom social marketing. Impacts on HIV incidence, herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2) and other sexual health outcomes were evaluated over approximately 3 years in 9645 adolescents recruited in late 1998 before entering years 5, 6 or 7 of primary school.
Results: The intervention had a significant impact on knowledge and reported attitudes, reported sexually transmitted infection symptoms, and several behavioural outcomes. Only five HIV seroconversions occurred in boys, whereas in girls the adjusted rate ratio (intervention versus comparison) was 0.75 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34, 1.66]. Overall HSV2 prevalences at follow-up were 11.9% in male and 21.1% in female participants, with adjusted prevalence ratios of 0.92 (CI 0.69, 1.22) and 1.05 (CI 0.83, 1.32), respectively. There was no consistent beneficial or adverse impact on other biological outcomes. The beneficial impact on knowledge and reported attitudes was confirmed by results of a school examination in a separate group of students in mid-2002.
Conclusion: The intervention substantially improved knowledge, reported attitudes and some reported sexual behaviours, especially in boys, but had no consistent impact on biological outcomes within the 3-year trial period. (C) 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | ADOLESCENTS,HIV,"PREGNANCY PREVENTION","SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS",Tanzania,"AIDS EDUCATION",HIV,IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS,PREGNANCIES,"REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH","RISK REDUCTION","RURAL TANZANIA",SELF-REPORT,"TRANSMITTED DISEASES",TRICHOMONAS-VAGINALIS | None | None |
| 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 |
| WoS | WOS:000295321800071 | The Long-Term Impact of the MEMA kwa Vijana Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Intervention: Effect of Dose and Time since Intervention Exposure | Changalucha, John,Doyle, Aoife M.,Hayes, Richard J.,Kapiga, Saidi,Maganja, Kaballa,McCormack, Sheena,Ross, David A.,Watson-Jones, Deborah,Weiss, Helen A. | 2011 | PLOS ONE | 6 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0024866 | University of London, MRC, Mwanza Ctr | "Doyle, Aoife M.: University of London","Hayes, Richard J.: University of London","Ross, David A.: University of London","Weiss, Helen A.: University of London", | Background: Despite recent decreases in HIV incidence in many sub-Saharan African countries, there is little evidence that specific behavioural interventions have led to a reduction in HIV among young people. Further and wider-scale decreases in HIV require better understanding of when behaviour change occurs and why. The MEMA kwa Vijana adolescent sexual and reproductive health intervention has been implemented in rural Mwanza, Tanzania since 1999. A long-term evaluation in 2007/8 found that the intervention improved knowledge, attitudes to sex and some reported risk behaviours, but not HIV or HSV2 prevalence. The aim of this paper was to assess the differential impact of the intervention according to gender, age, marital status, number of years of exposure and time since last exposure to the intervention.
Methods: In 2007, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in the 20 trial communities among 13,814 young people (15-30 yrs) who had attended intervention or comparison schools between 1999 and 2002. Outcomes for which the intervention had an impact in 2001 or 2007 were included in this subgroup analysis. Data were analysed using cluster-level methods for stratified cluster-randomised trials, using interaction tests to determine if intervention impact differed by subgroup.
Results: Taking into account multiplicity of testing, concurrence with a priori hypotheses and consistency within the results no strong effect-modifiers emerged. Impact on pregnancy knowledge and reported attitudes to sex increased with years of exposure to high-quality intervention.
Conclusions: The desirable long-term impact of the MEMA kwa Vijana intervention did not vary greatly according to the subgroups examined. This suggests that the intervention can have an impact on a broad cross-section of young people in rural Mwanza. registration: | ,CLINICAL-TRIALS,COMMUNITY-RANDOMIZED-TRIAL,"CONDOM USE",SOUTH-AFRICA,"SUBGROUP ANALYSES",TANZANIA,YOUNG | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000306955700007 | The impact of antiretroviral therapy on adult mortality in rural Tanzania | Changalucha, John,Clark, Benjamin D.,Isingo, Raphael,Jonas, Aswile,Kalongoji, Samweli,Marston, Milly,Mbaga, Joyce,Michael, Denna,Mngara, Julius,Todd, Jim,Urassa, Mark,Wringe, Alison,Zaba, Basia | 2012 | TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH | 17 | 8 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2011.02924.x | University of London, Magu Dist Council | "Marston, Milly: University of London","Todd, Jim: University of London","Wringe, Alison: University of London","Zaba, Basia: University of London", | Objective To describe the impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on mortality rates among adults participating in an HIV community cohort study in north-west Tanzania. Methods Serological and demographic surveillance rounds have been undertaken in a population of approximately 30 000 people since 1994. Free HIV care including ART has been available since 2005. Event history analysis was used to compare mortality rates among HIV-negative and HIV-positive adults in the 5-year period before and after the introduction of ART. Crude and adjusted hazard ratios were calculated using exponential regression models. Interaction between time period and HIV status was assessed to investigate whether there was a non-linear relationship between these two variables. Results Male and female mortality patterns varied over the pre- and post-ART period. In women, the crude death rate fell for both HIV negatives and HIV positives hazard rate ratio (HRR = 0.71; 95%CI 0.510.99 and HRR = 0.68; 95%CI: 0.460.99, respectively). For men, the mortality among the HIV negatives increased (HRR = 1.47; 95%CI: 1.062.03) while the decline in mortality among the HIV positives (HRR = 0.77; 95%CI 0.521.13) was not statistically significant. The largest decrease in HIV-positive mortality over the two periods was among the 30- to 44-year-old age group for women and among the 45- to 59-year-old age group for men. Conclusion There has been a modest effect on mortality in the study population following the introduction of free ART 5 years ago. Improving access to treatment and placing greater focus on retaining individuals on treatment are essential if the full potential of treatment for reducing HIV-related mortality is to be realised. | "ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",COHORT,HIV,MORTALITY,Tanzania,HIV,POPULATION,PROGRAM | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000294128100020 | Evaluating Health Workers' Potential Resistance to New Interventions: A Role for Discrete Choice Experiments | Antwi, Gifti,Chandramohan, Daniel,Greenwood, Brian,Jones, Caroline,Lagarde, Mylene,Paintain, Lucy Smith,Tagbor, Harry,Webster, Jayne | 2011 | PLOS ONE | 6 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0023588 | University of London, KNUST, Kwame Nkrumah University Science & Technology | "Chandramohan, Daniel: University of London","Greenwood, Brian: University of London","Jones, Caroline: University of London","Lagarde, Mylene: University of London","Paintain, Lucy Smith: University of London","Webster, Jayne: University of London", | Background: The currently recommended approach for preventing malaria in pregnancy (MiP), intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP-IPT), has been questioned due to the spread of resistance to SP. Whilst trials are underway to test the efficacy of future alternative approaches, it is important to start exploring the feasibility of their implementation.
Methods and Findings: This study uses a discrete choice experiment (DCE) method to assess the potential resistance of health workers to changing strategies for control of MiP. In Ashanti region in Ghana, 133 antenatal clinic health workers were presented with 16 choice sets of two alternative policy options, each consisting of a bundle of six attributes representing certain clinical guidelines for controlling MiP (type of approach and drug used), possible associated maternal and neo-natal outcomes, workload and financial incentives. The data were analysed using a random effects logit model. Overall, staff showed a preference for a curative approach with pregnant women tested for malaria parasites and treated only if positive, compared to a preventive approach (OR 1.6; p = 0.001). Increasing the incidence of low birth weight or severe anaemia by 1% would reduce the odds of preferring an approach by 18% and 10% respectively. Midwives were more resistant to potential changes to current guidelines than lower-level cadres.
Conclusions: In Ashanti Region, resistance to change by antenatal clinic workers from a policy of SP-IPT to IST would generally be low, and it would disappear amongst midwives if health outcomes for the mother and baby were improved by the new strategy. DCEs are a promising approach to identifying factors that will increase the likelihood of effective implementation of new interventions immediately after their efficacy has been proven. | ,DELIVERY,GAP,IMPLEMENTATION,"INTERMITTENT PREVENTIVE TREATMENT",MALARIA,PREGNANCY | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000298367300034 | An Evaluation of the Clinical Assessments of Under-Five Febrile Children Presenting to Primary Health Facilities in Rural Ghana | Amenga-Etego, Seeba,Baiden, Frank,Bawah, Justina,Bruce, Jane,Chandramohan, Daniel,Delmini, Rupert,Gyaase, Stephaney,Owusu-Agyei, Seth,Tivura, Mathilda,Webster, Jayne | 2011 | PLOS ONE | 6 | 12 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0028944 | University of London, Kintampo Hlth Res Ctr | "Bruce, Jane: University of London","Chandramohan, Daniel: University of London","Webster, Jayne: University of London", | Background: The shift to test-based management of malaria represents an important departure from established practice under the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI). The possibility of false results of tests for malaria and co-morbidity, however, make it important that guidelines in IMCI case assessment are still followed.
Methods and Findings: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study to evaluate current practices in IMCI-based assessment of febrile children in 10 health centres and 5 district hospitals, with follow up of a subset of children to determine day 7-10 post-treatment clinical outcome. Clinical consultation, examination and prescribing practices were recorded using a checklist by trained non-medical observers. The facility case management of 1,983 under-five years old febrile children was observed and 593 followed up at home on days 5-10. The mean number of tasks performed from the 11 tasks expected to be done by the IMCI guidelines was 6 (SD 1.6). More than 6 tasks were performed in only 35% of children and this varied substantially between health facilities (range 3-85%). All 11 tasks were performed in only 1% of children. The most commonly performed tasks were temperature measurement (91%) and weighing (88%). Respiratory rate was checked in only 4% of children presenting with cough or difficulty in breathing. The likelihood of performing "better than average number of tasks" (> 6) was higher when the consultation was done by medical assistants than doctors (O.R. = 3.16, 1.02-9.20). The number of tasks performed during assessment did not, however, influence clinical outcome (O.R. = 1.02, 0.83-1.24).
Conclusion: Facility-tailored interventions are needed to improve adherence to IMCI guidelines incorporating test-based management of malaria. Studies are needed to re-evaluate the continued validity of tasks defined in IMCI case assessment guidelines. | ,"AFRICAN CHILDREN","CHILDHOOD ILLNESS IMCI",DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES,"INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT",MALARIA,PNEUMONIA,QUALITY,SETTINGS,TANZANIA,WORKERS | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000322310400001 | Protocol for the evaluation of a pay for performance programme in Pwani region in Tanzania: A controlled before and after study | Abdulla, Salim,Binyaruka, Peter,Borghi, Josephine,Maestad, Ottar,Mamdani, Masuma,Mashasi, Irene,Mayumana, Iddy,Njau, Ikunda,Patouillard, Edith | 2013 | IMPLEMENTATION SCIENCE | 8 | None | 10.1186/1748-5908-8-80 | University of London, Ifakara Hlth Inst | None | Background: The use of supply-side incentives to increase health service utilisation and enhance service quality is gaining momentum in many low- and middle-income countries. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the impact of such schemes, their cost-effectiveness, and the process of implementation and potential unintended consequences in these settings. A pay for performance (P4P) programme was introduced in Pwani region of Tanzania in 2011.
Methods/design: An evaluation of the programme will be carried out to inform a potential national rollout. A controlled before and after study will examine the effect of the P4P programme on quality, coverage, and cost of targeted maternal and newborn healthcare services and selected non-targeted services at facilities in Tanzania. Data will be collected from a survey of 75 facilities, 750 patients exiting consultations, over 75 health workers, and 1,500 households of women who delivered in the previous year, in all seven intervention districts. Data will be collected from the same number of respondents in four control districts. A process evaluation will examine: whether the P4P programme was implemented as planned; stakeholder response to the programme and its acceptability; and implementation bottlenecks and facilitating factors. Three rounds of process data collection will be conducted including a review of available P4P documents, individual interviews and focus group discussions with key informants working at facility and district level in five of the intervention districts, and at the regional and national levels. An economic evaluation will measure the cost-effectiveness of P4P relative to current practice from a societal perspective.
Discussion: This evaluation will contribute robust evidence on the impact and cost-effectiveness of P4P in a low income setting, as well as generate a better understanding of the feasibility of integrating complex intervention packages like P4P within health systems in resource poor settings. | "ECONOMIC EVALUATION","impact evaluation","pay for performance","process evaluation",PROTOCOL,Tanzania,"CHILD HEALTH",COUNTRIES,DISTRICT,HEALTH-CARE,PAYMENT,QUALITY,REFORM,RWANDA,SYSTEM | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000300154900001 | Evaluation of knowledge levels amongst village AIDS committees after undergoing HIV educational sessions: results from a pilot study in rural Tanzania | Epsley, Elizabeth J.,Nhandi, Benjamin,Todd, Jim,Urassa, Mark,Wringe, Alison | 2011 | BMC INTERNATIONAL HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS | 11 | None | 10.1186/1472-698X-11-14 | University of London | "Epsley, Elizabeth J.: University of London","Todd, Jim: University of London","Wringe, Alison: University of London", | Background: Village AIDS committees (VAC) were formed by the Tanzanian government in 2003 to provide HIV education to their communities. However, their potential has not been realised due to their limited knowledge and misconceptions surrounding HIV, which could be addressed through training of VAC members. In an attempt to increase HIV knowledge levels and address common misconceptions amongst the VACs, an HIV curriculum was delivered to members in rural north western Tanzania.
Methods: An evaluation of HIV knowledge was conducted prior to and post-delivery of HIV training sessions, within members of three VACs in Kisesa ward. Quantitative surveys were used with several open-ended questions to identify local misconceptions and evaluate HIV knowledge levels. Short educational training sessions covering HIV transmission, prevention and treatment were conducted, with each VAC using quizzes, role-plays and participatory learning and action tools. Post-training surveys occurred up to seven days after the final training session.
Results: Before the training, "good" HIV knowledge was higher amongst men than women (p = 0.041), and among those with previous HIV education (p = 0.002). The trade-centre had a faster turn-over of VAC members, and proximity to the trade-centre was associated with a shorter time on the committee. Training improved HIV knowledge levels with more members achieving a "good" score in the post-training survey compared with the baseline survey (p = < 0.001). The training programme was popular, with 100% of participants requesting further HIV training in the future and 51.7% requesting training at three-monthly intervals.
Conclusions: In this setting, a series of HIV training sessions for VACs demonstrated encouraging results, with increased HIV knowledge levels following short educational sessions. Further work is required to assess the success of VAC members in disseminating this HIV education to their communities, as well as up-scaling this pilot study to other regions in Tanzania with different misconceptions. | ,ACCESS,"AFRICAN YOUTH","ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",DISCRIMINATION,"HEALTH INTERVENTION",PEOPLE,PREVENTION,PROGRAM,SCALING-UP,STIGMA | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000333602200001 | The impact of voluntary counselling and testing services on sexual behaviour change and HIV incidence: observations from a cohort study in rural Tanzania | Cawley, Caoimhe,Kumugola, Yusufu,Michael, Denna,Slaymaker, Emma,Todd, Jim,Urassa, Mark,Wringe, Alison,Zaba, Basia | 2014 | BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES | 14 | None | 10.1186/1471-2334-14-159 | University of London | "Cawley, Caoimhe: University of London","Slaymaker, Emma: University of London","Wringe, Alison: University of London","Zaba, Basia: University of London", | Background: It is widely assumed that voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services contribute to HIV prevention by motivating clients to reduce sexual risk-taking. However, findings from sub-Saharan Africa have been mixed, particularly among HIV-negative persons. We explored associations between VCT use and changes in sexual risk behaviours and HIV incidence using data from a community HIV cohort study in northwest Tanzania.
Methods: Data on VCT use, sexual behaviour and HIV status were available from three HIV serological surveillance rounds undertaken in 2003-4 (Sero4), 2006-7 (Sero5) and 2010 (Sero6). We used multinomial logistic regression to assess changes in sexual risk behaviours between rounds, and Poisson regression to estimate HIV incidence.
Results: The analyses included 3,613 participants attending Sero4 and Sero5 (3,474 HIV-negative and 139 HIV-positive at earlier round) and 2,998 attending Sero5 and Sero6 (2,858 HIV-negative and 140 HIV-positive at earlier round). Among HIV-negative individuals VCT use was associated with reductions in the number of sexual partners in the last year (aRR Seros 4-5: 1.42, 95% CI 1.07-1.88; aRR Seros 5-6: 1.68, 95% CI 1.25-2.26) and in the likelihood of having a non-cohabiting partner in the last year (aRR Seros 4-5: 1.57, 95% CI 1.10-2.25; aRR Seros 5-6: 1.48, 95% CI 1.07-2.04) or a high-risk partner in the last year (aRR Seros 5-6 1.57, 95% CI 1.06-2.31). However, VCT was also associated with stopping using condoms with non-cohabiting partners between Seros 4-5 (aRR 4.88, 95% CI 1.39-17.16). There were no statistically significant associations between VCT use and changes in HIV incidence, nor changes in sexual behaviour among HIV-positive individuals, possibly due to small sample sizes.
Conclusions: We found moderate associations between VCT use and reductions in some sexual risk behaviours among HIV-negative participants, but no impacts among HIV-positive individuals in the context of low overall VCT uptake. Furthermore, there were no significant changes in HIV incidence associated with VCT use, although declining background incidence and small sample sizes may have prevented us from detecting this. The impact of VCT services will ultimately depend upon rates of uptake, with further research required to better understand processes of behaviour change following VCT use. | "COHORT STUDY",HIV,"sexual behaviour",Tanzania,"voluntary counselling and testing",AFRICA,"ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",POPULATIONS,RANDOMIZED-TRIAL,"RISK BEHAVIOR",SPREAD,TRENDS,UGANDA,ZIMBABWE | None | 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 |
| WoS | WOS:000296344400001 | A process evaluation of the scale up of a youth-friendly health services initiative in northern Tanzania | Andrew, Bahati,Changalucha, John,Kato, Charles,Kishamawe, Coleman,Nyalali, Kija,Obasi, Angela,Renju, Jenny | 2010 | JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY | 13 | None | 10.1186/1758-2652-13-32 | University of Liverpool, Mwanza Ctr | "Obasi, Angela: University of Liverpool", | Background: While there are a number of examples of successful small-scale, youth-friendly services interventions aimed at improving reproductive health service provision for young people, these projects are often short term and have low coverage. In order to have a significant, long-term impact, these initiatives must be implemented over a sustained period and on a large scale. We conducted a process evaluation of the 10-fold scale up of an evaluated youth-friendly services intervention in Mwanza Region, Tanzania, in order to identify key facilitating and inhibitory factors from both user and provider perspectives.
Methods: The intervention was scaled up in two training rounds lasting six and 10 months. This process was evaluated through the triangulation of multiple methods: (i) a simulated patient study; (ii) focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with health workers and trainers; (iii) training observations; and (iv) pre- and post-training questionnaires. These methods were used to compare pre- and post-intervention groups and assess differences between the two training rounds.
Results: Between 2004 and 2007, local government officials trained 429 health workers. The training was well implemented and over time, trainers' confidence and ability to lead sessions improved. The district-led training significantly improved knowledge relating to HIV/AIDS and puberty (RR ranged from 1.06 to 2.0), attitudes towards condoms, confidentiality and young people's right to treatment (RR range: 1.23-1.36). Intervention health units scored higher in the family planning and condom request simulated patient scenarios, but lower in the sexually transmitted infection scenario than the control health units. The scale up faced challenges in the selection and retention of trained health workers and was limited by various contextual factors and structural constraints.
Conclusions: Youth-friendly services interventions can remain well delivered, even after expansion through existing systems. The scaling-up process did affect some aspects of intervention quality, and our research supports others in emphasizing the need to train more staff (both clinical and non-clinical) per facility in order to ensure youth-friendly services delivery. Further research is needed to identify effective strategies to address structural constraints and broader social norms that hampered the scale up. | ,ADOLESCENTS,BEHAVIOR,CLINICS,INTERVENTION,PRIMARY-CARE,QUALITY,"RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED-TRIAL","RURAL TANZANIA",SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED-DISEASES,SOUTH-AFRICA | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000285629200014 | Scaling up Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Interventions Through Existing Government Systems? A Detailed Process Evaluation of a School-Based Intervention in Mwanza Region in the Northwest of Tanzania | Andrew, Bahati,Changalucha, John,Kimaryo, Michael,Kishamawe, Coleman,Medard, Lemmy,Obasi, Angela,Renju, Jenny R. | 2011 | JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH | 48 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.05.007 | University of Liverpool | "Obasi, Angela: University of Liverpool", | Purpose: There is little evidence from the developing world of the effect of scale-up on model adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) programmes. In this article, we document the effect of scaling up a school-based intervention (MEMA kwa Vijana) from 62 to 649 schools on the coverage and quality of implementation.
Methods: Observations of 1,111 students' exercise books, 11 ASRH sessions, and 19 peer-assistant role plays were supplemented with interviews with 47 ASRH-trained teachers, to assess the coverage and quality of ASRH sessions in schools.
Results: Despite various modifications, the 10-fold scale-up achieved high coverage. A total of 89% (989) of exercise books contained some MEMA kwa Vijana 2 notes. Teachers were enthusiastic and interacted well with students. Students enjoyed the sessions and scripted role plays strengthened participation. Coverage of the biological topics was higher than the psycho-social sessions. The scale-up was facilitated by the structured nature of the intervention and the examined status of some topics. However, delays in the training, teacher turnover, and a lack of incentive for teaching additional activities were barriers to implementation.
Conclusions: High coverage of participatory school-based reproductive health interventions can be maintained during scale-up. However, this is likely to be associated with significant changes in programme content and delivery. A greater emphasis should be placed on improving teachers' capacity to teach more complex-skills-related activities. Future intervention scale-up should also include an increased level of supervision and may be strengthened by underpinning from national level directives and inclusion of behavioral topics in national examinations. (C) 2011 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. All rights reserved. | ADOLESCENTS,"scaling up","school based interventions","sexual and reproductive health",COMMUNITY-RANDOMIZED-TRIAL,DESIGN,IMPACT,IMPLEMENTATION,KENYA,NEEDS,PROGRAM,QUALITY,"RURAL TANZANIA" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956123586 | Thermal state of permafrost and active-layer monitoring in the antarctic: Advances during the international polar year 2007-2009 | Vieira G., Bockheim J., Guglielmin M., Balks M., Abramov A.A., Boelhouwers J., Cannone N., Ganzert L., Gilichinsky D.A., Goryachkin S., López-Martínez J., Meiklejohn I., Raffi R., Ramos M., Schaefer C., Serrano E., Simas F., Sletten R., Wagner D. | 2010 | Permafrost and Periglacial Processes | 21 | 2 | 10.1002/ppp.685 | University of Lisbon, Institute of Geography and Territorial Planning, Portugal; University of Wisconsin, Soil Science, United States; Insubria University, DBSF, Italy; University of Waikato, Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, New Zealand; IPCABPSS RAS, Soil Cryology, Sweden; Uppsala University, Department of Social and Economic Geography, Sweden; Department of Biology and Evolution, University of Ferrara, Italy; Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Research Unit Potsdam, Germany; Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Geography, Russian Federation; Department of Geology and Geochemistry, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Russian Federation; Rhodes University, Department of Geography, South Africa; Department of Sapienza University, Department of Earth Sciences, Italy; University of Alcala, Department of Physics, Spain; Federal University of Viçosa, Department of Soils, Brazil; University of Valladolid, Department of Geography, Spain; University of Washington, Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington, United States | Vieira, G., University of Lisbon, Institute of Geography and Territorial Planning, Portugal; Bockheim, J., University of Wisconsin, Soil Science, United States; Guglielmin, M., Insubria University, DBSF, Italy; Balks, M., University of Waikato, Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, New Zealand; Abramov, A.A., IPCABPSS RAS, Soil Cryology, Sweden; Boelhouwers, J., Uppsala University, Department of Social and Economic Geography, Sweden; Cannone, N., Department of Biology and Evolution, University of Ferrara, Italy; Ganzert, L., Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Research Unit Potsdam, Germany; Gilichinsky, D.A., IPCABPSS RAS, Soil Cryology, Sweden; Goryachkin, S., Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Geography, Russian Federation; López-Martínez, J., Department of Geology and Geochemistry, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Russian Federation; Meiklejohn, I., Rhodes University, Department of Geography, South Africa; Raffi, R., Department of Sapienza University, Department of Earth Sciences, Italy; Ramos, M., University of Alcala, Department of Physics, Spain; Schaefer, C., Federal University of Viçosa, Department of Soils, Brazil; Serrano, E., University of Valladolid, Department of Geography, Spain; Simas, F., Federal University of Viçosa, Department of Soils, Brazil; Sletten, R., University of Washington, Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington, United States; Wagner, D., Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Research Unit Potsdam, Germany | Results obtained during the International Polar Year (IPY) on the thermal state of permafrost and the active layer in the Antarctic are presented, forming part of ANTPAS (Antarctic Permafrost and Soils'), which was one of the key projects developed by the International Permafrost Association and the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research for the IPY. The number of boreholes for permafrost and active-layer monitoring was increased from 21 to 73 during the IPY, while CALM-S sites to monitor the active layer were increased from 18 to 28. Permafrost temperatures during the IPY were slightly below 0°C in the South Shetlands near sea-level, showing that this area is near the climatic boundary of permafrost and has the highest sensitivity to climate change in the region. Permafrost temperatures were much lower in continental Antarctica: from the coast to the interior and with increasing elevation they ranged between - 13.3°C and - 18.6°C in Northern Victoria Land, from - 17.4°C to -22.5°C in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, and down to -23.6°C at high elevation on Mount Fleming (Ross Island). Other monitored regions in continental Antarctica also showed cold permafrost: Queen Maud Land exhibited values down to - 17.8°C on nunataks, while in Novolazar-evskaya (Schirmacher Oasis) at 80 m a.s.l. the permafrost temperature was -8.3°C. The coastal stations of Molodeznaya at Enderby Land showed permafrost temperatures of -9.8°C, Larsemann Hills - Progress Station in the Vestfold Hills region - recorded -8.5°C, and Russkaya in Marie Byrd Land, - 10.4°C. This snapshot obtained during the IPY shows that the range of ground temperatures in the Antarctic is greater than in the Arctic. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Active layer; Antarctica; ANTPAS; IPY; Permafrost temperature | active layer; freeze-thaw cycle; frozen ground; monitoring system; nunatak; patterned ground; periglacial environment; permafrost; polar region; thermal regime; Antarctica; East Antarctica; McMurdo Dry Valleys; Mount Fleming; Queen Maud Land; South Shetland Islands; Victoria Land | 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-s2.0-84940282570 | Impact and issues of alternative dispute resolution in South Africa with emphasis on workplace dispute | Animashaun O., Odeku K.O., Nevondwe L. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 16 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n16p678 | University of Limpopo, Turfloop, South Africa | Animashaun, O., University of Limpopo, Turfloop, South Africa; Odeku, K.O., University of Limpopo, Turfloop, South Africa; Nevondwe, L., University of Limpopo, Turfloop, South Africa | Informal dispute resolution is increasingly becoming relevant in the dispensation of justice. This is because of its different beneficial approaches to the parties involved especially the poor and the indigents in the society who are unable to afford the huge legal fees involved in formal justice system. With regard to dispute between well-resourced employer and poor vulnerable employee, one will agree that if formal justice is asked to adjudicate, clearly, there will not be fair playing field because the employer will deploy its huge resources to hire the best legal representative while the employee will not be able to do the same. This is why in South Africa aggrieved employees can approach the appropriate institution of justice set up for purposes of resolving labour dispute and institute an action against erring employers even without the assistance of legal practitioners. This article looks at the issue of informal dispute resolution; its applicability other related issues and more importantly the issue whether there is any need for a legal representation in alternative dispute resolution. | Employers/employees; Informal dispute; Justice; Legal representation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904004388 | Impact of Local Economic Development on livelihoods in Ba-Phalaborwa, South Africa | Piet S.M., Mtapuri O. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n14p18 | University of Limpopo, Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, Webster Street, Edupark, Fauna Park, PO Box 759, Polokwane 0787, South Africa | Piet, S.M., University of Limpopo, Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, Webster Street, Edupark, Fauna Park, PO Box 759, Polokwane 0787, South Africa; Mtapuri, O., University of Limpopo, Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, Webster Street, Edupark, Fauna Park, PO Box 759, Polokwane 0787, South Africa | Local Economic Development has been adopted by the South African government as one of the strategies to alleviate poverty and reduce unemployment. This article evaluates the impact of Local Economic Development on the livelihoods of communities in the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality. The article contributes to the understanding of local economic development in the context of community projects which are regarded as LED projects. The article used both qualitative and quantitative research designs in which a questionnaire and interviews were used for data collection. The article argues that there is need to offer adequate infrastructure in order to enhance business development in a rural, sub-urban or urban environment and that local economic development is important in a municipal context in the reduction of poverty, unemployment and the creation of jobs. The major contribution of this article is a model of LED projects which empowers communities for self sufficiency; nurtures community cohesion and development; creates jobs, encourages community participation; generates incomes; fosters cooperation and partnerships; allows for the spread of technical support; promotes networks, local cultures and traditions; and the building of sustainable communities. | Local economic development; Poverty reduction and unemployment | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84917734228 | The experiences of municipal management on the implementation of performance management systems in lepelle- nkumpi local municipality, In limpopo province | Thaba K.L., Kanjere M.M. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 27 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p1216 | University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus, Mankweng), Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, South Africa; University of Limpopo, Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, P O Box 756, Fauna Park, South Africa | Thaba, K.L., University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus, Mankweng), Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, South Africa; Kanjere, M.M., University of Limpopo, Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, P O Box 756, Fauna Park, South Africa | Performance Management Development System has been implemented at local municipalities to measure the performance of the workers and to indirectly combat poor service delivery protests. The program however brought its own inherent challenges. The question that remained was whether the system was effective in developing the workers or not. Thus, an empirical investigation was conducted in Lepelle- Nkumpi local municipality to explore the experiences of municipal management on the implementation of performance management system. The study also looked at the support systems that are in place for the implementation of the programme. Twenty six municipal mana |