| Scopus | 2-s2.0-76349122758 | Performance measurement: Does education impact productivity? | Larbi-Apau J.A., Sarpong D.B. | 2010 | Performance Improvement Quarterly | 22 | 4 | 10.1002/piq.20069 | 384 College of Education, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States; Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana | Larbi-Apau, J.A., 384 College of Education, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States; Sarpong, D.B., Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana | This study investigated the impact of managers' educational levels on productivity in the commercial poultry industry in Ghana. The level of education of 33 production managers of the poultry farms were factored into a Cobb-Douglas production function with other explanatory variables. The computed percentage change in productivity due to higher education relative to secondary education was 10%. The interaction terms of basic education, experience, and extension visits were positive and not statistically significant. Targeting management education could increase productivity in the commercial poultry industry. Educated managers have a higher propensity to adopt technology and alternative production mix for effectiveness and efficiency. This study concludes that higher educational level had a positive impact on productivity in the commercial poultry industry and should be harnessed for improved performance in the domestic and global market. © 2010 International Society for Performance Improvement. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908233859 | The impact of infrastructural change and regulation on entrepreneurial competitiveness in the South African telecommunications sector | Oberholzer S.M., Cullen M., Adendorff C. | 2014 | South African Journal of Business Management | 45 | 3 | None | 5 Seaforth Road, Vincent, East London, South Africa; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Oberholzer, S.M., 5 Seaforth Road, Vincent, East London, South Africa; Cullen, M., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Adendorff, C., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | The fast pace of technological advancements is regarded as one of the global drivers of change. In the telecommunications sector in South Africa, these technological advancements as well as sector transformation pose competitiveness challenges to entrepreneurs. This paper reports an empirical study performed to contribute to the promotion of entrepreneurial competitiveness within the telecommunications sector of the South African economy. From the empirical study, significant relationships proved to exist between the intervening- and independent variables and the dependent variable of this study, namely Perceived Entrepreneurial Competitiveness. The independent variable Infrastructural Change positively influenced both the intervening variable Entrepreneurial Orientation and dependent variable Perceived Entrepreneurial Competitiveness. In the same manner, the independent variables of Regulatory Alignment and Entrepreneurial Mindset did positively influenced Perceived Entrepreneurial Competitiveness within this study. The study found that entrepreneurs can position their businesses more competitively if the factors that impact directly or indirectly on Entrepreneurial Competitiveness in the South African Telecommunications sector are taken in consideration. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943611559 | Impact of an educational intervention on breast cancer knowledge in western Kenya | Kisuya J., Wachira J., Busakhala N., Naanyu V., Chite A.F., Omenge O., Otieno G., Keter A., Mwangi A., Inui T. | 2014 | Health Education Research | 30 | 5 | 10.1093/her/cyv043 | Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Oncology Institute, P.O Box 4606, Eldoret, Kenya; Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya; Department of Behavioral Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya; Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Health Sciences, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya; Department of Medicine, Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States | Kisuya, J., Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Oncology Institute, P.O Box 4606, Eldoret, Kenya; Wachira, J., Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Oncology Institute, P.O Box 4606, Eldoret, Kenya; Busakhala, N., Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Oncology Institute, P.O Box 4606, Eldoret, Kenya, Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya; Naanyu, V., Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Oncology Institute, P.O Box 4606, Eldoret, Kenya, Department of Behavioral Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya; Chite, A.F., Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Oncology Institute, P.O Box 4606, Eldoret, Kenya, Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya; Omenge, O., Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Oncology Institute, P.O Box 4606, Eldoret, Kenya, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Health Sciences, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya; Otieno, G., Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Oncology Institute, P.O Box 4606, Eldoret, Kenya; Keter, A., Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Oncology Institute, P.O Box 4606, Eldoret, Kenya; Mwangi, A., Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Oncology Institute, P.O Box 4606, Eldoret, Kenya, Department of Behavioral Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya; Inui, T., Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Oncology Institute, P.O Box 4606, Eldoret, Kenya, Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya, Department of Medicine, Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States | Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of educational sessions that accompanied breast cancer screening events in three communities in western Kenya between October and November 2013. Five hundred and thirty-two women were recruited to complete a test of breast cancer-relevant knowledge and randomly allocated to 'pre-test' or 'post-test' groups that immediately preceded or followed participation in the educational sessions. The education was organized as a presentation by health professionals and focused mainly on causes of breast cancer, early and late cancer presentation signs, high-risk groups, screening methods to find early-stage breast cancer, self-breast exam procedures and treatment options for this disease. Participants were invited to ask questions and practice finding nodules in silicone breast models. The median age was 35 years (interquartile range: 28-45), and 86% had not undergone breast cancer screening previously. Many individual items in our test of knowledge showed statistically significant shifts to better-informed responses. When all items in the assessment questionnaire were scored as a 'test', on average there was a 2.80 point (95% CI: 2.38, 3.22) significant improvement in knowledge about breast cancer after the educational session. Our study provides evidence for the effectiveness of an educational strategy carefully tailored for women in these communities in Kenya. © 2015 The Author. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. | None | adult; attitude to health; Breast Neoplasms; early diagnosis; female; health education; human; Kenya; middle aged; questionnaire; Adult; Breast Neoplasms; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Health Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Kenya; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires | None |
| None | None | Performance of the ALICE VZERO system | Abbas E., Abelev B., Adam J., Adamová D., Adare A.M., Aggarwal M.M., Aglieri Rinella G., Agnello M., Agocs A.G., Agostinelli A., Ahammed Z., Ahmad N., Ahmad Masoodi A., Ahmed I., Ahn S.A., Ahn S.U., Aimo I., Ajaz M., Akindinov A., Aleksandrov D., Alessand | 2013 | Journal of Instrumentation | 8 | 10 | 10.1088/1748-0221/8/10/P10016 | Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), Cairo, Egypt; A. I. Alikhanyan National Science Laboratory (Yerevan Physics Institute) Foundation, Yerevan, Armenia; Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico; Bogolyubov Institute for Theoretical Physics, Kiev, Ukraine; Bose Institute, Department of Physics, Centre for Astroparticle Physics and Space Science (CAPSS), Kolkata, India; Budker Institute for Nuclear Physics, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States; Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China; Centre de Calcul de lIN2P3, Villeurbanne, France; Centro de Aplicaciones Tecnológicas y Desarrollo Nuclear (CEADEN), Havana, Cuba; Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV), Mexico City and Mérida, Mexico; Centro Fermi - Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche Enrico Fermi, Rome, Italy; Chicago State University, Chicago, United States; Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, IRFU, Saclay, France; COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Islamabad, Pakistan; Departamento de Fisica de Particulas, IGFAE, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India; Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Physics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Physics, Sejong University, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Trieste, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Cagliari, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica, Università La Sapienza and Sezione INFN, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Catania, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica E.R. Caianiello, Università and Gruppo Collegato INFN, Salerno, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Gruppo Collegato INFN, Alessandria, Italy; Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Division of Experimental High Energy Physics, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden; European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Fachhochschule Köln, Köln, Germany; Faculty of Engineering, Bergen University College, Bergen, Norway; Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovakia; Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, South Korea; Gauhati University, Department of Physics, Guwahati, India; Helsinki Institute of Physics (HIP), University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland; Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT), Mumbai, India; Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, (IITI), India; Institut de Physique Nucléaire d'Orsay (IPNO), Université Paris-Sud, CNRS-IN2P3, Orsay, France; Institute for High Energy Physics, Protvino, Russian Federation; Institute for Nuclear Research, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation; Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Institute for Subatomic Physics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics, Moscow, Russian Federation; Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, KoŠice, Slovakia; Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, India; Institute of Physics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic; Institute of Space Sciences (ISS), Bucharest, Romania; Institut für Informatik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Institut für Kernphysik, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany; Institut für Kernphysik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany; Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Instituto de Fisica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien (IPHC), Université de Strasbourg, CNRS-IN2P3, Strasbourg, France; Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR), Dubna, Russian Federation; Kirchhoff-Institut für Physik, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, Daejeon, South Korea; KTO Karatay University, Konya, Turkey; Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire (LPC), Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie (LPSC), Université Joseph Fourier, Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble, Grenoble, France; Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, INFN, Frascati, Italy; Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro, INFN, Legnaro, Italy; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States; Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States; Moscow Engineering Physics Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation; National Centre for Nuclear Studies, Warsaw, Poland; National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Bucharest, Romania; National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, India; Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Nuclear Physics Institute, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Řež u Prahy, Czech Republic; Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States; Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute, Gatchina, Russian Federation; Physics Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States; Physics Department, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India; Physics Department, University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Physics Department, University of Cape Town, National Research Foundation, Somerset West, South Africa; Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India; Physics Department, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India; Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy; Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States; Pusan National University, Pusan, South Korea; Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Rudjer BoŠković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia; Russian Federal Nuclear Center (VNIIEF), Sarov, Russian Federation; Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation; Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India; School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Sección Fisica, Departamento de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perü, Lima, Peru; Sezione INFN, Catania, Italy; Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy; Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Sezione INFN, Cagliari, Italy; Sezione INFN, Trieste, Italy; Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Sezione INFN, Rome, Italy; Nuclear Physics Group, STFC Daresbury Laboratory, Daresbury, United Kingdom; SUBATECH, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand; Technical University of Split FESB, Split, Croatia; Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany; Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland; University of Texas at Austin, Physics Department, Austin, TX, United States; Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Mexico; Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil; Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil; Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, IPN-Lyon, Villeurbanne, France; University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States; University of Technology, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria; University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States; University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, India; Vestfold University College, Tonsberg, Norway; V. Fock Institute for Physics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation; Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland; Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States; Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey; Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea; Zentrum für Technologietransfer und Telekommunikation (ZTT), Fachhochschule Worms, Worms, Germany; M.V.Lomonosov Moscow State University, D.V.Skobeltsyn Institute of Nuclear Physics, Moscow, Russian Federation; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Physics, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Belgrade, Serbia; Institute of Theoretical Physics, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland | Abbas, E., Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), Cairo, Egypt; Abelev, B., Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States; Adam, J., Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Adamová, D., Nuclear Physics Institute, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Řež u Prahy, Czech Republic; Adare, A.M., Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Aggarwal, M.M., Physics Department, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India; Aglieri Rinella, G., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland, Fachhochschule Köln, Köln, Germany; Agnello, M., Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy, Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Agocs, A.G., Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Agostinelli, A., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Ahammed, Z., Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, India; Ahmad, N., Department of Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India; Ahmad Masoodi, A., Department of Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India; Ahmed, I., COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Islamabad, Pakistan; Ahn, S.A., Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, Daejeon, South Korea; Ahn, S.U., Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, Daejeon, South Korea; Aimo, I., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy, Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Ajaz, M., COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Islamabad, Pakistan; Akindinov, A., Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics, Moscow, Russian Federation; Aleksandrov, D., Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation; Alessandro, B., Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Alexandre, D., School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Alfaro Molina, R., Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Alici, A., Centro Fermi - Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche Enrico Fermi, Rome, Italy, Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Alkin, A., Bogolyubov Institute for Theoretical Physics, Kiev, Ukraine; Almaráz Aviña, E., Instituto de Fisica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Alme, J., Faculty of Engineering, Bergen University College, Bergen, Norway; Alt, T., Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Altini, V., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Altinpinar, S., Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Altsybeev, I., V. Fock Institute for Physics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation; Andrei, C., National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Bucharest, Romania; Andronic, A., Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Anguelov, V., Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Anielski, J., Institut für Kernphysik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany; Anson, C., Department of Physics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Antičic, T., Rudjer BoŠković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia; Antinori, F., Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy; Antonioli, P., Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Aphecetche, L., SUBATECH, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Appelshauser, H., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Arbor, N., Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie (LPSC), Université Joseph Fourier, Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble, Grenoble, France; Arcelli, S., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Arend, A., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Armesto, N., Departamento de Fisica de Particulas, IGFAE, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Arnaldi, R., Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Aronsson, T., Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Arsene, I.C., Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Arslandok, M., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Asryan, A., V. Fock Institute for Physics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation; Augustinus, A., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Averbeck, R., Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Awes, T.C., Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States; Äystö, J., Helsinki Institute of Physics (HIP), University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland; Azmi, M.D., Department of Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India, Physics Department, University of Cape Town, National Research Foundation, Somerset West, South Africa; Bach, M., Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Badalà, A., Sezione INFN, Catania, Italy; Baek, Y.W., Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, South Korea, Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire (LPC), Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Bailhache, R., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Bala, R., Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India, Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Baldisseri, A., Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, IRFU, Saclay, France; Baltasar Dos Santos Pedrosa, F., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Bán, J., Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, KoŠice, Slovakia; Baral, R.C., Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, India; Barbera, R., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Catania, Italy; Barile, F., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Barnaföldi, G.G., Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Barnby, L.S., School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Barret, V., Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire (LPC), Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Bartke, J., Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland; Basile, M., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Bastid, N., Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire (LPC), Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Basu, S., Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, India; Bathen, B., Institut für Kernphysik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany; Batigne, G., SUBATECH, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Batyunya, B., Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR), Dubna, Russian Federation; Batzing, P.C., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Baumann, C., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Bearden, I.G., Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Beck, H., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Behera, N.K., Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT), Mumbai, India; Belikov, I., Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien (IPHC), Université de Strasbourg, CNRS-IN2P3, Strasbourg, France; Bellini, F., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Bellwied, R., University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States; Belmont-Moreno, E., Instituto de Fisica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Bencedi, G., Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Beole, S., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Berceanu, I., National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Bucharest, Romania; Bercuci, A., National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Bucharest, Romania; Berdnikov, Y., Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute, Gatchina, Russian Federation; Berenyi, D., Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Bergognon, A.A.E., SUBATECH, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Bertens, R.A., Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Institute for Subatomic Physics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Berzano, D., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy, Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Betev, L., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Bhasin, A., Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India; Bhati, A.K., Physics Department, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India; Bhom, J., University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Bianchi, L., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Bianchi, N., Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, INFN, Frascati, Italy; Bianchin, C., Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Institute for Subatomic Physics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Bielčík, J., Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Bielčíková, J., Nuclear Physics Institute, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Řež u Prahy, Czech Republic; Bilandzic, A., Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Bjelogrlic, S., Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Institute for Subatomic Physics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Blanco, F., Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain; Blanco, F., University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States; Blau, D., Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation; Blume, C., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Boccioli, M., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Böttger, S., Institut für Informatik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Bogdanov, A., Moscow Engineering Physics Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation; Bøggild, H., Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Bogolyubsky, M., Institute for High Energy Physics, Protvino, Russian Federation; Boldizsár, L., Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Bombara, M., Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovakia; Book, J., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Borel, H., Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, IRFU, Saclay, France; Borissov, A., Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States; Bossu, F., Physics Department, University of Cape Town, National Research Foundation, Somerset West, South Africa; Botje, M., Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Botta, E., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Braidot, E., Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States; Braun-Munzinger, P., Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Bregant, M., SUBATECH, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Breitner, T., Institut für Informatik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Broker, T.A., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Browning, T.A., Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States; Broz, M., Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia; Brun, R., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Bruna, E., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy, Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Bruno, G.E., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Budnikov, D., Russian Federal Nuclear Center (VNIIEF), Sarov, Russian Federation; Buesching, H., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Bufalino, S., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy, Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Buncic, P., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Busch, O., Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Buthelezi, Z., Physics Department, University of Cape Town, National Research Foundation, Somerset West, South Africa; Caffarri, D., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy, Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy; Cai, X., Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China; Caines, H., Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Calvo Villar, E., Sección Fisica, Departamento de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perü, Lima, Peru; Camerini, P., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Trieste, Italy; Canoa Roman, V., Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV), Mexico City and Mérida, Mexico; Cara Romeo, G., Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Carena, W., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Carena, F., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Carlin Filho, N., Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil; Carminati, F., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Casanova Díaz, A., Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, INFN, Frascati, Italy; Castillo Castellanos, J., Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, IRFU, Saclay, France; Castillo Hernandez, J.F., Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Casula, E.A.R., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Cagliari, Italy; Catanescu, V., National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Bucharest, Romania; Cavicchioli, C., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Ceballos Sanchez, C., Centro de Aplicaciones Tecnológicas y Desarrollo Nuclear (CEADEN), Havana, Cuba; Cepila, J., Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Cerello, P., Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Chang, B., Helsinki Institute of Physics (HIP), University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland, Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Chapeland, S., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Charvet, J.L., Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, IRFU, Saclay, France; Chattopadhyay, S., Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, India; Chattopadhyay, S., Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India; Cherney, M., Physics Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States; Cheshkov, C., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, IPN-Lyon, Villeurbanne, France; Cheynis, B., Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, IPN-Lyon, Villeurbanne, France; Chibante Barroso, V., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Chinellato, D.D., University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States; Chochula, P., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Chojnacki, M., Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Choudhury, S., Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, India; Christakoglou, P., Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Christensen, C.H., Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Christiansen, P., Division of Experimental High Energy Physics, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden; Chujo, T., University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Chung, S.U., Pusan National University, Pusan, South Korea; Cicalo, C., Sezione INFN, Cagliari, Italy; Cifarelli, L., Centro Fermi - Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche Enrico Fermi, Rome, Italy, Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Cindolo, F., Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Cleymans, J., Physics Department, University of Cape Town, National Research Foundation, Somerset West, South Africa; Colamaria, F., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Colella, D., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Collu, A., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Cagliari, Italy; Conesa Balbastre, G., Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie (LPSC), Université Joseph Fourier, Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble, Grenoble, France; Conesa Del Valle, Z., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland, Institut de Physique Nucléaire d'Orsay (IPNO), Université Paris-Sud, CNRS-IN2P3, Orsay, France; Connors, M.E., Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Contin, G., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Trieste, Italy; Contreras, J.G., Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV), Mexico City and Mérida, Mexico; Cormier, T.M., Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States; Corrales Morales, Y., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Cortese, P., Dipartimento di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Gruppo Collegato INFN, Alessandria, Italy; Cortés Maldonado, I., Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico; Cosentino, M.R., Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States; Costa, F., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Cotallo, M.E., Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain; Crescio, E., Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV), Mexico City and Mérida, Mexico; Crochet, P., Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire (LPC), Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Cruz Alaniz, E., Instituto de Fisica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Cruz Albino, R., Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV), Mexico City and Mérida, Mexico; Cuautle, E., Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Cunqueiro, L., Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, INFN, Frascati, Italy; Dainese, A., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy, Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy; Dang, R., Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China; Danu, A., Institute of Space Sciences (ISS), Bucharest, Romania; Das, K., Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India; Das, I., Institut de Physique Nucléaire d'Orsay (IPNO), Université Paris-Sud, CNRS-IN2P3, Orsay, France; Das, S., Bose Institute, Department of Physics, Centre for Astroparticle Physics and Space Science (CAPSS), Kolkata, India; Das, D., Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India; Dash, S., Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT), Mumbai, India; Dash, A., Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil; De, S., Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, India; De Barros, G.O.V., Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil; De Caro, A., Centro Fermi - Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche Enrico Fermi, Rome, Italy, Dipartimento di Fisica E.R. Caianiello, Università and Gruppo Collegato INFN, Salerno, Italy; De Cataldo, G., Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; De Cuveland, J., Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; De Falco, A., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Cagliari, Italy; De Gruttola, D., Centro Fermi - Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche Enrico Fermi, Rome, Italy, Dipartimento di Fisica E.R. Caianiello, Università and Gruppo Collegato INFN, Salerno, Italy; Delagrange, H., SUBATECH, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Deloff, A., National Centre for Nuclear Studies, Warsaw, Poland; De Marco, N., Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Dénes, E., Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; De Pasquale, S., Dipartimento di Fisica E.R. Caianiello, Università and Gruppo Collegato INFN, Salerno, Italy; Deppman, A., Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil; D Erasmo, G., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; De Rooij, R., Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Institute for Subatomic Physics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Diaz Corchero, M.A., Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain; Di Bari, D., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Dietel, T., Institut für Kernphysik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany; Di Giglio, C., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Di Liberto, S., Sezione INFN, Rome, Italy; Di Mauro, A., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Di Nezza, P., Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, INFN, Frascati, Italy; Divià, R., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Djuvsland, Ø., Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Dobrin, A., Division of Experimental High Energy Physics, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden, Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Institute for Subatomic Physics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States; Dobrowolski, T., National Centre for Nuclear Studies, Warsaw, Poland; Dönigus, B., Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany, Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Dordic, O., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Dubey, A.K., Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, India; Dubla, A., Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Institute for Subatomic Physics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Ducroux, L., Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, IPN-Lyon, Villeurbanne, France; Dupieux, P., Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire (LPC), Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Dutta Majumdar, A.K., Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India; Elia, D., Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Emschermann, D., Institut für Kernphysik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany; Engel, H., Institut für Informatik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Erazmus, B., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland, SUBATECH, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Erdal, H.A., Faculty of Engineering, Bergen University College, Bergen, Norway; Eschweiler, D., Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Espagnon, B., Institut de Physique Nucléaire d'Orsay (IPNO), Université Paris-Sud, CNRS-IN2P3, Orsay, France; Estienne, M., SUBATECH, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Esumi, S., University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Evans, D., School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Evdokimov, S., Institute for High Energy Physics, Protvino, Russian Federation; Eyyubova, G., Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Fabris, D., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy, Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy; Faivre, J., Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie (LPSC), Université Joseph Fourier, Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble, Grenoble, France; Falchieri, D., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Fantoni, A., Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, INFN, Frascati, Italy; Fasel, M., Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Fehlker, D., Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Feldkamp, L., Institut für Kernphysik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany; Felea, D., Institute of Space Sciences (ISS), Bucharest, Romania; Feliciello, A., Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Fenton-Olsen, B., Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States; Feofilov, G., V. Fock Institute for Physics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation; Fernández Téllez, A., Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico; Ferretti, A., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Festanti, A., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy; Figiel, J., Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland; Figueredo, M.A.S., Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil; Filchagin, S., Russian Federal Nuclear Center (VNIIEF), Sarov, Russian Federation; Finogeev, D., Institute for Nuclear Research, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation; Fionda, F.M., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Fiore, E.M., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Floratos, E., Physics Department, University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Floris, M., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Foertsch, S., Physics Department, University of Cape Town, National Research Foundation, Somerset West, South Africa; Foka, P., Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Fokin, S., Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation; Fragiacomo, E., Sezione INFN, Trieste, Italy; Francescon, A., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy, European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Frankenfeld, U., Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Fuchs, U., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Furget, C., Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie (LPSC), Université Joseph Fourier, Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble, Grenoble, France; Fusco Girard, M., Dipartimento di Fisica E.R. Caianiello, Università and Gruppo Collegato INFN, Salerno, Italy; Gaardhøje, J.J., Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Gagliardi, M., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Gago, A., Sección Fisica, Departamento de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perü, Lima, Peru; Gallio, M., Dipartimento di Fisica, Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy; Gangadharan, D.R., Department of Physics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Ganoti, P., Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States; Garabatos, C., Research Division, ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany; Garcia-Solis, E., Chicago State University, Chicago, United States; Gargiulo, C., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Garishvili, I., Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States; Gerhard, J., Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Germain, M., SUBATECH, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Geuna, C., Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, IRFU, Saclay, France; Gheata, M., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland, Institute of Space Sciences (ISS), Bucharest, Romania; Gheata, A., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Ghidini, B., Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica M. Merlin, Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy; Ghosh, P., Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, India; Gianotti, P., Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, INFN, Frascati, Italy; Giubellino, P., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Gladysz-Dziadus, E., Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland; Glassel, P., Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Gomez, R., Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV), Mexico City and Mérida, Mexico, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Mexico; Ferreiro, E.G., Departamento de Fisica de Particulas, IGFAE, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; González-Trueba, L.H., Instituto de Fisica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; González-Zamora, P., Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain; Gorbunov, S., Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Goswami, A., Physics Department, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India; Gotovac, S., Technical University of Split FESB, Split, Croatia; Grabski, V., Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Graczykowski, L.K., Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland; Grajcarek, R., Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Grelli, A., Nikhef, National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Institute for Subatomic Physics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Grigoras, C., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Grigoras, A., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Grigoriev, V., Moscow Engineering Physics Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation; Grigoryan, A., A. I. Alikhanyan National Science Laboratory (Yerevan Physics Institute) Foundation, Yerevan, Armenia; Grigoryan, S., Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR), Dubna, Russian Federation; Grinyov, B., Bogolyubov Institute for Theoretical Physics, Kiev, Ukraine; Grion, N., Sezione INFN, Trieste, Italy; Gros, P., Division of Experimental High Energy Physics, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden; Grosse-Oetringhaus, J.F., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Grossiord, J.-Y., Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, IPN-Lyon, Villeurbanne, France; Grosso, R., European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland; Guber, F., Institute for Nuclear Research, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation; Guernane, R., Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie (LPSC), Université Joseph Fourier, Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble, Grenoble, France; Guerzoni, B., Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy; Guilbaud, M., Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, IPN-Lyon, Villeurbanne, France; Gulbrandsen, K., Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Gulkanyan, H., A. I. Alikhanyan National Science Laboratory (Yerevan Physics Institute) Foundation, Yerevan, Armenia; Gunji, T., University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Gupta, A., Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India; Gupta, R., Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India; Haake, R., Institut für Kernphysik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany; Haaland, Ø., Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Hadjidakis, C., Institut de Physique Nucléaire d'Orsay (IPNO), Université Paris-Sud, CNRS-IN2P3, Orsay, France; Haiduc, M., Institute of Space Sciences (ISS), Bucharest, Romania; Hamagaki, H., University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Hamar, G., Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Han, B.H., Department of Physics, Sejong University, Seoul, South Korea; Hanratty, L.D., School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Hansen, A., Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Harmanová-Tothová, Z., Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik | None | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944789912 | Effect of educational outreach timing and duration on facility performance for infectious disease care in Uganda: A trial with pre-post and cluster randomized controlled components | Burnett S.M., Mbonye M.K., Naikoba S., Stella Z.-M., Kinoti S.N., Ronald A., Rubashembusya T., Willis K.S., Colebunders R., Manabe Y.C., Weaver M.R. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0136966 | Accordia Global Health Foundation, Washington, DC, United States; Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Center for Human Services, University Research Co. LLC, Bethesda, MD, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; PATH, Seattle, WA, United States; Save the Children, Kampala, Uganda; International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Uganda Country Office, Wandegeya, Uganda; Fio Corporation, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Manchester, Institute for Development Policy and Management, Manchester, United Kingdom; U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Rockville, MD, United States | Burnett, S.M., Accordia Global Health Foundation, Washington, DC, United States, Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, PATH, Seattle, WA, United States; Mbonye, M.K., Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Naikoba, S., Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, Save the Children, Kampala, Uganda; Stella, Z.-M., Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Uganda Country Office, Wandegeya, Uganda; Kinoti, S.N., Center for Human Services, University Research Co. LLC, Bethesda, MD, United States, Fio Corporation, Toronto, ON, Canada; Ronald, A., Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Rubashembusya, T., Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, University of Manchester, Institute for Development Policy and Management, Manchester, United Kingdom; Willis, K.S., Accordia Global Health Foundation, Washington, DC, United States, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Rockville, MD, United States; Colebunders, R., Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Manabe, Y.C., Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Weaver, M.R., International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States | Background: Classroom-based learning is often insufficient to ensure high quality care and application of health care guidelines. Educational outreach is garnering attention as a supplemental method to enhance health care worker capacity, yet there is little information about the timing and duration required to improve facility performance. We sought to evaluate the effects of an infectious disease training program followed by either immediate or delayed on-site support (OSS), an educational outreach approach, on nine facility performance indicators for emergency triage, assessment, and treatment; malaria; and pneumonia. We also compared the effects of nine monthly OSS visits to extended OSS, with three additional visits over six months. Methods: This study was conducted at 36 health facilities in Uganda, covering 1,275,960 outpatient visits over 23 months. From April 2010 to December 2010, 36 sites received infectious disease training; 18 randomly selected sites in arm A received nine monthly OSS visits (immediate OSS) and 18 sites in arm B did not. From March 2011 to September 2011, arm A sites received three additional visits every two months (extended OSS), while the arm B sites received eight monthly OSS visits (delayed OSS). We compared the combined effect of training and delayed OSS to training followed by immediate OSS to determine the effect of delaying OSS implementation by nine months. We also compared facility performance in arm A during the extended OSS to immediate OSS to examine the effect of additional, less frequent OSS. Results: Delayed OSS, when combined with training, was associated with significant pre/post improvements in four indicators: outpatients triaged (44% vs. 87%, aRR = 1.54, 99% CI = 1.11, 2.15); emergency and priority patients admitted, detained, or referred (16% vs. 31%, aRR = 1.74, 99% CI = 1.10, 2.75); patients with a negative malaria test result prescribed an antimalarial (53% vs. 34%, aRR = 0.67, 99% CI = 0.55, 0.82); and pneumonia suspects assessed for pneumonia (6% vs. 27%, aRR = 2.97, 99% CI = 1.44, 6.17). Differences between the delayed OSS and immediate OSS arms were not statistically significant for any of the nine indicators (all adjusted relative RR (aRRR) between 0.76-1.44, all p>0.06). Extended OSS was associated with significant improvement in two indicators (outpatients triaged: aRR = 1.09, 99% CI = 1.01; emergency and priority patients admitted, detained, or referred: aRR = 1.22, 99% CI = 1.01, 1.38) and decline in one (pneumonia suspects assessed for pneumonia: aRR: 0.93; 99% CI = 0.88, 0.98). Conclusions: Educational outreach held up to nine months after training had similar effects on facility performance as educational outreach started within one month post-training. Six months of bimonthly educational outreach maintained facility performance gains, but incremental improvements were heterogeneous. Copyright: © 2015 Burnett et al. | None | Article; case management; clinical assessment; controlled study; emergency health service; fever; health care facility; health care quality; human; infection control; malaria; medical education; outcome assessment; pneumonia; randomized controlled trial; Uganda | None |
| WoS | WOS:000272445000006 | The Developmental Impact of Asian Drivers on Ethiopia with Emphasis on Small-scale Footwear Producers | Gebre-Egziabher, Tegegne | 2009 | WORLD ECONOMY | 32 | 11 | 10.1111/j.1467-9701.2009.01252.x | Addis Ababa University | None | (1252) Tegegne Gebre-Egziabher
This paper examines the developmental impact of China and India on Ethiopia by examining macro-level trade, investment and aid relation, and micro-level impacts on local micro and small-scale footwear producers. Both secondary and primary data were used. At macro level there are clear evidences of an increase in trade between Ethiopia on the one hand and China and India on the other, though the trade balance disfavours Ethiopia. China has displaced other countries as export destinations for Ethiopia. Similarly, the presence of China and India is also felt in the areas of investment and aid. At local level, Chinese imports of footwear have forced local enterprises to downsize their activity and lose assets and money. At the same time, however, firms have followed both the high road of competition (design and quality improvement, investment in machinery, product specialisation) and the low road of competition (lowering price and profit, reducing raw materials and inputs, and joining the informal sector) to withstand the impact of Chinese imports. The long-term effect of Chinese imports is to crowd out local efforts of using the sector as the basis for industrialisation. Government, non-government organisations and local producers should work together in order to withstand the negative impacts of footwear imports by raising the competitiveness of the local producers. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951882580 | Impacts of land certification on tenure security, investment, and land market participation: Evidence from Ethiopia | Deininger K., Ali D.A., Alemu T. | 2011 | Land Economics | 87 | 2 | None | Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Deininger, K., Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ali, D.A., Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Alemu, T., Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | While early attempts at land titling in Africa were often unsuccessful, factors such as new legislation, low-cost methods, and increasing demand for land have generated renewed interest. A four-period panel allows use of a pipeline and difference-indifferences approach to assess impacts of land registration in Ethiopia. We find that the program increased tenure security, land-related investment, and rental market participation and yielded benefits significantly above the cost of implementation. © 2011 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. | None | certification; implementation process; land market; land registration; land tenure; rental sector; tenure system; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548414867 | Cape Town and the two oceans marathon: The impact of sport tourism | Kotze N. | 2006 | Urban Forum | 17 | 3 | 10.1007/s12132-006-0013-8 | Department of Geography, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Kotze, N., Department of Geography, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879830246 | Evaluation of the prevalence, progression and severity of common adverse reactions (Lipodystrophy, CNS, peripheral neuropathy, and hypersensitivity reactions) associated with Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) and anti-tuberculosis treatment in outpatients in | Nemaura T., Dhoro M., Nhachi C., Kadzirange G., Chonzi P., Masimirembwa C. | 2013 | Journal of AIDS and Clinical Research | 4 | 4 | 10.4172/2155-6113.1000203 | African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, P.O. Box 2294, Harare, Zimbabwe; College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe; Department of Health, Harare City Council, Zimbabwe | Nemaura, T., African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, P.O. Box 2294, Harare, Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe; Dhoro, M., African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, P.O. Box 2294, Harare, Zimbabwe; Nhachi, C., College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe; Kadzirange, G., College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe; Chonzi, P., Department of Health, Harare City Council, Zimbabwe; Masimirembwa, C., African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, P.O. Box 2294, Harare, Zimbabwe | Introduction: The use of many anti-retroviral drugs has been associated with a myriad of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) which could limit successful treatment outcome with respect to patient compliance and quality of life. An additional consideration is the high incidence of HIV infection with tuberculosis (TB) in Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, and the use of co-treatment regimens. Methods: The study is a cross sectional, case-control study of 433 out-patients conducted at two hospitals in Zimbabwe. The patients were profiled for adverse reactions namely central nervous system side-effects (CNS), lipodystrophy (LD), skin hypersensitivity (SH), and peripheral neuropathy (PN). Assignment of the case and the control status of a patient was done based on occurrence of these adverse drug reactions in each of the HIV/AIDS only, TB only and HIV/TB co-infection patient groups. Results: Among the HIV/AIDS only treatment group (n= 240), the incidences of major ADRs were PN (63%), LD (38%), CNS (29%) and SH (21%). In the TB only treatment group (n=92), the major ADRs were PN (49%), CNS (29%), and SH (14%). In the HIV-TB co-treatment group (n=98), the major ADRs were PN (64%), CNS (39%), LD (6%) and SH (18%). A significant number of females were on alternate first line treatment that has no stavudine as compared to males (OR=1.98, CI (1.1, 3.59); p=0.03). Occurrence of CNS adverse drug reactions were more associated with patients on efavirenz than other HIV-drug combinations (43% vs. 17%, p<0.00001). Conclusion: The use of anti-retroviral drugs and anti-TB drugs is associated with very high incidences of adverse drug reactions. There is therefore need to understand the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms of these ADRs so as to identify patients at risk and to provide guidelines for the choice of drug and dosage to ensure safe and efficacious treatment outcomes. © 2013 Nemaura T, et al. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856060931 | Making music, making money: Informal musical production and performance in venda, South Africa | McNeill F.G. | 2012 | Africa | 82 | 1 | 10.1017/S000197201100074X | Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | McNeill, F.G., Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This article presents an ethnographic analysis of the popular economy of informal musical production in the Venda region of South Africa. It focuses on the activities surrounding the Burnin' Shak Studio, a recording house that specializes in reggae music. Reliant on second-hand computers, pirated software, borrowed instruments, networks of trust and cycles of debt, musicians and producers in the Burnin' Shak occupy a distinctly peripheral position in South Africa's music industry. Unlike artists in the formal sphere of musical production, who sign deals with specific record labels, musicians in the informal sector seek out sponsors usually young local businessmen to fund their recordings with local producers. Marketing and distribution is the sole responsibility of the artist and the sponsor, who often develop a patronclient relationship. And yet whilst the artists' entrepreneurial activity often earns them significant airplay on local radio stations, and associated cultural capital, the financial benefits are slim. In order to convert their cultural capital into cash, musicians in the informal sector must compete in the market for performances at government-sponsored shows. These shows are well funded by lucrative tenders, but they present musicians with a double-edged sword. To secure a contract with tender holders or to entertain hopes of regular paid performances musicians must ensure that these performances do not express critical political sentiment. As purveyors of a genre renowned for its critical social commentary, reggae musicians are particularly affected by this expectation of self-censorship. Informal musical production in the post-apartheid era thus affords musicians little artistic freedom. Rather, whilst the products of this culture industry may appear to be part of a secondary economy, removed from the spheres of formalized production and control, they are in fact regulated and standardized through the process of tender allocation. © International African Institute 2012. | None | informal sector; music; Limpopo; South Africa; Venda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856401418 | Quality control and performance of HIV rapid tests in a microbicide clinical trial in rural KwaZulu-Natal | von Knorring N., Gafos M., Ramokonupi M., Jentsch U. | 2012 | PLoS ONE | 7 | 1 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0030728 | Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa; Contract Laboratory Services, University of the Witwatersrand Health Consortium, Johannesburg, South Africa | von Knorring, N., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa; Gafos, M., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Ramokonupi, M., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Jentsch, U., Contract Laboratory Services, University of the Witwatersrand Health Consortium, Johannesburg, South Africa | Background: Quality control (QC) and evaluation of HIV rapid test procedures are an important aspect of HIV prevention trials. We describe QC and performance of two rapid tests, Determine™ and Uni-Gold™ used in a microbicide clinical trial in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods/Results: Internal QC of both HIV rapid tests was conducted at the trial site using a Uni-Gold control kit (Uni-Gold™Recombigen® HIV). Both assays produced the expected results for a total of 4637 QC tests. Study participants were tested for HIV at screening and, if enrolled, at regular time points throughout the study. Positive or discordant results were confirmed by a double HIV immunoassay testing strategy at a local laboratory. Overall, 15292 HIV rapid test were performed. Sensitivity and specificity of Determine was 98.95% (95% CI: 97.72-99.61) and 99.83% (95% CI: 99.70-99.91) respectively [positive predictive value (PPV) 97.91% (95% CI: 96.38-98.92)], for Uni-Gold it was 99.30% (95% CI: 98.21-99.81) and 99.96% (95% CI: 99.88-99.99) respectively [PPV 99.47% (95% CI: 98.46-99.89)]. Conclusions: The results suggest that a Uni-Gold control kit can be used for internal QC of both Uni-Gold and the HIV-1 component of the Determine rapid tests. Both rapid tests performed proficiently in the trial population. © 2012 von Knorring et al. | None | microbicide; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; antiinfective agent; adult; article; controlled study; female; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunoassay; major clinical study; male; predictive value; quality control; rural area; sensitivity and specificity; South Africa; analytical equipment; clinical trial (topic); diagnostic procedure; drug effect; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; isolation and purification; methodology; microbiological examination; quality control; rural population; standard; virology; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Clinical Trials as Topic; Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; Female; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Immunoassay; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Quality Control; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Rural Population; South Africa; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940329574 | Prevalence, determinants and impact of unawareness about the health consequences of tobacco use among 17 929 school personnel in 29 African countries | Agaku I.T., Filippidis F.T. | 2014 | BMJ Open | 4 | 8 | 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-005837 | Africa Tobacco Control Regional Initiative, Ogba-Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom | Agaku, I.T., Africa Tobacco Control Regional Initiative, Ogba-Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Filippidis, F.T., School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom | Objectives: To assess prevalence, determinants and impact of unawareness about the health consequences of tobacco use among school personnel in Africa. Design: Cross-sectional surveys. Setting: Twenty-nine African countries. Participants: Representative samples of school personnel from 29 African countries (n=17 929), using data from the 2006-2011 Global School Personnel Surveys. Outcome: We assessed if school personnel were aware of the following five facts about tobacco use: (1) tobacco use is addictive; (2) secondhand smoke exposure is harmful; (3) smoking causes lung cancer; (4) smoking causes heart disease and (5) smoking does not cause malaria. Using multivariate logistic regression, we measured the impact of unawareness of the health consequences of tobacco use on behaviour and attitudes towards tobacco control. Results: A median of 62.6% of school personnel were unaware of at least one health consequence of tobacco use. School personnel in countries with mandatory cigarette health warning labels had lower odds of being unaware of any health consequence of tobacco use than countries where health warning labels were not mandatory (adjusted OR [aOR]=0.51; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.71). A significant dose-response relationship was seen between being ignorant of 1; 2; or ≥3 tobacco use health consequences respectively (compared with not being ignorant of any), and the odds of the following outcomes: non-support of bans on tobacco industry sponsorship of school or extracurricular activities (aOR=1.47; 1.91; and 2.98); non-support of bans on all tobacco advertisements (aOR=1.24; 1.78; and 2.68) and non-support of policies prohibiting tobacco use by school personnel on campus (aOR=1.79; 4.45; and 4.56). Conclusions: Unawareness of the health consequences of tobacco use was associated with poor support for tobacco control policies. Intensified efforts are needed in African countries to warn about the dangers of tobacco use. | None | administrative personnel; adult; advertizing; article; attitude to health; awareness; Burkina Faso; Cameroon; Central African Republic; Congo; controlled study; cross-sectional study; Djibouti; Eritrea; female; Ghana; Guinea-Bissau; health care policy; health care survey; health impact assessment; heart disease; human; human experiment; Lesotho; Libyan Arab Jamahiriya; lung cancer; malaria; Malawi; male; Mauritania; Mauritius; Morocco; Namibia; Niger; normal human; passive smoking; Rwanda; school; school personnel; Senegal; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; smoking; Somalia; South Africa; Sudan; Swaziland; tobacco; tobacco industry; tobacco use; Togo; Tunisia; Uganda; Zimbabwe; adolescent; adverse effects; Africa; awareness; health; middle aged; prevalence; school; Tobacco Use Disorder; university; passive smoking; Adolescent; Adult; Africa; Awareness; Cross-Sectional Studies; Faculty; Female; Health; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Schools; Smoking; Tobacco Smoke Pollution; Tobacco Use Disorder | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873552609 | Evaluation of sorghum genotypes compatibility with Fusarium oxysporum under Striga infestation | Rebeka G., Shimelis H., Laing M.D., Tongoona P., Mandefro N. | 2013 | Crop Science | 53 | 2 | 10.2135/cropsci2012.02.0101 | African Centre for Crop Improvement, Univ. of Kwazulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Debrebirhan Agricultural Research Centre, Amhara Regional Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 112, Debrebirhan, Ethiopia; Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, P.O. Box 62158, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Rebeka, G., African Centre for Crop Improvement, Univ. of Kwazulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Debrebirhan Agricultural Research Centre, Amhara Regional Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 112, Debrebirhan, Ethiopia; Shimelis, H., African Centre for Crop Improvement, Univ. of Kwazulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Laing, M.D., African Centre for Crop Improvement, Univ. of Kwazulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Tongoona, P., African Centre for Crop Improvement, Univ. of Kwazulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Mandefro, N., Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, P.O. Box 62158, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Combined use of host resistance and Fusarium oxysporum as a biocontrol agent may provide enhanced management of Striga hermonthica (Delile) Benth. in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. The objective of this study was to identify sorghum genotypes compatible with F. oxysporum and to determine the potential of this biocontrol agent for controlling Striga. Fifty sorghum genotypes were evaluated in the greenhouse in Striga-infested soils with and without inoculation by F. oxysporum. A supplementary laboratory study was conducted to investigate the growth and proliferation of F. oxysporum in the soil and sorghum roots. Data were recorded on crop growth parameters, Striga incidence and colonization, and the persistence of F. oxysporum in the soil and on plant roots, using samples taken at 45 and 60 d after planting. Inoculation with F. oxysporum significantly shortened days to maturity compared to noninoculated plants. plant height, biomass, panicle length, and seed yield per plant were higher in F. oxysporum treated pots. Striga emergence was delayed and vigor and overall incidence of the parasite was significantly reduced in Fusarium-treated pots. The number of Fusarium colony forming units obtained from soil and plant samples were significantly different between genotypes. Three principal components (pCs) contributed to 67.31% of the total variation among the genotypes. principal component 1, pC2, and pC3 contributed 27, 23, and 18%, respectively, to the total variance. Days to Striga emergence and Striga count and height correlated with pC1 while sorghum panicle length and plant height with pC2 and days to sorghum flowering and maturity with pC3. Thus, 12 promising sorghum lines were identified with farmer-preferred agronomic traits and with F. oxysporum compatibility. This result is valuable in the development of Striga control in sorghum through integration of host resistance and F. oxysporum inoculation. © Crop Science Society of America. | None | Fusarium; Fusarium oxysporum; Sorghum bicolor; Striga; Striga hermonthica | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903559734 | The lover and another: A consideration of the efficacy of utilizing a performance poetry competition as vehicle for HIV/AIDS education among young adults | Wilson D., Suter K. | 2013 | Matatu | 43 | 1 | None | University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Wilson, D., University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Suter, K., University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000208106500007 | The cost and impact of male circumcision on HIV/AIDS in Botswana | Bollinger, Lori A.,Busang, Lesego,Fidzani, Boga,Moeti, Themba,Musuka, Godfrey,Stover, John | 2009 | JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY | 12 | None | 10.1186/1758-2652-12-7 | African Comprehens HIV AIDS Partnership, Futures Inst, Natl AIDS Coordinating Agcy | None | The HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to be a major issue facing Botswana, with overall adult HIV prevalence estimated to be 25.7 percent in 2007. This paper estimates the cost and impact of the draft Ministry of Health male circumcision strategy using the UNAIDS/WHO Decision-Makers' Programme Planning Tool (DMPPT). Demographic data and HIV prevalence estimates from the recent National AIDS Coordinating Agency estimations are used as input to the DMPPT to estimate the impact of scaling-up male circumcision on the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These data are supplemented by programmatic information from the draft Botswana National Strategy for Safe Male Circumcision, including information on unit cost and program goals. Alternative scenarios were developed in consultation with stakeholders. Results suggest that scaling-up adult and neonatal circumcision to reach 80% coverage by 2012 would result in averting almost 70,000 new HIV infections through 2025, at a total net cost of US$47 million across that same period. This results in an average cost per HIV infection averted of US$689. Changing the target year to 2015 and the scale-up pattern to a linear pattern results in a more evenly-distributed number of MCs required, and averts approximately 60,000 new HIV infections through 2025. Other scenarios explored include the effect of risk compensation and the impact of increasing coverage of general prevention interventions. Scaling-up safe male circumcision has the potential to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS in Botswana significantly; program design elements such as feasible patterns of scale-up and inclusion of counselling are important in evaluating the overall success of the program. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000207805600007 | How Insecurity Impacts on School Attendance and School Dropout among Urban Slum Children in Nairobi | Izugbara, Chimaraoke,Mudege, Netsayi N.,Zulu, Eliya M. | 2008 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONFLICT AND VIOLENCE | 2 | 1 | None | African Populat & Hlth Res Ctr | None | This paper discusses how perceptions of personal security can impact on school enrolment and attendance. It mainly focuses on threats of physical harm, crime, and community and domestic violence. These security fears can include insecurity that children suffer from as they go to school, maybe through the use of unsafe routes; insecurity that children feel at school; and the insecurity they suffer from in their homes. Although poverty can be a source and/or an indicator of insecurity, this paper does not focus solely on poverty as it is well covered elsewhere in the literature. The paper relies on qualitative data collected in Korogocho and Viwandani slum areas in Nairobi, Kenya between October and November 2004. The paper analyses data from individual interviews and focus group interviews and focuses on the narrative of slum dwellers on how insecurity impacts on educational attainment. The conclusion in this paper is that insecure neighbourhoods may have a negative impact on schooling. As a result policies that address insecurity in slum neighbourhoods can also improve school attendance and performance. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745454177 | The impact of cultural practices on the spread of HIV/AIDS: An anthropological study of selected countries in sub-Sarahan Africa | Nkwi P.N. | 2005 | Discovery and Innovation | 17 | SPEC. ISS. | None | African Population Advisory Council, Nairobi, Kenya | Nkwi, P.N., African Population Advisory Council, Nairobi, Kenya | Africa is a continent plagued by population problems. These problems have no common solution because they occur in such culturally diverse populations. What works under some cultural conditions simply may not work under others. Deeply entrenched cultural practices have serious implications for the spread of HIV/AIDS, as well as other communicable diseases. In Africa, HIV is spread largely through high-risk, heterosexual behaviours. People know the consequences of these behaviours, but changing them requires knowing their causes, both cultural and material. Community-based research by African Population Advisory Council (APAC) finds that cultural practices such as widow inheritance (the levirate), early marriage, polygamy, bodily scarifications, funeral sexual rites, concubinage, sexual initiation of girls, forced remarriage of widows, and various forms of genital cutting have enhanced, and continue to enhance, the spread of HIV/AIDS. Dealing with these practices must be part of an integrated policy on confronting the HIV/AIDS pandemic. | None | Human immunodeficiency virus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65949110577 | The impact of female employment on fertility in Dakar (Senegal) and Lomé (Togó) | Beguy D. | 2009 | Demographic Research | 20 | None | 10.4054/DemRes.2009.20.7 | African Population and Health Research Center, Shelter Afrique Center, Longonot Road, Upper Hill, 00100 - GPO Nairobi, Kenya | Beguy, D., African Population and Health Research Center, Shelter Afrique Center, Longonot Road, Upper Hill, 00100 - GPO Nairobi, Kenya | This paper investigates the impact of female employment on fertility in two urban contexts in sub-Saharan Africa: Dakar (Senegal) and Lomé (Togo). The hypothesis that wage employment and maternal obligations are incompatible seems to be corroborated in Lomé, where women are likely to consider work as a legitimate alternative to their role as a mother or spouse. Being involved in economic activity is a real option and can therefore impact upon their reproductive life. By contrast, in Dakar working does not seem to hinder family formation. Greater involvement of women in the labour force is not the main reason for fertility decline in Dakar. These findings illustrate how important it is to consider social gender-specific roles in order to accurately determine the influence of female employment on reproductive life. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-66049163407 | Impact assessment of the use of insecticide-treated bed nets on parasitaemia and anaemia for malaria control in children, Ogun State, Nigeria | Adah P.O., Mafiana C.F., Sam-Wobo S.O. | 2009 | Public Health | 123 | 5 | 10.1016/j.puhe.2008.10.017 | Africare Nigeria, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Parasitology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta 110001, Nigeria | Adah, P.O., Africare Nigeria, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Mafiana, C.F., Parasitology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta 110001, Nigeria; Sam-Wobo, S.O., Parasitology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta 110001, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | None | insecticide; anemia; child; disease control; malaria; parasite prevalence; social impact assessment; anemia; article; bed net; child; controlled study; female; human; infant; major clinical study; malaria; malaria control; male; Nigeria; parasite prevalence; parasitemia; Plasmodium falciparum; preschool child; sex difference; urban rural difference; Anemia; Animals; Bedding and Linens; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Insecticides; Malaria; Male; Mosquito Control; Nigeria; Parasitemia; Plasmodium falciparum; Seasons; Africa; Nigeria; Ogun; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930884256 | Multienvironment performance of new orange-fleshed sweetpotato cultivars in South Africa | Laurie S.M., Booyse M., Labuschagne M.T., Greyling M.M. | 2015 | Crop Science | 55 | 4 | 10.2135/cropsci2014.09.0664 | Agricultural Research Council (ARC)–Roodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute, Pretoria, South Africa; ARC–Biometry Unit, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Dep. of Plant Sciences, Univ. Of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Laurie, S.M., Agricultural Research Council (ARC)–Roodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute, Pretoria, South Africa; Booyse, M., ARC–Biometry Unit, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Labuschagne, M.T., Dep. of Plant Sciences, Univ. Of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Greyling, M.M., Agricultural Research Council (ARC)–Roodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute, Pretoria, South Africa | Vitamin A deficiency is a serious health problem in South Africa, as in several parts of the world. One strategy to combat micronutrient deficiency is through biofortification, particularly through orange-fleshed sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam]. Previously, a shortage existed in South Africa of orange-fleshed genotypes with a combination of high dry mass, good yield, and good taste. Local cream-fleshed parents and orange-fleshed US introductions were used in the local polycross program. This study aimed at testing the agronomic performance, stability, and genetic diversity of newly developed orange-fleshed genotypes. Twelve entries, nine with orange flesh color, were evaluated at four sites for two seasons in multienvironment trials and the data was subjected to ANOVA and genotype plus genotype-by-environment interaction (GGE) biplot analysis. Simple-sequence repeat (SSR) analysis of the 12 entries was done followed by hierarchical clustering. Two of the orange-fleshed cultivars were recommended for production and plant breeders’ rights were registered for these. Cultivar Impilo produced stable, high root yield similar to the commercial control cultivar Beauregard; while the elite breeding line Purple Sunset (2001_5_2) had high yield and specific adaptability. Both displayed average dry mass and acceptable taste. The genetic analysis indicated relatedness of most new genotypes with the cream-fleshed parents used in the polycross program. The improved cultivars offer considerable yield advantage above US introductions previously recommended for combating vitamin A deficiency. © Crop Science Society of America. | None | Ipomoea batatas | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77649198073 | Performance of circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) urine-dipsticks for rapid detection of intestinal schistosomiasis in schoolchildren from shoreline communities of Lake Victoria | Standley C.J., Lwambo N.J.S., Lange C.N., Kariuki H.C., Adriko M., Stothard J.R. | 2010 | Parasites and Vectors | 3 | 1 | 10.1186/1756-3305-3-7 | Biomedical Parasitology Division, Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom; Institute of Genetics, School of Biology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom; National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Invertebrate Zoology Section, Nairobi National Museum, P.O. Box 40658, Nairobi, Kenya; Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda | Standley, C.J., Biomedical Parasitology Division, Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom, Institute of Genetics, School of Biology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom; Lwambo, N.J.S., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Lange, C.N., Invertebrate Zoology Section, Nairobi National Museum, P.O. Box 40658, Nairobi, Kenya; Kariuki, H.C., Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Adriko, M., Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Stothard, J.R., Biomedical Parasitology Division, Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom | For disease surveillance and mapping within large-scale control programmes, RDTs are becoming popular. For intestinal schistosomiasis, a commercially available urine-dipstick which detects schistosome circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) in host urine is being increasingly applied, however, further validation is needed. In this study, we compared the CCA urine-dipstick test against double thick Kato-Katz faecal smears from 171 schoolchildren examined along the Tanzanian and Kenyan shorelines of Lake Victoria. Diagnostic methods were in broad agreement; the mean prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis inferred by Kato-Katz examination was 68.6% (95% confidence intervals (CIs) = 60.7-75.7%) and 71.3% (95% CIs = 63.9-78.8%) by CCA urine-dipsticks. There were, however, difficulties in precisely 'calling' the CCA test result, particularly in discrimination of 'trace' reactions as either putative infection positive or putative infection negative, which has important bearing upon estimation of mean infection prevalence; considering 'trace' as infection positive mean prevalence was 94.2% (95% CIs = 89.5-97.2%). A positive association between increasing intensity of the CCA urine-dipstick test band and faecal egg count was observed. Assigning trace reactions as putative infection negative, overall diagnostic sensitivity (SS) of the CCA urine-dipstick was 87.7% (95% CIs = 80.6-93.0%), specificity (SP) was 68.1% (95% CIs = 54.3-80.0%), positive predictive value (PPV) was 86.1% (95% CIs = 78.8-91.7%) and negative predictive value (NPV) was 71.1% (95% CIs = 57.2-82.8%). To assist in objective defining of the CCA urine-dipstick result, we propose the use of a simple colour chart and conclude that the CCA urine-dipstick is a satisfactory alternative, or supplement, to Kato-Katz examination for rapid detection of intestinal schistosomiasis. © 2010 Standley et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | parasite antigen; schistosome circulating cathodic antigen; unclassified drug; article; child; controlled study; feces analysis; human; intermethod comparison; Kenya; lake; prevalence; schistosomiasis; school child; sensitivity and specificity; Tanzania; urinalysis; Schistosoma | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-23344435343 | Performance of the CardioChek™ PA and Cholestech LDX® point-of-care analysers compared to clinical diagnostic laboratory methods for the measurement of lipids | Panz V.R., Raal F.J., Paiker J., Immelman R., Miles H. | 2005 | Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa | 16 | 2 | None | Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Services, Department of Chemical Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Panz, V.R., Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Raal, F.J., Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Paiker, J., National Health Laboratory Services, Department of Chemical Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Immelman, R., National Health Laboratory Services, Department of Chemical Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Miles, H., National Health Laboratory Services, Department of Chemical Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Point-of-care (POC) blood testing is intended to provide results more rapidly than can be obtained from a central laboratory. Precision and accuracy of the CardioChek PA and Cholestech LDX analysers were compared to clinical diagnostic laboratory methods. In 100 patients, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were measured by both analysers and compared to those analysed by the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) laboratory. Data were evaluated for conformance with National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines. Results were grouped into low, middle and high ranges and were similar to those obtained by the NHLS, except in the high range where TC and LDL-C levels were under-read by both analysers. All analytes measured by both analysers correlated significantly with NHLS (p < 0.0001). With the exception of LDL-C, both analysers showed reasonable compliance with NCEP goals for coefficients of variation and bias measurements. Both analysers met NCEP guidelines for all analytes at two clinical cut-off points. We concluded that, compared to NHLS methods, performance of the CardioChek PA and Cholestech LDX analysers is acceptable and that they offer healthcare professionals a rapid, POC method for the measurement of lipids. | None | high density lipoprotein cholesterol; low density lipoprotein cholesterol; triacylglycerol; biological marker; lipid; analytic method; article; blood testis barrier; cholesterol blood level; controlled study; diagnostic accuracy; hospital information system; human; laboratory test; lipid analysis; major clinical study; triacylglycerol blood level; blood; blood examination; comparative study; diagnosis, measurement and analysis; evaluation; hyperlipoproteinemia type 2; methodology; sensitivity and specificity; Biological Markers; Hematologic Tests; Humans; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II; Laboratory Techniques and Procedures; Lipids; Point-of-Care Systems; Sensitivity and Specificity | None |
| WoS | WOS:000208237600006 | An Evaluative Study of a Distance Teacher Education Program in a University in Ghana | Sampong, Kwasi Addo | 2009 | INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF RESEARCH IN OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING | 10 | 4 | None | Cent Univ Coll | None | The study used an adaptation of Provus' discrepancy evaluation model to evaluate a distance teacher education program in the University of Cape Coast, the premier teacher education institution in Ghana. The study involved comparing performance data of the program as perceived by students and faculty/administrators to standards prepared from the program's design. Performance data was obtained by administering two survey instruments to a random sample of students and faculty/administrators. Discrepancies between performance and standards were reported. The study concluded that although there were some discrepancies between program standards and performance the program is fulfilling its purpose of upgrading the professional and academic performance of a large number of teachers in the public K-8 schools in Ghana. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79954439764 | Evaluation of genetic manipulation strategies on d-lactate production by Escherichia coli | Zhou L., Zuo Z.-R., Chen X.-Z., Niu D.-D., Tian K.-M., Prior B.A., Shen W., Shi G.-Y., Singh S., Wang Z.-X. | 2011 | Current Microbiology | 62 | 3 | 10.1007/s00284-010-9817-9 | Center for Bioresource and Bioenergy, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4001, South Africa | Zhou, L., Center for Bioresource and Bioenergy, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; Zuo, Z.-R., Center for Bioresource and Bioenergy, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; Chen, X.-Z., Center for Bioresource and Bioenergy, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China, Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; Niu, D.-D., Center for Bioresource and Bioenergy, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; Tian, K.-M., Center for Bioresource and Bioenergy, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; Prior, B.A., Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Shen, W., Center for Bioresource and Bioenergy, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China, Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; Shi, G.-Y., Center for Bioresource and Bioenergy, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China, Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; Singh, S., Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4001, South Africa; Wang, Z.-X., Center for Bioresource and Bioenergy, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China, Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China | In order to rationally manipulate the cellular metabolism of Escherichia coli for d-lactate production, single-gene and multiple-gene deletions with mutations in acetate kinase (ackA), phosphotransacetylase (pta), phosphoenolpyruvate synthase (pps), pyruvate formate lyase (pflB), FAD-binding d-lactate dehydrogenase (dld), pyruvate oxidase (poxB), alcohol dehydrogenase (adhE), and fumarate reductase (frdA) were tested for their effects in two-phase fermentations (aerobic growth and oxygen-limited production). Lactate yield and productivity could be improved by single-gene deletions of ackA, pta, pflB, dld, poxB, and frdA in the wild type E. coli strain but were unfavorably affected by deletions of pps and adhE. However, fermentation experiments with multiple-gene mutant strains showed that deletion of pps in addition to ackA-pta deletions had no effect on lactate production, whereas the additional deletion of adhE in E. coli B0013-050 (ackA-pta pps pflB dld poxB) increased lactate yield. Deletion of all eight genes in E. coli B0013 to produce B0013-070 (ackA-pta pps pflB dld poxB adhE frdA) increased lactate yield and productivity by twofold and reduced yields of acetate, succinate, formate, and ethanol by 95, 89, 100, and 93%, respectively. When tested in a bioreactor, E. coli B0013-070 produced 125 g/l d-lactate with an increased oxygen-limited lactate productivity of 0.61 g/g h (2.1-fold greater than E. coli B0013). These kinetic properties of d-lactate production are among the highest reported and the results have revealed which genetic manipulations improved d-lactate production by E. coli. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | None | acetate kinase; acetic acid; alcohol; alcohol dehydrogenase; formic acid; fumarate reductase; lactate dehydrogenase; lactic acid; phosphate acetyltransferase; pyruvate oxidase; pyruvate water dikinase; succinic acid; synthetase; unclassified drug; ackA gene; adhE gene; aerobic fermentation; article; bacterial gene; bacterial growth; bacterial metabolism; bacterial strain; controlled study; dld gene; Escherichia coli; frda gene; gene deletion; gene mutation; genetic manipulation; nonhuman; pflB gene; poxb gene; pps gene; priority journal; pta gene; wild type; Aerobiosis; Anaerobiosis; Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli Proteins; Fermentation; Gene Deletion; Genetic Engineering; Lactic Acid; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Mutation; Organisms, Genetically Modified; Escherichia coli | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-40549146585 | Impact of Redbilled Quelea control operations on wetlands in South Africa | Lötter L. | 2008 | International Pest Control | 50 | 1 | None | Agricultural Research Council, ARC, Plant Protection Research Institute, PPRI, Private bag X 134, Queenswood, Pretoria 0121, South Africa | Lötter, L., Agricultural Research Council, ARC, Plant Protection Research Institute, PPRI, Private bag X 134, Queenswood, Pretoria 0121, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | bird; crop damage; migratory species; pest control; wetland; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Quelea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79961045624 | Evaluation of nonpathogenic Fusarium oxysporum and Pseudomonas fluorescens for Panama disease control | Belgrove A., Steinberg C., Viljoen A. | 2011 | Plant Disease | 95 | 8 | 10.1094/PDIS-06-10-0409 | Agricultural Research Council-Grain Crops Institute, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; INRA-Université de Bourgogne, Microbiology of Soil and Environment, Dijon, France; Department of Plant Pathology, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Belgrove, A., Agricultural Research Council-Grain Crops Institute, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa, Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Steinberg, C., INRA-Université de Bourgogne, Microbiology of Soil and Environment, Dijon, France; Viljoen, A., Department of Plant Pathology, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Nonpathogenic Fusarium oxysporum endophytes from healthy banana roots were evaluated for their ability to reduce Fusarium wilt of banana (Panama disease). Isolates were identified morphologically and by using species-specific primers. Pathogenicity was confirmed by inoculating banana plantlets in the greenhouse. Nonpathogenic F. oxysporum isolates were grouped into 14 haplotype groups by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the intergenic spacer region, and representative isolates evaluated for biocontrol of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense. In the greenhouse, 10 nonpathogenic F. oxysporum isolates were able to significantly reduce Fusarium wilt of banana. The isolate that protected banana plantlets best in the greenhouse, a nonpathogenic F. oxysporum from the root rhizosphere, and Pseudomonas fluorescens WCS 417 were then field tested. When the putative biological control organisms were tested in the field, neither the nonpathogenic F. oxysporum, P. fluorescens, nor combinations thereof reduced Fusarium wilt development significantly. A number of factors could contribute to the lack of field protection, including soil microbial and chemical composition and reduced survival of biocontrol organisms in banana roots. A lack of knowledge regarding the etiology of Fusarium wilt of 'Cavendish' banana in the subtropics and the effect of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense race and banana cultivar in protection of banana by biocontrol organisms should be further investigated. © 2011 The American Phytopathological Society. | None | Fusarium; Fusarium oxysporum; Fusarium sp.; Musa acuminata; Pseudomonas fluorescens | None |
| None | None | Use of hybrid cultivars in Kagera region, Tanzania, and their impact | Edmeades S., Nkuba J.M., Smale M. | 2007 | Research Report of the International Food Policy Research Institute | None | 155 | None | Agriculture and the Rural Development, World Bank, Washington, DC, United States; Maruku Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Bukoba, Tanzania; IFPRI, IPGRI | Edmeades, S., Agriculture and the Rural Development, World Bank, Washington, DC, United States; Nkuba, J.M., Maruku Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Bukoba, Tanzania; Smale, M., IFPRI, IPGRI | Banana hybrid use in Kagera Region, Tanzania have been beneficial in that the reduce vulnerability to production losses from biotic pressures. In order to assess, a treatment model is used as well as for the identification of the determinants of adoption and the effects of adoption on expected yield losses from pests and diseases. Meanwhile, the hybrids are high yielding and resistant to pests and diseases that ravaged banana production in the lakes region. It was shown that the intended impact of reducing yield losses to pests and diseases has been achieved, supporting research efforts aimed at developing resistant planting material and the formal diffusion program. Findings from the research showed that there is a need to disseminate new cultivars to sustain the benefits. Using the disease and pest resistant cultivars help farmers reduce dependence on pesticides and fungicides which are costly and bear health risks for farming communities, not to mention degrade the environment. | None | biotic factor; cultivar; health risk; hybrid; pest resistance; pesticide resistance; yield; Africa; East Africa; Kagera; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873716775 | Performance of CareStart™ malaria Pf/Pv combo test for the diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum and plasmodium vivax infections in the Afar Region, North East Ethiopia | Chanie M., Erko B., Animut A., Legesse M. | 2012 | Ethiopian Journal of Health Development | 25 | 3 | None | Aklilu Lemma Institute of Patho-biology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Chanie, M., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Patho-biology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Erko, B., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Patho-biology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Animut, A., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Patho-biology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Legesse, M., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Patho-biology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Background: CareStart™ Malaria Pf/Pv Combo test has shown encouraging results for the diagnosis of P. falciparum and P. vivax infections in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, the performance of the test could be affected by different factors like gene polymorphisms, excess heat and humidity. Hence, evaluation of the performance of the test in different settings in Ethiopia is vital for the routine diagnosis of malaria. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of CareStart™ Malaria Pf/Pv Combo test for the diagnosis of P. falciparum and P. vivax infections in the Afar Region, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods: Finger prick blood samples were collected from a total of 1092 patients who had malaria symptoms and visited three different health facilities in the Afar Region. Giemsa-stained thin and thick blood smears were prepared and microscopically examined under 100 × magnifications for Plasmodium species identification and determination of parasitaemia. CareStart Malaria Pf/Pv Combo test was also performed as per the manufacturer's instructions. The sensitivity and the specificity of the test was determined using microscopy as gold standard. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the test were 98.5% and 98.0% respectively, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 91.7% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.7% for the diagnosis of P. falciparum infection. The corresponding sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of P. vivax infection were 100% and 99.6% respectively, with PPV and NPV of 86.2% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed high sensitivity and specificity of CareStartTM Malaria Pf/Pv Combo test for the diagnosis of both P. falciparum and P. vivax infections in the study area, though additional study may be needed in the most peripheral hottest areas of the region. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957875582 | Field evaluation of the efficacy of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin against bovine tuberculosis in neonatal calves in Ethiopia | Ameni G., Vordermeier M., Aseffa A., Young D.B., Hewinson R.G. | 2010 | Clinical and Vaccine Immunology | 17 | 10 | 10.1128/CVI.00222-10 | Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; TB Research Group, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom; Armauer Hansen Research Institute, P.O. Box 1005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Division of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom | Ameni, G., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, P.O. Box 1005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Vordermeier, M., TB Research Group, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom; Aseffa, A., Armauer Hansen Research Institute, P.O. Box 1005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Young, D.B., Division of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom; Hewinson, R.G., TB Research Group, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom | In developing countries, the conventional test and slaughter strategy for the control of bovine tuberculosis is prohibitively expensive, and alternative control methods such as vaccination are urgently required. In this study, the efficacy of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) for protection against bovine tuberculosis (bTB) was evaluated in Holstein calves under field conditions in Ethiopia. Thirteen neonatally vaccinated and 14 control calves were exposed for 10 to 23 months to skin test reactor cows. Gamma interferon (IFN-γ) testing, comparative intradermal tuberculin testing, postmortem examination, and bacteriological culture were used for the evaluation of BCG efficacy. The overall mean pathology score was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in control calves than in vaccinated calves. Culture positivity for Mycobacterium bovis was higher in the control calves than in the vaccinated calves, and significantly more BCG-vaccinated animals would have passed a standard meat inspection (P = 0.021). Overall, the protective efficacy of BCG was between 56% and 68%, depending on the parameters selected. Moreover, by measuring gamma interferon responses to the antigens ESAT-6 and CFP-10, which are present in M. bovis but absent from BCG, throughout the experiment, we were able to distinguish between vaccinated animals that were protected against bTB and those animals that were not protected. In conclusion, the present trial demonstrated an encouraging protective effect of BCG against bTB in a natural transmission setting in Ethiopia. Copyright © 2010, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | BCG vaccine; culture filtrate protein 10; early secretory antigenic target 6; gamma interferon; animal experiment; animal tissue; article; bacterium culture; BCG vaccination; bovine tuberculosis; controlled study; disease severity; drug efficacy; Ethiopia; Mycobacterium bovis; newborn; nonhuman; priority journal; tuberculin test; Animals; Bacterial Proteins; Cattle; Ethiopia; Interferon-gamma; Lymphocytes; Mycobacterium bovis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Severity of Illness Index; Tuberculin Test; Tuberculosis Vaccines; Tuberculosis, Bovine | None |
| None | None | Evaluation of the safety and immunogenicity of the RTS,S/AS01E malaria candidate vaccine when integrated in the expanded program of immunization | Agnandji S.T., Asante K.P., Lyimo J., Vekemans J., Soulanoudjingar S.S., Owusu R., Shomari M., Leach A., Fernandes J., Dosoo D., Chikawe M., Issifou S., Osei-Kwakye K., Lievens M., Paricek M., Apanga S., Mwangoka G., Okissi B., Kwara E., Minja R., Lange J | 2010 | Journal of Infectious Diseases | 202 | 7 | 10.1086/656190 | Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Medical Research Unit Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon; Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, Bagamoyo District Hospital, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium; Program for Appropriate Technology in Health Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Bethesda, MD, United States; Swiss Tropical Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland | Agnandji, S.T., Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Medical Research Unit Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Asante, K.P., Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Lyimo, J., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, Bagamoyo District Hospital, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Vekemans, J., GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium; Soulanoudjingar, S.S., Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Medical Research Unit Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Owusu, R., Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana; Shomari, M., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, Bagamoyo District Hospital, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Leach, A., GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium; Fernandes, J., Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Medical Research Unit Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Dosoo, D., Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana; Chikawe, M., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, Bagamoyo District Hospital, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Issifou, S., Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Medical Research Unit Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Osei-Kwakye, K., Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana; Lievens, M., GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium; Paricek, M., Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Medical Research Unit Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Apanga, S., Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana; Mwangoka, G., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, Bagamoyo District Hospital, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Okissi, B., Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Medical Research Unit Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Kwara, E., Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana; Minja, R., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, Bagamoyo District Hospital, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Lange, J., Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Medical Research Unit Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Boahen, O., Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana; Kayan, K., Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana; Adjei, G., Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana; Chandramohan, D., Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Jongert, E., GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium; Demoitié, M.-A., GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium; Dubois, M.-C., GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium; Carter, T., Program for Appropriate Technology in Health Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Bethesda, MD, United States; Vansadia, P., Program for Appropriate Technology in Health Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Bethesda, MD, United States; Villafana, T., Program for Appropriate Technology in Health Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Bethesda, MD, United States; Sillman, M., Program for Appropriate Technology in Health Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Bethesda, MD, United States; Savarese, B., Program for Appropriate Technology in Health Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Bethesda, MD, United States; Lapierre, D., GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium; Ballou, W.R., GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium; Greenwood, B., Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Tanner, M., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, Bagamoyo District Hospital, Bagamoyo, Tanzania, Swiss Tropical Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Cohen, J., GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium; Kremsner, P.G., Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Medical Research Unit Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Lell, B., Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Medical Research Unit Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Owusu-Agyei, S., Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Abdulla, S., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, Bagamoyo District Hospital, Bagamoyo, Tanzania | Background. The RTS,S/AS01E malaria candidate vaccine is being developed for immunization of African infants through the Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI). Methods. This phase 2, randomized, open, controlled trial conducted in Ghana, Tanzania, and Gabon evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of RTS,S/AS01E when coadministered with EPI vaccines. Five hundred eleven infants were randomized to receive RTS,S/AS01E at 0, 1, and 2 months (in 3 doses with diphtheria, tetanus, and whole-cell pertussis conjugate [DTPw]; hepatitis B [HepB]; Haemophilus influenzae type b [Hib]; and oral polio vaccine [OPV]), RTS,S/AS01E at 0, 1, and 7 months (2 doses with DTPwHepB/Hib+OPV and 1 dose with measles and yellow fever), or EPI vaccines only. Results. The occurrences of serious adverse events were balanced across groups; none were vaccine-related. One child from the control group died. Mild to moderate fever and diaper dermatitis occurred more frequently in the RTS,S/AS01E coadministration groups. RTS,S/AS01E generated high anti-circumsporozoite protein and anti-hepatitis B surface antigen antibody levels. Regarding EPI vaccine responses upon coadministration when considering both immunization schedules, despite a tendency toward lower geometric mean titers to some EPI antigens, predefined noninferiority criteria were met for all EPI antigens except for polio 3 when EPI vaccines were given with RTS,S/AS01E at 0, 1, and 2 months. However, when antibody levels at screening were taken into account, the rates of response to polio 3 antigens were comparable between groups. Conclusion. RTS,S/AS01E integrated in the EPI showed a favorable safety and immunogenicity evaluation. Trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00436007. GlaxoSmithKline study ID number: 106369 (Malaria-050). © 2010 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. | None | circumsporozoite protein; diphtheria antibody; diphtheria pertussis tetanus vaccine; Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine; hepatitis B surface antibody; hepatitis B vaccine; hepb; immunoglobulin G antibody; immunological adjuvant; malaria vaccine; measles vaccine; oral poliomyelitis vaccine; protein antibody; protozoal protein; rts s as 01 e vaccine; stamaril; tetanus antibody; unclassified drug; yellow fever vaccine; diphtheria pertussis tetanus vaccine; Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccharide vaccine; Haemophilus vaccine; hepatitis B vaccine; malaria vaccine; oral poliomyelitis vaccine; RTS,S AS01E vaccine; RTS,S-AS01E vaccine; alanine aminotransferase blood level; anemia; anorexia; antibody blood level; antibody response; article; bronchitis; clinical trial; conjunctivitis; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; coughing; diaper dermatitis; diarrhea; diphtheria; drowsiness; drug safety; drug screening; enteritis; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; febrile convulsion; female; fever; Gabon; gastroenteritis; Ghana; Haemophilus infection; hepatitis B; human; immunization; immunogenicity; impetigo; infant; injection site induration; injection site pain; injection site swelling; irritability; major clinical study; malaria falciparum; male; measles; multicenter study; nonhuman; open study; otitis media; pertussis; phase 2 clinical trial; Plasmodium falciparum; pneumonia; priority journal; randomized controlled trial; rhinitis; rhinopharyngitis; rhinorrhea; seizure; sepsis; side effect; skin infection; staphylococcal skin infection; Tanzania; tetanus; upper respiratory tract infection; yellow fever; bacterial membrane; immunology; methodology; Bacterial Capsules; Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine; Female; Gabon; Ghana; Haemophilus Vaccines; Hepatitis B Vaccines; Humans; Immunization; Immunization, Secondary; Infant; Malaria Vaccines; Male; Poliovirus Vaccine, Oral; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-21444456142 | Cross-national performance of the RAPS4/RAPS4-QF for tolerance and heavy drinking: Data from 13 countries | Cherpitel C.J., Ye Y., Bond J., Borges G., Cremonte M., Marais S., Poznyak V., Sovinova H., Moskalewicz J., Swiatkiewicz G. | 2005 | Journal of Studies on Alcohol | 66 | 3 | None | Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States; National Institute of Psychiatry, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City, Mexico; National University, Mar del Plata, Argentina; Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic; Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland | Cherpitel, C.J., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States; Ye, Y., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States; Bond, J., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States; Borges, G., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States, National Institute of Psychiatry, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City, Mexico; Cremonte, M., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States, National University, Mar del Plata, Argentina; Marais, S., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Poznyak, V., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Sovinova, H., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic; Moskalewicz, J., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland; Swiatkiewicz, G., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland | Objective: There are little data available on the performance of brief screening instruments for alcohol-use disorders cross-nationally; therefore, we analyzed the performance of one such instrument in a number of countries. Method: Performance of the RAPS4 for tolerance and the RAPS4-QF for heavy drinking are analyzed from emergency room data across 13 countries included in the combined Emergency Room Collaborative Alcohol Analysis Project (ERCAAP) and the World Health Organization Collaborative Study on Alcohol and Injuries, Results: The RAPS4 showed good sensitivity and specificity for tolerance across most of the countries, but was higher in countries that were higher on societal-level detrimental drinking patterns. Prevalence of tolerance was also higher in those countries with high detrimental drinking pattern scores. Sensitivity of the RAPS4-QF for heavy drinking was uniformly high across countries, while maintaining good specificity, and did not vary by detrimental drinking patterns. Conclusions: Findings suggest the RAPS4 and RAPS4-QF may hold promise cross-nationally. Future research should more fully address the performance of brief screening instruments for alcohol-use disorders (using standard diagnostic criteria) cross-nationally, with consideration of the impact of societal drinking patterns. | None | alcohol; adult; alcohol consumption; alcoholism; article; diagnostic accuracy; drinking behavior; emergency ward; human; screening test; Alcoholism; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; International Cooperation; Mass Screening; Questionnaires; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928714381 | Understanding the impact of hazardous and harmful use of alcohol and/or other drugs on ARV adherence and disease progression | Kader R., Govender R., Seedat S., Koch J.R., Parry C. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0125088 | Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for Social Science Research, Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States | Kader, R., Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Govender, R., Centre for Social Science Research, Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Seedat, S., Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Koch, J.R., Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; Parry, C., Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | The objective of this study was to understand the impact of hazardous and harmful use of alcohol and/or other drugs on ARV adherence and disease progression among HIV patients. A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 1503 patients attending HIV clinics in Cape Town, South Africa were screened for problematic substance use. A sub-sample of 607 patients (303 patients who screened positive for problematic substance use and 304 who did not) participated in this study. Hazardous or harmful alcohol use and problematic drug use predicted missing and stopping ARVs which, in turn, was associated with a decrease in CD4 counts and more rapid HIV-disease progression and poorer health outcomes in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The findings of this study underscore the need for an integrated approach to managing substance-use disorders in PLWHA. © 2015 Kader et al. | None | antiretrovirus agent; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; alcohol abuse; Article; CD4 lymphocyte count; controlled study; cross-sectional study; disease course; drug abuse; drug treatment failure; female; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; patient attitude; patient compliance; prediction; South Africa; substance abuse; treatment response | 5U2GPS001137, CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920437223 | Towards collective circum-antarctic passive acoustic monitoring: The southern ocean hydrophone network (SOHN) | Van Opzeeland I., Samaran F., Stafford K.M., Findlay K., Gedamke J., Harris D., Miller B.S. | 2014 | Polarforschung | 83 | 2 | None | Alfred-Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany; PELAGIS Observatory CNRS-UMS 3462, University of la Rochelle, France; Applied Physics Lab University of Washington SeattleWA, United States; Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit, University of Pretoria, South Africa; National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, Ocean Acoustics Program, Office of Science and Technology, United States; Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, United Kingdom; Australian Marine Mammal Centre, Australian Antarctic Division, Hobart, Australia | Van Opzeeland, I., Alfred-Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany; Samaran, F., PELAGIS Observatory CNRS-UMS 3462, University of la Rochelle, France; Stafford, K.M., Applied Physics Lab University of Washington SeattleWA, United States; Findlay, K., Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Gedamke, J., National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, Ocean Acoustics Program, Office of Science and Technology, United States; Harris, D., Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, United Kingdom; Miller, B.S., Australian Marine Mammal Centre, Australian Antarctic Division, Hobart, Australia | The Southern Ocean Research Partnership (SORP) is an international research program initiated within the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in 2009 to promote collaborative cetacean research, develop nov el research techniques, and conduct non-lethal research on whales in the Southern Ocean (CHILDERHOUSE 2009). One of the original research projects of the SORP is the Blue and Fin Whale Acoustic Trends Project, which aims to implement a long term passive acoustic research program to examine trends in Antarctic blue (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia) and fin whale (B. physalus) abundance, distribution, and seasonal presence in the Southern Ocean through the use of a network of passive acoustic recorders: the Southern Ocean Hydrophone Network (SOHN). Networks of widely spaced passive acoustic recorders can provide insights in spatio-temporal patterns of the presence and properties of whale calls as well as the potential to monitor trends in Antarctic blue and fin whale abundance. The SOHN will consist of a network of autonomous underwater acoustic re cording stations surrounding the Antarctic continent with each site remaining active throughout the 10-year duration of the project. In addition to circum polar coverage, high priority will be given towards achieving simultaneous temporal coverage, especially in the early years of the project. While logis tical constraints may prevent uniform distribution of SOHN recording sites around the continent, the Acoustic Trends Working group (ATW) aims to have at least one recording site in each of the six IWC management areas (i.e., one per 60° longitudinal wedge). International collaboration and coordination are imperative to achieve the project goals due to the high cost of Antarctic research as well as the broad spatial and temporal scales over which the SOHN will span. Furthermore, standardization of data is paramount for accurate and efficient analysis and interpretation of SOHN data. To facilitate international participation in the SOHN, this document provides practical recommendations to guide and support passive acoustic data of project as well as technical and logistic information and recommendations regarding standardization of recording locations is provided here for a diverse collection in Antarctic waters. This whitepaper addresses a wide audience, ranging from scientists from different disciplines with access to instrumenttation and/or infrastructure to collect passive acoustic data in the Southern Ocean, to ship operators or other parties that can provide logistic support to make the SOHN a reality. Background information and an outline of the sci entific aims of project as well as technical and logistic information and re commendations regarding standardization of recording locations is provided here for a diverse audience coming from different backgrounds with widely differing levels of experience with the applications and use of passive acoustic instrumentation. By providing the information relevant for SOHN from the ground up, we aim that this document contributes to increase aware ness and participation by a broad range of partner nations and organizations in the SOHN and Acoustic Trends Projects. | None | abundance; autonomous underwater vehicle; bioacoustics; biomonitoring; cetacean; hydrophone; population distribution; spatiotemporal analysis; standardization; Southern Ocean; Balaenoptera musculus intermedia; Balaenoptera physalus; Cetacea | None |
| None | None | Evaluation of permanet 3.0 a deltamethrin-PBO combination net against Anopheles gambiae and pyrethroid resistant Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes: An experimental hut trial in Tanzania | Tungu P., Magesa S., Maxwell C., Malima R., Masue D., Sudi W., Myamba J., Pigeon O., Rowland M. | 2010 | Malaria Journal | 9 | 1 | 10.1186/1475-2875-9-21 | Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania; Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium, Tanzania; Pesticides Research Department, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre, 11 Rue du Bordia, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium; Department of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom | Tungu, P., Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania, Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium, Tanzania; Magesa, S., Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania, Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium, Tanzania; Maxwell, C., Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania, Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium, Tanzania, Department of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Malima, R., Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania, Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium, Tanzania; Masue, D., Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania, Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium, Tanzania; Sudi, W., Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania, Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium, Tanzania; Myamba, J., Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania, Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium, Tanzania; Pigeon, O., Pesticides Research Department, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre, 11 Rue du Bordia, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium; Rowland, M., Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium, Tanzania, Department of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom | Background. Combination mosquito nets incorporating two unrelated insecticides or insecticide plus synergist are designed to control insecticide resistant mosquitoes. PermaNet 3.0 is a long-lasting combination net incorporating deltamethrin on the side panels and a mixture of deltamethrin and synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) on the top panel. PBO is an inhibitor of mixed function oxidases implicated in pyrethroid resistance. Method. An experimental hut trial comparing PermaNet 3.0, PermaNet 2.0 and a conventional deltamethrin-treated net was conducted in NE Tanzania using standard WHOPES procedures. The PermaNet arms included unwashed nets and nets washed 20 times. PermaNet 2.0 is a long-lasting insecticidal net incorporating deltamethrin as a single active. Results. Against pyrethroid susceptible Anopheles gambiae the unwashed PermaNet 3.0 showed no difference to unwashed PermaNet 2.0 in terms of mortality (95% killed), but showed differences in blood-feeding rate (3% blood-fed with PermaNet 3.0 versus 10% with PermaNet 2.0). After 20 washes the two products showed no difference in feeding rate (10% with 3.0 and 9% with 2.0) but showed small differences in mortality (95% with 3.0 and 87% with 2.0). Against pyrethroid resistant Culex quinquefasciatus, mediated by elevated oxidase and kdr mechanisms, the unwashed PermaNet 3.0 killed 48% and PermaNet 2.0 killed 32% but after 20 washes there was no significant difference in mortality between the two products (32% killed by 3.0 and 30% by 2.0). For protecting against Culex PermaNet 3.0 showed no difference to PermaNet 2.0 when either unwashed or after 20 washes; both products were highly protective against biting. Laboratory tunnel bioassays confirmed the loss of biological activity of the PBO/deltamethrin-treated panel after washing. Conclusion. Both PermaNet products were highly effective against susceptible Anopheles gambiae. As a long-lasting net to control or protect against pyrethroid resistant mosquitoes PermaNet 3.0 showed limited improvement over PermaNet 2.0 against Culex quinquefasciatus. © 2010 Tungu et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | deltamethrin; oxidoreductase; piperonyl butoxide; vasculotropin receptor 2; deltamethrin; insecticide; nitrile; piperonyl butoxide; pyrethroid; Anopheles gambiae; article; bed net; Culex quinquefasciatus; feeding behavior; insect bite; mortality; nonhuman; Tanzania; world health organization; animal; Culex; drug effect; drug resistance; human; methodology; mosquito; survival; Animals; Anopheles gambiae; Culex; Drug Resistance; Feeding Behavior; Humans; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Insecticides; Mosquito Control; Nitriles; Piperonyl Butoxide; Pyrethrins; Survival Analysis; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58049090543 | Ecological thresholds in the Savanna landscape: Developing a protocol for monitoring the change in composition and utilisation of large trees | Druce D.J., Shannon G., Page B.R., Grant R., Slotow R. | 2008 | PLoS ONE | 3 | 12 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0003979 | Amarula Elephant Research Programme, Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa; Scientific Services, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa | Druce, D.J., Amarula Elephant Research Programme, Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa; Shannon, G., Amarula Elephant Research Programme, Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa; Page, B.R., Amarula Elephant Research Programme, Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa; Grant, R., Scientific Services, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa; Slotow, R., Amarula Elephant Research Programme, Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa | Background: Acquiring greater understanding of the factors causing changes in vegetation structure - particularly with the potential to cause regime shifts - is important in adaptively managed conservation areas. Large trees (≥5 m in height) play an important ecosystem function, and are associated with a stable ecological state in the African savanna. There is concern that large tree densities are declining in a number of protected areas, including the Kruger National Park, South Africa. In this paper the results of a field study designed to monitor change in a savanna system are presented and discussed. Methodology/Principal Findings: Developing the first phase of a monitoring protocol to measure the change in tree species composition, density and size distribution, whilst also identifying factors driving change. A central issue is the discrete spatial distribution of large trees in the landscape, making point sampling approaches relatively ineffective. Accordingly, fourteen 10 m wide transects were aligned perpendicular to large rivers (3.0-6.6 km in length) and eight transects were located at fixed-point photographic locations (1.0-1.6 km in length). Using accumulation curves, we established that the majority of tree species were sampled within 3 km. Furthermore, the key ecological drivers (e.g. fire, herbivory, drought and disease) which influence large tree use and impact were also recorded within 3 km. Conclusions/Significance: The technique presented provides an effective method for monitoring changes in large tree abundance, size distribution and use by the main ecological drivers across the savanna landscape. However, the monitoring of rare tree species would require individual marking approaches due to their low densities and specific habitat requirements. Repeat sampling intervals would vary depending on the factor of concern and proposed management mitigation. Once a monitoring protocol has been identified and evaluated, the next stage is to integrate that protocol into a decision-making system, which highlights potential leading indicators of change. Frequent monitoring would be required to establish the rate and direction of change. This approach may be useful in generating monitoring protocols for other dynamic systems. © 2008 Druce et al. | None | article; conservation biology; controlled study; ecosystem restoration; environmental planning; environmental protection; landscape ecology; nonhuman; plant density; plant ecology; population size; savanna; species distribution; tree; animal; biodiversity; chemistry; ecosystem; elephant; environmental monitoring; environmental protection; evaluation; geography; health care quality; methodology; physiology; population density; South Africa; tree; Animals; Biodiversity; Conservation of Natural Resources; Ecosystem; Elephants; Environmental Monitoring; Geography; Population Density; Program Evaluation; South Africa; Trees | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-31744447128 | The first 5 years of the family clinic for HIV at Tygerberg hospital: Family demographics, survival of children and early impact of antiretroviral therapy | van Kooten Niekerk N.K.M., Knies M.M., Howard J., Rabie H., Zeier M., van Rensburg A., Frans N., Schaaf H.S., Fatti G., Little F., Cotton M.F. | 2006 | Journal of Tropical Pediatrics | 52 | 1 | 10.1093/tropej/fmi047 | Amsterdam Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Department of Social Work, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Tygerberg, South Africa; Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | van Kooten Niekerk, N.K.M., Amsterdam Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Knies, M.M., Amsterdam Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Howard, J., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Rabie, H., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Zeier, M., Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; van Rensburg, A., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Frans, N., Department of Social Work, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Tygerberg, South Africa; Schaaf, H.S., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Fatti, G., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Little, F., Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Cotton, M.F., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa | Background: Family clinics address the problems of HIV-infected children and their families. The aims were to document demographics of the children and caregivers attending the Family Clinic for HIV at Tygerberg Academic Hospital (TAH) and to investigate factors affecting disease progression in children. Methods: A retrospective folder review of children and parents attending the Family Clinic at TAH between January 1997 and December 2001, a period noted for its lack of antiretroviral treatment. Results: Of 432 children seen for testing, 274 children, median age 16.9 months, were HIV-infected. During follow-up, 46 children died (median age 23 months) and 113 were lost to follow-up. The majority of children were malnourished. Those <2 years of age had lower weight for age Z-scores (WAZ) than older children (p<0.001). At presentation, 47 per cent were in clinical stage B and two-thirds had moderate or severe CD4+ T cell depletion. Seventeen children had received highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), 12 dual and 31 monotherapy. HAART was associated with improved survival compared to dual or monotherapy. Risk of death was reduced from eleven-fold for a WAZ <-4 to four-fold between -2 and -3. There was no association with immunological and clinical classification at entry and risk of mortality. Only 18 per cent of parents were evaluated in the clinic. Non-parental care was documented for 25 per cent of families. Conclusions: A low WAZ is associated with poor survival in children. Nutritional status should receive more attention in HIV disease classification in children. Parent utilization of the clinic was inadequate. Even in the absence of HAART, extended survival in children is possible. © The Author [2005]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. | None | anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; antiretrovirus agent; tuberculostatic agent; adolescent; article; body weight; caregiver; CD4+ T lymphocyte; child; child care; child death; clinical feature; correlation analysis; cost of illness; demography; disease classification; disease course; disease severity; family counseling; female; follow up; general practice; health care utilization; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunology; lymphocyte depletion; major clinical study; male; malnutrition; medical documentation; monotherapy; nutritional status; risk assessment; scoring system; screening test; South Africa; survival; Age Factors; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Analysis of Variance; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Child Mortality; Child, Preschool; Developing Countries; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; HIV Infections; Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Nutritional Status; Patient Compliance; Proportional Hazards Models; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Severity of Illness Index; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-22544475944 | Effect of constant photoperiods on the laying performance of broiler breeders allowed conventional or accelerated growth | Lewis P.D., Backhouse D., Gous R.M. | 2005 | Journal of Agricultural Science | 143 | 1 | 10.1017/S0021859605005010 | Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Northcot, Cowdown Lane, Andover, Hants SP11 7HG, United Kingdom | Lewis, P.D., Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa, Northcot, Cowdown Lane, Andover, Hants SP11 7HG, United Kingdom; Backhouse, D., Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Gous, R.M., Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | An experiment was conducted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal to assess the effect of constant photoperiods on sexual maturity and egg-laying performance in broiler breeders given two levels of control-feeding during the rearing phase. Cobb broiler breeder females were grown to reach 2.1 kg body weight at 17 or 21 weeks, and maintained on 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 16-h photoperiods from 2 days to 68 weeks of age. There were no significant interactions between photoperiod and growth rate for any production parameter. The time required reaching 2.1 kg increased proportionally with photoperiod but, because of delayed sexual development, birds on longer photoperiods consumed more feed to, and were heavier at, sexual maturity than shorter daylengths. The longer-photoperiod birds also had inferior rates of lay in the first half of the cycle, but superior in the second, which, together with the photoperiodic effects on maturity, resulted in birds on 11, 13 or 14 h producing most eggs to 68 weeks, and those on 16 h fewest. It is possible that the pattern of egg production was due to some of the birds on ≥ 13-h photoperiods becoming photorefractory, having a mid-cycle pause, and then spontaneously resuming egg production in the latter half of the cycle. However, a hinge-analysis of current and other data to the more usual depletion age of 60 weeks showed that the combined effects of photoperiod on sexual maturity and egg production resulted in constant 10-h birds producing the highest number of eggs, with numbers decreasing by 3.6 eggs/h of photoperiod above the hinge and 7.8 eggs/h of photoperiod below it. Mean egg weight increased by 0.4 g/h of photoperiod, but the proportion of abnormally large and floor eggs and the incidence of mortality were unaffected by daylength. For each photoperiod, accelerated growth resulted in body weights being heavier than controls at sexual maturity, despite the mean age at maturity being 10 days earlier for the faster-growing birds. Body weights for the two growth groups were not significantly different at 68 weeks. Faster-growth birds consumed 1 kg less feed to 2.1 kg body weight, but 1.3 kg more feed to sexual maturity and 2.7 kg more to 68 weeks, and produced 6 more eggs than, but had similar patterns of egg production to, the conventionally managed controls. Mean egg weight, the proportion of floor eggs and the incidence of mortality were similar for both groups. Notwithstanding that the overall production of abnormally large eggs was low (1.1 eggs per bird); the faster-growing birds produced significantly more than the controls. Egg weight was positively influenced by age at sexual maturity, body weight at sexual maturity and photoperiod, but was unaffected by rate of growth to 2.1 kg per se. These findings show that there are differences between broiler breeders and egg-type pullets in their response to constant photoperiods. It is likely that the factors responsible for these differences, particularly in terms of sexual development, are the exhibition of photorefractoriness by, and the retardational effects of controlled feeding on, broiler breeders. © 2005 Cambridge University Press. | None | photoperiod; poultry; Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872167285 | Lactation performance of multiparous holstein cows fed a restricted total mixed ration plus legume and grass hay mixture | Muya M.C., Nherera R.V., Khekana T., Ramapuptla T. | 2011 | Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances | 10 | 14 | 10.3923/javaa.2011.1779.1784 | Animal Production Institute, Agricultural Research Council, South Africa; Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Pretoria, South Africa | Muya, M.C., Animal Production Institute, Agricultural Research Council, South Africa; Nherera, R.V., Animal Production Institute, Agricultural Research Council, South Africa; Khekana, T., Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Pretoria, South Africa; Ramapuptla, T., Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Pretoria, South Africa | This study was done to evaluate the effects of restricting Total Mixed Ration (TMR)and supplying Eragrostis curvula and Medicago sativa hay mixture adlib on lactation performance of mid-lactation multiparous Holstein cows. Twenty Holstein cows, averaging 598±73 kg body weight and 100 days in milk were assigned to either a 100% TJ\1R diet (control) or a 75% TMR-restricted diet. Cows on the 75% TMR-restricted diet had adlib access to E. curvula and M. sativa hay mixture (1: 1). The experiment included 2 weeks adaptation period and 4 weeks samphng period. Cows were milked twice daily. Total Dry Matter Intake (DMI), DMI as BW%, daily CP intake and intake of net energy for lactation were higher (p<O.05) for cows on the 100% TMR than for cows on the 75% TMR. Cows in 75% TMR consumed 12.5% less total DM and 14.2% less kg DM as of BW% than cows ni 100% TMR Intake of NDF was not affected (p>0.05) by treatment. Milk yield, milk fat% and yield (kg day-1) did not differ between treatments and averaged 29.2 kg day-1,3.70% and 1.08 kg, respectively. Feed efficiency ranged from 1.22-1.37 and tended to be higher (p<0.10) with 75% TMR diet. Efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorous utilisation was not affected (p>0.05) by treatments. Results suggest that TMR restriction to 75% during mid-lactation does not negatively impact milk production. © Medwell Journals, 2011. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57149097075 | Research note: Inclusion of lablab in maize and sorghum silages improves sheep performance | Ngongoni N.T., Mwale M., Mapiye C., Moyo M.T., Hamudikuwanda H., Titterton M. | 2008 | Tropical Grasslands | 42 | 3 | None | Animal Science Department, University of Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa; Department of Livestock and Wildlife Management, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe; Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | Ngongoni, N.T., Animal Science Department, University of Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mwale, M., Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa, Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Mapiye, C., Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa; Moyo, M.T., Department of Livestock and Wildlife Management, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe; Hamudikuwanda, H., Animal Science Department, University of Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Titterton, M., Animal Science Department, University of Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | An experiment was conducted to determine intake and liveweight gain of sheep fed maize, sorghum, lablab-maize and lablab-sorghum silages (20 and 40% lablab) in a completely randomised design with 6 treatments. The maize and sorghum were mixed with lablab before ensiling and the silages were fed to sheep for 21 days. Silage intake increased with increase in legume inclusion level (P<0.05). Intake of maize-based silages was higher than that of sorghum-based silages. While sheep fed the straight cereal diets lost weight, liveweight change improved as the level of lablab inclusion increased (P<0.05). The findings confirm that legume inclusion with maize and sorghum forages when ensiling improves silage intake and enhances ruminant animal performance. Long-term feeding experiments using a combination of cereals and legumes with different ruminant species are required to validate these preliminary findings. | None | Animalia; Bovidae; Lablab; Ovis aries; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930613407 | Implementation of an electronic monitoring and evaluation system for the antiretroviral treatment programme in the Cape Winelands District, South Africa: A qualitative evaluation | Myburgh H., Murphy J.P., Van Huyssteen M., Foster N., Grobbelaar C.J., Struthers H.E., McIntyre J.A., Hurter T., Peters R.P.H. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0127223 | Anova Health Institute, Paarl, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Natural Science, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Western Cape Province, South Africa; School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa | Myburgh, H., Anova Health Institute, Paarl, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Murphy, J.P., Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa; Van Huyssteen, M., School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Natural Science, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Foster, N., School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Grobbelaar, C.J., Anova Health Institute, Paarl, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Struthers, H.E., Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa; McIntyre, J.A., Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Hurter, T., Anova Health Institute, Paarl, Western Cape Province, South Africa, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Peters, R.P.H., Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa | Background: A pragmatic three-tiered approach to monitor the world's largest antiretroviral treatment (ART) programme was adopted by the South African National Department of Health in 2010. With the rapid expansion of the programme, the limitations of the paper-based register (tier 1) were the catalyst for implementation of the stand-alone electronic register (tier 2), which offers simple digitisation of the paper-based register. This article engages with theory on implementation to identify and contextualise enabling and constraining factors for implementation of the electronic register, to describe experiences and use of the register, and to make recommendations for implementation in similar settings where standardisation of ART monitoring and evaluation has not been achieved. Methods: We conducted a qualitative evaluation of the roll-out of the register. This comprised twenty in-depth interviews with a diverse sample of stakeholders at facility, sub-district, and district levels of the health system. Facility-level participants were selected across five sub-districts, including one facility per sub-district. Responses were coded and analysed using a thematic approach. An implementation science framework guided interpretation of the data. Results & Discussion: We identified the following seven themes: 1) ease of implementation, 2) perceived value of an electronic M&E system, 3) importance of stakeholder engagement, 4) influence of a data champion, 5) operational and logistical factors, 6) workload and role clarity, and 7) importance of integrating the electronic register with routine facility monitoring and evaluation. Interpreting our findings through an implementation theory enabled us to construct the scaffolding for implementation across the five facility-settings. This approach illustrated that implementation was not a linear process but occurred at two nodes: at the adoption of the register for roll-out, and at implementation at facility-level. Conclusion: In this study we found that relative advantage of an intervention and stakeholder engagement are critical to implementation. We suggest that without these aspects of implementation, formative and summative outcomes of implementation at both the adoption and coalface stages of implementation would be negatively affected. © 2015 Myburgh et al. | None | antiretrovirus agent; Article; catalyst; conceptual framework; electronic medical record; health care; human; public health service; qualitative analysis; register; South Africa; standardization; thematic analysis | AID-674-A-12-00015, USAID, United States Agency for International Development |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868672935 | Impact of sustained RNAi-mediated suppression of cellular cofactor Tat-SF1 on HIV-1 replication in CD4+ T cells | Green V.A., Arbuthnot P., Weinberg M.S. | 2012 | Virology Journal | 9 | None | 10.1186/1743-422X-9-272 | Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Health Sciences Faculty, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, CA, United States | Green, V.A., Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Health Sciences Faculty, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Arbuthnot, P., Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Health Sciences Faculty, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Weinberg, M.S., Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Health Sciences Faculty, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, CA, United States | Background: Conventional anti-HIV drug regimens targeting viral enzymes are plagued by the emergence of drug resistance. There is interest in targeting HIV-dependency factors (HDFs), host proteins that the virus requires for replication, as drugs targeting their function may prove protective. Reporter cell lines provide a rapid and convenient method of identifying putative HDFs, but this approach may lead to misleading results and a failure to detect subtle detrimental effects on cells that result from HDF suppression. Thus, alternative methods for HDF validation are required. Cellular Tat-SF1 has long been ascribed a cofactor role in Tat-dependent transactivation of viral transcription elongation. Here we employ sustained RNAi-mediated suppression of Tat-SF1 to validate its requirement for HIV-1 replication in a CD4+ T cell-derived line and its potential as a therapeutic target. Results: shRNA-mediated suppression of Tat-SF1 reduced HIV-1 replication and infectious particle production from TZM-bl reporter cells. This effect was not a result of increased apoptosis, loss of cell viability or an immune response. To validate its requirement for HIV-1 replication in a more relevant cell line, CD4+ SupT1 cell populations were generated that stably expressed shRNAs. HIV-1 replication was significantly reduced for two weeks (∼65%) in cells with depleted Tat-SF1, although the inhibition of viral replication was moderate when compared to SupT1 cells expressing a shRNA targeting the integration cofactor LEDGF/p75. Tat-SF1 suppression was attenuated over time, resulting from decreased shRNA guide strand expression, suggesting that there is a selective pressure to restore Tat-SF1 levels. Conclusions: This study validates Tat-SF1 as an HDF in CD4+ T cell-derived SupT1 cells. However, our findings also suggest that Tat-SF1 is not a critical cofactor required for virus replication and its suppression may affect cell growth. Therefore, this study demonstrates the importance of examining HIV-1 replication kinetics and cytotoxicity in cells with sustained HDF suppression to validate their therapeutic potential as targets. © 2012 Green et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | lens epithelium derived growth factor; protein; protein p75; SF1 protein; short hairpin RNA; transactivator protein; unclassified drug; article; CD4+ T lymphocyte; cell growth; cell line; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; nucleotide sequence; protein depletion; protein expression; protein function; RNA interference; T lymphocyte subpopulation; virus inhibition; virus replication; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cell Line; Gene Expression; Gene Expression Regulation; HIV-1; Humans; RNA Interference; RNA, Small Interfering; Trans-Activators; Virus Replication; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-59349089045 | The Roodekraal Complex as a constraint on the size of the Vredefort impact crater, South Africa | de Waal S. | 2008 | South African Journal of Geology | 111 | 42403 | 10.2113/gssajg.111.2-3.305 | Centre for Research on Magmatic Ore Deposits, Department of Geology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; PO Box 21167, Windhoek, Namibia | de Waal, S., Centre for Research on Magmatic Ore Deposits, Department of Geology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, PO Box 21167, Windhoek, Namibia | The volcanic Roodekraal Complex, situated about 40 km from the proposed center of the ∼2.02 Ga Vredefort cratering event, overlies the rocks of the Pretoria Group with an angular unconformity. The unsheared basal contact of the Roodekraal Complex, a succession of alkaline basic lava intruded by diorite sills, defines an ∼2.05 Ga palaeosurface and as such constrains the size of the transient Vredefort crater to a maximum of ca. 80 km in diameter. A group of concentric thrust and normal faults with listric characteristics, the Ensel Thrust System, probably represents the expected normal faults that caused collapse of the transient crater rim during the modification stage of the cratering event. A series of semi-concentric thrust faults of the order of 200 km diameter and centered on the point of impact may define the total size of the Vredefort astrobleme (taken to be the entire area of impact-induced deformation). The indicated diameters of the transient and final craters agree well with those suggested by recent numerical models. © 2008 September Geological Society of South Africa. | None | astrobleme; crater; cratering; normal fault; numerical model; paleosurface; thrust fault; unconformity; Africa; Free State; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Vredefort Dome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900306877 | Sexual dimorphism in bite performance drives morphological variation in chameleons | Da Silva J.M., Herrel A., Measey G.J., Tolley K.A. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 1 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0086846 | Applied Biodiversity Research Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Département d'Ecologie et de Gestion de la Biodiversité, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, Île-de-France, France; Evolutionary Morphology of Vertebrates Research Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, East Flanders, Belgium; Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa; Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape Province, South Africa | Da Silva, J.M., Applied Biodiversity Research Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa, Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Herrel, A., Département d'Ecologie et de Gestion de la Biodiversité, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, Île-de-France, France, Evolutionary Morphology of Vertebrates Research Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, East Flanders, Belgium; Measey, G.J., Applied Biodiversity Research Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa; Tolley, K.A., Applied Biodiversity Research Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape Province, South Africa | Phenotypic performance in different environments is central to understanding the evolutionary and ecological processes that drive adaptive divergence and, ultimately, speciation. Because habitat structure can affect an animal's foraging behaviour, anti-predator defences, and communication behaviour, it can influence both natural and sexual selection pressures. These selective pressures, in turn, act upon morphological traits to maximize an animal's performance. For performance traits involved in both social and ecological activities, such as bite force, natural and sexual selection often interact in complex ways, providing an opportunity to understand the adaptive significance of morphological variation with respect to habitat. Dwarf chameleons within the Bradypodion melanocephalum-Bradypodion thamnobates species complex have multiple phenotypic forms, each with a specific head morphology that could reflect its use of either open- or closed-canopy habitats. To determine whether these morphological differences represent adaptations to their habitats, we tested for differences in both absolute and relative bite performance. Only absolute differences were found between forms, with the closed-canopy forms biting harder than their open-canopy counterparts. In contrast, sexual dimorphism was found for both absolute and relative bite force, but the relative differences were limited to the closed-canopy forms. These results indicate that both natural and sexual selection are acting within both habitat types, but to varying degrees. Sexual selection seems to be the predominant force within the closed-canopy habitats, which are more protected from aerial predators, enabling chameleons to invest more in ornamentation for communication. In contrast, natural selection is likely to be the predominant force in the open-canopy habitats, inhibiting the development of conspicuous secondary sexual characteristics and, ultimately, enforcing their overall diminutive body size and constraining performance. © 2014 da Silva et al. | None | animal tissue; article; bite; body size; Bradypodion melanocephalum; Bradypodion thamnobates; canopy; chameleon; controlled study; ecological specialization; evolutionary adaptation; female; intraspecific variation; lizard; male; morphological trait; natural selection; nonhuman; organismal interaction; organisms by outer appearance; phenotypic variation; sex difference; species difference; species habitat; Adaptation, Biological; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Biological Evolution; Bite Force; Body Weights and Measures; Ecosystem; Female; Lizards; Male; Selection, Genetic; Sex Characteristics; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749640288 | Evaluation of toxic action mechanisms of binary mixtures of spent lubricant oil and detergent against littoral estuarine macro-invertebrates | Chukwu L.O. | 2006 | Pollution Research | 25 | 2 | None | Aquatic Toxicology and Ecophysiology Laboratory, Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | Chukwu, L.O., Aquatic Toxicology and Ecophysiology Laboratory, Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | The toxicities of spent engine oil and a Nigerian brand of detergent (Omo), and their binary mixture in ratio of 9:1 were evaluated against hermit crab, Clibanarius africanus and periwinkle, Tympanotfonus fuscatus in laboratory bioassays. The interactions between binary mixture showed significant variations from the action of the individual constituent toxicants when acting singly. On the basis of synergistic ratio (SRs) and concentration-addition models, the relationship between binary mixture. (9:1) of spent engine oil and detergent against C africanus and T fuscatus were in conformity with the models of synergism (S.R=4.12; RTU=3.95 and S.R=1.21; RTU=10 respectively) indicating that the toxicity of the constituent toxicants in the mixtures were enhanced. The importance of the results obtained from the joint action toxicity evaluations in setting effective and environmentally safe limits for control and management of petroleum pollutants is discussed. Copyright © Enviromedia. | None | bioassay; crab; detergent; laboratory method; oil; pollution monitoring; snail; synergism; toxicity test; Catharanthus roseus; Clibanarius; Decapoda (Crustacea); Invertebrata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872701657 | Breeding investigations into the gene action and agronomic performance of sunflower traits based on f1 top-cross hybrids | Makanda I., Matamela T., Mashingaidze K., Chigeza G., Musanya J., Muungani D. | 2012 | Helia | 35 | 56 | 10.2298/HEL1256031M | ARC-Grains Crops Institute, P/Bag X1251, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; ICFR, P.O. Box 100281, Scottsville, 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; ZARI, Private Bag 7, Chilanga, Zambia; Agricultural Seeds and Services (Pvt) Ltd., Eastlea, Harare, Zimbabwe | Makanda, I., ARC-Grains Crops Institute, P/Bag X1251, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Matamela, T., ARC-Grains Crops Institute, P/Bag X1251, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Mashingaidze, K., ARC-Grains Crops Institute, P/Bag X1251, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Chigeza, G., ICFR, P.O. Box 100281, Scottsville, 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Musanya, J., ZARI, Private Bag 7, Chilanga, Zambia; Muungani, D., Agricultural Seeds and Services (Pvt) Ltd., Eastlea, Harare, Zimbabwe | Information on the performance and gene action of sunflower traits is still scarce in southern Africa despite the crop's increasing importance and the growing demand for adapted cultivars. To generate this information, 30 malesterile lines were cross-bred to a restorer line generating 30 experimental hybrids. The hybrids and three check varieties were evaluated in South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Data was analysed using REML procedure in Gen- Stat®. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed for grain yield traits, oil content and days to 50% flowering. Grain yield ranged between 1700 kg ha-1 and 4278 kg ha-1, 1000-seeds weight between 59.4 g and 89.3 g, oil content between 36.6% and 44.6%, and days to 50% flowering between 55.5 and 68.0 for the hybrids but going up to 70 for the control varieties. Five hybrids were ranked above the highest performing check variety for grain yield. Two hybrids, HV9120 and HV9132, significantly outperformed the highest check variety by up to 19.6% and the lowest check variety by up to 91.6%. Oil content showed similar trends with eight hybrids having up to 6.8% yield advantage over the highest check variety and 19.3% over the lowest check variety. The high yields were attributed to heterosis and indicated the high potential for grain yield and oil content from the current germplasm set. The presence of high yielding hybrids with shorter days to 50% flowering, such as HV9132, HV9127, HV9128 and HV9135, showed that it was possible to breed for the short growing season, characteristics of most southern African areas, without compromising grain yield. General combining ability (GCA) effects were significant for all the traits indicating the importance of additive gene action for the traits. Parental lines KP1235, KP1304 and KP1290 that showed desirable GCA effects for at least three of the important traits, were selected for inclusion in the breeding programme for cultivars adapted to the region. | None | Helianthus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247357793 | Subjective visual evaluation vs. traditional and geometric morphometrics in species delimitation: A comparison of moth genitalia | Mutanen M., Pretorius E. | 2007 | Systematic Entomology | 32 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1365-3113.2006.00372.x | Department of Biology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Biology, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, FIN-90014 University of Oulu, Finland | Mutanen, M., Department of Biology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, Department of Biology, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, FIN-90014 University of Oulu, Finland; Pretorius, E., Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Species-level taxonomic studies usually include detailed morphological descriptions of taxa. Traditionally, species descriptions have been based on nonmetric, subjective, visual comparisons of morphological traits regardless of whether diagnostic characters between species are quantitative or qualitative in nature. In difficult cases, traditional morphometrics (morphometrics based on linear measurements or ratios) and appropriate multivariate statistics have been applied to validate species delimitations. Modern geometric morphometrics, a new powerful method to quantify shapes, is increasingly being used in taxonomy and systematics. We compared the results from the three morphology-based methods (subjective visual differentiation and differentiation by traditional morphometrics and geometric morphometrics) using male genital morphology for this purpose. Five species complexes of Lepidoptera Tortricidae and Geometridae were analysed, each having two to four species, and each species being readily identifiable by their wing patterns. The between-species differences were visualized with thin-plate spline deformation grids using average landmark configurations of each species. The results from exploratory and confirmatory statistics of geometric data in a taxonomic context were compared. Morphometrics provided more accurate identification than subjective visual differentiation and the best result was achieved by combined size and shape data. Furthermore, species delimitation using exploratory statistics of landmark data is often problematic because of overlap in scatters. We conclude that geometric morphometrics provides a powerful way to search for differences between taxa and serves as an objective, useful and novel way to visualize morphological variation in shape in insect taxonomy. We recommend more extensive use of geometric morphometric tools in taxonomy. © 2007 The Royal Entomological Society. | None | morphology; morphometry; moth; taxonomy; visual analysis; Geometridae; Hexapoda; Lepidoptera; Tortricidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349648781 | The influence of second language teaching on undergraduate mathematics performance | Gerber A., Harding A.F., Engelbrecht J., Rogan J. | 2005 | Mathematics Education Research Journal | 17 | 3 | 10.1007/BF03217419 | Arcus GIBB, PO Box 35007, Menlo Park, 0102, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Science Education Research Group, University of KwaZuluNatal, Pietermartizburg Campus, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3202, South Africa | Gerber, A., Arcus GIBB, PO Box 35007, Menlo Park, 0102, Pretoria, South Africa; Harding, A.F., Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Engelbrecht, J., Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Rogan, J., Science Education Research Group, University of KwaZuluNatal, Pietermartizburg Campus, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3202, South Africa | Understanding abstract concepts and ideas in mathematics, if instruction takes place in the first language of the student, is difficult. Yet worldwide students often have to master mathematics via a second or third language. The majority of students in South Africa - a country with eleven official languages - has to face this difficulty. In a quantitative study of first year calculus students, we investigated two groups of students. For one group tuition took place in their home language; for the second group, tuition was in English, a second or even a third language. Performance data on their secondary mathematics and first year tertiary calculus were analysed. The study showed that there was no significant difference between the adjusted means of the entire group of first language learners and the entire group of second language learners. Neither was there any statistically significant difference between the performances of the two groups of second language learners (based on the adjusted means). Yet, there did seem to be a significant difference between the achievement of Afrikaans students attending Afrikaans lectures and Afrikaans students attending English lectures. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-72149098388 | Is tuberculous lymphadenitis over-diagnosed in Ethiopia? Comparative performance of diagnostic tests for mycobacterial lymphadenitis in a high-burden country | Iwnetu R., Van Den Hombergh J., Woldeamanuel Y., Asfaw M., Gebrekirstos C., Negussie Y., Bekele T., Ashenafi S., Seyoum B., Melaku K., Yamuah L., Tilahun H., Tadesse Z., Aseffa A. | 2009 | Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases | 41 | 42528 | 10.1080/00365540902897697 | Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), ALERT Compound, Jimma Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; TB and Leprosy Control Team, Federal Ministry of Health, Ethiopia; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Addis Ababa University, Harar, Ethiopia; Hiwot Fana Hospital, Harar; Felege Hiwot Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Iwnetu, R., Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), ALERT Compound, Jimma Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Van Den Hombergh, J., TB and Leprosy Control Team, Federal Ministry of Health, Ethiopia; Woldeamanuel, Y., Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Addis Ababa University, Harar, Ethiopia; Asfaw, M., Hiwot Fana Hospital, Harar; Gebrekirstos, C., Felege Hiwot Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Negussie, Y., Felege Hiwot Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Bekele, T., Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ashenafi, S., Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Seyoum, B., Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), ALERT Compound, Jimma Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Melaku, K., Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Yamuah, L., Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), ALERT Compound, Jimma Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tilahun, H., Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), ALERT Compound, Jimma Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tadesse, Z., TB and Leprosy Control Team, Federal Ministry of Health, Ethiopia; Aseffa, A., Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), ALERT Compound, Jimma Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Ethiopia reports the third highest number of extrapulmonary TB cases globally, most of which are lymph node TB (TBLN). We investigated the performance of the available diagnostic tests for TBLN. Fine needle aspirate (FNA) and excision biopsy samples from affected lymph nodes were collected from 150 consenting patients with suspected TBLN visiting regional hospitals in Ethiopia. The sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of histopathology against culture as reference was 92%, 88%, 97% and 77% and of FNA cytology (FNAC) 76%, 88%, 100% and 55%, respectively. Naked eye examination of FNA had 67% sensitivity and 64% specificity. HIV coinfection did not diminish the performance of macroscopic examination, Ziehl-Neelsen stain, histology or cytology examinations. When any positive result in ZN, histopathology or culture was considered confirmatory, clinical diagnosis could be confirmed in 85% of the patients, suggesting that TBLN is over-diagnosed in up to 15% of cases. With combined criteria as reference standard, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of FNAC was 72%, 100%, 100% and 55%, respectively. FNAC is a practical tool that can improve the diagnosis of TBLN in high-burden settings. Over-diagnosis alone cannot explain the high burden of LNTB in Ethiopia. © 2009 Informa UK Ltd. | None | adolescent; adult; aged; article; aspiration biopsy; child; clinical trial; Ethiopia; histopathology; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; human tissue; lymph node biopsy; major clinical study; mixed infection; multicenter study; preschool child; school child; sensitivity and specificity; tissue culture; tuberculous lymphadenitis; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Biopsy, Fine-Needle; Chi-Square Distribution; Child; Child, Preschool; Ethiopia; Female; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Lymph Nodes; Male; Middle Aged; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Predictive Value of Tests; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tuberculosis, Lymph Node; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955642843 | The impact on dam design of a new materials model for the early behaviour of RCC | Shaw Q.H.W. | 2010 | International Journal on Hydropower and Dams | 17 | 4 | None | ARQ (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 76397, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040, South Africa | Shaw, Q.H.W., ARQ (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 76397, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040, South Africa | The impact of new materials model for high strength RCC on the design of large dams is discussed through the example of Changuinola 1 dam in Panama, focusing on aspects of particular importance for arch dams. An approach combining field measurement with structural modeling to predict and demonstrate actual materials behavior is discussed. The finite element (FE) analysis confirmed that the anticipated residual tensile stresses between induced joints spaced at 20 m are minimal, peaking at only 50 microstrain for a temperature drop of the order of 20°C. The study finds that applying a uniform temperature drop of 6°C, arch action concentrated more towards the upstream side and the top of the structure, is observed. The design approach of Changuinola 1 dam requires installation of cooling pipes in the RCC above the upper gallery if shrinkage and creep are evident in the RCC. | None | Arch action; Cooling pipes; Dam design; Design approaches; Field measurement; Finite elements; High strength; Induced joints; Large dams; Materials behavior; Micro-strain; New material; Residual tensile stress; Shrinkage and creep; Structural modeling; Temperature drops; Uniform temperature; Arches; Dams; Drops; Finite element method; Design | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-42149087700 | Effects of dietary phytase on performance and nutrient metabolism in chickens | Pirgozliev V., Oduguwa O., Acamovic T., Bedford M.R. | 2008 | British Poultry Science | 49 | 2 | 10.1080/00071660801961447 | ASRC, SAC, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Syngenta Animal Nutrition Inc., Beckhampton, Marlborough, Wiltshire, United Kingdom; ASRC, SAC, Auchincruive Estate, Ayr, KA6 5HW, United Kingdom; University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; AB Vista Feed | Pirgozliev, V., ASRC, SAC, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, ASRC, SAC, Auchincruive Estate, Ayr, KA6 5HW, United Kingdom; Oduguwa, O., ASRC, SAC, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Acamovic, T., Syngenta Animal Nutrition Inc., Beckhampton, Marlborough, Wiltshire, United Kingdom; Bedford, M.R., Syngenta Animal Nutrition Inc., Beckhampton, Marlborough, Wiltshire, United Kingdom, AB Vista Feed Ingredients, Woodstock Court, Blenheim Rd., Marlborough Bus. Pk., Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 4AN, United Kingdom | A broiler growth study was conducted to compare the effect of different concentrations of an Escherichia coli-derived phytase on performance, apparent metabolisable energy (AME), nitrogen (N), amino acid and mineral metabolisability, sialic acid excretion and villus morphology when fed to broiler chickens. 2.Female Ross 308 broilers (480) were reared in floor pens from 0 to 28 d of age. All birds were fed on nutritionally complete starter (0 to 21 d of age) and grower diets (21 to 28 d of age) with the exception that they were low in P (28 and 23 g/kg available P, respectively). These maize-soy diets were supplemented with 0, 250, 500 or 2500 phytase units (FTU)/kg feed. 3.Between 21 and 28 d of age, two birds from each floor pen were selected, and each pair placed in one of 32 metabolism cages (two birds per cage). Feed intake was recorded and excreta collected for the last 2 d of the feeding period, and AME, N, amino acid and mineral metabolisability coefficients and endogenous losses were determined following a total collection procedure. 4.Feed intake and weight gain increased in a linear manner in response to phytase dose, with an average increase of approximately 117 and 135%, respectively, compared with chickens fed on the low-P diet. Birds given diets with 2500 FTU weighed 66% more and had a 24% higher feed conversion efficiency (FCE) than those fed on diets containing 500 FTU. 5.Enzyme supplementation increased the intake of AME and metabolisable N by 103 and 39%, respectively, principally through increases in feed intake. Birds given enzyme-supplemented diets also improved their intake of metabolisable amino acids and P by approximately 14 and 124%, respectively, compared with birds fed on the control diet. Enzyme supplementation did not affect ileal villus morphometry of the birds. | None | amino acid; mineral; phytase; animal; animal food; article; chemistry; chicken; comparative study; diet; eating; enzymology; Escherichia coli; feces; female; growth, development and aging; metabolism; weight gain; 6-Phytase; Amino Acids; Animal Feed; Animal Nutrition Physiology; Animals; Chickens; Diet; Eating; Escherichia coli; Feces; Female; Minerals; Weight Gain; Aves; Escherichia coli; Gallus gallus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33747584147 | General surgery in crisis - Factors that impact on a career in general surgery | Kahn D., Pillay S., Veller M.G., Panieri E., Westcott M.J.R. | 2006 | South African Journal of Surgery | 44 | 3 | None | Association of Surgeons of South Africa, Department of Surgery, Universities of Cape Town and the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Kahn, D., Association of Surgeons of South Africa, Department of Surgery, Universities of Cape Town and the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Pillay, S., Association of Surgeons of South Africa, Department of Surgery, Universities of Cape Town and the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Veller, M.G., Association of Surgeons of South Africa, Department of Surgery, Universities of Cape Town and the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Panieri, E., Association of Surgeons of South Africa, Department of Surgery, Universities of Cape Town and the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Westcott, M.J.R., Association of Surgeons of South Africa, Department of Surgery, Universities of Cape Town and the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Introduction. The Association of Surgeons of South Africa (ASSA), because of a concern about the decline in the number of applicants for registrar posts, undertook this study into the various factors that may influence the choice of surgery as career option. Methods. The study involved a combination of desk research and structured interviews with heads of departments, specialists, and registrars in general surgery. Results. The reasons for choosing general surgery as a career included the immediately visible results of a surgeon's efforts and the practical and intellectual challenge of the specialty. General surgery continued to enjoy a high status in society. The greater focus on primary health care has affected facilities at tertiary and secondary institutions. General surgeons worked excessively long hours, which was associated with increased levels of stress and placed severe strains oh family life. All respondents felt that their levels of remuneration were 'poor' in relation to other disciplines and professions. Conclusion. In this study we identified various factors that impacted either positively or negatively on the choice of general surgery as a career option. | None | article; career; decision making; general surgery; health practitioner; hospital department; human; intellect; manager; medical research; medical specialist; professional practice; social status; structured interview; surgeon; tertiary health care; Career Choice; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Emigration and Immigration; Family Practice; Humans; Interviews; Life Style; South Africa; Stress, Psychological; Students, Medical; Surgery; Training Support; Workplace | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-28244493000 | Tidal impact on breeding African Black Oystercatchers on Robben Island, Western Cape, South Africa | Calf K.M., Underhill L.G. | 2005 | Ostrich | 76 | 42433 | None | Avian Demography Unit, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; School of Biology, University of Leeds, LC Miall Building, Clarendon Way, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom | Calf, K.M., Avian Demography Unit, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, School of Biology, University of Leeds, LC Miall Building, Clarendon Way, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom; Underhill, L.G., Avian Demography Unit, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | Haematopus bachmani | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900417099 | Thermal performance considerations for intelligent video | Alves R. | 2014 | EngineerIT | None | APRIL | None | Axis Communications, South Africa | Alves, R., Axis Communications, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899784472 | Evaluation of customised lineage-specific sets of MIRU-VNTR loci for genotyping Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates in Ghana | Asante-Poku A., Nyaho M.S., Borrell S., Comas I., Gagneux S., Yeboah-Manu D. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 3 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0092675 | Bacteriology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Biochemistry Department, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Genomics and Health Unit, Centre for Public Health Research, Valencia, Spain; CIBER (Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red) in Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain | Asante-Poku, A., Bacteriology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana, Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Nyaho, M.S., Bacteriology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana, Biochemistry Department, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Borrell, S., Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Comas, I., Genomics and Health Unit, Centre for Public Health Research, Valencia, Spain, CIBER (Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red) in Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain; Gagneux, S., Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Yeboah-Manu, D., Bacteriology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | Background: Different combinations of variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) loci have been proposed for genotyping Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). Existing VNTR schemes show different discriminatory capacity among the six human MTBC lineages. Here, we evaluated the discriminatory power of a "customized MIRU12" loci format proposed previously by Comas et al. based on the standard 24 loci defined by Supply et al. for VNTR-typing of MTBC in Ghana. Method: One hundred and fifty-eight MTBC isolates classified into Lineage 4 and Lineage 5 were used to compare a customized lineage-specific panel of 12 MIRU-VNTR loci ("customized MIRU-12") to the standard MIRU-15 genotyping scheme. The resolution power of each typing method was determined based on the Hunter-Gaston- Discriminatory Index (HGDI). A minimal set of customized MIRU-VNTR loci for typing Lineages 4 (Euro-American) and 5 (M. africanum West African 1) strains from Ghana was defined based on the cumulative HGDI. Results and Conclusion: Among the 106 Lineage 4 strains, the customized MIRU-12 identified a total of 104 distinct genotypes consisting of 2 clusters of 2 isolates each (clustering rate 1.8%), and 102 unique strains while standard MIRU-15 yielded a total of 105 different genotypes, including 1 cluster of 2 isolates (clustering rate: 0.9%) and 104 singletons. Among, 52 Lineage 5 isolates, customized MIRU-12 genotyping defined 51 patterns with 1 cluster of 2 isolates (clustering rate: 0.9%) and 50 unique strains whereas MIRU-15 classified all 52 strains as unique. Cumulative HGDI values for customized MIRU-12 for Lineages 4 and 5 were 0.98 respectively whilst that of standard MIRU-15 was 0.99. A union of loci from the customised MIRU-12 and standard MIRU-15 revealed a set of customized eight highly discriminatory loci: 4052, 2163B, 40, 4165, 2165, 10,16 and 26 with a cumulative HGDI of 0.99 for genotyping Lineage 4 and 5 strains from Ghana. © 2014 Asante-Poku et al. | None | article; bacterial strain; bacterium isolation; controlled study; gene cluster; gene locus; genotype; Ghana; Hunter Gaston Discriminatory Index; Mycobacterium africanum; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; named inventories, questionnaires and rating scales; nonhuman; single nucleotide polymorphism; variable number of tandem repeat; clinical trial; epidemiology; genetics; genotype; human; isolation and purification; male; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; tuberculosis; Genotype; Ghana; Humans; Male; Minisatellite Repeats; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879584016 | Enhancing self-regulated learning in teaching spoken communication: Does it affect speaking efficacy and performance? | Aregu B.B. | 2013 | Electronic Journal of Foreign Language Teaching | 10 | 1 | None | Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia | Aregu, B.B., Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia | The study examines the effects of enhancing self-regulated learning in the teaching of spoken communication on speaking efficacy and performances among second year students attending spoken and written communication lessons in the College of Business and Economics of Bahir Dar University. In this study, two sections consisting of 91 participants were included. To gather data, scales, tests, and diaries were used. Descriptive statistics, paired t-test, independent samples t-test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were applied to analyze the quantitative data. On the other hand, the qualitative data were analysed using such steps as looking for themes and coding, categorizing codes of similar content, and writing summary and interpretation. The outputs of the ANCOVA show that 56% of the variance in speaking performance and 39% of the variance in speaking efficacy are accounted for by the self-regulated learning intervention controlling for initial differences. The qualitative analysis also indicated that the experimental group improved its speaking efficacy and performances. Overall, the results reveal that the experimental group surpasses the control group in both speaking efficacy and performances. The results imply that attention needs to be paid to the enhancement of self-regulated learning in the process of teaching spoken communication. © Centre for Language Studies National University of Singapore. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880895145 | Synthesis and biological evaluation of a post-synthetically modified Trp-based diketopiperazine | Preciado S., Mendive-Tapia L., Torres-García C., Zamudio-Vázquez R., Soto-Cerrato V., Pérez-Tomás R., Albericio F., Nicolás E., Lavilla R. | 2013 | MedChemComm | 4 | 8 | 10.1039/c3md20353k | Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí I Franqués 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER-BBN, Networking Centre on Bioengineering Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Patology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Feixa Llarga s/n, Pavelló de Govern. 08907 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain; School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 4001-Durban, South Africa; Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXII s.n., 08028 Barcelona, Spain | Preciado, S., Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Mendive-Tapia, L., Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Torres-García, C., Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí I Franqués 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Zamudio-Vázquez, R., Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain, CIBER-BBN, Networking Centre on Bioengineering Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Soto-Cerrato, V., Department of Patology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Feixa Llarga s/n, Pavelló de Govern. 08907 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain; Pérez-Tomás, R., Department of Patology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Feixa Llarga s/n, Pavelló de Govern. 08907 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain; Albericio, F., Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain, Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí I Franqués 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain, CIBER-BBN, Networking Centre on Bioengineering Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain, School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 4001-Durban, South Africa; Nicolás, E., Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí I Franqués 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Lavilla, R., Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXII s.n., 08028 Barcelona, Spain | A series of C2-arylated analogues of the diketopiperazine brevianamide F has been synthesized using a mild Pd-catalyzed CH-activation procedure. Biological evaluation of the new derivatives in different cell lines shows that this modification is responsible for the remarkable change in activity, turning a mild antibiotic and antifungal natural product (brevianamide F) into novel antitumoral compounds. Furthermore, the approach stated represents a new straightforward and versatile methodology with promising applications in peptidomimetics and medicinal chemistry. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry. | None | antineoplastic agent; brevianamide F derivative; puromycin; unclassified drug; antineoplastic activity; antiproliferative activity; article; arylation; breast adenocarcinoma; cancer cell culture; catalysis; chemical modification; colon adenocarcinoma; controlled study; drug cytotoxicity; drug mechanism; drug potency; drug screening; drug structure; drug synthesis; human; human cell; lung carcinoma; priority journal; stereoisomerism; uterine cervix carcinoma | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-73949140661 | Impact of silica on hydrometallurgical and mechanical properties of RIP grade resins for uranium recovery | Yahorava V., Scheepers J., Kotze M.H., Auerswald D. | 2009 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 109 | 10 | None | Bateman Engineering, South Africa | Yahorava, V.; Scheepers, J.; Kotze, M.H.; Auerswald, D., Bateman Engineering, South Africa | Resin-in-pulp (RIP) technology has recently often been considered for the direct recovery of base metals and uranium from dense pulps. Implementation of RIP will eliminate the requirement for any solid-liquid separation downstream of leaching and has the potential to combine the recovery and purification steps, hence reducing both capital and operating costs. The recovery of the valuable metal is expected to be higher when RIP is used, especially where the leached solids are difficult to settle or filter, and to wash. The main concerns about the use of RIP for uranium recovery from dense pulps are the impact of silica on the resin's metallurgical performance and the operating costs that would be associated with resin loss. Although a number of resin manufacturers have been developing much improved RIP-grade resins, it is critical that the most cost-effective resin be selected. Mintek currently is doing a significant amount of work on silica fouling of RIP-grade strongbase resins in acidic leach liquors and the effect it has on the performance of the resin, including its durability. This paper describes the results of the test work done on silica fouling and its impact on plant design input data. Resin durability test work was done using various laboratory techniques, but durability was also evaluated on a relatively large scale using actual pumps, screens, and mechanical agitation. Based on the results generated, a preliminary economical evaluation was done to estimate the impact of resin loss on the overall economic viability of a specific application. Keywords: resin-in-pulp, silica fouling, resin loss, equilibrium, kinetics, elution, durability, mechanical strength, resistance to attrition. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2009. | None | Base metals; Capital and operating costs; Durability test; Economic viability; Economical evaluation; Laboratory techniques; Leach liquors; Mechanical agitation; Mechanical strength; Metallurgical performance; Plant designs; Solid-liquid separation; Cost reduction; Durability; Leaching; Mechanical properties; Metal refining; Operating costs; Resins; Silica; Transuranium elements; Uranium; Metal recovery | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-26844564684 | Evaluation of the efficacy of emodepside+praziquantel topical solution against cestone (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia taeniaeformis, and Echinicoccus multilocularis) infections in cats | Charles S.D., Altreuther G., Reinemeyer C.R., Buch J., Settje T., Cruthers L., Kok D.J., Bowman D.D., Kazacos K.R., Jenkins D.J., Schein E. | 2005 | Parasitology Research | 97 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1007/s00436-005-1442-3 | Bayer HealthCare LLC, Animal Health Division, KS, United States; Bayer HealthCare AG, Animal Health Division, R and D Parasiticides, 51368 Leverkusen, Germany; East Tennessee Clinical Research, Knoxville, TN, United States; Professional Laboratory Research Services, NC, United States; ClinVet International, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Cheri Hill Kennel R and D, MI, United States; School of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Medicine, Australian National University, ACT, Australia; Freie Universität Berlin, Institute for Parasitology and International Animal Health, Berlin, Germany | Charles, S.D., Bayer HealthCare LLC, Animal Health Division, KS, United States; Altreuther, G., Bayer HealthCare AG, Animal Health Division, R and D Parasiticides, 51368 Leverkusen, Germany; Reinemeyer, C.R., East Tennessee Clinical Research, Knoxville, TN, United States; Buch, J., Bayer HealthCare LLC, Animal Health Division, KS, United States; Settje, T., Bayer HealthCare LLC, Animal Health Division, KS, United States; Cruthers, L., Professional Laboratory Research Services, NC, United States; Kok, D.J., ClinVet International, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Bowman, D.D., Cheri Hill Kennel R and D, MI, United States; Kazacos, K.R., Cheri Hill Kennel R and D, MI, United States; Jenkins, D.J., School of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Medicine, Australian National University, ACT, Australia; Schein, E., Freie Universität Berlin, Institute for Parasitology and International Animal Health, Berlin, Germany | Emodepside+praziquantel topical solution was developed to provide broad-spectrum anthelmintic activity against gastrointestinal parasites in cats. Eight controlled studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a topical solution of emodepside (3 mg/kg) and praziquantel (12 mg/kg) (Profender®, Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany) against feline infections with three species of cestodes. Studies featured naturally acquired infections of Dipylidium caninum or Taenia taeniaeformis, or experimental infections with Echinococcus multilocularis that were placebo-controlled, randomized and blinded. Cats were euthanatized and necropsied between 2 and 11 days after treatment, depending on the target parasite. The efficacy of emodepside+praziquantel topical solution was 100% against D. caninum and T. taeniaeformis, and 98.5- 100% against E. multilocularis. No significant systemic or local adverse reactions to treatment were noted in cats that received the combination. Topical treatment of cats with emodepside+praziquantel topical solution was safe and highly effective against cestode infections. | None | anthelmintic agent; emodepside; placebo; praziquantel; profender; unclassified drug; anthelmintic activity; article; autopsy; cat; cestodiasis; controlled study; drug efficacy; Echinococcus multilocularis; euthanasia; intestine parasite; nonhuman; priority journal; safety; Taenia taeniaeformis; Administration, Topical; Animals; Anthelmintics; Cat Diseases; Cats; Cestoda; Cestode Infections; Depsipeptides; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Therapy, Combination; Praziquantel; Cestoda; Dipylidium caninum; Echinococcus multilocularis; Felidae; Taenia taeniaeformis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879800084 | Getting the job done: Analysis of the impact and effectiveness of the SmileTrain program in alleviating the global burden of cleft disease | Poenaru D. | 2013 | World Journal of Surgery | 37 | 7 | 10.1007/s00268-012-1876-6 | BethanyKids at Kijabe Hospital, Box 20, Kijabe 00220, Kenya; 14-485 Green Road, Stoney Creek, ON L8E 6A7, Canada | Poenaru, D., BethanyKids at Kijabe Hospital, Box 20, Kijabe 00220, Kenya, 14-485 Green Road, Stoney Creek, ON L8E 6A7, Canada | Background: The study measured the success of SmileTrain, the largest cleft charity globally, in alleviating the global burden of disease (GBD). It was done by estimating averted disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and delayed averted DALYs because of the global backlog in cleft procedures. Methods: Anonymized data for all procedures in the SmileTrain global database were analyzed by age, sex, country, region, and surgery type. DALYs averted were calculated using life expectancy tables and established and estimated disability weights. The cost-effectiveness analysis used mean SmileTrain procedural disbursement figures. Sensitivity analysis was performed using various cleft incidence rates, life expectancy tables, and disability weights. Results: During 2003-2010 a total of 536,846 operations were performed on 364,467 patients - 86 % in Southeast Asia and the western Pacific region. Procedure numbers increased yearly. Mean age at primary surgery - 6.2 years (9.8 years in Africa) - remained fairly constant over time in each region. Globally, 2.1-4.7 million DALYs were averted through the operations at a total estimated cost of US$196 M. Mean DALYs per patient were 3.8-9.0, and mean cost per DALY was $72-$134. Total delayed GBD due to advanced age at surgery was 191,000-457,000 DALYs. Conclusions: Despite an unparalleled number of surgeries performed and yearly increase by one charity, the unmet and delayed averted cleft GBD remains significant in all regions. Large geographic disparities reflect varied challenges regarding access to surgery. Cleft surgeries are cost-effective interventions to reduce the global burden of disease (GBD). Future challenges include increased collaboration among cleft care providers and a focus on remote global areas by building infrastructure and local training. © 2012 Société Internationale de Chirurgie. | None | child; cleft palate; cost benefit analysis; cost of illness; economics; evaluation study; female; health; health care delivery; health care disparity; human; infant; international cooperation; life expectancy; life table; male; organization and management; plastic surgery; preschool child; procedures; program evaluation; social welfare; standards; statistics and numerical data; article; cleft palate; methodology; plastic surgery; standard; statistics; Charities; Child; Child, Preschool; Cleft Palate; Cost of Illness; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Female; Global Health; Health Services Accessibility; Healthcare Disparities; Humans; Infant; International Cooperation; Life Expectancy; Life Tables; Male; Program Evaluation; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures; Charities; Child; Child, Preschool; Cleft Palate; Cost of Illness; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Healthcare Disparities; Humans; Infant; International Cooperation; Life Expectancy; Life Tables; Male; Program Evaluation; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures; World Health | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77449153568 | Formulation of annatto feed concentrate for layers and the evaluation of egg yolk color preference of consumers | Ofosu I.W., Appiah-Nkansah E., Owusu L., Apea-Bah F.B., Oduro I., Ellis W.O. | 2010 | Journal of Food Biochemistry | 34 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1745-4514.2009.00264.x | Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Kwabenya - Accra, Ghana | Ofosu, I.W., Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Appiah-Nkansah, E., Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Owusu, L., Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Apea-Bah, F.B., Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Kwabenya - Accra, Ghana; Oduro, I., Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Ellis, W.O., Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Now a days, intensely farmed poultry eggs show almost no differences in egg yolk and albumin compared with domestic layers. Annatto shrub grows rapidly to produce seeds coated with bixin and norbixin dyes which are used to color foods requiring no limits according to codex standards because they are generally regarded as safe for food applications. In this research, annatto concentrate prepared at 1:1 feed to annatto seeds was applied at 1, 4, 7 and 10% over 8 months. The results show that such feeds had no effect on the egg size (P > 0.05) (mean = 62.25 g) as well as proximate composition of feed and flavor of the resulting egg yolks, while rate of application of concentrate show significant (P < 0.05) effect on overall preference of egg yolk of layers fed up to 7%. It is recommended that annatto concentrate can be applied at 1% to give generally acceptable color intensity. © 2010, The Author(s) Journal compilation © 2010, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955434124 | Evaluation of in vitro activity of essential oils against trypanosoma brucei brucei and trypanosoma evansi | Habila N., Agbaji A.S., Ladan Z., Bello I.A., Haruna E., Dakare M.A., Atolagbe T.O. | 2010 | Journal of Parasitology Research | 2010 | None | 10.1155/2010/534601 | Biochemistry Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, P.M.B, 1052 Zaria, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B, 1045 Zaria, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B., 1045 Zaria, | Habila, N., Biochemistry Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, P.M.B, 1052 Zaria, Nigeria; Agbaji, A.S., Biochemistry Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, P.M.B, 1052 Zaria, Nigeria; Ladan, Z., Biochemistry Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, P.M.B, 1052 Zaria, Nigeria; Bello, I.A., Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B, 1045 Zaria, Nigeria; Haruna, E., Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B., 1045 Zaria, Nigeria; Dakare, M.A., Biochemistry Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, P.M.B, 1052 Zaria, Nigeria; Atolagbe, T.O., Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B., 1045 Zaria, Nigeria | Essential oils (EOs) from Cymbopogon citratus (CC), Eucalyptus citriodora (EC), Eucalyptus camaldulensis (ED), and Citrus sinensis (CS) were obtained by hydrodistillation process. The EOs were evaluated in vitro for activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei (Tbb) and Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi). The EOs were found to possess antitrypanosomal activity in vitro in a dose-dependent pattern in a short period of time. The drop in number of parasite over time was achieved doses of 0.4g/ml, 0.2g/mL, and 0.1g/mL for all the EOs. The concentration of 0.4g/mL CC was more potent at 3 minutes and 2 minutes for Tbb and T. evansi, respectively. The GC-MS analysis of the EOs revealed presence of Cyclobutane (96.09) in CS, 6-octenal (77.11) in EC, Eucalyptol (75) in ED, and Citral (38.32) in CC among several other organic compounds. The results are discussed in relation to trypanosome chemotherapy. © 2010 Nathan Habila et al. | None | acetylcholinesterase; essential oil; antitrypanosomal activity; article; controlled study; Cymbopogon citratus; distillation; drug activity; enzyme activity; Eucalyptus; Eucalyptus camaldulensis; eucalyptus citriodora; in vitro study; nonhuman; priority journal; sweet orange; Trypanosoma brucei; Trypanosoma evansi; Citrus sinensis; Corymbia citriodora; Cymbopogon citratus; Eucalyptus camaldulensis; Trypanosoma brucei brucei; Trypanosoma evansi | None |
| None | None | Development and field evaluation of a synthetic mosquito lure that is more attractive than humans | Okumu F.O., Killeen G.F., Ogoma S., Biswaro L., Smallegange R.C., Mbeyela E., Titus E., Munk C., Ngonyani H., Takken W., Mshinda H., Mukabana W.R., Moore S.J. | 2010 | PLoS ONE | 5 | 1 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0008951 | Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Disease Control and Vector Biology Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; School of Biological Sciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom; Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, Netherlands | Okumu, F.O., Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya, Disease Control and Vector Biology Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Killeen, G.F., Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, School of Biological Sciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom, Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Ogoma, S., Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, Disease Control and Vector Biology Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Biswaro, L., Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Smallegange, R.C., Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, Netherlands; Mbeyela, E., Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Titus, E., Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Munk, C., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Ngonyani, H., Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Takken, W., Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, Netherlands; Mshinda, H., Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Mukabana, W.R., School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Moore, S.J., Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, Disease Control and Vector Biology Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, School of Biological Sciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom | Background: Disease transmitting mosquitoes locate humans and other blood hosts by identifying their characteristic odor profiles. Using their olfactory organs, the mosquitoes detect compounds present in human breath, sweat and skins, and use these as cues to locate and obtain blood from the humans. These odor compounds can be synthesized in vitro, then formulated to mimic humans. While some synthetic mosquito lures already exist, evidence supporting their utility is limited to laboratory settings, where long-range stimuli cannot be investigated. Methodology and Principal Findings: Here we report the development and field evaluation of an odor blend consisting of known mosquito attractants namely carbon dioxide, ammonia and carboxylic acids, which was optimized at distances comparable with attractive ranges of humans to mosquitoes. Binary choice assays were conducted inside a large-cage semi-field enclosure using attractant-baited traps placed 20 m apart. This enabled high-throughput optimization of concentrations at which the individual candidate attractants needed to be added so as to obtain a blend maximally attractive to laboratory-reared An. gambiae. To determine whether wild mosquitoes would also be attracted to this synthetic odor blend and to compare it with whole humans under epidemiologically relevant conditions, field experiments were conducted inside experimental huts, where the blend was compared with 10 different adult male volunteers (20-34 years old). The blend attracted 3 to 5 times more mosquitoes than humans when the two baits were in different experimental huts (10-100 metres apart), but was equally or less attractive than humans when compared side by side within same huts. Conclusion and Significance: This highly attractive substitute for human baits might enable development of technologies for trapping mosquitoes in numbers sufficient to prevent rather than merely monitor transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. © 2010 Okumu et al. | None | ammonia; carbon dioxide; carboxylic acid; adult; article; controlled study; field experiment; human; male; mosquito; nonhuman; odor; Animals; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Mosquito Control | None |
| None | None | Simplified models of vector control impact upon malaria transmission by zoophagic mosquitoes | Kiware S.S., Chitnis N., Moore S.J., Devine G.J., Majambere S., Merrill S., Killeen G.F. | 2012 | PLoS ONE | 7 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0037661 | Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom | Kiware, S.S., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Chitnis, N., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Moore, S.J., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Devine, G.J., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Majambere, S., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Merrill, S., Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Killeen, G.F., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom | Background: High coverage of personal protection measures that kill mosquitoes dramatically reduce malaria transmission where vector populations depend upon human blood. However, most primary malaria vectors outside of sub-Saharan Africa can be classified as "very zoophagic," meaning they feed occasionally (&10% of blood meals) upon humans, so personal protection interventions have negligible impact upon their survival. Methods and Findings: We extended a published malaria transmission model to examine the relationship between transmission, control, and the baseline proportion of bloodmeals obtained from humans (human blood index). The lower limit of the human blood index enables derivation of simplified models for zoophagic vectors that (1) Rely on only three field-measurable parameters. (2) Predict immediate and delayed (with and without assuming reduced human infectivity, respectively) impacts of personal protection measures upon transmission. (3) Illustrate how appreciable indirect communal-level protection for non-users can be accrued through direct personal protection of users. (4) Suggest the coverage and efficacy thresholds required to attain epidemiological impact. The findings suggest that immediate, indirect, community-wide protection of users and non-users alike may linearly relate to the efficacy of a user's direct personal protection, regardless of whether that is achieved by killing or repelling mosquitoes. High protective coverage and efficacy (≥80%) are important to achieve epidemiologically meaningful impact. Non-users are indirectly protected because the two most common species of human malaria are strict anthroponoses. Therefore, the small proportion of mosquitoes that are killed or diverted while attacking humans can represent a large proportion of those actually transmitting malaria. Conclusions: Simplified models of malaria transmission by very zoophagic vectors may be used by control practitioners to predict intervention impact interventions using three field-measurable parameters; the proportion of human exposure to mosquitoes occurring when an intervention can be practically used, its protective efficacy when used, and the proportion of people using it. © 2012 Kiware et al. | None | article; blood; malaria; malaria control; mosquito; probability; process model; statistical parameters; vector control; animal; disease carrier; disease transmission; human; malaria; methodology; theoretical model; Animals; Culicidae; Humans; Insect Vectors; Malaria; Models, Theoretical; Mosquito Control | None |
| None | None | Impact of promoting longer-lasting insecticide treatment of bed nets upon malaria transmission in a rural Tanzanian setting with pre-existing high coverage of untreated nets | Russell T.L., Lwetoijera D.W., Maliti D., Chipwaza B., Kihonda J., Charlwood J.D., Smith T.A., Lengeler C., Mwanyangala M.A., Nathan R., Knols B.G., Takken W., Killeen G.F. | 2010 | Malaria Journal | 9 | 1 | 10.1186/1475-2875-9-187 | Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom; Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Department of Zoology and Marine Biology, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; DBL Centre for Health Research and Development, 57 Thorvaldensvej, Fredriksberg -C, DK 1870, Denmark; Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Socinstrasse 57, Basel, CH 4002, Switzerland; Division of Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and AIDS Academic Medical Center, F4-217, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, P.O. Box 8031, 6700 EH, Wageningen, Netherlands | Russell, T.L., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom, Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Lwetoijera, D.W., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania, Department of Zoology and Marine Biology, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Maliti, D., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania, Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Chipwaza, B., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Kihonda, J., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Charlwood, J.D., DBL Centre for Health Research and Development, 57 Thorvaldensvej, Fredriksberg -C, DK 1870, Denmark; Smith, T.A., Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Socinstrasse 57, Basel, CH 4002, Switzerland; Lengeler, C., Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Socinstrasse 57, Basel, CH 4002, Switzerland; Mwanyangala, M.A., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Nathan, R., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania; Knols, B.G., Division of Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and AIDS Academic Medical Center, F4-217, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Takken, W., Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, P.O. Box 8031, 6700 EH, Wageningen, Netherlands; Killeen, G.F., Biomedical and Environmental Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom, Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, United Kingdom, Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Socinstrasse 57, Basel, CH 4002, Switzerland | Background. The communities of Namawala and Idete villages in southern Tanzania experienced extremely high malaria transmission in the 1990s. By 2001-03, following high usage rates (75% of all age groups) of untreated bed nets, a 4.2-fold reduction in malaria transmission intensity was achieved. Since 2006, a national-scale programme has promoted the use of longer-lasting insecticide treatment kits (consisting of an insecticide plus binder) co-packaged with all bed nets manufactured in the country. Methods. The entomological inoculation rate (EIR) was estimated through monthly surveys in 72 houses randomly selected in each of the two villages. Mosquitoes were caught using CDC light traps placed beside occupied bed nets between January and December 2008 (n = 1,648 trap nights). Sub-samples of mosquitoes were taken from each trap to determine parity status, sporozoite infection and Anopheles gambiae complex sibling species identity. Results. Compared with a historical mean EIR of ∼1400 infectious bites/person/year (ib/p/y) in 1990-94; the 2008 estimate of 81 ib/p/y represents an 18-fold reduction for an unprotected person without a net. The combined impact of longer-lasting insecticide treatments as well as high bed net coverage was associated with a 4.6-fold reduction in EIR, on top of the impact from the use of untreated nets alone. The scale-up of bed nets and subsequent insecticidal treatment has reduced the density of the anthropophagic, endophagic primary vector species, Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto, by 79%. In contrast, the reduction in density of the zoophagic, exophagic sibling species Anopheles arabiensis was only 38%. Conclusion. Insecticide treatment of nets reduced the intensity of malaria transmission in addition to that achieved by the untreated nets alone. Impacts were most pronounced against the highly anthropophagic, endophagic primary vector, leading to a shift in the sibling species composition of the A. gambiae complex. © 2010 Russell et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | insecticide; Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles gambiae; article; bed net; controlled study; Culex; female; household; human; inoculation; insect bite; malaria; mosquito; nonhuman; parity; scale up; sibling; species composition; species identification; sporozoite; Tanzania; animal; Anopheles; classification; demography; disease transmission; feeding behavior; malaria; methodology; mosquito; parasitology; retrospective study; rural population; time; zoology; Animals; Anopheles; Entomology; Feeding Behavior; Humans; Insect Bites and Stings; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Insecticides; Malaria; Mosquito Control; Residence Characteristics; Retrospective Studies; Rural Population; Tanzania; Time Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34848821622 | Evaluation of a rapid screening test for rifampicin resistance in re-treatment tuberculosis patients in the Eastern Cape | Albert H., Trollip A.P., Seaman T., Abrahams C., Mole R.J., Jordaan A., Victor T., Hoosain E. | 2007 | South African Medical Journal | 97 | 9 | None | Biotec Laboratories Ltd., Somerset Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Medical Research Council Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, W Cape, South Africa; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Albert, H., Biotec Laboratories Ltd., Somerset Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Cape Town, South Africa; Trollip, A.P., Biotec Laboratories Ltd., Somerset Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Seaman, T., Biotec Laboratories Ltd., Somerset Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Abrahams, C., Biotec Laboratories Ltd., Somerset Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Mole, R.J., Biotec Laboratories Ltd., Somerset Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Jordaan, A., Medical Research Council Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, W Cape, South Africa; Victor, T., Medical Research Council Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, W Cape, South Africa; Hoosain, E., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Background and objectives. Patients with multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) are at high risk of treatment failure. It is anticipated that early identification of MDR-TB and appropriate treatment will improve patient outcome and disease control. We evaluated the rapid detection of rifampicin resistance in previously treated TB patients, directly from acid-fast bacilli (AFB)-positive sputum using a phage-based test, FASTPlaque-Response (Biotec Laboratories Ltd, Ipswich, UK). The ability of rifampicin resistance to predict MDR-TB was also determined. Design. A prospective study was done comparing performance of the rapid phage test with conventional culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST) in AFB-positive TB patients. Setting. Five primary health clinics and one TB referral centre in the Port Elizabeth Metropolitan area, Eastern Cape. Outcome measures. Sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy of the phage test were determined compared with gold standard culture and DST. Discrepant results were resolved by molecular detection of mutations conferring rifampicin resistance. The proportion of rifampicin-resistant strains that were MDR was also determined. Results. Previously treated patients were at a high risk of MDR-TB (35.7%). Sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy of FASTPlaque-Response for rifampicin resistance determination were 95.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 91.0-99.8%), 97.2% (95% CI: 94.5-99.9%) and 96.5% (95% CI: 94.1-98.9%) respectively compared with conventional DST (unresolved), calculated for specimens that had both FASTPlaque-Response and conventional DST results available. FASTPlaque-Response results were available in 2 days instead of 28-85 days with conventional DST. However, only 70.6% of FASTPlaque-Response results were interpretable compared with 86.3% of conventional DST results. The majority (95.5%) of rifampicin-resistant strains were MDR-TB. Conclusions. Rapid detection of rifampicin resistance using FASTPlaque-Response could contribute to improved management of patients at risk of MDR-TB, such as previously treated patients. However, improvement in control of specimen-related contamination is needed to ensure that a higher proportion of FASTPlaque-Response results are interpretable. Where indicated, early modification of therapy could improve patient prognosis and reduce disease transmission. | None | isoniazid; rifampicin; acid fast bacterium; antibiotic sensitivity; article; bacterial strain; bacteriophage typing; bacterium culture; bacterium isolate; bacterium isolation; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; diagnostic accuracy; drug treatment failure; human; lung tuberculosis; major clinical study; multicenter study; multidrug resistance; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; outcome assessment; prognosis; screening test; sensitivity and specificity; South Africa; sputum analysis; tuberculosis control; Antibiotics, Antitubercular; Bacteriophage Typing; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Predictive Value of Tests; Retreatment; Rifampin; South Africa; Sputum; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870267171 | Definition and application of a cohesive crack model allowing improved prediction of the flexural capacity of high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete pavement materials | Denneman E., Kearsley E.P., Visser A.T. | 2012 | Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering | 54 | 2 | None | Bituminous Surfacing, ARRB Group Ltd., 500 Burwood Highway, Vermont South VIC 3133, Australia; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | Denneman, E., Bituminous Surfacing, ARRB Group Ltd., 500 Burwood Highway, Vermont South VIC 3133, Australia; Kearsley, E.P., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Visser, A.T., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | In conventional concrete pavement design methods the design parameters are determined using linear elastic analysis. Concrete is subject to significant size effect and as a result linear elastic design concepts, such as the modulus of rupture determined for a beam, have limited reliability in the design of elements of different size and geometry. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate that, in contrast to the modulus of rupture, fracture mechanics material parameters can be used to accurately and precisely predict the flexural capacity of elements of a different size and geometry. The experimental framework includes two high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete mix designs, used to produce beams of different sizes tested in three-point bending configuration, as well as centrally loaded round panels. The fracture energy of the material is determined from the flexural beam tests. An adjusted tensile splitting test procedure is used to determine the tensile strength. The flexural tests on the beams and panels are simulated numerically using two finite element implementations of a cohesive crack approach. The numerical simulation yields satisfactory prediction of the flexural behaviour of the beam and disk specimens. It is concluded that using a fracture mechanics approach, the flexural behaviour of structural elements of different size and/or geometry can be reliably predicted. | None | Beam tests; Cohesive crack models; Cohesive cracks; Concrete mix design; Conventional concrete; Design concept; Design parameters; Different sizes; Disk specimens; Finite element implementation; Flexural capacity; Flexural tests; Fracture mechanics approach; Linear elastic; Linear elastic analysis; Material parameter; Modulus of rupture; Pavement design; Pavement material; Satisfactory predictions; Size effects; Splitting tests; Structural elements; Three point bending; Design; Fracture mechanics; Geometry; Reinforced concrete; Tensile strength; Forecasting | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937024050 | The impact of human immunodeficiency virus infection on obstetric hemorrhage and blood transfusion in South Africa | Bloch E.M., Crookes R.L., Hull J., Fawcus S., Gangaram R., Anthony J., Ingram C., Ngcobo S., Croxford J., Creel D.V., Murphy E.L. | 2015 | Transfusion | 55 | 7 | 10.1111/trf.13040 | Blood Systems Research Institute, 270 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, CA, United States; University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; South African National Blood Service, Weltevreden Park, South Africa; Chris-Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa; University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mowbray Maternity Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa; University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States | Bloch, E.M., Blood Systems Research Institute, 270 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, CA, United States, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Crookes, R.L., South African National Blood Service, Weltevreden Park, South Africa; Hull, J., Chris-Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Fawcus, S., Mowbray Maternity Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Gangaram, R., King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Anthony, J., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Ingram, C., South African National Blood Service, Weltevreden Park, South Africa; Ngcobo, S., South African National Blood Service, Weltevreden Park, South Africa; Croxford, J., RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States; Creel, D.V., RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States; Murphy, E.L., Blood Systems Research Institute, 270 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, CA, United States, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States | BACKGROUND Globally, as in South Africa, obstetric hemorrhage (OH) remains a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Although blood transfusion is critical to OH management, the incidence and predictors of transfusion as well as their relation to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are poorly described. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted of all peripartum patients at four major hospitals in South Africa (April to July 2012). Comprehensive clinical data were collected on patients who sustained OH and/or were transfused. Logistic regression was used to model risk factors for OH and transfusion. RESULTS A total of 15,725 peripartum women were evaluated, of whom 3969 (25.2%) were HIV positive. Overall, 387 (2.5%) women sustained OH and 438 (2.8%) received transfusions, including 213 (1.4%) women with both OH and transfusion. There was no significant difference in OH incidence between HIV-positive (2.8%) and HIV-negative (2.3%) patients (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-1.25). In contrast, the incidence of blood transfusion was significantly higher in HIV-positive (3.7%) than in HIV-negative (2.4%) patients (adjusted OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.14-2.03). Other risk factors for transfusion included OH, low prenatal hemoglobin, the treating hospital, lack of prenatal care, and gestational age of not more than 34 weeks. CONCLUSION In the South African obstetric setting, the incidence of peripartum blood transfusion is significantly higher than in the United States and other high-income countries while OH incidence is similar. While OH and prenatal anemia are major predictors of transfusion, HIV infection is a common and independent contributing factor. © 2015 AABB. | None | hemoglobin; adult; Article; blood transfusion; cesarean section; cross-sectional study; female; gestational age; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; major clinical study; obstetric hemorrhage; perinatal period; practice guideline; prenatal care; risk factor; South Africa; vaginal delivery; adolescent; blood; clinical trial; HIV Infections; incidence; multicenter study; postpartum hemorrhage; pregnancy; virology; Adolescent; Adult; Blood Transfusion; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891803931 | Evaluation of the false recent classification rates of multiassay algorithms in estimating HIV type 1 subtype C incidence | Moyo S., LeCuyer T., Wang R., Gaseitsiwe S., Weng J., Musonda R., Bussmann H., Mine M., Engelbrecht S., Makhema J., Marlink R., Baum M.K., Novitsky V., Essex M. | 2014 | AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses | 30 | 1 | 10.1089/aid.2013.0055 | Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Division of Medical Virology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, United States; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Division of Sleep Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Botswana-Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, Harvard School of Public Health, FXB 402, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; National Health Laboratory and Botswana-Harvard HIV Reference Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana; National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa; R. Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, University Park, Miami, FL, United States | Moyo, S., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Division of Medical Virology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; LeCuyer, T., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, United States; Wang, R., Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Division of Sleep Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Gaseitsiwe, S., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Botswana-Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, Harvard School of Public Health, FXB 402, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Weng, J., Division of Sleep Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Musonda, R., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Botswana-Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, Harvard School of Public Health, FXB 402, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Bussmann, H., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Botswana-Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, Harvard School of Public Health, FXB 402, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Mine, M., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, National Health Laboratory and Botswana-Harvard HIV Reference Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana; Engelbrecht, S., Division of Medical Virology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa; Makhema, J., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Botswana-Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, Harvard School of Public Health, FXB 402, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Marlink, R., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Botswana-Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, Harvard School of Public Health, FXB 402, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Baum, M.K., R. Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, University Park, Miami, FL, United States; Novitsky, V., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Botswana-Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, Harvard School of Public Health, FXB 402, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Essex, M., Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Botswana-Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, Harvard School of Public Health, FXB 402, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States | Laboratory cross-sectional assays are useful for the estimation of HIV incidence, but are known to misclassify individuals with long-standing infection as recently infected. The false recent rate (FRR) varies widely across geographic areas; therefore, accurate estimates of HIV incidence require a locally defined FRR. We determined FRR for Botswana, where HIV-1 subtype C infection is predominant, using the BED capture enzyme immunoassay (BED), a Bio-Rad Avidity Index (BAI) assay (a modification of the Bio-Rad HIV1/2+O EIA), and two multiassay algorithms (MAA) that included clinical data. To estimate FRR, stored blood samples from 512 antiretroviral (ARV)-naive HIV-1 subtype C-infected individuals from a prospective cohort in Botswana were tested at 18-24 months postenrollment. The following FRR mean (95% CI) values were obtained: BED 6.05% (4.15-8.48), BAI 5.57% (3.70-8.0), BED-BAI 2.25% (1.13-4.0), and a combination of BED-BAI with CD4 (>200) and viral load (>400) threshold 1.43% (0.58-2.93). The interassay agreement between BED and BAI was 92.8% (95% CI, 90.1-94.5) for recent/long-term classification. Misclassification was associated with viral suppression for BED [adjusted OR (aOR) 10.31; p=0.008], BAI [aOR 9.72; p=0.019], and MAA1 [aOR 16.6; p=0.006]. Employing MAA can reduce FRR to <2%. A local FRR can improve cross-sectional HIV incidence estimates. © 2014, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. | None | adult; age; article; Botswana; CD4 lymphocyte count; classification algorithm; cohort analysis; enzyme immunoassay; female; follow up; gender; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (strain C); Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; major clinical study; male; middle aged; opportunistic infection; priority journal; virus load; young adult; algorithm; blood; classification; geography; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; incidence; pregnancy; prospective study; Human immunodeficiency virus antibody; Adult; Algorithms; Botswana; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Female; Geography; HIV Antibodies; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; HIV-1; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Incidence; Male; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Viral Load | None |
| None | None | The Burden of Rabies in Tanzania and Its Impact on Local Communities | Sambo M., Cleaveland S., Ferguson H., Lembo T., Simon C., Urassa H., Hampson K. | 2013 | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 7 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002510 | Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania; Temeke Municipal Council, Livestock Office, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | Sambo, M., Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania; Cleaveland, S., Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Ferguson, H., Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania; Lembo, T., Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Simon, C., Temeke Municipal Council, Livestock Office, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Urassa, H., Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania; Hampson, K., Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom | Background:Rabies remains a major public health threat in many parts of the world and is responsible for an estimated 55,000 human deaths annually. The burden of rabies is estimated to be around US$20 million in Africa, with the highest financial expenditure being the cost of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). However, these calculations may be substantial underestimates because the costs to households of coping with endemic rabies have not been investigated. We therefore aimed to estimate the household costs, health-seeking behaviour, coping strategies, and outcomes of exposure to rabies in rural and urban communities in Tanzania.Methods and Findings:Extensive investigative interviews were used to estimate the incidence of human deaths and bite exposures. Questionnaires with bite victims and their families were used to investigate health-seeking behaviour and costs (medical and non-medical costs) associated with exposure to rabies. We calculated that an average patient in rural Tanzania, where most people live on less than US$1 per day, would need to spend over US$100 to complete WHO recommended PEP schedules. High costs and frequent shortages of PEP led to poor compliance with PEP regimens, delays in presentation to health facilities, and increased risk of death.Conclusion:The true costs of obtaining PEP were twice as high as those previously reported from Africa and should be considered in re-evaluations of the burden of rabies. © 2013 Sambo et al. | None | antibiotic agent; rabies vaccine; adolescent; aged; article; child; coping behavior; disinfection; health behavior; health care cost; human; incidence; infant; interview; outcome assessment; post exposure prophylaxis; questionnaire; rabies; tetanus prophylaxis; world health organization; wound care; adult; animal; bites and stings; cost of illness; dog; economics; female; male; middle aged; preschool child; rabies; Tanzania; very elderly; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Bites and Stings; Child; Child, Preschool; Cost of Illness; Dogs; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Rabies; Tanzania; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77649288154 | Psychosocial impact of sickle cell disorder: Perspectives from a Nigerian setting | Anie K.A., Egunjobi F.E., Akinyanju O.O. | 2010 | Globalization and Health | 6 | None | 10.1186/1744-8603-6-2 | Brent Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre, Imperial College School of Medicine, Central Middlesex Hospital, London, NW10 7NS, United Kingdom; National Sickle Cell Centre, Idi Araba, Lagos, Nigeria | Anie, K.A., Brent Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre, Imperial College School of Medicine, Central Middlesex Hospital, London, NW10 7NS, United Kingdom; Egunjobi, F.E., National Sickle Cell Centre, Idi Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Akinyanju, O.O., National Sickle Cell Centre, Idi Araba, Lagos, Nigeria | Sickle Cell Disorder is a global health problem with psychosocial implications. Nigeria has the largest population of people with sickle cell disorder, with about 150,000 births annually. This study explored the psychosocial impact of sickle cell disorder in 408 adolescents and adults attending three hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria. A questionnaire was designed for the study, with some of commonly described areas of psychosocial impact including general public perceptions and attitudes, education, employment, and healthcare issues, and emotional responses The majority of participants thought that society in general had a negative image of SCD, and reported negative perceptions and attitudes. Some issues in education, employment, and healthcare were expressed, however these were in the minority of cases. The results also showed that depressive feelings were experienced in almost half the study population, even though feelings of anxiety or self-hate were uncommon. Clinical implications of these findings are considered.© 2010 Anie et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | behavioral response; blood system disorder; health care; perception; public attitude; questionnaire survey; social impact; adolescent; adult; anxiety; article; attitude; controlled study; depression; education; emotion; employment; female; hate; health service; human; major clinical study; male; Nigeria; priority journal; psychosocial care; sickle cell anemia; social psychology; Lagos [Nigeria]; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937801498 | Maximizing the Impact of Training Initiatives for Health Professionals in Low-Income Countries: Frameworks, Challenges, and Best Practices | Cancedda C., Farmer P.E., Kerry V., Nuthulaganti T., Scott K.W., Goosby E., Binagwaho A. | 2015 | PLoS Medicine | 12 | 6 | 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001840 | Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Partners In Health, Boston, MA, United States; Seed Global Health, Boston, MA, United States; Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, MA, United States; Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Ministry of Health of RwandaKigali, Rwanda; Geisel School of Medicine—Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States | Cancedda, C., Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Partners In Health, Boston, MA, United States; Farmer, P.E., Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Partners In Health, Boston, MA, United States; Kerry, V., Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Seed Global Health, Boston, MA, United States, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Nuthulaganti, T., Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States; Scott, K.W., Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States; Goosby, E., University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Binagwaho, A., Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Ministry of Health of RwandaKigali, Rwanda, Geisel School of Medicine—Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States | [No abstract available] | None | Article; conceptual framework; government; health care planning; health practitioner; health program; human; lowest income group; medical education; medical school; training | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-81855172463 | Immunologic criteria are poor predictors of virologic outcome: Implications for HIV treatment monitoring in resource-limited settings | Rawizza H.E., Chaplin B., Meloni S.T., Eisen G., Rao T., Sankalé J.-L., Dieng-Sarr A., Agbaji O., Onwujekwe D.I., Gashau W., Nkado R., Ekong E., Okonkwo P., Murphy R.L., Kanki P.J. | 2011 | Clinical Infectious Diseases | 53 | 12 | 10.1093/cid/cir729 | Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, Nigeria; Nigerian Institute of Medical Resea | Rawizza, H.E., Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Chaplin, B., Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Meloni, S.T., Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Eisen, G., Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Rao, T., Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Sankalé, J.-L., Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Dieng-Sarr, A., Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Agbaji, O., Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, Nigeria; Onwujekwe, D.I., Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria; Gashau, W., University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Borno State, Nigeria; Nkado, R., 68 Military Hospital, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria; Ekong, E., AIDS Prevention Initiative Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria; Okonkwo, P., AIDS Prevention Initiative Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria; Murphy, R.L., Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States; Kanki, P.J., Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States | Background. Viral load (VL) quantification is considered essential for determining antiretroviral treatment (ART) success in resource-rich countries. However, it is not widely available in resource-limited settings where the burden of human immunodeficiency virus infection is greatest. In the absence of VL monitoring, switches to second-line ART are based on World Health Organization (WHO) clinical or immunologic failure criteria. Methods. We assessed the performance of CD4 cell criteria to predict virologic outcomes in a large ART program in Nigeria. Laboratory monitoring consists of CD4 cell count and VL at baseline, then every 6 months. Failure was defined as 2 consecutive VLs >1000 copies/mL after at least 6 months of ART. Virologic outcomes were compared with the 3 WHO-defined immunologic failure criteria. Results. A total of 9690 patients were included in the analysis (median follow-up, 33.2 months). A total of 1225 patients experienced failure by both immunologic and virologic criteria, 872 by virologic criteria only, and 1897 by immunologic criteria only. The sensitivity of CD4 cell criteria to detect viral failure was 58%, specificity was 75%, and the positive-predictive value was 39%. For patients with both virologic and immunologic failure, VL criteria identified failure significantly earlier than CD4 cell criteria (median, 10.4 vs 15.6 months; P <. 0001). Conclusions. Because of the low sensitivity of immunologic criteria, a substantial number of failures are missed, potentially resulting in accumulation of resistance mutations. In addition, specificity and predictive values are low, which may result in large numbers of unnecessary ART switches. Monitoring solely by immunologic criteria may result in increased costs because of excess switches to more expensive ART and development of drug-resistant virus. © 2011 The Author. | None | nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor; RNA directed DNA polymerase inhibitor; adult; article; biological monitoring; CD4 lymphocyte count; female; follow up; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunological parameters; major clinical study; male; Nigeria; predictive value; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; treatment duration; treatment failure; virus load; world health organization; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Developing Countries; Drug Monitoring; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Nigeria; Predictive Value of Tests; Sensitivity and Specificity; Treatment Outcome; Viral Load | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940192013 | Impact of globalisation on higher education curriculum restructuring in India : Comparing the trends in Kerala and Tamil Nadu | David S.A., Wildemeersch D. | 2014 | Indian Journal of Social Work | 75 | 4 | None | British University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; University of Johannesberg, South Africa; Kathoiieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium | David, S.A., British University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, University of Johannesberg, South Africa; Wildemeersch, D., Kathoiieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium | This study focuses on the implications of globalisation on higher education curriculum restructuring. Recent industrial developments in India, particularly the massive growth of Information and Communication Technology, and the job market has a strong influence on curriculum restructuring. A comparative analysis on the trends in Kerala and Tamil Nadu reveal that the curriculum in Tamil Nadu has been restructured much in line with the above arguments, while the developments in Kerala seem to be cautious even though similar approaches are evident. The six selected higher educational institutions deal with higher education curriculum restructuring differently, given the nature of governance, strategies and priorities of these Universities. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955574326 | Effect of furrow length and flow rate on the performance of short-furrows used to irrigate potatoes in Gojam, Ethiopia | Eshetu S., Tilahun K., Zerihun D. | 2009 | International Agricultural Engineering Journal | 18 | 42433 | None | Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Haramaya University, P.O.Box 45, Ethiopia; University of Arizona, Yuma Agricultural Center, Yuma, AZ 85721, United States; School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia | Eshetu, S., Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Tilahun, K., Haramaya University, P.O.Box 45, Ethiopia, School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia; Zerihun, D., University of Arizona, Yuma Agricultural Center, Yuma, AZ 85721, United States | A field study was conducted to evaluate existing irrigation management practices in small-scale farm holdings in northwest Ethiopia. In this study, the effect of furrow length, as well as flow rate on irrigation performance, crop yield, and water use was studied. The field experiment was arranged in a split plot design; furrow length as main plot and flow rate as sub-plot. Each treatment has three levels; 10, 25, and 40 m furrow lengths and 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 L/s flow rates. Irrigation performance indicators are: application efficiency, Ea, storage efficiency, Es, distribution uniformity, DU, runoff fraction, Rf, deep percolation fraction, Df, yield, Y, water use efficiency, WUE. The effect of furrow length was statistically significant (p<0.05) on all performance indices except E, and flow rate has shown significant effect on all performance indices (p<0.05). The ranges of measured values of Ea, Es, DU, Rf and Df were 18-34%; 46-80%; 93-98%; 81-95%; 11-57%; and 25-47% respectively. Both furrow length and flow rate had a significant effect on yield and WUE at p<0.05. The ranges of crop yield and WUE found in the study were 17-32 t/ha and 2.1-4.1 Kg/m3 respectively. Crop yield and WUE have shown a decreasing trend as furrow length increases and increases as flow rate increases. | None | Crop yield; Deep percolation; Distribution uniformity; Ethiopia; Field experiment; Field studies; Irrigation management; Irrigation performance; Performance indices; Split plot designs; Storage efficiency; Water use; Water use efficiency; Benchmarking; Biochemical oxygen demand; Irrigation; Solvents; Water supply; Crops; Solanum tuberosum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60849092886 | The impact of shopping mall development on small township retailers | Ligthelm A.A. | 2008 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 11 | 1 | None | Bureau of Market Research, University of South Africa, South Africa | Ligthelm, A.A., Bureau of Market Research, University of South Africa, South Africa | The retail sector forms a critical element of a community's economic and social welfare. It provides people with choices and services. These choices were until recently very limited in township areas. The pre-1994 retail landscape was dominated by small, often informal businesses offering basic household necessities to relatively low income earners. This has resulted in township residents' preference to shop outside townships, known as 'outshopping'. Rapid income growth of township residents since 1994 resulted in a substantial increase in consumer expenditure in these areas, known as 'in-bound shopping'. This lucrative emerging market forms the last retail frontier in South Africa and is being explored by national retailers, especially supermarket chains. This article is aimed at establishing the impact of shopping mall development in townships on the traditional small township retailers including spaza/tuck shops. The net balance sheet on the impact of shopping mall development on small township retailers clearly suggests a decline in the township retailers' market share. A change in small business model towards, inter alia, effective customer service with a small dedicated assortment of merchandise, satisfaction of emergency needs, selling in small units and extension of credit facilities may result in the survival of some small township retailers (albeit often at a smaller turnover). | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-53649110745 | Classroom goal structure and students' cognitive performance | Nwokocha P.I., Akpomi M.E., Nnadi M.A. | 2008 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 19 | 4 | None | Business Education Department, Faculty of Technical and Science Education, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria | Nwokocha, P.I., Business Education Department, Faculty of Technical and Science Education, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; Akpomi, M.E., Business Education Department, Faculty of Technical and Science Education, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; Nnadi, M.A., Business Education Department, Faculty of Technical and Science Education, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria | Over the past 25 years, achievement goal theory has emerged as one of the most prominent theories of achievement motivation. This study uses an achievement goal framework to examine the influence of classroom goal structure on students' academic performance and attitude toward mathematics. Three hundred and fifty (350) students in four, non-residential co-educational secondary schools were randomly assigned to experimental and control structures. Students in each structure were exposed to the learning strategies of the structure they were in. The control group had no instructions; it was simply the convention class. Data on the relevant variables were obtained from the mean scores of each structure on the two tests. Using ANOVA for the analysis, the results revealed that students in the co-operative goal structure were significantly different from the students in the competitive, individualistic and control settings in the mathematics achievement test. There was, however, no statistically significant difference among students in all the four modes in the mathematics attitude measure. Implications of the findings are discussed and recommendations made. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2008. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38349113448 | Enhancing Nigerian business students' interests and performance in office management through the cooperative learning approach | Koko M.N. | 2007 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 19 | 1 | None | Business Education Department, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Koko, M.N., Business Education Department, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | This study examined the effect of Cooperative Learning Approach (CLA) as an enhancement tool for Business students' interests and performance in Office Management in Nigeria. The sample consisted of 98 final-year students who offered BED 431 in the (2004/2005 academic session) selected through the simple random sampling technique and divided into control and experimental group using balloting. The OMIS and OMAT were the instruments used for data collection. The quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design was adopted in the study. The results revealed that the experimental group, exposed to the Cooperative Learning Approach, exhibited higher interest and performance in Office Management than the Control group taught through the traditional method. It was therefore concluded that Cooperative Learning Approach enhances students' interest and performance and should therefore be adopted by educationists at all levels of education in Nigeria. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2007. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34748873222 | Impact of β2-adrenoreceptor gene variants on cardiac cavity size and systolic function in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy | Badenhorst D., Norton G.R., Sliwa K., Brooksbank R., Essop R., Sareli P., Woodiwiss A.J. | 2007 | Pharmacogenomics Journal | 7 | 5 | 10.1038/sj.tpj.6500426 | Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, Schools of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Medicine (Division of Cardiology, Chris-Hani Baragwanath Hospital), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Badenhorst, D., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, Schools of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Norton, G.R., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, Schools of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sliwa, K., Medicine (Division of Cardiology, Chris-Hani Baragwanath Hospital), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Brooksbank, R., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, Schools of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Essop, R., Medicine (Division of Cardiology, Chris-Hani Baragwanath Hospital), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sareli, P., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, Schools of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Woodiwiss, A.J., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, Schools of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | In heart failure, the Arg16Gly and Gln27Glu polymorphisms of the β2-adrenoreceptor (β2-AR) gene are associated with exercise-capacity, clinical outcomes and response to β-AR blocker therapy. Whether β2-AR gene variants mediate these effects in-part through an impact on cardiac structural remodeling and pump function independent of the effects of β-blockers is uncertain. We evaluated whether the Arg16Gly and Gln27Glu variants of the β2-AR gene predict left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) before and 6 months after receiving standard medical therapy other than β-AR blockers. In all, 394 patients with IDC and 393 age and gender-matched controls were genotyped for the β2-AR gene variants using restriction-fragment length polymorphism-based techniques. LVEF and dimensions were determined in 132 patients (of whom 71 were newly diagnosed) both at baseline and after 6 months. Genotype of neither variant was associated with the presence of IDC. Moreover, β2-AR genotype did not determine LVEF or LV dimensions prior to initiating therapy. After 6 months of therapy, LVEF increased by 7.1 ± 1.0 absolute units (P < 0.0001) and LVEDD decreased by 0.27 ± 0.06cm (P < 0.02). Adjusting for baseline values as well as gender, age, and type of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy received, genotype was associated with neither final LVEF and LVEDD, nor change in LVEF and LVEDD. In conclusion, these data suggest that in heart failure, the functional Arg16Gly and Gln27Glu variants of the β2-AR gene have no independent effect on adverse structural remodeling and pump function. | None | beta 2 adrenergic receptor; beta adrenergic receptor blocking agent; digoxin; dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase inhibitor; diuretic agent; enalapril; furosemide; perindopril; trandolapril; beta 2 adrenergic receptor; cardiotonic agent; cardiovascular agent; adult; article; congestive cardiomyopathy; controlled study; female; genetic association; genetic risk; genetic variability; genotype; heart failure; heart left ventricle ejection fraction; heart left ventricle enddiastolic volume; heart left ventricle volume; heart ventricle remodeling; human; major clinical study; male; priority journal; restriction fragment length polymorphism; risk factor; systole; case control study; clinical trial; congestive cardiomyopathy; drug combination; drug effect; gene frequency; genetic predisposition; genetics; haplotype; heart left ventricle function; heart stroke volume; heart ventricle; heart ventricle remodeling; middle aged; pathology; pathophysiology; prospective study; restriction fragment length polymorphism; time; treatment outcome; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated; Cardiotonic Agents; Cardiovascular Agents; Case-Control Studies; Digoxin; Diuretics; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Furosemide; Gene Frequency; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Haplotypes; Heart Ventricles; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; Prospective Studies; Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2; Risk Factors; Stroke Volume; Systole; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Ventricular Function, Left; Ventricular Remodeling | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84953222801 | Testicular and Related Size Evaluations in Nigerian Sahel Goats with Optimal Cauda Epididymal Sperm Reserve | Abba Y., Igbokwe I.O. | 2015 | Veterinary Medicine International | 2015 | None | 10.1155/2015/357519 | Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang | Abba, Y., Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Igbokwe, I.O., Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria | Testicular sizes of animals are important for identification of those with adequate sperm production. The aim of this study was to define the testicular and related size estimates that would be associated with optimal cauda epididymal sperm counts (ESC) in Sahel goats based on postmortem evaluations. A stratified quota sample population of 125 male goats inclusive of all testicular sizes was taken at a slaughterhouse in Maiduguri, Nigeria. The bucks were aged 18-30 months and weighed 17.04 ± 2.99 (12-25) kg. Body, testicular, and epididymal weights of each goat with other related size measurements were estimated. ESC was determined from homogenized tissue using a manual cytometer. At the cut-off ESC of >1.1 × 109 sperm heads, 66 (52.80%) of the goats had optimal ESC which was associated with testicular weight of 59.90 ± 16.10 (31.40-86.20) g, gonadosomatic index of 3.51 ± 0.69 (2.00-4.50) g/kg, and scrotal circumference of 19.07 ± 1.29 (17.00-21.80) cm. The size variables of the scrotum and testis correlated with one another and with the ESC. These findings provide data that may be used to anticipate adequate antemortem sperm reserve based on testicular size during preliminary selection of sires for breeding from a sexually mature Sahel buck population. © 2015 Y. Abba and I. O. Igbokwe. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958069725 | Frequency and clinical genetics of familial dilated cardiomyopathy in Cape Town: Implications for the evaluation of patients with unexplained cardiomyopathy | Ntusi N.B.A., Wonkam A., Shaboodien G., Badri M., Mayosi B.M. | 2011 | South African Medical Journal | 101 | 6 | None | Cardiac Clinic and Cardiovascular Genetics Laboratory, Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, Department of Medicine Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, South Africa; College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdelaziz University of Medical Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Division of Human Genetics, Departments of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Ntusi, N.B.A., Cardiac Clinic and Cardiovascular Genetics Laboratory, Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, Department of Medicine Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, South Africa; Wonkam, A., Division of Human Genetics, Departments of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Shaboodien, G., Cardiac Clinic and Cardiovascular Genetics Laboratory, Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, Department of Medicine Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, South Africa; Badri, M., College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdelaziz University of Medical Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Mayosi, B.M., College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdelaziz University of Medical Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Background. Studies from Europe and North America suggest that 20 - 50% of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) may have familial disease. There is little information on the frequency and clinical genetics of familial DCM in Africa. Purpose. To determine the frequency and probable mode of inheritance of familial DCM in patients referred for investigation of the cause of DCM at a tertiary centre in Cape Town. Methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients diagnosed with DCM between 1 February 1996 and 31 December 2009 to determine the frequency of familial disease. Results. Of 109 unrelated patients with DCM, 29 (26.6%) had familial disease. Their mean age of onset of cardiomyopathy (28.01 (standard deviation (SD) 15.33) years) was significantly younger than that for non-familial cases (39.1 (SD 12.6) years) (p=0.001). Male predominance (N=21, 72.4%) and racial distribution (15 (48.3%) coloured patients, 10 (34.5%) black Africans, 4 (13.8%) white individuals, and 1 (3.4%) of Indian descent) of familial DCM probands were similar to the non-familial cases. Of the 29 patients with familial DCM, 2 (7%) had at least one relative diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy. Pedigree analysis of the 29 families was consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance in 72.4%, autosomal recessive inheritance in 17.2% and X-linked recessive inheritance in 10.4%. Conclusions. Familial DCM affects at least a quarter of African patients with DCM, presents at a young age, is associated with peripartum cardiomyopathy, and follows an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance in the majority of families. Family screening for familial DCM is indicated in all cases of unexplained DCM, including patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy. | None | adult; article; autosomal dominant inheritance; autosomal recessive inheritance; clinical genetics; congestive cardiomyopathy; controlled study; electrocardiogram; familial disease; female; heart catheterization; heart left ventricle ejection fraction; heart left ventricle function; human; major clinical study; male; patient referral; pedigree analysis; peripartum cardiomyopathy; race difference; retrospective study; tertiary health care; Adult; African Continental Ancestry Group; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated; Female; Humans; Male; Pedigree; Peripartum Period; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Retrospective Studies; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877264025 | Rheumatoid arthritis impacts on the independent relationships between circulating adiponectin concentrations and cardiovascular metabolic risk | Dessein P.H., Norton G.R., Badenhorst M., Woodiwiss A.J., Solomon A. | 2013 | Mediators of Inflammation | 2013 | None | 10.1155/2013/461849 | Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Melville 2109, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Department of Rheumatology, University of the Witwatersrand, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa | Dessein, P.H., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Melville 2109, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Norton, G.R., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Melville 2109, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Badenhorst, M., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Melville 2109, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Woodiwiss, A.J., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Melville 2109, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Solomon, A., Department of Rheumatology, University of the Witwatersrand, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa | Adiponectin and leptin are likely involved in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and therefore potential new therapeutic targets. Adiponectin inhibition could be expected to enhance cardiovascular metabolic risk. However, it is unknown whether RA changes the influence of adipokines on cardiovascular metabolic risk. We determined whether RA impacts on the independent relationships of circulating leptin and adiponectin concentrations with cardiovascular risk factors and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in 277 black African subjects from a developing population; 119 had RA. RA impacted on the relationships of adiponectin concentrations with lipid concentrations and blood pressure, independent of confounders including adiposity (interaction P < 0.05). This translated into an association of adiponectin concentrations with more favorable lipid variables including HDL cholesterol (P = 0.0005), non-HDL cholesterol (P = 0.007), and triglyceride (P = 0.005) concentrations, total cholesterol-HDL cholesterol (P = 0.0002) and triglycerides-HDL cholesterol (P = 0.0003) ratios, and higher systolic (P = 0.0006), diastolic (P = 0.0004), and mean blood pressure (P = 0.0007) in RA but not non-RA subjects. Leptin was not associated with metabolic risk after adjustment for adiposity. The cIMT did not differ by RA status, and adipokine concentrations were unrelated to atherosclerosis. This study suggests that leptin and adiponectin inhibition may not alter overall cardiovascular risk and disease in RA. © 2013 Patrick H. Dessein et al. | None | adiponectin; angiotensin receptor antagonist; antidiabetic agent; beta adrenergic receptor blocking agent; C reactive protein; calcium channel blocking agent; cholesterol; dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase inhibitor; glucose; high density lipoprotein cholesterol; hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor; insulin; leptin; nonsteroid antiinflammatory agent; triacylglycerol; adipocytokine; adiponectin; high density lipoprotein cholesterol; leptin; adipocytokine; adult; alcohol consumption; antihypertensive therapy; arterial wall thickness; article; body mass; cardiometabolic risk; carotid atherosclerosis; cholesterol blood level; correlational study; diastolic blood pressure; exercise; female; glucose blood level; human; major clinical study; male; mean arterial pressure; obesity; priority journal; protein blood level; rheumatoid arthritis; risk assessment; smoking; systolic blood pressure; triacylglycerol blood level; waist circumference; waist hip ratio; aged; arterial pressure; atherosclerosis; blood; cardiovascular disease; carotid artery disease; middle aged; physiology; rheumatoid arthritis; risk factor; blood; cardiovascular disease; Adipokines; Adiponectin; Aged; Arterial Pressure; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular Diseases; Carotid Artery Diseases; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Cholesterol, HDL; Female; Humans; Leptin; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Adipokines; Adiponectin; Aged; Arterial Pressure; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular Diseases; Carotid Artery Diseases; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Cholesterol, HDL; Female; Humans; Leptin; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955980931 | Impact of aldosterone receptor blockade on the deleterious cardiac effects of adrenergic activation in hypertensive rats | Veliotes D.G.A., Norton G.R., Correia R.J., Strijdom H., Badenhorst D., Brooksbank R., Woodiwiss A.J. | 2010 | Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology | 56 | 2 | 10.1097/FJC.0b013e3181e92a01 | Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa | Veliotes, D.G.A., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Norton, G.R., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Correia, R.J., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Strijdom, H., Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Badenhorst, D., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Brooksbank, R., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Woodiwiss, A.J., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa | Although in hypertension β-adrenoreceptor activation promotes the transition from cardiac hypertrophy to pump dysfunction, the use of β-blockers is controversial. As adrenergic activation may mediate adverse effects on the heart through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, we evaluated the effects of the aldosterone receptor blocker, spironolactone (SPIRO), on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced changes in left ventricular cavity size and pump function and the determinants thereof in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). ISO administered for 4.5 months resulted in increases in left ventricular dimensions and a decrease in pump function in SHR but not in normotensive rats, changes that, without affecting blood pressure, were abolished by SPIRO. In SHR, 4-5 days of ISO increased myocardial matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity, which was associated with matrix metalloproteinase-2 but not tissue inhibitor of MMP expression; persisted at 4.5 months; and was prevented by SPIRO. Moreover, after 4.5 months, ISO increased non-cross-linked myocardial collagen concentrations in SHR, which was abolished by SPIRO. Although after 4.5 months, ISO was not associated with increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis, an early (4-5 days) ISO-induced apoptotic effect was noted, which was prevented by SPIRO. Hence, aldosterone receptor blockade may be sufficient to prevent those adverse effects of β-adrenoreceptor activation responsible for the transition from concentric cardiac hypertrophy to pump dysfunction in hypertension. © 2010 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. | None | collagen; gelatinase A; isoprenaline; spironolactone; tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2; adrenergic activity; adrenergic receptor blocking; animal experiment; animal model; animal tissue; apoptosis; article; cell structure; controlled study; cross linking; diastolic blood pressure; echocardiography; enzyme activity; heart left ventricle contraction; heart left ventricle filling pressure; heart left ventricle hypertrophy; heart left ventricle size; heart muscle cell; heart weight; hypertension; nonhuman; priority journal; protein expression; rat; systolic blood pressure; Adrenergic beta-Agonists; Aldosterone Antagonists; Animals; Apoptosis; Blood Pressure; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated; Hypertension; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular; Isoproterenol; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; Myocardial Contraction; Myocardium; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred WKY; Receptors, Aldosterone; Renin-Angiotensin System; Spironolactone | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942190785 | The effect of performance-based financing on illness, care-seeking and treatment among children: An impact evaluation in Rwanda | Skiles M.P., Curtis S.L., Basinga P., Angeles G., Thirumurthy H. | 2015 | BMC Health Services Research | 15 | 1 | 10.1186/s12913-015-1033-7 | Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Global Health Program, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States; Rwanda Biomedical Center, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda; Department Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States | Skiles, M.P., Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Curtis, S.L., Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Chapel Hill, NC, United States, Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Basinga, P., Global Health Program, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda; Angeles, G., Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Chapel Hill, NC, United States, Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Thirumurthy, H., Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Chapel Hill, NC, United States, Department Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States | Background: Performance-based financing (PBF) strategies are promoted as a supply-side, results-based financing mechanism to improve primary health care. This study estimated the effects of Rwanda's PBF program on less-incentivized child health services and examined the differential program impact by household poverty. Methods: Districts were allocated to intervention and comparison for PBF implementation in Rwanda. Using Demographic Health Survey data from 2005 to 2007-08, a community-level panel dataset of 5781 children less than 5 years of age from intervention and comparison districts was created. The impacts of PBF on reported childhood illness, facility care-seeking, and treatment received were estimated using a difference-in-differences model with community fixed effects. An interaction term between poverty and the program was estimated to identify the differential effect of PBF among children from poorer families. Results: There was no measurable difference in estimated probability of reporting illness with diarrhea, fever or acute respiratory infections between the intervention and comparison groups. Seeking care at a facility for these illnesses increased over time, however no differential effect by PBF was seen. The estimated effect of PBF on receipt of treatment for poor children is 45 percentage points higher (p∈=∈0.047) compared to the non-poor children seeking care for diarrhea or fever. Conclusions: PBF, a supply-side incentive program, improved the quality of treatment received by poor children conditional on patients seeking care, but it did not impact the propensity to seek care. These findings provide additional evidence that PBF incentivizes the critical role staff play in assuring quality services, but does little to influence consumer demand for these services. Efforts to improve child health need to address both supply and demand, with additional attention to barriers due to poverty if equity in service use is a concern. © 2015 Skiles et al. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-47649116754 | Evaluation of light microscopy and rapid diagnostic test for the detection of malaria under operational field conditions: A household survey in Ethiopia | Endeshaw T., Gebre T., Ngondi J., Graves P.M., Shargie E.B., Ejigsemahu Y., Ayele B., Yohannes G., Teferi T., Messele A., Zerihun M., Genet A., Mosher A.W., Emerson P.M., Richards F.O. | 2008 | Malaria Journal | 7 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-7-118 | Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, United States; Amhara Regional Health Bureau, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom | Endeshaw, T., Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Gebre, T., Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ngondi, J., Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, United States, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Graves, P.M., Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, United States; Shargie, E.B., Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ejigsemahu, Y., Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ayele, B., Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Yohannes, G., Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Teferi, T., Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Messele, A., Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Zerihun, M., Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Genet, A., Amhara Regional Health Bureau, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Mosher, A.W., Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, United States; Emerson, P.M., Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, United States; Richards, F.O., Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, United States | Background. In most resource-poor settings, malaria is usually diagnosed based on clinical signs and symptoms and not by detection of parasites in the blood using microscopy or rapid diagnostic tests (RDT). In population-based malaria surveys, accurate diagnosis is important: microscopy provides the gold standard, whilst RDTs allow immediate findings and treatment. The concordance between RDTs and microscopy in low or unstable transmission areas has not been evaluated. Objectives. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of malaria parasites in randomly selected malarious areas of Amhara, Oromia, and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' (SNNP) regions of Ethiopia, using microscopy and RDT, and to investigate the agreement between microscopy and RDT under field conditions. Methods. A population-based survey was conducted in 224 randomly selected clusters of 25 households each in Amhara, Oromia and SNNP regions, between December 2006 and February 2007. Fingerpick blood samples from all persons living in even-numbered households were tested using two methods: light microscopy of Giemsa-stained blood slides; and RDT (ParaScreen device for Pan/Pf). Results. A total of 13,960 people were eligible for malaria parasite testing of whom 11,504 (82%) were included in the analysis. Overall slide positivity rate was 4.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.4-5.0%) while ParaScreen RDT was positive in 3.3% (95% CI 2.6-4.1%) of those tested. Considering microscopy as the gold standard, ParaScreen RDT exhibited high specificity (98.5%; 95% CI 98.3-98.7) and moderate sensitivity (47.5%; 95% CI 42.8-52.2) with a positive predictive value of 56.8% (95% CI 51.7-61.9) and negative predictive value of 97.6% (95% CI 97.6-98.1%) under field conditions. Conclusion. Blood slide microscopy remains the preferred option for population-based prevalence surveys of malaria parasitaemia. The level of agreement between microscopy and RDT warrants further investigation in different transmission settings and in the clinical situation. © 2008 Endeshaw et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adult; article; blood sampling; confidence interval; controlled study; diagnostic test; Ethiopia; evaluation; female; health survey; household; human; major clinical study; malaria; male; microscopy; Plasmodium; prevalence; sensitivity and specificity; animal; blood; chromatography; epidemiology; Ethiopia; family size; immunoassay; isolation and purification; malaria falciparum; methodology; parasitology; Plasmodium falciparum; Plasmodium vivax; prediction and forecasting; time; parasite antigen; Adult; Animals; Antigens, Protozoan; Blood; Blood Specimen Collection; Chromatography; Ethiopia; Family Characteristics; Female; Health Care Surveys; Humans; Immunoassay; Malaria, Falciparum; Malaria, Vivax; Male; Microscopy; Plasmodium falciparum; Plasmodium vivax; Predictive Value of Tests; Prevalence; Sensitivity and Specificity; Time Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84952651616 | Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of a Teixobactin Analogue | Jad Y.E., Acosta G.A., Naicker T., Ramtahal M., El-Faham A., Govender T., Kruger H.G., De La Torre B.G., Albericio F. | 2015 | Organic Letters | 17 | 24 | 10.1021/acs.orglett.5b03176 | Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Institute for Research in Biomedicine-Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER-BBN, Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Barcelona Science Park, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, P.O. Box 426, Ibrahimia, Alexandria, Egypt; Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain | Jad, Y.E., Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Acosta, G.A., Institute for Research in Biomedicine-Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, CIBER-BBN, Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Barcelona Science Park, Barcelona, Spain; Naicker, T., Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Ramtahal, M., Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; El-Faham, A., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, P.O. Box 426, Ibrahimia, Alexandria, Egypt, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Govender, T., Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Kruger, H.G., Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; De La Torre, B.G., Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Albericio, F., Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Institute for Research in Biomedicine-Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, P.O. Box 426, Ibrahimia, Alexandria, Egypt, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain | The first synthesis and biological activity of a teixobactin analogue is reported. Substitution of the unusual l-allo-enduracididine residue by the naturally occurring l-arginine was achieved, and the analogue gave an activity trend similar to that of teixobactin (against Gram-postive bacteria) and meropenem, which was approved by the FDA in 1996. The synthetic route used allows for the synthesis of the natural product as well as the development of a program of medicinal chemistry. © 2015 American Chemical Society. | None | None | 2014 SGR 137, Generalitat de Catalunya; RGP-234, KSU, Generalitat de Catalunya |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-13844272012 | Practical process for the air oxidation of cresols: Part B. evaluation of the laboratory-scale oxidation process | Barton B., Logie C.G., Schoonees B.M., Zeelie B. | 2005 | Organic Process Research and Development | 9 | 1 | 10.1021/op049844j | Catalysis Research Unit, Faculty of Applied Science, Port Elizabeth Technikon, Private Bag X6011, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa | Barton, B., Catalysis Research Unit, Faculty of Applied Science, Port Elizabeth Technikon, Private Bag X6011, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; Logie, C.G., Catalysis Research Unit, Faculty of Applied Science, Port Elizabeth Technikon, Private Bag X6011, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; Schoonees, B.M., Catalysis Research Unit, Faculty of Applied Science, Port Elizabeth Technikon, Private Bag X6011, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; Zeelie, B., Catalysis Research Unit, Faculty of Applied Science, Port Elizabeth Technikon, Private Bag X6011, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa | Mechanistic proposals and predictions made in a preceding paper (Part A) were evaluated by carrying out the catalytic air oxidation of p-cresol in an alternative solvent system, comprising either a mixture of ethylene glycol and acetic acid (for oxidations under acidic conditions) or ethylene glycol and water (for oxidations under basic conditions). The results obtained in these experiments confirmed that ethylene glycol acts as a nucleophile in these solvent systems, thereby stabilizing the quinomethide intermediate and resulting in highly efficient oxidations in both alkaline and acidic media. 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde, the desired product, was thus obtained in isolated yields of up to 98% and purities >99%. The inherent draw-backs associated with alkaline methanol and aqueous acetic acid solutions were thus circumvented, and the result is a highly efficient process for the production of 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde. | None | acetic acid; cresol; ethylene glycol; quinone derivative; water; acidity; alkalinity; article; catalysis; chemical reaction; molecular mechanics; molecular stability; oxidation kinetics; prediction; reaction analysis; scale up | None |
| WoS | WOS:000271954100013 | A Critical Analysis of the Social and Economic Impact of Asian Diaspora in Kenya | Afolabi, N,Akala, Winston Jumba,Falola, T,Kiruthu, Felix,Ogino, Francis | 2007 | TRANS-ATLANTIC MIGRATION: THE PARADOXES OF EXILE | None | None | None | Catholic University of Eastern Africa, University of Nairobi | "Akala, Winston Jumba: Catholic University of Eastern Africa","Kiruthu, Felix: University of Nairobi","Ogino, Francis: University of Nairobi" | None | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950236868 | Evaluation of cost-effective total nucleic acids extraction protocols for cultured Mycobacterium tuberculosis; A comparison by PCR amplification of genes associated with drug resistance | Awua A.K., Doe E.D., Gyamfi O.K. | 2010 | BMC Research Notes | 3 | None | 10.1186/1756-0500-3-48 | Cellular and Clinical Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana | Awua, A.K., Cellular and Clinical Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Doe, E.D., Cellular and Clinical Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Gyamfi, O.K., Cellular and Clinical Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana | Background: The emergence of drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex has made the management of tuberculosis difficult. Also, Mycobacterium species has a peculiar cell wall, made of an impermeable complex structure rich in mycolate, making the lyses of its cell difficult. In order to apply a radio-labelled-probe based detection of mutations in selected genes leading to drug resistance, we concede that the evaluation and modifications of nucleic acid extraction protocols that are less sophisticated and less prone to contamination would be useful in the management of tuberculosis in a resource-constrained setting. Findings. The average amount of nucleic acids was determined for different extraction treatments. High temperature treatment only, yielded the lowest amount of nucleic acids, i.e. 15.7 ± 3.2 μg. The average amount of nucleic acids obtained with the addition of TE and triton-X100, was 133.7 ± 8.9 μg, while that obtained with the addition of TE only, and TE and SDS were 68.4 ± 22.7 μg and 70.4 ± 20.3 μg respectively. Other treatments yielded 28.8 ± 6.7 μg, 32.5 ± 2.4 g and 36.9 ± 15.5 μg. The average amount of nucleic acids obtained with high temperature treatment in TE, and that obtained by freezing prior to high temperature treatment, successfully amplified for the genes of interest (rpoB, KatG, rrs). Conclusion. We strongly recommend the use of 1× TE buffer, and freezing and heating for improved lysis of cultured M. tuberculosis, and therefore, as an effective method for the preparation of M. tuberculosis nucleic acid useful for PCR. © 2010 Awua et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | Mycobacterium; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex | None |
| None | None | Potential impact of host immunity on malaria treatment outcome in Tanzanian children infected with Plasmodium falciparum | Enevold A., Nkya W.M.M.M., Theisen M., Vestergaard L.S., Jensen A.T., Staalsoe T., Theander T.G., Bygbjerg I.C., Alifrangis M. | 2007 | Malaria Journal | 6 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-6-153 | Centre for Medical Parasitology, Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Mbeya Referral Hospital (MRH), Mbeya, Tanzania; Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Epidemiology, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark | Enevold, A., Centre for Medical Parasitology, Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Nkya, W.M.M.M., Mbeya Referral Hospital (MRH), Mbeya, Tanzania; Theisen, M., Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark; Vestergaard, L.S., Centre for Medical Parasitology, Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark, Department of Epidemiology, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark; Jensen, A.T., Centre for Medical Parasitology, Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Staalsoe, T., Centre for Medical Parasitology, Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Theander, T.G., Centre for Medical Parasitology, Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Bygbjerg, I.C., Centre for Medical Parasitology, Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Alifrangis, M., Centre for Medical Parasitology, Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark | Background. In malaria endemic areas children may recover from malaria after chemotherapy in spite of harbouring genotypically drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum. This phenomenon suggests that there is a synergy between drug treatment and acquired immunity. This hypothesis was examined in an area of moderately intense transmission of P. falciparum in Tanzania during a drug trail with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) or amodiaquine (AQ). Methods. One hundred children with uncomplicated malaria were treated with either SP or AQ and followed for 28 days. Mutations in parasite genes related to SP and AQ-resistance as well as human sickle cell trait and alpha-thalassaemia were determined using PCR and sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (SSOP-ELISA), and IgG antibody responses to a panel of P. falciparum antigens were assessed and related to treatment outcome. Results. Parasitological or clinical treatment failure (TF) was observed in 68% and 38% of children receiving SP or AQ, respectively. In those with adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) compared to children with TF, and for both treatment regimens, prevalence and levels of anti-Glutamate-rich Protein (GLURP)-specific IgG antibodies were significantly higher (P < 0.001), while prevalence of parasite haplotypes associated with SP and AQ resistance was lower (P = 0.02 and P = 0.07, respectively). Interestingly, anti-GLURP-IgG antibodies were more strongly associated with treatment outcome than parasite resistant haplotypes, while the IgG responses to none of the other 11 malaria antigens were not significantly associated with ACPR. Conclusion. These findings suggest that GLURP-specific IgG antibodies in this setting contribute to clearance of drug-resistant infections and support the hypothesis that acquired immunity enhances the clinical efficacy of drug therapy. The results should be confirmed in larger scale with greater sample size and with variation in transmission intensity. © 2007 Enevold et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | amodiaquine; fansidar; immunoglobulin G; protein antibody; glutamate rich protein, Plasmodium; glutamate-rich protein, Plasmodium; protozoal protein; protozoon antibody; pyrimethamine; sulfadoxine; sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine; unclassified drug; alpha thalassemia; antibody response; article; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; gene mutation; haplotype; human; infant; major clinical study; malaria falciparum; male; oligonucleotide probe; parasite immunity; Plasmodium falciparum; polymerase chain reaction; preschool child; prevalence; randomized controlled trial; sickle cell trait; Tanzania; treatment failure; treatment outcome; animal; blood; drug combination; drug effect; drug resistance; genetics; immunocompetence; immunology; methodology; Amodiaquine; Animals; Antibodies, Protozoan; Child, Preschool; Drug Combinations; Drug Resistance; Female; Humans; Immunocompetence; Immunoglobulin G; Infant; Malaria, Falciparum; Male; Plasmodium falciparum; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Protozoan Proteins; Pyrimethamine; Sulfadoxine; Tanzania; Treatment Outcome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953069550 | Impact of HIV testing on sexual health communication in South Africa | Scott-Sheldon L.A.J., Carey M.P., Carey K.B., Cain D., Vermaak R., Mthembu J., Harel O., Simbayi L.C., Kalichman S.C. | 2011 | Sexually Transmitted Infections | 87 | 3 | 10.1136/sti.2010.045732 | Center for Health and Behavior, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244-2340, United States; Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States; Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Statistics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States | Scott-Sheldon, L.A.J., Center for Health and Behavior, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244-2340, United States; Carey, M.P., Center for Health and Behavior, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244-2340, United States; Carey, K.B., Center for Health and Behavior, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244-2340, United States; Cain, D., Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States; Vermaak, R., Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Mthembu, J., Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Harel, O., Department of Statistics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States; Simbayi, L.C., Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Kalichman, S.C., Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States | Objectives: The South African government recently launched a national campaign to test 15 million South Africans for HIV by 2011. Little is known about how receipt of HIV testing might influence interpersonal communication. To explore these questions, the authors examined the effects of prior HIV testing on sexual health communication among South Africans. Methods: Adults (N=1284; 98% black, 36% women, mean age 31) residing in a South African township completed street-intercept surveys. Results: Of the 1284 participants, 811 (63%) had been tested for HIV. Among those who had been tested, 77% tested negative, 12% tested positive, and 11% did not know their test result or refused to answer. Compared with those who had not been tested, participants who had been tested for HIV were more likely to communicate with community members about (a) HIV/ AIDS, (b) getting tested for HIV, and (c) using condoms. Testing positive for HIV was associated with communication with sexual partners about condom use. Among participants who had been tested for HIV, exploratory analyses revealed that those who had engaged in sexual health communication with community members or sexual partners reported more condom-protected sex than those who had not engaged in sexual health communication. Conclusions: HIV testing is associated with sexual health communication among South African community members and sexual partners. Offering HIV testing to all South Africans may increase communication and lead to reductions in sexual risk. | None | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; article; community; condom; controlled study; exploratory research; female; health survey; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; interpersonal communication; male; priority journal; safe sex; sexual health; sexuality; social behavior; South Africa; Adult; Condoms; Disclosure; Female; Health Communication; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052577707 | Potential impact of reactive vaccination in controlling cholera outbreaks: An exploratory analysis using a Zimbabwean experience | Kim S.-Y., Choi Y., Mason P.R., Rusakaniko S., Goldie S.J. | 2011 | South African Medical Journal | 101 | 9 | None | Center for Health Decision Science, Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Harvard Global Health Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States; Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Biomedical Research and Training Institute, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe | Kim, S.-Y., Center for Health Decision Science, Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard Global Health Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States; Choi, Y., Center for Health Decision Science, Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard Global Health Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States; Mason, P.R., Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Rusakaniko, S., Biomedical Research and Training Institute, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Goldie, S.J., Biomedical Research and Training Institute, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe | Background. To contain ongoing cholera outbreaks, the World Health Organization has suggested that reactive vaccination should be considered in addition to its previous control measures. Objectives. To explore the potential impact of a hypothetical reactive oral cholera vaccination using the example of the recent large-scale cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe. Methods. This was a retrospective cost-effectiveness analysis calculating the health and economic burden of the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe with and without reactive vaccination. The primary outcome measure was incremental cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted. Results. Under the base-case assumptions (assuming 50% coverage among individuals aged ≥2 years), reactive vaccination could have averted 1 320 deaths and 23 650 DALYs. Considering herd immunity, the corresponding values would have been 2 920 deaths and 52 360 DALYs averted. The total vaccination costs would have been ~$74 million and ~$21 million, respectively, with per-dose vaccine price of US$5 and $1. The incremental costs per DALY averted of reactive vaccination were $2 770 and $370, respectively, for vaccine price set at $5 and $1. Assuming herd immunity, the corresponding cost was $980 with vaccine price of $5, and the programme was cost-saving with a vaccine price of $1. Results were most sensitive to case-fatality rate, per-dose vaccine price, and the size of the outbreak. Conclusions. Reactive vaccination has the potential to be a costeffective measure to contain cholera outbreaks in countries at high risk. However, the feasibility of implementation should be further evaluated, and caution is warranted in extrapolating the findings to different settings in the absence of other in-depth studies. | None | cholera vaccine; article; child; cholera; controlled study; cost control; cost effectiveness analysis; drug cost; epidemic; exploratory research; fatality; herd; human; immunity; nonhuman; quality adjusted life year; retrospective study; vaccination; Zimbabwe; Cholera; Cholera Vaccines; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Decision Support Techniques; Disease Outbreaks; Humans; Immunity, Herd; Vaccination; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-23944490137 | Through the magnifying glass: A descriptive theoretical analysis of the possible impact of the South African higher education policies on academic staff and their job satisfaction | Mapesela M., Hay H.R. | 2005 | Higher Education | 50 | 1 | 10.1007/s10734-004-6358-9 | Center for Higher Education Studies and Development, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 4345, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Mapesela, M., Center for Higher Education Studies and Development, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 4345, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Hay, H.R., Center for Higher Education Studies and Development, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 4345, Bloemfontein, South Africa | This article provides a descriptive theoretical analysis of the most important higher education policies and initiatives which were developed by the democratically elected government of South Africa after 1994 to transform the South African higher education system. The article sheds light on the rationale for the policies under scrutiny; how they take cognisance of academics' diverse needs; as well as how their implementation is bound to affect academics and possibly influence job satisfaction. The article argues that the South African higher education fraternity, currently overwhelmed by mammoth change initiatives, is simultaneously faced with two processes, namely transforming the socio-political state of the country, as well as transformation to respond to national higher education policy imperatives. Seemingly South African policy-makers, in their attempts to break away from the past, are oblivious of the realities of thorough policy implementation and do not take the voluminous nature of policies into consideration as an inhibiting factor. Undoubtedly this could have adverse effects for academic staff who are expected to propel change and transformation, but who are oftentimes confronted with the complexities of implementation which entail among others, dealing with cumbersome procedures, processes, bureaucratic structures as well as increasing workloads. © Springer 2005. | None | None | None |
| None | None | Impact of human immunodeficiency virus infection on Streptococcus pneumoniae colonization and seroepidemiology among Zambian women | Gill C.J., Mwanakasale V., Fox M.P., Chilengi R., Tembo M., Nsofwa M., Chalwe V., Mwananyanda L., Mukwamataba D., Malilwe B., Champo D., Macleod W.B., Thea D.M., Hamer D.H. | 2008 | Journal of Infectious Diseases | 197 | 7 | 10.1086/528806 | Center for International Health and Development, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Department of International Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Section, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia; Zambia-Emory HIV Research Project, Ndola, Zambia; Africa Malaria Network Trust, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Center for International Health and Development, Boston University School of Public Health, 710 Albany St., Boston, MA 02118, United States | Gill, C.J., Center for International Health and Development, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Department of International Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Section, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States, Center for International Health and Development, Boston University School of Public Health, 710 Albany St., Boston, MA 02118, United States; Mwanakasale, V., Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia; Fox, M.P., Center for International Health and Development, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Department of International Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Chilengi, R., Africa Malaria Network Trust, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Tembo, M., Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia; Nsofwa, M., Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia; Chalwe, V., Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia; Mwananyanda, L., Zambia-Emory HIV Research Project, Ndola, Zambia; Mukwamataba, D., Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia; Malilwe, B., Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia; Champo, D., Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia; Macleod, W.B., Center for International Health and Development, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Department of International Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Thea, D.M., Center for International Health and Development, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Department of International Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Hamer, D.H., Center for International Health and Development, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Department of International Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Section, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States | Nasopharyngeal colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae precedes invasive pneumococcal disease. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection increases rates of invasive pneumococcal disease, and its effect on colonization is unknown. In a longitudinal cohort of Zambian mothers with or without HIV infection, HIV infection increased the risk of colonization (risk ratio [RR], 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-2.8) and repeat colonization (RR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.1-5.3) and reduced the time to new colonization (P = .01). Repeat colonization with homologous sero/factor types occurred only among HIV-positive mothers. Pediatric serotypes 6, 19, and 23 accounted for excess colonization among HIV-positive mothers. HIV infection significantly increases the risk of pneumococcal colonization. Increased rates of colonization by pediatric serotypes suggest a potential role for the 7-valent pneumococcal vaccine in HIV-infected adults. © 2008 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. | None | Pneumococcus vaccine; adult; article; bacterial colonization; controlled study; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; major clinical study; nonhuman; priority journal; prophylaxis; risk factor; seroepidemiology; serotype; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Adolescent; Adult; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Mothers; Pharynx; Pneumococcal Infections; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Serotyping; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Zambia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887081737 | Impact of housing condition on indoor-biting and indoor-resting Anopheles arabiensis density in a highland area, central Ethiopia | Animut A., Balkew M., Lindtjørn B. | 2013 | Malaria Journal | 12 | 1 | 10.1186/1475-2875-12-393 | Center for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Animut, A., Center for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Balkew, M., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Lindtjørn, B., Center for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway | Background: Exposure of individuals to malaria infection may depend on their housing conditions as houses serve as biting and resting places of vectors. This study describes the association of housing conditions with densities of indoor-biting and indoor-resting Anopheles arabiensis in Hobe, Dirama and Wurib villages of a highland area in central Ethiopia. Methods. Data on housing conditions, including presence of house apertures, number of occupants and number and the type of domestic animal tethered inside, were collected. Indoor-biting mosquitoes were sampled using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps and indoor-resting mosquitoes sampled with pyrethrum spray catches (PSCs) monthly for two years (July 2008 to June 2010). Female anophelines were identified to species and processed. Univariate and general linear estimating equation allowing for repeated measures were used to assess the contribution of housing conditions for indoor-biting and indoor-resting An. arabiensis. Results: About 96% (4,597/4,788) of anophelines were caught inside residential houses. Nine anopheline species were identified, among which An. arabiensis was most prevalent (2,489; 52%). Vectors entering houses were higher in those situated at low (β = 4.475; 95% CI = 3.475-5.476; p <0.001; β = strength of the association) and medium (β = 2.850; 95% CI = 1.975-3.724; p <0.001) altitudes compared to high altitude, and where houses have no windows (β = -0.570; 95% CI = -1.047-0.094; p = 0.019) compared with those that have. Numbers of indoor-resting vectors were higher in those situated at low (β = 6.100; 95% CI = 4.571-7.629; p <0.001) and medium (β = 4.411; 95% CI = 2.284-6.537; p <0.001) altitudes compared to high altitudes, and where houses had open eaves (β =1.201; 95% CI = 0.704-1.698; p <0.001) compared with those that had closed eaves. Conclusion: Housing conditions such as presence of open eaves, absence of window, location at low and mid altitudes, were strong predictors of indoor exposure to An. arabiensis bite in a highland area of south-central Ethiopia. © 2013 Animut et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | aerosol; altitude; Anopheles arabiensis; article; bite; density; disease control; domestic animal; Ethiopia; housing; indoor biting; light; mosquito; nonhuman; pyrethrum; Animals; Anopheles; Ethiopia; Female; Housing; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Population Density | None |
| None | None | The impact of global health initiatives on trust in health care provision under extreme resource scarcity: presenting an agenda for debate from a case study of emergency obstetric care in Northern Tanzania | Olsen T.E. | 2010 | Health Research Policy and Systems | 8 | None | 10.1186/1478-4505-8-14 | Center for International Health, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7024, N-5020, Norway; Primary Health Care Institute, Iringa, Tanzania for DBL - Center for Health Research and Development, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Haydom Lutheran Hospital, P.O. Mbulu, Tanzania | Olsen, T.E., Center for International Health, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7024, N-5020, Norway, Primary Health Care Institute, Iringa, Tanzania for DBL - Center for Health Research and Development, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Haydom Lutheran Hospital, P.O. Mbulu, Tanzania | Background: Through the nearly three decades that have passed since the Alma Ata conference on Primary Health Care, a wide range of global health initiatives and ideas have been advocated to improve the health of people living in developing countries. The issues raised in the Primary Health Care concept, the Structural Adjustment Programmes and the Health Sector Reforms have all influenced health service delivery. Increasingly however, health systems in developing countries are being described as having collapsed Do the advocated frameworks contribute to this collapse through not adequately including population trust as a determinant of the revival of health services, or are they primarily designed to satisfy the values of other actors within the health care system? This article argues there is an urgent need to challenge common thinking on health care provision under extreme resource scarcity.Methods: This article sets out to discuss and analyze the described collapse of health services through a brief case study on provision of Emergency Obstetric Care in Northern Tanzania.Results: The article argues that post the Alma Ata conference on Primary Health Care developments in global health initiatives have not been successful in incorporating population trust into the frameworks, instead focusing narrowly on expert-driven solutions through concepts such as prevention and interventions. The need for quantifiable results has pushed international policy makers and donors towards vertical programmes, intervention approaches, preventive services and quantity as the coverage parameter. Health systems have consequently been pushed away from generalized horizontal care, curative services and quality assurance, all important determinants of trust.Conclusions: Trust can be restored, and to further this objective a new framework is proposed placing generalized services and individual curative care in the centre of the health sector policy domain. Preventive services are important, but should increasingly be handled by other sectors in a service focused health care system. To facilitate such a shift in focus we should acknowledge that limited resources are available and accept the conflict between population demand and expert opinion, with the aim of providing legitimate, accountable and trustworthy services through fair, deliberative, dynamic and incremental processes. A discussion of the acceptable level of quality, given the available resources, can then be conducted. The article presents for debate that an increased focus on quality and accountability to secure trust is an important precondition for enabling the political commitment to mobilize necessary resources to the health sector. © 2010 Olsen; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | article; developing country; emergency care; health care delivery; health care facility; health care policy; health care quality; health care system; health care utilization; obstetric care; primary health care; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547910509 | The impact of safer breastfeeding practices on postnatal HIV-1 transmission in Zimbabwe | Piwoz E.G., Humphrey J.H., Tavengwa N.V., Iliff P.J., Marinda E.T., Zunguza C.D., Nathoo K.J., Mutasa K., Moulton L.H., Ward B.J. | 2007 | American Journal of Public Health | 97 | 7 | 10.2105/AJPH.2006.085704 | Center for Nutrition, Academy for Educational Development, Washington, DC, United States; ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; School of Public Health, University of Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Harare City Health Department, Harare, Zimbabwe; College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Montreal General Hospital Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; ZVITAMBO Project, #1 Borrowdale Rd, Borrowdale, Harare, Zimbabwe | Piwoz, E.G., Center for Nutrition, Academy for Educational Development, Washington, DC, United States, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Humphrey, J.H., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States, ZVITAMBO Project, #1 Borrowdale Rd, Borrowdale, Harare, Zimbabwe; Tavengwa, N.V., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe; Iliff, P.J., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe; Marinda, E.T., School of Public Health, University of Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Zunguza, C.D., Harare City Health Department, Harare, Zimbabwe; Nathoo, K.J., College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mutasa, K., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe; Moulton, L.H., Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Ward, B.J., Montreal General Hospital Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada | Objectives. We assessed the association between exposure to an educational intervention that emphasized safer breastfeeding practices and postnatal HIV transmission among 437 HIV-positive mothers in Zimbabwe, 365 of whom did not know their infection status. Methods. Mothers were tested for HIV and were encouraged - but not required - to learn their HIV status. Intervention exposure was assessed by a questionnaire, Turnbull methods were used to estimate postnatal HIV transmission, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were constructed to assess the association between intervention exposure and postnatal HIV transmission. Results. Cumulative postnatal HIV transmission was 8.2%; each additional intervention contact was associated with a 38% reduction in postnatal HIV transmission. HIV-positive mothers who were exposed to both print and video materials were 79% less likely to infect their infants compared with mothers who had no exposure. These findings were similar for mothers who did not know their HIV status. Conclusions. The promotion of exclusive breastfeeding has the potential to reduce postnatal HIV transmission among women who do not know their HIV status, and child survival and HIV prevention programs should support this practice. | None | article; breast feeding education; controlled study; disease transmission; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; proton nuclear magnetic resonance; Zimbabwe; adult; breast feeding; breast milk; counseling; disease transmission; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; health education; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; methodology; newborn; outcome assessment; polymerase chain reaction; proportional hazards model; serodiagnosis; virology; Zimbabwe; Adult; AIDS Serodiagnosis; Breast Feeding; Counseling; Disease Transmission, Vertical; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Health Education; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Milk, Human; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Polymerase Chain Reaction; Proportional Hazards Models; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-39049091339 | Estimating the impact of vaccination using age-time-dependent incidence rates of hepatitis B | Hens N., Aerts M., Shkedy Z., Kung'u Kimani P., Kojouhorova M., Van Damme P., Beutels Ph. | 2008 | Epidemiology and Infection | 136 | 3 | 10.1017/S0950268807008692 | Center for Statistics, Hasselt University, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; Kenya Institute of Medical Research, Nairobi, Kenya; National Center of Infectious and Parasitic diseases, Department of Epidemiology, Sofia, Bulgaria; Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium | Hens, N., Center for Statistics, Hasselt University, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; Aerts, M., Center for Statistics, Hasselt University, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; Shkedy, Z., Center for Statistics, Hasselt University, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; Kung'u Kimani, P., Kenya Institute of Medical Research, Nairobi, Kenya; Kojouhorova, M., National Center of Infectious and Parasitic diseases, Department of Epidemiology, Sofia, Bulgaria; Van Damme, P., Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Beutels, Ph., Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium | The objective of this study was to model the age-time-dependent incidence of hepatitis B while estimating the impact of vaccination. While stochastic models/time-series have been used before to model hepatitis B cases in the absence of knowledge on the number of susceptibles, this paper proposed using a method that fits into the generalized additive model framework. Generalized additive models with penalized regression splines are used to exploit the underlying continuity of both age and time in a flexible non-parametric way. Based on a unique case notification dataset, we have shown that the implemented immunization programme in Bulgaria resulted in a significant decrease in incidence for infants in their first year of life with 82% (79-84%). Moreover, we have shown that conditional on an assumed baseline susceptibility percentage, a smooth force-of-infection profile can be obtained from which two local maxima were observed at ages 9 and 24 years. © 2007 Cambridge University Press. | None | hepatitis B vaccine; age; article; Bulgaria; conceptual framework; health program; hepatitis B; human; immunization; incidence; infant; infection sensitivity; mathematical model; nonparametric test; regression analysis; risk reduction; sensitivity analysis; stochastic model; time series analysis; vaccination; Bulgaria; Communicable Disease Control; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B Vaccines; Hepatitis B virus; Humans; Incidence; Models, Statistical; Vaccination | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548264707 | Electronic structure of trigonal-planar transition-metal - Imido complexes: Spin-state energetics, spin-density profiles, and the remarkable performance of the OLYP functional | Conradie J., Ghosh A. | 2007 | Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation | 3 | 3 | 10.1021/ct600337j | Center for Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway; Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, 9300 Bloemfontein, South Africa | Conradie, J., Center for Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway, Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, 9300 Bloemfontein, South Africa; Ghosh, A., Center for Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway | We have carried out a detailed multifunctional density functional theory study of first-row transition-metal (Cr to Cu) β-diketiminato ("nacnac") imido and oxo complexes. All the complexes studied exhibit essentially the same d-orbital energy ordering, which is a1 (d x 2-z 2) ≤ a2 (d xy) ≤ a1 (dy2) < b2 (d yz) < b1 (dxz), where the metal-imido vector is identified with the z axis and metal-N3 plane is identified with the xz plane. A curious aspect of this orbital ordering is that the metal d z 2-z 2 orbital, one of whose lobes points directly at the imido nitrogen, is considerably lower in energy than the dπ orbitale. We have determined that the remarkable stability of the dσ-type orbitale owes largely to the way these orbitals hybridize or "shape-shift" as a result of the absence of ligands trans or equatorial with respect to the imido (or oxo) group. Of the many functionals examined, OLYP and OPBE, based on the Handy-Cohen OPTX exchange functional, appear to provide the best overall description of the spin-state energetics of the various complexes. In particular, these two functionals predict an S = 3/2 ground state for Fe(III) nacnac imido complexes and an S = 0 ground state for Co(III) nacnac imido complexes, as observed experimentally. In contrast, classic pure functionals such as PW91 predict S = 1/2 ground states or at best equienergetic S = 1/2 and S = 3/2 states for the Fe(III) imido complexes, while hybrid functionals such as B3LYP and O3LYP predict S = 1 or 2 ground states for the Co(III) nacnac imido complexes. © 2007 American Chemical Society. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930615156 | Impact of Anti-Retroviral Treatment and Cotrimoxazole Prophylaxis on Helminth Infections in HIV-Infected Patients in Lambaréné, Gabon | Janssen S., Hermans S., Knap M., Moekotte A., Rossatanga E.G., Adegnika A.A., Bélard S., Hänscheid T., Grobusch M.P. | 2015 | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 9 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003769 | Center for Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Centre de Traitement Ambulatoire (CTA), Lambaréné, Gabon; Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon; Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Clinical Infectious Diseases Research Initiative, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany; Instituto de Microbiologia, Lisbon, Portugal | Janssen, S., Center for Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Centre de Traitement Ambulatoire (CTA), Lambaréné, Gabon, Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany, Clinical Infectious Diseases Research Initiative, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Hermans, S., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Knap, M., Center for Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon; Moekotte, A., Center for Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon; Rossatanga, E.G., Centre de Traitement Ambulatoire (CTA), Lambaréné, Gabon; Adegnika, A.A., Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Bélard, S., Center for Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany, Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany; Hänscheid, T., Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon, Instituto de Microbiologia, Lisbon, Portugal; Grobusch, M.P., Center for Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany, Clinical Infectious Diseases Research Initiative, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands | Foci of the HIV epidemic and helminthic infections largely overlap geographically. Treatment options for helminth infections are limited, and there is a paucity of drug-development research in this area. Limited evidence suggests that antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces prevalence of helminth infections in HIV-infected individuals. We investigated whether ART exposure and cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (CTX-P) is associated with a reduced prevalence of helminth infections. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a primary HIV-clinic in Lambaréné, Gabon. HIV-infected adults who were ART-naïve or exposed to ART for at least 3 months submitted one blood sample and stool and urine samples on 3 consecutive days. Outcome was helminth infection with intestinal helminths, Schistosoma haematobium, Loa loa or Mansonella perstans. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between ART or CTX-P and helminth infection. In total, 408 patients were enrolled. Helminth infection was common (77/252 [30.5%]). Filarial infections were most prevalent (55/310 [17.7%]), followed by infection with intestinal helminths (35/296 [11.8%]) and S. haematobium (19/323 [5.9%]). Patients on CTX-P had a reduced risk of Loa loa microfilaremia (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.47, 95% CI 0.23-0.97, P = 0.04), also in the subgroup of patients on ART (aOR 0.36, 95% CI 0.13-0.96, P = 0.04). There was no effect of ART exposure on helminth infection prevalence. CTX-P use was associated with a decreased risk of Loa loa infection, suggesting an anthelminthic effect of antifolate drugs. No relation between ART use and helminth infections was established. © 2015 Janssen et al. | None | antiretrovirus agent; cotrimoxazole; adult; aged; Article; blood sampling; CD4 lymphocyte count; cross-sectional study; feces analysis; female; follow up; geographic distribution; helminthiasis; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; infection risk; major clinical study; male; outcome assessment; parasite prevalence; prophylaxis; treatment duration; urinalysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921665729 | Generation and evaluation of clade C simian-human immunodeficiency virus challenge stocks | Chang H.-W., Tartaglia L.J., Whitney J.B., Lim S.-Y., Sanisetty S., Lavine C.L., Seaman M.S., Rademeyer C., Williamson C., Ellingson-Strouss K., Stamatatos L., Kublin J., Barouch D.H. | 2015 | Journal of Virology | 89 | 4 | 10.1128/JVI.03279-14 | Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States; Division of Medical Virology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States | Chang, H.-W., Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Tartaglia, L.J., Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Whitney, J.B., Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States; Lim, S.-Y., Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Sanisetty, S., Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Lavine, C.L., Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Seaman, M.S., Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Rademeyer, C., Division of Medical Virology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Williamson, C., Division of Medical Virology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Ellingson-Strouss, K., Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States; Stamatatos, L., Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; Kublin, J., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; Barouch, D.H., Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States | The development of a panel of mucosally transmissible simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) challenge stocks from multiple virus clades would facilitate preclinical evaluation of candidate HIV-1 vaccines and therapeutics. The majority of SHIV stocks that have been generated to date have been derived from clade B HIV-1 env sequences from viruses isolated during chronic infection and typically required serial animal-to-animal adaptation for establishing mucosal transmissibility and pathogenicity. To capture essential features of mucosal transmission of cladeCviruses, we produced a series of SHIVs with early cladeCHIV-1 env sequences from acutely HIV-1-infected individuals from South Africa. SHIV-327c and SHIV-327cRM expressed env sequences that were 99.7 to 100% identical to the original HIV-1 isolate and did not require in vivo passaging for mucosal infectivity. These challenge stocks infected rhesus monkeys efficiently by both intrarectal and intravaginal routes, replicated to high levels during acute infection, and established chronic setpoint viremia in 13 of 17 (76%) infected animals. The SHIV-327cRM challenge stock was also titrated for both single, highdose intrarectal challenges and repetitive, low-dose intrarectal challenges in rhesus monkeys. These SHIV challenge stocks should facilitate the preclinical evaluation of vaccines and other interventions aimed at preventing cladeCHIV-1 infection. © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. | None | concanavalin A; adult; animal cell; Article; CD4 lymphocyte count; CD4+ T lymphocyte; cladistics; controlled study; disease severity; female; gene amplification; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; immunophenotyping; male; molecular cloning; nonhuman; nucleotide sequence; pathogenicity; phenotype; real time polymerase chain reaction; sequence alignment; Simian immunodeficiency virus; viremia; virus infectivity; virus load; virus neutralization; virus purification; virus replication; virus strain; virus titration; virus transmission; animal; disease model; genetics; growth, development and aging; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; isolation and purification; mucosa; rhesus monkey; Simian immunodeficiency virus; virology; virulence; Animalia; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Macaca mulatta; Simian-Human immunodeficiency virus; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Female; HIV-1; Humans; Macaca mulatta; Male; Mucous Membrane; Simian Immunodeficiency Virus; Virulence | AI078526, NIH, National Institutes of Health; AI084794, NIH, National Institutes of Health; AI095985, NIH, National Institutes of Health; AI096040, NIH, National Institutes of Health |
| None | None | Evaluation of two counterflow traps for testing behaviour-mediating compounds for the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae s.s. under semi-field conditions in Tanzania | Schmied W.H., Takken W., Killeen G.F., Knols B.G.J., Smallegange R.C. | 2008 | Malaria Journal | 7 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-7-230 | Center of Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Entomology Unit, Ifakara Health Research and Development Center, Ifakara, Tanzania; Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Center, P.O. Box 8031, 6700 EH Wageningen, Netherlands; School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom | Schmied, W.H., Center of Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria, Entomology Unit, Ifakara Health Research and Development Center, Ifakara, Tanzania; Takken, W., Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Center, P.O. Box 8031, 6700 EH Wageningen, Netherlands; Killeen, G.F., Entomology Unit, Ifakara Health Research and Development Center, Ifakara, Tanzania, School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom; Knols, B.G.J., Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Center, P.O. Box 8031, 6700 EH Wageningen, Netherlands; Smallegange, R.C., Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Center, P.O. Box 8031, 6700 EH Wageningen, Netherlands | Background. Evaluation of mosquito responses towards different trap-bait combinations in field trials is a time-consuming process that can be shortened by experiments in contained semi-field systems. Possible use of the BG Sentinel (BGS) trap to sample Anopheles gambiae s.s. was evaluated. The efficiency of this trap was compared with that of the Mosquito Magnet-X (MM-X) trap, when baited with foot odour alone or combinations of foot odour with carbon dioxide (CO2) or lemongrass as behaviour-modifying cues. Methods. Female An. gambiae s.s. were released in an experimental flight arena that was placed in a semi-field system and left overnight. Catch rates for the MM-X and BGS traps were recorded. Data were analysed by fitting a generalized linear model to the (n+1) transformed catches. Results. Both types of traps successfully captured mosquitoes with all odour cues used. When the BGS trap was tested against the MM-X trap in a choice assay with foot odour as bait, the BGS trap caught about three times as many mosquitoes as the MM-X trap (P = 0.002). Adding CO 2(500 ml/min) to foot odour increased the number of mosquitoes caught by 268% for the MM-X (P < 0.001) and 34% (P = 0.051) for the BGS trap, compared to foot odour alone. When lemongrass leaves were added to foot odour, mosquito catches were reduced by 39% (BGS, P < 0.001) and 38% (MM-X, P = 0.353), respectively. Conclusion. The BGS trap shows high potential for field trials due to its simple construction and high catch rate when baited with human foot odour only. However, for rapid screening of different baits in a contained semi-field system, the superior discriminatory power of the MM-X trap is advantageous. © 2008 Schmied et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | carbon dioxide; carbon dioxide; chemotactic factor; Anopheles gambiae; article; controlled study; Cymbopogon citratus; disease carrier; female; malaria; nonhuman; odor; Tanzania; animal; animal behavior; comparative study; drug effect; human; mosquito; Animals; Anopheles gambiae; Behavior, Animal; Carbon Dioxide; Chemotactic Factors; Female; Humans; Mosquito Control; Odors; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952031477 | Phenotypic plasticity of locomotion performance in the seed harvester Messor capensis (Formicidae) | Clusella-Trullas S., Terblanche J.S., Chown S.L. | 2010 | Physiological and Biochemical Zoology | 83 | 3 | 10.1086/651387 | Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Clusella-Trullas, S., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Terblanche, J.S., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Chown, S.L., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Temperature dependence, energetics, and speed of locomotion have important implications for the ecology and evolution of ants. Here, we report the results of a full-factorial study investigating the responses of active metabolic rate (AMR), voluntary locomotion speed, and cost of transport (COT) to three temperature acclimations (7-10 d; 20°, 25°, and 30°C) and three test temperature treatments (2 h; 20°, 25°, and 30°C) in a seed-harvester ant, Messor capensis. By using a strong-inference approach, we assessed these trait responses in the context of the beneficial acclimation hypothesis and its alternatives. Results showed that AMR was not affected by acclimation temperature, indicating limited phenotypic plasticity for this trait. By contrast, voluntary running speed was consistently higher when ants were acclimated at 25°C, providing support for the optimal acclimation hypothesis. COT was not affected by acclimation or treatment temperature. In addition, while AMR was re-peatable and similar across temperatures (r = 0.371-0.683), the repeatabilities of running speed (r = 0.191-0.826) and COT (r = 0.166-0.903) were highly variable, suggesting constraints on ant locomotion under certain thermal conditions. Minimum COT (298 J kg-1 m -1) in M. capensis was well within the range of values for other terrestrial arthropods of a similar body size. This study emphasizes the need to investigate a variety of performance traits rather than a single one and to expand the limited body of work on plasticity of insect locomotion. © 2010 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved. | None | carbon dioxide; acclimation; adaptation; ant; body size; energetics; harvesting; locomotion; phenotypic plasticity; seed; acclimatization; animal; ant; article; energy metabolism; locomotion; metabolism; oxygen consumption; physiology; Acclimatization; Animals; Ants; Carbon Dioxide; Energy Metabolism; Locomotion; Oxygen Consumption; Arthropoda; Formicidae; Hexapoda; Messor capensis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920520114 | Evaluation of the inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, the antioxidant activity, and the polyphenolic content of citrus limetta peel extract | Padilla-Camberos E., Lazcano-Díaz E., Flores-Fernandez J.M., Owolabi M.S., Allen K., Villanueva-Rodríguez S. | 2014 | Scientific World Journal | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/121760 | Centro de Investigacion y Asistencia en Tecnologia y Diseno Del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Avenida Normalistas 800, Guadalajara, Mexico; Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University, PMB 0001, Lasu Post Office, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Lancaster Medical Scho | Padilla-Camberos, E., Centro de Investigacion y Asistencia en Tecnologia y Diseno Del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Avenida Normalistas 800, Guadalajara, Mexico; Lazcano-Díaz, E., Centro de Investigacion y Asistencia en Tecnologia y Diseno Del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Avenida Normalistas 800, Guadalajara, Mexico; Flores-Fernandez, J.M., Centro de Investigacion y Asistencia en Tecnologia y Diseno Del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Avenida Normalistas 800, Guadalajara, Mexico; Owolabi, M.S., Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University, PMB 0001, Lasu Post Office, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Allen, K., Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom; Villanueva-Rodríguez, S., Centro de Investigacion y Asistencia en Tecnologia y Diseno Del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Avenida Normalistas 800, Guadalajara, Mexico | Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most frequent causes of death in Mexico, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. One alternative strategy for this metabolic abnormality is inhibiting the enzymes responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates. We evaluated whether the aqueous Citrus limetta peel extract could inhibit the metabolism of carbohydrates. We found that this extract inhibited primarily the enzyme α-amylase by 49.6% at a concentration of 20 mg/mL and to a lesser extent the enzyme α-glucosidase with an inhibition of 28.2% at the same concentration. This inhibition is likely due to the high polyphenol content in the Citrus limetta peel (19.1 mg GAE/g). Antioxidant activity of the Citrus limetta peel demonstrated dose-dependent antioxidant activity, varying from 6.5% at 1.125 mg/mL to 42.5% at 20 mg/mL. The study of these polyphenolic compounds having both antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities may provide a new approach to the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. © 2014 Eduardo Padilla-Camberos et al. | None | alpha glucosidase; amylase; antioxidant; carbohydrate; citrus fruit extract; citrus limetta peel extract; hydrolase; polyphenol derivative; unclassified drug; amylase; antioxidant; plant extract; polyphenol; antioxidant activity; Article; carbohydrate metabolism; concentration response; enzyme activity; enzyme inhibition; hyperglycemia; non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; antagonists and inhibitors; chemistry; Citrus; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; drug effects; human; hyperglycemia; metabolism; Mexico; pathology; Citrus limetta; alpha-Amylases; Antioxidants; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Citrus; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Mexico; Plant Extracts; Polyphenols | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927545929 | The effects of drought and shade on the performance, morphology and physiology of ghanaian tree species | Amissah L., Mohren G.M.J., Kyereh B., Poorter L. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 4 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0121004 | Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana; Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands; College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Amissah, L., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana, Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands; Mohren, G.M.J., Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands; Kyereh, B., College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Poorter, L., Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands | In tropical forests light and water availability are the most important factors for seedling growth and survival but an increasing frequency of drought may affect tree regeneration. One central question is whether drought and shade have interactive effects on seedling growth and survival. Here, we present results of a greenhouse experiment, in which seedlings of 10 Ghanaian tree species were exposed to combinations of strong seasonal drought (continuous watering versus withholding water for nine weeks) and shade (5% irradiance versus 20% irradiance). We evaluated the effects of drought and shade on seedling survival and growth and plasticity of 11 underlying traits related to biomass allocation, morphology and physiology. Seedling survival under dry conditions was higher in shade than in high light, thus providing support for the "facilitation hypothesis" that shade enhances plant performance through improved microclimatic conditions, and rejecting the trade-off hypothesis that drought should have stronger impact in shade because of reduced root investment. Shaded plants had low biomass fraction in roots, in line with the trade-off hypothesis , but they compensated for this with a higher specific root length (i.e., root length per unit root mass), resulting in a similar root length per plant mass and, hence, similar water uptake capacity as high-light plants. The majority (60%) of traits studied responded independently to drought and shade, indicating that within species shade- and drought tolerances are not in trade-off, but largely uncoupled. When individual species responses were analysed, then for most of the traits only one to three species showed significant interactive effects between drought and shade. The uncoupled response of most species to drought and shade should provide ample opportunity for niche differentiation and species coexistence under a range of water and light conditions. Overall our greenhouse results suggest that, in the absence of root competition shaded tropical forest tree seedlings may be able to survive prolonged drought. © 2015 Amissah et al. | None | Albizia zygia; Aningeria robusta; Antiaris toxicaria; Article; controlled study; drought; drought stress; drought tolerance; Entandrophragma angolense; environmental impact assessment; Ghanaian; greenhouse effect; growth rate; kapok; leaf area; leaf water potential; microclimate; morphological trait; nonhuman; Pericopsis elata; Piptadeniastrum africanum; plant growth; plant parameters; plant physiology; plant response; plant structures; root length; seasonal variation; shade; species coexistence; species differentiation; stem length; Sterculia rhinopetala; stomatal conductance; Strombosia pustulata; survival prediction; survival rate; tree; Turraeanthus africanus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929223634 | Impact of maternal HIV seroconversion during pregnancy on early mother to child transmission of HIV (MTCT) measured at 4-8 weeks postpartum in South Africa 2011-2012: A national population-based evaluation | Dinh T.-H., Delaney K.P., Goga A., Jackson D., Lombard C., Woldesenbet S., Mogashoa M., Pillay Y., Shaffer N. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0125525 | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Atlanta, GA, United States; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kalafong Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Pretoria, South Africa; National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa; World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; United Nations Children's Fund, New York, United States | Dinh, T.-H., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Atlanta, GA, United States; Delaney, K.P., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Goga, A., Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kalafong Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Jackson, D., Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa, United Nations Children's Fund, New York, United States; Lombard, C., School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Woldesenbet, S., School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Mogashoa, M., US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Pretoria, South Africa; Pillay, Y., National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa; Shaffer, N., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland | Background: Mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) depends on the timing of HIV infection. We estimated HIV-seroconversion during pregnancy (HSP) after having a HIV-negative result antenatally, and its contribution to early MTCT in South Africa (SA). Methods and Findings: Between August 2011 and March 2012, we recruited a nationally representative sample of mother-infant pairs with infants aged 4-to-8 weeks from 578 health facilities. Data collection included mother interviews, child health-card reviews, and infant dried-blood-spots sample (iDBS). iDBS were tested for HIV antibodies and HIV-deoxyribonucleic-acid (HIV-DNA). HSP was defined as maternal self-report of an HIV-negative test during this pregnancy, no documented use of antiretroviral drugs and a matched HIV sero-positive iDBS. We used 20 imputations from a uniform distribution for time from reported antenatal HIV-negative result to delivery to estimate time of HSP. Early MTCT was defined based on detection of HIV-DNA in iDBS. Estimates were adjusted for clustering, nonresponse, and weighted by SA's 2011 live-births. Results: Of 9802 mother-infant pairs, 2738 iDBS were HIV sero-positive, including 212 HSP, resulting in a nationally weighted estimate of 3.3% HSP (95% Confidence Interval: 2.8%-3.8%). Median time of HIV-seroconversion was 32.8weeks gestation;28.3% (19.7%- 36.9%) estimated to be >36 weeks. Early MTCT was 10.7%for HSP (6.2%-16.8%) vs. 2.2% (1.7%-2.8%) for mothers with known HIV-positive status. Although they represent 2.2% of all mothers and 6.7% of HIV-infected mothers, HSP accounted for 26% of early MTCT. Multivariable analysis indicated the highest risk for HSP was among women who knew the baby's father was HIV-infected (adjusted-hazard ratio (aHR) 4.71; 1.49-14.99), or who had been screened for tuberculosis (aHR 1.82; 1.43-2.32). Conclusions: HSP risk is high and contributes significantly to early MTCT. Identification of HSP by repeat-testing at 32 weeks gestation, during labor, 6 weeks postpartum, in tuberculosis-exposed women, and in discordant couples might reduce MTCT. © 2015, Public Library of Science. All rights reserved. | None | DNA; Human immunodeficiency virus antibody; adult; Article; controlled study; disease transmission; female; gestational age; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; infection rate; infection risk; live birth; major clinical study; mother to child transmission; pregnancy; puerperium; self report; seroconversion; South Africa; virus transmission | CDC, Medical Research Council; 1U2GPS001137-02, MRC, Medical Research Council; 1U2GPS001137-03, MRC, Medical Research Council |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-72849129788 | How much could rotavirus vaccines reduce diarrhea-associated mortality in northern Ghana? A model to assess impact | Arvay M.L., Curns A.T., Terp S., Armah G., Wontuo P., Parashar U.D., Binka F., Glass R.I., Widdowson M.-A. | 2009 | Journal of Infectious Diseases | 200 | None | 10.1086/605062 | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Atlanta, GA, United States; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation, Atlanta, GA, United States; Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Navrongo Health Research Center, Navrongo, Ghana | Arvay, M.L., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Atlanta, GA, United States; Curns, A.T., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Atlanta, GA, United States; Terp, S., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation, Atlanta, GA, United States; Armah, G., Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Wontuo, P., Navrongo Health Research Center, Navrongo, Ghana; Parashar, U.D., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Atlanta, GA, United States; Binka, F., School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Glass, R.I., Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Widdowson, M.-A., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Atlanta, GA, United States | Background. Effective rotavirus vaccines could substantially reduce the ∼500,000 deaths due to rotavirus disease per year worldwide, although the impact will depend on vaccine effectiveness, timing of administration, and coverage. We modeled vaccine impact on rotavirus-associated mortality in rural Ghana. Methods. All deaths due to acute diarrhea among children during 1998-2004 in the Kassena-Nankana District of Ghana were identified, and the number of deaths due to rotavirus disease was estimated using hospital laboratory surveillance data. Assuming rotavirus vaccine would be included in the current Expanded Program on Immunization schedule, we estimated the reduction in rotavirus-associated mortality with use of the current coverage and timing of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine administration and various age-restricted schedules. Results. Of the 381 deaths due to diarrhea, 131 (34%) were estimated to be caused by rotavirus infection. On the basis of current diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine coverage and timing, a 90% efficacious 3-dose rotavirus vaccine would prevent 70% of deaths due to rotavirus infection if administered without age restrictions, 53% if only initiated among children <12 weeks of age, and 52% if the course also was completed by 32 weeks of age. Conclusions. Rotavirus vaccine has the potential to substantially reduce rotavirus-associated mortality in rural Ghana. Although timely vaccination should be encouraged, extending the current age recommendation for initiation of rotavirus vaccination could increase the coverage and impact of vaccination. © 2009 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. | None | diphtheria vaccine; pertussis vaccine; Rotavirus vaccine; tetanus toxoid; age distribution; article; controlled study; diarrhea; diphtheria; disease surveillance; drug efficacy; Ghana; mortality; pertussis; priority journal; rural area; statistical model; tetanus; treatment indication; vaccination; virus infection; Diarrhea; Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine; Ghana; Humans; Infant; Rotavirus Infections; Rotavirus Vaccines; Vaccination | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-72849143856 | Rotavirus disease burden and impact and cost- effectiveness of a rotavirus vaccination program in Kenya | Tate J.E., Rheingans R.D., OReilly C.E., Obonyo B., Burton D.C., Tornheim J.A., Jaron P., Ochieng B., Kerin T., Calhoun L., Hame M., Laserson K., Breiman R.F., Feikin D.R., Mintz E.D., Widdowson M.-A. | 2009 | Journal of Infectious Diseases | 200 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1086/605058 | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States; Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya | Tate, J.E., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States; Rheingans, R.D., Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; OReilly, C.E., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States; Obonyo, B., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya; Burton, D.C., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States; Tornheim, J.A., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya; Jaron, P., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya; Ochieng, B., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya; Kerin, T., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States; Calhoun, L., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States; Hame, M., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya; Laserson, K., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya; Breiman, R.F., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya; Feikin, D.R., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya; Mintz, E.D., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya; Widdowson, M.-A., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States | Background. The projected impact and cost-effectiveness of rotavirus vaccination are important for supporting rotavirus vaccine introduction in Africa, where limited health intervention funds are available. Methods. Hospital records, health utilization surveys, verbal autopsy data, and surveillance data on diarrheal disease were used to determine rotavirus-specific rates of hospitalization, clinic visits, and deaths due to diarrhea among children <5 years of age in Nyanza Province, Kenya. Rates were extrapolated nationally with use of provincespecific data on diarrheal illness. Direct medical costs were estimated using record review and World Health Organization estimates. Household costs were collected through parental interviews. The impact of vaccination on health burden and on the cost-effectiveness per disability-adjusted life-year and lives saved were calculated. Results. Annually in Kenya, rotavirus infection causes 19% of hospitalizations and 16% of clinic visits for diarrhea among children <5 years of age and causes 4471 deaths, 8781 hospitalizations, and 1,443,883 clinic visits. Nationally, rotavirus disease costs the health care system $10.8 million annually. Routine vaccination with a 2- dose rotavirus vaccination series would avert 2467 deaths (55%), 5724 hospitalizations (65%), and 852,589 clinic visits (59%) and would save 58 disability-adjusted life-years per 1000 children annually. At $3 per series, a program would cost $2.1 million in medical costs annually; the break-even price is $2.07 per series. Conclusions. A rotavirus vaccination program would reduce the substantial burden of rotavirus disease and the economic burden in Kenya. © 2009 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. | None | diphtheria pertussis tetanus vaccine; Rotavirus vaccine; age distribution; article; cause of death; child; child hospitalization; childhood mortality; cost benefit analysis; cost effectiveness analysis; cost of illness; diarrhea; disability; disease surveillance; frequency analysis; health care cost; health care utilization; health service; health survey; hospital charge; hospital cost; household; human; Human rotavirus; infant; interview; Kenya; major clinical study; medical record; medical record review; outpatient department; parent; preschool child; priority journal; vaccination; virus infection; Cost of Illness; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Health Care Costs; Hospitalization; Humans; Immunization Programs; Kenya; Rotavirus Infections; Rotavirus Vaccines; Vaccination; World Health Organization | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873440926 | Impact of financial development on manufacturing output: The Nigerian evidence | Ekor M., Adeniyi O. | 2012 | Economics Bulletin | 32 | 3 | None | Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), South Africa | Ekor, M., Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), South Africa; Adeniyi, O., Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), South Africa | This study examined the influence of financial deepening on manufacturing output in Nigeria, Using the vector autoregression (VAR) based Johansen cointegration technique and an eventual least squares (OLS) estimator on annual data spanning 1970 to 2010. we find insignificant coefficients for credit to the manufacturing sector, banking efficiency and the non-oil trade balance. This suggests a fundamental disconnect between the real and financial sectors of the Nigerian economy. Policymakers should therefore innovate with productivity enhancing reforms which are better tailored to the needs of the manufacturing sector. This should work to boost growth prospects for the aggregate economy. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904331281 | Impact of Real Exchange Rate on Trade Balance in Nigeria | Igue N.N., Ogunleye T.S. | 2014 | African Development Review | 26 | 2 | 10.1111/1467-8268.12086 | Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria | Igue, N.N., Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria; Ogunleye, T.S., Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria | The study investigated whether the depreciation of exchange rate has a favourable impact on trade balance in Nigeria, based on the Marshall-Lerner (ML) condition. The Johansen method of cointegration and vector error correction methodology (VECM) was employed to investigate the existence of a long-run relationship between trade balance and the specified set of independent variables. The results confirm the satisfaction of the Marshall-Lerner condition in Nigeria, implying that depreciation of the exchange rate has a positive effect on trade balance in the long run. The study also established that a one per cent depreciation in the exchange rate would improve trade balance by 1.16 per cent. In the light of these findings, the study recommends a gradual depreciation of the exchange rate, which should be accompanied with export policy that encourages domestic production of non-oil products for exports. © 2014 African Development Bank. | None | balance of trade; cointegration analysis; error correction; export; real exchange rate; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84917672855 | The impact of hiv/aids on school enrolment as a variable for future projection and in the rationale for physical resource provisioning and prioritization | Joseph M.R., Petrus R.M. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 27 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p1264 | Central University of Technology, South Africa | Joseph, M.R., Central University of Technology, South Africa; Petrus, R.M., Central University of Technology, South Africa | The impact of HIV/AIDS cuts across all sectors of economic activities and social life for example, it not only reduces the stock of human capital but also the capacity to maintain. It leaves children without parents, learners without teachers, Children end up been child headed in the families, affect families emotional and makes government poor. The required turnover of many hunted after skills and training like engineers, doctors, teachers, artisans and others. In the educational sphere, it leads to among other things a decrease in potential clientele for education resources. The workforce, its impact increases expenditure on the one hand and decreases productivity on the other. In fact, economists imagine that even when unemployment rates are high, retirement and death of a large number of skilled and unskilled workers will cause an increase in wages. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All right reserved. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887380198 | Performance of first-year accounting students: Does time perspective matter? [Prestasie van eerstjaarsrekeningkundestudente: Speel tydsperspektief 'n rol?] | Joubert H., Viljoen M., Schall R. | 2013 | Acta Academica | 45 | 3 | None | Centre for Accounting, South Africa; University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Dept of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Joubert, H., Centre for Accounting, South Africa; Viljoen, M., University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Schall, R., Dept of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Academic failure of first-year accounting students is a national and international problem. Existing research is inconclusive regarding the causes for the failure and does not make provision for the possible influence of dominant time perspectives on performance in accounting. This article investigates whether time perspective has an effect on the performance of first-year accounting students. A quantitative non-experimental predictive multivariate design is used and confounding variables are taken into consideration. The results of the study indicate significant relationships between performance in first-year accounting and gender, age and a past-negative time perspective. The most significant result of this study is that a past-negative time perspective, together with an unfavourable psychosocial background, might have led to failure in first-year accounting. It is suggested that students with a negative time perspective be identified and encouraged to participate in support programmes at the university. © UV/UFS. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866464944 | Understanding Long-Term Variations in an Elephant Piosphere Effect to Manage Impacts | Landman M., Schoeman D.S., Hall-Martin A.J., Kerley G.I.H. | 2012 | PLoS ONE | 7 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0045334 | Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, DC, QLD, Australia; Hall-Martin Consulting CC, Somerset West, South Africa | Landman, M., Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Schoeman, D.S., Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, DC, QLD, Australia; Hall-Martin, A.J., Hall-Martin Consulting CC, Somerset West, South Africa; Kerley, G.I.H., Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Surface water availability is a key driver of elephant impacts on biological diversity. Thus, understanding the spatio-temporal variations of these impacts in relation to water is critical to their management. However, elephant piosphere effects (i.e. the radial pattern of attenuating impact) are poorly described, with few long-term quantitative studies. Our understanding is further confounded by the complexity of systems with elephant (i.e. fenced, multiple water points, seasonal water availability, varying population densities) that likely limit the use of conceptual models to predict these impacts. Using 31 years of data on shrub structure in the succulent thickets of the Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa, we tested elephant effects at a single water point. Shrub structure showed a clear sigmoid response with distance from water, declining at both the upper and lower limits of sampling. Adjacent to water, this decline caused a roughly 300-m radial expansion of the grass-dominated habitats that replace shrub communities. Despite the clear relationship between shrub structure and ecological functioning in thicket, the extent of elephant effects varied between these features with distance from water. Moreover, these patterns co-varied with other confounding variables (e.g. the location of neighboring water points), which limits our ability to predict such effects in the absence of long-term data. We predict that elephant have the ability to cause severe transformation in succulent thicket habitats with abundant water supply and elevated elephant numbers. However, these piosphere effects are complex, suggesting that a more integrated understanding of elephant impacts on ecological heterogeneity may be required before water availability is used as a tool to manage impacts. We caution against the establishment of water points in novel succulent thicket habitats, and advocate a significant reduction in water provisioning at our study site, albeit with greater impacts at each water point. © 2012 Landman et al. | None | article; biodiversity; confounding variable; elephant; grass; habitat; nonhuman; population density; prediction; quantitative study; scrub; sea surface waters; vegetation; water availability; water management; water supply; Animals; Biodiversity; Drinking Water; Ecosystem; Elephants; Population Density; Water Supply | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954826741 | Comparative performance of light trap types, lunar influence and sandfly abundance in Baringo district, Kenya | Kasili S., Ngumbi P.M., Koka H., Ngere F.G., Kioko E., Odemba N., Kutima H.L. | 2010 | Journal of Vector Borne Diseases | 47 | 2 | None | Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, P.O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Zoology, Nairobi, Kenya | Kasili, S., Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, P.O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Ngumbi, P.M., Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, P.O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Koka, H., US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Ngere, F.G., US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Kioko, E., US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Odemba, N., US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Kutima, H.L., Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Zoology, Nairobi, Kenya | [No abstract available] | None | animal trapping; arthropod community; article; controlled study; female; insect society; intermethod comparison; Kenya; moon; nonhuman; Phlebotomus; Phlebotomus duboscqi; phlebotomus martini; photoactivation; Psychodidae; Sergentomyia schwetzi; species distribution; species diversity; species identification; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Female; Kenya; Light; Male; Moon; Psychodidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349743994 | Generation, mobilization and crystallization of impact-induced alkali-rich melts in granitic target rocks: Evidence from the Araguainha impact structure, central Brazil | Machado R., Lana C., Stevens G., Filho C.R.S., Reimold W.U., McDonald I. | 2009 | Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta | 73 | 23 | 10.1016/j.gca.2009.08.029 | Centre for Crustal Petrology, Department of Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag XI, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa; Departamento de Geologia e Recursos Naturais, Universidade de Campinas, P.O. Box 6152, 13083-970 Campinas, Brazil; Museum für Naturkunde-Leibniz Institute, Humboldt University of Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany; School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3YE, United Kingdom | Machado, R., Centre for Crustal Petrology, Department of Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag XI, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa, Departamento de Geologia e Recursos Naturais, Universidade de Campinas, P.O. Box 6152, 13083-970 Campinas, Brazil; Lana, C., Centre for Crustal Petrology, Department of Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag XI, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa; Stevens, G., Centre for Crustal Petrology, Department of Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag XI, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa; Filho, C.R.S., Departamento de Geologia e Recursos Naturais, Universidade de Campinas, P.O. Box 6152, 13083-970 Campinas, Brazil; Reimold, W.U., Museum für Naturkunde-Leibniz Institute, Humboldt University of Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany; McDonald, I., School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3YE, United Kingdom | This paper provides important insights into the generation, extraction and crystallization of clast-laden impact melt rocks from the Araguainha impact structure, central Brazil. Despite the mixed nature of the Araguainha target rocks (comprising a 2 km thick sequence of sedimentary rocks and underlying granitic basement), the exposed melt bodies are characterised by an alkali-rich granitic matrix embedding mineral and rock fragments derived only from the target granite. The melt rocks occur in the form of a massive impact melt sheet overlying the eroded central uplift structure, and as melt veins in the granite of the core of the central uplift. Bulk-rock major and trace element data (including platinum group elements) indicate that the precursor melts were generated locally, principally by partial melting of the target granite, without any contribution from the sedimentary sequence or the projectile. The dense network of melt veins was formed in isolation, by selective melting of plagioclase and alkali feldspar within the granite target. Plagioclase and alkali feldspar melted discretely and congruently, producing domains in the matrix of the melt veins, which closely match the stoichiometry of these minerals. The compositionally discrete initial melt phases migrated through a dense network of microfractures before being assembled into larger melt veins. Freezing of the melt veins was substantially fast, and the melt components were quenched in the form of alkali-feldspar and plagioclase schlieren in the matrix of the melt veins. The overlying impact melt rock is, in contrast, characterised by a granophyric matrix consisting of albite, sanidine, quartz, biotite and chlorite. In this case, melt components appear to have been more mobile and to have mixed completely to form a granitic parental melt. We relate the melting of the minerals to post-shock temperatures that exceeded the melting point of feldspars. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | None | biotite; chemical composition; chlorite; crystallization; granite; impact structure; melt; mobilization; partial melting; quartz; sanidine; stoichiometry; uplift; Brazil; South America | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864054602 | An evaluation of a family support programme in the southern Free State ['n evaluasie van'n gesinsondersteuningsprogram in die Suid-Vrystaat] | Marais J.G.L., Ingle M.K., Skinner D., Sigenu K. | 2012 | Acta Academica | 44 | 1 | None | Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Unit for Research on Health and Society, University of Stellenbosch, P O Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa | Marais, J.G.L., Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Ingle, M.K., Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Skinner, D., Unit for Research on Health and Society, University of Stellenbosch, P O Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Sigenu, K., Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | This article details the evaluation of an NGO Family Support Programme (FSP) that was implemented in the southern Free State's Kopanong local municipality. The FSP is primarily aimed at strengthening Early Childhood Development (ECD) in what is a very socio-economically deprived environment for small children. The article argues for the critical importance of ECD within the human development paradigm. It then reports on the actual FSP assessment and advances a number of recommendations for how the initiative could be bolstered. It concludes that the FSP methodology is sound in principle and that it warrants replication at scale. © UV/UFS. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33750199016 | Considerations for the efficient spectral evaluation of reaction integrals associated with separated domains | Mayhew-Ridgers G., Odendaal J.W., Joubert J. | 2006 | IEE Proceedings: Microwaves, Antennas and Propagation | 153 | 5 | 10.1049/ip-map:20050194 | Centre for Electromagnetism, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Mayhew-Ridgers, G., Centre for Electromagnetism, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Odendaal, J.W., Centre for Electromagnetism, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Joubert, J., Centre for Electromagnetism, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | The authors address some aspects that have to be considered when using a recently proposed contour-deformation technique for the efficient numerical evaluation of reaction integrals arising in the spectral-domain method of moments for testing and expansion functions that exist on separated domains. The method is particularly efficient in the context of microstrip patch antenna elements and arrays where the testing and expansion functions can either be entire-domain functions on different antenna elements or where they are widely separated subdomain functions on the same or different antenna elements. However, the method becomes less efficient for testing and expansion functions that are not so widely separated. It is shown how the separation distance between the testing and expansion functions, in addition to substrate thickness, affects the behaviour of the reaction integrand and how the choice of a more suitable integration contour can simplify the numerical evaluation of the associated integral, especially for closely spaced testing and expansion functions on thick substrates, where the original method becomes less efficient. The minimum separation distance between the domains of the testing and expansion functions, that can be accommodated with this method, is also better defined. © The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2006. | None | Antenna arrays; Contour measurement; Integral equations; Numerical methods; Contour-deformation techniques; Microstrip patch antenna; Reaction integrals; Spectral evaluation; Microstrip antennas | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78651240979 | The effect of manufacturing and assembling tolerances on the performance of double-ridged horn antennas | Jacobs B., Odendaal J.W., Joubert J. | 2010 | Journal of Electromagnetic Waves and Applications | 24 | 10 | 10.1163/156939310791958761 | Centre for Electromagnetism, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Jacobs, B., Centre for Electromagnetism, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Odendaal, J.W., Centre for Electromagnetism, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Joubert, J., Centre for Electromagnetism, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Double Ridged Guide Horn antennas are highly sensitive to tolerances in machining and assembly. This study shows that most of the sensitivity problems can be attributed to gaps formed between various subsections in the waveguide launcher assembly. The coaxial feeding section is especially sensitive to manufacturing tolerances. It was found that gaps between the ridges and feeding section causes deep resonances in the on axis gain. Due to the small tolerances involved, a highly detailed broadband simulation model of the antenna that includes a coaxial feeding section as well as an N-type connector had to be used in the investigation. The model is implemented in the electromagnetic simulation software package FEKO, which uses the method of moments (MoM) technique to calculate the electromagnetic fields. Gaps between the subsections of the waveguide launcher were implemented in the simulation model and compared to typical measured results. Excellent agreement between measured and simulated data is obtained. Corrective measures as well as improved designs for the waveguide launcher section are presented. © 2010 VSP. | None | Broadband simulations; Co-axial feeding; Corrective measures; Double-ridged horn; Electromagnetic simulation; Highly sensitive; Manufacturing tolerances; Measured results; Simulated data; Simulation model; Electromagnetic fields; Feeding; Launching; Manufacture; Method of moments; Waveguides; Computer simulation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60649115420 | Valuing the Guinea current large marine ecosystem: Estimates of direct output impact of relevant marine activities | Chukwuone N.A., Ukwe C.N., Onugu A., Ibe C.A. | 2009 | Ocean and Coastal Management | 52 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2008.12.008 | Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development Research, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Water Management Unit, Energy and Cleaner Production Branch, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, VIC Box 300, A-1400 Vienna, Austria; Bioresources Development and Conservation programme (BDCP), Abuja, Nigeria; Interim Guinea Current Commission, 1 Akosombo Street, Airport Residential Area, Accra, Ghana | Chukwuone, N.A., Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development Research, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Ukwe, C.N., Water Management Unit, Energy and Cleaner Production Branch, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, VIC Box 300, A-1400 Vienna, Austria; Onugu, A., Bioresources Development and Conservation programme (BDCP), Abuja, Nigeria; Ibe, C.A., Interim Guinea Current Commission, 1 Akosombo Street, Airport Residential Area, Accra, Ghana | This study is a first step towards valuing the Guinea Current Large Marine Ecosystem (GCLME), one of the five world's most productive marine areas that are rich in fishery resources, petroleum production, and an important global region of marine biological diversity. The area is highly degraded and thus demands urgent attention to recover and sustain depleted fisheries; restore degraded habitats; and reduce land and ship-based pollutions. Achieving this goal would be a mirage if the actual value of the ecosystem's contribution to the society is not known. Valuation can help identify the main beneficiaries of conservation and the magnitude of benefits they receive, and help design measures to capture some of these benefits and contribute to financing of conservation. Hence this study used the direct output approach to estimate the value of relevant marine activities in the area. The result shows that the total value of output in GCLME when some outputs namely, marine fishery, offshore oil production, NTFP (periwinkle) and mining, are considered as $49,941.4 million. Among these uses, offshore oil production has the highest value accounting for 59.79% of the total estimate. These estimates provides sufficient evidence to show that GCLME provide enormous value and should be managed appropriately to sustain the gains if the economic development would be guaranteed especially considering that most countries in the GCLM depend on natural resources for their survival. Evolving a well defined property rights regime and an efficient governance system for management is recommended. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | None | Ecosystems; Fisheries; Ocean currents; Offshore oil fields; Biological diversities; Design measures; Economic development; Fishery resources; Global regions; Governance systems; Large marine ecosystems; Marine areas; Marine fisheries; Offshore oil productions; Petroleum productions; Property rights; Total values; Offshore oil well production; anthropogenic effect; biodiversity; conservation; human activity; marine ecosystem; marine pollution; Africa; Guinea; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Catharanthus roseus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955078055 | Implications of climate change for agricultural sector performance in Africa: Policy challenges and research agenda | Hassan R.M. | 2010 | Journal of African Economies | 19 | SUPPL. 2 | 10.1093/jae/ejp026 | Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy Analysis in Africa (CEEPA), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Hassan, R.M., Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy Analysis in Africa (CEEPA), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | The paper analysed how climate change (CC) has shaped African agriculture in the past and how it might impact on African farm economies in the future and what adaptation strategies African farmers have adopted to cope with these changes. The analyses covered all key farming systems and agro-climates of Africa in 11 countries in which data were collected from over 10,000 farm household surveys. Results provided evidence that African agriculture and the welfare of its rural population are vulnerable to CC. The highest risk of future CC damages is associated with specialised crop and livestock farming (mono systems) particularly under dryland conditions in arid and semi-arid regions. This indicates how difficult it is to achieve an African green revolution under the current high reliance on dryland systems (more than 95% of the land) given predicted harsh future climates (warmer and dryer projections) for most of the dryland areas in Africa. It will require substantial public and private investments in expanding irrigation and development of crop var-ieties and animal breeds that are tolerant to heat, water and low fertility stres-ses, and in building roads and marketing infrastructures that will improve access to critical inputs (e.g., fertiliser) and output trade. This essentially requires mainstreaming climate sensitivity as an integral component of all agricultural and broader economic development planning and policy design. Although the expected damages are large, many farming systems and communities in Africa face serious limiting conditions which reduce their ability to adapt and hence increase their vulnerability. Among the key factors found to constrain African farmers' ability to adopt effective adaptation measures are poor access to information, capital, technology and markets. Policies aimed at promoting farm-level adaptation need to emphasise the critical role of farmers' education; provision of improved climate, production and market information and the means to implement adaptations through affordable credit facilities. Other needed public interventions to help promote adaptation measures and reduce vulnerability include insurance against climate risks to farmers and provision of safety nets. © The author 2010. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Centre for the Study of African Economies. All rights reserved. | None | adaptive management; agricultural development; agricultural economics; agricultural policy; arid region; capital market; climate change; crop production; economic development; economic planning; farming system; green revolution; irrigation; livestock farming; policy development; semiarid region; Africa; Animalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927515726 | Evaluation of the environmental and social sustainability policy of a mass tourism resort: A narrative account | Swart I. | 2012 | HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | 68 | 1 | 10.4102/hts.v68i1.1264 | Centre for Environmental Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Swart, I., Centre for Environmental Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | The recordation of the life stories of individuals residing in the community of Ledig, who have been dependent on the Sun City Resort situated in the Pilanesberg area in the North West Province of South Africa for their quality of life for more than 20 years, provided the basis for the evaluation of the environmental and social sustainability of this micro-cosmos on a multidisciplinary level. This study focused on the hermeneutical arch of narrative theory within the framework of human geography and sustainability science. The natural environment was evaluated for the role it plays in the sustainability of the livelihoods of the Ledig community members as well as the institutional life of the Sun City Resort. The results of this study suggested that the environmental policy for the Sun City Resort, formalised in 2004, has been guiding the Sun City Resort to contribute positively to the sustainability of the area. The study also demonstrated that a focus on the next generation of potential employees and the environmental education of all the communities were crucial to ensure the resilience of the social and ecological capacity of the area. © 2012. The Authors. | None | None | None |
| None | None | Evaluation of two methods of estimating larval habitat productivity in western Kenya highlands | Kweka E.J., Zhou G., Lee M.-C., Gilbreath T.M., Mosha F., Munga S., Githeko A.K., Yan G. | 2011 | Parasites and Vectors | 4 | 1 | 10.1186/1756-3305-4-110 | Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 1578, Kisumu 40100, Kenya; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical, College of Tumaini University, P. O. Box 2240, Moshi, Tanzania; Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States | Kweka, E.J., Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 1578, Kisumu 40100, Kenya, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical, College of Tumaini University, P. O. Box 2240, Moshi, Tanzania; Zhou, G., Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States; Lee, M.-C., Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States; Gilbreath, T.M., Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States; Mosha, F., Kilimanjaro Christian Medical, College of Tumaini University, P. O. Box 2240, Moshi, Tanzania; Munga, S., Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 1578, Kisumu 40100, Kenya; Githeko, A.K., Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 1578, Kisumu 40100, Kenya; Yan, G., Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States | Background: Malaria vector intervention and control programs require reliable and accurate information about vector abundance and their seasonal distribution. The availability of reliable information on the spatial and temporal productivity of larval vector habitats can improve targeting of larval control interventions and our understanding of local malaria transmission and epidemics. The main objective of this study was to evaluate two methods of estimating larval habitat productivity in the western Kenyan highlands, the aerial sampler and the emergence trap. Methods. The study was conducted during the dry and rainy seasons in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Aerial samplers and emergence traps were set up for sixty days in each season in three habitat types: drainage ditches, natural swamps, and abandoned goldmines. Aerial samplers and emergence traps were set up in eleven places in each habitat type. The success of each in estimating habitat productivity was assessed according to method, habitat type, and season. The effect of other factors including algae cover, grass cover, habitat depth and width, and habitat water volume on species productivity was analysed using stepwise logistic regression. Results: Habitat productivity estimates obtained by the two sampling methods differed significantly for all species except for An. implexus. For for An. gambiae s.l. and An. funestus, aerial samplers performed better, 21.5 and 14.6 folds, than emergence trap respectively, while the emergence trap was shown to be more efficient for culicine species. Seasonality had a significant influence on the productivity of all species monitored. Dry season was most productive season. Overall, drainage ditches had significantly higher productivity in all seasons compared to other habitat types. Algae cover, debris, chlorophyll-a, and habitat depth and size had significant influence with respect to species. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the aerial sampler is the better of the two methods for estimating the productivity of An. gambiae s.l. and An. funestus in the western Kenya highlands and possibly other malaria endemic parts of Africa. This method has proven to be a useful tool for monitoring malaria vector populations and for control program design, and provides useful means for determining the most suitable sites for targeted interventions. © 2011 Kweka et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | air sampling; algal community; Anopheles; anopheles coustani; anopheles funestus; Anopheles gambiae; Anopheles implexus; Anopheles squamous; Anopheles zeimann; article; controlled study; Culex; grass; habitat structure; irrigation (agriculture); Kenya; larva; microhabitat; mining; nonhuman; parasite vector; population productivity; seasonal variation; species difference; species habitat; swamp; animal; comparative study; ecosystem; evaluation; female; growth, development and aging; larva; methodology; mosquito; zoology; algae; Animals; Culicidae; Ecosystem; Entomology; Female; Kenya; Larva | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650099709 | Can disease control priorities improve health systems performance in South Africa? | Rispel L.C., Barron P. | 2010 | South African Medical Journal | 100 | 12 | None | Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Rispel, L.C., Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Barron, P., Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; cost effectiveness analysis; disease control; health care access; health care cost; health care delivery; health care disparity; health care financing; health care personnel management; health care quality; health care system; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; medical information; performance measurement system; primary health care; South Africa; tuberculosis; Delivery of Health Care; Government Programs; Humans; Medical Assistance; Quality of Health Care; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953731552 | The evaluation of bedside teachingan instrument for staff evaluation and student experience: A pilot study at a South African university | Green-Thompson L., Mcinerney P., Veller M. | 2010 | South African Journal of Surgery | 48 | 2 | None | Centre for Health Science Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Green-Thompson, L., Centre for Health Science Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mcinerney, P., Centre for Health Science Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Veller, M., Department of Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Background. Bedside teaching is the core teaching strategy in the clinical study years of the medical undergraduate degree at the University of the Witwatersrand. The quality of this teaching strategy has not been formally evaluated by students as other teaching strategies have been. Method. A quantitative, descriptive study was undertaken in the final year of study of the graduate entry medical programme (GEMP). The sample comprised medical students who were completing their surgical block during September and November 2008. There were approximately 30 students in each of these 2 blocks. A bedside teaching evaluation questionnaire was developed, based on previously validated peer review questionnaires used in evaluating small group formal classroom-based lectures. The purpose of the study was to determine the reliability of the instrument for evaluating bedside teaching. Results. A sample of 112 evaluations was obtained and the constructs and sub-constructs were subjected to an analysis using Cronbach's alpha. Conclusion. The overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.9627, demonstrating that the instrument is reliable and can be used to evaluate bedside teaching. | None | None | None |
| None | None | The ECOWAS court as a human rights promoter? Assessing five years' impact of the Koraou Slavery judgment | Adjolohoun H.S. | 2013 | Netherlands Quarterly of Human Rights | 31 | 3 | None | Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Adjolohoun, H.S., Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South Africa | The 2005 reform initiated by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had the double effect of putting an end to ten years of judicial lethargy and positioning its Community Court of Justice (ECCJ) as a promising international human rights body. One of the most illustrative cases of the Court's impact is the landmark Koraou (Slavery) judgment in which the ECCJ condemned Niger for failing to protect the complainant from enslavement by a third party. Five years after the Koraou decision, this paper uses empirical based theories, case study and factual evidence to interrogate whether the ECCJ's judgment has had any further effect than just restoring the dignity of an individual litigant. Such assessment is important to thousands of other human beings who still live in bondage in the rest of the region. Ultimately, the paper seeks to demonstrate that although it has not reached the irradiating model of the European Court of Human Rights, the ECCJ has the potential of becoming a human rights promoter in the region and beyond. © Netherlands Institute of Human Rights (SIM), Printed in the Netherlands. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905483165 | Predicted Impact of Mass Drug Administration on the Development of Protective Immunity against Schistosoma haematobium | Mitchell K.M., Mutapi F., Mduluza T., Midzi N., Savill N.J., Woolhouse M.E.J. | 2014 | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 8 | 7 | 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003059 | Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa; National Institute of Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe | Mitchell, K.M., Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Mutapi, F., Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Mduluza, T., Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa; Midzi, N., National Institute of Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Savill, N.J., Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Woolhouse, M.E.J., Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Previous studies suggest that protective immunity against Schistosoma haematobium is primarily stimulated by antigens from dying worms. Praziquantel treatment kills adult worms, boosting antigen exposure and protective antibody levels. Current schistosomiasis control efforts use repeated mass drug administration (MDA) of praziquantel to reduce morbidity, and may also reduce transmission. The long-term impact of MDA upon protective immunity, and subsequent effects on infection dynamics, are not known. A stochastic individual-based model describing levels of S. haematobium worm burden, egg output and protective parasite-specific antibody, which has previously been fitted to cross-sectional and short-term post-treatment egg count and antibody patterns, was used to predict dynamics of measured egg output and antibody during and after a 5-year MDA campaign. Different treatment schedules based on current World Health Organisation recommendations as well as different assumptions about reductions in transmission were investigated. We found that antibody levels were initially boosted by MDA, but declined below pre-intervention levels during or after MDA if protective immunity was short-lived. Following cessation of MDA, our models predicted that measured egg counts could sometimes overshoot pre-intervention levels, even if MDA had had no effect on transmission. With no reduction in transmission, this overshoot occurred if protective immunity was short-lived. This implies that disease burden may temporarily increase following discontinuation of treatment, even in the absence of any reduction in the overall transmission rate. If MDA was additionally assumed to reduce transmission, a larger overshoot was seen across a wide range of parameter combinations, including those with longer-lived protective immunity. MDA may reduce population levels of immunity to urogenital schistosomiasis in the long-term (3-10 years), particularly if transmission is reduced. If MDA is stopped while S. haematobium is still being transmitted, large rebounds (up to a doubling) in egg counts could occur. © 2014 Mitchell et al. | None | parasite antibody; parasite antigen; praziquantel; anthelmintic agent; helminth antibody; adolescent; adult; antibody response; article; child; egg output; host parasite interaction; human; immune system decay; immunity; immunostimulation; infection rate; morbidity; nonhuman; parasite identification; parasite transmission; population dynamics; repeated drug dose; risk reduction; Schistosoma hematobium; schistosomiasis haematobia; worm egg; animal; blood; drug effects; drug therapy; immunology; infant; information processing; newborn; preschool child; procedures; Schistosoma haematobium; transmission; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Anthelmintics; Antibodies, Helminth; Child; Child, Preschool; Data Collection; Drug Therapy; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Parasite Egg Count; Praziquantel; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosomiasis haematobia; Young Adult | MRC, Wellcome Trust; WT082028MA, Wellcome Trust |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84895884743 | Parasite co-infections and their impact on survival of indigenous cattle | Thumbi S.M., Bronsvoort B.M.D.C., Poole E.J., Kiara H., Toye P.G., Mbole-Kariuki M.N., Conradie I., Jennings A., Handel I.G., Coetzer J.A.W., Steyl J.C.A., Hanotte O., Woolhouse M.E.J. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 2 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0076324 | Centre for Immunology, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom; International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; School of Life Science, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States; KEMRI/CDC Research and Public Health Collaboration, Kisumu, Kenya | Thumbi, S.M., Centre for Immunology, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States, KEMRI/CDC Research and Public Health Collaboration, Kisumu, Kenya; Bronsvoort, B.M.D.C., Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom; Poole, E.J., International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Kiara, H., International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Toye, P.G., International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Mbole-Kariuki, M.N., International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Conradie, I., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Jennings, A., Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom; Handel, I.G., Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom; Coetzer, J.A.W., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Steyl, J.C.A., Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Hanotte, O., School of Life Science, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Woolhouse, M.E.J., Centre for Immunology, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | In natural populations, individuals may be infected with multiple distinct pathogens at a time. These pathogens may act independently or interact with each other and the host through various mechanisms, with resultant varying outcomes on host health and survival. To study effects of pathogens and their interactions on host survival, we followed 548 zebu cattle during their first year of life, determining their infection and clinical status every 5 weeks. Using a combination of clinical signs observed before death, laboratory diagnostic test results, gross-lesions on post-mortem examination, histo-pathology results and survival analysis statistical techniques, cause-specific aetiology for each death case were determined, and effect of co-infections in observed mortality patterns. East Coast fever (ECF) caused by protozoan parasite Theileria parva and haemonchosis were the most important diseases associated with calf mortality, together accounting for over half (52%) of all deaths due to infectious diseases. Co-infection with Trypanosoma species increased the hazard for ECF death by 6 times (1.4-25; 95% CI). In addition, the hazard for ECF death was increased in the presence of Strongyle eggs, and this was burden dependent. An increase by 1000 Strongyle eggs per gram of faeces count was associated with a 1.5 times (1.4-1.6; 95% CI) increase in the hazard for ECF mortality. Deaths due to haemonchosis were burden dependent, with a 70% increase in hazard for death for every increase in strongyle eggs per gram count of 1000. These findings have important implications for disease control strategies, suggesting a need to consider co-infections in epidemiological studies as opposed to single-pathogen focus, and benefits of an integrated approach to helminths and East Coast fever disease control. © 2014 Thumbi et al. | None | article; autopsy; Bos indicus; cause of death; death; diagnostic test; disease association; disease control; East Coast fever; feces analysis; geographic distribution; haemonchosis; health hazard; health status; histopathology; host parasite interaction; laboratory test; mixed infection; mortality; nonhuman; parasitosis; risk factor; risk reduction; Strongyloidea; survival; Theileria parva; Trypanosoma; animal; Bovinae; Cattle Diseases; cohort analysis; Coinfection; epidemiology; Haemonchiasis; Kenya; longitudinal study; parasitology; proportional hazards model; Strongylida Infections; Theileriasis; trypanosomiasis; veterinary; Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Cohort Studies; Coinfection; Haemonchiasis; Kenya; Longitudinal Studies; Proportional Hazards Models; Strongylida Infections; Theileriasis; Trypanosomiasis | 079445, Wellcome Trust |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38049063040 | Monitoring effectiveness of programmes to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in lower-income countries | Stringer E.M., Chi B.H., Chintu N., Creek T.L., Ekouevi D.K., Coetzee D., Tih P., Boulle A., Dabis F., Shaffer N., Wilfert C.M., Stringer J.S.A. | 2008 | Bulletin of the World Health Organization | 86 | 1 | 10.2471/BLT.07.043117 | Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Plot 5977, Benakale Road, Northmead, Lusaka, Zambia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Global AIDS Program, Atlanta, GA, United States; PAC-CI Programme, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire; School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Board, Nso, Northwest Province, Cameroon; Institut de Sante Publique d'Epidemiologie et de Developpment (ISPED), Universite Victor Segalen, Boudeaux, France; Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Chapel Hill, NC, United States | Stringer, E.M., Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Plot 5977, Benakale Road, Northmead, Lusaka, Zambia; Chi, B.H., Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Plot 5977, Benakale Road, Northmead, Lusaka, Zambia; Chintu, N., Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Plot 5977, Benakale Road, Northmead, Lusaka, Zambia; Creek, T.L., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Global AIDS Program, Atlanta, GA, United States; Ekouevi, D.K., PAC-CI Programme, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire; Coetzee, D., School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Tih, P., Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Board, Nso, Northwest Province, Cameroon; Boulle, A., School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Dabis, F., Institut de Sante Publique d'Epidemiologie et de Developpment (ISPED), Universite Victor Segalen, Boudeaux, France; Shaffer, N., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Global AIDS Program, Atlanta, GA, United States; Wilfert, C.M., Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Stringer, J.S.A., Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Plot 5977, Benakale Road, Northmead, Lusaka, Zambia | Ambitious goals for paediatric AIDS control have been set by various international bodies, including a 50% reduction in new paediatric infections by 2010. While these goals are clearly appropriate in their scope, the lack of clarity and consensus around how to monitor the effectiveness of programmes to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) makes it difficult for policy-makers to mount a coordinated response. In this paper, we develop the case for using population HIV-free child survival as a gold standard metric to measure the effectiveness of PMTCT programmes, and go on to consider multiple study designs and source populations. Finally, we propose a novel community survey-based approach that could be implemented widely throughout the developing world with minor modifications to ongoing Demographic and Health Surveys. | None | antiretrovirus agent; nevirapine; zidovudine; demography; developing world; disease control; disease transmission; health survey; human immunodeficiency virus; low income population; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; developing country; female; gold standard; health program; health survey; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; infection prevention; lowest income group; single drug dose; survival; vertical transmission; Developing Countries; Disease Transmission, Vertical; Female; Health Surveys; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Organizational Objectives; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Program Evaluation; Survival Rate | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955643799 | The impact of the pandemic influenza a(H1N1) 2009 virus on seasonal influenza a viruses in the southern hemisphere, 2009 | Blyth C.C., Kelso A., McPhie K.A., Ratnamohan V.M., Catton M., Druce J.D., Smith D.W., Williams S.H., Huang Q.S., Lopez L., Schoub B.D., Venter M., Dwyer D.E. | 2010 | Eurosurveillance | 15 | 31 | None | Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia; School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia, Princess Margaret Hospital, Subiaco, WA, Australia; World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), North Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), North Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia; World Health Organisation National Influenza Centre, Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Wellington, New Zealand; National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Sandringham, Johannesburg, South Africa | Blyth, C.C., Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia, School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia, Princess Margaret Hospital, Subiaco, WA, Australia; Kelso, A., World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), North Melbourne, VIC, Australia; McPhie, K.A., Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Ratnamohan, V.M., Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Catton, M., Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), North Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Druce, J.D., Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), North Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Smith, D.W., Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Williams, S.H., Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Huang, Q.S., World Health Organisation National Influenza Centre, Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Wellington, New Zealand; Lopez, L., World Health Organisation National Influenza Centre, Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Wellington, New Zealand; Schoub, B.D., National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Sandringham, Johannesburg, South Africa; Venter, M., National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Sandringham, Johannesburg, South Africa; Dwyer, D.E., Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia | Data collected over winter 2009 by five World Health Organisation National Influenza Centres in the southern hemisphere were used to examine the circulation of pandemic and seasonal influenza A strains during the first pandemic wave in the southern hemisphere. There is compelling evidence that the pandemic influenza A(H1N1) 2009 virus significantly displaced seasonal influenza A(H1N1) and, to a lesser extent, A(H3N2) viruses circulating in the southern hemisphere. Complete replacement of seasonal influenza A strains, however, was not observed during the first pandemic wave. | None | 2009 H1N1 influenza; article; disease course; disease surveillance; human; infection prevention; Influenza virus A H3N2; nonhuman; pandemic influenza; prevalence; seasonal influenza; Southern Hemisphere; virus detection; virus strain; Geography; Humans; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype; Influenza, Human; Pandemics; Seasons; World Health Organization | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77649107299 | Impact of antiretroviral therapy on incidence of pregnancy among HIV-infected women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A cohort study | Myer L., Carter R.J., Katyal M., Toro P., El-Sadr W.M., Abrams E.J. | 2010 | PLoS Medicine | 7 | 2 | 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000229 | Centre for Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States | Myer, L., Centre for Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Carter, R.J., International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Katyal, M., International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Toro, P., International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States; El-Sadr, W.M., International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Abrams, E.J., International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States | Background: With the rapid expansion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) services in sub-Saharan Africa there is growing recognition of the importance of fertility and childbearing among HIV-infected women. However there are few data on whether ART initiation influences pregnancy rates. Methods and Findings: We analyzed data from the Mother-to-Child Transmission-Plus (MTCT-Plus) Initiative, a multicountry HIV care and treatment program for women, children, and families. From 11 programs in seven African countries, women were enrolled into care regardless of HIV disease stage and followed at regular intervals; ART was initiated according to national guidelines on the basis of immunological and/or clinical criteria. Standardized forms were used to collect sociodemographic and clinical data, including incident pregnancies. Overall 589 incident pregnancies were observed among the 4,531 women included in this analysis (pregnancy incidence, 7.8/100 person-years [PY]). The rate of new pregnancies was significantly higher among women receiving ART (9.0/100 PY) compared to women not on ART (6.5/100 PY) (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-2.54). Other factors independently associated with increased risk of incident pregnancy included younger age, lower educational attainment, being married or cohabiting, having a male partner enrolled into the program, failure to use nonbarrier contraception, and higher CD4 cell counts. Conclusions: ART use is associated with significantly higher pregnancy rates among HIV-infected women in sub-Saharan Africa. While the possible behavioral or biomedical mechanisms that may underlie this association require further investigation, these data highlight the importance of pregnancy planning and management as a critical but neglected component of HIV care and treatment services. © 2010 Myer et al. | None | Human immunodeficiency virus antibody; nevirapine; RNA directed DNA polymerase inhibitor; antiretrovirus agent; adult; Africa; age distribution; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; cohort analysis; contraception; demography; disease association; educational status; female; health behavior; health program; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunology; major clinical study; patient care; practice guideline; pregnancy; social status; vertical transmission; Africa south of the Sahara; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; multivariate analysis; statistics; Adult; Africa South of the Sahara; Age Distribution; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Cohort Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Multivariate Analysis; Pregnancy; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860386120 | Evaluation of tuberculosis diagnostics in children: 1. Proposed clinical case definitions for classification of intrathoracic tuberculosis disease. Consensus from an expert panel | Graham S.M., Ahmed T., Amaah F., Browning R., Cardenas V., Casenghi M., Cuevas L.E., Gale M., Gie R.P., Grzemska M., Handelsman E., Hatherill M., Hesseling A.C., Jean-Philippe P., Kampmann B., Kabra S.K., Lienhardt C., Lighter-Fisher J., Madhi S., Mak | 2012 | Journal of Infectious Diseases | 205 | SUPPL. 2 | 10.1093/infdis/jis008 | Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics and Murdoch Childrens, Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France; International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan; Henry Jackson Foundation-Maternal Adolescent Pediatric Research Branch, National Institute of Allergyand Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States; Aeras, Rockville, MD, United States; Medecins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland; School of Tropical Medicine, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom; Medecins Sans Frontières, Sydney, Australia; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Stop TB Partnership, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Maternal Adolescent Pediatric Research Branch, National Institute of Allergy And, Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Medical Research Council Laboratories, Gambia; All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India; New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Children's Hospital Westmead, University of Sydney, Australia; Medical Service Corporation International, Arlington, VA, United States; International Research and Programs Branch, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States; Maternal and Child Health Branch, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Adolescent and Maternal AIDS Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States; Makerere University, Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; State University of New York School of Medicine, Stony Brook, United States; Division of Infectious Disease, Office of Health, Infectious Disease, and Nutrition Bureau for Global Health, US Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States; GHESKIO Centers, Port au Prince, Haiti; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Tuberculosis Research Centre, Chennai, India; Treatment Action Group, New York, NY, United States | Graham, S.M., Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics and Murdoch Childrens, Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France; Ahmed, T., International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Amaah, F., Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan; Browning, R., Henry Jackson Foundation-Maternal Adolescent Pediatric Research Branch, National Institute of Allergyand Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States; Cardenas, V., Aeras, Rockville, MD, United States; Casenghi, M., Medecins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland; Cuevas, L.E., School of Tropical Medicine, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom; Gale, M., Medecins Sans Frontières, Sydney, Australia; Gie, R.P., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Grzemska, M., Stop TB Partnership, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Handelsman, E., Maternal Adolescent Pediatric Research Branch, National Institute of Allergy And, Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Hatherill, M., South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Hesseling, A.C., Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Jean-Philippe, P., Henry Jackson Foundation-Maternal Adolescent Pediatric Research Branch, National Institute of Allergyand Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States; Kampmann, B., Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom, Medical Research Council Laboratories, Gambia; Kabra, S.K., All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India; Lienhardt, C., Stop TB Partnership, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Lighter-Fisher, J., New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Madhi, S., National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Makhene, M., Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Marais, B.J., Children's Hospital Westmead, University of Sydney, Australia; McNeeley, D.F., Medical Service Corporation International, Arlington, VA, United States; Menzies, H., International Research and Programs Branch, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Mitchell, C., University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States; Modi, S., Maternal and Child Health Branch, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Mofenson, L., Adolescent and Maternal AIDS Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States; Musoke, P., Makerere University, Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Nachman, S., State University of New York School of Medicine, Stony Brook, United States; Powell, C., Division of Infectious Disease, Office of Health, Infectious Disease, and Nutrition Bureau for Global Health, US Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States; Rigaud, M., New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Rouzier, V., GHESKIO Centers, Port au Prince, Haiti; Starke, J.R., Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Swaminathan, S., National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Tuberculosis Research Centre, Chennai, India; Wingfield, C., Treatment Action Group, New York, NY, United States | There is a critical need for improved diagnosis of tuberculosis in children, particularly in young children with intrathoracic disease as this represents the most common type of tuberculosis in children and the greatest diagnostic challenge. There is also a need for standardized clinical case definitions for the evaluation of diagnostics in prospective clinical research studies that include children in whom tuberculosis is suspected but not confirmed by culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A panel representing a wide range of expertise and child tuberculosis research experience aimed to develop standardized clinical research case definitions for intrathoracic tuberculosis in children to enable harmonized evaluation of new tuberculosis diagnostic technologies in pediatric populations. Draft definitions and statements were proposed and circulated widely for feedback. An expert panel then considered each of the proposed definitions and statements relating to clinical definitions. Formal group consensus rules were established and consensus was reached for each statement. The definitions presented in this article are intended for use in clinical research to evaluate diagnostic assays and not for individual patient diagnosis or treatment decisions. A complementary article addresses methodological issues to consider for research of diagnostics in children with suspected tuberculosis. © 2012 The Author. | None | antibiotic agent; antimalarial agent; tuberculostatic agent; age distribution; article; clinical feature; community acquired pneumonia; comorbidity; consensus; coughing; diagnostic test; disease classification; fever; health care management; human; image analysis; image display; intrathoracic tuberculosis; lethargy; medical decision making; morbidity; mortality; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; outcome assessment; priority journal; thorax radiography; tuberculosis; Adolescent; Age Factors; Antitubercular Agents; Bacteriological Techniques; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
| None | None | Psychometric properties and the prevalence, intensity and causes of oral impacts on daily performance (OIDP) in a population of older Tanzanians | Kida I.A., Åstrøm A.N., Strand G.V., Masalu J.R., Tsakos G. | 2006 | Health and Quality of Life Outcomes | 4 | None | 10.1186/1477-7525-4-56 | Centre for International Health, UoB, Bergen, Norway; Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Odontology-Community Dentistry, UoB, Bergen, Norway; Department of Odontology-Gerodontology, UoB, Bergen, Norway; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College of London Medical School, London, United Kingdom | Kida, I.A., Centre for International Health, UoB, Bergen, Norway, Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Åstrøm, A.N., Centre for International Health, UoB, Bergen, Norway, Department of Odontology-Community Dentistry, UoB, Bergen, Norway; Strand, G.V., Department of Odontology-Gerodontology, UoB, Bergen, Norway; Masalu, J.R., Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Tsakos, G., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College of London Medical School, London, United Kingdom | Background: The objective was to study whether a Kiswahili version of the OIDP (Oral Impacts on Daily Performance) inventory was valid and reliable for use in a population of older adults in urban and rural areas of Tanzania; and to assess the area specific prevalence, intensity and perceived causes of OIDP. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Pwani region and in Dar es Salaam in 2004/2005. A two-stage stratified cluster sample design was utilized. Information became available for 511 urban and 520 rural subjects (mean age 62.9 years) who were interviewed and participated in a full mouth clinical examination in their own homes. Results: The Kiswahili version of the weighted OIDP inventory preserved the overall concept of the original English version. Cronbach's alpha was 0.83 and 0.90 in urban and rural areas, respectively, and the OIDP inventory varied systematically in the expected direction with self-reported oral health measures. The respective prevalence of oral impacts was 51.2% and 62.1% in urban and rural areas. Problems with eating was the performance reported most frequently (42.5% in urban, 55.1% in rural) followed by cleaning teeth (18.2% in urban, 30.6% in rural). More than half of the urban and rural residents with impacts had very little, little and moderate impact intensity. The most frequently reported causes of impacts were toothache and loose teeth. Conclusion: The Kiswahili OIDP inventory had acceptable psychometric properties among non-institutionalized adults 50 years and above in Tanzania. The impacts affecting their performances were relatively common but not very severe. © 2006 Kida et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adult; aged; analytic method; article; clinical assessment; controlled study; Cronbach alpha coefficient; daily life activity; dental care; dental health; disease severity; feeding behavior; female; health survey; human; interview; major clinical study; male; Oral Impacts on Daily Performance; population research; prevalence; psychometry; reliability; risk assessment; risk factor; Tanzania; tooth disease; tooth pain; urban rural difference; validation process; Activities of Daily Living; Aged; DMF Index; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Oral Health; Oral Hygiene; Prevalence; Psychometrics; Quality of Life; Questionnaires; Rural Health; Sickness Impact Profile; Tanzania; Tooth Loss; Urban Health | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84916621869 | Local scale comparisons of biodiversity as a test for global protected area ecological performance: A meta-analysis | Coetzee B.W.T., Gaston K.J., Chown S.L. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0105824 | Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa; School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom | Coetzee, B.W.T., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Gaston, K.J., Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom; Chown, S.L., School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia | Terrestrial protected areas (PAs) are cornerstones of global biodiversity conservation. Their efficacy in terms of maintaining biodiversity is, however, much debated. Studies to date have been unable to provide a general answer as to PA conservation efficacy because of their typically restricted geographic and/or taxonomic focus, or qualitative approaches focusing on proxies for biodiversity, such as deforestation. Given the rarity of historical data to enable comparisons of biodiversity before/after PA establishment, many smaller scale studies over the past 30 years have directly compared biodiversity inside PAs to that of surrounding areas, which provides one measure of PA ecological performance. Here we use a meta-analysis of such studies (N = 86) to test if PAs contain higher biodiversity values than surrounding areas, and so assess their contribution to determining PA efficacy. We find that PAs generally have higher abundances of individual species, higher assemblage abundances, and higher species richness values compared with alternative land uses. Local scale studies in combination thus show that PAs retain more biodiversity than alternative land use areas. Nonetheless, much variation is present in the effect sizes, which underscores the context-specificity of PA efficacy. © 2014 Coetzee et al. | None | article; biodiversity; comparative study; conservation biology; ecology; environmental protection; land use; nonhuman; population abundance; protected area; species richness; statistical analysis; systematic review | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956282885 | Impact of the internet on final year students' research: A case study of Covenant university, Ota, Nigeria | Ilo P.I., Ifijeh G.I. | 2010 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2010 | JUL | None | Centre For Learning Resources, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria | Ilo, P.I., Centre For Learning Resources, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Ifijeh, G.I., Centre For Learning Resources, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884260321 | Predicting the Long-Term Impact of Antiretroviral Therapy Scale-Up on Population Incidence of Tuberculosis | Dodd P.J., Knight G.M., Lawn S.D., Corbett E.L., White R.G. | 2013 | PLoS ONE | 8 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0075466 | Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; TB Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; HIV and TB Group, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi | Dodd, P.J., Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, TB Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Knight, G.M., Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, TB Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Lawn, S.D., TB Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Corbett, E.L., TB Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, HIV and TB Group, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi; White, R.G., Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, TB Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Objective:To investigate the impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on long-term population-level tuberculosis disease (TB) incidence in sub-Saharan Africa.Methods:We used a mathematical model to consider the effect of different assumptions about life expectancy and TB risk during long-term ART under alternative scenarios for trends in population HIV incidence and ART coverage.Results:All the scenarios we explored predicted that the widespread introduction of ART would initially reduce population-level TB incidence. However, many modelled scenarios projected a rebound in population-level TB incidence after around 20 years. This rebound was predicted to exceed the TB incidence present before ART scale-up if decreases in HIV incidence during the same period were not sufficiently rapid or if the protective effect of ART on TB was not sustained. Nevertheless, most scenarios predicted a reduction in the cumulative TB incidence when accompanied by a relative decline in HIV incidence of more than 10% each year.Conclusions:Despite short-term benefits of ART scale-up on population TB incidence in sub-Saharan Africa, longer-term projections raise the possibility of a rebound in TB incidence. This highlights the importance of sustaining good adherence and immunologic response to ART and, crucially, the need for effective HIV preventive interventions, including early widespread implementation of ART. © 2013 Dodd et al. | None | antiretrovirus agent; Africa south of the Sahara; article; early intervention; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; infection risk; life expectancy; mathematical model; patient compliance; prediction; scale up; treatment outcome; tuberculosis; Africa South of the Sahara; Anti-HIV Agents; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Models, Theoretical; Public Health Surveillance; Tuberculosis | B&MGF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Wellcome Trust; MRC, Medical Research Council |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84917689456 | The effectiveness of a teacher professional learning programme: The perceptions and performance of mathematics teachers | Ndlovu M. | 2014 | Pythagoras | 35 | 2 | 10.4102/pythagoras.v35i2.237 | Centre for Pedagogy, Faculty of Education, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | Ndlovu, M., Centre for Pedagogy, Faculty of Education, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | The purpose of this article is to report on an investigation of the perceptions and performance of mathematics teachers in a teacher professional learning (TPL) programme based on realistic mathematics education (RME) principles, which included a topic on transformations, undertaken by the researcher. Forty-seven Senior Phase (Grade 7-9) teachers took part in the mixed-methods study in which they answered a questionnaire with both closed and openended items. Fifty teachers took an achievement test at the end of the programme. The TPL programme used the RME approach in the design and delivery of mathematical tasks intended to enhance teachers' mathematical knowledge for teaching. The sessions were conducted in a manner that modelled one way in which RME principles can be adopted as a teacher professional development strategy. The significance of the study is that continuing TPL is acknowledged to contribute to improvement in teaching and learning to address the concern about unsatisfactory learner achievement in mathematics. The responses suggested that the majority of teachers experienced the sessions positively in relation to all but one of the six RME principles. The teachers reported that they took an active part both as individuals and in small groups and expressed their willingness to adopt the type of activities and materials for their classrooms, which is an essential first step in Guskey's first level of evaluation of a teacher TPL programme. The teachers' average performance in an achievement test at the end of the topic was 72% which was indicative of modest learning gains at Guskey's second level of TPL effectiveness. © 2014. The Authors. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924097953 | Evaluation of the polyphenolic contents and some antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts of Garlic, Ginger, Cayenne Pepper and their mixture | Otunola G.A., Afolayan A.J. | 2013 | Journal of Applied Botany and Food Quality | 86 | 1 | 10.5073/JABFQ.2013.086.010 | Centre for Phytomedicine Research, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alicee, South Africa | Otunola, G.A., Centre for Phytomedicine Research, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alicee, South Africa; Afolayan, A.J., Centre for Phytomedicine Research, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alicee, South Africa | Garlic (Allium sativum), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), and Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum frutescens) are common culinary spices that are used singly or combined in the diet of many populations of the world and there is a long-held belief of their health-enhancing properties. This study investigated the aqueous extracts each of garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper and a combination of the three for polyphenolic and antioxidant properties that might justify such claims. Antioxidant activities were studied using DPPH, ABTS, nitric oxide radical scavenging activities and reducing power assay. Each of the spice extracts showed high content of phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols and proanthocyanidins, with the pepper extract exhibiting the highest concentration of each polyphenol investigated. The antioxidant activities of the spices and their mixture were concentration dependent, though positively comparable with the standards used. Among the extracts, the mixture exhibited the highest antioxidant activity compared to the individual spices and standards probably due to a synergistic effect of combining the spices. The present study confirmed that the aqueous extracts of garlic, ginger and pepper exhibited significant polyphenolic content and antioxidant potentials. | None | antioxidant; aqueous solution; concentration (composition); herb; phenolic compound; plant extract; population structure; Allium sativum; Capsicum annuum; Capsicum frutescens; Zingiber officinale | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-53549127285 | Developing health systems research capacities through north-south partnership: An evaluation of collaboration with South Africa and Thailand | Mayhew S.H., Doherty J., Pitayarangsarit S. | 2008 | Health Research Policy and Systems | 6 | None | 10.1186/1478-4505-6-8 | Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; International Health Policy Program, Bureau of Health Policy and Strategy, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand | Mayhew, S.H., Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Doherty, J., School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pitayarangsarit, S., International Health Policy Program, Bureau of Health Policy and Strategy, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand | Background: Over the past ten years, calls to strengthen health systems research capacities in low and middle income countries have increased. One mechanism for capacity development is the partnering of northern and southern institutions. However, detailed case-studies of north-south partnerships, at least in the domain of health systems research, remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the partnerships developed between the Health Economics and Financing Programme of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and three research partners in South Africa and Thailand to strengthen health economics-related research capacity. Methods: Data from programme documents were collected over five years to measure quantitative indicators of capacity development. Qualitative data were obtained from 25 in-depth interviews with programme staff from South Africa, Thailand and London. Results and Discussion: Five years of formal partnership resulted in substantial strengthening of individual research skills and moderate instituonalised strengthening in southern partner institutions. Activities included joint proposals, research and articles, staff exchange and post-graduate training. In Thailand, individual capacities were built through post-graduate training and the partner institution developed this as part of a package aimed at retaining young researchers at the institution. In South Africa, local post-graduate teaching programs were strengthened, regular staff visits/exchanges initiated and maintained and funding secured for several large-scale, multi-partner projects. These activities could not have been achieved without good personal relationships between members of the partner institutions, built on trust developed over twenty years. In South Africa, a critical factor was the joint appointment of a London staff member on long-term secondment to one of the partner institutions. Conclusion: As partnerships mature the needs of partners change and new challenges emerge. Partners' differing research priorities (national v international; policy-led v academic-led) need to be balanced and equitable funding mechanisms developed recognising the needs and constraints faced by both southern and northern partners. Institutionalising partnerships (through long-term development of trust, engagement of a broad range of staff in joint activities and joint appointment of staff), and developing responsive mechanisms for governing these partnerships (through regular joint negotiation of research priorities and funding issues), can address these challenges in mutually acceptable ways. Indeed, by late 2005 the partnership under scrutiny in this paper had evolved into a wider consortium involving additional partners, more explicit mechanisms for managing institutional relationships and some core funding for partners. Most importantly, this study has shown that it is possible for long-term north-south partnership commitments to yield fruit and to strengthen the capacities of public health research and training institutions in less developed countries. © 2008 Mayhew et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | article; cooperation; developed country; health care system; health economics; interview; medical research; policy; postgraduate education; public health; publication; South Africa; Thailand; United Kingdom | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-59749097626 | The impact of exchange rate movements on employment: The economy-wide effect of a rand appreciation | Ngandu S.N.C. | 2009 | Development Southern Africa | 26 | 1 | 10.1080/03768350802640180 | Centre for Poverty, Employment and Growth, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa | Ngandu, S.N.C., Centre for Poverty, Employment and Growth, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa | There has been some debate on the impact of exchange rate volatility and levels in South Africa. This is a particular concern as South Africa needs to dramatically expand sustainable employment and at the same time raise value-added in its production of goods and services. These are not necessarily complementary objectives for a mineral-exporting economy. Using a computable general equilibrium model, with the appreciation induced by a commodity price boom, this paper analyses the possible impact of an appreciation of the rand on employment. The intention is to identify the impact on both aggregate employment and sectoral output. Although the economy does well as a result of the commodity boom, the results indicate the potential for 'Dutch Disease' - type effects. Almost all traded sectors are negatively affected, while the non-traded sectors experience a boost as a result of the appreciation. | None | commodity price; computable general equilibrium analysis; currency market; economic impact; employment; exchange rate; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874629174 | Migration, Geographies of Marginality and Informality-Impacts on Upper and Lower Ends of Urban Systems in the North and South | Geyer H.S., Geyer H.S., Du Plessis D.J. | 2013 | European Planning Studies | 21 | 3 | 10.1080/09654313.2012.716248 | Centre for Regional and Urban Innovation and Statistical Exploration (CRUISE), University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Geyer, H.S., Centre for Regional and Urban Innovation and Statistical Exploration (CRUISE), University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Geyer, H.S., Centre for Regional and Urban Innovation and Statistical Exploration (CRUISE), University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Du Plessis, D.J., Centre for Regional and Urban Innovation and Statistical Exploration (CRUISE), University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Since the onset of post-industrialism, the research focus in the developed world has increasingly shifted to the role of the information and communication technology, knowledge workers and the creative sector in the global economy. It has led to what could be described as an iceberg approach to economic research. In this approach, the focus is primarily on what happens in the part of the global economic iceberg above the waterline-the "clean", "fast-moving", "technologically advanced" elements of the global economy. However another element of the global economy, the informal sector, is growing at an alarming rate in cities in both the developed and developing worlds. These activities are unobtrusively operating in a part of the iceberg below the waterline that receives relatively little attention from the research community. The purposes of this paper are to demonstrate how the information networks created in the iceberg above the waterline are being used by a growing section of the society in the developing world in order to reach first-world destinations. It shows how informality is changing the urban landscape in first-world cities where large concentrations of non-Western populations occur. The paper then shifts its attention to the overwhelmingly informally driven economies of African cities and outlines the inappropriateness of standard economic measures to accurately portray conditions there. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | None | developing world; global economy; marginalization; migration; urban development; urban geography; urban growth; urban system; Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84948180161 | The impact of health service variables on healthcare access in a low resourced urban setting in the Western Cape, South Africa | Scheffler E., Visagie S., Schneider M. | 2015 | African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine | 7 | 1 | 10.4102/phcfm.v7i1.820 | Centre for Rehabilitation Studies, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Psychology Department, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Scheffler, E., Centre for Rehabilitation Studies, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, Psychology Department, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Visagie, S., Centre for Rehabilitation Studies, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, Psychology Department, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Schneider, M., Psychology Department, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Background: Health care access is complex and multi-faceted and, as a basic right, equitable access and services should be available to all user groups. Objectives: The aim of this article is to explore how service delivery impacts on access to healthcare for vulnerable groups in an urban primary health care setting in South Africa. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study design was used. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with purposively sampled participants and analysed through thematic content analysis. Results: Service delivery factors are presented against five dimensions of access according to the ACCESS Framework. From a supplier perspective, the organisation of care in the study setting resulted in available, accessible, affordable and adequate services as measured against the District Health System policies and guidelines. However, service providers experienced significant barriers in provision of services, which impacted on the quality of care, resulting in poor client and provider satisfaction and ultimately compromising acceptability of service delivery. Although users found services to be accessible, the organisation of services presented them with challenges in the domains of availability, affordability and adequacy, resulting in unmet needs, low levels of satisfaction and loss of trust. These challenges fuelled perceptions of unacceptable services. Conclusion: Well developed systems and organisation of services can create accessible, affordable and available primary healthcare services, but do not automatically translate into adequate and acceptable services. Focussing attention on how services are delivered might restore the balance between supply (services) and demand (user needs) and promote universal and equitable access. © 2015. The Authors. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70449397355 | Paediatric HIV management at primary care level: An evaluation of the integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) guidelines for HIV | Horwood C., Vermaak K., Rollins N., Haskins L., Nkosi P., Qazi S. | 2009 | BMC Pediatrics | 9 | None | 10.1186/1471-2431-9-59 | Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland | Horwood, C., Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Vermaak, K., Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Rollins, N., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa, Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland; Haskins, L., Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Nkosi, P., Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Qazi, S., Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland | Background: Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) is a WHO/UNICEF strategy to improve child survival in resource poor settings. South Africa adopted IMCI in 1997, and IMCI guidelines were adapted to include identification and management of HIV infected and exposed children. This study describes the validity of the IMCI/HIV algorithm when used by IMCI experts, the use of IMCI/HIV guidelines by IMCI trained health workers in routine clinical practice, and the burden of HIV among children under 5 years attending first level health facilities. Methods: Seventy seven randomly selected IMCI trained health workers were observed in 74 health facilities in two provinces of South Africa. Consultations were observed with 1357 sick children; each child was reassessed by an IMCI expert to confirm the correct findings. Consent was requested for HIV testing of all children who attended with a parent or legal guardian. Positive rapid HIV tests were confirmed with HIV PCR in children aged less than 18 months. HIV positive children had a CD4 count and HIV clinical staging done. Results: Of 1064 children with HIV results available, 76 (7.1% CI: 5.7% - 8.9%) children were confirmed HIV positive. IMCI experts using the HIV algorithm classified 54/76 (71.1% CI: 59.5%-80.9%) HIV positive children as suspected symptomatic HIV, and 15/22 remaining HIV positive children were identified as HIV exposed. Therefore, 69/76 (90.8% CI: 81.9-96.2) HIV infected children were identified by IMCI experts. No classification was made for HIV by observed health workers in 899/1357(66.2%) children. Conclusion: 906/1243(72.9%) mothers had been tested previously for HIV, of whom 221(24.4%) reported testing positive. Of 221 children therefore identified as HIV exposed, only 78(35.3%) had been tested for HIV within routine services. The HIV algorithm is a valid tool for identifying HIV infected and exposed children when correctly and comprehensively implemented. However, it is not being used by IMCI trained health workers in routine practise, leading to a failure to implement life saving interventions. © 2009 Horwood et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | antiretrovirus agent; cotrimoxazole; nevirapine; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; child; child health care; clinical protocol; continuing education; health care personnel; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; major clinical study; polymerase chain reaction; practice guideline; preschool child; primary medical care; South Africa; Algorithms; Child, Preschool; Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; HIV; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Practice Guidelines as Topic; Primary Health Care; Retrospective Studies; South Africa; Survival Rate | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70449504151 | Experiences of training and implementation of integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) in South Africa: A qualitative evaluation of the IMCI case management training course | Horwood C., Voce A., Vermaak K., Rollins N., Qazi S. | 2009 | BMC Pediatrics | 9 | None | 10.1186/1471-2431-9-62 | Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Department of Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland | Horwood, C., Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Voce, A., Department of Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Vermaak, K., Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Rollins, N., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa, Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland; Qazi, S., Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland | Background: Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) is a strategy to reduce mortality and morbidity in children under-5 years by improving management of common illnesses at primary level. IMCI has been shown to improve health worker performance, but constraints have been identified in achieving sufficient coverage to improve child survival, and implementation remains sub-optimal. At the core of the IMCI strategy is a clinical guideline whereby health workers use a series of algorithms to assess and manage a sick child, and give counselling to carers. IMCI is taught using a structured 11-day training course that combines classroom work with clinical practise; a variety of training techniques are used, supported by comprehensive training materials and detailed instructions for facilitators. Methods: We conducted focus group discussions with IMCI trained health workers to explore their experiences of the methodology and content of the IMCI training course, whether they thought they gained the skills required for implementation, and their experiences of follow-up visits. Results: Health workers found the training interesting, informative and empowering, and there was consensus that it improved their skills in managing sick children. They appreciated the variety of learning methods employed, and felt that repetition was important to reinforce knowledge and skills. Facilitators were rated highly for their knowledge and commitment, as well as their ability to identify problems and help participants as required. However, health workers felt strongly that the training time was too short to acquire skills in all areas of IMCI. Their increased confidence in managing sick children was identified by health workers as an enabling factor for IMCI implementation in the workplace, but additional time required for IMCI consultations was expressed as a major barrier. Although follow-up visits were described as very helpful, these were often delayed and there was no ongoing clinical supervision. Conclusion: The IMCI training course was reported to be an effective method of acquiring skills, but more time is required, either during the course, or with follow-up, to improve IMCI implementation. Innovative solutions may be required to ensure that adequate skills are acquired and maintained. © 2009 Horwood et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | article; case management; child care; child health care; childhood disease; consensus development; consultation; controlled study; follow up; health care personnel; health care planning; health education; human; information processing; learning style; problem identification; professional knowledge; skill; South Africa; training; work experience; workplace; Case Management; Child; Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; Education, Professional; Health Policy; Humans; Pediatrics; Program Evaluation; Quality of Health Care; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869055060 | Incidence, Clinical Spectrum, Risk Factors and Impact of HIV-Associated Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in South Africa | Haddow L.J., Moosa M.-Y.S., Mosam A., Moodley P., Parboosing R., Easterbrook P.J. | 2012 | PLoS ONE | 7 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0040623 | Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Infectious Diseases, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Dermatology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Virology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Services, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa | Haddow, L.J., Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Moosa, M.-Y.S., Department of Infectious Diseases, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Mosam, A., Department of Dermatology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Moodley, P., Department of Virology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Services, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Parboosing, R., Department of Virology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Services, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Easterbrook, P.J., Department of Infectious Diseases, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Background: Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is a widely recognised complication of antiretroviral therapy (ART), but there are still limited data from resource-limited settings. Our objective was to characterize the incidence, clinical spectrum, risk factors and contribution to mortality of IRIS in two urban ART clinics in South Africa. Methods and Findings: 498 adults initiating ART in Durban, South Africa were followed prospectively for 24 weeks. IRIS diagnosis was based on consensus expert opinion, and classified by mode of presentation (paradoxical worsening of known opportunistic infection [OI] or unmasking of subclinical disease). 114 patients (22.9%) developed IRIS (36% paradoxical, 64% unmasking). Mucocutaneous conditions accounted for 68% of IRIS events, mainly folliculitis, warts, genital ulcers and herpes zoster. Tuberculosis (TB) accounted for 25% of IRIS events. 18/135 (13.3%) patients with major pre-ART OIs (e.g. TB, cryptococcosis) developed paradoxical IRIS related to the same OI. Risk factors for this type of IRIS were baseline viral load >5.5 vs. <4.5 log10 (adjusted hazard ratio 7.23; 95% confidence interval 1.35-38.76) and ≤30 vs. >30 days of OI treatment prior to ART (2.66; 1.16-6.09). Unmasking IRIS related to major OIs occurred in 25/498 patients (5.0%), and risk factors for this type of IRIS were baseline C-reactive protein ≥25 vs. <25 mg/L (2.77; 1.31-5.85), haemoglobin <10 vs. >12 g/dL (3.36; 1.32-8.52), ≥10% vs. <10% weight loss prior to ART (2.31; 1.05-5.11) and mediastinal lymphadenopathy on pre-ART chest x-ray (9.15; 4.10-20.42). IRIS accounted for 6/25 (24%) deaths, 13/65 (20%) hospitalizations and 10/35 (29%) ART interruptions or discontinuations. Conclusion: IRIS occurred in almost one quarter of patients initiating ART, and accounted for one quarter of deaths in the first 6 months. Priority strategies to reduce IRIS-associated morbidity and mortality in ART programmes include earlier ART initiation before onset of advanced immunodeficiency, improved pre-ART screening for TB and cryptococcal infection, optimization of OI therapy prior to ART initiation, more intensive clinical monitoring in initial weeks of ART, and education of health care workers and patients about IRIS. © 2012 Haddow et al. | None | antiretrovirus agent; C reactive protein; hemoglobin; adult; adverse outcome; antiviral therapy; article; clinical feature; cryptococcosis; disease association; female; folliculitis; genital ulcer; geographic distribution; hemoglobin blood level; herpes zoster; hospitalization; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome; incidence; major clinical study; male; mediastinum lymphadenopathy; morbidity; mortality; mucocutaneous disease; mucosal disease; protein blood level; risk factor; South Africa; thorax radiography; tuberculosis; urban area; verruca vulgaris; virus load; weight reduction; Adult; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Female; Follow-Up Studies; HIV Infections; Humans; Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome; Incidence; Male; Risk Factors; South Africa; Viral Load; Herpes zoster | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951787068 | Missed opportunities in TB diagnosis: A TB Process-Based Performance Review tool to evaluate and improve clinical care | Field N., Murray J., Wong M.L., Dowdeswell R., Dudumayo N., Rametsi L., Martinson N., Lipman M., Glynn J.R., Sonnenberg P. | 2011 | BMC Public Health | 11 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-11-127 | Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom; National Institute for Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa; Rustenburg Platinum Mines, Anglo Platinum, Rustenburg, South Africa; Lonmin PLC, Rustenburg, South Africa; Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Johns Hopkins University Center for TB Research, Baltimore, United States; Respiratory Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Field, N., Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Murray, J., National Institute for Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Wong, M.L., Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa; Dowdeswell, R., Rustenburg Platinum Mines, Anglo Platinum, Rustenburg, South Africa; Dudumayo, N., Lonmin PLC, Rustenburg, South Africa; Rametsi, L., Rustenburg Platinum Mines, Anglo Platinum, Rustenburg, South Africa; Martinson, N., Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, Johns Hopkins University Center for TB Research, Baltimore, United States; Lipman, M., Respiratory Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Glynn, J.R., Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Sonnenberg, P., Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom | Background: Traditional tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcome measures, such as cure rate, do not provide insight into the underlying reasons for missing clinical targets. We evaluated a TB Process-Based Performance Review (TB-PBPR) tool, developed to identify "missed opportunities" for timely and accurate diagnosis of TB. The tool enables performance assessment at the level of process and quality of care. Methods. The TB-PBPR tool is a single-page structured flow-sheet that identifies 14 clinical actions (grouped into elicited symptoms, clinical examination and investigations). Medical records from selected deceased patients were reviewed at two South African mine hospitals (A = 56 cases; B = 26 cases), a South African teaching hospital (C = 20 cases) and a UK teaching hospital (D = 13 cases). Results: In hospital A, where autopsy was routine, TB was missed in life in 52% (23/44) of cases and was wrongly attributed as the cause of death in 16% (18/110). Clinical omissions were identified at each hospital and at every stage of clinical management. For example, recording of chest symptoms was omitted in up to 39% of cases, sputum smear examination in up to 85% and chest radiograph in up to 38% of cases respectively. Conclusions: This study introduces the TB-PBPR tool as a novel method to review and evaluate clinical performance in TB management. We found that simple clinical actions were omitted in many cases. The tool, in conjunction with a manual describing best practice, is adaptable to a range of settings, is educational and enables detailed feedback within a TB programme. The TB-PBPR tool and manual are both freely available for general use. © 2011 Field et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adult; aged; article; female; human; male; medical audit; middle aged; South Africa; standard; teaching hospital; tuberculin test; tuberculosis; United Kingdom; Adult; Aged; Female; Great Britain; Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; Male; Medical Audit; Middle Aged; South Africa; Tuberculin Test; Tuberculosis; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-26444506326 | Monitoring and evaluation for social development: A case for social work in South Africa | Noyoo N. | 2005 | Social Work | 41 | 3 | None | Centre for Social Development in Africa, Department of Social Work, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Noyoo, N., Centre for Social Development in Africa, Department of Social Work, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | This paper discusses the processes of monitoring and evaluation, and argues for its centrality in the sphere of social development. In the discussion the need for social workers to play leading roles in executing these processes for a post-apartheid socio-economic and political context is also illuminated. | None | post-apartheid; social development; social work; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84948957369 | Direct-to-consumer genetic testing for predicting sports performance and talent identification: Consensus statement | Webborn N., Williams A., McNamee M., Bouchard C., Pitsiladis Y., Ahmetov I., Ashley E., Byrne N., Camporesi S., Collins M., Dijkstra P., Eynon N., Fuku N., Garton F.C., Hoppe N., Holm S., Kaye J., Klissouras V., Lucia A., Maase K., Moran C., North K.N., P | 2015 | British Journal of Sports Medicine | 49 | 23 | 10.1136/bjsports-2015-095343 | Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine (SESAME), University of Brighton, Eastbourne, United Kingdom; MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe Green Road, Crewe, United Kingdom; College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom; Human Genomics Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States; FIMS Reference Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine for Anti-Doping Research, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, United Kingdom; Volga Region State Academy of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism, Kazan, Russian Federation; Clinical Genomics Service, Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States; Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond Institute of Health and Sport, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia; Department of Social Science, Health and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Aspetar-Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar; Institute of Sport, Exercise, and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Paediatrics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's HospitalVIC, Australia; Coram Chambers, London, United Kingdom; School of Law, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Population Health, Centre for Health, Law and Emerging Technologies, University of Oxford, Headington, United Kingdom; Emeritus of Ergophysiology, University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Universidad Europea and Research Institute, Madrid, Spain; Elite Sport Unit, Netherlands Olympic Committee and Netherlands Sports Confederation (NOC and NSF), Utrecht, Netherlands; Physiological Epigenetics Research Group, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom; International Federation of Sports Medicine, University of Rome, Rome, Italy | Webborn, N., Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine (SESAME), University of Brighton, Eastbourne, United Kingdom; Williams, A., MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe Green Road, Crewe, United Kingdom; McNamee, M., College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom; Bouchard, C., Human Genomics Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States; Pitsiladis, Y., FIMS Reference Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine for Anti-Doping Research, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, United Kingdom; Ahmetov, I., Volga Region State Academy of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism, Kazan, Russian Federation; Ashley, E., Clinical Genomics Service, Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States; Byrne, N., Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond Institute of Health and Sport, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia; Camporesi, S., Department of Social Science, Health and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Collins, M., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Dijkstra, P., Aspetar-Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar; Eynon, N., Institute of Sport, Exercise, and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Fuku, N., Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan; Garton, F.C., Department of Paediatrics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's HospitalVIC, Australia; Hoppe, N., Coram Chambers, London, United Kingdom; Holm, S., School of Law, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Kaye, J., Nuffield Department of Population Health, Centre for Health, Law and Emerging Technologies, University of Oxford, Headington, United Kingdom; Klissouras, V., Emeritus of Ergophysiology, University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Lucia, A., Universidad Europea and Research Institute, Madrid, Spain; Maase, K., Elite Sport Unit, Netherlands Olympic Committee and Netherlands Sports Confederation (NOC and NSF), Utrecht, Netherlands; Moran, C., Physiological Epigenetics Research Group, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom; North, K.N., Department of Paediatrics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's HospitalVIC, Australia; Pigozzi, F., International Federation of Sports Medicine, University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Wang, G., FIMS Reference Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine for Anti-Doping Research, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, United Kingdom | The general consensus among sport and exercise genetics researchers is that genetic tests have no role to play in talent identification or the individualised prescription of training to maximise performance. Despite the lack of evidence, recent years have witnessed the rise of an emerging market of direct-toconsumer marketing (DTC) tests that claim to be able to identify children's athletic talents. Targeted consumers include mainly coaches and parents. There is concern among the scientific community that the current level of knowledge is being misrepresented for commercial purposes. There remains a lack of universally accepted guidelines and legislation for DTC testing in relation to all forms of genetic testing and not just for talent identification. There is concern over the lack of clarity of information over which specific genes or variants are being tested and the almost universal lack of appropriate genetic counselling for the interpretation of the genetic data to consumers. Furthermore independent studies have identified issues relating to quality control by DTC laboratories with different results being reported from samples from the same individual. Consequently, in the current state of knowledge, no child or young athlete should be exposed to DTC genetic testing to define or alter training or for talent identification aimed at selecting gifted children or adolescents. Large scale collaborative projects, may help to develop a stronger scientific foundation on these issues in the future. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-68149118879 | Impact of the International Rugby Board's experimental law variations on the incidence and nature of match injuries in southern hemisphere professional rugby union | Fuller C.W., Raftery M., Readhead C., Targett S.G.R., Molloy M.G. | 2009 | South African Medical Journal | 99 | 4 | None | Centre for Sports Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Australian Rugby Union, Sydney, NSW, Australia; South African Rugby Union, Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa; New Zealand Rugby Union, Wellington, New Zealand; International Rugby Board, Dublin, Ireland | Fuller, C.W., Centre for Sports Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Raftery, M., Australian Rugby Union, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Readhead, C., South African Rugby Union, Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa; Targett, S.G.R., New Zealand Rugby Union, Wellington, New Zealand; Molloy, M.G., International Rugby Board, Dublin, Ireland | Objective. To examine the epidemiology of match injuries in southern hemisphere professional rugby union and assess the impact of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Experimental Law Variations. Setting. One-season whole population prospective cohort. Subjects. Twenty-seven teams (813 players) taking part in the 2008 Super 14 and Vodacom Cup competitions. Outcome measures. Incidence, severity, location, type and cause of injury. Results. The incidence in the Super 14 competition (96.3 injuries/1 000 player-match hours; 95% confidence interval (CI) 69.0 - 111.7) was significantly higher (p=0.003) than that in the Vodacom Cup (71.2; CI 60.0 - 84.5); injury severity was significantly lower (p<0.001) in the Super 14 (mean 13.4 days; median 5) than the Vodacom Cup (mean 21.2; median 12). There were no significant differences between the two competitions in type or location of injury: lower limb muscle/tendon (Super 14: 27.8%; Vodacom Cup: 25.7%) and joint (non-bone)/ligament (Super 14: 18.8%; Vodacom Cup: 24.3%) were the most common injuries. Injury causation was similar for the two competitions but there were significantly fewer ruck/maul (p=0.001) and more tackled (p=0.010) injuries in Super 14 compared with English Premiership rugby and fewer collision (p=0.002) and more tackling (p<0.001) injuries compared with Rugby World Cup. In the Vodacom Cup, there were significantly more tackling (p<0.001) injuries compared with Rugby World Cup. Conclusion. The incidence, nature and causes of injuries in southern hemisphere professional club rugby played under IRB Experimental Law Variations were similar to those for professional club rugby in the northern hemisphere and Rugby World Cup played under the previous Laws of Rugby. | None | adult; article; athlete; competition; controlled study; human; incidence; injury severity; joint injury; leg muscle; ligament injury; major clinical study; rugby; sport injury; sporting event; tendon injury; athletic performance; Australia; cohort analysis; football; injury; legal aspect; male; New Zealand; South Africa; standard; Adult; Athletic Injuries; Athletic Performance; Australia; Cohort Studies; Football; Humans; Incidence; Male; New Zealand; South Africa; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877004356 | Challenges of Diagnosing Acute HIV-1 Subtype C Infection in African Women: Performance of a Clinical Algorithm and the Need for Point-of-Care Nucleic-Acid Based Testing | Mlisana K., Sobieszczyk M., Werner L., Feinstein A., van Loggerenberg F., Naicker N., Williamson C., Garrett N. | 2013 | PLoS ONE | 8 | 4 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0062928 | Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Services, Durban, South Africa; Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, The Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Mlisana, K., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Services, Durban, South Africa; Sobieszczyk, M., Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Werner, L., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Feinstein, A., Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; van Loggerenberg, F., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Naicker, N., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Williamson, C., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, The Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Garrett, N., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Background:Prompt diagnosis of acute HIV infection (AHI) benefits the individual and provides opportunities for public health intervention. The aim of this study was to describe most common signs and symptoms of AHI, correlate these with early disease progression and develop a clinical algorithm to identify acute HIV cases in resource limited setting.Methods:245 South African women at high-risk of HIV-1 were assessed for AHI and received monthly HIV-1 antibody and RNA testing. Signs and symptoms at first HIV-positive visit were compared to HIV-negative visits. Logistic regression identified clinical predictors of AHI. A model-based score was assigned to each predictor to create a risk score for every woman.Results:Twenty-eight women seroconverted after a total of 390 person-years of follow-up with an HIV incidence of 7.2/100 person-years (95%CI 4.5-9.8). Fifty-seven percent reported ≥1 sign or symptom at the AHI visit. Factors predictive of AHI included age <25 years (OR = 3.2; 1.4-7.1), rash (OR = 6.1; 2.4-15.4), sore throat (OR = 2.7; 1.0-7.6), weight loss (OR = 4.4; 1.5-13.4), genital ulcers (OR = 8.0; 1.6-39.5) and vaginal discharge (OR = 5.4; 1.6-18.4). A risk score of 2 correctly predicted AHI in 50.0% of cases. The number of signs and symptoms correlated with higher HIV-1 RNA at diagnosis (r = 0.63; p<0.001).Conclusions:Accurate recognition of signs and symptoms of AHI is critical for early diagnosis of HIV infection. Our algorithm may assist in risk-stratifying individuals for AHI, especially in resource-limited settings where there is no routine testing for AHI. Independent validation of the algorithm on another cohort is needed to assess its utility further. Point-of-care antigen or viral load technology is required, however, to detect asymptomatic, antibody negative cases enabling early interventions and prevention of transmission. © 2013 Mlisana et al. | None | antigen p24; virus antibody; virus RNA; acute Human immunodeficiency virus 1 subtype C infection; adult; age; algorithm; anorexia; antibody detection; article; clinical assessment; clinical feature; cohort analysis; controlled study; diagnostic test; diagnostic test accuracy study; disease course; ethnic group; female; genital ulcer; high risk population; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; incidence; infection risk; major clinical study; point of care testing; rash; risk assessment; RNA analysis; scoring system; sensitivity and specificity; seroconversion; sore throat; South African; symptom; vagina discharge; virus load; weight reduction; genetics; HIV Infections; hospital information system; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; immunology; mass screening; middle aged; molecular diagnosis; reproducibility; risk; South Africa; young adult; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Adult; Algorithms; Cohort Studies; Female; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Mass Screening; Middle Aged; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Point-of-Care Systems; Reproducibility of Results; Risk; South Africa; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866092227 | Herbivore and human impacts on woody species dynamics in Maputaland, South Africa | Gaugris J.Y., Vasicek C.A., Van Rooyen M.W. | 2012 | Forestry | 85 | 4 | 10.1093/forestry/cps046 | Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Wildlife Management and Sustainable Use, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Plant Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Gaugris, J.Y., Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Vasicek, C.A., Wildlife Management and Sustainable Use, Zurich, Switzerland; Van Rooyen, M.W., Department of Plant Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Maputaland's woodlands are under utilization pressure inside and outside conserved areas due to mounting densities of mammals in the former and increasing human utilization of vegetation in the latter. Conservation of this biodiversity hotspot requires a better understanding of vegetation dynamics. To this purpose, woodland vegetation structure was evaluated at three sites through size class distribution analysis and grain determination, a forestry concept here applied to woodlands. The three sites represented animal disturbance/utilization, human disturbance/utilization and no disturbance/utilization regimes for comparable periods. Common species occurrence patterns differed between sites. The woodlands of all three sites were mostly fine-grained forest-like vegetation units and followed fine-grained forest dynamics closely. The grain model performed successfully for the region's woodlands and proved a good tool to improve vegetation dynamics understanding. In general, people and herbivores led to local extirpation of species and threatened both ecological structure and function of Maputaland's woodlands. However, the fine grain status was considered positive, as it facilitated future management options by reducing time frames and scale of management actions to be applied. © 2012 Institute of Chartered Foresters. All rights reserved. | None | anthropogenic effect; biodiversity; conservation management; disturbance; ecological modeling; ecosystem structure; forest management; herbivory; mammal; management practice; nature-society relations; plant-herbivore interaction; population dynamics; species occurrence; vegetation dynamics; woodland; KwaZulu-Natal; Maputaland; South Africa; Animalia; Mammalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65949090305 | Soil erosion impact on soil organic carbon spatial variability on steep tropical slopes | Chaplot V., Podwojewski P., Phachomphon K., Valentin C. | 2009 | Soil Science Society of America Journal | 73 | 3 | 10.2136/sssaj2008.0031 | Centre IRD d'île de France, 32, avenue Henri Varagnat, 93143 Bondy Cedex, France; School of Bioresources Eng. and Environ. Hydrology, Rabie Sanders Bldg., Univ. of Kwazulu-Natal, Scootsville, 3209, South Africa; Soil Survey and Land Classification Center, National Agric. and Forestry Research Institute, Vientiane, Laos | Chaplot, V., Centre IRD d'île de France, 32, avenue Henri Varagnat, 93143 Bondy Cedex, France, School of Bioresources Eng. and Environ. Hydrology, Rabie Sanders Bldg., Univ. of Kwazulu-Natal, Scootsville, 3209, South Africa; Podwojewski, P., School of Bioresources Eng. and Environ. Hydrology, Rabie Sanders Bldg., Univ. of Kwazulu-Natal, Scootsville, 3209, South Africa; Phachomphon, K., Soil Survey and Land Classification Center, National Agric. and Forestry Research Institute, Vientiane, Laos; Valentin, C., Centre IRD d'île de France, 32, avenue Henri Varagnat, 93143 Bondy Cedex, France | The main objectives of this study were to evaluate soil organic C (SOC) variability in a representative hillslope of Laos and to quantify the impact of some environmental factors. We collected 2348 soil samples from 581 georeferenced soil pits within a hillslope of northern Laos under traditional shifting cultivation at 0- to 0.05-m depth and then every 0.1 m to 0.35-m depth. The SOC stocks at 0- to 0.05-m depth varied between 0.4 kg C m-2 (standard error of ±0.046 kg C m-2) and 1.9 (±0.22) kg C m-2 and stocks in the 0- to 0.35-m depth were between 2.6 (±0.29) and 11.4 (±1.31) kg C m-2. About 85% of SOC spatial variability occurred at a distance less than 20 m. As expected, SOC content and stocks at 0-to 0.05-m depth were significantly greater with higher soil clay content and shorter durations of cultivation (P < 0.001). But at 0- to 0.35-m depth, the significance of clay content was only P = 0.04 and stocks surprisingly increased with increasing slope gradient (P < 0.001). Thus, it seems that sloping lands under shifting cultivation act as a conveyor that stores atmospheric inorganic C in soils during the regeneration of natural fallows and ultimately transfers it by water erosion to the steepest areas of hillslopes, where it accumulates, probably due to greater infiltration by water. These results on SOC spatial variations under steep slope conditions of the tropics give a better picture of SOC dynamics that may allow development of optimal strategies of land management to foster main soil functions and offset the current rise in atmospheric CO2. © Soil Science Society of America. | None | Atmospheric CO; Clay content; Current rise; Environmental factors; Hillslope; Hillslopes; Land managements; Optimal strategies; Slope gradients; Sloping land; Soil clay content; Soil erosion; Soil function; Soil organic C; Soil organic carbon; Soil pits; Soil sample; Spatial variability; Spatial variations; Standard errors; Steep slope; Water erosion; Clay minerals; Erosion; Fire hazards; Forestry; Land use; Organic carbon; Programmable logic controllers; Strategic planning; Soils; carbon dioxide; clay soil; environmental factor; infiltration; land management; shifting cultivation; slope dynamics; soil carbon; soil erosion; soil organic matter; spatial variation; water erosion; Asia; Eurasia; Laos; Southeast Asia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862965932 | Environmental impacts of electric vehicles in South Africa | Liu X., Hildebrandt D., Glasser D. | 2012 | South African Journal of Science | 108 | 42371 | None | Centre of Material and Process Synthesis, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Liu, X., Centre of Material and Process Synthesis, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Hildebrandt, D., Centre of Material and Process Synthesis, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Glasser, D., Centre of Material and Process Synthesis, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Electric vehicles have been seen by some policymakers as a tool to target reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. 1,2 Some researchers have shown that the full environmental impact of electric vehicles depends very much on the cleanliness of the electricity grid. 3 In countries such as the USA and China, where coal-fired power plants still play a very important role in electricity generation, the environmental impact of electric vehicles is equivalent to, or even higher than that of cars running on internal combustion engines. 4,5 In this study, the environmental impacts of electric vehicles in South Africa were investigated. We found that, as the bulk of South Africa's electricity is generated from relatively low-quality coal and the advanced exhaust clean up technologies are not implemented in the current coal-fired power plants, the use of electric vehicles in South Africa would not help to cut greenhouse gas emissions now (2010) or in the future (in 2030 using the IRP 2010 Revision 2, policy-adjusted IRP scenario), and actually would lead to higher SO x and NO x emissions. © 2012. The Authors. | None | cleanup; coal-fired power plant; electric vehicle; electricity generation; emission control; emission inventory; engine; environmental impact; greenhouse gas; life cycle analysis; nitrogen oxides; policy making; pollution incidence; sulfur compound; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877709122 | Impact of nutrition education on nutrition knowledge of public school educators in South Africa: A pilot study | Oldewage-Theron W.H., Egal A. | 2012 | Health SA Gesondheid | 17 | 1 | 10.4102/hsag.v17i1.602 | Centre of Sustainable Livelihoods, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | Oldewage-Theron, W.H., Centre of Sustainable Livelihoods, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa; Egal, A., Centre of Sustainable Livelihoods, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has not given nutrition education the necessary emphasis that it needs, despite its importance in South African schools. Nutrition is included as only one of many topics forming part of the Life Orientation syllabus. Educators are role models for learners in making healthy food choices, however, studies have shown that major gaps exist in the health and nutrition-related knowledge and behaviour of educators. The objective of this research was to undertake a pilot study to determine the impact of a nutrition education programme (NEP) on the nutrition knowledge of Life Orientation educators in public schools in South Africa (SA). An exploratory baseline survey, to determine the nutrition education practices in 45 purposively selected public schools, was carried out before the experimental nutrition education intervention study. A nutrition knowledge questionnaire was completed by 24 purposively selected educators, representing all nine provinces in SA, before and after a three-day NEP. Pre and post-NEP data were analysed on the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for a Windows program version 17.0 for descriptive statistics, version 17.0. Paired t-tests measured statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) before and after the NEP. The knowledge of the respondents improved significantly after the NEP as the mean±s.d. score of correctly answered questions (n = 59) improved from 63.3±30.2% before to 80.6±21.1% after the NEP. The results proved that nutrition knowledge of Life Orientation educators in primary schools is not optimal, but can be improved by NEP. © 2012. The Authors. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79954481963 | The role of emotions on pacing strategies and performance in middle and long duration sport events | Baron B., Moullan F., Deruelle F., Noakes T.D. | 2011 | British Journal of Sports Medicine | 45 | 6 | 10.1136/bjsm.2009.059964 | Centre Universitaire de Recherches en Activités Physiques et Sportives, Département STAPS, Faculté des Sciences de l'Homme et de l'Environnement, Le Tampon, France; Laboratoire d'Etudes de la Motricité Humaine, Faculté des Sciences du Sport et de l'EP, Université de Lille 2, Ronchin, France; MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, University of Cape Town, Newlands, South Africa; Département STAPS, Université de La Réunion, 117 rue du Général Ailleret, 97430 Le Tampon, France | Baron, B., Centre Universitaire de Recherches en Activités Physiques et Sportives, Département STAPS, Faculté des Sciences de l'Homme et de l'Environnement, Le Tampon, France, Département STAPS, Université de La Réunion, 117 rue du Général Ailleret, 97430 Le Tampon, France; Moullan, F., Centre Universitaire de Recherches en Activités Physiques et Sportives, Département STAPS, Faculté des Sciences de l'Homme et de l'Environnement, Le Tampon, France; Deruelle, F., Laboratoire d'Etudes de la Motricité Humaine, Faculté des Sciences du Sport et de l'EP, Université de Lille 2, Ronchin, France; Noakes, T.D., MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, University of Cape Town, Newlands, South Africa | The pacing strategy may be defined as the process in which the total energy expenditure during exercise is regulated on a moment-to-moment basis in order to ensure that the exercise bout can be completed in a minimum time and without a catastrophic biological failure. Experienced athletes develop a stable template of the power outputs they are able to sustain for different durations of exercise, but it is not known how they originally develop this template or how that template changes with training and experience. While it is understood that the athlete's physiological state makes an important contribution to this process, there has been much less interest in the contribution that the athlete's emotional status makes. The aim of this review is to evaluate the literature of physiological, neurophysiological and perceptual responses during exercise in order to propose a complex model interpretation of this process which may be a critical factor determining success in middle-and longduration sporting competitions. We describe unconscious/physiological and conscious/emotional mechanisms of control, the focus of which are to ensure that exercise terminates before catastrophic failure occurs in any bodily system. We suggest that training sessions teach the athlete to select optimal pacing strategies by associating a level of emotion with the ability to maintain that pace for exercise of different durations. That pacing strategy is then adopted in future events. Finally, we propose novel perspectives to maximise performance and to avoid overtraining by paying attention also to the emotional state in training process. | None | arousal; athletic performance; central nervous system; ego development; emotion; energy metabolism; exercise; homeostasis; human; memory; motivation; physiology; psychological aspect; review; sport; Arousal; Athletic Performance; Central Nervous System; Emotions; Energy Metabolism; Exercise; Homeostasis; Humans; Memory; Motivation; Sports; Unconscious (Psychology) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920517954 | Evaluation of a Community-Based Trapping Program to Collect Simulium ochraceum sensu lato for Verification of Onchocerciasis Elimination | Rodríguez-Pérez M.A., Adeleke M.A., Rodríguez-Luna I.C., Cupp E.W., Unnasch T.R. | 2014 | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 8 | 10 | 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003249 | Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico; Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico; Public Health Entomology and Parasitology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Osun State | Rodríguez-Pérez, M.A., Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico; Adeleke, M.A., Public Health Entomology and Parasitology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria; Rodríguez-Luna, I.C., Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico; Cupp, E.W., Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States; Unnasch, T.R., Global Health Infectious Disease Research Program, Department of Global Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States | Background:Collection of the black fly vectors of onchocerciasis worldwide relies upon human landing collections. Recent studies have suggested that the Esperanza Window Trap baited with a human scent lure and CO2 had the potential to replace human hosts for the collection of Simulium ochraceum sensu lato in Southern Chiapas focus, Mexico. The feasibility of utilizing these traps in a community-based approach for the collection of S. ochraceum s.l. was evaluated.Methodology/Principal findings:Local residents of a formerly endemic extra-sentinel community for onchocerciasis were trained to carry out collections using the traps. The residents operated the traps over a 60-day period and conducted parallel landing collections, resulting in a total of 28,397 vector black flies collected. None of the flies collected were found to contain parasite DNA when tested by a polymerase chain reaction assay targeting a parasite specific sequence, resulting in a point estimate of infection in the vectors of zero, with an upper bound of the 95% confidence interval 0.13 per 2,000. This meets the accepted criterion for demonstrating an interruption of parasite transmission.Conclusions/Significance:These data demonstrate that Esperanza Window Traps may be effectively operated by minimally trained residents of formerly endemic communities, resulting in the collection of sufficient numbers of flies to verify transmission interruption of onchocerciasis. The traps represent a viable alternative to using humans as hosts for the collection of vector flies as part of the verification of onchocerciasis elimination. © 2014 Rodríguez-Pérez et al. | None | carbon dioxide; animal trapping; Article; disease surveillance; ecological equipment; equipment design; Esperanza window trap; human; intermethod comparison; nonhuman; Onchocerca volvulus; onchocerciasis; parasite transmission; parasite vector; polymerase chain reaction; prevalence; Simulium; Simulium ochraceum; vector control; animal; disease carrier; insect control; Mexico; onchocerciasis; procedures; Simuliidae; transmission; Animals; Humans; Insect Control; Insect Vectors; Mexico; Onchocerciasis; Simuliidae | OPP1017870, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941551714 | The impact of economic freedom on economic growth in the sadc: An individual component analysis | Gorlach V.I., le Roux P. | 2015 | Journal for Studies in Economics and Econometrics | 39 | 2 | None | CFA, South Africa; Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa | Gorlach, V.I., CFA, South Africa; le Roux, P., Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa | The SADC is attempting to achieve development and economic growth. This paper investigates the relationship between economic freedom - in aggregate and on an individual component basis - on economic growth in the SADC. The annual data for 13 SADC countries from 2000 to 2009 are used to construct a generalised method of moments, dynamic panel-data model. When cross-sectional dependence of the error term, individual- and time-specific effects are controlled, economic freedom and GDP per capita are positively related and freedom Granger-causes growth. Gross fixed capital formation and economic openness are positively related to growth but government consumption expenditure is an insignificant driver of growth in the SADC. All five individual components are highly significant and are positively related to growth; however, the magnitude of the elasticity parameters varies. The causality among the individual freedom components indicates that linkages exist between certain of these components. © 2015, Universiteit Stellenbosch. All rights reserved. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857837922 | The world café in South Africa: A case study on improving performance and commitment | Eriaan O., Cady S.H. | 2012 | Organization Development Journal | 30 | 1 | None | ChangeWright Consulting, Johannesburg, South Africa | Eriaan, O., ChangeWright Consulting, Johannesburg, South Africa; Cady, S.H., ChangeWright Consulting, Johannesburg, South Africa | We present a case study based on a body of methodologies within a field referred to as whole system collaboration and change, large-group methods or interventions, and large-scale change. The World Café conversational process was utilized as part of an intervention designed to improve employee commitment and ensure continued effort in a service improvement program at an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) company. We describe the process for evaluating the impact of interventions; and, we report that the intervention appeared to improve an objective measure of performance and positively impact attitudes within the organization. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84953329293 | Yellow Oleander Seed Oil Extraction Modeling and Process Parameters Optimization: Performance Evaluation of Artificial Neural Network and Response Surface Methodology | Ajala S.O., Betiku E. | 2015 | Journal of Food Processing and Preservation | 39 | 6 | 10.1111/jfpp.12366 | Chemical Engineering Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU Campus, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Ajala, S.O., Chemical Engineering Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU Campus, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Betiku, E., Chemical Engineering Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU Campus, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | The effects of sample weight, time and solvent type on YOSO yield were evaluated using ANN and RSM. The predicted optimal condition for the extraction process was found to be the same for the ANN and RSM models developed: sample weight of 20g, time of 3h and petroleum ether. The models predictions of YOSO yield (ANN [77.42%] and RSM [78.64%]) at optimum levels were verified experimentally (ANN [77.63%] and RSM [76.64%]). Evaluation of the models by R2 and AAD showed that the ANN model was better (R2=1.00, AAD=0.61%) than the RSM model (R2=0.98, AAD=3.19%) in predicting YOSO yield. Physicochemical properties of the YOSO indicated that it was nonedible and the fatty acids profile showed that the oil was highly unsaturated (76.13%). Practical Applications: This study demonstrated modeling of YOSO extraction and optimization of process parameters that are involved. The performance evaluation results showed that both the ANN and RSM could be used for modeling and optimization of YOSO extraction process. Also, the characterization of the oil showed that it could serve as raw material for many chemical industries such as biodiesel production, soap, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industrials. The results from this study can be successfully scaled up to pilot scale. Also, the results could be extended to the extraction of other oilseeds. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | None | Chemical industry; Fatty acids; Neural networks; Oils and fats; Unsaturated fatty acids; Biodiesel production; Extraction process; Fatty acids profiles; Modeling and optimization; Optimization of process parameters; Physicochemical property; Process parameters optimizations; Response surface methodology; Extraction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950589013 | Synthesis and biological evaluation of 4-anilinoquinolines as potent inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor | Pawar V.G., Sos M.L., Rode H.B., Rabiller M., Heynck S., Van Otterlo W.A.L., Thomas R.K., Rauh D. | 2010 | Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 53 | 7 | 10.1021/jm901877j | Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Neurological Research with Klaus-Joachim- Zülch, Laboratories of the Max Planck Society and the Medical Faculty, University of Köln, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931 Köln, Germany; Department i of Internal Medicine, Center of Integrated Oncology Köln - Bonn, University of Köln, 50924 Köln, Germany; Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Pawar, V.G., Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; Sos, M.L., Max Planck Institute for Neurological Research with Klaus-Joachim- Zülch, Laboratories of the Max Planck Society and the Medical Faculty, University of Köln, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931 Köln, Germany; Rode, H.B., Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; Rabiller, M., Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; Heynck, S., Max Planck Institute for Neurological Research with Klaus-Joachim- Zülch, Laboratories of the Max Planck Society and the Medical Faculty, University of Köln, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931 Köln, Germany; Van Otterlo, W.A.L., Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany, Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Thomas, R.K., Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany, Max Planck Institute for Neurological Research with Klaus-Joachim- Zülch, Laboratories of the Max Planck Society and the Medical Faculty, University of Köln, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931 Köln, Germany, Department i of Internal Medicine, Center of Integrated Oncology Köln - Bonn, University of Köln, 50924 Köln, Germany; Rauh, D., Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany | The mutant receptor tyrosine kinase EGFR is a validated and therapeutically amenable target for genotypically selected lung cancer patients. Here we present the synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of 6- and 7-substituted 4-anilinoquinolines as potent type I inhibitors of clinically relevant mutant variants of EGFR. Quinolines 3a and 3e were found to be highly active kinase inhibitors in biochemical assays and were further investigated for their biological effect on EGFR-dependent Ba/F3 cells and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. © 2010 American Chemical Society. | None | epidermal growth factor receptor; erlotinib; n (3 ethynylphenyl) 6,7 bis(2 methoxyethoxy)quinolin 4 amine; n (3 ethynylphenyl) 6,7 dimethoxyquinazolin 4 amine; n (3 ethynylphenyl) 6,7 dimethoxyquinolin 4 amine; n [4 (3 bromophenylamino)quinazoline 6 yl]acrylamide; n [4 (3 bromophenylamino)quinazoline 6 yl]propionamide; n [4 (3 bromophenylamino)quinolin 6 yl] 4 (dimethylamino)butanamide; n [4 (3 bromophenylamino)quinolin 6 yl]acrylamide; n [4 (3 bromophenylamino)quinolin 6 yl]propionamide; n [4 [(3 bromo phenyl)amino]quinazoline 6 yl]4 (dimethylamino)butanamide; quinoline derivative; unclassified drug; article; drug activity; drug synthesis; human; lung small cell cancer; structure activity relation; substitution reaction; Animals; Cell Line, Tumor; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Models, Molecular; Molecular Conformation; Mutation; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Quinolines; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor; Structure-Activity Relationship | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-76149091240 | Microwave-assisted synthesis and evaluation of antimicrobial activity of 3-{3-(s-aryl and s-heteroaromatic)acryloyl}-2H-chromen-2-one derivatives | Ajani O.O., Nwinyi O.C. | 2010 | Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry | 47 | 1 | 10.1002/jhet.298 | Chemistry Department, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Biological Science, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Ajani, O.O., Chemistry Department, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Nwinyi, O.C., Department of Biological Science, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | (Chemical Equation Presented) The exploration of potential utilization of microwaves as an energy source for heterocyclic synthesis was herein investigated using condensation of 3-acetylcoumarin (1) with aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes to afford the corresponding aromatic chalcones (2a-j) and heteroaromatic chalcones (3a-e and 4a-e), respectively, in good to excellent yield within 1-3 min. The chemical structures were confirmed by analytical and spectral data. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity and 3-{3-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)acryloyl}-2H-chromen-2- one (2i) was discovered to be the most active at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 7.8 μg/mL. © 2010 HeteroCorporation. | None | 3 (5 phenylpenta 2,4 dienoyl) 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (3 hydroxyphenyl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (4 chlorophenyl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (4 dimethylaminophenyl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (4 ethylphenyl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (4 hydroxy 3 methoxyphenyl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (4 hydroxyphenyl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (4 nitrophenyl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (5 chloro 1h pyrrol 2 yl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (5 chlorofuran 2 yl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (5 ethyl 1h pyrrol 2 yl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (5 ethylfuran 2 yl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (5 methyl 1h pyrrol 2 yl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (5 methylfuran 2 yl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (5 nitro 1h pyrrol 2 yl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (5 nitrofuran 2 yl]acryloyl) 2h chromen 2 one; 3 [3 (furan 2 yl)acryloyl] 2h chromen 2 one; 3 acetylcoumarin; 3 cinnamoyl 2h chromen 2 one; aldehyde derivative; antiinfective agent; chalcone derivative; coumarin derivative; streptomycin; unclassified drug; antibacterial activity; article; Bacillus anthracis; Bacillus cereus; Bacillus subtilis; controlled study; drug screening; drug structure; drug synthesis; Escherichia coli; Geobacillus stearothermophilus; infrared spectroscopy; Klebsiella pneumoniae; mass spectrometry; microwave radiation; minimum inhibitory concentration; nonhuman; nuclear magnetic resonance; polymerization; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Pseudomonas fluorescens; Shigella dysenteriae; Staphylococcus aureus; ultraviolet spectroscopy | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34249733716 | Single-walled carbon nanotube-induced crystallinity on the electropolymeric film of tetraaminophthalocyaninatonickel(II) complex: Impact on the rate of heterogeneous electron transfer | Pillay J., Ozoemena K.I. | 2007 | Chemical Physics Letters | 441 | 42372 | 10.1016/j.cplett.2007.04.095 | Chemistry Department, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | Pillay, J., Chemistry Department, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Ozoemena, K.I., Chemistry Department, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | We present a fundamental investigation on the impact of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) on the film structure and redox behaviour of tetraaminophthalocyaninatonickel(II) complex (NiTAPc) electropolymer immobilized on a basal plane pyrolytic graphite electrode (BPPGE). SWCNT induces crystallinity on the NiTAPc electropolymeric film structure and increases its apparent electron transfer rate constant (kapp). We proved that there is potential advantage of using electrode based on the SWCNT-poly-NiTAPc hybrid for catalytic and sensing applications as it enhances the catalytic current for the detection of nitric oxide more than twice compared to bare BPPGE, BPPGE-SWCNT and other electrodes without SWCNTs. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | None | Electron transitions; Electropolymerization; Graphite electrodes; Nickel compounds; Rate constants; Thin films; Electron transfer; Electropolymeric film structure; Electropolymeric films; Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCN) | None |
| None | None | Predicting the impact of temperature change on the future distribution of maize stem borers and their natural enemies along East African mountain gradients using phenology models | Mwalusepo S., Tonnang H.E.Z., Massawe E.S., Okuku G.O., Khadioli N., Johansson T., Calatayud P.-A., Le Ru B.P. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 6 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0130427 | CHIESA Project, Icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Mathematics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of General Studies, Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; NSBB Project, Icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya; IRD/CNRS UMR IRD 247 EGCE, Laboratoire Evolution Génomes Comportement et Ecologie, CNRS, Gif sur Yvette Cedex, France; Université Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, France | Mwalusepo, S., CHIESA Project, Icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya, Department of Mathematics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Department of General Studies, Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Tonnang, H.E.Z., CHIESA Project, Icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Massawe, E.S., Department of Mathematics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Okuku, G.O., NSBB Project, Icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Khadioli, N., NSBB Project, Icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Johansson, T., CHIESA Project, Icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Calatayud, P.-A., CHIESA Project, Icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya, IRD/CNRS UMR IRD 247 EGCE, Laboratoire Evolution Génomes Comportement et Ecologie, CNRS, Gif sur Yvette Cedex, France, Université Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, France; Le Ru, B.P., CHIESA Project, Icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya, IRD/CNRS UMR IRD 247 EGCE, Laboratoire Evolution Génomes Comportement et Ecologie, CNRS, Gif sur Yvette Cedex, France, Université Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, France | Lepidopteran stem borers are among the most important pests of maize in East Africa. The objective of the present study was to predict the impact of temperature change on the distribution and abundance of the crambid Chilo partellus, the noctuid Busseola fusca, and their larval parasitoids Cotesia flavipes and Cotesia sesamiae at local scale along Kilimanjaro and Taita Hills gradients in Tanzania and Kenya, respectively. Temperature-dependent phenology models of pests and parasitoids were used in a geographic information system for mapping. The three risk indices namely establishment, generation, and activity indices were computed using current temperature data record from local weather stations and future (i.e., 2055) climatic condition based on downscaled climate change data from the AFRICLIM database. The calculations were carried out using index interpolator, a sub-module of the Insect Life Cycle Modeling (ILCYM) software. Thin plate algorithm was used for interpolation of the indices. Our study confirmed that temperature was a key factor explaining the distribution of stem borers and their natural enemies but other climatic factors and factors related to the top-down regulation of pests by parasitoids (host-parasitoid synchrony) also played a role. Results based on temperature only indicated a worsening of stem borer impact on maize production along the two East African mountain gradients studied. This was attributed to three main changes occurring simultaneously: (1) range expansion of the lowland species C. partellus in areas above 1200 m.a.s.l.; (2) increase of the number of pest generations across all altitudes, thus by 2055 damage by both pests will increase in the most productive maize zones of both transects; (3) disruption of the geographical distribution of pests and their larval parasitoids will cause an improvement of biological control at altitude below 1200 m.a.s.l. and a deterioration above 1200 m.a.s.l. The predicted increase in pest activity will significantly increase maize yield losses in all agroecological zones across both transects but to a much greater extent in lower areas. © 2015 Mwalusepo et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. | None | altitude; calculation; Chilo; climate change; controlled study; Cotesia; data base; deterioration; down regulation; geographic distribution; geographic information system; Kenya; life cycle; maize; model; natural enemy; Noctuidae; parasitoid; phenology; plant yield; species; stem borer; Tanzania; weather | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860374055 | Evaluation of tuberculosis diagnostics in children: 2. Methodological issues for conducting and reporting research evaluations of tuberculosis diagnostics for intrathoracic tuberculosis in children. Consensus from an expert panel | Cuevas L.E., Browning R., Bossuyt P., Casenghi M., Cotton M.F., Cruz A.T., Dodd L.E., Drobniewski F., Gale M., Graham S.M., Grzemska M., Heinrich N., Hesseling A.C., Huebner R., Jean-Philippe P., Kabra S.K., Kampmann B., Lewinsohn D., Li M., Lienhardt C., | 2012 | Journal of Infectious Diseases | 205 | SUPPL. 2 | 10.1093/infdis/jir879 | Child and Reproductive Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Henry Jackson Foundation-National Institute of Allergy, Infectious Diseases (NIAID) HIV/AIDS Scientific and Operational Support (HJF-DAIDS), Bethesda, MD, United States; University of Amsterdam, Netherlands; Médicins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland; Children's Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Unit, Tygerberg Children's Hospital, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Biostatistics Research Branch, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States; Health Protection Agency National Mycobacterium Reference Laboratory, Clinical TB and HIV Group, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, United Kingdom; Médicins Sans Frontières, Sydney, Australia; Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, Australia; STOP TB Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center, University of Munich, Germany; Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Epidemiology Branch, Division of AIDS, NIAID, Bethesda, MD, United States; All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India; Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College London, United Kingdom; Medical Research Council, Gambia; Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States; Division of Biostatistics, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD, United States; Section on Retrovirology and Global Health, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States; Children's HospitalWestmead, University of Sydney, Australia; International Research and Programs Branch, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi; Department of Tropical Medicine, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States; Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, NH, United States; Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US FDA, Rockville, MD, United States; Maternal Adolescent Pediatric Research Branch, Division of AIDS, NIAID, Bethesda, MD, United States; Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, US Naval Medical Research Unit 6, Bellavista, Callao, Peru; National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Tuberculosis Research Centre, Chennai, India; Treatment Action Group, NY, United States; Adolescent and Maternal AIDS Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Rockville, MD, United States | Cuevas, L.E., Child and Reproductive Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Browning, R., Henry Jackson Foundation-National Institute of Allergy, Infectious Diseases (NIAID) HIV/AIDS Scientific and Operational Support (HJF-DAIDS), Bethesda, MD, United States; Bossuyt, P., University of Amsterdam, Netherlands; Casenghi, M., Médicins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland; Cotton, M.F., Children's Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Unit, Tygerberg Children's Hospital, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Cruz, A.T., Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Dodd, L.E., Biostatistics Research Branch, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States; Drobniewski, F., Health Protection Agency National Mycobacterium Reference Laboratory, Clinical TB and HIV Group, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, United Kingdom; Gale, M., Médicins Sans Frontières, Sydney, Australia; Graham, S.M., Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, Australia; Grzemska, M., STOP TB Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Heinrich, N., Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center, University of Munich, Germany; Hesseling, A.C., Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Huebner, R., Epidemiology Branch, Division of AIDS, NIAID, Bethesda, MD, United States; Jean-Philippe, P., Henry Jackson Foundation-National Institute of Allergy, Infectious Diseases (NIAID) HIV/AIDS Scientific and Operational Support (HJF-DAIDS), Bethesda, MD, United States; Kabra, S.K., All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India; Kampmann, B., Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College London, United Kingdom, Medical Research Council, Gambia; Lewinsohn, D., Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States; Li, M., Division of Biostatistics, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD, United States; Lienhardt, C., STOP TB Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Mandalakas, A.M., Section on Retrovirology and Global Health, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States; Marais, B.J., Children's HospitalWestmead, University of Sydney, Australia; Menzies, H.J., International Research and Programs Branch, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Montepiedra, G., Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Mwansambo, C., Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi; Oberhelman, R., Department of Tropical Medicine, United States, Department of Pediatrics, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States; Palumbo, P., Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, NH, United States; Russek-Cohen, E., Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US FDA, Rockville, MD, United States; Shapiro, D.E., Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Smith, B., Maternal Adolescent Pediatric Research Branch, Division of AIDS, NIAID, Bethesda, MD, United States; Soto-Castellares, G., Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, US Naval Medical Research Unit 6, Bellavista, Callao, Peru; Starke, J.R., Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Swaminathan, S., National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Tuberculosis Research Centre, Chennai, India; Wingfield, C., Treatment Action Group, NY, United States; Worrell, C., Adolescent and Maternal AIDS Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Rockville, MD, United States | Confirming the diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis is a major challenge. However, research on childhood tuberculosis as it relates to better diagnostics is often neglected because of technical difficulties, such as the slow growth in culture, the difficulty of obtaining specimens, and the diverse and relatively nonspecific clinical presentation of tuberculosis in this age group. Researchers often use individually designed criteria for enrollment, diagnostic classifications, and reference standards, thereby hindering the interpretation and comparability of their findings. The development of standardized research approaches and definitions is therefore needed to strengthen the evaluation of new diagnostics for detection and confirmation of tuberculosis in children.In this article we present consensus statements on methodological issues for conducting research of Tuberculosis diagnostics among children, with a focus on intrathoracic tuberculosis. The statements are complementary to a clinical research case definition presented in an accompanying publication and suggest a phased approach to diagnostics evaluation; entry criteria for enrollment; methods for classification of disease certainty, including the rational use of culture within the case definition; age categories and comorbidities for reporting results; and the need to use standard operating procedures. Special consideration is given to the performance of microbiological culture in children and we also recommend for alternative methodological approaches to report findings in a standardized manner to overcome these limitations are made. This consensus statement is an important step toward ensuring greater rigor and comparability of pediatric tuberculosis diagnostic research, with the aim of realizing the full potential of better tests for children. © 2012 The Author. | None | tuberculostatic agent; article; asymptomatic disease; bacterium culture; comorbidity; consensus development; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test; disease classification; disease severity; groups by age; health status; high risk patient; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; intrathoracic tuberculosis; methodology; morbidity; mortality; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; practice guideline; priority journal; public health service; sensitivity and specificity; symptomatology; thorax radiography; tuberculosis; Adolescent; Antitubercular Agents; Bacteriological Techniques; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Reference Standards; Research; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939238050 | Verbal autopsy: Evaluation of methods to certify causes of death in Uganda | Mpimbaza A., Filler S., Katureebe A., Quick L., Chandramohan D., Staedke S.G. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 6 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0128801 | Child Health and Development Centre, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Mpimbaza, A., Child Health and Development Centre, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Filler, S., Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland; Katureebe, A., Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Quick, L., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Chandramohan, D., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Staedke, S.G., Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | To assess different methods for determining cause of death from verbal autopsy (VA) questionnaire data, the intra-rater reliability of Physician-Certified Verbal Autopsy (PCVA) and the accuracy of PCVA, expert-derived (non-hierarchical) and data-driven (hierarchal) algorithms were assessed for determining common causes of death in Ugandan children. A verbal autopsy validation study was conducted from 2008-2009 in three different sites in Uganda. The dataset included 104 neonatal deaths (0-27 days) and 615 childhood deaths (1-59 months) with the cause(s) of death classified by PCVA and physician review of hospital medical records (the 'reference standard'). Of the original 719 questionnaires, 141 (20%) were selected for a second review by the same physicians; the repeat cause(s) of death were compared to the original,and agreement assessed using the Kappa statistic.Physician reviewers' refined non-hierarchical algorithms for common causes of death from existing expert algorithms, from which, hierarchal algorithms were developed. The accuracy of PCVA, non-hierarchical, and hierarchical algorithms for determining cause(s) of death from all 719 VA questionnaires was determined using the reference standard. Overall, intra-rater repeatability was high (83% agreement, Kappa 0.79 [95% CI 0.76-0.82]). PCVA performed well, with high specificity for determining cause of neonatal (>67%), and childhood (>83%) deaths, resulting in fairly accurate cause-specific mortality fraction (CSMF) estimates. For most causes of death in children, non-hierarchical algorithms had higher sensitivity, but correspondingly lower specificity, than PCVA and hierarchical algorithms, resulting in inaccurate CSMF estimates. Hierarchical algorithms were specific for most causes of death, and CSMF estimates were comparable to the reference standard and PCVA. Inter-rater reliability of PCVA was high, and overall PCVA performed well. Hierarchical algorithms performed better than non-hierarchical algorithms due to higher specificity and more accurate CSMF estimates. Use of PCVA to determine cause of death from VA questionnaire data is reasonable while automated data-driven algorithms are improved. © 2015, Public Library of Science. All rights reserved. This is an open access article, free of all copyright, and may be freely reproduced, distributed, transmitted, modified, built upon, or otherwise used by anyone for any lawful purpose. The work is made available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. | None | algorithm; Article; autopsy; cause of death; childhood mortality; controlled study; intrarater reliability; measurement accuracy; measurement repeatability; medical record review; newborn death; questionnaire; sensitivity and specificity; Uganda; Ugandan; validation study; verbal autopsy | CDC, United States Agency for International Development; USAID, United States Agency for International Development |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-27144524041 | Evaluation of envelope vaccines derived from the South African subtype C human immunodeficiency virus type 1 TV1 strain | Lian Y., Srivastava I., Gómez-Román V.R., Zur Megede J., Sun Y., Kan E., Hilt S., Engelbrecht S., Himathongkham S., Luciw P.A., Otten G., Ulmer J.B., Donnelly J.J., Rabussay D., Montefiori D., Van Rensburg E.J., Barnett S.W. | 2005 | Journal of Virology | 79 | 21 | 10.1128/JVI.79.21.13338-13349.2005 | Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States; University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States; Genetronics/Inovio, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, United States; Chiron Corp., 4560 Horton St., Emeryville, CA 94608, United States; Food and Drug Laboratory, Richmond, CA 94804, United States; Department of Medical Virology, Tswane Academic Division, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Lian, Y., Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States; Srivastava, I., Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States; Gómez-Román, V.R., Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States; Zur Megede, J., Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States; Sun, Y., Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States; Kan, E., Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States; Hilt, S., Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States; Engelbrecht, S., University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Himathongkham, S., University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States, Food and Drug Laboratory, Richmond, CA 94804, United States; Luciw, P.A., University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Otten, G., Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States; Ulmer, J.B., Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States; Donnelly, J.J., Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States; Rabussay, D., Genetronics/Inovio, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, United States; Montefiori, D., Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States; Van Rensburg, E.J., University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Medical Virology, Tswane Academic Division, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Barnett, S.W., Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States, Chiron Corp., 4560 Horton St., Emeryville, CA 94608, United States | Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype C infections are on the rise in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Therefore, there is a need to develop an HIV vaccine capable of eliciting broadly reactive immune responses against members of this subtype. We show here that modified HIV envelope (env) DNA vaccines derived from the South African subtype C TV1 strain are able to prime for Immoral responses in rabbits and rhesus macaques. Priming rabbits with DNA plasmids encoding V2-deleted TV1 gp140 (gp140TV1ΔV2), followed by boosting with oligomeric protein (o-gp140TV1ΔV2) in MF59 adjuvant, elicited higher titers of env-binding and autologous neutralizing antibodies than priming with DNA vaccines encoding the full-length TV1 env (gp160) or the intact TV1 gp140. Immunization with V2-deleted subtype B SF162 env and V2-deleted TVl env together using a multivalent vaccine approach induced high titers of oligomeric env-binding antibodies and autologous neutralizing antibodies against both the subtypes B and C vaccine strains, HIV-1 SF162 and TV1, respectively. Low-level neutralizing activity against the heterologous South African subtype C TV2 strain, as well as a small subset of viruses in a panel of 13 heterologous primary isolates, was observed in some rabbits immunized with the V2-deleted vaccines. Immunization of rhesus macaques with the V2-deleted TV1 DNA prime/protein boost also elicited high titers of env-binding antibodies and moderate titers of autologous TV1 neutralizing antibodies. The pilot-scale production of the various TV1 DNA vaccine constructs and env proteins described here should provide an initial platform upon which to improve the immunogenicity of these subtype C HIV envelope vaccines. Copyright © 2005, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | binding protein; DNA vaccine; Human immunodeficiency virus vaccine; neutralizing antibody; unclassified drug; virus envelope protein; virus envelope vaccine; animal cell; antibody response; antibody titer; article; cytotoxic T lymphocyte; derivatization; evaluation; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 subtype c; immune response; immunogenicity; nonhuman; priority journal; South Africa; virus envelope; virus isolation; virus strain; AIDS Vaccines; Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Gene Deletion; Gene Products, env; HIV Antibodies; HIV Envelope Protein gp160; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Immunization, Secondary; Injections, Intramuscular; Macaca mulatta; Molecular Sequence Data; Mutation; Neutralization Tests; Rabbits; Sequence Alignment; South Africa; Vaccination; Vaccines, DNA; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Macaca mulatta; Oryctolagus cuniculus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867177735 | Rheumatic mitral repair versus replacement in a threshold country: The impact of commissural fusion | Geldenhuys A., Koshy J.J., Human P.A., Mtwale J.F., Brink J.G., Zilla P. | 2012 | Journal of Heart Valve Disease | 21 | 4 | None | Christiaan Barnard Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Geldenhuys, A., Christiaan Barnard Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Koshy, J.J., Christiaan Barnard Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Human, P.A., Christiaan Barnard Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Mtwale, J.F., Christiaan Barnard Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Brink, J.G., Christiaan Barnard Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Zilla, P., Christiaan Barnard Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Background and aim of the study: In developing countries rheumatic heart disease is the predominant indication for cardiac surgery. As the disease tends to progress, reoperation rates for mitral valve repairs are high. Against this background, the predictors of failure were assessed and the overall performance of repairs compared with replacements in a 10-year cohort of rheumatic single mitral valve procedures. Methods: Between 2000 and 2010, a total of 646 consecutive adult (aged >15 years) patients underwent primary, single mitral valve procedures. All 87 percutaneous balloon valvuloplasties (100%) were rheumatic, compared to 280 of the 345 primary mitral valve replacements (81%) and 69 of the 215 primary mitral valve repairs (32%). As the study aim was to compare the outcome of mitral valve repair versus replacement in rheumatic patients of a threshold country, all 69 repair patients were propensity-matched with 69 of the replacement patients. Based on propensity score analysis, Kaplan-Meier actuarial analysis with log-rank testing was used to evaluate survival and morbidity. Results: The follow up was 100% complete (n = 138), and ranged from 0.6 to 132 months (mean 53.3 ± 36.5 months). Actuarial freedom from valve-related mortality was 96 ± 3% and 92 ± 4% at five years, and 96 ± 3% and 80 ± 11% at 10 years for repairs and replacements, respectively (p = NS). Actuarial freedom from all valve-related events (deaths, reoperations and morbidity) was 80 ± 6% and 86 ± 5% at five years, and 70 ± 8% and 69 ± 11% at 10 years (p = NS). Actuarial freedom from all valve-related events was 57 ± 11% and 96 ± 3% at five years (p =0.0008), and 42 ± 12% and 96 ± 3% at 10 years (p <0.001) for those mitral valve repairs with and without commissural fusion, respectively (p = 0.0002 overall). Conclusion: The long-term results for mitral valve replacement in an indigent, rheumatic heart disease population of a developing country were better than generally perceived. Notwithstanding, mitral valve repair has a superior long-term outcome in those patients who do not show commissural fusion at operation. © Copyright by ICR Publishers 2012. | None | adult; article; female; follow up; human; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; male; mitral valve repair; mitral valve replacement; morbidity; priority journal; reoperation; rheumatic heart disease; survival; transluminal valvuloplasty; treatment failure; adolescent; aged; child; community care; comparative study; developing country; heart atrium fibrillation; heart valve replacement; Kaplan Meier method; methodology; middle aged; mitral annuloplasty; mitral valve regurgitation; mortality; South Africa; statistics; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Atrial Fibrillation; Child; Developing Countries; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Male; Middle Aged; Mitral Valve Annuloplasty; Mitral Valve Insufficiency; Morbidity; Reoperation; Rheumatic Heart Disease; South Africa; Uncompensated Care; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67651111694 | Economic impact of climate change on crop production in ethiopia: Evidence from cross-section measures | Deressa T.T., Hassan R.M. | 2009 | Journal of African Economies | 18 | 4 | 10.1093/jae/ejp002 | Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa (CEEPA), University of Pretoria, Agric. Annexe, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Deressa, T.T., Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa (CEEPA), University of Pretoria, Agric. Annexe, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Hassan, R.M., Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa (CEEPA), University of Pretoria, Agric. Annexe, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | This study used the Ricardian approach that captures farmer adaptations to varying environmental factors to analyze the impact of climate change on crop farming in Ethiopia. By collecting data from farm households in different agro-ecological zones of the county, net crop revenue per hectare was regressed on climate, household and soil variables. The results show that these variables have a significant impact on the net crop revenue per hectare of farmers under Ethiopian conditions. The seasonal marginal impact analysis indicates that marginally increasing temperature during summer and winter would significantly reduce crop net revenue per hectare whereas marginally increasing precipitation during spring would significantly increase net crop revenue per hectare. Moreover, the net crop revenue impact of predicted climate scenarios from three models (CGM2, HaDCM3 and PCM) for the years 2050 and 2100 indicated that there would be a reduction in crop net revenue per hectare by the years 2050 and 2100. Moreover, the reduction in net revenue per hectare by the year 2100 would be more than the reduction by the year 2050 indicating the damage that climate change would pose increases with time unless this negative impact is abated through adaptation. Additionally, results indicate that the net revenue impact of climate change is not uniformly distributed across the different agro-ecological zones of Ethiopia. © The author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Centre for the Study of African Economies. All rights reserved. | None | agroecology; climate change; crop damage; crop production; crop yield; cross section; economic impact; environmental factor; nature-society relations; precipitation (climatology); spring (season); temperature anomaly; temperature effect; Africa; East Africa; Ethiopia; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38549122916 | The internal contradictions of global civil society - What impact on global democracy? | Fioramonti L. | 2007 | Development Dialogue | None | 49 | None | CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Johannesburg, South Africa | Fioramonti, L., CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Johannesburg, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | civil society; democracy; globalization; social movement | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941284389 | Impacts of community-based natural resource management on wealth, food security and child health in Tanzania | Pailler S., Naidoo R., Burgess N.D., Freeman O.E., Fisher B. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 7 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0133252 | Clark University, Economics Department, Worcester, MA, United States; World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC, United States; UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Center, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Centre for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Natural History Museum, Copenhagen, Denmark; ASB Partnership for the Tropical Forest Margins, World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; Gund Institute for Ecological Economics, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States | Pailler, S., Clark University, Economics Department, Worcester, MA, United States; Naidoo, R., World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC, United States; Burgess, N.D., UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Center, Cambridge, United Kingdom, Centre for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Natural History Museum, Copenhagen, Denmark; Freeman, O.E., ASB Partnership for the Tropical Forest Margins, World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; Fisher, B., World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC, United States, Gund Institute for Ecological Economics, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States | Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) is a major global strategy for enhancing conservation outcomes while also seeking to improve rural livelihoods; however, little evidence of socioeconomic outcomes exists. We present a national-level analysis that empirically estimates socioeconomic impacts of CBNRM across Tanzania, while systematically controlling for potential sources of bias. Specifically, we apply a difference-indifferences model to national-scale, cross-sectional data to estimate the impact of three different CBNRM governance regimes on wealth, food security and child health, considering differential impacts of CBNRM on wealthy and poor populations. We also explore whether or not longer-standing CBNRM efforts provide more benefits than recently-established CBNRM areas. Our results show significant improvements in household food security in CBNRM areas compared with non-CBNRM areas, but household wealth and health outcomes in children are generally not significantly different. No one CBNRM governance regime demonstrates consistently different welfare outcomes than the others. Wealthy households benefit more from CBNRM than poor households and CBNRM benefits appear to increase with longer periods of implementation. Perhaps evidence of CBNRM benefits is limited because CBNRM hasn't been around long enough to yield demonstrable outcomes. Nonetheless, achieving demonstrable benefits to rural populations will be crucial for CBNRM's future success in Tanzania. Copyright: © 2015 Pailler et al. | None | Article; child; child health; community based natural resource management; conservation biology; environmental management; food security; forest management; government; health survey; household; human; outcome assessment; poverty; socioeconomics; Tanzania; wealth; wildlife conservation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865818749 | Vulnerability, impacts, and adaptation to sea level rise taking an ecosystem-based approach | Alverson K. | 2012 | Oceanography | 25 | 3 | 10.5670/oceanog.2012.101 | Climate Change Adaptation and Terrestrial Ecosystems Branch, Climate Adaptation Unit, United Nations Environment Programme Division of Environmental Policy Implementation, Nairobi, Kenya | Alverson, K., Climate Change Adaptation and Terrestrial Ecosystems Branch, Climate Adaptation Unit, United Nations Environment Programme Division of Environmental Policy Implementation, Nairobi, Kenya | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867099092 | Modeling the impacts of reforestation on future climate in West Africa | Abiodun B.J., Adeyewa Z.D., Oguntunde P.G., Salami A.T., Ajayi V.O. | 2012 | Theoretical and Applied Climatology | 110 | 02-Jan | 10.1007/s00704-012-0614-1 | Climate System Analysis Group, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Meteorology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Engineering, Fed | Abiodun, B.J., Climate System Analysis Group, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Adeyewa, Z.D., Department of Meteorology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Oguntunde, P.G., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Salami, A.T., Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Ajayi, V.O., Department of Meteorology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | This study investigates the potential impacts of reforestation in West Africa on the projected regional climate in the near two decades (2031-2050) under the SRES A1B scenario. A regional climate model (RegCM3) forced with a global circulation model (ECHAM5) simulations was used for the study. The study evaluates the capability of the regional model in simulating the present-day climate over West Africa, projects the future climate over the region and investigates impacts of seven hypothetical reforestation options on the projected future climate. Three of these reforestation options assume zonal reforestation over West Africa (i. e., over the Sahel, Savanna and Guinea), while the other four assume random reforestation over Nigeria. With the elevated GHGs (A1B scenario), a warmer and drier climate is projected over West Africa in 2031-2050. The maximum warming (+2. 5°C) and drying (-2 mm day -1) occur in the western part of the Sahel because the West Africa Monsoon (WAM) flow is stronger and deflects the cool moist air more eastward, thereby lowering the warming and drying in the eastern part. In the simulations, reforestation reduces the projected warming and drying over the reforested zones but increases them outside the zones because it influences the northward progression of WAM in summer. It reduces the speed of the flow by weakening the temperature gradient that drives the flow and by increasing the surface drag on the flow over the reforested zone. Hence, in summer, the reforestation delays the onset of monsoon flow in transporting cool moist air over the area located downwind of the reforested zone, consequently enhancing the projected warming and drying over the area. The impact of reforesting Nigeria is not limited to the country; while it lowers the warming over part of the country (and over Togo), it increases the warming over Chad and Cameroon. This study, therefore, suggests that using reforestation to mitigate the projected future climate change in West Africa could have both positive and negative impacts on the regional climate, reducing temperature in some places and increasing it in others. Hence, reforestation in West Africa requires a mutual agreement among the West African nations because the impacts of reforestation do not recognize political boundaries. © 2012 Springer-Verlag. | None | air temperature; atmospheric circulation; climate change; climate modeling; greenhouse gas; monsoon; reforestation; regional climate; temperature gradient; Cameroon; Chad; Guinea; Nigeria; Sahel [Sub-Saharan Africa]; Togo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-47249116955 | Inter-basin water transfer effects on the invertebrates of the Mvuzane River: A test of the SASS rapid biomonitoring protocol to assess the impact of flow modification | Weerts S.P., Cyrus D.P. | 2008 | Water SA | 34 | 2 | None | Coastal Research Unit of Zululand, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa; CSIR, Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 17001, Congella 4013, South Africa | Weerts, S.P., Coastal Research Unit of Zululand, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa, CSIR, Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 17001, Congella 4013, South Africa; Cyrus, D.P., Coastal Research Unit of Zululand, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa | Effects of the transfer of water from the Thukela to the Mvuzane River were investigated using the SASS rapid bioassessment technique and more quantitative methods of guild composition and community analyses. Although the transfer was relatively small (< 1 m-3/s) it completely dominated natural flows in the recipient system. SASS monitoring was found to be useful as a rapid, field-based assessment of water quality and can he used to act as a 'red flag' to problems in the future. However, it was not sensitive to changes in the community structure at different sites and was inefficient as a tool to investigate the wider ecological impacts of the transfer scheme, most notably those associated with flow modification. Changes in the invertebrate fauna were most easily explained in terms of the effect of increased flow velocities and volumes on taxa that were classified as 'swimmers' and 'skaters'. Impacts via disruption to trophic pathways cannot be discounted and will most certainly occur with prolonged water transfer. | None | Bioassessment; Biomonitoring; Quantitative methods; Water transfers; assessment method; basin; biomonitoring; community composition; community structure; ecological impact; guild structure; invertebrate; river water; trophic status; Africa; KwaZulu-Natal; Mvuzane River; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Thukela Basin; Invertebrata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947908564 | Impact of Antidepressant Drugs on Sexual Function and Satisfaction | Baldwin D.S., Manson C., Nowak M. | 2015 | CNS Drugs | 29 | 11 | 10.1007/s40263-015-0294-3 | Clinical and Experimental Sciences Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; University Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape TownCape Town, South Africa; University Guangji Hospital, Suzhou, China; University Department of Psychiatry, Academic Centre, College Keep, 4-12 Terminus Terrace, Southampton, United Kingdom | Baldwin, D.S., Clinical and Experimental Sciences Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom, University Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape TownCape Town, South Africa, University Guangji Hospital, Suzhou, China, University Department of Psychiatry, Academic Centre, College Keep, 4-12 Terminus Terrace, Southampton, United Kingdom; Manson, C., Clinical and Experimental Sciences Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Nowak, M., Clinical and Experimental Sciences Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom | Pleasurable sexual activity is important in many human relationships and can provide a sense of physical, emotional and social well-being. Depressive symptoms and depressive illness are associated with impairments in sexual function and sexual dissatisfaction in untreated and treated patients. Most currently available antidepressant drugs are associated with development or worsening of sexual dysfunction in a substantial proportion of patients. Sexual difficulties during antidepressant treatment often resolve as depression lifts, but can persist over long periods, reducing self-esteem and affecting mood and relationships adversely. Sexual difficulties during antidepressant treatment typically have many possible causes but the incidence and nature of dysfunction varies between drugs. Many interventions can be considered when managing sexual dysfunction associated with antidepressants but no approach is 'ideal'. Because treatment-emergent sexual difficulties are less frequent with certain drugs, presumably related to differences in pharmacological properties, and since current interventions are suboptimal, a lower incidence of sexual dysfunction is a relevant tolerability target when developing novel antidepressants. © 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland. | None | agomelatine; amfebutamone; amineptine; antidepressant agent; aripiprazole; clomipramine; dapoxetine; escitalopram; fluoxetine; fluvoxamine; lithium; mirtazapine; moclobemide; nefazodone; olanzapine; paroxetine; phosphodiesterase V inhibitor; placebo; serotonin noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor; serotonin uptake inhibitor; sertraline; sildenafil; tadalafil; testosterone; trazodone; unindexed drug; venlafaxine; vilazodone; vortioxetine; yohimbine; Article; clinical assessment; clinical trial (topic); depression; drug design; drug efficacy; drug induced headache; drug safety; drug tolerability; dyspepsia; functional magnetic resonance imaging; human; incidence; major depression; mental patient; priority journal; prospective study; psychopharmacotherapy; randomized controlled trial (topic); sexual behavior; sexual dysfunction; sexual function; sexual satisfaction; treatment outcome; treatment response; visual disorder | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868154293 | Performance of Frontloading for Smear Microscopy in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Referral Hospital in Uganda | Miremba P., Kalyango J.N., Worodria W., Mugerwa H., Nakakawa E., Asiimwe B.B. | 2012 | PLoS ONE | 7 | 10 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0048531 | Clinical Epidemiology Unit, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Medicine, Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | Miremba, P., Clinical Epidemiology Unit, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Kalyango, J.N., Clinical Epidemiology Unit, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Worodria, W., Department of Medicine, Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala, Uganda; Mugerwa, H., Clinical Epidemiology Unit, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Nakakawa, E., Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Asiimwe, B.B., Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | Objective: To compare the performance of frontloading and the standard WHO method for diagnosis of pulmonary TB at Mulago Hospital in order to validate the technique in this setting. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which 229 adult (≥18 years) TB suspects were consecutively enrolled. Suspects submitted three sputum samples as follows: at initial presentation, one hour after the first sample, and the next morning. The first and next morning samples formed the standard WHO method, while the first and the one hour later samples formed the frontloading method. Sample processing was by the standard N-acetyl L-cystein (NALC)-NaOH method, and fluorescent microscopy was done for both methods, while cultures of the first sample on Lowenstein-Jensen slants acted as a gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for the WHO standard and frontloading methods were compared. Results: The sensitivity of both the frontloading and standard schemes was 91.1% while their specificities were 86.2% and 91.7% respectively. There was excellent agreement between the diagnostic capacity of the two methods (kappa statistic = 0.87, P<0.0001). The positive predictive value for the frontloading scheme was 87.2% and that for the standard approach was 91.9%, while the negative predictive values were 90.4% and 90.9%, respectively. Among the HIV positive patients, frontloading identified 59/79 (74.7%) culture positive samples while the standard approach identified 55/79 (69.6%). In the HIV sero-negative category, on the other hand, front-loading identified 48/110 (43.6%) culture positive samples compared to 45/110 (40.9%) by the standard approach. Conclusion: Frontloading based on smear examination of two same-day sputum samples has a similar performance to the current standard method and would not be associated with any significant missed diagnosis. It may therefore be advocated for use in our setting so as to reduce time to completion of diagnosis and patient loss to follow-up. © 2012 Miremba et al. | None | acetylcysteine; sodium hydroxide; adult; article; clinical assessment tool; comparative effectiveness; controlled study; cross-sectional study; diagnostic test accuracy study; female; fluorescence microscopy; frontloading; gold standard; human; intermethod comparison; lung tuberculosis; major clinical study; male; microscopy; patient referral; performance; predictive value; sensitivity and specificity; smear; sputum; Uganda; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diagnostic Techniques, Respiratory System; Female; Humans; Male; Microscopy; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Middle Aged; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Referral and Consultation; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sputum; Time Factors; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Uganda; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748367852 | Evaluation of fever of unknown origin before starting antiretroviral therapy | Conradie F., Wilson D. | 2006 | Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine | None | 23 | None | Clinical HIV Research Unit, Helen Joseph Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Medicine, Edendale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Conradie, F., Clinical HIV Research Unit, Helen Joseph Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa; Wilson, D., Department of Medicine, Edendale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | antiretrovirus agent; efavirenz; fluconazole; lamivudine; stavudine; tenofovir; adult; article; blood transfusion; bone marrow biopsy; case report; coughing; death; diarrhea; disease course; drug substitution; esophagus candidiasis; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; laboratory test; patient assessment; patient referral; peripheral neuropathy; physical examination; pyrexia idiopathica; treatment refusal | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-55449093312 | CD4 stabilization tubes provide improved accuracy of absolute CD4 T-cell counts compared to standard K3 EDTA tubes in human immunodeficiency virus immunologic monitoring in resource-poor settings | Shott J.P., Iga B., Makumbi F., Luswata C., Kagulire C., Nammanda J., Mills L.A., Serwadda D., Quinn T.C., Reynolds S.J. | 2008 | Clinical and Vaccine Immunology | 15 | 10 | 10.1128/CVI.00176-08 | Clinical Monitoring Research Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, United States; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States; Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai District, Kalisizo, Uganda; Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States; School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; SAIC-Frederick, Inc., NIAID/NIH - Uganda, Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai District, Kalisizo, Uganda | Shott, J.P., Clinical Monitoring Research Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, United States, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., NIAID/NIH - Uganda, Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai District, Kalisizo, Uganda; Iga, B., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai District, Kalisizo, Uganda; Makumbi, F., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai District, Kalisizo, Uganda, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Luswata, C., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai District, Kalisizo, Uganda; Kagulire, C., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai District, Kalisizo, Uganda; Nammanda, J., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai District, Kalisizo, Uganda; Mills, L.A., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai District, Kalisizo, Uganda, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States; Serwadda, D., School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Quinn, T.C., National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States; Reynolds, S.J., National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States | CD4 stabilization tubes have the ability to ensure internal quality control in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) monitoring laboratory by maintaining accurate absolute CD4 T-cell counts for up to 6 days. Here, we assessed this technology for its use in an HIV clinical monitoring laboratory in a resource-poor setting in rural Uganda. Copyright © 2008, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | CD4 antigen; edetic acid; accuracy; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; comparative study; female; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; laboratory; major clinical study; male; nonhuman; priority journal; quality control; rural area; technology; tube; Uganda; CD4 lymphocyte count; evaluation; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunology; laboratory diagnosis; methodology; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; HIV Infections; Humans; Specimen Handling; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871303261 | Performance of the 2007 WHO Algorithm to Diagnose Smear-Negative Pulmonary Tuberculosis in a HIV Prevalent Setting | Huerga H., Varaine F., Okwaro E., Bastard M., Ardizzoni E., Sitienei J., Chakaya J., Bonnet M. | 2012 | PLoS ONE | 7 | 12 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0051336 | Clinical Research Department, Epicentre, Paris, France; Medical Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, Paris, France; District Hospital Laboratory, Médecins Sans Frontières, Homa Bay, Kenya; Mycobacteriology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Division of Leprosy, Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Centre for Respiratory Diseases Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya | Huerga, H., Clinical Research Department, Epicentre, Paris, France; Varaine, F., Medical Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, Paris, France; Okwaro, E., District Hospital Laboratory, Médecins Sans Frontières, Homa Bay, Kenya; Bastard, M., Clinical Research Department, Epicentre, Paris, France; Ardizzoni, E., Medical Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, Paris, France, Mycobacteriology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Sitienei, J., Division of Leprosy, Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Chakaya, J., Centre for Respiratory Diseases Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Bonnet, M., Clinical Research Department, Epicentre, Paris, France | Background: The 2007 WHO algorithm for diagnosis of smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) including Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) culture was evaluated in a HIV prevalent area of Kenya. Methods: PTB smear-negative adult suspects were included in a prospective diagnostic study (2009-2011). In addition, program data (2008-2009) were retrospectively analysed. At the first consultation, clinical examination, chest X-ray, and sputum culture (Thin-Layer-Agar and Lowenstein-Jensen) were performed. Patients not started on TB treatment were clinically re-assessed after antibiotic course. The algorithm performance was calculated using culture as reference standard. Results: 380 patients were included prospectively and 406 analyzed retrospectively. Culture was positive for MTB in 17.5% (61/348) and 21.8% (72/330) of cases. Sensitivity of the clinical-radiological algorithm was 55.0% and 31.9% in the prospective study and the program data analysis, respectively. Specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 72.9%, 29.7% and 88.6% in the prospective study and 79.8%, 30.7% and 80.8% in the program data analysis. Performing culture increased the number of confirmed TB patients started on treatment by 43.3% in the prospective study and by 44.4% in the program data analysis. Median time to treatment of confirmed TB patients was 6 days in the prospective study and 27 days in the retrospective study. Inter-reader agreement for X-ray interpretation between the study clinician and a radiologist was low (Kappa coefficient = 0.11, 95%CI: 0.09-0.12). In a multivariate logistic analysis, past TB history, number of symptoms and signs at the clinical exam were independently associated with risk of overtreatment. Conclusion: The clinical-radiological algorithm is suboptimal to diagnose smear-negative PTB. Culture increases significantly the proportion of confirmed TB cases started on treatment. Better access to rapid MTB culture and development of new diagnostic tests is necessary. © 2012 Huerga et al. | None | amoxicillin; antibiotic agent; cotrimoxazole; erythromycin; ethambutol plus isoniazid plus pyrazinamide plus rifampicin; adult; algorithm; article; bacterium culture; clinical examination; consultation; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; diagnostic test accuracy study; female; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; lung tuberculosis; major clinical study; male; medication error; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; patient compliance; prediction; prospective study; receiver operating characteristic; retrospective study; sensitivity and specificity; sputum culture; sputum smear; symptom; thorax radiography; world health organization; Adult; Algorithms; Ambulatory Care; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Male; Middle Aged; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Sputum; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; World Health Organization; Young Adult; Mycobacterium tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67650649763 | Impact of acyclovir on genital and plasma HIV-1 RNA, genital herpes simplex virus type 2 DNA, and ulcer healing among HIV-1-infected African women with herpes ulcers: A randomized placebo-controlled trial | Mayaud P., Legoff J., Weiss H.A., Grésenguet G., Nzambi K., Bouhlal H., Frost E., Pépin J., Malkin J.-E., Hayes R.J., Mabey D.C.W., Bélec L. | 2009 | Journal of Infectious Diseases | 200 | 2 | 10.1086/599991 | Clinical Research Unit, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Paris, France; Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Université Paris Descartes, Equipe Immunité et Biothérapie Muqueuse, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France; Université Paris Diderot, Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France; Centre Médical, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Centre National de Reference des Maladies Sexuellement Transmissibles et du SIDA de Bangui, Unité de Recherches et d'Intervention sur les Maladies Sexuellement Transmissibles et du SIDA, Central African Republic, Accra, Ghana; West African Project to Combat AIDS and STIs, Accra, Ghana; Centre for International Health, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Clinical Research Unit, School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom | Mayaud, P., Clinical Research Unit, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Paris, France, Clinical Research Unit, School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Legoff, J., Université Paris Descartes, Equipe Immunité et Biothérapie Muqueuse, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France, Université Paris Diderot, Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France; Weiss, H.A., Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Grésenguet, G., Centre National de Reference des Maladies Sexuellement Transmissibles et du SIDA de Bangui, Unité de Recherches et d'Intervention sur les Maladies Sexuellement Transmissibles et du SIDA, Central African Republic, Accra, Ghana; Nzambi, K., West African Project to Combat AIDS and STIs, Accra, Ghana; Bouhlal, H., Université Paris Descartes, Equipe Immunité et Biothérapie Muqueuse, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France; Frost, E., Centre for International Health, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Pépin, J., Centre for International Health, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Malkin, J.-E., Centre Médical, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Hayes, R.J., Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Mabey, D.C.W., Clinical Research Unit, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Paris, France; Bélec, L., Université Paris Descartes, Equipe Immunité et Biothérapie Muqueuse, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France | Background. Little is known about the impact of episodic treatment of herpes on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Methods. Women from Ghana and the Central African Republic who had genital ulcers were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of acyclovir plus antibacterials and were monitored for 28 days. Ulcer etiologies and detection of lesionai HIV-1 RNA were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Cervicovaginal HIV-1 RNA and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) DNA and plasma HIV-1 RNA were quantitated by real-time PCR. Primary analyses included 118 HIV-1-infected women with HSV-2 ulcers (54 of whom were given acyclovir and 64 of whom were given placebo). Results. Acyclovir had little impact on (1) detection of cervicovaginal HIV-1 RNA (risk ratio [RR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8-1.2) at day 7 of treatment, (2) the mean cervicovaginal HIV-1 RNA load (-0.06 log10 copies/mL; 95% CI, -0.4 to 0.3 log10 copies/mL) at day 7 of treatment, or (3) the plasma HIV-1 RNA load (+0.09 log10 copies/mL; 95% CI, -0.1 to 0.3 log10 copies/mL) at day 14 of treatment. At day 7, women receiving acyclovir were less likely to have detectable lesionai HIV-1 RNA (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.4-1.2) or cervicovaginal HSV-2 DNA (RR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.4-1.3), had a lower quantity of HSV-2 DNA (-0.99 log10 copies/mL; 95% CI, -1.8 to -0.2 log10 copies/mL), and were more likely to have a healed ulcer (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.9-1.9). Conclusion. Episodic therapy for herpes reduced the quantity of cervicovaginal HSV-2 DNA and slightly improved ulcer healing, but it did not decrease genital and plasma HIV-1 RNA loads. Trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00158483. © 2009 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. | None | aciclovir; antiinfective agent; benzathine penicillin; ciprofloxacin; RNA; virus DNA; virus RNA; adolescent; adult; article; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; drug dose reduction; female; genital ulcer; herpes; Herpes simplex virus; Herpes simplex virus 2; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immune deficiency; major clinical study; priority journal; randomized controlled trial; real time polymerase chain reaction; syphilis; ulcer; ulcer healing; ulcus molle; virus load; Acyclovir; Adolescent; Adult; Antiviral Agents; Central African Republic; DNA, Viral; Double-Blind Method; Female; Ghana; Herpes Genitalis; Herpesvirus 2, Human; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; RNA, Viral | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862756838 | Impact of asymptomatic Herpes simplex virus-2 infection on T cell phenotype and function in the foreskin | Prodger J.L., Gray R., Kigozi G., Nalugoda F., Galiwango R., Nehemiah K., Kakanga M., Hirbod T., Wawer M.J., Sewankambo N., Serwadda D., Kaul R. | 2012 | AIDS | 26 | 10 | 10.1097/QAD.0b013e328354675c | Clinical Science Division, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States; Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda; Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden; College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Institute of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | Prodger, J.L., Clinical Science Division, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Gray, R., Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States; Kigozi, G., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda; Nalugoda, F., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda; Galiwango, R., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda; Nehemiah, K., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda; Kakanga, M., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda; Hirbod, T., Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden; Wawer, M.J., Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States; Sewankambo, N., College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Serwadda, D., Institute of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Kaul, R., Clinical Science Division, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada | Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) increases the risk of HIV acquisition in men and overall CD4 T cell density in the foreskin. Using tissues obtained during routine male circumcision, we examined the impact of HSV-2 on the function and phenotype of foreskin T cells in Ugandan men. HSV-2 infection was predominantly associated with a compartmentalized increase in CCR5 expression by foreskin CD4 T cells, which may contribute to HIV susceptibility. © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | None | CD3 antigen; CD4 antigen; CD8 antigen; chemokine receptor CCR5; gamma interferon; interleukin 17; interleukin 22; transcription factor FOXP3; tumor necrosis factor alpha; article; asymptomatic infection; CD25+ T lymphocyte; CD4+ T lymphocyte; cell density; circumcision; cytokine production; disease predisposition; herpes simplex; Herpes simplex virus 2; human; human tissue; lymphocyte subpopulation; male; nonhuman; phenotype; prepuce; priority journal; protein expression; risk; Th17 cell; Adult; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Circumcision, Male; Foreskin; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Humans; Male; Receptors, CCR5; Viral Load | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-12344249998 | Evaluation of microbial diversity of different soil layers at a contaminated diesel site | Maila M.P., Randima P., Surridge K., Drønen K., Cloete T.E. | 2005 | International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation | 55 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ibiod.2004.06.012 | Cncl. for Sci. and Indust. Research, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Dept. Microbiol. and Plant Pathol., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Microbiology, University of Bergen, Jahnebakken 5, N-5020 Bergen, Norway | Maila, M.P., Cncl. for Sci. and Indust. Research, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Randima, P., Cncl. for Sci. and Indust. Research, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Surridge, K., Dept. Microbiol. and Plant Pathol., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Drønen, K., Department of Microbiology, University of Bergen, Jahnebakken 5, N-5020 Bergen, Norway; Cloete, T.E., Dept. Microbiol. and Plant Pathol., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | In this study, we evaluated the hydrocarbon removal efficiency and microbial diversity of different soil layers. The soil layers with high counts of recoverable hydrocarbon degrading bacteria had the highest hydrocarbon removal rate compared with soil layers with low counts of hydrocarbon degrading bacteria. Removal efficiency was 48% in the topsoil, compared with 31% and 11% at depths of 1.5 and 1 m, respectively. In the 1 and 1.5 m soil layers, there was no significant difference between total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) removal in nutrient amended treatments and controls. The respiration rate reflected the difference in the number of bacteria in each soil layer and the availability of nutrients. High O2 consumption corresponded positively with high TPH removal. Analysis of the microbial diversity in the different soil layers using functional diversity (community-level physiological profile, via Biolog) and genetic diversity using polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) of 16S rDNA revealed differences in, respectively, substrate utilisation patterns and DGGE profiles of 16S rDNA fragments. Microbial diversity as revealed by DNA fragments was lower in the highly contaminated soil layer (1.5 m) than in the topsoil and at 1 m. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | None | Biodegradation; Biodiversity; Contamination; Hydrocarbons; Nutrition; Soils; Microbial diversity; Nutrients; Respiration rate; Soil layers; Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH); Bacteria; biodegradation; diesel; hydrocarbon; soil microorganism; soil pollution; species diversity; Bacteria (microorganisms) | None |
| None | None | First-generation undergraduate students and the impacts of the first year of college: Additional evidence | Padgett R.D., Johnson M.P., Pascarella E.T. | 2012 | Journal of College Student Development | 53 | 2 | None | Co-Curricular Assessment and Research, Northern Kentucky University, Division of Student Affairs, UC330-A Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41076, United States; United States Agency for International Development(USAID), Tanzania; Mary Louise Petersen Chair in Higher Education, The University of Iowa, United States | Padgett, R.D., Co-Curricular Assessment and Research, Northern Kentucky University, Division of Student Affairs, UC330-A Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41076, United States; Johnson, M.P., United States Agency for International Development(USAID), Tanzania; Pascarella, E.T., Mary Louise Petersen Chair in Higher Education, The University of Iowa, United States | Using longitudinal data from the Wabash National Study of Liberal Arts Education, our findings suggest that first-generation students are at a significant disadvantage across cognitive and psychosocial outcomes compared to students whose parents have at least some postsecondary education. Furthermore, we tested for the conditional effects of good practices on firstyear outcomes and found that effects of good practices on both cognitive and psychosocial outcomes differed in magnitude, and sometimes in direction, for first-generation versus non-firstgeneration students. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000283087500005 | Approaches to the Evaluation and Assessment of Students in Clothing Practical Work in Colleges of Agriculture in Northern Nigeria | Usman, V. A. | 2010 | JOURNAL OF HOME ECONOMICS RESEARCH | 12 | None | None | Coll Agr | None | This study was carried out in Northern Nigeria to determine the general clothing construction skills and processes to be evaluated and evaluation procedures and techniques used by teachers of clothing. Six out of thirteen Colleges of Agriculture were randomly selected for the study. The entire 52 clothing teachers in the department of Home and Rural Economics were involved in the study. This consists of 32 lecturers and 18 instructors. Structured questionnaire was used for the data collection. Data were analyzed using mean scores and t-test at 0.05 level of significance. The major findings include 13 clothing construction skills and processes always evaluated and 11 evaluation procedures and techniques always used by the teachers of clothing in Colleges of Agriculture in Northern Nigeria. Based on these findings, recommendations were made. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956325523 | The role and impact of Non-Academics Staff Union (NASU) in two Nigerian universities | Adeniji M.A., Adekunjo O.A. | 2010 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2010 | MAR | None | College Librarian, College of Engineering and Technology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria; Dept of Library and Information Science, Ambrose Alii University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | Adeniji, M.A., College Librarian, College of Engineering and Technology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adekunjo, O.A., Dept of Library and Information Science, Ambrose Alii University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38949117009 | Overview on urban and peri-urban agriculture: Definition, impact on human health, constraints and policy issues | Kang'ethe E.K., Grace D., Randolph T.F. | 2007 | East African Medical Journal | 84 | 11 SUPPL. | None | College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709-00100, Nairobi, Kenya | Kang'ethe, E.K., College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya; Grace, D., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Randolph, T.F., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709-00100, Nairobi, Kenya | Objectives: To collate and synthesize current knowledge of components of urban agriculture (UA) with a thematic emphasis on human health impact and a geographic emphasis on East Africa. Data sources: Data management followed a structured approach in which key issues were first identified and then studies selected through literature search and personal communication. Data extraction: Evidence-based principles. Data synthesis: Urban agriculture is an important source of food security for urban dwellers in East Africa. Descriptors of UA are location, areas, activities, scale, products, destinations, stakeholders and motivation. Many zoonotic and food-borne diseases have been associated with UA but evidence on human health impact and management is lacking. Major constraints to UA are illegality and lack of access to input and market; policy options have been developed for overcoming these. Conclusion: Urban agriculture is an important activity and likely to remain so. Both positive and negative human health impacts are potentially important but more research is needed to understand these and set appropriate policy and support levels. | None | agriculture; article; catering service; evidence based medicine; geography; health care policy; health status; human; knowledge; urban population; Agriculture; Evidence-Based Medicine; Food Supply; Geography; Health Policy; Health Status; Humans; Knowledge; Urban Population | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941194969 | Enhanced catalytic performance of a Pt-xCeO<inf>2</inf>/Graphene catalyst for DMFCs by adjusting the crystal-plane and shape of nanoscale ceria | Wang W., Zhu M., Lu X., Gao Y., Li L., Cao Z., Li C., Liu J., Zheng H. | 2015 | RSC Advances | 5 | 91 | 10.1039/c5ra08144k | College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; Materials Science and Manufacturing, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa | Wang, W., College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; Zhu, M., College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; Lu, X., College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; Gao, Y., College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; Li, L., College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; Cao, Z., College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; Li, C., College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; Liu, J., College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; Zheng, H., Materials Science and Manufacturing, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa | Oxygen storage capacity is influenced by the morphology and crystal-plane(s) of CeO<inf>2</inf>, which can thus affect the ability of this material to oxidise carbon monoxide. To investigate the effect of different morphologies/crystal-planes of CeO<inf>2</inf> on the electrocatalytic performance of DMFCs (Direct Methanol Fuel Cell), three different types of CeO<inf>2</inf> nanocrystals with different crystal-planes were synthesised and later assembled into Pt-xCeO<inf>2</inf>/Graphene composites with graphene and Pt nanoparticles as the electrocatalyst for DMFCs. According to the HRTEM images, the original morphology and crystal-plane structures of CeO<inf>2</inf> are essentially maintained in the three types of Pt-xCeO<inf>2</inf>/Graphene composite catalysts investigated in this work. The catalytic performance of the Pt-xCeO<inf>2</inf>/Graphene composites for methanol electrocatalytic oxidation was investigated by a series of electrochemical measurements. Compared with the other catalysts, Pt-rCeO<inf>2</inf>/Graphene demonstrates superior catalytic activity (onset potential: 0.15 V) and the strongest resistance to poisoning by carbonaceous species (I<inf>f</inf>/I<inf>b</inf>: 2.11). The results of H<inf>2</inf>-TPR shows that rCeO<inf>2</inf> with the {110} facet has the best surface reducibility among the xCeO<inf>2</inf> with different facets being investigated, which provides a rationale for the superior performance of the Pt-rCeO<inf>2</inf>/Graphene catalyst. This study indicates that metallic oxides with a suitable crystal plane and shape can effectively enhance the electrocatalytic performance of Pt-based catalysts for methanol electrooxidation. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2015. | None | Carbon; Carbon monoxide; Catalyst poisoning; Catalysts; Catalytic oxidation; Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC); Electrocatalysis; Electrocatalysts; Electrooxidation; Fuel cells; Metallic compounds; Metals; Methanol; Methanol fuels; Morphology; Platinum; Carbonaceous species; Catalytic performance; Electrocatalytic performance; Electrochemical measurements; Methanol electrocatalytic oxidation; Methanol electrooxidation; Oxygen storage capacity; Resistance to poisoning; Catalyst activity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910610345 | Impact of co-infections and BCG immunisation on immune responses Among household contacts of tuberculosis patients in a ugandan cohort | Biraro I.A., Egesa M., Toulza F., Levin J., Cose S., Joloba M., Smith S., Dockrell H.M., Katamba A., Elliott A.M. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0111517 | College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda; Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Biraro, I.A., College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Egesa, M., College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Toulza, F., Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Levin, J., Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda; Cose, S., Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Joloba, M., College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Smith, S., Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Dockrell, H.M., Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Katamba, A., College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Elliott, A.M., Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Background: Tuberculosis incidence in resource poor countries remains high. We hypothesized that immune modulating co-infections such as helminths, malaria, and HIV increase susceptibility to latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), thereby contributing to maintaining the tuberculosis epidemic.Methods: Adults with sputum-positive tuberculosis (index cases) and their eligible household contacts (HHCs) were recruited to a cohort study between May 2011 and January 2012. HHCs were investigated for helminths, malaria, and HIV at enrolment. HHCs were tested using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFN) assay at enrolment and six months later. Overnight whole blood culture supernatants from baseline QFN assays were analyzed for cytokine responses using an 11-plex Luminex assay. Associations between outcomes (LTBI or cytokine responses) and exposures (co-infections and other risk factors) were examined using multivariable logistic and linear regression models.Results: We enrolled 101 index cases and 291 HHCs. Among HHCs, baseline prevalence of helminths was 9% (25/291), malaria 16% (47/291), HIV 6% (16/291), and LTBI 65% (179/277). Adjusting for other risk factors and household clustering, there was no association between LTBI and any co-infection at baseline or at six months: adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval (CI); p-value) at baseline for any helminth, 1.01 (0.39-2.66; 0.96); hookworm, 2.81 (0.56-14.14; 0.20); malaria, 1.06 (0.48-2.35; 0.87); HIV, 0.74 (0.22-2.47; 0.63). HHCs with LTBI had elevated cytokine responses to tuberculosis antigens but co-infections had little effect on cytokine responses. Exploring other risk factors, Th1 cytokines among LTBI-positive HHCs with BCG scars were greatly reduced compared to those without scars: (adjusted geometric mean ratio) IFNc 0.20 (0.09-0.42), <0.0001; IL-20.34 (0.20-0.59), <0.0001; and TNFa 0.36 (0.16-0.79), 0.01.Conclusions: We found no evidence that co-infections increase the risk of LTBI, or influence the cytokine response profile among those with LTBI. Prior BCG exposure may reduce Th1 cytokine responses in LTBI. © 2014 Biraro et al. | None | gamma interferon; interleukin 10; interleukin 13; interleukin 17; interleukin 2; interleukin 22; interleukin 5; tumor necrosis factor alpha; BCG vaccine; cytokine; adult; Article; BCG vaccination; bioassay; cohort analysis; cytokine response; disease predisposition; female; helminth; hookworm; household; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immune response; latent tuberculosis; longitudinal study; major clinical study; malaria; male; mixed infection; observational study; prevalence; risk factor; tuberculosis; Uganda; adolescent; child; epidemiology; follow up; helminthiasis; HIV Infections; immunization; immunology; incidence; latent tuberculosis; malaria; preschool child; transmission; tuberculosis; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; BCG Vaccine; Child; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Coinfection; Cytokines; Epidemiologic Factors; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Helminthiasis; HIV Infections; Humans; Immunization; Incidence; Latent Tuberculosis; Malaria; Male; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Tuberculosis; Uganda; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949456608 | The impact of the maintenance management system: A case study of the petrosa GTL refinery | Mahlangu B.P., Kruger L.P. | 2015 | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering | 26 | 3 | 10.7166/26-3-1197 | College of Economic and Management Sciences, Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | Mahlangu, B.P., College of Economic and Management Sciences, Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Kruger, L.P., College of Economic and Management Sciences, Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | This research study investigated the impact of the maintenance management system (MMS) on production output and profitability (PO&P) at the PetroSA GTL refinery, a state-owned company. The two groups that participated were the maintenance group, consisting of 56 respondents, and the production group, with 38 respondents. The main findings of the research study suggested that the MMS impacts positively on PO&P at the PetroSA GTL refinery. The maintenance scorecard assessment tool – consisting of six perspectives – was used to assess the gap between the MMS and PO&P. The positivism paradigm, the deductive process, a cross-sectional quantitative survey, and descriptive statistics were used to conduct the research study. © 2015, South African Institute of Industrial Engineering, All rights reserved. | None | Refining; Assessment tool; Descriptive statistics; Maintenance management systems; Production outputs; Research studies; State-owned companies; Maintenance | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960165665 | Ultrasound evaluation of abdominal masses in Ethiopian child patients | Kebede A.G., Nigussie Y. | 2011 | Tropical Doctor | 41 | 3 | 10.1258/td.2011.100253 | College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, PO Box 1410, Gondar, Ethiopia | Kebede, A.G., College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, PO Box 1410, Gondar, Ethiopia; Nigussie, Y., College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, PO Box 1410, Gondar, Ethiopia | The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of abdominal masses and evaluate the value of ultrasound in paediatric abdominal masses. We used a cross-sectional study of abdominal masses in children attending a university teaching hospital. The common abdominal masses were: Wilms' tumour, 12 (14.8%); lym-phoma,11 (13.6%); appendiceal mass/abscess,11 (13.6%); neuroblastoma,7 (8.6%);TB,6 (7.4%); hydronephrosis, 5 (6.2%); abdominal wall abscess,6 (7.4%); hydatidcyst, 4 (4.9%); mesenteric cyst, 3 (3.7%); and intussusceptions, 3 (3.7%). Identification of a purely cystic mass was suggestive of benign lesion (odds ratio [OR] 1/4 1 1 8, P1/4 0.0001) and masses found in the,5 years age group tend to be malignant (OR 1/4 2.77).The most common sites of origin were kidneys, retroperitoneal extra renal and gastrointestinal tract. The overall diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound was 88.9%. | None | abdominal abscess; abdominal mass; appendix tumor; article; child; diagnostic accuracy; echinococcosis; echography; ectopic kidney; female; gallbladder; gastrointestinal tract; human; hydronephrosis; hydrops; infant; intussusception; liver abscess; liver cell carcinoma; lymphoma; major clinical study; male; mesentery cyst; multicystic dysplastic kidney; nephroblastoma; neuroblastoma; pancreas cyst; peritoneum; preschool child; rhabdomyosarcoma; school child; splenomegaly; teratoma; university hospital; Abdomen; Abscess; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cysts; Ethiopia; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Lymphoma; Male; Neoplasms; Neuroblastoma; Predictive Value of Tests; Wilms Tumor; Phoma | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953854148 | Assessment of noise and associated health impacts at selected secondary schools in Ibadan, Nigeria | Shendell D.G., Ana G.R.E.E., Brown G.E., Sridhar M.K.C. | 2009 | Journal of Environmental and Public Health | 2009 | None | 10.1155/2009/739502 | College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Institute of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302-3995, United States; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health University of Medicine an | Shendell, D.G., Institute of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302-3995, United States, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States; Ana, G.R.E.E., College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Brown, G.E., College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Sridhar, M.K.C., College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Background. Most schools in Ibadan, Nigeria, are located near major roads (mobile line sources). We conducted an initial assessment of noise levels and adverse noise-related health and learning effects. Methods. For this descriptive, cross-sectional study, four schools were selected randomly from eight participating in overall project. We administered 200 questionnaires, 50 per school, assessing health and learning-related outcomes. Noise levels (A-weighted decibels, dBA) were measured with calibrated sound level meters. Traffic density was assessed for school with the highest measured dBA. Observational checklists assessed noise control parameters and building physical attributes. Results. Short-term, cross-sectional school-day noise levels ranged 68.3-84.7dBA. Over 60 of respondents reported that vehicular traffic was major source of noise, and over 70 complained being disturbed by noise. Three schools reported tiredness, and one school lack of concentration, as the most prevalent noise-related health problems. Conclusion. Secondary school occupants in Ibadan, Nigeria were potentially affected by exposure to noise from mobile line sources. Copyright © 2009 Godson R. E. E. Ana et al. | None | article; checklist; exposure; fatigue; health hazard; high school; human; learning; Nigeria; noise measurement; noise pollution; noise reduction; priority journal; questionnaire; sound level meter; traffic; adolescent; attention; car; cross-sectional study; female; health status; male; noise; pilot study; school; statistics; traffic noise; urban population; Adolescent; Attention; Automobiles; Cross-Sectional Studies; Fatigue; Female; Health Status; Humans; Learning; Male; Nigeria; Noise; Noise, Transportation; Pilot Projects; Questionnaires; Schools; Urban Population | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892565600 | Corruption, foreign direct investment and its impact on exchange rate of the Nigerian economy | Erhieyovwe E.K., Onokero I.I. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n3p345 | College of Physical Education, Mosogar Delta state, Nigeria; College of Education, Agbor Delta state, Nigeria | Erhieyovwe, E.K., College of Physical Education, Mosogar Delta state, Nigeria; Onokero, I.I., College of Education, Agbor Delta state, Nigeria | This paper seeks to analyze corruption, foreign direct investment and its impact on exchange of the Nigerian economy. The ultimate objective of this study centers on an empirical investigation of the impact of corruption, foreign direct investment and its impact on exchange rate of the Nigerian economy. In order to achieve these objectives the study used the ordinary least squares regression analyses, augmented dickey fuller unit root test and the co-integration test. The unit root test revealed that all the variables were stationary at first difference and the short run result revealed that corruption is very high in Nigeria and that have help to depreciate the currency of the country with regards its exchange to other currencies. The study recommends that war against corruption or state of emergency on corruption should be vigorously pursued, this will help to remold the image of the Nigerian economy and encourage more foreign investors that will help to equate our exchange rate to other currencies. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953303691 | Cost-effectiveness analysis of clinical specialist outreach as compared to referral system in Ethiopia: An economic evaluation | Kifle Y.A., Nigatu T.H. | 2010 | Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation | 8 | None | 10.1186/1478-7547-8-13 | College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Department of Monitoring, Evaluation and Research, African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Kifle, Y.A., College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Nigatu, T.H., Department of Monitoring, Evaluation and Research, African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Background: In countries with scarce specialized Human resource for health, patients are usually referred. The other alternative has been mobilizing specialists, clinical specialist outreach. This study examines whether clinical specialist outreach is a cost effective way of using scarce health expertise to provide specialist care as compared to provision of such services through referral system in Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study on four purposively selected regional hospitals and three central referral hospitals was conducted from Feb 4-24, 2009. The perspective of analysis was societal covering analytic horizon and time frame from 1 April 2007 to 31 Dec 2008. Data were collected using interview of specialists, project focal persons, patients and review of records. To ensure the propriety standards of evaluation, Ethical clearance was obtained from Jimma University.Results: It was found that 532 patients were operated at outreach hospitals in 125 specialist days. The unit cost of surgical procedures was found to be ETB 4,499.43. On the other hand, if the 125 clinical specialist days were spent to serve patients referred from zonal and regional hospitals at central referral hospitals, 438 patients could have been served. And the unit cost of surgical procedures through referral would have been ETB 6,523.27 per patient. This makes clinical specialist outreach 1.45 times more cost effective way of using scarce clinical specialists' time as compared to referral system.Conclusion: Clinical specialist outreach is a cost effective and cost saving way of spending clinical specialists' time as compared to provision of similar services through referral system. © 2010 Kifle and Nigatu; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | article; clinical trial; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; economic evaluation; Ethiopia; health care cost; human; major clinical study; medical specialist; multicenter study; patient referral; resource allocation; surgical technique | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907897288 | Characterizations of basalt unsaturated polyester laminates under static three-point bending and low-velocity impact loadings | Gideon R.K., Hu H., Wambua P., Gu B. | 2014 | Polymer Composites | 35 | 11 | 10.1002/pc.22885 | College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, China; School of Engineering, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya | Gideon, R.K., College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, China; Hu, H., College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, China; Wambua, P., School of Engineering, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Gu, B., College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, China | This paper reports the responses of basalt unsaturated polyester laminates under static three-point bending loading and low-velocity impact. Three kinds of composite materials, unidirectional (0°), cross-ply (0°/90°) and woven laminates were considered. The laminates were fabricated by layup process and hot pressed under pressure. Static three-point bending tests and low-velocity impact tests were conducted to obtain the force-deflection, force-time, deflection-time, velocity-time, and energy-time curves. The results showed that unidirectional (0°) laminates carried more load during static loading, but in the event of dynamic loading, cross-ply, and woven laminates were more superior. It was observed that the failure of 0° laminates was along the fiber direction while for cross-ply and woven, the damage was localized, around the impacted locations. From the different combinations of unidirectional (0°), cross-ply (0°/90°) and woven lamina, the impact behaviors could be optimized with the lowest area density. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers. | None | Low velocity impact; Three point bending; Unsaturated polyester | None |
| WoS | WOS:000303591700010 | Capitalizing on the Characteristics of mHealth to Evaluate Its Impact | Burbach, Ryan,Cole-Lewis, Heather,Cosmaciuc, Roxana,Dusabe, Schadrack,Kanter, Andrew S.,Kaonga, Nadi Nina,Mechael, Patricia,Namakula, Patricia,Nemser, Bennett,Ohemeng-Dapaah, Seth,Shemsanga, Muhadili | 2012 | JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION | 18 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1080/10810730.2012.679848 | Columbia University, Millennium Dev Goal Ctr W Africa, Millennium Villages Project | "Burbach, Ryan: Columbia University","Cole-Lewis, Heather: Columbia University","Cosmaciuc, Roxana: Columbia University","Kanter, Andrew S.: Columbia University","Kaonga, Nadi Nina: Columbia University","Mechael, Patricia: Columbia University","Nemser, Bennett: Columbia University", | None | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939165185 | Effects of a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution on cognitive performance following exercise-induced hyperthermia in humans | Lee J.K.W., Ang W.H., Ng J.W.X., Fan P.W.P., Teo Y.S., Nolte H.W., Yeo Y.Y.W. | 2014 | Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | 11 | 1 | 10.1186/s12970-014-0051-x | Combat Protection and Performance Programme, Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore; Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; ERGOnomics TECHnologies, Research and Development, Armscor, Pretoria, South Africa | Lee, J.K.W., Combat Protection and Performance Programme, Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore, Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Ang, W.H., Combat Protection and Performance Programme, Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore; Ng, J.W.X., Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Fan, P.W.P., Combat Protection and Performance Programme, Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore; Teo, Y.S., Combat Protection and Performance Programme, Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore; Nolte, H.W., ERGOnomics TECHnologies, Research and Development, Armscor, Pretoria, South Africa; Yeo, Y.Y.W., Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore | Background: There is limited information on the effects of sports drinks on cognitive function after exercise in the heat. We aimed to investigate the effects of ingesting a commercially available carbohydrate-electrolyte (CHO) solution on cognitive performance following exercise-induced hyperthermia. Methods: Twelve participants completed three practices of cognitive tests, one full familiarisation and two experimental trials in an environmental chamber (dry bulb temperature: 30.2 ± 0.3°C, relative humidity: 70 ± 3%). The experimental trials consisted of five cognitive tests (symbol digit matching, search and memory, digit span, choice reaction time and psychomotor vigilance test) performed before and after a 75-min run on a treadmill at 70% VO<inf>2</inf> max. One ml/kg body mass of a 6.8% CHO solution or placebo was consumed at the start, every 15 min during exercise and between cognitive tests after exercise. Core temperature, heart rate, blood glucose concentrations, subjective ratings and cognitive performance were assessed (symbol digit matching, search and memory, digit span, choice reaction time and psychomotor vigilance). Results: Participants were hyperthermic at the end of the run (placebo: 39.5 ± 0.4°C, CHO: 39.6 ± 0.5°C; Mean ± SD; p = 0.37). The change in blood glucose was higher with CHO ingestion (1.6, 0.7 to 4.5 mmol/L) (median, range) than with placebo ingestion (0.9, -0.1 to 4.7 mmol/L; p < 0.05). CHO ingestion reduced the maximum span of digits memorized, in contrast to an increase in maximum span with placebo ingestion (p < 0.05). CHO solution had no effect on other cognitive tests (p > 0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that CHO solution ingestion may impair short-term memory following exertional heat stress. © 2014 Lee et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052153687 | Impacts of fishing low-trophic level species on marine ecosystems | Smith A.D.M., Brown C.J., Bulman C.M., Fulton E.A., Johnson P., Kaplan I.C., Lozano-Montes H., Mackinson S., Marzloff M., Shannon L.J., Shin Y.-J., Tam J. | 2011 | Science | 333 | 6046 | 10.1126/science.1209395 | Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Wealth FromOceans Flagship, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Climate Adaptations Flagship, Brisbane, QLD 4163, Australia; National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA 98112, United States; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Wealth from Oceans Flagship, Floreat, WA 6014, Australia; Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, United Kingdom; Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, TAS 7005, Australia; University of Cape Town, Marine Research (MA-RE) Institute, Department of Zoology, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement, UMR EME 212, Ecosystèmes Marins Exploités, 34203 Sète, France; Instituto del Mar del Perú, Esquina Gamarra Y General Valle S/n, Callao, Peru | Smith, A.D.M., Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Wealth FromOceans Flagship, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; Brown, C.J., School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Climate Adaptations Flagship, Brisbane, QLD 4163, Australia; Bulman, C.M., Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Wealth FromOceans Flagship, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; Fulton, E.A., Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Wealth FromOceans Flagship, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; Johnson, P., Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Wealth FromOceans Flagship, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; Kaplan, I.C., National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA 98112, United States; Lozano-Montes, H., Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Wealth from Oceans Flagship, Floreat, WA 6014, Australia; Mackinson, S., Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, United Kingdom; Marzloff, M., Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Wealth FromOceans Flagship, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, TAS 7005, Australia; Shannon, L.J., University of Cape Town, Marine Research (MA-RE) Institute, Department of Zoology, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Shin, Y.-J., University of Cape Town, Marine Research (MA-RE) Institute, Department of Zoology, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement, UMR EME 212, Ecosystèmes Marins Exploités, 34203 Sète, France; Tam, J., Instituto del Mar del Perú, Esquina Gamarra Y General Valle S/n, Callao, Peru | Low-trophic level species account for more than 30% of global fisheries production and contribute substantially to global food security. We used a range of ecosystem models to explore the effects of fishing low-trophic level species on marine ecosystems, including marine mammals and seabirds, and on other commercially important species. In five well-studied ecosystems, we found that fishing these species at conventional maximum sustainable yield (MSY) levels can have large impacts on other parts of the ecosystem, particularly when they constitute a high proportion of the biomass in the ecosystem or are highly connected in the food web. Halving exploitation rates would result in much lower impacts on marine ecosystems while still achieving 80% of MSY. | None | biomass; commercial species; ecosystem modeling; fishery production; food security; food web; global perspective; mammal; marine ecosystem; seabird; sustainable development; trophic level; aquatic species; article; biomass; environmental exploitation; environmental sustainability; fishing; food web; marine environment; marine mammal; nonhuman; priority journal; seabird; trophic level; Animals; Aquatic Organisms; Biodiversity; Biomass; Birds; Ecosystem; Fisheries; Fishes; Food Chain; Mammals; Models, Biological; Oceans and Seas; Population Dynamics; Mammalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36349008165 | The impact of onset controllability on stigmatization and supportive communication goals toward persons with HIV versus lung cancer: A comparison between Kenyan and U.S. participants | Miller A.N., Fellows K.L., Kizito M.N. | 2007 | Health Communication | 22 | 3 | None | Communication Department, Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Communication Studies, University of North Carolina Wilmington, United States; c/o University of North Carolina Wilmington, Department of Communication Studies, Leutze Hall No. 226, 601 S. College Rd., Wilmington, NC 28403-5933, United States | Miller, A.N., Communication Department, Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya; Fellows, K.L., Department of Communication Studies, University of North Carolina Wilmington, United States, c/o University of North Carolina Wilmington, Department of Communication Studies, Leutze Hall No. 226, 601 S. College Rd., Wilmington, NC 28403-5933, United States; Kizito, M.N., Communication Department, Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya | This study examined the impact of controllability of onset (i.e., means of transmission), disease type (HIV and lung cancer), and culture (Kenya and U.S.) on stigmatizing attitudes and goals for supportive communication. Four hundred sixty-four Kenyan students and 526 American students, and 441 Kenyan nonstudents and 591 American nonstudents were randomly assigned to 1 of 12 hypothetical scenario conditions and asked to respond to questions regarding 3 different types of stigmatizing attitudes and 6 types of supportive communication goals with respect to the character in the scenario. Means of transmission had a strong effect on the blame component of stigma, but none on cognitive attitudes and social interaction components. Similarly, although an effect for means of transmission emerged on intention to provide "recognize own responsibility" and "see others' blame" types of support, no effect was evident for most other supportive interaction goals. Although effects for culture were small, Kenyan participants, student and nonstudent alike, were not as quick as American participants to adopt goals of communicating blame in any direction. Implications for measurement of stigma in future research are discussed. Copyright © 2007, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. | None | adolescent; adult; aged; article; attitude to health; comparative study; control; cultural factor; educational status; epidemiology; female; health behavior; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Kenya; lung tumor; male; middle aged; psychological aspect; questionnaire; social psychology; social support; student; United States; university; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Attitude to Health; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Educational Status; Female; Health Behavior; HIV Infections; Humans; Internal-External Control; Kenya; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Precipitating Factors; Prejudice; Questionnaires; Social Support; Stereotyping; Students; United States; Universities | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902523905 | African primary care research: Performing a programme evaluation | Dudley L. | 2014 | African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine | 6 | 1 | 10.4102/phcfm.v6i1.634 | Community Health Division, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa | Dudley, L., Community Health Division, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa | This article is part of a series on Primary Care Research in the African context and focuses on programme evaluation. Different types of programme evaluation are outlined: developmental, process, outcome and impact. Eight steps to follow in designing your programme evaluation are then described in some detail: engage stakeholders; establish what is known; describe the programme; define the evaluation and select a study design; define the indicators; plan and manage data collection and analysis; make judgements and recommendations; and disseminate the findings. Other articles in the series cover related topics such as writing your research proposal, performing a literature review, conducting surveys with questionnaires, qualitative interviewing and approaches to quantitative and qualitative data analysis. © 2014. The Authors. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749248312 | Impacts of the 26 December 2004 tsunami in Eastern Africa | Obura D. | 2006 | Ocean and Coastal Management | 49 | 11 | 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2006.08.004 | CORDIO East Africa, P.O. BOX 10135, Mombasa, 80101, Kenya | Obura, D., CORDIO East Africa, P.O. BOX 10135, Mombasa, 80101, Kenya | The tsunami of 26 December 2004 was the largest ever recorded in the Indian Ocean, triggered by the 3rd largest earthquake in 100 years measuring 9.2 moment magnitude. The epicenter of the earthquake was off Banda Aceh on the Indian Ocean coast of the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, centered at 3.316°N, 95.854°E. A sudden upward movement of the seafloor that averaged ∼6 m occurred along almost 1300 km of the north-east Indian Ocean plate at 0059 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and lasted 8 min. Because of the lack of preparedness and absence of warning systems in the Indian Ocean the tsunami spread silently across the ocean over a span of 8 h causing massive destruction including the deaths of over 250,000 people, with maximum damages occurring in Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives. Moderate to low damages were recorded in the Seychelles, Socotra (Yemen) and Somalia, though in the latter a highly vulnerable town was impacted resulting in over 300 deaths. Most of eastern Africa was spared massive damages from the waves due to (a) distance from the epicenter (>6000 km), (b) the dissipation of energy of the tsunami by shallow banks in the middle of the Indian Ocean (the Seychelles banks, Saya de Malha and Cargados Carajos Shoals) and (c) at least for Kenya and Tanzania, the first and largest waves hit at low tide. In Kenya and Tanzania these factors resulted in the waves being experienced as tidal surges of 1-1.5 m amplitude lasting 5-10 min. Damages recorded for eastern Africa include 11 deaths in Tanzania and 1 in Kenya, of people walking and swimming over shallow intertidal flats being trapped by the advancing and receding tidal surges, damage to boats anchored in shallow water and inundation in Mauritius and Rodrigues. Official information, warning and response networks were nonexistent, and even when an official response was generated in Kenya the public demonstrated no faith or willingness to act on warnings from officials such as the police. Importantly, information on the tsunami and the generation of an official response was dependent on two technologies, satellite television and mobile telephony, and these should be built into future warning systems as key mechanisms and backups to official information and warning networks. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | None | Alarm systems; Earthquake effects; Energy dissipation; Satellites; Television; Tidal power; Inundation; Mobile telephony; Satellite televisions; Tidal surges; Tsunamis; earthquake; earthquake damage; earthquake epicenter; intertidal environment; seafloor; tsunami; warning system; Africa; Asia; East Africa; Eurasia; Greater Sunda Islands; India; Indian Ocean; Indian Ocean (Northeast); Indian Ocean islands; Kenya; Malay Archipelago; Maldives; Middle East; Seychelles; Socotra; Somalia; South Asia; South Yemen; Southeast Asia; Sri Lanka; Sub-Saharan Africa; Sumatra; Sunda Isles; Thailand; Yemen | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646193106 | Planning and performance of small and medium enterprise operators in a country in transition | Yusuf A., Saffu K. | 2005 | Journal of Small Business Management | 43 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1540-627X.2005.00148.x | Corporate Planning and Development Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Nigeria; Department of Entrepreneurship, Brock University, St. Catherines, Ont., Canada | Yusuf, A., Corporate Planning and Development Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Nigeria; Saffu, K., Department of Entrepreneurship, Brock University, St. Catherines, Ont., Canada | This paper examines the relationship between planning and performance of small and medium enterprise operators in a country in economic transition. The literature on planning-performance relationship reports mixed findings. In a period of uncertainty, as exemplified by conditions of economic difficulties, one would expect firms to do more planning. On the contrary, our study shows that economic difficulties do not encourage firms to plan seriously. Our study also shows that firms that plan do not necessarily experience increased performance, with the exception of the manufacturing sector. Other findings of the study include a significant gender difference in the planning sophistication of small firms in Ghana, with firms managed or owned by males having sophisticated planning compared with female managed or female-owned businesses. Size did not moderate planning performance in our study. Planning affected performance equally in both large and small firms in our study. We found no difference among the planning clusters for education. Firms with the highest growth in sales had low-planning sophistication. This study contributes to our understanding and appreciation of situations in which planning does not necessarily add significant value to organizations (by way of increased performance). | None | None | None |
| None | None | Evaluation of simple hand-held mechanical systems for harvesting tea (Camellia sinensis) | Burgess P.J., Carr M.K.V., Mizambwa F.C.S., Nixon D.J., Lugusi J., Kimambo E.I. | 2006 | Experimental Agriculture | 42 | 2 | 10.1017/S0014479705003352 | Cranfield University, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4DT, United Kingdom; Tea Research Institute of Tanzania, P.O. Box 2177, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania; Crop and Water Management Systems (Intnl.) Ltd., Pear Tree Cottage, Frog Lane, Warwickshire, CV36 4LG, United Kingdom; Booker-Tate Ltd., Masters Court Church Road, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3FA, United Kingdom; TPC Ltd., PO Box 93, Moshi, Tanzania | Burgess, P.J., Cranfield University, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4DT, United Kingdom; Carr, M.K.V., Cranfield University, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4DT, United Kingdom, Tea Research Institute of Tanzania, P.O. Box 2177, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, Crop and Water Management Systems (Intnl.) Ltd., Pear Tree Cottage, Frog Lane, Warwickshire, CV36 4LG, United Kingdom; Mizambwa, F.C.S., Tea Research Institute of Tanzania, P.O. Box 2177, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, TPC Ltd., PO Box 93, Moshi, Tanzania; Nixon, D.J., Cranfield University, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4DT, United Kingdom, Booker-Tate Ltd., Masters Court Church Road, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3FA, United Kingdom; Lugusi, J., Tea Research Institute of Tanzania, P.O. Box 2177, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania; Kimambo, E.I., Tea Research Institute of Tanzania, P.O. Box 2177, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania | Over an eight-year period, harvesting methods based on simple mechanical aids (blade and shear) were evaluated against hand harvesting on mature morphologically contrasting tea clones in Southern Tanzania. The effects of shear step height (5-32mm) and the harvest interval (1.8-4.2 phyllochrons) were also examined. Except in the year following pruning, large annual yields (5.7-7.9 t dry tea ha -1) were obtained by hand harvesting at intervals of two phyllochrons. For clones K35 (large shoots) and T207 (small shoots), the mean harvested shoot weights were equivalent to three unfurled leaves and a terminal bud. The proportions of broken shoots (40-48 %) and coarse material (4-6 %) were both relatively high. Using a blade resulted in similar yields to hand harvesting from K35 but larger yields from T207 (+13 %). The yield increase from clone T207 was associated with the harvest of more shoots and heavier shoots, smaller increases in canopy height, and a higher proportion (7-9 %) of coarse material compared to hand harvesting. On bushes, which had been harvested by hand for two years following pruning, using flat shears (no step) supported on the tea canopy resulted, over a three year period, in yields 8-14 % less than those obtained by hand harvesting and, for clone K35, a reduction in the leaf area index to below 5. The development of a larger leaf area index is made possible by adding a step to the shear. However, since annual yields were reduced by 40-50kg ha -1 per mm increase in step height, the step should be the minimum necessary to maintain long-term bush productivity. As mean shoot weights following shear harvesting were about 13 % below those obtained by hand harvesting, there is scope, when using shears, to extend the harvest interval from 2 to 2.5 phyllochrons. © 2006 Cambridge University Press. | None | Camellia sinensis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-83055174037 | Detection and monitoring of surface subsidence associated with mining activities in the Witbank Coalfields, South Africa, using differential radar interferometry | Engelbrecht J., Inggs M.R., Makusha G. | 2011 | South African Journal of Geology | 114 | 1 | 10.2113/gssajg.114.1.77 | Council for Geoscience, Western Cape Unit, P.O. Box 572, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Anglo Coal, P.O Box 61587, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, 2107, South Africa | Engelbrecht, J., Council for Geoscience, Western Cape Unit, P.O. Box 572, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Inggs, M.R., University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Makusha, G., Anglo Coal, P.O Box 61587, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, 2107, South Africa | Surface subsidence associated with coal mining activities in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, changes the natural environment in several ways and current challenges for mining companies lie in rehabilitation of the natural environment and the prevention of further degradation. To monitor the spatial and temporal evolution of surface subsidence, traditional field-based monitoring approaches, including GPS and spirit levelling, are employed at a number of locations. However, the resulting measurements are point-based and frequent visitations are necessary to map the evolution of surface subsidence basins over time. To address these limitations, differential interferograms derived from repeat-pass satellite-borne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems were tested for their ability to measure and monitor surface deformation. The resulting interferograms revealed several features indicative of surface subsidence. Ground truth data confirmed the presence of a subsidence basin detected using differential interferometry techniques during the 35 day period between April 12, 2008 and May 17, 2008, with a maximum vertical deformation of 3.2 cm being recorded. Interferometric monitoring revealed an eastward migration of the subsidence basin between June 2, 2008 and September 15, 2008, with an additional 4.7 cm of subsidence being observed. This migration coincides with the advance of the working face of the mine during this period. The results demonstrate the ability of interferometric synthetic aperture radar techniques to measure surface subsidence as well as the monitoring of the evolution of subsidence basins over time. This implies that the technique could be included, together with traditional field-based surveying techniques, in an operational monitoring system. © 2011 March Geological Society of South Africa. | None | basin evolution; coal mining; deformation; detection method; environmental monitoring; GPS; human activity; leveling; monitoring system; radar interferometry; subsidence; synthetic aperture radar; temporal evolution; Mpumalanga; South Africa; Witbank Coalfield | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866245432 | Particle-capturins performance of South African non-corrosive samplers | Pretorius C.J. | 2011 | Journal of the Mine Ventilation Society of South Africa | 64 | 4 | None | Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa | Pretorius, C.J., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa | In view of the international drive to eliminate silicosis, it is critical that reliable and consistent results are obtained from respirable dust sampling and analysis so that effective control measures can be implemented on mines. Two locally manufactured samplers were evaluated to determine how they perform in terms of the sampling of respirable dust. Various laboratory controlled tests were conducted to determine the physical and aerodynamic properties of the samplers and the particle size distribution of each filter sampled with one of the samplers. Results showed that there was relatively good consistency among the samplers from the same supplier. However, the two groups of samplers produced different results from one another. It is recommended that respirable dust samplers be subjected to more tests after manufacturing to ensure good quality control. Measuring one or two properties alone is insufficient to deem a sampler suitable for use within the general mining industry. | None | Aerodynamic properties; Control measures; Controlled tests; Non-corrosive; Respirable dust; Particle size analysis; Dust | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053235776 | Design and performance of wideband DRFM for radar test and evaluation | Olivier K., Cilliers J.E., Du Plessis M. | 2011 | Electronics Letters | 47 | 14 | 10.1049/el.2011.0362 | Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Building 44, Meiring Naude Road, Pretoria, South Africa; University of Pretoria, Carl and Emily Fuchs Institute for Microelectronics, Pretoria, South Africa | Olivier, K., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Building 44, Meiring Naude Road, Pretoria, South Africa; Cilliers, J.E., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Building 44, Meiring Naude Road, Pretoria, South Africa; Du Plessis, M., University of Pretoria, Carl and Emily Fuchs Institute for Microelectronics, Pretoria, South Africa | The test and evaluation of modern radars using hardware in the loop simulators requires the use of wideband high-fidelity, digital radio frequency memories (DRFM) in order to generate realistic target returns. Important aspects of wideband DRFM design on a printed circuit board are highighted and the architecture of the DRFM that was implemented using commercial-off-the-shelf components is presented. The spurious free dynamic range of the DRFM was characterised as -47dBc worst case over an instantaneous bandwidth of 800MHz. An experimental pulse-Doppler radar was used to compare the fidelity of the returns from the DRFM and an optical delay line. © 2011 The Institution of Engineering and Technology. | None | Commercial off-the-shelf components; Digital radio frequency memory; Hardware in the loop simulator; High fidelity; Instantaneous bandwidth; Optical delay lines; Pulse-Doppler radar; Spurious free dynamic range; Test and evaluation; Wide-band; Worst case; Digital radio; Doppler radar; Printed circuit boards; Printed circuit design | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38949129387 | Seed performance of maize in response to phosphorus application and growth temperature is related to phytate-phosphorus occurrence | Modi A.T., Asanzi N.M. | 2008 | Crop Science | 48 | 1 | 10.2135/cropsci2007.06.0367 | Crop Science Discipline, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, Univ. of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa | Modi, A.T., Crop Science Discipline, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, Univ. of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; Asanzi, N.M., Crop Science Discipline, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, Univ. of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa | Phytate is associated with antinutrient character in seeds; however, it has potential to contribute significantly to seed performance. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of P (10, 26, and 70 mg kg-1) and growth temperature (22/16, 27/21, and 33/27°C [day/night]) on seed performance in normal and quality protein maize (Zea mays L.). Seeds of normal and quality protein maize were harvested at three stages (15, 25, and 65 days after silking) of development. At each stage, germination capacity and vigor, Phytate-P concentration, and myo-inositol were determined. Normal maize displayed a significantly higher (P < 0.001) phytate-P and inorganic P concentrations compared with quality protein maize, which was associated with significantly better (P < 0.01) seed performance. Myo-inositol was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in quality protein maize compared with normal maize. Phosphorus nutrition enhanced (P < 0.01) seed performance of both genotypes. Increasing growth temperature caused greater accumulation of inorganic P, but it decreased myo-inositol. Seed germination and vigor increased when growth temperature was increased from 22/16 to 27/21°C, but they decreased in response to high temperatures (33/27°C). The results of this study indicate that P fertilizer enhances maize seed germination and vigor. High myo-inositol concentrations may be used to indicate poor phytate synthesis associated with poor seed performance. © Crop Science Society of America. | None | Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958129745 | Bubbles in South African house prices and their impact on consumption | Das S., Gupta R., Kanda P.T. | 2011 | Journal of Real Estate Literature | 19 | 1 | None | CSIR Built Environment, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Das, S., CSIR Built Environment, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Gupta, R., University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Kanda, P.T., CSIR Built Environment, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | This study tests for house price bubbles in the South African housing market using quarterly data from 1969:Q2 to 2009:Q3, based on the unit root test developed by Phillips, Wu, and Yu (2010). The findings indicate house price bubbles in the aggregate, large, medium, and small-middle segments, but not in the luxury and affordable segments. Next, symmetric and asymmetric versions of an Error Correction Model (ECM) are used to investigate the spillover effects from the housing sector onto consumption. Results indicate significant and asymmetric spillovers, with consumption responding significantly to house price deceleration, although there is no evidence of the effect being higher during the bubble period. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36248971166 | The storm that rocks the boat: The systemic impact of gated communities on urban sustainability | Landman K. | 2007 | CyberGeo | 2007 | None | None | CSIR Built Environment, Pretoria, South Africa | Landman, K., CSIR Built Environment, Pretoria, South Africa | This paper is concerned with the impact and implications of gated communities on urban sustainability. This is investigated making use of an overarching methodological framework based on the internationally accepted Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model, developed by the OECD. Additional to the simple causal flow from drivers to responses are the dynamic relationships between these five aspects. The paper discusses each of these issues and the relationships between them as they pertain to gated communities in South Africa. Gated communities, as complex systems, necessitate the consideration of a multiplicity of feedback loops with internal rates of flow that are determined by non-linear relationships. Only in this way can the full extent of their impact and implications on urban sustainability be assessed. | None | gated community; modeling; storm; sustainability; urban area; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548647421 | The effect of coarse edge on wool spinning performance and yarn properties | Botha A.F., Hunter L. | 2007 | South African Journal of Science | 103 | 42433 | None | CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, P.O. Box 1124, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; Department of Textile Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa | Botha, A.F., CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, P.O. Box 1124, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; Hunter, L., Department of Textile Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa | The interrelationship of natural fibre, yarn and fabric properties is both important and complex, and has attracted considerable research. An area which has received little attention is that concerning the effect of fibre diameter distribution, notably of relatively coarse fibres, on processing behaviour and yarn and fabric properties, except for their well-known effect on handle and prickle (scratchiness). Prickle is an unpleasant sensation sometimes experienced with garments worn next to the skin. The effect of fibre diameter distribution, of coarse fibres (or coarse edge, CE) in particular, on spinning performance and yarn properties, was investigated for 400 different wools. Multiple regression analyses were carried out to quantify the relationships between all the main fibre properties, including CE, on the one hand, and the spinning performance and yarn properties on the other hand. We found that CE had no significant effect on spinning performance and yarn properties, except for yarn neps and yarn hairiness. These findings are important for sheep breeding practices as well as for selecting the most appropriate wools when yarn of a specified quality is to be processed, because attention needs be paid only to fibre diameter, not to coarse edge. | None | regression analysis; research work; sheep; wool; Ovis aries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-46349102782 | Management of environmental impacts from coal mining in the upper olifants river catchment as a function of age and scale | Hobbs P., Oelofse S.H.H., Rascher J. | 2008 | International Journal of Water Resources Development | 24 | 3 | 10.1080/07900620802127366 | CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, Pretoria, South Africa | Hobbs, P., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, Pretoria, South Africa; Oelofse, S.H.H., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, Pretoria, South Africa; Rascher, J., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, Pretoria, South Africa | Effective water resource governance in a water scarce environment such as South Africa is a strategic issue in national sustainable development priorities. Acid mine drainage (AMD) is one of the largest liabilities of the mining industry due to its inherent threat to water resources, human health and the environment. Against the background of evolving water governance in South Africa, three examples are explored to reflect the management of AMD in the upper Olifants River catchment. The Brugspruit Water Pollution Control Works shows the scale of historic liabilities faced by the state, as well as the challenge of effectively addressing AMD within a resource-poor environment. The Controlled Discharge Scheme takes advantage of the natural assimilative capacity of the upper Olifants River system during high flow conditions to effect the controlled discharge of AMD. The Emalahleni Water Reclamation Plant exemplifies the successful initiative by large and well-resourced mining houses to achieve engineered sustainable mine water management. | None | Agricultural engineering; Catchments; Crushed stone plants; Discharge (fluid mechanics); Drainage; Environmental engineering; Environmental impact; Environmental protection; Fluid mechanics; Groundwater; Health risks; Management; Mining; Mining engineering; Offshore oil well production; Oil spills; Planning; Plant management; Pollution; Rivers; Runoff; Strategic planning; Wastewater reclamation; Wastewater treatment; Water management; Water pollution; Acid-mine drainage (AMD); Assimilative capacity; Coal-mining; High flow conditions; Human health; Mine water (MW); mining industries; river catchments; river systems; South Africa (SA); TO effect; Water governance; Water reclamation plant (WRP); Water scarce; Water pollution control; acid mine drainage; catchment; coal mining; environmental impact; mining industry; river management; river system; sustainable development; water planning; Africa; Olifants River; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-40849127058 | The impact of agricultural runoff on the quality of two streams in vegetable farm areas in Ghana | Ntow W.J., Drechsel P., Botwe B.O., Kelderman P., Gijzen H.J. | 2008 | Journal of Environmental Quality | 37 | 2 | 10.2134/jeq2007.0136 | CSIR Water Research Inst., P.O.Box AH 38, Achimota, Ghana; West Africa Office, International Water Management Inst., Accra, Ghana; Univ. of Ghana, Chemistry Dep., Legon, Ghana; UNESCO-IHE Inst. for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611 AX Delft, Netherlands; UNESCO Jakarta Office, Regional Bureau for Science for Asia and Pacific, JI. Galuh II, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12110, Indonesia | Ntow, W.J., CSIR Water Research Inst., P.O.Box AH 38, Achimota, Ghana; Drechsel, P., West Africa Office, International Water Management Inst., Accra, Ghana; Botwe, B.O., Univ. of Ghana, Chemistry Dep., Legon, Ghana; Kelderman, P., UNESCO-IHE Inst. for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611 AX Delft, Netherlands; Gijzen, H.J., UNESCO Jakarta Office, Regional Bureau for Science for Asia and Pacific, JI. Galuh II, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12110, Indonesia | A study of two small streams at Akumadan and Tono, Ghana, was undertaken during the rain and dry season periods between February 2005 and January 2006 to investigate the impact of vegetable field runoff on their quality. In each stream we compared the concentration of current-use pesticides in one site immediately upstream of a vegetable field with a second site immediately downstream. Only trace concentrations of endosulfan and chlorpyrifos were detected at both sites in both streams in the dry season. In the wet season, rain-induced runoff transported pesticides into downstream stretches of the streams. Average peak levels in the streams themselves were 0.07 μg L -1 endosulfan, 0-02 μg L-1 chlorpyrifos (the Akumadan stream); 0.04 μg L-1 endosulfan, 0.02 μg L-1 chlorpyrifos (the Tono stream). Respective average pesticide levels associated with streambed sediment were 1.34 and 0.32 μg kg-1 (the Akumadan stream), and 0.92 and 0.84 μg kg-1 (the Tono stream). Further investigations are needed to establish the potential endosulfan and chlorpyrifos effects on aquatic invertebrate and fish in these streams. Meanwhile measures should be undertaken to reduce the input of these chemicals via runoff. Copyright © 2008 by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America. All rights reserved. | None | Animals; Pesticides; Stream flow; Water quality; Chlorpyrifos; Endosulfan; Streambed sediments; Vegetable field runoff; Agricultural runoff; chlorpyrifos; endosulfan; environmental chemical; pesticide; agricultural land; aquatic environment; article; chemical environment; concentration (parameters); crop production; environmental impact; fish; Ghana; invertebrate; nonhuman; rural area; seasonal variation; sediment; stream (river); vegetable; water contamination; water pollution; water quality; Agriculture; Chlorpyrifos; Endosulfan; Environmental Monitoring; Geologic Sediments; Ghana; Insecticides; Rivers; Seasons; Vegetables; Water Movements; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Invertebrata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247632601 | Characterising borehole radio antenna performance using finite-difference time-domain modelling | Vogt D., Marvin A. | 2006 | South African Journal of Geology | 109 | 4 | 10.2113/gssajg.109.4.561 | CSIR, Division of Mining Technology, PO Box 91230, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa; Department of Electronics, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom | Vogt, D., CSIR, Division of Mining Technology, PO Box 91230, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa; Marvin, A., Department of Electronics, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom | Radio Tomography (RT) has proven itself as an imaging tool for base metal orebody delineation. To date, theoretical considerations of the imaging technique and inversion algorithms have concentrated on the propagation of energy from the transmit antenna to the receive antenna, while ignoring the antennas themselves. The Finite-Difference Time-Domain technique for modelling antennas has been extended to efficiently model antennas embedded in arbitrary media such as rock. The model is set up with body-of-rotation symmetry to produce models that have three dimensional accuracy, while only having two dimensional computational cost. Wire dipole antennas are efficiently modelled by the addition of a subcell extension for a thin wire coated with a thin layer of insulation. The extended code is used, both to aid in the design of an improved antenna, and to investigate how the performance of the antenna affects the imaging of RT data in particular circumstances. A completely insulated antenna is preferred because its performance is more independent of the surrounding rock. The numerical model aids in the design of an improved antenna, with the optimum combination of performance features in a physically realizable antenna. If the electronics package is placed at the end of the dipole, the electronics package can be housed in a bare metal pressure casing without significantly affecting antenna performance as a function of rock type. The model also shows how the use of RT can be influenced by the geometry of the system and particularly by the use of conductors to suspend the RT antenna: wire cable support is not recommended until full waveform inversion techniques can take into account the presence of the wire. Antenna arrays appear to be viable, but if antennas without insulation are used, the spacing between the antennas should be at least as great as the length of each antenna. © 2006 December Geological Society of South Africa. | None | accuracy assessment; algorithm; antenna; finite difference method; inverse problem; performance assessment; radio wave; three-dimensional modeling; time domain reflectometry; waveform analysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-46249096316 | Protecting a vulnerable groundwater resource from the impacts of waste disposal: A South African waste governance perspective | Oelofse S.H.H. | 2008 | International Journal of Water Resources Development | 24 | 3 | 10.1080/07900620802127390 | CSIR, Pretoria, South Africa | Oelofse, S.H.H., CSIR, Pretoria, South Africa | The underlying causes of groundwater pollution from waste disposal on land could be related back to fragmented legislation, ineffective policy, enforcement, education, capacity or even skill of landfill operators. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry has the mandate to protect South Africa's water resources, while the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism is responsible for integrated pollution and waste management, including authorization of waste management facilities. Mining waste, on the other hand, fall within the mandate of the Department of Minerals and Energy. Legislation administered by all three departments contains clauses addressing waste management. This paper critically evaluates successes and or failure of the legislation, policies and minimum requirements to protect the South African vulnerable groundwater resources from the impact of waste management practices. | None | Energy conversion; Garnets; Groundwater; Groundwater pollution; Groundwater resources; Hydrogeology; Laws and legislation; Management; Minerals; Pollution; Silicate minerals; Sulfate minerals; Underground reservoirs; Waste disposal; Water conservation; Water management; (R ,s ,S) policy; Department of Minerals and Energy (DME); Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF); Environmental affairs; Landfill operators; mining wastes; South Africa (SA); Underlying causes; waste management facilities; waste management practices; Waste management; environmental legislation; environmental protection; groundwater pollution; groundwater resource; mine waste; vulnerability; waste disposal; water resource; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875979712 | The virtual memory landscape: The impact of information technology on collective memory and commemoration in Southern Africa | Marschall S. | 2013 | Journal of Southern African Studies | 39 | 1 | 10.1080/03057070.2013.763325 | Cultural and Heritage Tourism, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa | Marschall, S., Cultural and Heritage Tourism, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa | The article considers the impact of new digital technologies and the internet on the process of commemorating the past and memorializing the dead in Southern Africa, with some comparative reference to the developed world context. The theoretical framework is inspired by Wulf Kansteiner's contention that collective memory is the result of the interaction between three overlapping elements - the media of memory, the makers and the consumers or users of memory. It is argued that internet-based commemoration represents the third successive and concurrent phase in the culture of collective remembrance in Southern Africa, following pre-colonial indigenous or vernacular memory practices and colonial forms of 'institutionalised' memory sites. Web-based commemoration is represented as a potentially new form of vernacular memory practice which collapses Kansteiner's groups of makers and users of memory. Selected case studies, mostly from South Africa, will be critically examined and their openness as a democratic space for negotiating the memory of the past assessed. The article maintains that new technologies, although currently still in their infancy, are bound to have an increasingly profound influence on commemoration and the formation and transfer of collective memory in Southern Africa. © 2013 The Editorial Board of the Journal of Southern African Studies. | None | advanced technology; culture; Internet; memory; theoretical study; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874060648 | Performance of a rapid self-test for detection of Trichomonas vaginalis in South Africa and Brazil | Jones H.E., Lippman S.A., Caiaffa-Filho H.H., Young T., Van De Wijgert J.H.H.M. | 2013 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 51 | 3 | 10.1128/JCM.01547-12 | CUNY School of Public Health at Hunter College, New York, NY, United States; University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil; Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Acad. Med. Ctr. of the Univ. of Amsterdam and Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom | Jones, H.E., CUNY School of Public Health at Hunter College, New York, NY, United States; Lippman, S.A., University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Caiaffa-Filho, H.H., University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil; Young, T., Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Van De Wijgert, J.H.H.M., Acad. Med. Ctr. of the Univ. of Amsterdam and Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom | Women participating in studies in Brazil (n∇695) and South Africa (n∇230) performed rapid point-of-care tests for Trichomonas vaginalis on self-collected vaginal swabs. Using PCR as the gold standard, rapid self-testing achieved high specificity (99.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 98.2 to 99.6%) and moderate sensitivity (76.7%; 95% CI, 61.4 to 88.2%). These tests may be considered an alternative to syndromic management in resource-poor settings. | None | adolescent; adult; article; Brazil; controlled study; diagnostic test accuracy study; dysuria; female; human; lower abdominal pain; major clinical study; nonhuman; parasite identification; point of care testing; polymerase chain reaction; predictive value; priority journal; rapid test; resource allocation; sensitivity and specificity; South Africa; test strip; Trichomonas vaginalis; vagina discharge; vagina smear; vaginal pruritus; Adolescent; Adult; Brazil; Female; Humans; Parasitology; Point-of-Care Systems; Self-Examination; Sensitivity and Specificity; South Africa; Trichomonas vaginalis; Trichomonas Vaginitis; Young Adult | None |
| WoS | WOS:000312954300012 | Measuring social accountability in health professional education: Development and international pilot testing of an evaluation framework | Buso, David,Larkins, Sarah L.,Lindemann, Iris C.,Matte, Marie C.,Neusy, Andre-Jacques,Palsdottir, Bjorg,Preston, Robyn,Ross, Simone J.,Samson, Rex,Tandinco, Filedito D.,THEnet | 2013 | MEDICAL TEACHER | 35 | 1 | 10.3109/0142159X.2012.731106 | Dalhousie University, Flinders University South Australia, James Cook University, Ateneo de Zamboanga Univ, No Ontario Sch Med, Univ Philippines, Walter Sisulu University of Technology & Science | "Larkins, Sarah L.: James Cook University","Lindemann, Iris C.: Flinders University South Australia", | Background: Health professional schools are responsible for producing graduates with competencies and attitudes to address health inequities and respond to priority health needs. Health professional schools striving towards social accountability founded the Training for Health Equity Network (THEnet).
Aim: This article describes the development of THEnet evaluation framework for socially accountable health professional education, presents the framework to be used as a tool by other schools and discusses the findings of pilot implementation at five schools.
Methods: The framework was designed collaboratively and built on Boelen and Woollard's conceptualization, production and usability model. It includes key components, linked to aspirational statements, indicators and suggested measurement tools. Five schools completed pilot implementation, involving workshops, document/data review and focus group discussions with faculty, students and community members.
Results: Three sections of the framework consider: How does our school work?; What do we do? and What difference do we make? Pilot testing proved that the evaluation framework was acceptable and feasible across contexts and produced findings useful at school level and to compare schools. The framework is designed as a formative exercise to help schools take a critical look at their performance and progress towards social accountability. Initiatives to implement the framework more widely are underway. The framework effectively aids in identifying strengths, weaknesses and gaps, with a view to schools striving for continuous self-improvement.
Conclusion: THEnet evaluation framework is applicable and useful across contexts. It is possible and desirable to assess progress towards social accountability in health professional schools and this is an important step in producing health professionals with knowledge, attitudes, and skills to meet the challenges of priority health needs of underserved populations. | None | None | None |
| None | None | Field Evaluation of the Cepheid GeneXpert Chlamydia trachomatis Assay for Detection of Infection in a Trachoma Endemic Community in Tanzania | Jenson A., Dize L., Mkocha H., Munoz B., Lee J., Gaydos C., Quinn T., West S.K. | 2013 | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 7 | 7 | 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002265 | Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; International Sexually Transmitted Disease Research Laboratory, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Kongwa Trachoma Project, Kongwa, Tanzania; Division of Intramural Research, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States | Jenson, A., Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Dize, L., International Sexually Transmitted Disease Research Laboratory, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Mkocha, H., International Sexually Transmitted Disease Research Laboratory, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States, Kongwa Trachoma Project, Kongwa, Tanzania; Munoz, B., Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Lee, J., Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Gaydos, C., International Sexually Transmitted Disease Research Laboratory, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Quinn, T., Division of Intramural Research, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; West, S.K., Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States | Purpose: To determine the sensitivity, specificity, and field utility of the Cepheid GeneXpert Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) Assay (GeneXpert) for ocular chlamydia infection compared to Roche Amplicor CT assay (Amplicor). Methods: In a trachoma-endemic community in Kongwa Tanzania, 144 children ages 0 to 9 were surveyed to assess clinical trachoma and had two ocular swabs taken. One swab was processed at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, using Amplicor, (Roche Molecular Diagnostics) and the other swab was processed at a field station in Kongwa using the GeneXpert Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhoeae assay (Cepheid). The sensitivity and specificity of GeneXpert was compared to the Amplicor assay. Results: Of the 144 swabs taken the prevalence of follicular trachoma by clinical exam was 43.7%, and by evidence of infection according to Amplicor was 28.5%. A total of 17 specimens (11.8%) could not be processed by GeneXpert in the field due to lack of sample volume, other specimen issues or electricity failure. The sensitivity of GeneXpert when compared to Amplicor was 100% and the specificity was 95%. The GeneXpert test identified more positives in individuals with clinical trachoma than Amplicor, 55% versus 52%. Conclusion: The GeneXpert test for C. trachomatis performed with high sensitivity and specificity and demonstrated excellent promise as a field test for trachoma control. | None | article; child; Chlamydia trachomatis; comparative study; diagnostic test accuracy study; DNA extraction; female; human; infant; major clinical study; male; newborn; polymerase chain reaction; preschool child; prevalence; school child; sensitivity and specificity; Tanzania; trachoma; Bacteriological Techniques; Child; Child, Preschool; Chlamydia trachomatis; Endemic Diseases; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tanzania; Trachoma | None |
| None | None | Impact of Presbyopia on Quality of Life in a Rural African Setting | Patel I., Munoz B., Burke A.G., Kayongoya A., Mchiwa W., Schwarzwalder A.W., West S.K. | 2006 | Ophthalmology | 113 | 5 | 10.1016/j.ophtha.2006.01.028 | Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Kongwa Trachoma Project, Kongwa, Tanzania | Patel, I., Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Munoz, B., Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Burke, A.G., Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Kayongoya, A., Kongwa Trachoma Project, Kongwa, Tanzania; Mchiwa, W., Kongwa Trachoma Project, Kongwa, Tanzania; Schwarzwalder, A.W., Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; West, S.K., Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States | Purpose: To determine the impact of uncorrected presbyopia on quality of life in rural Tanzania. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants: Population-based sample of 1709 village and town-dwelling adults aged 40 and older in the Kongwa district in rural Tanzania. Methods: Subjects underwent distance and near visual acuity testing to determine presbyopia. A near vision-related quality of life questionnaire was administered by trained interviewers to determine the degree of self-rated difficulty with tasks appropriate to life in a rural African setting, and how much near vision loss contributed to this difficulty. Main Outcome Measures: Near vision-related quality of life. Results: Complete data were available for 1564 (92%) of the subjects. The prevalence rate of presbyopia was 62%. The majority of presbyopes (94%) did not have corrective near vision glasses. Compared with nonpresbyopes, being presbyopic increased the odds of reporting some difficulty with near vision tasks by 2-fold (odds ratio [OR], 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.57-2.66), odds of reporting moderate difficulty by 5-fold (OR 5.01; 95% CI: 3.19-7.89), and odds of reporting high difficulty by >8-fold (OR 8.52; 95% CI 3.13-23.10). The degree of presbyopia was associated with increasing difficulty with daily tasks (P<0.0001). Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate that uncorrected presbyopia has a significant impact on vision-related quality of life in a rural African setting. The high prevalence of presbyopia, and increased aging of the population in developing countries, suggests that the World Health Organization's Vision 2020 refraction agenda should place greater emphasis on presbyopia. © 2006 American Academy of Ophthalmology. | None | adult; aged; article; confidence interval; controlled study; data analysis; female; human; major clinical study; male; population research; presbyopia; prevalence; priority journal; quality of life; questionnaire; Tanzania; visual acuity; cross-sectional study; daily life activity; health survey; middle aged; pathophysiology; presbyopia; risk; rural population; spectacles; statistics; Tanzania; vision test; Activities of Daily Living; Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Eyeglasses; Female; Health Status Indicators; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Presbyopia; Prevalence; Quality of Life; Questionnaires; Rural Population; Tanzania; Vision Tests; Visual Acuity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955820304 | The impact of geographic expansion on intended identity of an organisation | Spittal R.D., Abratt R. | 2009 | Journal of General Management | 35 | 3 | None | Dean, School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, Olivet Nazarene University, Illinois, United States; Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University, Florida, United States; Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Spittal, R.D., Dean, School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, Olivet Nazarene University, Illinois, United States; Abratt, R., Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University, Florida, United States, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | As organisations grow and expand past their operational headquarters, individual branches may reflect a different identity than that of the headquarters. The question then is, 'Is senior management able to transcend geographical boundaries and communicate the identity that has shaped their strategy for the organisation?.' The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of geographical expansion on the reflected perceptions of internal stakeholders related to the organisation's intended identity as defined by the senior management. The authors review the literature on identity in relation to image and reputation in order to seek answers to this question. The paper concludes with four propositions that need to be tested empirically in the future. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960928987 | Impact of information computer technology on primary health care services to rural communities in niger delta region of nigeria | Anie S.O. | 2011 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2011 | MAY | None | Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria | Anie, S.O., Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860420828 | The impact of gender on the use of the digital library at the University of Ibadan | Anie S.O. | 2011 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2011 | JULY | None | Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria | Anie, S.O., Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38949167735 | Performance of vernonia as an alternative industrial oil crop in Limpopo Province of South Africa | Shimelis H., Mashela P.W., Hugo A. | 2008 | Crop Science | 48 | 1 | 10.2135/cropsci2007.06.0331 | Dep. of Plant Production, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Dep. of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Univ. of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Shimelis, H., Dep. of Plant Production, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Mashela, P.W., Dep. of Plant Production, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Hugo, A., Dep. of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Univ. of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Vernonia (Vernonia galamensis) is an industrial oil seed crop with potential as a source of natural epoxy fatty acids. Diverse accessions of V. galamensis var. ethiopica were studied at the Limpopo Province in South Africa to determine agronomic performance and to identify suitable germplasm with quantity and quality seed oil content. Thirty-six accessions were subjected to field evaluations using a partially balanced lattice design in 2005 and 2006. Significant differences were observed for days to flowering (88-143 d), plant height (131.6-167.85 cm), number of productive primary head (23-72 head plant-1), number of productive secondary head (12-35 head plant -1), thousand seed weight (1.68-3.63 g), and seed yield (1594.89-3126.09 kg ha-1) between different accessions. Results from oil analysis show significant differences in the contents of seed oil (20.36-35.86%), vernolic acid (70.15-77.92%), linoleic acid (12.05-14.73%), oleic acid (3.72-5.52%), palmitic acid (2.49-3.24%), and stearic acid (1.73-3.28%). Of the five accessions identified as potentially useful, three (Vge-17, Vge-18, and Vge-19) had better seed yield and agronomic performances and two (Vge-4 and Vge-31) increased contents of seed oil and vemolic acid. Accessions Vge-4 and Vge-18 also displayed relatively high oil yield, 966.58 and 801.28 kg ha-1, respectively. The accessions will be used in the strategic improvement of vernonia to maximize seed yield and oil content as an alternative crop in the province and similar environments. © Crop Science Society of America. | None | Vernonia; Vernonia galamensis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944909807 | Impacts of Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E.Br. on the germination, establishment and survival of native plants: A clue for assessing its competitive strength | Novoa A., Gonzalez L. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0107557 | Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencias Do Solo, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain; Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Novoa, A., Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencias Do Solo, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain, Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Gonzalez, L., Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencias Do Solo, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain | Does Carpobrotus edulis have an impact on native plants? How do C. edulis' soil residual effects affect the maintenance of native populations? What is the extent of interspecific competition in its invasion process? In order to answer those questions, we established pure and mixed cultures of native species and C. edulis on soil collected from invaded and native areas of Mediterranean coastal dunes in the Iberian Peninsula. We examined the impact of the invader on the germination, growth and survival of seeds and adult plants of two native plant species (Malcolmia littorea (L.) R.Br, and Scabiosa atropurpurea L.) growing with ramets or seeds of C. edulis. Residual effects of C. edulis on soils affected the germination process and early growth of native plants in different ways, depending on plant species and density. Interspecific competition significantly reduced the germination and early growth of native plants but this result was soil, density, timing and plant species dependent. Also, at any density of adult individuals of C. edulis, established native adult plants were not competitive. Moreover, ramets of C. edulis had a lethal effect on native plants, which died in a short period of time. Even the presence of C. edulis seedlings prevents the recruitment of native species. In conclusion, C. edulis have strong negative impacts on the germination, growth and survival of the native species M. littorea and S. Atropurpurea. These impacts were highly depended on the development stages of native and invasive plants. Our findings are crucial for new strategies of biodiversity conservation in coastal habitats. © 2014 Novoa, Gonzá lez. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. | None | adult; adult plant; conservation biology; developmental stage; germination; habitat; human; human cell; interspecific competition; mixed cell culture; native species; ramet; Scabiosa; seedling; soil; angiosperm; Brassicaceae; environmental protection; introduced species; physiology; plant seed; Southern Europe; soil; Angiosperms; Brassicaceae; Conservation of Natural Resources; Germination; Introduced Species; Mediterranean Region; Seeds; Soil | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886929268 | Vegetation change (1988-2010) in Camdeboo National Park (South Africa), using fixed-point photo monitoring: The role of herbivory and climate | Masubelele M.L., Hoffman M.T., Bond W., Burdett P. | 2013 | Koedoe | 55 | 1 | 10.4102/koedoe.v55i1.1127 | Department Botany, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Camdeboo National Park, Graaff-Reinet, South Africa | Masubelele, M.L., Department Botany, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Hoffman, M.T., Department Botany, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Bond, W., Department Botany, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Burdett, P., Camdeboo National Park, Graaff-Reinet, South Africa | Fixed-point photo monitoring supplemented by animal census data and climate monitoring potential has never been explored as a long-term monitoring tool for studying vegetation change in the arid and semi-arid national parks of South Africa. The long-term (1988-2010), fixed-point monitoring dataset developed for the Camdeboo National Park, therefore, provides an important opportunity to do this. Using a quantitative estimate of the change in vegetation and growth form cover in 1152 fixed-point photographs, as well as series of step-point vegetation surveys at each photo monitoring site, this study documented the extent of vegetation change in the park in response to key climate drivers, such as rainfall, as well as land use drivers such as herbivory by indigenous ungulates. We demonstrated the varied response of vegetation cover within three main growth forms (grasses, dwarf shrubs [< 1 m] and tall shrubs [> 1 m]) in three different vegetation units and landforms (slopes, plains, rivers) within the Camdeboo National Park since 1988. Sites within Albany Thicket and Dwarf Shrublands showed the least change in vegetation cover, whilst Azonal vegetation and Grassy Dwarf Shrublands were more dynamic. Abiotic factors such as drought and flooding, total annual rainfall and rainfall seasonality appeared to have the greatest influence on growth form cover as assessed from the fixed-point photographs. Herbivory appeared not to have had a noticeable impact on the vegetation of the Camdeboo National Park as far as could be determined from the rather coarse approach used in this analysis and herbivore densities remained relatively low over the study duration. Conservation implications: We provided an historical assessment of the pattern of vegetation and climatic trends that can help evaluate many of South African National Parks' biodiversity monitoring programmes, especially relating to habitat change. It will help arid parks in assessing the trajectories of vegetation in response to herbivory, climate and management interventions. © 2013. The Authors. | None | environmental modeling; environmental monitoring; growth response; herbivory; quantitative analysis; shrub; vegetation cover; vegetation dynamics; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-83455217933 | Evaluating food safety training impact on food handlers in the food service industry | Ababio P.F. | 2011 | Food Science and Technology | 25 | 4 | None | Department for Design and Technology Education, University of Education Winneba, Kumasi Campus, P. O. Box 1277, Ghana | Ababio, P.F., Department for Design and Technology Education, University of Education Winneba, Kumasi Campus, P. O. Box 1277, Ghana | Sixty eight personnel in the food service in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, Ghana, with varied educational and job experiences were given training on basic food hygiene. Personnel were divided into 4 groups and each group given 8 hours full day training. Topics for training were broadly on 'Food Hygiene', 'Personal Hygiene', 'An Introduction to National and International Food Legislation and how it affects the food handler', and 'Fitness at work based on International Food Standards'. Most participants had an average awareness in food hygiene; this included an appreciation of what could be considered food hazards, whether food hazards are preventable, those in charge of ensuring food safety, and why food handlers need to keep their food safe for their customers. The standard examination consisted of questions like differences between 'use by' and 'best before' dates, the temperature range considered as the danger zone, the appropriate storage temperatures for storing long and short shelf-life products in the freezer, chilling temperatures and how to handle high risk products. | None | Chilling temperatures; Food hazards; Food hygiene; Food legislation; Food services; Foodservice industry; Personal hygiene; Risk products; Safety training; Shelf life; Storage temperatures; Temperature range; Accident prevention; Food storage; Hazards; Personnel; Personnel training; Food safety | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922069104 | Quantifying quality management system performance in order to improve business performance | Smith R.A., Bester A., Moll M. | 2014 | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering | 25 | 2 | None | Department Industrial and Systems Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | Smith, R.A., Department Industrial and Systems Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa; Bester, A., Department Industrial and Systems Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa; Moll, M., Department Industrial and Systems Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | This study investigates current methods of measuring quality management system (QMS) performance. It introduces a methodology to quantify QMS performance in order to provide a reference point for improved QMS performance and, in turn, the business’s performance. By introducing metadata into historical or current QMS internal audit data, the study shows that it is possible, over time, to extract various levels of value-adding data, ranging from high-level, strategic, direction-oriented insight, to process effectiveness and implementation-level guidance. This is accomplished by a repeatable process of infusing cause and effect theming data and process-consequence severity data into the QMS auditfindings data, and subsequently analysing the additional metadata. © 2014 South African Institute of Industrial Engineering. All rights reserved. | None | Metadata; Business performance; Cause and effects; Internal audit; Process effectiveness; Quality management systems; Reference points; Quality management | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926313018 | Intellectual capital in ugandan service firms as mediator of board governance and firm performance | Nkundabanyanga S.K., Ntayi J.M., Ahiauzu A., Sejjaaka S.K. | 2014 | African Journal of Economic and Management Studies | 5 | 3 | 10.1108/AJEMS-06-2012-0041 | Department of Accounting, Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda; Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda; Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Makerere University Business School, Kampala, | Nkundabanyanga, S.K., Department of Accounting, Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda; Ntayi, J.M., Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda; Ahiauzu, A., Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Sejjaaka, S.K., Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda | Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of intellectual capital on the relationship between board governance and perceived firm financial performance. Design/methodology/approach - This study was cross-sectional. Analyses were by SPSS and Analysis of Moment Structure on a sample of 128 firms. Findings - The mediated model provides support for the hypothesis that intellectual capital mediates the relationship between board governance and perceived firm performance. while the direct relationship between board governance and firm financial performance without the mediation effect of intellectual capital was found to be significant, this relationship becomes insignificant when mediation of intellectual capital is allowed. Thus, the entire effect does not only go through the main hypothesised predictor variable (board governance) but majorly also, through intellectual capital. Accordingly, the connection between board governance and firm financial performance is very much weakened by the presence of intellectual capital in the model - confirming that the presence of intellectual capital significantly acts as a conduit in the association between board governance and firm financial performance. Overall, 36 per cent of the variance in perceived firm performance is explained. the error variance being 64 per cent of perceived firm performance itself. Research limitations/implications - The authors surveyed directors or managers of firms and although the influence of common methods variance was minimal, the non-existence of common methods bias could not be guaranteed. Although the constructs have been defined as precisely as possible by drawing upon relevant literature and theory, the measurements used may not perfectly represent all the dimensions. For example board governance concept (used here as a behavioural concept) is very much in its infancy just as intellectual capital is. Similarly the authors have employed perceived firm financial performance as proxy for firm financial performance. The implication is that the constructs used/developed can realistically only be proxies for an underlying latent phenomenon that itself is not fully measureable. Practical implications - In considering the behavioural constructs of the board, a new integrative framework for board effectiveness is much needed as a starting point, followed by examining intellectual capital in firms whose mediating effect should formally be accounted for in the board governance - financial performance equation. Originality/value - Results add to the conceptual improvement in board governance studies and lend considerable support for the behavioural perspective in the study of boards and their firm performance improvement potential. Using qualitative factors for intellectual capital to predict the perceived firm financial performance, this study offers a unique dimension in understanding the causes of poor financial © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | None | None | None |
| None | None | The impact of demand factors, quality of care and access to facilities on contraceptive use in Tanzania | Arends-Kuenning M., Kessy F.L. | 2007 | Journal of Biosocial Science | 39 | 1 | 10.1017/S0021932005001045 | Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, United States; Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Arends-Kuenning, M., Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, United States; Kessy, F.L., Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | The low contraceptive prevalence rate and the existence of unmet demand for family planning services present a challenge for parties involved in family planning research in Tanzania. The observed situation has been explained by the demand-side variables such as socioeconomic characteristics and cultural values that maintain the demand for large families. A small, but growing body of research is examining the effect of supply-side factors such as quality of care of family planning services on the demand for contraceptives. This paper analyses the demand and supply factors determining contraceptive use in Tanzania using the Tanzania Service Availability Survey (1996) and the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (1996) data sets. The results show that access to family planning services and quality of care of services are important determinants of contraceptive use in Tanzania even after controlling for demand-side factors. © 2005 Cambridge University Press. | None | article; contraception; cultural value; drug utilization; family; family planning; health care access; health care availability; health care facility; health care need; health care quality; health services research; health survey; human; multivariate analysis; prevalence; socioeconomics; Tanzania; adolescent; adult; family planning; female; health care delivery; male; qualitative research; statistical model; utilization review; contraceptive agent; Adolescent; Adult; Contraceptive Agents; Family Planning Services; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Male; Models, Statistical; Qualitative Research; Quality of Health Care; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929991535 | Simulating the Impact of Exogenous Food Price Shock on Agriculture and the Poor in Nigeria: Results from a Computable General Equilibrium Model | Nkang N.M., Omonona B.T., Yusuf S.A., Oni O.A. | 2013 | Economic Analysis and Policy | 43 | 1 | 10.1016/S0313-5926(13)50005-1 | Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Nkang, N.M., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Omonona, B.T., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Yusuf, S.A., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Oni, O.A., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Motivated by the recent global economic crisis, this paper simulated the impact of a rise in the price of imported food on agriculture and household poverty in Nigeria using a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model and the Foster, Greer and Thorbecke (FGT) class of decomposable poverty measures on the 2006 social accounting matrix (SAM) of Nigeria and the updated 2004 Nigeria Living Standards Survey (NLSS) data. Results show that a rise in import price of food increased domestic output of food, but reduced the domestic supply of other agricultural commodities as well as food and other agricultural composites. Furthermore, a rise in the import price of food increased poverty nationally and among all household groups, with rural-north households being the least affected by the shock, while their rural-south counterparts were the most affected. A major policy implication drawn from this paper is that high import prices in import competing sectors like agriculture tend to favour the sector but exacerbate poverty in households. Thus, efforts geared at addressing the impact of this shock should strive to balance welfare and efficiency issues. © 2013 Economic Society of Australia (Queensland) Inc. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880506856 | Evaluating the performance of small scale maize producers in nigeria: An integrated distance function approach | Aye G.C., Mungatana E.D. | 2013 | Review of Urban and Regional Development Studies | 25 | 2 | 10.1111/rurd.12010 | Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Aye, G.C., Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Mungatana, E.D., Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | The study evaluates the performance of small scale maize producers in Nigeria using stochastic input distance function (SIDF) and variable returns to scale data envelopment analysis (VRS DEA). Further, it examines the determinants of technical efficiency using the double-bounded Tobit regression model. Results show that maize farmers are operating below the frontier. Technical efficiency estimates from SIDF and VRS DEA models are 86.7 percent and 85.5 percent, respectively. The efficiency estimates obtained from the two models are positively and significantly correlated. Given the high correlation between the two models in our analysis, and for individual variance and bias reduction, the efficiency scores from these models for each farmer are further combined into a single index using the principal component analysis (PCA) approach. Technical efficiency from the integrated model is 86.2 percent. Our findings show that maize production could still be raised by improving farm efficiency. Age, education, household size, membership of a farmer group, access to credit, and market were found to be statistically significant in explaining technical efficiency, thus emphasizing the need for policy intervention in improving farm efficiency. © The Applied Regional Science Conference (ARSC)/Wiley. | None | crop production; data envelopment analysis; maize; numerical model; principal component analysis; small scale industry; technical efficiency; Nigeria; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955778908 | The impact of the water rights system on smallholder irrigators' willingness to pay for water in Limpopo province, South Africa | Speelman S., Farolfi S., Frija A., D'Haese M., D'Haese L. | 2010 | Environment and Development Economics | 15 | 4 | 10.1017/S1355770X10000161 | Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium; CIRAD, UMR G Eau, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa (CEEPA), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Department of Applied Biological Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium | Speelman, S., Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium; Farolfi, S., CIRAD, UMR G Eau, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa (CEEPA), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Frija, A., Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium; D'Haese, M., Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium; D'Haese, L., Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium, Department of Applied Biological Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium | Water rights are currently receiving increased attention from scholars and policymakers due to the growing understanding that ill-defined water rights impair efficient use. In South Africa, smallholder irrigation faces problems of low water use efficiency and cost recovery of government investments. This study uses contingent ranking to analyse the willingness to pay (WTP) of smallholder irrigators for changes in the water rights system. The results indicate that smallholders are prepared to pay considerably higher water prices if these are connected to improvements in the water rights system. By segmenting the population it was also shown that the importance attached to water rights dimensions varies in each segment. While lower institutional trust and lower income levels lead to a lower WTP for transferability, experiencing water shortage increases this WTP. Such information is valuable in guiding policy makers in the future design of water rights. © 2010 Cambridge University Press. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34248170244 | The national agricultural land development programme in Nigeria: Impact on farm incomes in Oyo and Osun states | Idowu E.O. | 2006 | Land Reform, Land Settlement and Cooperatives | None | 2 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Idowu, E.O., Department of Agricultural Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | The study assesses the impact of the National Agricultural Land Development Programme on farm incomes in the Oyo and Osun states of Nigeria. In each state, 60 farmers, equally distributed between the participating and non-participating, were randomly selected. The study showed that the programme in these two states achieved less than 2 percent of the targets set for land development and placement of participants during the project life of seven years (i.e. 1992-99), and showed a participant turnover of 76 and 79 percent for Oyo and Osun states, respectively. Similarly, net farm incomes by the farmers (ranging from US$164 to US$267) were grossly inadequate to satisfy the needs of the farmers and their families. The article makes some recommendations to improve the performance of similar projects in the future. These include adequate funding, as well as the provision of rural infrastructure and credit to participants. | None | agricultural development; agricultural land; assessment method; income distribution; Africa; Nigeria; Osun; Oyo; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908210702 | Patterns and Impact of Public Expenditure on Agriculture: Empirical Evidence from Benue State, Nigeria | Ani D.P., Biam C.K., Kantiok M. | 2014 | Journal of Agricultural and Food Information | 15 | 4 | 10.1080/10496505.2014.958933 | Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | Ani, D.P., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Biam, C.K., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Kantiok, M., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | This study assessed the budgetary allocation to agriculture in Benue State. Secondary data were collected for 10 years from Annual Reports of the Accountant General, Central Bank of Nigeria statistical publications, and Benue State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (BNARDA). Descriptive statistics and regression were used to analyze the data. The result revealed that the Nigerian Government allocates only 8% of its annual budget to the agricultural sector, with the crop subsector being the most preferred (77.34%). The result of the regression analysis indicated a negative and nonsignificant (−3.3610) contribution to agricultural production. The Government should not only raise the fund allocation to the agricultural sector but devise adequate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure increased productivity. © 2014, Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846489092 | Effects of group design of loan repayment performance of formal farmer groups in Nigeria | Mkpado M., Arene C.J. | 2006 | Journal of Rural Development | 25 | 4 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Mkpado, M., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Arene, C.J., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Poor loan repayment has been a major factor limiting sustainable micro finance programme and projects in Nigeria despite the adoption of group lending techniques which has worked out in many developing economies. The study has documented group design characteristics that positively and negatively affect farm loan repayment. The study was conducted in Imo State of Nigeria. Two micro finance institutions were purposely selected and stratified random sampling was used to select 54 micro credit groups. Results show that micro credit groups are doing well in processing and distributing farm loans and that major positive determinant of loan repayment is fund size. Thus, continued use of micro credit groups and increased fund size for beneficiaries were recommended. | None | agricultural worker; balance of payments; credit provision; financial provision; lending behavior; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-46549085181 | Evaluation of crop yield models for cowpea in Nigeria | Adekalu K.O., Okunade D.A. | 2008 | Irrigation Science | 26 | 5 | 10.1007/s00271-008-0103-6 | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE 1 7RU, United Kingdom | Adekalu, K.O., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Okunade, D.A., School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE 1 7RU, United Kingdom | Three phasic models namely, Hanks (H-2), Stewart (S-2) and the Hall-Butcher (H-B), were evaluated on cowpea irrigated using a line source sprinkler system. Three sets of field data (1983, 1985, and 1986) were collected; the 1985 data were used for calibration while the 1983 and 1986 data were used for evaluation of the models. The model performance that most accurately matched the measured data was then used to simulate the most water-efficient irrigation schedule and deficit irrigation analysis for cowpea in Nigeria. Results showed that the models gave good estimates of cowpea grain yield with the H-2 model performing slightly better than the other two models. The weighted root mean square deviations were 0.043, 0.094, and 0.213 for the H-2, S-2 and the H-B model, respectively. Simulation studies with the H-2 model showed that irrigating at 40% moisture depletion is the most water-efficient schedule for cowpea and that greater yield from a given optimum seasonal water application for deficit irrigation can be achieved by splitting the seasonal deficit among the growth stages. © 2008 Springer-Verlag. | None | Computer simulation; Mathematical models; Moisture; Sprinkler systems (irrigation); Moisture depletion; Water-efficient irrigation; Crops; Computer simulation; Crops; Mathematical models; Moisture; Sprinkler systems (irrigation); calibration; crop yield; developmental stage; irrigation; legume; modeling; performance assessment; spray; yield response; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903945381 | Use of job enrichment technique and human resource management performance, among extension managers in North West Province South Africa | Thafe D.R., Oladele O.I. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 15 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n15p11 | Department of Agricultural Extension, North West University, South Africa | Thafe, D.R., Department of Agricultural Extension, North West University, South Africa; Oladele, O.I., Department of Agricultural Extension, North West University, South Africa | The study examined knowledge and utilization of job enrichment techniques among extension managers in North West Province. The population of the study area is extension managers in the North West Province of South Africa. Thirty (30) Extension Managers were sampled randomly from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development database in the four district municipalities of the Province. Data were collected using questionnaires and analysis was done with statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) using frequency counts, percentages and multiple regressions. The findings show that 70% of extension managers are married and mostly are male (66.7%), 86.7% have 1 to 3 children with 63.4% having 1-3 dependents; 33.3% of the respondents were Diploma holders; 30% were Degree holders, 30% had Honours, 6.7% had MSc; 70% are currently studying for higher degree. The most prominently used information sources were advisory leaflets (100%), most managers were not knowledgeable on removal of power of a subordinate improve job satisfaction(80); while the most prominent job enriching techniques used by extension managers was adjustment of performance target (80%). The results further show that there is a significant relationship between the independent variables and the use of job enrichment techniques with F value of 1.83, p < 0.05, R = 0.717. The result further predicted 52 percent of the variation in use of job enrichment techniques and human resource management performance by extension managers. The significant determinants of use of job enrichment techniques and human resource management performance among extension managers in North West Province are age (t = -2.155, p =.046), tenure in profession (t = 2.202, p =.042) and job designation (t = -2.273, p =.036). | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892539989 | Decision making and job satisfaction as correlates of teachers' job performance in junior secondary schools in Abia state, Nigeria | Uba-Mbibi F.O. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 8 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n8p107 | Department of Agricultural/Home Ec onomics Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria | Uba-Mbibi, F.O., Department of Agricultural/Home Ec onomics Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria | This study specifically sought to determine decision making and job satisfaction as correlates of teachers' job performance in junior secondary schools in Abia state, Nigeria. Two research questions were posed and two hypotheses formulated to guide the investigation, which was carried out ex-post factor, using a descriptive survey design. A sample of 541 junior secondary schools was drawn from a population of 1082 in the 230 junior secondary schools in Abia state. Data were collected using the researcher's self constructed questionnaire from the respondents titled involvement of teachers in decision making and job satisfaction as correlates of teachers' job performance in junior secondary schools (ITDMJSTJPQ). To ensure face validity of the instrument, two experts in Educational Administration and Planning of Abia State College of Education were consulted. There expert comments were used to modify the final copy of the questionnaire used for the study. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, ad mean rating to answer the two research questions posted while the Z-test statistic was used to test the hypotheses formulated. Results indicated that although the teachers were involved in decision making but some decisions reached were not implemented by the school principals. As a result of this, there was lack of job satisfaction and low job performance among junior secondary school teachers in the junior secondary schools. The test of hypothesis one shows that there was no significant difference between teachers' decision making and job performance. Based on the findings, it was recommended that principals should involve and implement teachers' decisions in schools to enhance their job performance for uplifting of educational standard in Nigeria. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349449682 | Hormonal regulation of energy metabolism in insects as a driving force for performance | Lorenz M.W., Gäde G. | 2009 | Integrative and Comparative Biology | 49 | 4 | 10.1093/icb/icp019 | Department of Animal Physiology, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany; Zoology Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, ZA-7700 Rondebosch, South Africa | Lorenz, M.W., Department of Animal Physiology, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany; Gäde, G., Zoology Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, ZA-7700 Rondebosch, South Africa | Since all life processes depend on energy, the endocrine control of energy metabolism is one of the driving forces for the performance of an individual. Here, we review the literature on the key players in the endocrine regulation of energy homeostasis in insects, the adipokinetic hormones. These pleiotropic peptides not only control dynamic performance traits (flight, swimming, walking) but also regulatory performance traits (egg production, larval growth, and molting). Adipokinetic hormone is released into the hemolymph during intense muscular activity (flight) and also during apparently less energy-demanding locomotory activities, such as swimming and even walking, and, finally, activates the catabolic enzymes phosphorylase and/or triacylglycerol lipase that mobilize carbohydrates and/or lipids and proline, respectively. At the same time, anabolic processes such as the synthesis of protein, lipid, and glycogen are inhibited. Furthermore, adipokinetic hormones affect locomotory activity via neuromodulatory mechanisms that apparently employ biogenic amines. During oogenesis, it is thought that adipokinetic hormone performs similar tasks, because energetic substrates have to be mobilized and transported from the fat body to the ovaries in order to support oocyte growth. Inhibition of anabolic processes by exogenous adipokinetic hormone results in females that lay fewer and smaller eggs. Much less is known about the role of adipokinetic hormones during larval development and during molting but in this case energy homeostasis has to be tightly regulated as well: in general, during the early phase of a larval instar intake of food prevails and the energy stores of the fat body are established, whereas, prior to the molt, insects stop feeding and mobilize energy stores in the fat body, thereby fueling energy-demanding processes such as the formation of the new cuticle and the emergence from the old one. From the few data available to date, it is clear that adipokinetic hormones are involved in the regulation of these events in larvae. | None | Hexapoda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942258758 | The appropriateness of preoperative blood testing: A retrospective evaluation and cost analysis | Buley H.E., Bishop D., Rodseth R. | 2015 | South African Medical Journal | 105 | 6 | 10.7196/SAMJ.9318 | Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Perioperative Research Group, Department of Anaesthetics and Critical Care, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Outcomes Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States | Buley, H.E., Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Bishop, D., Perioperative Research Group, Department of Anaesthetics and Critical Care, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Rodseth, R., Perioperative Research Group, Department of Anaesthetics and Critical Care, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Department of Outcomes Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States | Background. Inappropriate preoperative blood testing can negatively contribute to healthcare costs. Objective. To determine the extent and cost implications of inappropriate preoperative blood testing in adult patients booked for orthopaedic, general or trauma surgical procedures at a regional hospital in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa (SA). Methods. We undertook a retrospective observational study using routine clinical data collected from eligible patient charts. The appropriateness of preoperative blood tests was evaluated against locally published guidelines on testing for elective and non-elective surgery. The cost of the relevant blood tests was determined using the National Health Laboratory Service 2014 State Pricing List. Results. A total of 320 eligible patient charts were reviewed over a 4-week period. Preoperative blood testing was performed in 318 patients. There was poor compliance with current departmental guidelines, with an estimated over-expenditure of ZAR81 019. Non-compliance was particularly prevalent in younger patients, patients graded as American Society of Anesthesiologists 1 and 2, and low-risk surgery groups. Conclusion. Inappropriate preoperative blood testing is common in our hospital, particularly in low-risk patients. This is associated with an increase in healthcare costs, and highlights the need for SA doctors to become more cost-conscious in their approach to blood testing practices. © 2015, South African Medical Association. All rights reserved. | None | albumin; C reactive protein; calcium; creatinine; electrolyte; magnesium; phosphate; urea; adult; aged; Article; blood cell count; blood examination; blood gas analysis; comorbidity; cost benefit analysis; erythrocyte sedimentation rate; human; international normalized ratio; liver function test; major clinical study; middle aged; observational study; preoperative evaluation; retrospective study; South Africa; surgical technique | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-61649094018 | Routine delirium monitoring in a UK critical care unit | Page V.J., Navarange S., Gama S., McAuley D.F. | 2009 | Critical Care | 13 | 1 | 10.1186/cc7714 | Department of Anaesthetics, Watford General Hospital, Vicarage Road, Watford WD19 4DZ, United Kingdom; Department of Anaesthetics, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Private Bag X03, Mayville 4038, South Africa; Centre for Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, The Queen's University of Belfast, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BN, United Kingdom | Page, V.J., Department of Anaesthetics, Watford General Hospital, Vicarage Road, Watford WD19 4DZ, United Kingdom; Navarange, S., Department of Anaesthetics, Watford General Hospital, Vicarage Road, Watford WD19 4DZ, United Kingdom; Gama, S., Department of Anaesthetics, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Private Bag X03, Mayville 4038, South Africa; McAuley, D.F., Centre for Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, The Queen's University of Belfast, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BN, United Kingdom | Introduction: Delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Using an assessment tool has been shown to improve the ability of clinicians in the ICU to detect delirium. The confusion assessment method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) is a validated delirium-screening tool for critically ill intubated patients. The aim of this project was to establish the feasibility of routine delirium screening using the CAM-ICU and to identify the incidence of delirium in a UK critical care unit. Methods: Routine CAM-ICU monitoring was implemented in a mixed critical care unit in January 2007 following a two-month educational and promotional campaign. Guidelines for the management of delirium were introduced. During a two-month prospective audit in September and October 2007, the daily CAM-ICU was recorded by the bedside nurse for consecutive level 2 and level 3 patients admitted to the mixed medical/ surgical critical care ward in a district general hospital. This was repeated in January 2008. Patient outcome was recorded. The records of an additional cohort of ventilated patients were reviewed retrospectively to determine compliance with routine CAM-ICU assessments. Results: Seventy-one patients were included in the observational cohort, with 60 patients in the retrospective cohort. In the prospective group it was not possible to assess for delirium with the CAM-ICU in nine patients due to persistent coma or inability to understand simple instructions. Excluding elective post-operative patients, the incidence of delirium was 45% in patients who could be assessed; in the 27 ventilated patients who could be assessed it was 63%. From the retrospective data compliance with the CAM-ICU assessment was 92%. The incidence of delirium in this retrospective group of ventilated patients who could be assessed was 65%. Conclusions: We have demonstrated that delirium screening is feasible in a UK ICU population. The high incidence of delirium and the impact on outcomes in this UK cohort of patients is in line with previous reports. © 2009 Page et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adult; aged; article; artificial ventilation; clinical assessment tool; cohort analysis; confusion assessment method for the ICU; controlled study; critically ill patient; delirium; feasibility study; female; high risk patient; human; incidence; intensive care; major clinical study; male; observational study; outcome assessment; patient monitoring; priority journal; retrospective study; United Kingdom; comparative study; critical illness; delirium; intensive care unit; mass screening; methodology; middle aged; prospective study; psychological aspect; Aged; Cohort Studies; Critical Illness; Delirium; Female; Great Britain; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Male; Mass Screening; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927549192 | Robertson’s century: The reception and impact of an epoch-making grammar of the Greek New Testament | Swart G. | 2014 | HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | 70 | 1 | 10.4102/hts.v70i1.2747 | Department of Ancient Languages, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Swart, G., Department of Ancient Languages, University of Pretoria, South Africa | The author endeavours, firstly, to present a vivid account of the reception that A.T. Robertson’s A grammar of the Greek New Testament in the light of historical research found in scholarly circles when first published (in 1914) and during the ensuing years; secondly, to probe the question whether, during the course of the past century, the renown of both the man and the book has outlasted the scientific value and the actual utilisation of ‘Robertson’ in New Testament commentaries and scholarly publications; and thirdly, to address a few grammatical points stated by Robertson that seem to have gone unchallenged despite major shifts affecting the study of language generally, and New Testament Greek specifically, since the publication of his Grammar. © 2014. The Authors. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-56049123222 | Diet quality, intake and growth performance of South African Mutton Merino sheep on Triticum x Secale and Lolium multiflorum pastures at different grazing pressures | Van Niekerk W.A., Hassen A., Coertze R.J. | 2008 | Tropical Grasslands | 42 | 1 | None | Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Van Niekerk, W.A., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Hassen, A., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Coertze, R.J., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This study was undertaken to determine the influence of 3 grazing pressures [20 (HGP), 33 (MGP) and 50(LGP) g DM/kg LW/d] using South African Mutton Merino wether lambs, on qualitative and quantitative intake of Triticum x Secale cv. Pan266 (triticale) and Lolium multiflorum cv. Midmar (ryegrass) pastures as well as animal performance. Oesophageal samples at the start and end of the grazing period were analysed to determine diet quality in terms of nitrogen (N), ash, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and in vitro digestibility of organic matter (IVDOM) concentrations. Intake and average daily live-weight gain were determined for each group. In both pastures, the ADF concentration was higher, while IVDOM concentration was lower at the end compared with the start of the grazing period. For triticale, HGP resulted in lower dietary N, and higher ash and NDF concentrations than MGP or LGP. The DOMI and ADG of lambs at HGP were lower than those on LGP. For ryegrass, dietary N was lower at HGP than LGP, while the NDF concentration was higher (P<0.05) at HGP or MGP than at LGP. However, ADG at HGP was lower than at LGP or MGP for each species. Intake of both pastures declined during the study. The overall diet quality on ryegrass pasture seems better than on triticale, as reflected in higher (P<0.05) N and lower NDF concentrations. Performance of lambs on ryegrass pasture was higher than on triticale pasture, through. | None | Animalia; Lolium; Lolium multiflorum; Ovis aries; Triticosecale; Triticum aestivum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959837066 | Polyandry is a common event in wild populations of the tsetse fly Glossina fuscipes fuscipes and may impact population reduction measures | Bonomi A., Bassetti F., Gabrieli P., Beadell J., Falchetto M., Scolari F., Gomulski L.M., Regazzini E., Ouma J.O., Caccone A., Okedi L.M., Attardo G.M., Guglielmino C.R., Aksoy S., Malacrida A.R. | 2011 | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 5 | 6 | 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001190 | Department of Animal Biology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Department of Mathematics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Trypanosomiasis Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Kikuyu, Kenya; National Livestock Resources Research Institute, Tororo, Uganda; Division of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States; Department of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy | Bonomi, A., Department of Animal Biology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Bassetti, F., Department of Mathematics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Gabrieli, P., Department of Animal Biology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Beadell, J., Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Falchetto, M., Department of Animal Biology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Scolari, F., Department of Animal Biology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Gomulski, L.M., Department of Animal Biology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Regazzini, E., Department of Mathematics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Ouma, J.O., Trypanosomiasis Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Kikuyu, Kenya; Caccone, A., Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Okedi, L.M., National Livestock Resources Research Institute, Tororo, Uganda; Attardo, G.M., Division of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States; Guglielmino, C.R., Department of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Aksoy, S., Division of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States; Malacrida, A.R., Department of Animal Biology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy | Background: Glossina fuscipes fuscipes is the main vector of human and animal trypanosomiasis in Africa, particularly in Uganda. Attempts to control/eradicate this species using biological methods require knowledge of its reproductive biology. An important aspect is the number of times a female mates in the wild as this influences the effective population size and may constitute a critical factor in determining the success of control methods. To date, polyandry in G.f. fuscipes has not been investigated in the laboratory or in the wild. Interest in assessing the presence of remating in Ugandan populations is driven by the fact that eradication of this species is at the planning stage in this country. Methodology/Principal Findings: Two well established populations, Kabukanga in the West and Buvuma Island in Lake Victoria, were sampled to assess the presence and frequency of female remating. Six informative microsatellite loci were used to estimate the number of matings per female by genotyping sperm preserved in the female spermathecae. The direct count of the minimum number of males that transferred sperm to the spermathecae was compared to Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian probability estimates. The three estimates provided evidence that remating is common in the populations but the frequency is substantially different: 57% in Kabukanga and 33% in Buvuma. Conclusions/Significance: The presence of remating, with females maintaining sperm from different mates, may constitute a critical factor in cases of re-infestation of cleared areas and/or of residual populations. Remating may enhance the reproductive potential of re-invading propagules in terms of their effective population size. We suggest that population age structure may influence remating frequency. Considering the seasonal demographic changes that this fly undergoes during the dry and wet seasons, control programmes based on SIT should release large numbers of sterile males, even in residual surviving target populations, in the dry season. © 2011 Bonomi et al. | None | animal behavior; animal experiment; animal tissue; article; chromosomal localization; controlled study; effective population size; female; genetic variability; genotype; Glossina; glossina fusca; insect control; male; mating system; microsatellite marker; nonhuman; parasite vector; polyandry; population structure; propagule; seasonal population dynamics; seasonal variation; species distribution; sperm preservation; spermatheca; Uganda; wild animal; animal; growth, development and aging; molecular typing; physiology; population dynamics; reproduction; season; sexual behavior; spermatozoon; tsetse fly; microsatellite DNA; Animals; Female; Genotype; Male; Microsatellite Repeats; Molecular Typing; Population Dynamics; Reproduction; Seasons; Sexual Behavior, Animal; Spermatozoa; Tsetse Flies; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869104145 | Rural to Urban Migration Is an Unforeseen Impact of Development Intervention in Ethiopia | Gibson M.A., Gurmu E. | 2012 | PLoS ONE | 7 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0048708 | Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; Center of Population Studies, College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Gibson, M.A., Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; Gurmu, E., Center of Population Studies, College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Rural development initiatives across the developing world are designed to improve community well-being and livelihoods. However they may also have unforeseen consequences, in some cases placing further demands on stretched public services. In this paper we use data from a longitudinal study of five Ethiopian villages to investigate the impact of a recent rural development initiative, installing village-level water taps, on rural to urban migration of young adults. Our previous research has identified that tap stands dramatically reduced child mortality, but were also associated with increased fertility. We demonstrate that the installation of taps is associated with increased rural-urban migration of young adults (15-30 years) over a 15 year period (15.5% migrate out, n = 1912 from 1280 rural households). Young adults with access to this rural development intervention had three times the relative risk of migrating to urban centres compared to those without the development. We also identify that family dynamics, specifically sibling competition for limited household resources (e.g. food, heritable land and marriage opportunities), are key to understanding the timing of out-migration. Birth of a younger sibling doubled the odds of out-migration and starting married life reduced it. Rural out-migration appears to be a response to increasing rural resource scarcity, principally competition for agricultural land. Strategies for livelihood diversification include education and off-farm casual wage-labour. However, jobs and services are limited in urban centres, few migrants send large cash remittances back to their families, and most return to their villages within one year without advanced qualifications. One benefit for returning migrants may be through enhanced social prestige and mate-acquisition on return to rural areas. These findings have wide implications for current understanding of the processes which initiate rural-to-urban migration and transitions to low fertility, as well as for the design and implementation of development intervention across the rural and urban developing world. © 2012 Gibson, Gurmu. | None | adolescent; adult; agricultural land; article; developing country; Ethiopia; family functioning; female; household; human; male; population migration; population movement pattern; risk factor; rural area; rural population; social status; urban area; urban rural difference; urbanization; Adolescent; Adult; Developing Countries; Ethiopia; Family Characteristics; Female; Human Migration; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Population Dynamics; Rural Population; Social Planning; Socioeconomic Factors; Urban Population | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938591460 | Beyond Static Models: An Evaluation of Present Status and Future Prospects for Iron Age Research in Southern Africa | Fredriksen P.D., Chirikure S. | 2015 | Cambridge Archaeological Journal | 25 | 3 | 10.1017/S0959774314001115 | Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1019, Oslo, Norway; Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Fredriksen, P.D., Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1019, Oslo, Norway, Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Chirikure, S., Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | To what extent do we need structuralist cognitive settlement models such as the Central Cattle Pattern and the Zimbabwe Pattern for future research and understanding of Iron Age social life in southern Africa? How will alternative approaches enable us to progress beyond the present status of knowledge? While the three last decades of debate have underpinned key aspects of archaeological inquiry, notably questions of social change, gender dynamics, analytical scale and the use of ethnographic and ethnoarchaeological insights, the sometimes entrenched nature of the debate has in other respects hindered development of new approaches and restrained the range of themes and topics scholars engage with. In this article, we identify the issues of analytical scale and recursiveness as key to the development of future approaches and present an alternative framework through empirically grounded discussion of three central Iron Age themes: ceramics and the microscale, the spatiality of metal production and the temporality of stonewalled architecture. © 2015 The McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746394295 | Evaluation of the integrated application of two types of modified atmosphere packaging and hot water treatments on quality retention in the litchi cultivar 'McLean's Red' | Sivakumar D., Korsten L. | 2006 | Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology | 81 | 4 | None | Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | Sivakumar, D., Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Korsten, L., Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | The efficacy of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), Xtend® (XF) or biorientated polypropylene (BOPP), and hot water dip treatments on quality retention in the litchi cultivar 'McLean's Red' was evaluated as an alternative to SO2-fumigation. Fruits were dipped in hot water at different temperatures and time regimes [50°C x 2 min; 55°C x 1 min; or 60°C x 1 s] and packed in XF or in BOPP. The XF bags were closed with rubber bands, while the BOPP bags were heat-sealed to modify the atmosphere around the fruit. Packed fruits were placed in commercial cardboard cartons and stored at 2°C and 95% RH for 34 d to simulate commercial export conditions. Commercial SO 2-fumigation, and fruit without any hot water dip treatment packed in XF or BOPP were included as controls. Weight loss, firmness, pericarp browning, severity of decay, Hunter colour values, titratable acidity, fruit pH and soluble solids concentrations were determined after storage. Sensory analysis was carried out to determine colour retention of the pericarp and aril, flavour qualities, taste, odour, juiciness and overall consumer acceptability. Fruit packed in BOPP showed reduced weight loss, colour deterioration and decay, and retained excellent eating quality during long-term storage due to the high RH and higher O2 concentrations (17%) around the fruit. Hot water dip treatments at 50°C for 2 min, or at 55°C for 1 min, caused deleterious effects on pericarp colour, surface structure and quality parameters. | None | Litchi chinensis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951744731 | Effect of wet feeding on growth performance of broiler chickens in a hot climate | Dei H.K., Bumbie G.Z. | 2011 | British Poultry Science | 52 | 1 | 10.1080/00071668.2010.540230 | Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University for Development Studies, PO Box TL1882, Tamale, Ghana | Dei, H.K., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University for Development Studies, PO Box TL1882, Tamale, Ghana; Bumbie, G.Z., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University for Development Studies, PO Box TL1882, Tamale, Ghana | 1. The Guinea Savanna in the tropics is characterised by high diurnal temperatures, often beyond the thermo-neutral zone of modern poultry, which imposes heat stress on them. 2. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of partially (12 h wet mash in the day and 12 h dry mash in the night) or wholly (24 h) feeding wet mash on the growth performance of broiler chickens. 3. Three treatments: dry mash (control), wet mash (day) + dry mash (night) and wet mash (day+night) were tested. At 28 d of age, a total of 120 broiler chickens (Hybro, Netherlands) were randomly divided, using a completely randomised design, into 12 groups of 10 birds, each with mean live weight of approximately 800 g/bird. A maize-soybean based grower mash (200 g CP/kg and 12·5 MJ/kg ME) was fed. The wet mash was prepared daily by addition of 1·3 parts of water to 1 part of dry mash and fed from 28 to 56 d of age. The birds were housed in raised-floor pens. Feed and water were given ad libitum and light provided 24 h. Mean daily room temperature was 28-29°C in the morning and 35-41°C in the afternoon. 4. Mean feed intake of birds fed the wet mash (174 g/day) or wet + dry mash (166 g/day) was higher than that of birds fed the dry mash (152 g/day). Mean live weight gain of birds fed the wet mash (64 g/day) or wet + dry mash (64 g/day) was higher than that of birds fed the dry mash (58 g/day). There were no differences in gain/feed ratios (0·38-0·39) of any of the treatments, neither were there any differences between the feeding of wet mash partly or wholly for all variables. 5. It was concluded that wet feeding, particularly during day-time, had the potential to improve growth performance of broiler chickens in a hot climate. © 2011 British Poultry Science Ltd. | None | water; animal; animal food; article; chicken; eating; evaluation; Ghana; growth, development and aging; maize; metabolism; physiological stress; soybean; tropic climate; weight gain; Animal Feed; Animals; Chickens; Eating; Ghana; Soybeans; Stress, Physiological; Tropical Climate; Water; Weight Gain; Zea mays; Aves; Gallus gallus; Glycine max; Zea mays; Aves; Gallus gallus; Glycine max; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919718771 | Growth performance of crossbred naked neck and normal feathered laying hens kept in tropical villages | Adomako K., Olympio O.S., Hagan J.K., Hamidu J.A. | 2014 | British Poultry Science | 55 | 6 | 10.1080/00071668.2014.960805 | Department of Animal Science, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Animal Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | Adomako, K., Department of Animal Science, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana; Olympio, O.S., Department of Animal Science, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana; Hagan, J.K., Department of Animal Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Hamidu, J.A., Department of Animal Science, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana | Abstract: 1. Two experiments were conducted to develop naked neck (Na/na) and normal feathered (na/na) crossbreds and compare their growth performance, linear body measurements and carcass characteristics in the first and second filial generations.2. In the first experiment, 4 indigenous naked neck males (Na/na) were mated to 36 Lohmann commercial females (na/na) in a ratio of 1:9. The two genotypes (Na/na, na/na) were allocated randomly according to batches of hatch, sire lines and sex to three different villages.3. In the second experiment, 10 males and 100 females of F1 Na/na birds were selected and mated inter se in a ratio of 1:10. The three genotypes (Na/Na, Na/na and na/na) were compared in a randomised complete block design experiment, with the three villages, hatch and sex as blocks and the three genotypes as treatments. F1 Na/na birds had significantly higher (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio, body weight, body weight gain, linear body measurements, survivability and carcass yield than their na/na counterparts.4. In the F2 generation, Na/Na and Na/na birds had significantly higher (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio, body weight, body weight gain, linear body measurements, survivability and carcass yield compared to their na/na counterparts.5. The birds showing the naked neck phenotype appeared to show superior performance compared to normal feathered birds and could be exploited for potential utilisation in local poultry production. © 2014, © 2014 British Poultry Science Ltd. | None | Aves; anatomy and histology; animal; animal husbandry; body weight; chicken; feather; female; genetics; Ghana; growth, development and aging; hybridization; male; neck; physiology; tropic climate; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Body Weight; Chickens; Feathers; Female; Ghana; Hybridization, Genetic; Male; Neck; Tropical Climate | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861039633 | Evaluation of nutritional quality of dried cashew nut testa using laboratory rat as a model for pigs | Donkoh A., Attoh-Kotoku V., Osei Kwame R., Gascar R. | 2012 | The Scientific World Journal | 2012 | None | 10.1100/2012/984249 | Department of Animal Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; College of Agriculture and Integrated Development Studies, Cuttington University, Suakoko, Bong County, Liberia | Donkoh, A., Department of Animal Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, College of Agriculture and Integrated Development Studies, Cuttington University, Suakoko, Bong County, Liberia; Attoh-Kotoku, V., Department of Animal Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Osei Kwame, R., Department of Animal Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Gascar, R., Department of Animal Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Dried cashew nut testa (DCNT) was characterized with respect to proximate, mineral, and energy profile. The crude protein, crude fibre, and fat and ash contents were, in gkg-1DM, 190.0, 103.0, 20.1, and 20.2, respectively, with metabolizable energy of 7.12MJkg-1DM. In a feeding trial, isoproteic diets containing DCNT (O, 50, 100, and 150gkg-1) were fed ad libitum to 4 groups of Sprague-Dawley male rats (110g body weight, n=20) for a period of 4 weeks. The rats, used as model for pigs, had free access to water. As the dietary DCNT content was increased from 0 to 150gkg -1, there was a significant (P<0.01) decrease in feed intake (r=-0.99), water intake (r=-0.87), and a reduction in body weight gain (r=-0.93) and efficiency of feed utilization (r=0.78). However, no deaths or health-related problems were recorded during the study. Dietary treatments had no impact on liver, heart, lungs, kidneys, and intestinal weights. Cost per gram feed and feed cost per gram live weight gain were reduced when DCNT was used. The experimental diet containing 50gDCNTkg-1 supported the best growth performance with the lowest feed cost per gram live weight gain of GHc0.18. Seasonal increases in the prices of conventional feedstuffs like maize and fishmeal would make the use of agroindustrial by-products such as DCNT in pig diets even more attractive. © 2012 Armstrong Donkoh et al. | None | animal experiment; animal food; animal tissue; article; cashew nut; controlled study; dietary fiber; dietary intake; experimental rat; fat content; fluid intake; heart weight; intestine; kidney mass; liver weight; lung weight; male; nonhuman; nutritional value; protein content; rat; swine; weight gain; Anacardium; animal; animal food; animal model; body weight; caloric intake; chemistry; dietary fiber; drinking; drug effect; economics; evaluation; maize; nut; nutritional value; plant seed; Sprague Dawley rat; Anacardium occidentale; Rattus; Rattus norvegicus; Suidae; Zea mays; calcium; magnesium; plant extract; vegetable protein; Anacardium; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Body Weight; Calcium; Dietary Fiber; Drinking; Energy Intake; Magnesium; Male; Models, Animal; Nutritive Value; Nuts; Plant Extracts; Plant Proteins; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Seeds; Swine; Weight Gain; Zea mays | None |
| None | None | Postpartum Contraception in Northern Tanzania: Patterns of Use, Relationship to Antenatal Intentions, and Impact of Antenatal Counseling | Keogh S.C., Urassa M., Kumogola Y., Kalongoji S., Kimaro D., Zaba B. | 2015 | Studies in Family Planning | 46 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1728-4465.2015.00040.x | Department of Anthropology, University College London, Gower Street, London, United Kingdom; National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Magu District Council, Tanzania; Mwanza City Council, Tanzania; Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Keogh, S.C., Department of Anthropology, University College London, Gower Street, London, United Kingdom; Urassa, M., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Kumogola, Y., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Kalongoji, S., Magu District Council, Tanzania; Kimaro, D., Mwanza City Council, Tanzania; Zaba, B., Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | In Tanzania, unmet need for contraception is high, particularly in the postpartum period. Contraceptive counseling during routine antenatal HIV testing could reach 97 percent of pregnant women with much-needed information, but requires an understanding of postpartum contraceptive use and its relationship to antenatal intentions. We conducted a baseline survey of reproductive behavior among 5,284 antenatal clients in Northern Tanzania, followed by an intervention offering contraceptive counseling to half the respondents. A follow-up survey at 6-15 months postpartum examined patterns and determinants of postpartum contraceptive use, assessed their correspondence with antenatal intentions, and evaluated the impact of the intervention. Despite high loss to follow-up, our findings indicate that condoms and hormonal methods had particular and distinct roles in the postpartum period, based on understandings of postpartum fertility. Antenatal intentions were poor predictors of postpartum reproductive behavior. Antenatal counseling had an effect on postpartum contraceptive intentions, but not on use. Different antenatal/contraceptive service integration models should be tested to determine how and when antenatal counseling can be most effective. © 2015 The Population Council, Inc. | None | contraceptive use; fertility; health impact; health services; information; reproductive behavior; Tanzania | None |
| None | None | Lethal aggression in Pan is better explained by adaptive strategies than human impacts | Wilson M.L., Boesch C., Fruth B., Furuichi T., Gilby I.C., Hashimoto C., Hobaiter C.L., Hohmann G., Itoh N., Koops K., Lloyd J.N., Matsuzawa T., Mitani J.C., Mjungu D.C., Morgan D., Muller M.N., Mundry R., Nakamura M., Pruetz J., Pusey A.E., Riedel J., Sa | 2014 | Nature | 513 | 7518 | 10.1038/nature13727 | Department of Anthropology, University of Minnesota, 395 Humphrey Center, 301 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, United States; Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, 1987 Upper Buford Circle, St Paul, MN, United States; Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, Leipzig, Germany; Division of Neurobiology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, Germany; Centre for Research and Conservation, Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Belgium; Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, 41-2 Kanrin, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan; Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, 104 Biological Sciences Building, Box 90383, Durham, NC, United States; School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, PO Box 872402, Tempe, AZ, United States; School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St. Andrews, Westburn Lane, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom; Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, 2-24 Tanaka-Sekiden-Cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan; Division of Biological Anthropology, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge, Henry Wellcome Building, Fitzwilliam Street, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Zoology Department, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Japan Monkey Center, 26 Kanrin, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan; Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, 101 West Hall, 1085 S. University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Gombe Stream Research Centre, Jane Goodall Institute - Tanzania, P.O. Box 1182, Kigoma, Tanzania; Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Anthropology, MSC01-1040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Anthropology, Iowa State University, 324 Curtiss, Ames, IA, United States; Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Mailbox 1114, One Brookings Drive, St Louis, MO, United States; University of York, Department of Psychology, Heslington, York, United Kingdom; Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States; Department of Anthropology, Yale University, 10 Sachem Street, New Haven, CT, United States; Université de Neuchâtel, Institut de Biologie, Rue Emile-Argand 11, Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 11 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, United States | Wilson, M.L., Department of Anthropology, University of Minnesota, 395 Humphrey Center, 301 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, United States, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, 1987 Upper Buford Circle, St Paul, MN, United States; Boesch, C., Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, Leipzig, Germany; Fruth, B., Division of Neurobiology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, Germany, Centre for Research and Conservation, Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Belgium; Furuichi, T., Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, 41-2 Kanrin, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan; Gilby, I.C., Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, 104 Biological Sciences Building, Box 90383, Durham, NC, United States, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, PO Box 872402, Tempe, AZ, United States; Hashimoto, C., Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, 41-2 Kanrin, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan; Hobaiter, C.L., School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St. Andrews, Westburn Lane, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom; Hohmann, G., Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, Leipzig, Germany; Itoh, N., Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, 2-24 Tanaka-Sekiden-Cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan; Koops, K., Division of Biological Anthropology, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge, Henry Wellcome Building, Fitzwilliam Street, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Lloyd, J.N., Zoology Department, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Matsuzawa, T., Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, 41-2 Kanrin, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan, Japan Monkey Center, 26 Kanrin, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan; Mitani, J.C., Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, 101 West Hall, 1085 S. University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Mjungu, D.C., Gombe Stream Research Centre, Jane Goodall Institute - Tanzania, P.O. Box 1182, Kigoma, Tanzania; Morgan, D., Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL, United States; Muller, M.N., Department of Anthropology, MSC01-1040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States; Mundry, R., Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, Leipzig, Germany; Nakamura, M., Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, 2-24 Tanaka-Sekiden-Cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan; Pruetz, J., Department of Anthropology, Iowa State University, 324 Curtiss, Ames, IA, United States; Pusey, A.E., Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, 104 Biological Sciences Building, Box 90383, Durham, NC, United States; Riedel, J., Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, Leipzig, Germany; Sanz, C., Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Mailbox 1114, One Brookings Drive, St Louis, MO, United States; Schel, A.M., University of York, Department of Psychology, Heslington, York, United Kingdom; Simmons, N., Zoology Department, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Waller, M., Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States; Watts, D.P., Department of Anthropology, Yale University, 10 Sachem Street, New Haven, CT, United States; White, F., Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States; Wittig, R.M., Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, Leipzig, Germany; Zuberbühler, K., School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St. Andrews, Westburn Lane, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom, Université de Neuchâtel, Institut de Biologie, Rue Emile-Argand 11, Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Wrangham, R.W., Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 11 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, United States | Observations of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (Pan paniscus) provide valuable comparative data for understanding the significance of conspecific killing. Two kinds of hypothesis have been proposed. Lethal violence is sometimes concluded to be the result of adaptive strategies, such that killers ultimately gain fitness benefits by increasing their access to resources such as food or mates. Alternatively, it could be a non-adaptive result of human impacts, such as habitat change or food provisioning. To discriminate between these hypotheses we compiled information from 18 chimpanzee communities and 4 bonobo communities studied over five decades. Our data include 152 killings (n = 58 observed, 41 inferred, and 53 suspected killings) by chimpanzees in 15 communities and one suspected killing by bonobos. We found that males were the most frequent attackers (92% of participants) and victims (73%); most killings (66%) involved intercommunity attacks; and attackers greatly outnumbered their victims (median 8:1 ratio). Variation in killing rates was unrelated to measures of human impacts. Our results are compatible with previously proposed adaptive explanations for killing by chimpanzees, whereas the human impact hypothesis is not supported. ©2014 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved. | None | adaptation; aggression; anthropogenic effect; conspecific; data acquisition; fitness; hominid; hunting; male; resource availability; species conservation; violence; adaptive behavior; aggression; Article; female; fighting; male; nonhuman; Pan paniscus; Pan troglodytes; population density; priority journal; victim; violence; Africa; animal; animal behavior; article; biological model; food; human; human activities; meta analysis; physiology; psychological aspect; sexual behavior; wild animal; Pan; Pan paniscus; Pan troglodytes; Africa; Aggression; Animals; Animals, Wild; Behavior, Animal; Female; Food; Human Activities; Humans; Male; Models, Biological; Pan paniscus; Pan troglodytes; Population Density; Sexual Behavior, Animal | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900009340 | Sulfur/gadolinium-codoped TiOnanoparticles for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance | Agorku E.S., Mamba B.B., Pandey A.C., Mishra A.K. | 2014 | Journal of Nanomaterials | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/289150 | Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, P.O. Box 17011, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa; Nanotechnology and Application Centre, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211002, India | Agorku, E.S., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, P.O. Box 17011, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa; Mamba, B.B., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, P.O. Box 17011, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa; Pandey, A.C., Nanotechnology and Application Centre, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211002, India; Mishra, A.K., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, P.O. Box 17011, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa | A series of S/Gd3+-codoped TiOphotocatalysts were synthesized by a modified sol-gel method. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Laboratory experiments with Indigo Carmine chosen as a model for organic pollutants were used to evaluate the photocatalytic performance of S/Gd3+-codoped TiOunder visible-light with varying concentrations of Gd3+ ions in the host material. XRD and Raman results confirmed the existence of anatase phase TiOwith particle size ranging from 5 to 12 nm. Codoping has exerted a great influence on the optical responses along with red shift in the absorption edge. S/Gd3+-codoped TiOshowed significant visible-light induced photocatalytic activity towards Indigo Carmine dye compared with S-TiOor commercial TiO TiOS/Gd3+ (0.6% Gd3+) degraded the dye (k a = 5.6 × 10-2 min-1) completely in 50 min. © 2014 Eric S. Agorku et al. | None | Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; Scanning electron microscopy; Sol-gel process; Transmission electron microscopy; X ray diffraction; Absorption edges; Indigo carmine dyes; Laboratory experiments; Modified sol-gel method; Optical response; Photocatalytic activities; Photocatalytic performance; UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy; Energy dispersive spectroscopy | NRF, Neurosurgical Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247376503 | Using blended learning to boost motivation and performance in introductory economics modules | van Der Merwe A. | 2007 | South African Journal of Economics | 75 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2007.00109.x | Department of Applied Management, Durban University of Technology, Scottsville, South Africa | van Der Merwe, A., Department of Applied Management, Durban University of Technology, Scottsville, South Africa | This paper explores the potential of online learning, in a local context, to provide academic economics with much of the context it currently lacks and which may be implicated in students' lack of motivation to engage with the discipline. Since weak motivation can be expected to play out in poor performance, the study set out to establish, firstly, whether the online intervention was a motivational experience for students. Secondly, various tests were performed to determine whether - and how strongly - motivation and performance are related. The study concludes that even the weak statistical promise of online learning, as in this particular case, should be embraced given the interest displayed by students in online economics teaching and learning. © 2007 The Author. Journal compilation © 2007 Economic Society of South Africa 2007. | None | academic performance; economics; learning; student; teaching | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894456748 | Impact of magnification and size bias on the weak lensing power spectrum and peak statistics | Liu J., Haiman Z., Hui L., Kratochvil J.M., May M. | 2014 | Physical Review D - Particles, Fields, Gravitation and Cosmology | 89 | 2 | 10.1103/PhysRevD.89.023515 | Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States; Institute for Strings, Cosmology, and Astroparticle Physics (ISCAP), Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States; Department of Physics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States; Department of Physics, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States; Astrophysics and Cosmology Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Physics Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, United States | Liu, J., Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States; Haiman, Z., Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States, Institute for Strings, Cosmology, and Astroparticle Physics (ISCAP), Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States; Hui, L., Institute for Strings, Cosmology, and Astroparticle Physics (ISCAP), Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States, Department of Physics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States; Kratochvil, J.M., Department of Physics, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States, Astrophysics and Cosmology Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, 4000, South Africa; May, M., Physics Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, United States | The weak lensing power spectrum is a powerful tool to probe cosmological parameters. Additionally, lensing peak counts contain cosmological information beyond the power spectrum. Both of these statistics can be affected by the preferential selection of source galaxies in patches of the sky with high magnification, as well as by the dilution in the source galaxy surface density in such regions. If not accounted for, these biases introduce systematic errors for cosmological measurements. Here we quantify these systematic errors, using convergence maps from a suite of ray-tracing N-body simulations. At the cutoff magnitude m of ongoing and planned major weak lensing surveys, the logarithmic slope of the cumulative number counts s≡d log n(>m)/d log m is in the range 0.1â‰sâ‰0.5. At s≈0.2, expected in the I band for Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, the inferred values of Ωm, w, and σ8 are biased by many σ (where σ denotes the marginalized error), and therefore the biases will need to be carefully modeled. We also find that the parameters are biased differently in the (Ωm, w, σ8) parameter space when the power spectrum and the peak counts are used. In particular, w derived from the power spectrum is less affected than w derived from peak counts, while the opposite is true for the best-constrained combination of σ8Ωmγ (with γ=0.62 from the power spectrum and γ=0.48 from peak counts). This suggests that the combination of the power spectrum and peak counts can help mitigate the impact of magnification and size biases. © 2014 American Physical Society. | None | None | AST-1210877, NSF, National Science Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845760922 | Increasing incidence of poverty in Nigeria: An impact assessment of the government's economic reform programme | Ezeoha A.E. | 2005 | Journal of Social Development in Africa | 20 | 2 | None | Department of Banking and Finance, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria | Ezeoha, A.E., Department of Banking and Finance, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria | This paper sets out to examine why it had remained nearly impossible for a country like Nigeria to address the rising incidence of poverty among her citizenry. It also attempts to establish the impact of an apparently total lack of social alignment in government economic reforms and policies. It focuses on trends in the reform programme pursued over the last five years (1999 - 2004) by the present civilian government of Nigeria, and the attendant poverty alleviation strategies adopted. It notes that one of the high points of the manifesto of the Obansajo government in the last five years (May 1999 - 2004) was its commitment to poverty alleviation in the country; and that since its inception, the government had rolled out numerous poverty reduction programmes, and yet at the same time, had developed several economic reform programmes that seemed to have greatly deflected the goals of these same measures. The paper posits that all the efforts of the government, and the resources invested in the poverty alleviation programe over the years seem to have been wasted, as only limited positive results have been recorded. The paper further notes that regrettably, government initiatives designed to mitigate the deleterious effects of the economic reforms have, instead helped to worsen the state of poverty in the country. It recommends that a more realistic strategy to alleviate poverty in Nigeria would be for the government to take full responsibility for ensuring that poor people receive greater attention in their struggle to access affordable and better quality basic services. | None | economic impact; economic reform; poverty alleviation; state role; strategic approach; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58149377947 | Corporate governance and firm performance in Africa: A dynamic panel data analysis | Kyereboah-Coleman A. | 2008 | Journal for Studies in Economics and Econometrics | 32 | 2 | None | Department of Banking and Finance, University of Ghana, Business School, Legon, Ghana; University of Stellenbosch, Business School, Cape Town, South Africa | Kyereboah-Coleman, A., Department of Banking and Finance, University of Ghana, Business School, Legon, Ghana, University of Stellenbosch, Business School, Cape Town, South Africa | The study examined the effect of corporate governance on the performance of firms in Africa by using both market and accounting based performance measures. Unique data from 103 firms drawn from Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya covering the five year period 1997-2001 was used and analysis done within the dynamic panel data framework. Results indicate that the direction and the extent of impact of governance is dependent on the performance measure being examined. Specifically, our findings show that large and independent boards enhance firm value and that combining the positions of CEO and board chair has a negative impact on corporate performance. We also find that CEO's tenure in office enhances a firm's profitability whiles board activity intensity affects profitability negatively. The size of audit committees and the frequency of their meetings have positive influence on market based performance measures and that institutional shareholding enhances market valuation of firms. For enhanced performance of corporate entities, we recommend a clear separation of the positions of CEO and board chair and also to maintain relatively independent audit committees. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904361608 | Depressive symptoms, burnout and the impact of events in non-professional volunteer counselors in Durban, South Africa | Vawda N.B.M. | 2014 | African Journal of Psychiatry (South Africa) | 17 | 2 | 10.4172/1994-8220.SL1000101 | Department of Behavioral Medicine, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 605 Exeter Hall, 24 Sol Harris Crescent, Durban, 4001, South Africa | Vawda, N.B.M., Department of Behavioral Medicine, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 605 Exeter Hall, 24 Sol Harris Crescent, Durban, 4001, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | adult; article; avoidance behavior; Beck Depression Inventory; burnout; clinical article; coping behavior; counseling; depersonalization; depression; emotional stress; female; human; Maslach Burnout Inventory; productivity; psychologic test; psychometry; religion; risk factor; South Africa; violence; voluntary worker; volunteer counselor | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36349013100 | Psychosocial impact of sickle cell disease on mothers of affected children seen at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria | Tunde-Ayinmode M.F. | 2007 | East African Medical Journal | 84 | 9 | None | Department of Behavioural Sciences, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, P.O. Box 693, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | Tunde-Ayinmode, M.F., Department of Behavioural Sciences, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, P.O. Box 693, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | Background: Attention paid to psychological disorders of mothers or families of children suffering from sickle cell disease (SCD) in Nigeria has been inadequate. Objective: To assess the psychosocial impact of SCD on mothers of affected children and two control samples. Design: A cross-sectional controlled study. Setting: University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. Subjects: One hundred mothers of SCD affected children (SCD children) were the study sample while the controls were made of 75 mothers of children with bronchial asthma (asthmatics) and 75 mothers of children with some acute medical illness (AMI). Results: The mothers of children with SCD (SCD mothers) were significantly likely to report burden in the areas of finance, time consumption and hindrance from enjoyment of live and were also more likely to over-protect their children. A total of 28% of SCD mothers were identified as probable cases with psychological problems on SRQ compared to 20% and 25% of mothers of asthmatics and AMI children respectively, this differences were, however, not statistically significant. Conclusion: As a result of the prevalent psychosocial impact of this disease on mothers it is strongly suggested that special consideration in terms of routine psychosocial assessment and treatment be incorporated into the various levels of health care system. There is also the need to encourage the establishment of more social organisations like SCD clubs where affected families can interact and counsel one another. | None | adaptive behavior; adult; article; caregiver; cross-sectional study; female; health survey; human; mother; mother child relation; Nigeria; parent; psychologic test; psychological aspect; questionnaire; sickle cell anemia; socioeconomics; teaching hospital; university hospital; Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Anemia, Sickle Cell; Caregivers; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Surveys; Hospitals, Teaching; Hospitals, University; Humans; Mother-Child Relations; Mothers; Nigeria; Parents; Psychological Tests; Questionnaires; Socioeconomic Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876529124 | Evaluation of the antibacterial and antifungal potential of Peltophorum africanum: Toxicological effect on human Chang liver cell line | Okeleye B.I., Mkwetshana N.T., Ndip R.N. | 2013 | The Scientific World Journal | 2013 | None | 10.1155/2013/878735 | Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 570, South Africa; Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon | Okeleye, B.I., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 570, South Africa; Mkwetshana, N.T., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 570, South Africa; Ndip, R.N., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 570, South Africa, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon | We assessed the in vitro antimicrobial activity of Peltophorum africanum by means of the agar well and macrodilution methods. The toxicity on a normal human liver cell (Chang liver cell) was determined using the CellTiter-Blue cell viability assay, and the compounds contained in the fractions were identified using GC-MS. Zone diameter of inhibition of the extract ranged from 12.5 ± 0.7 to 32 ± 2.8 mm for bacteria and from 7.5 ± 0.7 to 26.4 ± 3.4 mm for yeast. Marked activity of the extract was observed against Plesiomonas shigelloides ATCC 51903, with MIC and MLC values of 0.15625 and 0.3125 mg/mL, respectively. The extract was both bactericidal (MIC index ≤ 2) and bacteriostatic/fungistatic (MIC index > 2) in activity. Lethal dose at 50 (LD50) showed 82.64 ± 1.40 degree of toxicity at 24 hrs, and 95 percentile of cell death dose activity ranged from log 3.12 ± 0.01 to 4.59 ± 0.03. The activity of the eight fractions tested ranged from 1.0 ± 0.5 to 3.7 ± 1.6 mg/mL (IC50) and from 2.1 ± 0.8 to 6.25 ± 0 mg/mL (IC90). The extract was toxic to human Chang liver cell lines. © 2013 Benjamin I. Okeleye et al. | None | Peltophorum africanum extract; plant extract; unclassified drug; antifungal agent; antiinfective agent; plant extract; agar dilution; antibacterial activity; antifungal activity; article; bactericidal activity; cell death; controlled study; drug cytotoxicity; human; human cell; LD 50; liver cell culture; mass fragmentography; medicinal plant; minimum inhibitory concentration; nonhuman; Peltophorum africanum; Plesiomonas shigelloides; bacterial phenomena and functions; Caesalpinia; cell survival; chemistry; drug effect; fungus; liver tumor; pathology; physiology; treatment outcome; tumor cell line; Peltophorum africanum; Plesiomonas shigelloides; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antifungal Agents; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; Caesalpinia; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Fungi; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Plant Extracts; Treatment Outcome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862338892 | Evaluation of the acetone and aqueous extracts of mature stem bark of Sclerocarya birrea for antioxidant and antimicrobial properties | Tanih N.F., Ndip R.N. | 2012 | Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine | 2012 | None | 10.1155/2012/834156 | Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon | Tanih, N.F., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Ndip, R.N., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon | We assayed the antimicrobial activity of acetone and aqueous extracts of the stem bark of Sclerocarya birrea on some selected bacteria and fungi species including; Streptococcus pyogenes, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella typhimurium, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida glabrata, Trichosporon mucoides, and Candida krusei using both agar well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. Based on the levels of activity, the acetone extract was examined for total polyphenolic content, radical scavenging and antioxidant activities. Total phenols of the extract were determined spectrophotometrically. The antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH, ABTS and reducing power. All the bacteria and fungi species were susceptible to the plant extracts. The acetone extract was the most active for the bacterial species with MIC (0.1560.625mg/mL) while the aqueous extract was the most active for the fungi species with MIC (0.31251.25mg/mL). The polyphenolic compounds were found as 27.2mg/g tannic acid equivalent, 25.2mg/g quercetin equivalent, 9.1mg/g quercetin equivalent for phenols, flavonoid and flavonols respectively. The acetone extract exhibited a remarkable ability to scavenge radicals, strong reducing ability and a potential source of natural antioxidants. Both the acetone and aqueous extracts of S. birrea may provide a target for drug discovery. Copyright © 2012 Nicoline F. Tanih and Roland N. Ndip. | None | 1,1 diphenyl 2 picrylhydrazyl; 2,2' azinobis(3 ethylbenzothiazoline 6 sulfonic acid); acetone; amphotericin B; antiinfective agent; antioxidant; ciprofloxacin; flavonoid; flavonol; plant extract; quercetin; scavenger; sclerocarya birrea extract; tannin; unclassified drug; Aeromonas hydrophila; agar diffusion; Anacardiaceae; antimicrobial activity; antioxidant activity; article; bark; Candida glabrata; Candida krusei; controlled study; Cryptococcus neoformans; drug activity; drug screening; drug sensitivity; medicinal plant; minimum inhibitory concentration; nonhuman; plant stem; Plesiomonas shigelloides; priority journal; Salmonella typhimurium; Sclerocarya birrea; spectrophotometry; Streptococcus pyogenes; Trichosporon | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955036016 | Evaluation of the performance of bacillus cereus for assay of tetracyclines in chicken meat | Mwangi W.W., Shitandi A., Ngure R. | 2011 | Journal of Food Safety | 31 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1745-4565.2010.00284.x | Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kenya; Department of Dairy and Food Science and Technology, Egerton University, PO Box 536, Egerton, Kenya | Mwangi, W.W., Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kenya; Shitandi, A., Department of Dairy and Food Science and Technology, Egerton University, PO Box 536, Egerton, Kenya; Ngure, R., Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kenya | In the Kenyan poultry industry, there is lack of affordable and easy-to-perform antibiotic residue screening methods. The aim of this study was to determine the limits of detection (LODs) of oxytetracycline (OTC) and evaluate whether it is reliably detectable at maximum residue limits (MRLs) in poultry tissues. Microbiological detection was achieved by agar well diffusion using Bacillus cereus, three medium pH and two poultry organs. Inhibition zones increased significantly (P<0.001) when OTC was detected at a decreasing pH in both the liver and the kidney. OTC was detected below the MRLs of 600ng/g in the liver and 1,200ng/g in the kidney. However, growth media pH and antibiotic concentration affected the LODs. B. cereus plate at pH 7 can be used effectively for routine screening for OTC residues. The LODs were 131.3ng/mL and 33.4ng/mL, in the liver and the kidney, respectively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | None | Bacillus cereus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-26644440930 | Evaluation of lead and cadmium levels in some commonly consumed vegetables in the Niger-Delta oil area of Nigeria | Eriyamremu G.E., Asagba S.O., Akpoborie I.A., Ojeaburu S.I. | 2005 | Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology | 75 | 2 | 10.1007/s00128-005-0749-1 | Department of Biochemistry, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin-City, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria; Department of Geology, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Delta State, Ni | Eriyamremu, G.E., Department of Biochemistry, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin-City, Nigeria; Asagba, S.O., Department of Biochemistry, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria; Akpoborie, I.A., Department of Geology, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria; Ojeaburu, S.I., Department of Biochemistry, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin-City, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | None | cadmium; lead; rain; article; contamination; human; industrial area; Nigeria; pollutant; pollution; safety; soil; vegetable; Cadmium; Food Contamination; Lead; Nigeria; Vegetables | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-31544462587 | Assessment of heavy-metal profile of the New Calabar River and its impact on juvenile Clarias gariepinus | Wegwu M.O., Akaninwor J.O. | 2006 | Chemistry and Biodiversity | 3 | 1 | 10.1002/cbdv.200690010 | Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Wegwu, M.O., Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Akaninwor, J.O., Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | We have determined the heavy-metal status of the lower reaches of the New Calabar River in the Niger Delta region over a 40-km-long distance, and its impact on the development of catfish (juvenile Clarias gariepinus). The total mean concentrations of dissolved trace metals in the river were 0.01, 0.85, 0.56, 2.08, 0.05, 12.0, and 6.59 mg/l for Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, and Zn, respectively. The accumulated concentration of trace metals in the muscles of different mature fish caught from the river were examined, and the results fell within the action levels adopted in most countries. To evaluate the contributions of trace metals to fisheries depletion, eggs of C. gariepinus were hatched in dilution water spiked with the total mean metal levels determined in the river water. Our results indicate substantive inhibition of egg hatch even at very low concentrations of the majority of the trace metals studied, with mortality rates well above 50% after 216 h of exposure (Table 5). These findings suggest that trace metals (except for Zn), even at very low concentrations, negatively affect fish hatch and fry rearing, implying that aquatic milieus contaminated by trace metals are not suitable as nursery grounds for fish cultures. © 2006 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta. | None | cadmium; chromium; copper; heavy metal; iron; lead; mercury; river water; trace metal; zinc; animal tissue; aquatic environment; article; breeding; catfish; concentration (parameters); controlled study; death; environmental exposure; environmental impact assessment; fishery; geography; hatching; Nigeria; nonhuman; pisciculture; river; tissue distribution; water pollution; Age Factors; Animals; Catfishes; Metals, Heavy; Nigeria; Rivers; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Animalia; Clarias gariepinus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878061027 | Impact of Glucocorticoid Receptor Density on Ligand-Independent Dimerization, Cooperative Ligand-Binding and Basal Priming of Transactivation: A Cell Culture Model | Robertson S., Rohwer J.M., Hapgood J.P., Louw A. | 2013 | PLoS ONE | 8 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0064831 | Department of Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Robertson, S., Department of Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Rohwer, J.M., Department of Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Hapgood, J.P., Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Louw, A., Department of Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) levels vary between tissues and individuals and are altered by physiological and pharmacological effectors. However, the effects and implications of differences in GR concentration have not been fully elucidated. Using three statistically different GR concentrations in transiently transfected COS-1 cells, we demonstrate, using co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP) and fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET), that high levels of wild type GR (wtGR), but not of dimerization deficient GR (GRdim), display ligand-independent dimerization. Whole-cell saturation ligand-binding experiments furthermore establish that positive cooperative ligand-binding, with a concomitant increased ligand-binding affinity, is facilitated by ligand-independent dimerization at high concentrations of wtGR, but not GRdim. The down-stream consequences of ligand-independent dimerization at high concentrations of wtGR, but not GRdim, are shown to include basal priming of the system as witnessed by ligand-independent transactivation of both a GRE-containing promoter-reporter and the endogenous glucocorticoid (GC)-responsive gene, GILZ, as well as ligand-independent loading of GR onto the GILZ promoter. Pursuant to the basal priming of the system, addition of ligand results in a significantly greater modulation of transactivation potency than would be expected solely from the increase in ligand-binding affinity. Thus ligand-independent dimerization of the GR at high concentrations primes the system, through ligand-independent DNA loading and transactivation, which together with positive cooperative ligand-binding increases the potency of GR agonists and shifts the bio-character of partial GR agonists. Clearly GR-levels are a major factor in determining the sensitivity to GCs and a critical factor regulating transcriptional programs. © 2013 Robertson et al. | None | DNA; glucocorticoid receptor; animal cell; article; binding affinity; cell culture; cell strain COS1; dimerization; downstream processing; fluorescence resonance energy transfer; immunoblotting; immunoprecipitation; ligand binding; nonhuman; promoter region; wild type; Animals; Base Sequence; Cercopithecus aethiops; COS Cells; Dimerization; DNA Primers; Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer; Genes, Reporter; Ligands; Models, Biological; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Protein Binding; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Receptors, Glucocorticoid; Transcriptional Activation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054051704 | Cognition and performance: Anxiety, mood and perceived exertion among Ironman triathletes | Parry D., Chinnasamy C., Papadopoulou E., Noakes T., Micklewright D. | 2011 | British Journal of Sports Medicine | 45 | 14 | 10.1136/bjsm.2010.072637 | Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Sports and Exercise Science, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom; Department of Human Biology, UCT/MRC Research Unit for ESSM, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Parry, D., Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Sports and Exercise Science, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom; Chinnasamy, C., Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Sports and Exercise Science, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom; Papadopoulou, E., Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Sports and Exercise Science, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom; Noakes, T., Department of Human Biology, UCT/MRC Research Unit for ESSM, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Micklewright, D., Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Sports and Exercise Science, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom | Objective The authors examined the changing patterns of mood before and after an Ironman triathlon, and the relationships between expected performance outcomes, perception of effort and pacing. Design Twelve participants in the 2008 Ironman Austria triathlon competition were studied before, during and after the event. Each participant completed measures of mood, anxiety and perceived exertion, while pacing was calculated from offi cial race timings at various points on the course. Results Positive correlations were found between distance covered and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during each of the individual disciplines, and also between RPE and the percentage of overall race time completed (r=0.826, p<0.001). A negative correlation was found between average speed and distance covered during the run segment (r=-0.911, p<0.005) with pace gradually declining. Differences occurred in the profi le of mood states mood subscales of tension and fatigue between the baseline, prerace and postrace trials. Somatic anxiety was higher before the race compared with baseline measures. Discussion RPE followed a linear progression of RPE during each discipline followed by a re-setting of the perception of effort at the start of the next discipline. The increase in RPE for the entire event followed a linear increase. The linear decline in run pace is consistent with a recent model in which expected RPE is used to modulate pacing. Anxiety and mood responses of participants in this study indicate that the emotional response of athletes before and after ultra-endurance exercise is closely aligned with their conscious thoughts. | None | adult; affect; analysis of variance; anxiety; article; athlete; athletic performance; Austria; bicycle; cognition; female; human; male; perception; psychological aspect; questionnaire; running; sport; swimming; Adult; Affect; Analysis of Variance; Anxiety; Athletes; Athletic Performance; Austria; Bicycling; Cognition; Female; Humans; Male; Perception; Questionnaires; Running; Sports; Swimming | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84934977706 | Interaction between gallotannin and a recombinant form of arginine kinase of trypanosoma brucei: Thermodynamic and spectrofluorimetric evaluation | Adeyemi O.S., Sulaiman A.F., Iniaghe O.M. | 2014 | Journal of Biophysics | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/675905 | Department of Biological Sciences, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | Adeyemi, O.S., Department of Biological Sciences, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria; Sulaiman, A.F., Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Iniaghe, O.M., Department of Biochemistry, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | Current chemotherapies against trypanosomiasis are beset with diverse challenges, a situation which underscores the numerous research efforts aimed at finding newer and effective treatments. Arginine kinase of trypanosome has been validated as target for drug development against trypanosomiasis. The present study investigated the interaction between a recombinant form of the arginine kinase (rTbAK) of trypanosome and gallotannin. The interaction between gallotannin and recombinant arginine kinase of Trypanosoma brucei caused significant decrease of enzyme activity. Kinetic analysis revealed the interaction to be of noncompetitive inhibition. Further thermodynamic analysis showed that the interaction between gallotannin and the recombinant arginine kinase was nonspontaneous and involved hydrophobic forces. The K sv values and the FRET analysis suggest that static quenching of fluorescence intensity by gallotannin was static. Data revealed inhibitory interactions between gallotannin and rTbAK of trypanosome. Although the mechanism of inhibition is not clear yet, molecular docking studies are ongoing to clearly define the inhibitory interactions between the gallotannin and rTbAK. The knowledge of such binding properties would enrich development of selective inhibitors for the arginine kinase of Trypanosoma brucei. © 2014 O. S. Adeyemi et al. | None | Trypanosoma brucei | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857854110 | Heterospecific egg destruction by Wattled Starlings and the impact on Pied Babbler reproductive success | Ridley A.R., Thompson A.M. | 2011 | Ostrich | 82 | 3 | 10.2989/00306525.2011.618247 | Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, 209 Culloden Road, Marsfield, Sydney, NSW 2122, Australia; DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, The Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Ridley, A.R., Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, 209 Culloden Road, Marsfield, Sydney, NSW 2122, Australia, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, The Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Thompson, A.M., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, The Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | While egg destruction by brood parasites is a relatively well-known phenomenon, such destruction by non-brood-parasitic heterospecifics is less common. Here, we provide the first evidence of egg destruction by Wattled Starlings Creatophora cinerea on Pied Babblers Turdoides bicolor. We find that the incubation success of Pied Babblers decreases significantly following the arrival of Wattled Starlings at the study site, and we provide video evidence of Wattled Starlings destroying Pied Babbler eggs. This behaviour is costly to Pied Babblers, whose current reproductive attempt is abandoned, with subsequent reproductive attempts delayed by several weeks. We found no evidence that egg destruction occurred for nutritional benefit: Wattled Starlings never consumed the eggs they destroyed. Rather, this behaviour appears to represent a form of resource competition, since Wattled Starlings only predate babbler nests in habitats where the starlings also build their nests. © 2011 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | None | Creatophora cinerea; Sturnidae; Timaliidae; Turdoides bicolor | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890111619 | Evaluation of different wastewater treatment processes and development of a modified attached growth bioreactor as a decentralized approach for small communities | Azizi S., Valipour A., Sithebe T. | 2013 | The Scientific World Journal | 2013 | None | 10.1155/2013/156870 | Department of Biological Sciences, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Department of Civil Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyungsan 712-749, South Korea | Azizi, S., Department of Biological Sciences, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Valipour, A., Department of Civil Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyungsan 712-749, South Korea; Sithebe, T., Department of Biological Sciences, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa | This study was undertaken to evaluate the potential future use of three biological processes in order to designate the most desired solution for on-site treatment of wastewater from residential complexes, that is, conventional activated sludge process (CASP), moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR), and packed-bed biofilm reactor (PBBR). Hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 6, 3, and 2 h can be achieved in CASP, MBBR, and PBBR, respectively. The PBBR dealt with a particular arrangement to prevent the restriction of oxygen transfer efficiency into the thick biofilms. The laboratory scale result revealed that the overall reduction of 87% COD, 92% BOD5, 82% TSS, 79% NH3-N, 43% PO4-P, 95% MPN, and 97% TVC at a HRT of 2 h was achieved in PBBR. The microflora present in the system was also estimated through the isolation, identification, and immobilization of the microorganisms with an index of COD elimination. The number of bacterial species examined on the nutrient agar medium was 22 and five bacterial species were documented to degrade the organic pollutants by reducing COD by more than 43%. This study illustrated that the present PBBR with a specific modified internal arrangement could be an ideal practice for promoting sustainable decentralization and therefore providing a low wastage sludge biomass concentration. © 2013 Shohreh Azizi et al. | None | organic matter; oxygen; polypropylene; agar; organic compound; activated sludge; agar medium; article; biochemical oxygen demand; biofilm; biofilm reactor; biomass conversion; bioreactor design; chemical oxygen demand; controlled study; decentralization; hydraulic conductivity; immobilization; microbial community; microbial identification; microflora; modified attached growth bioreactor; moving bed biofilm reactor; oxygen transport; packed bed biofilm reactor; waste water; waste water management; biomass; bioreactor; chemistry; equipment design; isolation and purification; metabolism; methodology; microbial consortium; microbiology; sewage; time; water management; water pollutant; Bacteria (microorganisms); Agar; Biofilms; Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis; Biomass; Bioreactors; Equipment Design; Microbial Consortia; Organic Chemicals; Oxygen; Sewage; Time Factors; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Waste Water; Water Microbiology; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Purification | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907402126 | The impact of cooperative social organization on reducing the prevalence of malaria and intestinal parasite infections in Awramba, a rural community in South Gondar, Ethiopia | Yihenew G., Adamu H., Petros B. | 2014 | Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/378780 | Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Institute of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 42524, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Yihenew, G., Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Adamu, H., Institute of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 42524, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Petros, B., Department of Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Introduction. Parasitic diseases are the major causes of human health problem in Ethiopia. The high prevalence of parasitic infections is closely correlated with poverty, poor environmental hygiene, and impoverished health services. Objective. The study was conducted to assess the impact of health-conscious Awramba cooperative community and its neighboring communities on the prevalence of parasitic infections in South Gondar, Ethiopia. Methods. Single stool specimens were collected from 392 individuals from Awramba and the neighboring communities. Specimens were examined microscopically for the presence of parasites using microscopy. Questionnaire was administered to determine the knowledge attitude and practice (KAP) of study participants. Results. Of the total 392 study participants examined, 58(14.8%) were positive for malaria and 173 (44.1%) for intestinal parasites. The prevalence of malaria in Awramba community (5.1%) was less than that in neighboring communities (24.5%). The prevalence of parasitic infections in Awramba (18.8%) was less than that of the neighboring communities (69.4%). Conclusion. This study showed that good household and environmental hygiene, good toilet construction and usage, and proper utilization of ITN in Awramba cooperative community have significantly contributed to the reduction of the burden of parasitic infections. Thus, the positive achievement in reducing parasitic infections in Awramba cooperative community could be used as a model for affordable health intervention in the neighboring communities, in particular, and the whole country in general. Copyright © 2014 Gebeyehu Yihenew et al. | None | adolescent; Article; Ascaris lumbricoides; attitude; child; Cryptosporidium; Entamoeba histolytica; Enterobius vermicularis; environmental sanitation; Ethiopia; feces; female; Giardia lamblia; health care practice; hookworm; household; human; Hymenolepis nana; intestine parasite; knowledge; major clinical study; malaria; male; parasitosis; prevalence; rural population; Schistosoma mansoni; social structure; Strongyloidea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745484939 | The environmental and social impact of petroleum and natural gas exploitation in Nigeria | Okeagu J.E., Okeagu J.C., Adegoke A.O., Onuoha C.N. | 2006 | Journal of Third World Studies | 23 | 1 | None | Department of Biology, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC, United States; Owerri General Hospital, Imo State, Nigeria; Department of Geography, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC, United States; University of Port Harcourt, River | Okeagu, J.E., Department of Biology, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC, United States; Okeagu, J.C., Owerri General Hospital, Imo State, Nigeria; Adegoke, A.O., Department of Geography, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC, United States; Onuoha, C.N., University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria | The petroleum industry is the most environmentally deleterious enterprise in Nigeria, because of oil spillages, as well as ineffective or careless waste management and gas disposal. Severe environmental degradation has affected the quality of life for most Nigerians, especially those who are located in the Niger Delta. The injustices facing the peoples of the Niger Delta are in many ways the same as those facing all Nigerians after decades of rule by successive military regimes. However in the oil producing regions, the suppression of political activity, the lack of legal redress for damage to the environment, and the resulting loss of livelihood, and the sheer ubiquity of human rights abuses by the region's security forces, have generated greater protest, in turn resulting in greater repression. The first responsibility for resolving the injustices lies with the Nigerian government, whose priority should be to alleviate the social devastation facing all the people of the Niger Delta region. Multinational oil companies operating in Nigeria should also share the responsibility. | None | environmental degradation; environmental impact; human rights; oil industry; social impact; Africa; Niger Delta; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919391587 | The impact of humidity on evaporative cooling in small desert birds exposed to high air temperatures | Gerson A.R., Smith E.K., Smit B., McKechnie A.E., Wolf B.O. | 2014 | Physiological and Biochemical Zoology | 87 | 6 | 10.1086/678956 | Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States; Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; DST/NRF Centre of Excellence at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, South Africa | Gerson, A.R., Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States; Smith, E.K., Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States; Smit, B., Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; McKechnie, A.E., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, South Africa; Wolf, B.O., Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States | Environmental temperatures that exceed body temperature (Tb) force endothermic animals to rely solely on evaporative cooling to dissipate heat. However, evaporative heat dissipation can be drastically reduced by environmental humidity, imposing a thermoregulatory challenge. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of humidity on the thermoregulation of desert birds and to compare the sensitivity of cutaneous and respiratory evaporation to reduced vapor density gradients. Rates of evaporative water loss, metabolic rate, and Tb were measured in birds exposed to humidities ranging from ∼2 to 30 g H2O m−3 (0%-100% relative humidity at 30°C) at air temperatures between 44° and 56°C. In sociable weavers, a species that dissipates heat primarily through panting, rates of evaporative water loss were inhibited by as much as 36% by high humidity at 48°C, and these birds showed a high degree of hyperthermia. At lower temperatures (40°-44°C), evaporative water loss was largely unaffected by humidity in this species. In Namaqua doves, which primarily use cutaneous evaporation, increasing humidity reduced rates of evaporative water loss, but overall rates of water loss were lower than those observed in sociable weavers. Our data suggest that cutaneous evaporation is more efficient than panting, requiring less water to maintain Tb at a given temperature, but panting appears less sensitive to humidity over the air temperature range investigated here. © 2014 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved. | None | air temperature; bird; body temperature; cooling; desert; environmental factor; evaporation; metabolism; relative humidity; thermoregulation; Animalia; Aves; Oena capensis; Philetarius socius; Water; animals; body temperature regulation; Columbidae; Hot Temperature; Humidity; Passeriformes; physiology; South Africa; Water Loss, Insensible; Animals; Body Temperature Regulation; Columbidae; Hot Temperature; Humidity; Passeriformes; South Africa; Water; Water Loss, Insensible | IOS-1122228, NSF, National Science Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80055070300 | Impacts of the cretaceous terrestrial revolution and KPg extinction on mammal diversification | Meredith R.W., Janečka J.E., Gatesy J., Ryder O.A., Fisher C.A., Teeling E.C., Goodbla A., Eizirik E., Simão T.L.L., Stadler T., Rabosky D.L., Honeycutt R.L., Flynn J.J., Ingram C.M., Steiner C., Williams T.L., Robinson T.J., Burk-Herrick A., Westerman M. | 2011 | Science | 334 | 6055 | 10.1126/science.1211028 | Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States; Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research, Escondido, CA 92027, United States; UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Faculdade de Biociências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90619-900, Brazil; Institut für Integrative Biologie, Eidgenössiche Technische Hochschule Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States; Division of Natural Science, Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA 90263, United States; Division of Paleontology, Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024, United States; Richard Glider Graduate School, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024, United States; Department of Computer Science, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Chaffey College, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737, United States; Genetics Department, LaTrobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; Department of Biology, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA 24450, United States | Meredith, R.W., Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States; Janečka, J.E., Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Gatesy, J., Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States; Ryder, O.A., San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research, Escondido, CA 92027, United States; Fisher, C.A., Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Teeling, E.C., UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Goodbla, A., UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Eizirik, E., Faculdade de Biociências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90619-900, Brazil; Simão, T.L.L., Faculdade de Biociências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90619-900, Brazil; Stadler, T., Institut für Integrative Biologie, Eidgenössiche Technische Hochschule Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; Rabosky, D.L., Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States; Honeycutt, R.L., Division of Natural Science, Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA 90263, United States; Flynn, J.J., Division of Paleontology, Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024, United States, Richard Glider Graduate School, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024, United States; Ingram, C.M., Division of Paleontology, Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024, United States; Steiner, C., San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research, Escondido, CA 92027, United States; Williams, T.L., Department of Computer Science, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Robinson, T.J., Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Burk-Herrick, A., Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States, Chaffey College, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737, United States; Westerman, M., Genetics Department, LaTrobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; Ayoub, N.A., Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States, Department of Biology, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA 24450, United States; Springer, M.S., Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States; Murphy, W.J., Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States | Previous analyses of relations, divergence times, and diversification patterns among extant mammalian families have relied on supertree methods and local molecular clocks. We constructed a molecular supermatrix for mammalian families and analyzed these data with likelihood-based methods and relaxed molecular clocks. Phylogenetic analyses resulted in a robust phylogeny with better resolution than phylogenies from supertree methods. Relaxed clock analyses support the long-fuse model of diversification and highlight the importance of including multiple fossil calibrations that are spread across the tree. Molecular time trees and diversification analyses suggest important roles for the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution and Cretaceous-Paleogene (KPg) mass extinction in opening up ecospace that promoted interordinal and intraordinal diversification, respectively. By contrast, diversification analyses provide no support for the hypothesis concerning the delayed rise of present-day mammals during the Eocene Period. | None | calibration; Cretaceous; Eocene; extinction; fossil record; mammal; mass extinction; matrix; molecular analysis; numerical model; paleoenvironment; phylogenetics; phylogeny; resolution; terrestrial environment; article; end Cretaceous mass extinction; mammal; molecular model; nonhuman; phylogenetic tree; phylogeny; priority journal; Mammalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862867593 | Variation in thermal performance among insect populations | Sinclair B.J., Williams C.M., Terblanche J.S. | 2012 | Physiological and Biochemical Zoology | 85 | 6 | 10.1086/665388 | Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada; Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Sinclair, B.J., Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada; Williams, C.M., Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; Terblanche, J.S., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Among-population variation in insect thermal performance is important for understanding patterns and mechanisms of evolution and predicting insect responses to altered climate regimes in future or novel environments. Here we review and discuss several key examples of among-population variation in insect thermal performance, including latitudinal gradients in chill coma recovery time, variation in energy consumption and metabolic biochemistry, rapid changes in thermal biology with range expansion in invasive and introduced species, and potential constraints on variation in thermal performance traits. This review highlights that while there is substantial evidence for among-population variation that is generally correlated with local climate regimes, neither the underlying mechanisms nor the implications for whole-animal fitness in the field are well understood. We also discuss the potential limitations of interpreting evolved variation among populations and argue for a genes-to-environment approach to population-level variation in thermal biology of insects. © 2012 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved. | None | climate change; evolutionary biology; fitness; genotype-environment interaction; insect; invasive species; latitudinal gradient; life history trait; performance assessment; animal; article; climate change; energy metabolism; evolution; genetic variability; genetics; genotype environment interaction; insect; physiology; temperature; Animals; Biological Evolution; Climate Change; Energy Metabolism; Gene-Environment Interaction; Genetic Variation; Insects; Temperature; Animalia; Hexapoda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878302517 | Evaluation of combination effects of ethanolic extract of Ziziphus mucronata Willd. subsp. mucronata Willd. and antibiotics against clinically important bacteria | Olajuyigbe O.O., Afolayan A.J. | 2013 | The Scientific World Journal | 2013 | None | 10.1155/2013/769594 | Department of Botany, Phytomedicine Research Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa | Olajuyigbe, O.O., Department of Botany, Phytomedicine Research Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa; Afolayan, A.J., Department of Botany, Phytomedicine Research Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa | A pragmatic approach to the treatment of infectious diseases with multicausal agents and prevention of the development of resistant isolates is the combination of herbal remedies with the first-line antimicrobial agents to which most of them have become resistant. This study evaluated the interactions between the ethanolic bark extract of Ziziphus mucronata with known antimicrobial agents in vitro. In this study, the results showed that varied zones of inhibitions (ZME - chloramphenicol (17-42 mm), ZME - amoxicillin (17-35 mm), ZME - tetracycline (17-36 mm), ZME - ciprofloxacin (20-41 mm), ZME - nalidixic acid (17-34 mm), and ZME - kanamycin (17-38 mm)) were produced by the antibacterial combinations. At the highest combined concentrations, 12 isolates (ZME - ciprofloxacin) > 10 isolates (ZME - chloramphenicol) = (ZME - kanamycin) > 6 isolates (ZME - amoxicillin) = (ZME - nalidixic acid) and 5 isolates (ZME - tetracycline) were inhibited with zones of inhibition greater than 20 ± 1.0 mm. Although the agar diffusion assay suggested that the interactions between the ethanolic extract of Z. mucronata and the antibiotics were both synergistic and additive in nature, the fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICI) showed that the interactions were synergistic (54.17%), additive (27.78%), indifferent (16.67%), and antagonistic (1.39%). While the fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICIs) for synergism ranged between 0.00391 and 0.5, that of additivity ranged between 0.516 and 1.0, indifferences ranged between 1.062 and 3.0 and antagonistic interaction was 5.0. The synergistic effects implied that the antibacterial combinations would be more effective and useful in the treatment of multicausal and multidrug-resistant bacteria than a single monotherapy of either antibacterial agent. © 2013 Olufunmiso Olusola Olajuyigbe and Anthony Jide Afolayan. | None | amoxicillin; antibiotic agent; antiinfective agent; ciprofloxacin; ethanolic extract; kanamycin; nalidixic acid; plant extract; tetracycline; unclassified drug; Ziziphus mucronata extract; alcohol; antiinfective agent; agar diffusion; article; bacterium; bark; in vitro study; minimum inhibitory concentration; monotherapy; nonhuman; Ziziphus; bacterial phenomena and functions; bark; cell survival; chemistry; drug combination; drug effect; Ziziphus; Ziziphus mucronata; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; Cell Survival; Drug Therapy, Combination; Ethanol; Plant Bark; Plant Extracts; Ziziphus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84956619412 | The impact of prior information on estimates of disease transmissibility using bayesian tools | Moser C.B., Gupta M., Archer B.N., White L.F. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 3 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0118762 | Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa | Moser, C.B., Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Gupta, M., Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Archer, B.N., National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; White, L.F., Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States | The basic reproductive number (R0) and the distribution of the serial interval (SI) are often used to quantify transmission during an infectious disease outbreak. In this paper, we present estimates of R0 and SI from the 2003 SARS outbreak in Hong Kong and Singapore, and the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) outbreak in South Africa using methods that expand upon an existing Bayesian framework. This expanded framework allows for the incorporation of additional information, such as contact tracing or household data, through prior distributions. The results for the R0 and the SI from the influenza outbreak in South Africa were similar regardless of the prior information (R 0 = 1.36 -1.46,μ = 2.0-2.7,μ = mean of the SI). The estimates of R0 and μ for the SARS outbreak ranged from 2.0-4.4 and 7.4-11.3, respectively, and were shown to vary depending on the use of contact tracing data. The impact of the contact tracing data was likely due to the small number of SARS cases relative to the size of the contact tracing sample. © 2015 Moser et al. | None | 2009 H1N1 influenza; Article; basic reproduction number; Bayes theorem; contact examination; disease transmission; epidemic; Hong Kong; household; human; sample size; serial interval; severe acute respiratory syndrome; Singapore; South Africa; statistical model; statistical parameters; Bayes theorem; computer simulation; confidence interval; epidemic; Influenza A virus (H1N1); Influenza, Human; severe acute respiratory syndrome; statistics and numerical data; transmission; virology; Bayes Theorem; Computer Simulation; Confidence Intervals; Contact Tracing; Disease Outbreaks; Hong Kong; Humans; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; Influenza, Human; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome; Singapore; South Africa | NIGMS, National Institute of General Medical Sciences |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-52149108047 | Bacteriological and clinical evaluation of twelve cases of post-surgical sepsis of odontogenic tumours at a referral centre | Egwari L.O., Nwokoye N.N., Obisesan B., Coker A.O., Nwaokorie F.O., Savage K.O. | 2008 | East African Medical Journal | 85 | 6 | None | Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitol | Egwari, L.O., Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Nwokoye, N.N., Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Obisesan, B., Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Coker, A.O., Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Nwaokorie, F.O., Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Savage, K.O., Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Objective: To determine the bacterial aetiology of sepsis occurring following surgery of odontogenic tumours and assess the effect of prompt and proper antibiotic usage. Design: A prospective study. Setting: A tertiary referral centre in Lagos, Nigeria. Subjects: Twelve patients with odontogenic tumours that developed sepsis postoperatively. Eight of the patients were referred from private hospitals, the remaining were in-patients who sought for alternative medical attention following interruption of health care services at the referral centre. Intervention: Adequate review of patient's medical history, bacteriological investigations and antibiotic therapy. Main outcome measures: Bacteriological and clinical cure following antibiotic therapy based on susceptibility test results. Results: Two categories of patients were identified; those who completed the course of antibiotics prescribed post-surgery and patients who failed to conform to antibiotic prescription. Sepsis developed in the non-compliance group much earlier than in the group that complied (p<0.001). Infections were polybacterial with aerobes accounting for 77.4% (α-haemolytic streptococci 29.0%, Streptococcus pyogenes 16.1%, Staphylococcus aureus 16.1%, diphtheroids 9.7%, Klebsiella pneumoniae 6.5%) and anaerobes 22.6% (Porphyromonas gingivalis 9.7%, Peptostreptococcus spp. 6.5%, Prevotella melaninogenica 3.2%, Clostridium perfringens 3.2%). Mixed aerobic and anaerobic aetiology occurred more in osteosarcoma and fibrosarcoma. Clostridium perfringens was isolated from a case of osteosarcoma with necrotic tissues. The anaerobic bacteria were 100% sensitive to metronidazole, ciprofloxacin and augmentin, 65-85% sensitivity to ampicloxacillin, amoxicillin and erythromycin. Over 92% of the streptococci were sensitive to the β-Lactams contrast low susceptibility with S. aureus and K. pneumoniae. Conclusion: Interruption of healthcare service was the sole factor identified in the development of sepsis as the patients could not be monitored to ensure compliance to prescription. | None | antiinfective agent; antibiotic resistance; article; bacterium; drug effect; human; isolation and purification; microbiology; Nigeria; odontogenic tumor; patient compliance; patient referral; postoperative complication; prospective study; sepsis; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Humans; Nigeria; Odontogenic Tumors; Patient Compliance; Postoperative Complications; Prospective Studies; Referral and Consultation; Sepsis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929659246 | Distributon and impact of the alien anemone Sagarta ornata in the West Coast Natonal Park | Robinson T.B., Swart C. | 2015 | Koedoe | 57 | 1 | 10.4102/koedoe.v57i1.1246 | Department of Botany and Zoology, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Robinson, T.B., Department of Botany and Zoology, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Swart, C., Department of Botany and Zoology, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Sagartia ornata is an alien anemone that occurs intertidally within the West Coast National Park (WCNP). Whilst baseline distributional data was gathered in 2001, the range and abundance of this alien has not been reassessed. The present study aimed to determine the current status and distribution of this anemone, to assess its diet so as to establish the role it may play as predator and to investigate its impact on sandy-shore communities. Sagartia ornata was found to be restricted to the WCNP, where it occurred in densities of up to 508 ± 218 individuals per m2. Within the park the distribution of this anemone had changed. Populations were recorded in Nanozostera capensis seagrass beds for the frst time and this alien was absent from two areas in which it had previously occurred. Diet analysis revealed indigenous polychaetes and amphipods as the dominant prey items consumed by S. ornata. This alien was found to signifcantly alter sandy-shore community structure, with differences caused primarily by increases in the abundance and biomass of the tanaid Anatanais gracilis and the polychaete Orbinia angrapequensis. Additionally, invaded areas supported signifcantly greater invertebrate diversity, density and biomass. It is concluded that whilst this anemone negatively affects native biota, its current dependence on restricted habitats precludes widespread impacts with the park. Conservation implications: With regard to conservation implications, this invasion should be routinely monitored outside the WCNP as in its native range S. ornata occurs on rocky shores and kelp holdfasts, suggesting a potential for spread along the west coast of South Africa. © 2015. The Authors. | None | abundance; biological invasion; introduced species; polyp; rocky shore; seagrass; sessile species; spatial distribution; South Africa; West Coast National Park; Western Cape; Amphipoda; Anemone; Invertebrata; Orbinia; Polychaeta; Sagartia ornata; Tanaidae; Zeuxo phytalensis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70449580745 | The impact of the banking industry recapitalization on employment in Nigerian banks | Gunu U. | 2009 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 11 | 3 | None | Department of Business Adminisration, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Gunu, U., Department of Business Adminisration, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Banking Industry recapitalization was intended to improve so many indices in the Banking Industry. Some of the indices are affected were; Shareholders Fund, Total Assets, Number of Branches and Employment. The magnitude of improvement of the current indices and the former indices before recapitalization are not the same. The research sought to discern the nature of change in the indices after recapitalization. The objective of the research is to identify the extent of impact on employment of recapitalized banks shareholders fund, total assets, and number of branches. The research is an explanatory study that establishes causal relationship between employment and indices of recapitalization. The data used were secondary data. Simple percentages and multiple regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that there was reduction in employment in the Banking Industry between 1999 and 2001. There was appreciable increase in employment in the Nigerian banking industry after the consolidation exercise from year 2006 up to 2008. Two Banks have 23.04% of the total shareholders fund in the banking industry. 25% of banks in Nigeria had less 2% of total shareholders fund. 8.33% of banks in Nigeria had less than 1% of total shareholders fund. Other banks shareholders fund are between 2% and 7%. 20.83% of Nigerian banks had less 2% of Total Assets in the banking industry. 8.33% of Nigerian banks had 20.35% of Total Assets. Other banks have between 2% to 8% of Total Assets. Results of multiple regression analysis revealed that shareholders fund, Total Assets and number of domestic branches caused 62.0% of employment in the banking industry. Shareholders fund and Total Assets were not significant variables that have linear relationship with employment in the Banking industry. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-81855206505 | The impact of strategic planning on the performance of nigerian banks | Ilesanmi O.A. | 2011 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 65 | 1 | None | Department of Business Administration, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Ilesanmi, O.A., Department of Business Administration, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | In today's competitive environment, every company has an action plan. Yet, for most managers, the processes used to create those plans don't usually work. Many have been refining their planning processes for ten to twenty years, frequently benchmarking with corporations known to be outstanding planners. Certainly, something must be wrong with the way managers think about planning as many corporate planning processes still generate such discontent. Taking ideas from other companies can be valuable, but it can also mislead and distract. It can prevent managers from focusing on what is unique to their situation. Although planning is not an end to success, but a means to an end, therefore individuals including corporate bodies that fail to plan, have planned to fail. Therefore, an organization is forced to look ahead, setting targets, anticipating problems and focusing on set goals and direction. Organizations, through their management set long-term strategies which are converted into short-term action plans to help achieve its long-term objectives. To this end, the importance of strategic planning and its impact on the overall performance/profitability cannot be over emphasized. © 2011 EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-72649089149 | Post-issue operating performance of firms listing on the JSE | Auret C.J., Britten J.H.C. | 2008 | Investment Analysts Journal | 68 | 1 | None | Department of Business Finance, School of Economics and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa | Auret, C.J., Department of Business Finance, School of Economics and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa; Britten, J.H.C., Department of Business Finance, School of Economics and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-40649106302 | Evaluation competencies of professional and non-professional teachers in Nigeria | Ololube N.P. | 2008 | Studies in Educational Evaluation | 34 | 1 | 10.1016/j.stueduc.2008.01.004 | Department of Business Management, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, NOVENA University, Nigeria | Ololube, N.P., Department of Business Management, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, NOVENA University, Nigeria | Teachers' job responsibility has changed significantly in recent years, and now, more than ever, there are pressing needs for high quality teachers to meet the goals of education for sustainable development, especially in developing countries. This timely study examined the relationship between professional and non-professional teachers' evaluation competencies and its impact on testing complexities and student academic achievement in Nigeria. A simple questionnaire incorporating multiple statistical procedures was fashioned containing a range of questions that elicited information from 300 respondents on their perception of teachers' evaluation competencies. From the findings, it was revealed that professional teachers apply various evaluation techniques more effectively than non-professional teachers. Further, suggestions regarding measures that could help improve the employability of teachers were succinctly discussed. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84951947214 | Institutional proxy voting in South Africa: Process, outcomes and impact | Viviers S., Smit E.Vdm. | 2015 | South African Journal of Business Management | 46 | 4 | None | Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville, South Africa | Viviers, S., Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Smit, E.Vdm., University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville, South Africa | This study investigated the nature of institutional shareholder activism in South Africa with a particular focus on proxy voting as a public form of shareholder discontent. A total of 24 510 votes cast by 17 local investment management companies in 2013 were analysed. Interviews were also conducted with selected investment managers to gain more insight into the proxy voting process at their companies. Based on this data, it was concluded that investment managers preferred to engage with investee companies in private and viewed proxy voting as the last link in the shareholder activism chain. As a result, only 6.6 per cent of all votes were 'against' resolutions tabled by 347 JSE-listed companies in 2013. Resolutions regarding shareholders' endorsement of companies' remuneration policies; the election and re-election of directors, particularly those serving on audit committees; and the issuance of ordinary shares elicited the most opposition. Companies that were excluded from the JSE's Socially Responsible Investment Index in 2013 attracted significantly more opposition than their counterparts who were included in the index when seeking shareholder approval on the election and re-election of directors and the placing of shares under the control of directors. The same applied to companies that had low environmental, social and governance disclosure scores in 2013 as regards the issuance of shares. It is recommended, amongst others, that shareholder activism in South Africa be promoted by enhancing investor education and effecting some regulatory changes. | None | None | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955837057 | The performance of South African shared services | Ramphal R.R. | 2011 | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering | 22 | 1 | None | Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa | Ramphal, R.R., Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa | Many South African companies are adopting the shared services methodology because this structure has led to lower operating costs, greater business efficiency, and improved internal service quality in international companies. Part of a doctoral study on shared services in South African companies shows that their business unit managers have not yet experienced positive rewards from their shared services. This article reports on this study, and suggests a larger-scale research project to validate these findings and to investigate the reasons for the poor performance. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58149387883 | The performance of value stocks and growth stocks: The Hong Kong stock market 1981-2005 | Bo L., Krige J.D. | 2008 | Journal for Studies in Economics and Econometrics | 32 | 1 | None | Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Bo, L., Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Krige, J.D., Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | This study finds that value stocks outperformed growth stocks in the case of the Hong Kong market over the period 1981 to 2005. It also finds that this is the case for the two sub-periods before and after the Asian financial crisis in 1997. Value stocks continued to outperform growth stocks after allowing for the firm size effect. The difference in return between value stocks and growth stocks increased when equally weighted portfolio returns were compared with value-weighted returns. The results were mixed when comparing risk adjusted returns using standard deviation as risk measure. The results of this study are in line with a number of international as well as South African studies. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943275681 | Online-mobile service cross-channel cognitive evaluations in a multichannel context | Nel J., Boshoff C. | 2015 | South African Journal of Business Management | 46 | 3 | None | Department of Business Management, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Nel, J., Department of Business Management, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Boshoff, C., Department of Business Management, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Since the advent of mobile commerce, many firms have added a mobile (m-) service to their existing offline and online services. The adoption of an m-service in a multichannel context is not only influenced by factors directly associated with the m-service, but also by cross-channel cognitive evaluations emanating from other existing channels. These cross-channel evaluations can lead to evaluative synergies and dissynergies that can influence consumer decision-making. To explore empirically the impact of cross-channel synergies and dissynergies between the online service and the m-service offered by the same firm, against the background of expectation-transfer theory and status-quo-bias theory, data were collected from 666 online-service users. Consistent with expectation-transfer theory and status-quo-bias theory, the results of the study demonstrated that cross-channel evaluative synergies and dissynergies do indeed impact salient m-service beliefs. The results suggest that managers can leverage the cross-channel synergies emanating from online trust and ease-of-use beliefs to enhance the adoption of the m-service. The results also suggest that, to enhance wider adoption, the marketing managers of m-services need to mitigate the status-quo-bias effects emanating from online-service facilitating conditions, and lower online-service risk perceptions. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-29644442273 | Heterozygous disruption of SERCA2a is not associated with impairment of cardiac performance in humans: Implications for SERCA2a as a therapeutic target in heart failure | Mayosi B.M., Kardos A., Davies C.H., Gumedze F., Hovnanian A., Burge S., Watkins H. | 2006 | Heart | 92 | 1 | 10.1136/hrt.2004.051037 | Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; INSERM U563, Purpan Hospital, Toulouse, France; Department of Dermatology, Churchill Hospital, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom; Cardiac Clinic, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Cardiology, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR, United States | Mayosi, B.M., Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom, Cardiac Clinic, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Kardos, A., Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom; Davies, C.H., Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom, Department of Cardiology, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Gumedze, F., Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Hovnanian, A., INSERM U563, Purpan Hospital, Toulouse, France; Burge, S., Department of Dermatology, Churchill Hospital, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom; Watkins, H., Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom | Objective: To verify whether a deficiency in the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum pump SERCA2a causes cardiac dysfunction in humans. Design: Cardiac performance was measured in a serendipitous human model of primary SERCA2a deficiency, Darier's disease, an autosomal dominant skin disorder caused by mutations inactivating one copy of the ATP2A2 gene, which encodes SERCA2a. Methods: Systolic and diastolic function and contractility were assessed by echocardiography at rest and during exercise in patients with Darier's disease with known mutations. Fourteen patients with Darier's disease were compared with 14 normal controls and six patients with dilated cardiomyopathy with stable heart failure. Results: Resting systolic and diastolic function was normal in patients with Darier's disease and in controls. The increase in systolic function during exercise was not different between patients with Darier's disease and normal controls; neither was there a difference in contractility. As expected, patients with dilated cardiomyopathy had impaired diastolic and systolic function with depressed contractility at rest and during exercise. Conclusion: Contrary to expectations, heterozygous disruption of SERCA2a is not associated with the impairment of cardiac performance in humans. Attempts to increase SERCA2a levels in heart failure, although showing promise in rodent studies, may not be addressing a critical causal pathway in humans. | None | adenosine triphosphatase (calcium); calcium adenosine triphosphatase 2a; unclassified drug; adult; article; autosomal dominant disorder; congestive cardiomyopathy; controlled study; Darier disease; diastolic blood pressure; disease association; drug targeting; echocardiography; enzyme deficiency; exercise; expectation; female; functional assessment; gene disruption; gene mutation; genetic code; heart failure; heart muscle contractility; heart performance; heterozygote; human; male; priority journal; rest; rodent; sarcoplasmic reticulum; systolic blood pressure; Calcium-Transporting ATPases; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated; Case-Control Studies; Exercise Tolerance; Female; Gene Therapy; Heart Failure, Congestive; Heterozygote; Humans; Keratosis Follicularis; Male; Middle Aged; Mutation; Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33645356204 | Peripheral reductive capacity is associated with cognitive performance and survival in Alzheimer's disease | Minghetti L., Greco A., Puopolo M., Combrinck M., Warden D., Smith A.D. | 2006 | Journal of Neuroinflammation | 3 | None | 10.1186/1742-2094-3-4 | Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Section of Degenerative and Inflammatory Neurological Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; The Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA), Department of Pharmacology, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford Centre for Gene Function, Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, Parks Rd., Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom | Minghetti, L., Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Section of Degenerative and Inflammatory Neurological Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; Greco, A., Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Section of Degenerative and Inflammatory Neurological Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; Puopolo, M., Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Section of Degenerative and Inflammatory Neurological Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; Combrinck, M., Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, The Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA), Department of Pharmacology, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, United Kingdom; Warden, D., The Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA), Department of Pharmacology, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, United Kingdom, Oxford Centre for Gene Function, Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, Parks Rd., Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom; Smith, A.D., The Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA), Department of Pharmacology, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, United Kingdom, Oxford Centre for Gene Function, Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, Parks Rd., Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom | Background: Oxidative stress is believed to be an early event and a key factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis and progression. In spite of an intensive search for surrogate markers to monitor changes related to oxidative stress in the brain, there is as yet no consensus about which markers to use in clinical studies. The measurement of peripheral anti-oxidants is an alternative way of evaluating the involvement of oxidative stress in the course of the disease. Given the complexity of peripheral anti-oxidant defence, variations in the levels of individual anti-oxidant species may not fully reflect the overall capacity to fight oxidant conditions. We therefore chose to evaluate the total reductive capacity (herein defined as anti-oxidant capacity, AOC) in serum from control subjects and AD patients in order to study the association between peripheral antioxidant defence, cognitive impairment and patient survival. Methods: We measured the levels of AOC in serum samples from 26 cognitively normal controls and 25 AD patients (12 post-mortem confirmed) who completed the Cambridge Cognitive Assessment. Cognitive decline was assessed in a subgroup of 19 patients who underwent a second cognitive assessment 2 years after the initial visit. Results: Serum AOC levels were lower in AD patients than in controls and were correlated with their cognitive test scores, although AOC levels were unrelated to cognitive decline assessed two years later. On the other hand, AOC levels were predictive of the length of patients' survival, with higher levels giving longer survival. Conclusion: This study indicates that peripheral anti-oxidant defences are depleted in AD patients. The results suggest that serum AOC is a good index of the general health status and prognosis of patients but does not necessarily reflect the extent to which vulnerable neuronal populations are protected from oxidant processes. Further studies are required to establish whether peripheral AOC measurements may be useful in identifying asymptomatic individuals or those with early symptoms at high risk of developing significant cognitive impairment or dementia. © 2006 Minghetti et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | antioxidant; adult; aged; Alzheimer disease; article; cognitive defect; controlled study; correlation analysis; disease association; disease course; disease marker; female; follow up; health status; high risk patient; human; major clinical study; male; mental performance; mental test; neuroprotection; oxidative stress; pathogenesis; prediction; prognosis; risk assessment; scoring system; serology; survival time | None |
| None | None | Immune system modulation by helminth infections: Potential impact on HIV transmission and disease progression | Chachage M., Geldmacher C. | 2014 | Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology | 828 | None | 10.1007/978-1-4939-1489-0_6 | Department of Cellular Immunology, National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Centre (NIMR-MMRC), Hospital Hill road, Mbeya, Tanzania; Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical center of the University of Munish (LMU), Munich, Germany | Chachage, M., Department of Cellular Immunology, National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Centre (NIMR-MMRC), Hospital Hill road, Mbeya, Tanzania; Geldmacher, C., Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical center of the University of Munish (LMU), Munich, Germany | [No abstract available] | None | albendazole; CD14 antigen; CD38 antigen; chemokine receptor CCR5; immunoglobulin E; interleukin 13; interleukin 17; interleukin 4; interleukin 5; RANTES; soil; Article; ascariasis; Ascaris lumbricoides; CD4 lymphocyte count; CD8+ T lymphocyte; cost effectiveness analysis; cytokine production; cytokine response; disease course; disease predisposition; eosinophilia; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunomodulation; immunostimulation; in vitro study; in vivo study; incidence; infection risk; microbial translocation; microbiological phenomena and functions; nonhuman; pathogenesis; phylogeny; political system; prevalence; priority journal; Schistosoma hematobium; Schistosoma mansoni; schistosomiasis haematobia; schistosomiasis mansoni; sequence analysis; signal transduction; trichuriasis; Trichuris trichiura; virus load; virus replication; virus transmission; animal; bacterial translocation; CD4+ T lymphocyte; helminthiasis; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunology; parasitology; soil; transmission; Vermes; Animals; Bacterial Translocation; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Disease Progression; Disease Susceptibility; Helminthiasis; HIV Infections; Humans; Soil | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922569355 | Impact of internals size and configuration on bubble dynamics in bubble columns for alternative clean fuels production | Kagumba M., Al-Dahhan M.H. | 2015 | Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research | 54 | 4 | 10.1021/ie503490h | Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, 110 Bertelsmeyer Hall, 1101 N. State St., Rolla, MO, United States; Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Technical University of Kenya, Nairobi, City-Square, Kenya | Kagumba, M., Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, 110 Bertelsmeyer Hall, 1101 N. State St., Rolla, MO, United States, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Technical University of Kenya, Nairobi, City-Square, Kenya; Al-Dahhan, M.H., Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, 110 Bertelsmeyer Hall, 1101 N. State St., Rolla, MO, United States | Bubble columns have been used in a wide range of applications in industry including the production of alternative clean fuels via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and liquid phase methanol synthesis, among others. The effects of dense internals encountered in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis with different diameters and covering the same cross-sectional area and hence configuration on bubble properties are lacking in the open literature. Therefore, the focus of this study is to investigate the effects of dense internals with different diameters and covering the same cross-sectional area and hence configuration on the bubble dynamics such as local and overall gas holdup, specific interfacial area, axial bubble velocity, bubble passage frequency, and bubble chord lengths using a four-point fiber optical probe. The experimental work was carried out in a 0.14 m inner diameter Plexiglas bubble column for an air-water system. The superficial gas velocities applied based on both total cross-sectional area and free cross-sectional area available for the flow were in the range 0.03-0.45 m/s covering the bubbly flow regime through the churn turbulent flow regime. The internals used were both Plexiglas rods of 0.5 in. diameter and 1 in. diameter occupying 25% of the column cross-sectional area. The experimental data obtained suggest that 0.5 in. internals gave consistently higher overall and local gas holdup, specific interfacial area, and bubble passage frequency than the 1 in. internals or empty column, particularly at the column center. The effect of the internals diameter was insignificant for the gas holdup, particularly in the churn turbulent flow regime. Lower axial bubble velocity was obtained with the smaller diameter internals. Worth noting is that the insignificant difference in the local gas holdups at the velocity based on free cross-sectional area indicates that it is possible to extrapolate the local gas holdup results obtained from empty bubble columns to those with dense internals, but the effect of dense internals on the other bubble properties still needs to be done in columns equipped with dense internals. © 2015 American Chemical Society. | None | Air; Alternative fuels; Bubbles (in fluids); Fischer-Tropsch synthesis; Fuels; Gases; Methanol fuels; Synthesis gas manufacture; Turbulent flow; Velocity; Bubble velocities; Bubbly flow regime; Churn-turbulent flow regime; Cross sectional area; Fiber optical probes; Methanol synthesis; Specific interfacial area; Superficial gas velocities; Bubble columns | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929897517 | Influence of mixed electrolyte on the performance of Iron-ion/Hydrogen redox flow battery | Watson V., Nguyen D., Effiong E.E., Kalu E.E. | 2015 | ECS Electrochemistry Letters | 4 | 7 | 10.1149/2.0091507eel | Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Florida A and M University, Tallahassee, FL, United States; Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States; Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal Universi | Watson, V., Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Florida A and M University, Tallahassee, FL, United States; Nguyen, D., Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States; Effiong, E.E., Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Kalu, E.E., Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Florida A and M University, Tallahassee, FL, United States | Improved charge/discharge performance of Iron-ion/Hydrogen redox flow battery (RFB) electrolyte with a mixed FeSO<inf>4</inf> and FeCl<inf>2</inf> is reported. Addition of Cl- ions into a sulfate electrolyte changes the charge/discharge behavior of the sulfate electrolyte leading to a reduction in charging potential for a mixed FeSO<inf>4</inf> and FeCl<inf>2</inf> electrolyte system. This suggests that a sulfate/chloride electrolyte system can lead to improved charge/discharge of the Fe-ion/H<inf>2</inf> RFB. Reverse addition of FeSO<inf>4</inf> to FeCl<inf>2</inf> showed a decrease in the mixed electron transfer efficiency (experimental current relative to theoretical) equivalent to a decrease in electrolyte performance. We deduce that 0.8 M FeCl<inf>2</inf> corrosive electrolyte can be replaced by less corrosive mixture of 46 mol % Cl- in 0.8 M FeSO4 to achieve the same performance that can be obtained using an all chloride system. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by ECS. | None | Chlorine compounds; Electric batteries; Electrolytes; Ions; Metal ions; Secondary batteries; Sulfur compounds; Charge/discharge performance; Corrosive electrolytes; Electrolyte systems; Electron-transfer efficiency; Mixed electrolyte; Redox flow batteries; Reverse addition; Sulfate electrolytes; Flow batteries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954596259 | Performance evaluation of AOP/biological hybrid system for treatment of recalcitrant organic compounds | Nkhalambayausi-Chirwa E.M., Makgato S.S. | 2010 | International Journal of Chemical Engineering | None | None | 10.1155/2010/590169 | Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Water Utilization Division, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Nkhalambayausi-Chirwa, E.M., Water Utilization Division, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Makgato, S.S., Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | Process water from nuclear fuel recovery unit operations contains a variety of toxic organic compounds. The use of decontamination reagents such as CCl4 together with phenolic tar results in wastewater with a high content of chlorophenols. In this study, the extent of dehalogenation of toxic aromatic compounds was evaluated using a photolytic advanced oxidation process (AOP) followed by biodegradation in the second stage. A hard-to-degrade toxic pollutant, 4-chlorophenol (4-CP), was used to represent a variety of recalcitrant aromatic pollutants in effluent from the nuclear industry. A UV-assisted AOP/bioreactor system demonstrated a great potential in treatment of nuclear process wastewater and this was indicated by high removal efficiency (>98) under various 4-CP concentrations. Adding hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) as a liquid catalyst further improved biodegradation rate but the effect was limited by the scavenging of OH radicals under high concentrations of H 2O2. Copyright © 2010 S. S. Makgato and E. M. Nkhalambayausi-Chirwa. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-22144479818 | Technical article: A fuzzy-logic-based approach to cleaner production evaluation for surface finishing plants | Telukdarie A., Brouckaert C., Huang Y. | 2005 | Plating and Surface Finishing | 92 | 5 | None | Department of Chemical Engineering, Durban Institute of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States | Telukdarie, A., Department of Chemical Engineering, Durban Institute of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; Brouckaert, C., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Huang, Y., Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States | The evaluation of environmental cleanliness of an electroplating facility, as compared to the best available practice, has been a challenge, particularly in small or mid-sized plants. This is mainly due to the fact that the detailed plant data necessary for evaluation is always difficult to obtain completely and precisely. To alleviate the data-scarce and lack-of-skill related problems in environmental performance evaluation for cleaner production, a fuzzy-logic-based decision analysis approach is introduced in this paper. The attractiveness of the approach is illustrated by the analysis of rinse system management. The approach is general and thus is suitable for any type of environmental cleanliness problems in the electroplating industry. | None | Clean rooms; Decision theory; Evaluation; Fuzzy sets; Metal cleaning; Metal finishing; Plating; Production engineering; Waste management; Waste treatment; Cleaner production evaluation; Electroplating industry; Fuzzy logic based approach; Rinse system management; Surface finishing plants; Electroplating shops | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-73249148055 | Multistage fluidized bed reactor performance characterization for adsorption of carbon dioxide | Roy S., Mohanty C.R., Meikap B.C. | 2009 | Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research | 48 | 23 | 10.1021/ie901133r | Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, 721 302, West Bengal, India; School of Chemical Engineering, Howard College Campus, University of Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN), King George AVenue, Durban 4041, South Africa | Roy, S., Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, 721 302, West Bengal, India; Mohanty, C.R., Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, 721 302, West Bengal, India; Meikap, B.C., Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, 721 302, West Bengal, India, School of Chemical Engineering, Howard College Campus, University of Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN), King George AVenue, Durban 4041, South Africa | Carbon dioxide and its different compounds are generated as primary greenhouse gases from the flue gases of coal-fired thermal power plants, boilers, and other stationary combustion processes. This greenhouse gas causes global warming after being emitted to the environment. To deal with this problem, a new dry scrubbing process was tested in this study. A three-stage countercurrent fluidized bed adsorber was developed, designed, and fabricated. It was used as a removal apparatus and operated in a continuous regime for the two-phase system. The height of each stage was 0.30 m, and the inner diameter was 0.10 m. The paper presents the removal of CO2 from gas mixtures by chemical sorption on porous granular calcium oxide particles in the reactor at ambient temperature. The advantages of a multistage fluidized bed reactor for high mass transfer and high gas-solid contact can enhance the removal of the gas when using a dry method. The effects of the operating parameters such as sorbent, superficial gas velocity, and the Weir height on CO2 removal efficiency in the multistage fluidized bed were investigated. The results indicate that the removal efficiency of the carbon dioxide was around 71% at a high solid flow rate corresponding to lower gas velocity at room temperature. In comparison with wet scrubbers, this dry process appears to have lower cost, less complicated configuration, and simpler disposal of used sorbent. The results in this study assume importance from the perspective of use of a multistage fluidized bed adsorber for control of gaseous pollutants at high temperature. © 2009 American Chemical Society. | None | Adsorbers; Ambient temperatures; Calcium oxide particles; Chemical sorption; Combustion pro-cess; Counter current; Dry process; Dry scrubbing process; Gas velocity; Gas-solid; Gaseous pollutants; High temperature; High-solids; Inner diameters; Lower cost; Multi-stage fluidized bed; Multi-stage fluidized bed reactors; Operating parameters; Removal efficiencies; Room temperature; Superficial gas velocities; Thermal power plants; Two phase systems; Wet scrubbers; Calcium; Carbon dioxide; Carbon dioxide process; Chemical reactors; Coal combustion; Coal fired boilers; Flue gases; Fluid catalytic cracking; Fluidized bed combustion; Fluidized bed furnaces; Fluidized beds; Fog; Gas adsorption; Global warming; Greenhouse gases; Greenhouses; High temperature operations; Metal recovery; Particles (particulate matter); Removal; Scrubbers; Sorption; Thermoelectric power plants; Two phase flow; Fluidization | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052837949 | Influence of coal feed size on the performance of air dense medium fluidized bed separator used for coal beneficiation | Mohanta S., Chakraborty S., Meikap B.C. | 2011 | Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research | 50 | 18 | 10.1021/ie201548r | Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), P.O. Kharagpur Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India; School of Chemical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Faculty of Engineering, King George V. Avenue, Durban, 4041, South Africa | Mohanta, S., Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), P.O. Kharagpur Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India; Chakraborty, S., Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), P.O. Kharagpur Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India; Meikap, B.C., Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), P.O. Kharagpur Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India, School of Chemical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Faculty of Engineering, King George V. Avenue, Durban, 4041, South Africa | In gravity separation operation, the probability of a coal particle to appear in the product stream or in the refuse stream is a strong function of its size. Improper selection of feed size may lead to significant reduction in efficiency of the separation unit. Available literature conforms that the separation efficiency of an air dense medium fluidized bed separator, which is a gravity separation operation, decreases with feed coal size, but determination of appropriate feed size range, for efficient operation of this separator, still remains as a challenge. In this paper, the effect of feed size on the separation performance is investigated and an attempt has been made to quantify the optimum size range over which the separator can operate satisfactorily. The performance of the equipment is evaluated in two steps, namely, sharpness of separation affected by the washing unit and the efficiency of the washing operation. Predictive model equations are also proposed for describing the relation between sharpness of separation and feed size. Four Indian coal samples of different washability characteristics are considered for this investigation. Preliminary results show that the air dense medium fluidized bed separator performance is quite satisfactory for the feed coal within the 50-15 mm size range. © 2011 American Chemical Society. | None | Coal beneficiation; Coal feed; Coal particles; Coal sample; Dense medium; Feed coals; Fluidized-bed separators; Gravity separation; Predictive models; Product streams; Separation efficiency; Separation performance; Separation units; Size ranges; Washability; Washing operation; Chemical contamination; Coal; Coal industry; Efficiency; Fluidization; Fluidized beds; Separators; Washing; Size separation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859145955 | Corresponding states method for evaluation of the solubility parameters of chemical compounds | Gharagheizi F., Eslamimanesh A., Sattari M., Mohammadi A.H., Richon D. | 2012 | Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research | 51 | 9 | 10.1021/ie202633m | Department of Chemical Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran; MINES ParisTech, CEP/TEP, Centre Énergétique et Procédés, 35 Rue Saint Honoré, 77305 Fontainebleau, France; Saman Energy Giti Company, Postal Code 3331619636, Tehran, Iran; Thermodynamics Research Unit, School of Chemical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, King George V Avenue, Durban 4041, South Africa | Gharagheizi, F., Department of Chemical Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran; Eslamimanesh, A., MINES ParisTech, CEP/TEP, Centre Énergétique et Procédés, 35 Rue Saint Honoré, 77305 Fontainebleau, France; Sattari, M., Saman Energy Giti Company, Postal Code 3331619636, Tehran, Iran; Mohammadi, A.H., MINES ParisTech, CEP/TEP, Centre Énergétique et Procédés, 35 Rue Saint Honoré, 77305 Fontainebleau, France, Thermodynamics Research Unit, School of Chemical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, King George V Avenue, Durban 4041, South Africa; Richon, D., MINES ParisTech, CEP/TEP, Centre Énergétique et Procédés, 35 Rue Saint Honoré, 77305 Fontainebleau, France, Thermodynamics Research Unit, School of Chemical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, King George V Avenue, Durban 4041, South Africa | In this study, our objective is to apply the gene expression programming mathematical algorithm to propose a correlation based on the corresponding states method to determine the solubility parameters of 1641 pure compounds (mostly organic ones) at 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. The studied compounds are from the 80 chemical families. The parameters of the method include the critical temperature, critical pressure, molecular weight, and acentric factor. Around 1477 solubility parameter data are randomly selected for developing (training + optimization) the correlation, and about 164 data are used for checking its prediction capability. The obtained statistical parameters, including average absolute relative deviation of the results from the applied data (about 6%), show the accuracy of the proposed method along with its simplicity and wide range of applicability. © 2012 American Chemical Society. | None | Acentric factors; Average absolute relative deviations; Chemical family; Corresponding state; Critical pressures; Critical temperatures; Gene expression programming; Mathematical algorithms; Prediction capability; Pure compounds; Solubility parameters; Statistical parameters; Atmospheric pressure; Chemical compounds; Solubility; Parameter estimation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860473131 | Evaluation of thermal conductivity of gases at atmospheric pressure through a corresponding states method | Gharagheizi F., Eslamimanesh A., Sattari M., Tirandazi B., Mohammadi A.H., Richon D. | 2012 | Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research | 51 | 9 | 10.1021/ie202826p | Department of Chemical Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran; MINES ParisTech., CEP/TEP, Centre Énergétique et Procédés, 35 Rue Saint Honoré, 77305 Fontainebleau, France; Saman Energy Giti Co., 3331619636 Tehran, Iran; Department of Chemical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran; Thermodynamics Research Unit, School of Chemical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, King George V Avenue, Durban 4041, South Africa | Gharagheizi, F., Department of Chemical Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran; Eslamimanesh, A., MINES ParisTech., CEP/TEP, Centre Énergétique et Procédés, 35 Rue Saint Honoré, 77305 Fontainebleau, France; Sattari, M., Saman Energy Giti Co., 3331619636 Tehran, Iran; Tirandazi, B., Department of Chemical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran; Mohammadi, A.H., MINES ParisTech., CEP/TEP, Centre Énergétique et Procédés, 35 Rue Saint Honoré, 77305 Fontainebleau, France, Thermodynamics Research Unit, School of Chemical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, King George V Avenue, Durban 4041, South Africa; Richon, D., MINES ParisTech., CEP/TEP, Centre Énergétique et Procédés, 35 Rue Saint Honoré, 77305 Fontainebleau, France, Thermodynamics Research Unit, School of Chemical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, King George V Avenue, Durban 4041, South Africa | In the present communication, we propose a corresponding states method for calculation/estimation of the vapor thermal conductivity of chemical compounds (mostly organic), applying the gene expression programming (GEP) algorithm. Around 16000 thermal conductivity data of gases at various temperatures from 100 to 1500 K and atmospheric pressure related to about 1600 chemical compounds (mostly organic) are used for development and validation of the method. The quantities used in the corresponding states correlation include temperature, critical pressure, molecular weight, acentric factor, and normal boiling point. More than 14000 thermal conductivity data are randomly selected for developing (training + optimizing) the correlation, and about 1600 data are used for checking its prediction capability. The obtained statistical parameters including average absolute relative deviation of the results from the applied data (about 8%) show acceptable accuracy of the presented method. The most important features of the developed model are its simplicity, its wide range of applicability, and its validity based on the Leverage value test. © 2012 American Chemical Society. | None | Acentric factors; Average absolute relative deviations; Corresponding state; Corresponding-states correlation; Critical pressures; Developed model; Gene expression programming; Normal boiling points; Prediction capability; Statistical parameters; Atmospheric pressure; Chemical compounds; Vapors; Thermal conductivity of gases | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-46949088777 | Formulation and properties' evaluation of PVC/(dioctyl phthalate)/ (epoxidized rubber seed oil) plastigels | Balköse D., Egbuchunam T.O., Okieimen F.E. | 2008 | Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology | 14 | 2 | 10.1002/vnl.20142 | Department of Chemical Engineering, Izmir Institute of Technology, Gulbahcekoyu, Urla-lzmir, Turkey; Department of Chemistry, College of Education, Warri, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Centre for Biomaterials Research, University of Benin, Benin City, | Balköse, D., Department of Chemical Engineering, Izmir Institute of Technology, Gulbahcekoyu, Urla-lzmir, Turkey; Egbuchunam, T.O., Department of Chemistry, College of Education, Warri, Nigeria; Okieimen, F.E., Department of Chemistry, Centre for Biomaterials Research, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Epoxidized rubber seed oil (4.5% oxirane content, ERSO) was prepared by treating the oil with peracetic acid generated in situ by reacting glacial acetic acid with hydrogen peroxide. The thermal behavior of the ERSO was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The effect of the epoxidized oil on the thermal stability of poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) plastigels, formulated to contain dioctyl phthalate (DOP) plasticizer and various amounts of the epoxidized oil, was evaluated by using discoloration indices of the polymer samples degraded at 1600C for 30 min and thermogravimetry at a constant heating rate of 10°C/min up to 600°C. The thermal behavior of the ERSO was characterized by endothermic peaks at about 150°C, which were attributed to the formation of network structures via epoxide groups, and at temperatures above 300°C, which were due to the decomposition of the material. Up to 50% of the DOP plasticizer in the PVC plastisol formulation could be substituted by ERSO without a marked deleterious effect on the consistency of the plastigel formed. In the presence of the epoxidized oil, PVC plastigel samples showed a marked reduction in discoloration and the number of conjugated double bonds, as well as high temperatures for the attainment of specific extents of degradation. These results showed that the ERSO retarded/inhibited thermal dehydrochlorination and the formation of long (n > 6) polyene sequences in PVC plastigels. The plasticizer efficiency/permanence of ERSO in PVC/DOP plastigels was evaluated from mechanical properties' measurements, leaching/migration tests, and water vapor permeability studies. The results showed that a large proportion of DOP could be substituted by ERSO in a PVC plastisol formulation without deleterious effects on the properties of the plastigels. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers. | None | Acetic acid; Agricultural products; Differential scanning calorimetry; Discoloration; Esters; Fatty acids; Gravimetric analysis; Hydrogen; Hydrogen peroxide; Laser interferometry; Mechanical permeability; Mechanical properties; Offshore oil well production; Oil well production; Oils and fats; Organic compounds; Organic polymers; Photoacoustic effect; Plasticizers; Plastisols; Polymers; Polyvinyl chlorides; Reaction kinetics; Reinforced plastics; Rubber; Seed; Sulfate minerals; Thermodynamic stability; Water vapor; (p ,p ,t) measurements; (PL) properties; Conjugated double bonds; Constant heating rate; Dehydrochlorination; Deleterious effects; Dioctyl phthalate (DOP); Endothermic peaks; Epoxide groups; Glacial acetic acid (HAc); High temperature (HT); In-situ; Network structures; Oxirane; Peracetic acid (PAA); Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC); Polyene sequences; Polymer samples; Rubber seed oil (RSO); Scanning calorimetry; thermal stability; Water vapor permeability (WVP); Plastic products | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38849206881 | Impact of multiple storage in wastewater minimization for multicontaminant batch plants: Toward zero effluent | Gouws J.F., Majozi T. | 2008 | Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research | 47 | 2 | 10.1021/ie070790m | Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Department of Computer Science, University of Pannonia, Egyetem u. 10, Veszprém H-8200, Hungary | Gouws, J.F., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Majozi, T., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Department of Computer Science, University of Pannonia, Egyetem u. 10, Veszprém H-8200, Hungary | The mathematical technique presented in this paper deals with wastewater minimization within a multiple contaminant environment, where there are multiple storage vessels available for the storage of wastewater. In the multiple storage vessel situation, it is possible to dedicate certain storage vessels to me storage of wastewater with specific contaminants. The mathematical technique is extended to include operations where wastewater produced in one batch is reusable as feed for subsequent batches of the same product. This type of operation enables a plant to operate in an almost zero-effluent fashion. Product integrity is ensured by not allowing different types of wastewater to mix and storing each type of wastewater in a dedicated storage vessel. In both cases, the mathematical model determines the minimum wastewater target and the corresponding production schedule. © 2008 American Chemical Society. | None | Effluent treatment; Impurities; Optimization; Plants (botany); Contaminant environment; Multicontaminant batch plants; Multiple storage; Wastewater treatment; Effluent treatment; Impurities; Optimization; Plants (botany); Wastewater treatment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871519552 | The impact of dwindling opportunities for mine migration on rural household income in lesotho | Mensah S.N.A. | 2012 | Journal for Studies in Economics and Econometrics | 36 | 3 | None | Department of Economics, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus, Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa | Mensah, S.N.A., Department of Economics, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus, Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa | The numbers of Basotho men in the South African mines dropped from almost 126,000 in 1990 to just over 41,000 in 2010. Using primary data, this paper analyses the sources and levels of income in former migrant, current migrant and non-migrant households in rural Lesotho, and then identifies the variables that significantly correlate with both household income and household per capita income. In the absence of panel data, the paper uses the differences in mean incomes between current and former migrant households to highlight the impact of dwindling opportunities for mine migration on household income. The paper finds that with the loss of migration status, monthly household income dropped by M2040 in 2006/2007 when per capita income for the country was M5624. The paper recommends investment in the country's comparative advantage areas and skills development for productive engagement in the domestic economy of rural men who by tradition look for work in the South African mines. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899519898 | Performance evaluation of refrigeration units in natural gas liquid extraction plant | Ujile A.A., Amesi D. | 2014 | Journal of Thermodynamics | 1 | 1 | 10.1155/2014/863408 | Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt 50000, Nigeria | Ujile, A.A., Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt 50000, Nigeria; Amesi, D., Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt 50000, Nigeria | This paper has applied thermodynamics principles to evaluate the reliability of 390 m3/hr natural gas processing plant. The thermodynamics equations were utilized in the evaluation, characterization, and numerical simulation of key process parameters in natural gas liquid extraction plant. The results obtained show the comparison of the coefficient of performance, compression ratio, isentropic work, actual work, electrical power requirements, cooling water consumption in intercoolers, compressor power output, compressor capacity, and isentropic, volumetric, and mechanical efficiency of the two-stage refrigeration unit with a flash gas economizer and these were compared with the designed specifications. The second law of thermodynamics was applied in analyzing the refrigeration unit and the result shows that exergetic losses or lost work due to irreversibility falls within operating limit that is less than 1.0%. Similarly, the performance of expansion turbine (expander) parameters was monitored and the results indicate a considerable decrease in turbine efficiencies as the inlet gas pressure increases resulting in an increased power output of the turbine leading to a higher liquefaction rate. © 2014 Awajiogak Anthony Ujile and Dirina Amesi. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-63849169067 | The power of double vision: Tradition and social intervention in African puppet performance | Kruger M. | 2006 | New Theatre Quarterly | 22 | 4 | 10.1017/S0266464X06000510 | Department of Drama, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Kruger, M., Department of Drama, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952209176 | Global sequence variation in the histidine-rich proteins 2 and 3 of Plasmodium falciparum: Implications for the performance of malaria rapid diagnostic tests | Baker J., Ho M.-F., Pelecanos A., Gatton M., Chen N., Abdullah S., Albertini A., Ariey F., Barnwell J., Bell D., Cunningham J., Djalle D., Echeverry D.F., Gamboa D., Hii J., Kyaw M.P., Luchavez J., Membi C., Menard D., Murillo C., Nhem S., Ogutu B., Onyor | 2010 | Malaria Journal | 9 | 1 | 10.1186/1475-2875-9-129 | Department of Drug Resistance and Diagnostics, Australian Army Malaria Institute, Brisbane, Australia; Clinical Tropical Medicine Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, University of Queensland, Herston, Australia; Malaria Drug Resistance a | Baker, J., Department of Drug Resistance and Diagnostics, Australian Army Malaria Institute, Brisbane, Australia, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia; Ho, M.-F., Department of Drug Resistance and Diagnostics, Australian Army Malaria Institute, Brisbane, Australia, Clinical Tropical Medicine Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, University of Queensland, Herston, Australia; Pelecanos, A., Clinical Tropical Medicine Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, University of Queensland, Herston, Australia, Malaria Drug Resistance and Chemotherapy Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Australia; Gatton, M., Clinical Tropical Medicine Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, University of Queensland, Herston, Australia, Malaria Drug Resistance and Chemotherapy Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Australia; Chen, N., Department of Drug Resistance and Diagnostics, Australian Army Malaria Institute, Brisbane, Australia; Abdullah, S., Bagamoyo/Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre, Ifakara, Tanzania; Albertini, A., Foundation for Innovative and New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland; Ariey, F., Pasteur Institute of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Barnwell, J., Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States; Bell, D., Foundation for Innovative and New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland, Global Malaria Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Cunningham, J., UNICEF, UNDP, Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), Geneva, Switzerland; Djalle, D., Institut Pasteur de Bangui, Bangui, Central African Republic; Echeverry, D.F., Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Medicas (CIDEIM), Cali, Colombia; Gamboa, D., Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Peru, Departamento de Bioquimica, Biologia Moleculary Farmacologia, Facultad de Cienciasy Filosofia, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Peru; Hii, J., Western Pacific Regional Office, World Health Organization, Solomon Islands; Kyaw, M.P., Department of Medical Research, Lower Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar; Luchavez, J., Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Alabang, Philippines; Membi, C., Bagamoyo/Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre, Ifakara, Tanzania; Menard, D., Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Madagascar; Murillo, C., Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Medicas (CIDEIM), Cali, Colombia; Nhem, S., Pasteur Institute of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Ogutu, B., Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Onyor, P., Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Oyibo, W., College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Odoaraba, Lagos, Nigeria; Wang, S.Q., Hainan Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Haikou, Hainan, China; McCarthy, J., Clinical Tropical Medicine Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, University of Queensland, Herston, Australia; Cheng, Q., Department of Drug Resistance and Diagnostics, Australian Army Malaria Institute, Brisbane, Australia, Malaria Drug Resistance and Chemotherapy Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Australia | Background. Accurate diagnosis is essential for prompt and appropriate treatment of malaria. While rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) offer great potential to improve malaria diagnosis, the sensitivity of RDTs has been reported to be highly variable. One possible factor contributing to variable test performance is the diversity of parasite antigens. This is of particular concern for Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2)-detecting RDTs since PfHRP2 has been reported to be highly variable in isolates of the Asia-Pacific region. Methods. The pfhrp2 exon 2 fragment from 458 isolates of P. falciparum collected from 38 countries was amplified and sequenced. For a subset of 80 isolates, the exon 2 fragment of histidine-rich protein 3 (pfhrp3) was also amplified and sequenced. DNA sequence and statistical analysis of the variation observed in these genes was conducted. The potential impact of the pfhrp2 variation on RDT detection rates was examined by analysing the relationship between sequence characteristics of this gene and the results of the WHO product testing of malaria RDTs: Round 1 (2008), for 34 PfHRP2-detecting RDTs. Results. Sequence analysis revealed extensive variations in the number and arrangement of various repeats encoded by the genes in parasite populations world-wide. However, no statistically robust correlation between gene structure and RDT detection rate for P. falciparum parasites at 200 parasites per microlitre was identified. Conclusions. The results suggest that despite extreme sequence variation, diversity of PfHRP2 does not appear to be a major cause of RDT sensitivity variation. © 2010 Baker et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | histidine; histidine rich protein 2; histidine rich protein 3; unclassified drug; HRP 2 antigen, Plasmodium falciparum; HRP-2 antigen, Plasmodium falciparum; parasite antigen; protozoal DNA; protozoal protein; article; diagnostic test; DNA isolation; DNA sequence; exon; gene structure; genetic variability; human; malaria falciparum; nonhuman; Plasmodium falciparum; polymerase chain reaction; sensitivity analysis; sequence analysis; analytical equipment; animal; genetic variability; genetics; immunoassay; immunology; isolation and purification; malaria falciparum; methodology; parasitology; sensitivity and specificity; standard; Animals; Antigens, Protozoan; DNA, Protozoan; Genetic Variation; Humans; Immunoassay; Malaria, Falciparum; Plasmodium falciparum; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Protozoan Proteins; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sequence Analysis, DNA | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872125731 | Impact of nitrogen fertilizer applications on surface water nitrate levels within a Kenyan tea plantation | Maghanga J.K., Kituyi J.L., Kisinyo P.O., Ng'Etich W.K. | 2013 | Journal of Chemistry | None | None | 10.1155/2013/196516 | Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Pwani University College, P.O. Box 195, Kilifi 80108, Kenya; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Chepkoilel University College, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret 30100, Kenya; Department of Soil Science, Chepkoilel University College, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret 30100, Kenya | Maghanga, J.K., Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Pwani University College, P.O. Box 195, Kilifi 80108, Kenya; Kituyi, J.L., Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Chepkoilel University College, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret 30100, Kenya; Kisinyo, P.O., Department of Soil Science, Chepkoilel University College, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret 30100, Kenya; Ng'Etich, W.K., Department of Soil Science, Chepkoilel University College, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret 30100, Kenya | Tea production in the Kenyan Rift Valley uses high rates of nitrogenous fertilizer. Nitrates can be discharged to water bodies through leaching and surface run-off. Nitrate levels above 10 mg/L NO3 - N cause methemoglobinemia which is fatal. A study to monitor changes in surface water nitrate levels was carried out in ten rivers within a Kenyan tea plantation for three years. Water samples were obtained before and after fertilizer application in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Nitrate-nitrogen (NO3 - N) was determined colorimetrically by the cadmium reduction method using HACH-DR 2400 dataloging spectrophotometer. For the three years, the highest nitrate-nitrogen levels were in river Temochewa in 2005 during the first fertilizer applications (4.9 mg/L to 8.2 mg/L). There was no established trend between surface water nitrate levels and the time of fertilizer applications; however, fertilizer application contributed to an increase in nitrate levels. The initial nitrate-nitrogen levels in most of the rivers were high, indicating that contamination could have been upstream; hence, further research is required to establish this. Nitrogen-nitrogen levels in the three years were below the maximum contaminant level of 10 mg/L NO3 - N; however, the rivers should be monitored frequently. © 2013 J. K. Maghanga et al. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67649948771 | DNA repair and DNA triplet repeat expansion: The impact of abasic lesions on triplet repeat DNA energetics | Völker J., Plum G.E., Klump H.H., Breslauer K.J. | 2009 | Journal of the American Chemical Society | 131 | 26 | 10.1021/ja902161e | Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 610 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States; IBET Inc., 1507 Chambers Road, Columbus, OH 43212, United States; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7800, South Africa; Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States | Völker, J., Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 610 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States; Plum, G.E., Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 610 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States, IBET Inc., 1507 Chambers Road, Columbus, OH 43212, United States; Klump, H.H., Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7800, South Africa; Breslauer, K.J., Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 610 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States, Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States | Enhanced levels of DNA triplet expansion are observed when base excision repair (BER) of oxidative DNA base damage (e.g., 8-oxo-dG) occurs at or near CAG repeat sequences. This observation suggests an interplay between processing mechanisms required for DNA repair and expansion pathways that yield genotypes associated with many neurological/developmental disorders. It has been proposed that DNA expansion involves the transient formation within the triplet repeat domains of non-native slipped DNA structures that are incorrectly processed by the BER machinery of repair during DNA synthesis. We show here that replacement within a triplet repeat bulge loop domain of a guanosine residue by an abasic site, the universal BER intermediate, increases the population of slipped/looped DNA structures relative to the corresponding lesion-free construct. Such abasic lesion-induced energetic enhancement of slipped/ looped structures provides a linkage between BER and DNA expansion. We discuss how the BER machinery of repair may be influenced by abasic-induced energetic alterations in the properties of regions proximal to and/or within triplet repeat domains, thereby potentially modulating levels of DNA expansion. © 2009 American Chemical Society. | None | Base excision repairs; DNA repair; DNA structure; DNA synthesis; Guanosine; Looped structures; Non-native; Transient formation; DNA; Expansion; Genes; Machinery; Nucleic acids; Repair; Synthesis (chemical); DNA sequences; DNA base; guanosine; repetitive DNA; tetrahydrofuran; article; DNA damage; DNA repair; DNA structure; DNA synthesis; energy transfer; excision repair; molecular dynamics; DNA; DNA Repair; Guanosine; Hot Temperature; Nucleic Acid Conformation; Nucleic Acid Denaturation; Thermodynamics; Trinucleotide Repeat Expansion | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893601456 | Speciation of [PtIVCl6nBrn]2- (n = 0-6) and some of their mono-aquated [PtIVCl5-nBr n(H2O)]- (n = 0-5) anions in solution at low concentrations by means of ion-pairing reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ion | Van Wyk P.-H., Van Dyk J.B., Gerber W.J., Stander M., De Villiers A., Koch K.R. | 2014 | Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry | 28 | 5 | 10.1002/rcm.6798 | Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Central Analytical Facility, Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Van Wyk, P.-H., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Van Dyk, J.B., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Gerber, W.J., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Stander, M., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa, Central Analytical Facility, Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; De Villiers, A., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Koch, K.R., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | RATIONALE The speciation of the purely inorganic [PtCl6-nBr n]2- (n = 0-6) anions and their corresponding mono-aquated [PtCl5-nBrn(H2O)]- (n = 0-5) anions is of considerable importance to the precious metal refining and recycling industry, to ensure optimum recovery and separation efficiencies. Speciation of platinum complexes present in precursor solutions used for the preparation of precious metal nano-crystals of defined size and morphology appears also to be important. The various possible PtIV complex anions in dilute aqueous can be characterized using ion-pairing reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-Q-TOFMS). METHODS Ion-pairing reversed-phase ultra-high-performance LC separation of the PtIV complex anions present in aqueous solutions prior to detection by means of high-resolution ESI-Q-TOFMS using a low ESI source cone voltage (5 V) allows for the clear identification of all the platinum complexes from the characteristic pattern of fragment ions (m/z), presumably generated by 'reductive conversion' in the ESI source of the mass spectrometer. Sufficient chromatographic resolution for the series of PtIV complexes is achieved using the (n-butyl) 3NH+ ion generated in a formic acid/water/methanol (pH ~3.5) mobile phase. This mobile phase composition facilitates a low-background for optimal ESI-Q-TOFMS detection with enhanced sensitivity. RESULTS Direct-infusion mass spectrometry of the inorganic platinum complexes in aqueous solution is impractical due to their low volatility, but more importantly as a result of the very extensive series of fragment ions generated in the ESI source, which leads to virtually uninterpretable mass spectra. However, with prior separation, and by using low ESI cone voltages (5 V), the mass spectra of the separated analyte ions show simpler and systematic fragmentation patterns [PtIVX5]- → [PtIIIX 4]- → [PtIIX3]- → [PtIX2]- (X = Cl- and Br -), resulting in clear assignments. This methodology facilitates the characterization of the partially aquated [PtCl5-nBr n(H2O)]- (n = 0-5) anions derived from the homo- and heteroleptic [PtCl6-nBrn]2- (n = 0-6) anions, in equilibrated solutions at low concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Speciation of homo- and heteroleptic [PtCl6-nBrn]2- (n = 0-6) anions, together with some of their partially aquated [PtCl 5-nBrn(H2O)]- (n = 0-5) species in dilute solution, can successfully be carried out by means of prior ion-pairing reversed-phase LC separation coupled to high-resolution ESI-Q-TOFMS at low ESI cone-voltage settings. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857511070 | Multidimensional analysis of the complex composition of impact polypropylene copolymers: Combination of TREF, SEC-FTIR-HPer DSC, and high temperature 2D-LC | Cheruthazhekatt S., Pijpers T.F.J., Harding G.W., Mathot V.B.F., Pasch H. | 2012 | Macromolecules | 45 | 4 | 10.1021/ma2026989 | Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Matieland, South Africa; SciTe, Ridder Vosstraat 6, 6162 AX Geleen, Netherlands; Department of Chemistry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium | Cheruthazhekatt, S., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Matieland, South Africa; Pijpers, T.F.J., SciTe, Ridder Vosstraat 6, 6162 AX Geleen, Netherlands, Department of Chemistry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Harding, G.W., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Matieland, South Africa; Mathot, V.B.F., SciTe, Ridder Vosstraat 6, 6162 AX Geleen, Netherlands, Department of Chemistry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Pasch, H., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Matieland, South Africa | A new multidimensional fractionation technique, temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF) combined with high temperature size exclusion chromatography FTIR (HT-SEC-FTIR), HT-SEC-DSC and high temperature two-dimensional liquid chromatography (HT-2D-LC) is used for the comprehensive analysis of a commercial impact polypropylene copolymer. HT-SEC-FTIR provides information regarding the chemical composition and crystallinity as a function of molar mass. Thermal analysis of selected SEC fractions yields the melting and crystallization behavior of these fractions which is related to the chemical heterogeneity of this complex copolymer. The thermal analysis of the fractions is conducted using a novel DSC method - high speed or high performance differential scanning calorimetry (HPer DSC) - that allows measuring of minute amounts of material down to micrograms. The most interesting and complex "midelution temperature" TREF fraction (80 °C) of this copolymer is a complex mixture of ethylene-propylene copolymers (EPC's) with varying ethylene and propylene contents and sequence length distributions, as well as iPP. High temperature solvent gradient HPLC has been used to show that there is a significant amount of PE homopolymer and EPC's containing long ethylene sequences in this TREF fraction. High temperature 2D-LC analysis reveals the complete separation of this TREF fraction according to the chemical composition of each component along with their molar mass distributions. © 2012 American Chemical Society. | None | Chemical compositions; Chemical heterogeneities; Complex compositions; Complex mixture; Comprehensive analysis; Crystallinities; Ethylene propylene copolymers; FTIR; High temperature; Impact polypropylene copolymer; Melting and crystallization; Molar mass distribution; Multidimensional analysis; Sequence length distributions; Solvent gradients; Temperature-rising elution; Two-dimensional liquid chromatography; Copolymers; Differential scanning calorimetry; Ethylene; Liquid chromatography; Propylene; Thermoanalysis; Thermoplastics; Polypropylenes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865133699 | Compositional analysis of an impact polypropylene copolymer by fast scanning DSC and FTIR of TREF-SEC cross-fractions | Cheruthazhekatt S., Pijpers T.F.J., Harding G.W., Mathot V.B.F., Pasch H. | 2012 | Macromolecules | 45 | 15 | 10.1021/ma3008702 | Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Matieland, South Africa; SciTe, Ridder Vosstraat 6, 6162 AX Geleen, Netherlands; Polymer Chemistry and Materials, Department of Chemistry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium | Cheruthazhekatt, S., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Matieland, South Africa; Pijpers, T.F.J., SciTe, Ridder Vosstraat 6, 6162 AX Geleen, Netherlands, Polymer Chemistry and Materials, Department of Chemistry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Harding, G.W., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Matieland, South Africa; Mathot, V.B.F., SciTe, Ridder Vosstraat 6, 6162 AX Geleen, Netherlands, Polymer Chemistry and Materials, Department of Chemistry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Pasch, H., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Matieland, South Africa | For the first time, the complex composition of a two-reactor-produced impact polypropylene copolymer (IPC) has been fully revealed by advanced thermal analysis, using the combination of fast scanning DSC (HPer DSC, flash DSC, and solution DSC) with SEC fractionation subsequent to TREF fractionation. The dual TREF-SEC separation provided fractions of a few micro- or nanograms that were used to correlate the molecular structure of the polymer chains and their thermal properties (melting and crystallization behavior of the different macromolecules under a variety of different conditions). The SEC fractions were collected using the LC transform interface and subjected to FTIR and fast scanning DSC analysis. The SEC curves showed mono-, bi-, and multimodal molar mass distributions. The SEC fractions collected were analyzed by HPer DSC at 50 °C/min by which the thermal properties of the fractions could be established and salient details revealed. The findings were confirmed by structural information that was obtained using FTIR measurements. These results confirmed that even after TREF fractions were obtained they were complex regarding molar mass and chemical composition. By applying HPer DSC at scan rates of 5-200 °C/min and flash DSC at scan rates of 10-1000 °C/s, the metastability of one of the fractions was studied in detail. The high molar mass part of the material appeared to be constituted of both highly isotactic PP and low to medium propylene content ethylene copolymers (EPC). The medium molar mass part consisted of high to medium isotactic PP and of low propylene content EPC. The low molar mass part did not show ethylene crystallinity; only propylene crystallinity of medium to low isotacticity was found. DSC measurements of TREF-SEC cross-fractions at high scan rates in p-xylene successfully connected reversely to the slow scan rate in TREF elution, if corrected for recrystallization. All EPC's show only ethylene-type crystallization. The wealth of information obtainable from these method combinations promises to be extremely useful for a better understanding of the melting and crystallization processes of such complex materials. The ability to run DSC experiments at very high scan rates is an important prerequisite to understanding the melting and crystallization behavior under conditions that are very close to melt processing of these key commodity polymers. © 2012 American Chemical Society. | None | Chemical compositions; Complex compositions; Complex materials; Compositional analysis; Crystallinities; DSC measurements; Ethylene copolymer; Fast scanning; FTIR; FTIR measurements; Impact polypropylene copolymer; Isotacticities; Isotactics; Melt processing; Melting and crystallization; Metastabilities; Molar mass distribution; Multi-modal; Nanograms; P-xylene; Scan rates; Structural information; Structure of the polymers; Wealth of information; Copolymers; Ethylene; Melting; Polymers; Propylene; Scanning; Thermoanalysis; Thermodynamic properties; Thermoplastics; Xylene; Polypropylenes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649263223 | Pyridine-derived N-heterocyclic carbenes: An experimental and theoretical evaluation of the bonding in and reactivity of selected normal and abnormal complexes of nickel(II) and palladium(II) | Stander-Grobler E., Schuster O., Heydenrych G., Cronje S., Tosh E., Albrecht M., Frenking G., Raubenheimer H.G. | 2010 | Organometallics | 29 | 22 | 10.1021/om100431u | Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Fachbereich Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse, D-35043 Marburg, Germany; Inorganic Chemistry Department, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, D-85747 Garching, Germany; Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland | Stander-Grobler, E., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Schuster, O., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; Heydenrych, G., Fachbereich Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse, D-35043 Marburg, Germany; Cronje, S., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Tosh, E., Inorganic Chemistry Department, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, D-85747 Garching, Germany; Albrecht, M., Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; Frenking, G., Fachbereich Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse, D-35043 Marburg, Germany; Raubenheimer, H.G., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa | We report a thorough investigation of a series of isomeric complexes with the general formula trans-(pyridylidene)M(PPh3)2Cl (M = Pd, Ni). For the first time, a systematic comparison of normal, abnormal, and remote bonding modes is presented. X-ray structural and 13C NMR data indicate the importance of carbenoid mesomeric contributions in their compound class. The catalytic performance of the palladium complexes trans-(pyridylidene) Pd(PPh3)2Cl as precursors in Suzuki-Miyaura-type cross-coupling suggests a correlation of remote bonding with catalyst robustness and effectivity. When metal precursors M(PPh3)4 are reacted with 2,4-dichloropyridinium salts, preferential formation of remote carbene complexes occurs and indications are that electronic parameters rather than steric influences are responsible for the observed selectivity. Calculations at the BP86/TZ2P level of theory support interpretation of the results. © 2010 American Chemical Society. | None | Bonding modes; Carbene complexes; Carbenoids; Catalytic performance; Cross-couplings; Electronic parameters; Isomeric complex; Metal precursor; N-heterocyclic carbenes; NMR data; Palladium complexes; Steric influence; Suzuki-Miyaura; Theoretical evaluation; Carbon inorganic compounds; Nickel compounds; Organic compounds; Palladium; Palladium compounds | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65349123000 | Evaluation of loofah as a sorbent in the decolorization of basic dye contaminated aqueous system | Oladoja N.A., Aboluwoye C.O., Akinkugbe A.O. | 2009 | Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research | 48 | 6 | 10.1021/ie801207a | Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Nigeria | Oladoja, N.A., Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Nigeria; Aboluwoye, C.O., Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Nigeria; Akinkugbe, A.O., Department of Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Nigeria | The hard fibrovascular network of the fruit of Luffa cylindrica, loofah, was used in a batch sorption system to remove methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. The effects of pH on the sorption of MB by loofah were studied using equilibrium isotherm experiment. The Langmuir sorption capacity (qm, mg/g) of the loofah increased with increase in pH. The Freundlich isotherm models favored the prediction of the theoretical sorption capacity more than the Langmuir isotherm models. The kinetics of the sorption process was studied at varying initial MB concentrations using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The pseudosecond-order kinetic model was found to fit the experimental data for the entire sorption period with high coefficient of determination (r2). The prospects of regenerating the loofah was studied using four different eluting solvents in batch desorption studies. The results of the batch desorption studies showed that both chemisorption and ion-exchange played prominent role in the sorption process. The elution curve obtained from the continuous desorption studies showed that the elution rate was very fast and high elution efficiency could be obtained with 0.1 M HCl as an eluting solvent. The IR analysis confirmed the presence of polar functional groups and established interactions between the MB molecules and these functional groups. © 2009 American Chemical Society. | None | Aqueous solutions; Aqueous systems; Basic dyes; Batch sorptions; Coefficient of determinations; Desorption studies; Elution curves; Equilibrium isotherms; Experimental datum; Freundlich isotherm models; Ir analysis; Langmuir isotherm models; Langmuir sorptions; Luffa cylindrica; Methylene blues; Polar functional groups; Pseudo first orders; Pseudo-second-order kinetic models; Sorption capacities; Sorption process; Adsorption isotherms; Chemisorption; Desorption; Dyes; Functional groups; Ion exchange; Kinetic theory; pH effects | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893236984 | Synthesis of metergoline analogues and their evaluation as antiplasmodial agents | Singh K., Kaur G., Mjambili F., Smith P.J., Chibale K. | 2014 | MedChemComm | 5 | 2 | 10.1039/c3md00310h | Department of Chemistry, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Medical School, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa | Singh, K., Department of Chemistry, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Kaur, G., Department of Chemistry, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Mjambili, F., Department of Chemistry, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Medical School, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Chibale, K., Department of Chemistry, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | A series of compounds based on metergoline were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for their antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine-sensitive NF54 strain of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. These compounds were also screened for their cytotoxicity towards a mammalian cell line. Some of the compounds exhibited superior antiplasmodial activity with a good selectivity index relative to metergoline. © 2014 The Royal Society of Chemistry. | None | antimalarial agent; chloroquine; metergoline; metergoline derivative; unclassified drug; animal cell; antiprotozoal activity; article; CHO cell; controlled study; drug cytotoxicity; drug screening; drug structure; drug synthesis; in vitro study; nonhuman; Plasmodium falciparum; priority journal | South African Medical Research Council |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-49649112709 | Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 4-substituted 1-{[4-(10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin-5-yl)phenyl]methylidene} thiosemicarbazides as new class of potential antiprotozoal agents | Bhat A.R., Athar F., Van Zyl R.L., Chen C.-T., Azam A. | 2008 | Chemistry and Biodiversity | 5 | 5 | 10.1002/cbdv.200890073 | Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-110025, India; Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-110025, India; Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa | Bhat, A.R., Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-110025, India; Athar, F., Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-110025, India, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-110025, India; Van Zyl, R.L., Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Chen, C.-T., Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Azam, A., Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-110025, India | A novel series of 4-substituted 1-{[4-(10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin-5-yl) phenyl]methylidene}thiosemicarbazide, 4a -4n, was synthesized in 9-21% yield by the condensation of 4-(10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin-5-yl)benzaldehyde (3) with various substituted thiosemicarbazides in presence of catalytic amount of AcOH. These compounds were assayed for in vitro antiamoebic activity, and the results showed that out of 14 compounds 9 were found with IC50 values lower than metronidazole corresponding to 1.05- to 4.7-fold increase in activity. MTT Assay showed that all the compounds are nontoxic to human kidney epithelial cell line. 4-(m-Toluidinyl)-1-{[4- (10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin-5-yl)phenyl]methylidene} thiosemicarbazide (4h) showed the highest antiamoebic activity with least cytotoxicity. Some of the compounds were screened for their antimalarial activities and ability to inhibit β-haematin formation, but none of them showed an activity better than chloroquine and quinine. Only one compound out of six showed an activity comparable to standard drug. © 2008 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich. | None | 1,2,3,4 tetrahydro n' [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]quinoline 1 carbothiohydrazide; 3 (4,5 dimethyl 2 thiazolyl) 2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide; 4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)benzaldehyde; 4 (2 chlorobenzyl) 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 (2 methylphenyl) 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 (3 methylphenyl) 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 (4 methylphenyl) 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 benzyl 4 phenyl 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 cyclohexyl 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 cyclohexyl 4 methyl 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 cyclooctyl 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 cyclopentyl 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 methyl 4 phenyl 1 [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]thiosemicarbazide; 4 methyl n' [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]piperizine 1 carbothiohydrazide; 4 phenyl n' [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]piperazine 1 carbothiohydrazide; 5 [4 (1,3 dioxolan 2 yl)phenyl] 10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin; antiprotozoal agent; chloroquine; hematin; metronidazole; n' [[4 (10,15,20 triphenylporphyrin 5 yl)phenyl]methylidene]pyrrolidine 1 carbothiohydrazide; quinine; thiosemicarbazide derivative; unclassified drug; antiprotozoal agent; porphyrin; semicarbazide derivative; thiosemicarbazide; antimalarial activity; article; controlled study; cytotoxicity; drug screening; drug synthesis; Entamoeba histolytica; epithelium cell; human; human cell; IC 50; in vitro study; inhibition kinetics; kidney epithelium; protein synthesis; Amoeba; animal; chemical structure; chemistry; classification; drug effect; Plasmodium; structure activity relation; synthesis; Amoeba; Animals; Antiprotozoal Agents; Molecular Structure; Plasmodium; Porphyrins; Semicarbazides; Structure-Activity Relationship | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947711009 | Synthesis and biological evaluation of 4β-benzoxazolepodophyllotoxin hybrids as DNA topoisomerase-II targeting anticancer agents | Paidakula S., Kankala S., Kankala R.K., Juluru B., Jonnalagadda S.B., Lee C.-H., Vadde R., Vasam C.S. | 2015 | RSC Advances | 5 | 118 | 10.1039/c5ra15366b | Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal Telangana State, India; School of Physics and Chemistry, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban, South Africa; Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan; Department of Chemistry, Satavahana University Karimnagar, Telangana State, India; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Telangana University, Nizamabad, India | Paidakula, S., Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal Telangana State, India; Kankala, S., Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal Telangana State, India, School of Physics and Chemistry, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban, South Africa; Kankala, R.K., Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan; Juluru, B., Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal Telangana State, India; Jonnalagadda, S.B., School of Physics and Chemistry, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban, South Africa; Lee, C.-H., Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan; Vadde, R., Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal Telangana State, India; Vasam, C.S., Department of Chemistry, Satavahana University Karimnagar, Telangana State, India, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Telangana University, Nizamabad, India | A series of new 4β-benzoxazolepodophyllotoxin compounds (9a-j) were prepared and screened for cytotoxicity against four human tumour cell lines (HeLa, DU-145, A-159 and MCF-7). Among these compounds, 9a, 9c, 9f and 9i have shown more potent anticancer activity than etoposide with considerable IC50 values. Apoptosis evaluation studies were performed using the Hoechst-33258 staining method and it was found specially that the best active compound 9i shows clear nuclear damage compared to etoposide. Molecular docking studies were also carried out to recognize the interactions against DNA topoisomerase-II and it was found that the energy calculations were in good agreement with the observed IC50 value. © 2015 The Royal Society of Chemistry. | None | Cell death; Active compounds; Anti-cancer agents; Anticancer activities; Biological evaluation; DNA topoisomerase; Energy calculation; Evaluation study; Molecular docking; Cell culture | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907153133 | Synthesis and anti-cancer evaluation of steroidal diglycoside-pyrazoline hybrids | Kankala S., Kankala R.K., Kommidi D.R., Mudithanapelli C., Balaboina R., Vadde R., Jonnalagadda S.B., Vasam C.S. | 2014 | RSC Advances | 4 | 76 | 10.1039/c4ra05599c | Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal, India; Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong-Hwa University, Shou-Feng, Hualien Taiwan, Taiwan; School of Chemistry and Physics, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, Satavahana University, Karimnagar, India | Kankala, S., Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal, India, School of Chemistry and Physics, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban, South Africa; Kankala, R.K., Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong-Hwa University, Shou-Feng, Hualien Taiwan, Taiwan; Kommidi, D.R., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban, South Africa; Mudithanapelli, C., Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal, India; Balaboina, R., Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal, India; Vadde, R., Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal, India; Jonnalagadda, S.B., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban, South Africa; Vasam, C.S., Department of Chemistry, Satavahana University, Karimnagar, India | A new series of steroidal glycoside pyrazoline functional hybrid constructs (SG-pyrazolines 3a-k) synthesized were evaluated for in vitro anti-cancer cytotoxic activity against a panel of human tumor cell lines of lung, breast, CNS, colon and ovarian cancer. These hybrid constructs were also measured at their respective IC50values on normal cell lines of HMEC and CHO for evaluating the biocompatibility. Several of these new hybrid constructs were found to possess higher growth inhibition activity than the standard cisplatin and support the concept to modulate drug receptor interaction. Regarding the synthesis, firstly a new SG molecule, an extract of Caralluma gracillis, was converted to the chalcones (2a-k) via the condensation of sp3C-H bonds on methyl keto of the D-ring of SG with appropriate substituted benzaldehydes. The cyclocondensation of SG-chalcones (2a-k) with hydrazine specifically catalyzed by Ag(i) N-heterocyclic carbene (Ag(i)-NHC) in ethanol has produced selectively the SG-pyrazoline hybrids (3a-k). This journal is © the Partner Organisations 2014. | None | Biocompatibility; Cell culture; Cytotoxicity; Diseases; Organic compounds; Platinum compounds; Silver; Cyclocondensation; Cytotoxic activities; Drug-receptor interactions; Growth-inhibition activities; Human tumor cell lines; Hybrid constructs; N-heterocyclic carbenes; Substituted benzaldehydes; Synthesis (chemical) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949115388 | Dispersion of asphaltenes in petroleum with ionic liquids: Evaluation of molecular interactions in the binary mixture | Ogunlaja A.S., Hosten E., Tshentu Z.R. | 2014 | Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research | 53 | 48 | None | Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port-Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Ogunlaja, A.S., Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port-Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; Hosten, E., Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port-Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; Tshentu, Z.R., Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port-Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Ionic liquids containing imidazolium cations 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium nitrate, and 1-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium-2-carboxybenzoate were successfully synthesized and employed for the dispersion of asphaltenes in heavy oil, which is becoming a necessity during oil recovery and transportation. Molecular interaction studies indicated that 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride displayed a small HOMO-LUMO energy gap, which best explains its higher polarizability and reactivity as compared with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium nitrate and 1-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium-2-carboxybenzoate. Dispersion indices obtained from the experiments were in agreement with the modeling studies. Maximum asphaltene dispersion indices (%) of 78, 70, and 53 were obtained for 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride,1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium nitrate, and 1-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium-2-carboxybenzoate, respectively, when using an ionic liquid-toasphaltenes molarity ratio of 9:1. The excellent performance displayed by 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride is based on the thermodynamic interaction energy and HOMO-LUMO energy it holds. © 2014 American Chemical Society. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906252880 | Facile synthesis and morphogenesis of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for high-performance supercapacitor applications | Mitchell E., Gupta R.K., Mensah-Darkwa K., Kumar D., Ramasamy K., Gupta B.K., Kahol P. | 2014 | New Journal of Chemistry | 38 | 9 | 10.1039/c4nj00741g | Department of Chemistry, Pittsburg State University, 1701 S. Broadway, Pittsburg KS-66762, United States; Department of Materials Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, PMB Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Carolina A and T State University, 1601 East Market Street, Greensboro NC-27411, United States; Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Albuquerque NM-87545, United States; National Physical Laboratory (CSIR), Dr K.S. Krishnan Road, New Delhi-110012, India; Department of Physics, Pittsburg State University, 1701 S. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762, United States | Mitchell, E., Department of Chemistry, Pittsburg State University, 1701 S. Broadway, Pittsburg KS-66762, United States; Gupta, R.K., Department of Chemistry, Pittsburg State University, 1701 S. Broadway, Pittsburg KS-66762, United States; Mensah-Darkwa, K., Department of Materials Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, PMB Kumasi, Ghana; Kumar, D., Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Carolina A and T State University, 1601 East Market Street, Greensboro NC-27411, United States; Ramasamy, K., Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Albuquerque NM-87545, United States; Gupta, B.K., National Physical Laboratory (CSIR), Dr K.S. Krishnan Road, New Delhi-110012, India; Kahol, P., Department of Physics, Pittsburg State University, 1701 S. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762, United States | A facile method has been developed for the synthesis of nearly mono-dispersed iron oxide nanocrystals. The structural analysis of the synthesized iron oxide nanocrystals reveals the magnetite phase of Fe 3O4. The average particle size of the iron oxide was estimated to be 8 ± 2 nm. The observed particle size is in good correlation with the particle size estimated by magnetic measurements. Furthermore, these nanocrystals showed bi-functional ferromagnetic and superparamagnetic behavior below and above the blocking temperature, respectively. The potential use of these nanocrystals as an electrode for supercapacitors was examined by investigating the electrochemical behavior of iron oxide using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests. The CV characteristics of the iron oxide electrode showed a typical pseudocapacitive behavior in 3 M KOH solution. Moreover, the specific capacitance of 185 F g-1 at the current of 1 mA was observed with excellent cyclic stability, which is much higher than the reported value for iron oxide. The higher specific capacitance is due to the uniform nano-size of iron oxide. This work provides an ultimate facile method to synthesize nanostructured iron oxide for application in next generation energy storage materials. © the Partner Organisations 2014. | None | ferromagnetic material; iron oxide; nanocrystal; superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle; article; chemical structure; cyclic potentiometry; electric conductivity; electric potential; electrochemical analysis; electrostimulation; energy conservation; facile synthesis; galvanic current; galvanostatic charge discharge test; magnetic field; molecular electronics; particle size; priority journal; supercapacitor; synthesis; temperature | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-15244344272 | Fast heated ballast furnace atomizer for atomic absorption spectrometry: Part 2. Experimental assessment of performances | Katskov D.A., Sadagov Y.M., Banda M. | 2005 | Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry | 20 | 3 | 10.1039/b413345e | Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Cortech Ltd., Ozernaya St. 46, Moscow 119361, Russian Federation | Katskov, D.A., Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Sadagov, Y.M., Cortech Ltd., Ozernaya St. 46, Moscow 119361, Russian Federation; Banda, M., Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | The theoretical predictions concerning atomization efficiency in the fast heated ballast furnace atomizer were examined by determination of Pb in the organic and inorganic matrices using a Quantum Z.ETA atomic absorption spectrometer. The instrument provided fast heating of the tube atomizer (10 K ms-1) and temperature stabilization on the pre-set level. In the experiments the tube was furnished with compact ballast (e.g., a graphite rod 1 mm in diameter and 5-9 mm in length or other refractive materials of similar volume and configuration). The samples were injected into the tube, disregarding their exact location on the wall or ballast. It is shown that in the employed ballast furnace for the sampling volumes below 10-15 μ1 the vapor release into the gas phase occurs after interim condensation on the ballast. For the samples of tetraethyllead, base oil and lead nitrate respective analytical signals are observed after stabilization of tube temperature (below 2673 K), independent of the volatility of the analyte and level of temperature setting. High gas phase temperature provides, for those samples, complete recovery of the analyte without involvement of chemical modifiers. The reduction of spectral background from sea-water matrix at Pb determination and behavior of analytical signals for In and Cr confirm common mechanism of sample vapor release via interim condensation on the ballast. The optimization of material for the ballast is still needed taking into consideration physical properties and the chemical activity of its surface towards the sample vapor. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2005. | None | Absorption; Condensation; Data acquisition; Graphite; Lead compounds; Magnetic field effects; Magnets; Porosity; Problem solving; Quantum theory; Reaction kinetics; Sensitivity analysis; Signal to noise ratio; Spectroscopic analysis; Vaporization; Atomic absorption spectrometry; Ballast furnaces; Fast heated ballast furnaces; Gas phases; Refractive materials; Furnaces | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866007903 | Evaluation of the levels of selected heavy metals in mangrove ecosystem and roadside topsoil in Ghana | Essumang D.K., Boamponsem L.K., Adokoh C.K., Bentum J.K., Owusu C., Adu-Boakye M.E., Afrifa J. | 2012 | Environmental Practice | 14 | 3 | 10.1017/S1466046612000191 | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Laboratory Technology Department, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Chemistry Department, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa | Essumang, D.K., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Boamponsem, L.K., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Adokoh, C.K., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana, Laboratory Technology Department, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Bentum, J.K., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Owusu, C., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Adu-Boakye, M.E., Chemistry Department, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa; Afrifa, J., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | Trace metals were determined in the soil and water of four lagoons, two estuaries, and four heavy-traffic roads in Greater Accra along the Atlantic coast of Ghana. The results showed that water samples from all of the water bodies studied were polluted with mercury (Hg) and less polluted with arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd). The pollution status of water samples was confirmed by contamination degree (CD) analysis, which yielded values of >1 of Hg and <1 of As, Ni, and Cd. Evaluation of the data from the soil sample was enhanced by the application of pollution quantification tools the pollution load index (PLI) and the index of geoaccumulation (IGEO)which showed that the mangrove swamp soil studied is progressively degrading with Hg, As, Ni, and Cd. It was also revealed that vehicular emissions were a potential source of lead (Pb), Ni, and manganese (Mn) in the roadside soils monitored. From the results of this study, it is clear that the mangroves are gradually degrading and that measures should established to control release of these metals into the environment. Environmental Practice 14:173-183 (2012) © Copyright National Association of Environmental Professionals 2012. | None | cadmium; estuarine ecosystem; geoaccumulation; heavy metal; mercury (element); nickel; point source pollution; pollution monitoring; quantitative analysis; roadside environment; soil analysis; soil degradation; traffic emission; Ghana; Greater Accra; Rhizophoraceae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890066618 | Synthesis and evaluation of new polynuclear organometallic Ru(ii), Rh(iii) and Ir(iii) pyridyl ester complexes as in vitro antiparasitic and antitumor agents | Chellan P., Land K.M., Shokar A., Au A., An S.H., Taylor D., Smith P.J., Riedel T., Dyson P.J., Chibale K., Smith G.S. | 2014 | Dalton Transactions | 43 | 2 | 10.1039/c3dt52090k | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton CA 95211, United States; Division of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland | Chellan, P., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Land, K.M., Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton CA 95211, United States; Shokar, A., Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton CA 95211, United States; Au, A., Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton CA 95211, United States; An, S.H., Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton CA 95211, United States; Taylor, D., Division of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Division of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Riedel, T., Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Dyson, P.J., Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Chibale, K., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Smith, G.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | New polynuclear organometallic Platinum Group Metal (PGM) complexes containing di- and tripyridyl ester ligands have been synthesised and characterised using analytical and spectroscopic techniques including 1H, 13C NMR and infrared spectroscopy. Reaction of these polypyridyl ester ligands with either [Ru(p-cymene)Cl2]2, [Rh(C5Me5)Cl2]2 or [Ir(C 5Me5)Cl2]2 dimers yielded the corresponding di- or trinuclear organometallic complexes. The polyaromatic ester ligands act as monodentate donors to each metal centre and this coordination mode was confirmed upon elucidation of the molecular structures for two of the dinuclear complexes. The di- and trinuclear PGM complexes synthesized were evaluated for inhibitory effects on the human protozoal parasites Plasmodium falciparum strain NF54 (chloroquine sensitive), Trichomonas vaginalis strain G3 and the human ovarian cancer cell lines, A2780 (cisplatin-sensitive) and A2780cisR (cisplatin-resistant) cell lines. All of the complexes were observed to have moderate to high antiplasmodial activities and the compounds with the best activities were evaluated for their ability to inhibit formation of synthetic hemozoin in a cell free medium. The in vitro antitumor evaluation of these complexes revealed that the trinuclear pyridyl ester complexes demonstrated moderate activities against the two tumor cell lines and were also less toxic to model non-tumorous cells. © 2014 The Royal Society of Chemistry. | None | Antiplasmodial activity; Antitumor evaluation; Coordination modes; Organo-metallic complexes; Ovarian cancer cells; Plasmodium falciparum; Platinum group metals; Spectroscopic technique; Cell culture; Chlorine compounds; Dimers; Esterification; Esters; Infrared spectroscopy; Iridium; Ligands; Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; Organometallics; Platinum compounds; Rhodium; Rhodium compounds; Synthesis (chemical); antineoplastic agent; antiparasitic agent; iridium; organometallic compound; pyridine; pyridine derivative; rhodium; ruthenium; article; chemical structure; chemistry; conformation; drug effect; human; Plasmodium falciparum; solubility; synthesis; Trichomonas vaginalis; tumor cell line; Antineoplastic Agents; Antiparasitic Agents; Cell Line, Tumor; Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic; Humans; Iridium; Models, Molecular; Molecular Conformation; Organometallic Compounds; Plasmodium falciparum; Pyridines; Rhodium; Ruthenium; Solubility; Trichomonas vaginalis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876485335 | Synthesis, characterisation and in vitro evaluation of palladium(II) iminophosphine complexes for anticancer activity | Chiririwa H., Moss J.R., Hendricks D., Meijboom R., Muller A. | 2013 | Transition Metal Chemistry | 38 | 2 | 10.1007/s11243-012-9674-4 | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Observatory 7935, South Africa; Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa | Chiririwa, H., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Observatory 7935, South Africa, Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; Moss, J.R., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Hendricks, D., Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Observatory 7935, South Africa; Meijboom, R., Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; Muller, A., Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa | Palladium(II) complexes have been obtained from the reactions of the iminophosphine ligands, (L1-L7), respectively, with [PdCl2(COD)] and [PdMeCl(COD)] in CH2Cl2 at room temperature. The palladium(II) complexes were characterised using elemental analysis, electro spray ionisation-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), NMR (1H and 31P), IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis for complexes 2, 7 and 8 revealed that the complexes exhibited a slightly distorted square planar geometry. In vitro cytotoxic study results show that the palladium complexes exhibit moderate activity and block the proliferation of WHCO1 cells with an IC50 range of 19.02-45.27 μM, and IC50 range of 10.03-68.54 μM for the KYSE450 cell lines. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | None | Anticancer activities; Cell lines; In-vitro evaluation; Palladium complexes; Room temperature; Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis; Square planar geometry; X-ray diffraction studies; Cell culture; Chlorine compounds; Mass spectrometry; Synthesis (chemical); X ray diffraction analysis; Palladium compounds | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872721184 | Synthesis, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of silicon-containing aminoquinoline organometallic complexes as antiplasmodial, antitumor, and antimycobacterial agents | Li Y., De Kock C., Smith P.J., Guzgay H., Hendricks D.T., Naran K., Mizrahi V., Warner D.F., Chibale K., Smith G.S. | 2013 | Organometallics | 32 | 1 | 10.1021/om300945c | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, K45, OMB, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Li, Y., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; De Kock, C., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, K45, OMB, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, K45, OMB, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Guzgay, H., Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Hendricks, D.T., Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Naran, K., MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Mizrahi, V., MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Warner, D.F., MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Chibale, K., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Smith, G.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Two silicon-containing analogues (1, 2) of chloroquine, modified in the lateral side chain with organosilicon moieties, were synthesized. Compounds 1 and 2 were further reacted with dinuclear half-sandwich transition metal precursors [Ru(Ar)(μ-Cl)Cl]2 (Ar = η6-p- iPrC6H4Me; η6-C 6H6; η6-C6H5OCH 2CH2OH), [Rh(COD)(μ-Cl)]2, and [RhCp*(μ-Cl)Cl]2, to yield a series of neutral mononuclear Ru(II), Rh(I), and Rh(III) silicon-aminoquinoline complexes (3-12). Compounds 1 and 2 act as monodentate donors that coordinate to the transition metals via the quinoline nitrogen of the aminoquinoline scaffold. All the compounds were characterized using various analytical and spectroscopic techniques, and the molecular structures of compounds 2 and 11 were elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Furthermore, the in vitro pharmacological activities of compounds 1-12 were established against chloroquine-sensitive (NF54) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) strains of the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum and against the pathogenic bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, as well as an esophageal (WHCO1) cancer cell line. © 2012 American Chemical Society. | None | Aminoquinoline; Anti-mycobacterial; Anti-tumors; Cancer cell lines; Dinuclear; Half-sandwich; In-vitro; Malarial parasites; Monodentates; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Neutral mononuclear; Organometallic complex; Organosilicones; Pathogenic bacterium; Pharmacological activity; Plasmodium falciparum; Side-chains; Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis; Spectroscopic technique; Cell culture; Organometallics; Rhodium; Rhodium compounds; Scaffolds; Silicon; Synthesis (chemical); Transition metals; X ray diffraction analysis; Chlorine compounds | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908026839 | Synthesis and evaluation of a carbosilane congener of ferroquine and its corresponding half-sandwich ruthenium and rhodium complexes for antiplasmodial and β-hematin inhibition activity | Li Y., De Kock C., Smith P.J., Chibale K., Smith G.S. | 2014 | Organometallics | 33 | 17 | 10.1021/om500622p | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Li, Y., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; De Kock, C., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, South Africa; Chibale, K., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa, South African Medical Research Council Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Smith, G.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | A silicon-containing congener of ferroquine (1) was synthesized by incorporating an organosilicon motif in the lateral side chain of ferroquine. Compound 1 was then further reacted with dinuclear half-sandwich transition-metal precursors [Ru(Ar)(μ-Cl)Cl]2 (Ar = η6-p-iPrC6H4Me, η6-C6H6, η6-C6H5OCH2CH2OH), [Rh(COD)(μ-Cl)]2, and [RhCp∗(μ-Cl)Cl]2, to yield a series of heterometallic organometallic complexes (2-6). Compound 1 coordinates selectively in a monodentate manner to the transition metals via the quinoline nitrogen of the aminoquinoline scaffold. All of the compounds were characterized using various analytical and spectroscopic techniques, and the molecular structure of compound 1 was elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Furthermore, the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of compounds 1-6 was established against the chloroquine-sensitive (NF54) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) strains of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. © 2014 American Chemical Society. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938919085 | Polyamine quinoline rhodium complexes: Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation as antiparasitic agents against Plasmodium falciparum and Trichomonas vaginalis | Stringer T., Taylor D., Guzgay H., Shokar A., Au A., Smith P.J., Hendricks D.T., Land K.M., Egan T.J., Smith G.S. | 2015 | Dalton Transactions | 44 | 33 | 10.1039/c5dt02378e | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory, South Africa; Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, United States | Stringer, T., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Taylor, D., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory, South Africa; Guzgay, H., Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Shokar, A., Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, United States; Au, A., Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, United States; Smith, P.J., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory, South Africa; Hendricks, D.T., Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Land, K.M., Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, United States; Egan, T.J., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Smith, G.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | A series of mono- and bis-salicylaldimine ligands and their corresponding Rh(i) complexes were prepared. The compounds were characterised using standard spectroscopic techniques including NMR, IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The salicylaldimine ligands and complexes were screened for antiparasitic activity against two strains of Plasmodium falciparum i.e. the NF54 CQ-sensitive and K1 CQ-resistant strain as well as against the G3 isolate of Trichomonas vaginalis. The monomeric salicylaldimine quinolines exhibited good activity against the NF54 strain and the dimeric salicylaldimine quinolines exhibited no cross resistance across the two strains. The binuclear 5-chloro Rh(i) complex displayed the best activity against the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite, possibly a consequence of its enhanced lipophilicity. The compounds were also screened for cytotoxicity in vitro against WHCO1 oesophageal cancer cells. The monomeric salicylaldimine quinolines exhibited high selectivity towards malaria parasites compared to cancer cells, while the dimeric compounds were less selective. © 2015 Royal Society of Chemistry. | None | Cells; Diseases; Ligands; Mass spectrometry; Rhodium; Strain; Synthesis (chemical); Antiparasitic activity; Antiparasitic agents; Cytotoxicity in Vitro; Dimeric compounds; Plasmodium falciparum; Resistant strains; Salicylaldimine ligands; Spectroscopic technique; Rhodium compounds | Medical Research Council; MRC, Medical Research Council |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38549090080 | Rapid phosphorus(III) ligand evaluation utilising potassium selenocyanate | Muller A., Otto S., Roodt A. | 2008 | Dalton Transactions | None | 5 | 10.1039/b712782k | Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P. O. Box 524, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, P. O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Sasol Technology Research and Development, P.O. Box 1, Sasolburg, 1947, South Africa | Muller, A., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P. O. Box 524, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Otto, S., Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, P. O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa, Sasol Technology Research and Development, P.O. Box 1, Sasolburg, 1947, South Africa; Roodt, A., Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, P. O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Oxidative addition of SeCN- to tertiary phosphine ligands has been investigated in methanol at 298 K by use of UV-Vis stopped-flow and conventional spectrophotometry. In most cases kobsvs. [SeCN -] plots were linear with zero intercepts corresponding to a rate expression of kobs = k1[SeCN-]. Reactions rates are dependent on the electron density of the phosphorus centre with k 1 varying by five orders of magnitude from 1.34 ± 0.02 × 10-3 to 51 ± 3 mol-1 dm3 s-1 for P(2-OMe-C6H4)3 to PCy3 respectively. Activation parameters range from 27 ± 1 to 49.0 ± 1.3 kJ mol-1 for ΔH‡ and -112 ± 9 to -140 ± 3 J K-1 mol-1 for ΔS ‡ supporting a SN2 mechanism in which the initial nucleophilic attack of P on Se is rate determining. Reaction rates are promoted by more polar solvents supporting the mechanistic assignment. Reasonable linear correlations were observed between log k1vs. pKa, 1JP-Se and χd values of the phosphines. The reaction rates are remarkably sensitive to the steric bulk of the substituents, and substitution of phenyl rings in the 2 position resulted in a decrease in the reaction rate. The crystal structures of SePPh2Cy and SePPhCy2 have been determined displaying Se-P bond distances of 2.111(2) and 2.1260(8) respectively. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2008. | None | Carrier concentration; Crystal structure; Methanol; Nucleophiles; Organic solvents; Phosphorus; Potassium compounds; Rate constants; Spectrophotometry; Bond distances; Phenyl rings; Polar solvents; Reactions rates; Ligands | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906874909 | Kinetic evaluation of dendrimer-encapsulated palladium nanoparticles in the 4-nitrophenol reduction reaction | Bingwa N., Meijboom R. | 2014 | Journal of Physical Chemistry C | 118 | 34 | 10.1021/jp505571p | Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland-Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa | Bingwa, N., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland-Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa; Meijboom, R., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland-Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa | The synthesis of dendrimer-encapsulated palladium nanoparticles with ratios of 13 and 55 metal atoms to templating dendrimer, (Pd13- and Pd 55-DENs) was successfully demonstrated with the use of hydroxyl-terminated generation 4 and 5 (G4 and G5) poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers as both templating and stabilizing agents. These Pd-DENs catalysts were fully characterized using spectroscopic techniques. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was used for the determination of particle size. The average particle sizes were found to be 1.33 ± 0.15 and 1.66 ± 0.20 nm in diameters for Pd13 and Pd 55-DENs, respectively. These catalysts were evaluated using the widely utilized model reaction, 4-nitrophenol (NP) reduction by sodium borohydride (NaBH4). The experimentally determined kinetic data was modeled using the Langmuir-Hinshelwood equation which relates the apparent rate kapp, NP and BH4 - adsorption constants, K NP and KBH4- respectively, the surface rate constant k, and the surface area, S. The behavior of the adsorption constants with increasing temperature was also investigated by varying the reaction temperature between 298 and 318 K. The Pd13-DENs showed greater adsorption of NP and BH4 - when compared to Pd55-DENs. The overall results showed that the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model can be successfully used for full kinetic analysis of NP reduction by BH4 - in the presence of Pdn-DENs catalysts. © 2014 American Chemical Society. | None | Adsorption; Catalysts; High resolution transmission electron microscopy; Kinetics; Nanoparticles; Particle size; Phenols; Rate constants; Adsorption; Catalysts; Dendrimers; High resolution transmission electron microscopy; Kinetics; Metal nanoparticles; Nanoparticles; Particle size; Rate constants; Synthesis (chemical); 4-Nitrophenol reductions; Average particle size; Increasing temperatures; Langmuir Hinshelwood equation; Langmuir-Hinshelwood models; Palladium nanoparticles; Polyamidoamine dendrimers; Spectroscopic technique; Dendrimers; Palladium | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897556744 | In situ generation of a high-performance Pd-polypyrrole composite with multi-functional catalytic properties | Choudhary M., Islam R.U., Witcomb M.J., Mallick K. | 2014 | Dalton Transactions | 43 | 17 | 10.1039/c3dt53567c | Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland-Park 2006, South Africa; DST, NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa | Choudhary, M., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland-Park 2006, South Africa; Islam, R.U., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland-Park 2006, South Africa; Witcomb, M.J., DST, NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa; Mallick, K., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland-Park 2006, South Africa | We report on a bottom up approach for the synthesis of a Pd-polypyrrole nanocomposite material. The composite material was characterized by means of different techniques, such as UV-vis, IR, and Raman spectroscopy, which offered information about the chemical structure of the polymer, whereas electron microscopy images provided information regarding the morphology of the composite material and the distribution of the metal particles in the polymer matrix. During the synthesis of the nanocomposite, the Pd nanoparticles act as a catalyst for a model proton-coupled electron transfer reaction. The Pd-polypyrrole nanocomposite material was also used as a catalyst for the electro-catalytic detection of tryptophan, a precursor for some neurotransmitters. This journal is © the Partner Organisations 2014. | None | Amino acids; Catalysts; Nanocomposites; Polypyrroles; Bottom up approach; Catalytic properties; Electron microscopy images; Multi-functional; PD nano particle; Proton-coupled electron transfer reactions; Situ generation; Structure of the polymers; Composite materials | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952825265 | Monolayer-protected clusters of gold nanoparticles: Impacts of stabilizing ligands on the heterogeneous electron transfer dynamics and voltammetric detection | Pillay J., Ozoemena K.I., Tshikhudo R.T., Moutloali R.M. | 2010 | Langmuir | 26 | 11 | 10.1021/la904463g | Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, 200 Hans Strijdom Drive, Randburg 2125, South Africa; Energy and Processes Unit, Materials Science and Manufacturing, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria 0001, South Africa | Pillay, J., Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, 200 Hans Strijdom Drive, Randburg 2125, South Africa; Ozoemena, K.I., Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Energy and Processes Unit, Materials Science and Manufacturing, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Tshikhudo, R.T., Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, 200 Hans Strijdom Drive, Randburg 2125, South Africa; Moutloali, R.M., Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, 200 Hans Strijdom Drive, Randburg 2125, South Africa | Surface electrochemistry of novel monolayer-protected gold nanoparticles (MPCAuNPs) is described. Protecting ligands, (1-sulfanylundec-11-yl) tetraethylene glycol (PEG-OH) and (1-sulfanylundec-11-yl)poly(ethylene glycol)ic acid (PEG-COOH), of three different percent ratios (PEG-COOH:PEG-OH), 1:99 (MPCAuNP-COOH1%), 50:50 (MPCAuNP-COOH50%), and 99:1 (MPCAuNP-COOH99%), were studied. The electron transfer rate constants (ket/s-1) in organic medium decreased as the concentration of the surface-exposed -COOH group in the protecting monolayer ligand is increased: MPCAuNP-COOH1% (∼5 s-1) > MPCAuNP-COOH50% (∼4 s-1) > MPCAuNP-COOH 99% (∼0.5 s-1). In aqueous medium, the trend is reversed. The surface pKa was estimated as ∼8.2 for the MPCAuNP-COOH1%, while both MPCAuNP-COOH50% and MPCAuNP-COOH99% showed two pKa values of about 5.0 and ∼8.0. These results have been interpreted in terms of the quasi-solidity and quasi-liquidity of the terminal -OH and -COOH head groups, respectively. MPCAuNP-COOH99% excellently suppressed the voltammetric response of the ascorbic acid but enhanced the electrocatalytic detection of epinephrine compared to the other MPCAuNPs studied. This study reveals important factors that should be considered when designing electrode devices that employ monolayer-protected gold nanoparticles and possibly for some other redox-active metal nanoparticles. © 2010 American Chemical Society. | None | Aqueous medium; Ascorbic acids; Concentration of; COOH group; Electrocatalytic; Electron-transfer rate constants; Gold Nanoparticles; Head groups; Heterogeneous electron transfer; Monolayer protected clusters; Monolayer-protected gold nanoparticles; Organic medium; Redox-active metals; Stabilizing ligands; Surface electrochemistry; Surface pK; Tetraethylene glycols; Voltammetric detection; Voltammetric response; Drug products; Electron transitions; Ethylene; Ethylene glycol; Gold; Gold compounds; Ketones; Ligands; Metals; Monolayers; Nanoparticles; Organic acids; Polyethylene oxides; Rate constants; Polyethylene glycols | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876586787 | High-performance aqueous asymmetric electrochemical capacitors based on graphene oxide/cobalt(ii)-tetrapyrazinoporphyrazine hybrids | Lekitima J.N., Ozoemena K.I., Jafta C.J., Kobayashi N., Song Y., Tong D., Chen S., Oyama M. | 2013 | Journal of Materials Chemistry A | 1 | 8 | 10.1039/c2ta01325h | Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Energy Materials, Materials Science and Manufacturing, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Department of Physics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz CA, Un |